Today is the first day of the last month of school. Not that I'm counting down the days, or anything. Who am I kidding? I am totally marking off the days with my red marking pen. It has been a busy school year and summer vacation is the perfect time to re-energize and spend more quality time with the kids. One of my favourite things to do over the summer, believe it or not, is to shop for back-to-school deals in anticipation of the beginning of a fresh new year. Even as a kid, I would get all tingly inside thinking about the first day back. New school supplies, new shoes and of course, new clothing - be still, my heart!

The Children's Place, Limeridge Mall in Hamilton

Last week, The Children's Place sent me on a mission to discover their newest collection and I was excited to see all of the summery dresses, printed tees and cool accessories. I was excited not just because they looked fashionable, but because it was a clear indicator that summer is just around the corner.

What completely caught me by surprise was not only the amount of various uniform wear but the great big signs advertising the amazing deals. While I am eager to enjoy two months home with the kids, I am also eager for my son to start junior kindergarten in the fall. This also means I have to buy him his very first set of uniform clothing. Awww! Polo's for Paolo...

With pocket tees at $6 a piece and polos at $8 a piece, how could I miss out on a deal like that? I stocked up for September in uniform colours and then proceded to pick up a few shorts for the kids this summer. The seasons' biggest short sale is currently underway, doncha know?

And that's when I saw it. A pretty pink polka dotted bathing suit with ruffles. Eek, how cute! My kids are in the middle of swimming lessons and my daughter is definitely growing out of her one-piece. A new swimsuit is definitely in order. Plus, it was on sale! And of course, how could I resist the matching ruffled skirt? Oh, and matching sunglasses for $3? Might as well throw in the matching hat, too. Am I right?

All I can say is that I put a very happy six-year old to bed that night. And mommy was quite happy herself. The thirteen items you see above rang in at a cool $101 at the register. Please. Hold the applause. Really, The Children's Place deserves a pat on the back for making such fun fashion pieces so affordable. And it's one of the few places I look to for hard-to-find uniform items made of cotton.

Before I forget, The Children's Place is hosting a welcome event at their newest location here in Toronto. Enjoy cookies and lemonade throughout the day while shopping the store’s latest collections and must-have colorful basics. Stop on by and take advantage of some of the great savings featured above.