Category Archives: Parenting

Arden Summer Camp Review

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Arden Drama Summer Camp Review

Arden Summer Camp Review:   My daughter had the opportunity to go to Arden Theater’s Drama Summer camp.   She loved this camp,  I really can’t say enough hope much my daughter enjoyed every moment.  She beyond excited to attend the 1st day, only to return at the end of the day bubbling about how awesome, amazing, and fun the day of drama was.

The campers days included a fun schedule of theater classes.   The children had acting classes with included improvisation,  script writing, dance, and movement.    My daughter adored Sam the acting teacher.  Stating unequivocally Sam was “the best teacher” she’s ever had even at school.  She would chatter on about Sam for the 20+ minute drive home.

Arden Drama Summer Camp Review

The campers  learned different type of dances from the shuffle, 2 step and more.   I was able to observe a dance class with the younger children(grades 1st-4th.)  I love photographing the pure joy that came out of every child it the dance room. They had a real music teacher who sang the songs and played them on the piano instead of using a recorded song, it was like a rehearsal at a adult theater.

Arden Drama Summer Camp Review

The  theme of the week was Superheroes. Which we loved.  The children participated in a craft class, they created their own superhero identity.  My daughter designed her own superhero persona named “Luna Wolf” complete with emblem and costume design.    She was so happy to show me the crafts she created at the end of the week.

Each Day a group children create a scene and preform the scene in front of their camp-mates.   At the end of a groups performance the other children shared a positive comments about their peers performances.  Which gave all the children to preform at a level the were comfortable with and get feedback in a safe place.  By the end of the week, my daughter was gaining real drama skills.   With these new found acting abilities,  I could see them translates to creating a confidant public speaker. The Arden Staff does a wonderful job of nurture growth in a positive creative way.   Bravo !

 

Arden Drama Summer Camp Review

As a parent I think the Arden Drama camp is amazing.  From the moment you walk in the building the helper escorts your child to a classroom,  every member of the staff is  warm and inviting.  The staff shares the daily schedule with you in the form of a handout.  I found the handout to be a great allowing for actually talking points with your child.  My daughter could  give me a full review over dinner of her action packed day of drama camp.

 

Arden summer camp review

The Drama camp was held at the Hamilton Family Arts Center  which is the Arden’s Drama School location right next store to the Theater.  The building is new and spotless.  Great big spaces that allow for movement.

As a parent, my biggest concern was having to park to get my child everyday (hassle of looking for a spot, parking fees.. ect).     The Arden Staff turned those concerns in to a non-issue.

Drop Off: The front of the school was a loading zone, you can run in and drop your child off.

Pick up procedure for the end of the day of camp was great (I never parked.)  End of the day pick up:  The BEST, you assign a “password” for your child at the start of camp.  Then end of each day the Arden has a “drive by pick up” at the main theater.  A counselor comes out and asks the child’s name and the child’s password.  Only the people on your pick up are on the list and must have the password to pick up your child.   The Staff verifies password & adults name,  then the Arden Staff Member walks your child outside, and puts them in your car.  Simple and Efficient.. no parking needed.

My daughter was happy and giggling every day. Check out my daughters full review of the week in the video.

 

 

Arden Summer Camp Review: It was a amazing experience. Any child will be lucky to attend this camp,  it is a fun learning experience that allows a child to grow and develop in a interactive way.   My daughter is already asking to go back next year.

 

Dinner Rules & Menu Planing

Dinner rules

Menu Planning I always try to make dinner a sit down event  in my house.  I might get a little lazy on Saturday but I really like the connect time with my kids.  As my children get older I always have a few rules for dinner:

Dinner Rules:

  • No Phones or text
  • Respect everyone’s time to speak
  • Have a story to share about your day
  • You must ask your parents how was their day and listen
  • Use your napkins not your pants
  • 3 bit rule- you must try everything (one try, taste, and one to decide) Food is not always cooked the same so you still have to try
  • Do not feed the dog from the table during dinner (Unless it is pizza crust and Mom is doing it)
  • No leaning back in your chair
  • Mom (and dad) gets a hug before and after dinner
  • You must eat your vegetables (I don’t care if you say you are a carnivore)
  • You must have 3 bites of meat (I dot care if you say you are a vegetarian-  and you are not you eat Bacon)
  • If you cant say anything nice then don’t say anything at all
  • No bodily function at the table (teen boy)
  • Share and answer the Question “One thing that made you smile today”
  • Everyone cleans their plate and puts in dishwasher
  • Tell the cook how good the food was and thank her for a great meal

 

This week is busy my son is on stage crew for the middle school play and we have to get out the door.

 Meal Planning

Monday: Blue Ribbon Chilli  (this recipe is my undefeated chilli recipe)

Tuesday: Perogies and sauage

Wednesday: Baked Chicken legs  (pinned over 1.7K times)

Thursday: Bake Ravioli (Play Night)

Friday: Easy Fish and Couscous

fish

I am linking up with Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday Link up

 

 

 

Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids

Philadelphia flower show for kids

Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids: This year I was able to go to the press preview of the Philadelphia Flower Shower.  It was fantastic the theme this year is Movies,  it is perfect for family.  This year show is collaboration between Philadelphia Horticulture Society and Disney.  The displays were based on Disney owned movies,  from animated to live action.

I have a created a 2015 PHS Flower show Kids Scavenger Hunt- to make your kids trip to the show more challenging.  Check it out here PHS flowershow Kids Scavenger Hunt

The show features many Disney Princess that is sure to delight.   This display was from Robinson it is Cinderella Table.

flower show

This display is baser on every ones favorite clown fish “Nemo”

  nemo flower display

There is so much fr the kids to see from large flower displays to miniature, to press flower painting done by other kids.   Your children will love the flowers. Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids is lifetime memory.

phillies

The 2015 Flower Show will “Celebrate the Movies” with the world’s great floral and garden designers taking inspiration from the world’s great cinema. It’s Lights, Camera, Bloom!

Prices: Tickets purchased online February 28-March 8:

Adult        $30*

Student    $20*

Child        $15*

Tickets purchased at the PA Convention Center Box Office:

Adult        $32

Student    $22

Child        $17

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running flower show in North America. All proceeds from the Flower Show support PHS and its acclaimed urban greening programs including City Harvest. Best Value Tickets They have some great things to do as a family.

Butterfly exhibit cost $3 per person and is well worth the money.  My daughter loved it we actually spent many hours she loved it the Butterflies land on you she had one hanging on her eye.   They teach you about the butterfly, and using a qtip with sugar water you can attract the butterflies.

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It took my daughter a little bit to become comfortable with the butterflies but once she did she was truly happy she even used her own money to pay for a second time to go in to the exhibit-  lets say we spent 3 hours total of the 6.5 hours we at the flower show in this exhibit.

butterflies at flower show

Make and Take Area:  We also made a Headpiece for $10 which she really loved.  She wore it around the show and received a ton of compliments. They also have a Make an Take Terrarium for $20.   I took this picture in the Bank of America Lounge which is a great place to relax and sit, it is located on the main concourse.

philadelphia flower show headpiece

Gene Londons Hollywood collection: Which is a great collection of Hollywood history.  It cost $5 to enter but it is a fun look back.   You might recognize Audry Hepburn Dress or Marylin’s dress.

Gene_london_2015_1_013_0011-3-4gene londons collection

Cinderella Sunday  This Sunday March 8th. Princesses and princes of all ages are invited to come dressed as their favorite Disney royalty and walk the red carpet on March 8.  Guests can take photos with Cinderella. A PHS members-only Princess Party will take place from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Tea Room. Tickets are $28 plus a $1 service fee. Cinderella Sunday wouldn’t be complete without crowned royalty! Watch for an appearance of Miss Philadelphia and Miss Philadelphia Teen in the Make & Take Room from 1 – 2:30 pm, and then on the Show Floor from 2:30 – 3:30pm.

I would take the kids this year to the Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids .  I made a list for things for your kids to look for while at the show.

flower_show_2015_1_013_0011-9 Philadelphia_flower_show_2015_1_013_0011-1

Check out my flickr page with more Philadelphia Flower Show Pictures 2015

How to Save at Target :16 Ways

How to save at Target : 16 Target Saving tips here are some great ways to save at Target or Target Extreme coupons.  For me Target is always $100 trip because they have everything I need for my home from bed sheets to food, from school supplies to shoes.  I never know what I am going to find.  I love the fact using some simple Target saving tips I can cut my bill down 30%-50%.save at target

How to Save at Target

Target Saving shopping coupons both High Tech and Low tech

  1. Target.com Mobile App which has the mobile coupons the coupons will load to the barcode by just opening the app-Add to pass bookmobie coupon app
  2. Cartwheel Target App (separate app) choose items (by adding them- add button) you can save on up to 18 items discounts with cartwheel app  Cell tip- (both target app be sure to check them out and load them to the check barcode (just check on them  before you go in store – some time the wifi or cell connect does not load right-)  There is a scan feature where you can scan the bar code in store but if  your wifi signal is weak can be sketchycartwheel app
  3. Regular Text Messages Text “COUPON” to Target  (827438)
  4. Target Printable coupons Located on target.com>weekly ads>scroll down >get coupons> select coupons (you have to down load the coupon printer- Catalina printer to your computer) They have target printable and manufacture printable
  5. Use the Catalina (register) coupons and save them to  save more (the Catalina coupons can be product specific or save $5 of a $50 purchase)coupons
  6. Target does not double coupons but you can” Stack” ie use an Manufactures coupon with a Target coupons (Mobile or paper), with the cartwheel app (3 discounts)
  7. Show ALL Barcode for Mobile coupons, Cartwheel coupons, Text coupons to cashier (the can be 3 separate barcodes coupons)

How to save while In Store at Target

  1. Be sure to scan all clearance items to see if an additional discount might be taken off-  Sometime the final mark down in not reflected on the sticker pricescanner
  2. Look at shelves to see if you buy bulk you get more saving or free Target gift card for later shopping tripstarget coupon
  3. In store Text Coupons- Check out the shelves in the store when shopping sometimes they have additional discount if you send a Text- Like Get a additional $10 off a $50 purchase of bedding target text coupons

Use the Target Pharmacy and save more

  1. When getting new prescription get the Catalina register coupon for $10 target gift card for new or transfer Prescriptions – If you Doctore calls the prescription in bring the coupon when you check out.  target perscription transfer
  2. Also sign up for Target Pharmacy Rewards (free) they send you a paper coupons to save 5% for an entire day be sure to check out Target.com at home and print out any additional target paper  couponstarget rewards
  3. Also you can get other product coupons in you Target Pharmacy Rewards for other items- like this free Starbucks bakery treattarget_couponing_1_013_001-11

Save with Target Red Credit/Debit

  1. Target Red Credit Card saves an 5%  on all Target purchase free shipping form target.com and an extra 30 days for returns But please pay off every month Disclosure: I found the interest rate was very High, (when I had excellent credit) rate was like 18.5 %-  So read the Rates.
  2. Target Red Debit Card  save the extra 5% , free shipping form target.com and an extra 30 days for returns – Pulls from existing check account

Target Online Saving:

  1. You can use all of the above Target.com
  2. Register and Use Ebates > search Target >click on target link and get back up to 2.5% from Ebates in a refund check>
  3. Free Shipping over $50 and other times of the year- like holidays free shipping on everything

How to save at Target :

  • Mobile Target.com App Coupons
  • Cartwheel App Coupons
  • Paper Target Coupons
  • Manufacture Coupons
  • Target Catalina Register coupons (can be general  for entire purchase)
  • Target Pharmacy rewards 5% off entire purchase
  • Target Texting saving weekly/daily texts
  • Instore Texting (check shelf tags instore for a Text saving)
  • online Ebates

I find the mobile stuff to be easy to do with not alot of time,  the stacking coupons with manufacturing coupons does take time.  I load up my cartwheel cart and click on the while sitting in my car before entering Target. Or check them out while watching TV.

Here is a video or my latest Shopping haul at Target :

Disclosure this post contains affiliate links for ebates

Linking to Mamavation Monday Link Up

Linking up to Motivation Monday

 

Into the Wood Movie Review Is it good for Kids?

into the woods movie reviewInto the Wood Movie Review :  We were invited to a screening of Into The Woods.  I took my daughter and her best fiend both are 9 years old.  The movie is based on the Musical Into the Woods.   The movie is a 2+ hours and it is a musical,  it is geared more towards adults and older kids.  My daughter and her friend were a great age.  I don’t think it would be appropriate for a younger child because there are implied deaths of characters.

Quick Overview:

Into the Wood Movie Review

The scenery is dark because it all takes place in a woods.  But the scenery is beautiful and very creative.

The costumes are wonderful,  I am a fan of the witches, played by Meryl Streep.

Story interweaves the characters and fairy tales story’s.  The Music and singing is fantastic.

My Daughter loved  the Princes song which was campy, sarcastic, and just plan fun.

Enjoy the movie;

 

Old Spice HolliSpray Toy Drive #SmellcometoManhood

old spice disclosureSmellcometomanhood_1661Old Spice Hollispray Exchange Toy Drive  So the last 2 weeks have been very busy with shopping and working and the Old spice Toy Drive I wrote about a few weeks ago.  If you missed the post the purpose was to exchange the unwanted, gentle used , clean toys for a can of old spice.  The purpose was to keep the toys out of land fils and get them into less fortunate childrens hands this holiday season.

So how did  The Exchange toy drive was a huge success everyone in our family helped and got in on  the giving spirit.  We place our toy bin at a local Church in Abington.

We started out on Sunday by informing everyone about the HolliSpray Toy Exchange  during the church’s potluck and advent craft night.   Everyone pitch in to help us collect toys. Not only did we involve the minster and choir directors, but also the youth the group and nursery school.  My family handed out about 100 fliers but also all the staff  at the church handed out more. My kids told their friends at school.

Then.. the toys started coming… We received donations at the church and calls asking where to drop them off.. it was such fun.  Many people were make room for the new toys that were soon coming.  One family with 5 boys said she learned of the toy drive at the right time.  So were were lucky to receive even a toy kitchen.

We handed a many can of Old Spice out to the families for exchanging the toys.  It is such a great way to keep the toys out of the landfills. old spice

We also asked the Boys what was there favorite scent this Holiday season –  Timber was there favorite scent this winter.. Many of the Men and Teens said they Love the Old Spice spray. The said be sure to follow the cans directions.  You can watch our video of How not to over spray the Old Spice here.  The women it brought back memories of there childhood of them giving the Old spice to there Dads or Grand Dads.  The new smells are so Fantastic it is not the memory’s of men from the past but the Men of the future.. many of the girl freinds had not idea that was the scent they enjoyed on there men.  For once men were in the Know on what makes a great scent Old Spice. oldspice_6634

We brought the toys home and cleaned them all,  so the Second Chance toys did not have to do it.  The kids had a great time my daughter loved making sure all the plastic toys were ready for there new home. She really got into the giving spirit.  I was cleaning the toy kitchen in the my Kitchen  which made me chuckle.

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My son who is defiantly #smellcometomanhood man child .. was the heavy lifter during the project really loved giving the toys a new home I also think he really like trying out all the toys..toy drive worker

So many families were generous and I was so surprised how many toys looks brand new. The lovely thinks is many of these toys will get a great second chance in a new home making another kids smile.  I was actually able to deliver the toys directly to the center which will be using the toys.  When I dropped the toys off the director at the Lutheran Children’s and Family Services was so pleased because she says many of these kids will love playing and learning with so many of these toys. children services

The Result of our HolliSpray Exchange for Toys ?  We ended up collection close to 100 toys that was about 7 box/bags.  The donators were so generous and the charity loved getting the Second Chance toys.  My kids really did learn that it is far better then to receive.   Old Spice Toy drive was going on around the country.

Nationally The Holli Exchange:   At Hollywood High California Old spice was there with Holli Ambassadors Nolan Gould of ABC’s acclaimed hit comedy, “Modern Family,” and Old Spice Guy Isaiah Mustafa to act as HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange Ambassadors. On Dec. 10, Gould and Mustafa will host a toy collection event at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, which will serve as one of many toy collection locations across the U.S. participating in the program.  Check out there great Selfie shot:
Isaiah Mustafa, Nolan GouldThe Hollispray Exchange was a great project from my entire family and community to get involved with we can wait to do another drive next year.  Have you thought about bring your son in to man hood by smelling great and giving back to others.  Because what makes a great man is caring about others.

Happy Holidays!

Toy Drive #SmellcometoManhood

old spiceold spice disclosure So this year I am working with OLD Spice as a #HoliSpray Ambassador  collecting toys for Second Chance Toys.   According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, nearly 14 million children in the U.S. – 22 percent of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level.

This is such a great for the world toy exchange!

Inspired by the hilarious moment from the new Old Spice “Dadsong” (:60) TV ad when the dad runs over his son’s childhood toys with a riding lawnmower, signifying his boy’s entry into manhood, the Old Spice HoliSPRAY Exchange is designed to rescue all of those used dump trucks and fire engines to bring joy to the lives of disadvantaged children during the holidays.    Second Chance Toys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation founded in 2006 to rescue and recycle plastic toys for children in need by donating them to community organizations across the U.S. Second Chance Toys provides individuals and corporate partners like Old Spice with the necessary resources, step-by-step instructions and essential connections with local organizations to receive the donated toys. Since 2006, Second Chance Toys has helped get more than 200,000 gently used plastic toys into the hands of kids in need. For more information, visit secondchancetoys.org.

 

The inaugural Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange, which runs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 15,

My location is

Abington Presbyterian Church

1082 Old York Rd

Abington, PA 19001-4593

 

On Sunday Dec 7th from 3-5 You can drop off a Toy and I will give each donor a Can of Old Spice Timber

Dont Live near me check out!

 

Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Exchange locations, please visit www.secondchancetoys.org/corporate-sponsorships/oldspice.

 

Want to save!

In the spirit of the holiday season, Old Spice will offer special savings on Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray in the P&G brandSaver® in newspapers across the U.S. on Sunday, Nov. 30, as well as for download on http://www.coupons.com for redemption at retailers nationwide.

For more information on Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray, visit OldSpice.com. For more information on muscles, lasers, nachos and jet skis, visit Twitter (@OldSpice), Facebook (Facebook.com/OldSpice), YouTube (YouTube.com/OldSpice), Instagram (oldspice) and Tumblr (oldspice).

A letter to my 13 year old

bookA letter to my 13 year old,   (The one with the big feet, who sleeps alot, and eats all the food)

Really Kid,  I did the Eighth Grade once and yes middle school was one of the worst times in my life (most people would agree with me on that one)  ..  It does not bring me great joy to sit here with you  for 3-4 hours every night listening to you complain  ..  as we reviewing 8th grade Science, English, and Algebra u forgot .. It sucked the 1st time I did it 30 years ago (especially the Algebra.)

Trust me,  I would much rather be sitting in front of the TV watching Scandal when it airs with a glass of wine. Rather then hearing all Olivia Pope spoilers the next day at work, because I missed the live finale,  due to reviewing for a 8th grade test on the Bill of Rights.

So STOP fighting me and realize I am sitting here for YOUR  benefit. I take no joy out of these many hours of trying to keep you on track and focused.  Sometimes it is like herding cats try to get you to focus.

Also your middle school…  is no different with Jocks and the better then everyone else kids, then any other middle school.  Every kid in your school is scared, lonely, and feels misunderstood even the popular kids.   I had the same drama when  I was in middle school 30 years ago.  Middle school kids are the same kids for the last 50 years  (just different clothes) with all have the same problems just  a different decade.  They will continue to be the same type middle schoolers for the next 30 years

FYI  I had the same basic number of friends that you have now  and the same social standing…We just wore “those” weird 80’s clothes and had BIG hair.

News Flash: I have been to middle school  and I would prefer never to do Middle School again.

When I encourage you to try new things (because I am “pushy”) it is because the more things you try in life.. the better life will be.  Life is about experiences and connections to others.  You might even like said “new thing”, But that would mean MOM  was right.   I know,  I know nothing. (insert eye roll)

You are a Good Kid, my job as a parent is to parent..  I never want you to fail but know you will &  that too is an experience,  just once is ok,  don’t want to make a habit of failing. So I will to guide you when you go off the rails and give you hugs every day whether you want them or not.

You are my child, my love, and my joy
Signed,
Your Difficult “I Don’t get it” Mother.

It is official I am now My Mother.. Ok Mom I get it

Creepy and Gross Kids

gross kidsSo with Halloween is coming and my kids are just some time really creepy. We think of the The songs like Ring around the rose-  which is about kids putting flower in there pockets so they done smell the death.  Or Rock a Bye Baby.. the song that tells the tale of a baby falling.  Creepy.  I have asked my friends to add some of there creepy and gross kids storys.

    • Creepy Songs: This past weekend we watched Hocus Pocus 1993 Halloween classic.  You know the Song Sara Jessica Parker sing to lure her children to her death.. yea that son my daughter has been singing it non stop since we watched the movie.  We are in out bedroom sleeping in and we hear her sing the song early from her bedroom.
    • Puppy Play: Shawn likes to lick like a dog lol. He also enjoys the flavor of dog food but that’s just disgusting, shared by grossed out Mom Shanamama.com 
    • Kiss Licker: My kid loves to stick out her tongue when she goes to kiss you  –  this sign of gross love from wereparentsblog.com
    • Elbow Lickers My kids read somewhere that you can’t feel your elbow being licked, so they’re always trying to lick my elbow in public. Honeybadgermom.com
    • Potty Training Toddler-  As a young boy my son would assume the potion (grabbing is ankles, ass up in the air ) –  then he yelled come “Wipe”  we would walk in his bathroom and wipe.
    • Snuggle Screams:  When we were training my son to sleep in his big boy bed.. he would wake up in the middle night and scream “SNUGGLE” in the worst possible possessed voice.  Imagine be woken by that at 3 am, from Jack from the shinning.  Creepy
    • Crazy eye roll:  My daughter can make her eyes move in toward her nose, cross eyed, on purpose. It makes Jennifer’s skin crawl  from www.nourishedsimply.com
    • Sleepwalker : My daughter was a sleep walk-  where it is scary it is also really creepy-  When she was about 6,  she would walk downstairs around 11pm mumbling something-  I would redirect her to the bathroom,  she would go then I direct her back to her bed-  she never woke up, Lisa son does math problems when he sleeps talks.
    • Night Terrors:  The worst was her Night Terror-  she would wake up and stand on her bed.. yea really creepy what when she had a night terror at a sleep over with girls from a different school.. The mom called me and told me she woke up crying .. thank god the mom was a good friend and nurse so she calmed her down.   Thank god she out grew it.
    • Boogie Bomber: My daughter refuses to use a tissue and always sneaks up on me to wipe her nose on my pant leg or shirt gross recall from  Sarah www.finneganandthehughes.com
    • The Grinder: My son grinds his teeth at night. It makes my jaw ache listening to it -via  KnittingZeal
    • Possessed Toys:  Jr takes his stuffed penguin that he’s slept with since he was three and strokes it’s head and gives me this weird look and it creeps me out.  Shanamama.com 
    • Coffin Kid:   Lisa from A Daily Pinch says her son sleeps like he’s in a coffin. Feet crossed at ankles and arms cross over chest. He doesn’t move, period. He breathes so quietly, we check to make sure he’s still breathing! One day, he’s going to scare the hell out of a future bedmate.

Happy Halloween make it a great one with your gross kids.