Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus: Tips, Online Activities, and Philly & Atlanta Giveaway

Looking for indoor family fun? Don’t miss Fully ChargedSM, by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® where there are non-stop thrills in every corner of the arena for kids of all ages!

If you decide to go, you should read this post from Birmingham Mom called Big Top Tips on Going to the Circus. She tells you all about purchasing tickets, meeting clowns before the show, and other tips for a smooth experience.

If the circus isn't coming to your town, but you still want to share the excitement, you can enjoy some circus-themed online activities in  the Fun Zone.  There are so many cool activities, including: Desktop Train, Pie-o-Gram, Clown Cannon and Create your own Circus. I know my 5 year old will love these!

If you live in the Philadelphia Area and haven't puchased tickets yet:

Here's a Coupon Code for you:

Just Enter Discount Code:  “MOM” - “Good for 4 tickets for $60  (Additional service charges, processing and handling fees may apply.  Does not include the venue Facility fee. Cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be used towards previously purchased tickets. Valid only for shows Thursday, February and Friday, February 18.)

Crock Pot Cooking for Busy Moms

Some people are scared of leaving a slow cooker at home alone, but I love it!  For me, it's not just something I use in the winter.  I use it year round for so many different recipes like pulled pork, stuffed peppers, and other culinary creations.  It's such a treat to come home to a nice hot dinner with very little time and effort after a day of day running errands, going to work, or being out with my family.  And, while I was growing up, I can't tell you how many parties I've been to with meatballs or hot roast beef cooking in the slow cooker for a family get-together.  It's become one of those things that would be hard to live without.

My friends and I are always on the look-out for new, easy crock pot recipes, and the website called A Year of Slow Cooking (a.k.a Crock Pot 365) has it all.  This website is amazing!  There are hundreds of slow cooking recipes from a woman named Stephanie who devoted an entire year to slow cooking.   You'll definitely want to check out her Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. (I don't know anyone who doesn't love this recipe!)  She also has tons of other great recipes for everything from Baby Food to Beef Bourguignon and A-1 & Dijon Steak. 

But, I was recently reading about slow cooking, and found out I wasn't always doing it right.  Contrary to what I thought, you don't just stick your food in there, cook the heck-out-of-it all day, and voila, it's done.  There are two important points to keep in mind:

1) You need to thaw first.  Did you know that when you add frozen meats to a slow cooker can lower their temperature enough to make bacterial contamination possible?  When food is left at room temperature and up to 140 degrees, it's an ideal setting for bacteria to thrive, so it's important to thaw first.  The last thing you want to do is get your family sick, so thaw everything in the refrigerator before sticking it in your slow cooker.

2) Don't open the slow cooker while the food is cooking because it's important to keep the steam inside. When you pop open that lid, you're letting the steam escape and lowering the temperature which could potentially lead to contamination.  Moist foods like soup, stews or saucy meals are not as likely to become contaminated because the steam that builds up makes it harder for the bacteria to grow.  The steam inside your slow cooker serves an important role - so keep it in there!

What are Your Favorite Crock Pot Recipes? 

References: http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/safetysanitation/p/slowcooksafe.htm By Danilo Alfaro AND Come Home to Dinner Published in Wegmans Menu Magazine Issue 34

Weekly Blog Round Up of 'Local Fun' Moms

A day in the life of a SuperMom - by The Ohana Mama - We've all been there.  You know... the days when you forget show-and-tell, left the diaper bag at home, or your kid got soaked sliding on a wet slide at the playground and the only thing you have in the car is a pair of snowpants (well, maybe that last one is just me...)  but these things happen to the best of us! Ohana Mama can relate.  Read all about it here. 

Things to Make - Salty Watercolors & Water Painting - by No Monsters in My Bed, DC-  This is an easy activity you can do with your kids at home.  All you need is watercolor paint or food coloring, white glue, table salt, a pan or platter, and thick paper or cardboard. Here are all of the details on how to make Salty Watercolor paintings with your kids. 

Home Made Mac & Cheese - by The Big Binder, MI-  I was watching a little bit of the Biggest Loser last night and Macaroni and Cheese was one of contestants' favorite food.  As I was watching, I was thinking how the boxed mac and cheese didn't look tasty enough to tempt me.  However, this mac & cheese recipe on The Big Binder sounds amazing!  There is even a word of warning that "It is dangerous" and "Do not plan on left overs!"  If you're on a diet, please forget you ever read this.  But, if not... here is the recipe.

4 Easy Ways to Save on Children’s Clothing - by Atlanta with Kid- A lot of moms use clearance and consignment shopping to save on kids clothes.  But, this post from Atlanta with Kid shares a couple other ideas that I've never heard of such as OutGrowingIn.com and Thred Up Clothes Swapping website.  Check out the details here.

Homemade French Bread Recipe by Iowa Moms - Before I had kids, going to the store to buy a loaf of French bread was easy.  But, once you have a kids, things change.  There have been so many times I didn't make it to the grocery store because my kids were napping, sick, just plain cranky, or all of the above!  So, the thought of staying home and making bread might actually be an easier alternative than running to the store. Here is Iowa Mom's easy recipe for making French bread at home.

Photo by Tina Phillips @ http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Traveling with Kids? Use Blogs to Plan your Getaway

Traveling with kids can be exciting and exhausting, and, as a Mom, I always want to be prepared. I've been using local resources for nearby weekday adventures with my little ones. But, in the past, I would check Trip Advisor and other big travel sites to help research our vacations before we went away.  But, this year is different.  I'm using blogs.  Why?  Because everything is so much easier when you get advice from a local mom who knows your destination like the back of her hand!

Last year, we traveled to the Hilton Head, SC area and we had a blast bike-riding, going to the beach and taking the kids on a boat.  But,  I remember thinking 'I wish there were some more  things to do with kids to do around here.'  Then, a year later, I came across Southern Mamas website and was completely blown away by the endless amount of activities for families and kids in the Low-country area.  This would have been an amazing resource for my husband and I as we were planning our trip.  It has all of the best activities, events and resources for parents in the Low-country and it's all written from a mom's perspective.  If only I had known about it a year earlier!

This year I have no excuses.  I'm looking forward to planning some Spring and Summer day trips using the Best Blogs for Local Fun Guide.  And, for our Spring vacation to Disney World, there are so many amazing blogs written by moms that are dedicated to helping parents navigate their way through the Disney attractions as smoothly as possible (see my post here).  It's kind of empowering to know I have the inside scoop from these blogging Moms.  

But, it doesn't matter if your traveling across the country or just having a spontaneous day trip with your family. Blogs can help make your trip a little bit easier.  Just Remember: When you're traveling with kids you have to expect the unexpected and when the going gets really tough - laugh it off!

Are you planning any fun getaways this Spring or Summer?

What's your favorite Destination for your family?

Check to see if your destination is listed here.

Photo Courtesy of: Robert Trueman Photography

Hand Made Valentines for your Little Belle

Kerri, a friend of mine from Elle Belle's Bows, makes some of the prettiest headbands, hats and bows for little girls. I was on her blog this past week and seeing her new newest collection was making me wish I had a little girl to dress up for Valentine photos.  I know many of you have daughters, so wanted to share her gorgeous collection in case you need something extra special for Valentine's Day.  Look at how precious these are...

 

She has hand crafted these headbands adorned with vibrant colored feathers and Swarovski Chandelier Elements.  I fell in love with them when I saw them.  I think they would be stunning for portraits or a little flower girl at a wedding.  She also has these little crocheted hats with hand-made bows that can be customized for your little princess.   Here's the link to her blogspot to see her entire collection of headbands, hats and bows for little girls. 

 

Giveaways for Moms!

Akron Ohio Moms has some National giveaways you won't want to miss, including:

Blazor from www.ILoveRobots.com.  It is an interactive dinosaur robot toy.  Find the giveaway details & entry here. (The contest ends on February 8, 2011.)

Win a Stay Dry Bath Towel and Apron which is perfect for moms with a new baby or a wiggly toddler. Find the giveaway details & entry here. (Contest ends on January 31, 2011)

 

On Facebook, Munchkin is giving away an Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail every day until Valentine's Day.  Become a fan of Munchkin on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall with a sweet love story - because Love is in the Air (Not Diaper Odor)!  Enter on Munchkin's facebook page.

Little Remedies® is giving away ten kits containing three full-size Little Remedies® products: New Little Fevers® Fever/Pain Reliever, New Little Colds® Honey Elixir & Little Noses® Stuffy Nose Kit.  You'll need a Twitter account for this one. Here are the details.  (Ends Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11 pm ET)

Born Free's Blog has a new post titled "Respecting the Nap" written by Christine Lee McNaughton.  Just comment on their post letting them know if you abide by strict nap time rules or are you a bit lenient when it comes to routines.  One person who comments will win a BornFree Drinking Cup, Training Cup & Twist’n'Pop Straw Cup! Enter here

Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffin Recipe

We had some ripe bananas and I was in the mood to bake, so my kids and I whipped up a batch of yummy Banana Chocolate Chip mini muffins.  I love mini muffins for the kids because you never know how much they're are going to eat.  So, I prefer to give them a few mini muffins vs one big muffin because it's easier to store the untouched minis instead of a half eaten crumbled full sized muffin.  Plus, it limits my temptation to snack on their leftovers, which is always a good thing.

This is a recipe that we adapted from All Recipes.  It was so easy, and didn't require a mixer, which is why is was a great recipe to do with the kids.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips

A dash of salt

3 large bananas

1/3 cup melted butter

1 egg

3/4 cup white sugar

First preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  If your muffin pan isn't non-stick, be sure to use liners or non-stick baking spray. Then, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and set it aside.

Next mash up your bananas in a large bowl and combine  sugar, egg, and melted butter.  Slowly mix in the flour, mixture until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans.  I love using our little scooper from the Pampered chef, but a spoon will work too.


Then, bake the mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes in your preheated oven. (Large muffins will take about 25 to 30 minutes). On Allrecipes.com, they say the muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.

These mini muffins made the house smell amazing and they were so moist and delicious. 

It was a simple recipe and the kids loved helping!

'Local Fun' Mom Blog Round-up

This past week, there have been so many great blog posts from 'Local Fun' Moms.  Here are some that I wanted to share.  Enjoy!         

'Local Fun' Moms: JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

Monster Jam - Just Spotted

Easy Indoor Fun: Yoga With Youngsters - Go West young Mom

Birthday Party for Baby: Planning Checklist - Springfield Moms

Family Fun Weekends at Disneyland - Daytripping Mom

'Local Fun' Moms:  WHIP UP SOME TASTY TREATS

Easy & Yummy Bread Pudding - Boston Mamas

Why You Should Make Home Made Pasta With Your Kids - La Jolla Mom

DIY: Maple Candy Using Snow - Fun 4 Kids in Buffalo

 

'Local Fun' Moms: HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

In Defense of Pajama Jeans - Birmingham Mom

From There to Here: The Pregnancy Police - Chambana Moms

Disrespect and the Disney Channel - Chambana Moms

Things that will cost more in 2011 and what you can do about it - Akron Ohio Moms

'Local Fun' Moms: NURTURE THEIR LITTLE ONES

How to lighten the burden of bed rest - Mile High Mamas

10 Tips for Safe Sleep - Mile High Mamas

Homemade Baby Wipes - Chester County Moms

A Few Fun Things...

Last night, I hopped on Twitter and was over the moon to see my post about Man Flu had been featured on Parents Magazine website in their Weekly Blog Roundup!  Every Friday, they select a few of their favorite blog articles from that week, and, this week, Local Fun for Kids was highlighted.  It was a fantastic way to start the weekend!  You can read their article here.


Also, I want to Thank everyone who contributed their crafts and recipes to Fun For Kids Friday.  There are so many amazing crafts and recipes that I want to try with my kids.  Now, when the kids wake up and say "Mom, what are we doing today?", it's easy to fill in the blanks. Between all of the fun things to do with kids locally via the Best Blogs for Local Fun and all of the cool crafts & recipes on the Friday link-up, mommy bloggers have completely inspired me!  Don't forget to come back next Friday for more!

 

Finally, I want to announce the Winners of the Purex Crystals Giveaway. The 3 Winning Comments (chosen using www.random.org) are:

Follow via GFC by Rachel

 The first word I think of when it comes to laundry is: UGH! by Aubrey

When I think of laundry, I think of "long"...as in it takes a long time! by Erica C

Congratulations, Ladies!

Fun For Kids Friday

 

   

Welcome to 

Fun for Kids Friday

with new co-host, Smile Monsters! 

Link up with a creative post about an Easy Kid Craft or Family Friendly Recipe.* Become a follower if you want to be extra sweet.  Then, check out as many posts as you want and be sure to leave comments so they know you're visiting from Fun for Kids Friday link-up!

Grab a button so other bloggers know where you're partying!
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5 Symptoms of MAN FLU that Every Woman Needs to Know

I am SURE my husband has Man flu.  It’s not the first time he’s had it, so I already know the symptoms.  Just in case you’re not familiar with Man flu, Wikipedia defines it as "the idea that when many men have a cold, they exaggerate and claim they have the flu — the implication being that women do not do so.” 

Here are 5 common symptoms of Man Flu:

1) He’s traded in his favorite beer for a warm mug of herbal tea.

2) He’s usually watching the Speed Channel or ESPN, yet he’s been laying on the couch watching Lifetime or Nickelodeon when neither you or the kids are in the room.

3) He’s Googling his symptoms - and the more he reads, the worse his symptoms get.

4) He’s chosen to stay home with you and the kids instead of going to work.  It’s true.  An article by the Daily Mail , “Why man flu isn't his fault (it's because he's so macho),” says men take more time off work for colds and flu than women.

5) His appetite has diminished.  Even the mention of the word “bacon” doesn’t make him hungry.

Still not buying this theory about Man flu?  The Daily Mail article points to Cambridge University research which shows that modern man's ancestors had a predilection to risky behavior which makes the male system more vulnerable to becoming ill.  Now, I may be wrong, but I would have to guess that this research was conducted by a bunch of men. 

'Local Fun' Bloggers: Valentines Day Recipes, Postpartum Health, Blissdom and More!

Disney with Kids: Tips from some of the Best Disney Blogs!

I've been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida more times than I can count.  I think it was my parents' top pick for family vacations when I was growing up, and it's exciting to take my little boys back and see it through their eyes.  But, even though I've been to Disney World so many times, their parks, hotels and restaurants are always evolving as they're being upgraded and transformed.  So every time we go, there is always something new to do or see.

My husband and I have visited Walt Disney World in Florida with our kids before, but we want to go back this Spring. It's been a while, so I'll definitely be getting some tips from my friends who have recently travelled there with their kids.  And, I just stumbled upon some blogs from people who live, eat and breathe Disney.  I want to share some of their posts with you, because they have so many useful tips for parents who are travelling to Disney World.   

Is Walt Disney World a Good Place to Take My Toddler or Preschooler?

Let's begin with an article called "Top Ten Reasons to take Toddlers to Disney World"  by Lisa Battista on www.disneytop10.com.  You don't need to convince me that Disney World is a great place for the toddler and preschool crowd, but just in case anyone needs some reassurance, this article should do it!

Should I Take My Stroller, Should we Rent a Stroller or Should we just Let the Kids Walk?  

For my family, the sit-n-stand stroller is our favorite mode of kid transport when at a theme park.  It's a lot less bulky than the double stroller, and now that my kids are getting older (almost 3 and just turned 5), it's perfect for when they need a rest, but not a full nap.

  The Disney Diva, tells you EVERYTHING you NEED TO KNOW about getting around Disney World with your little one in her article titled "Ride or Walk? Strollers at Walt Disney World".  She covers it ALL including how much it costs to rent a stroller, where to rent one, what size child these strollers accommodate, and gives you her personal recommendations as well.

 Can I Surprise my Kids with a Trip to Disney World?

As I mentioned before, my family and I are probably going to be heading to Disney World in the Spring, and honestly, it never occurred to surprise my kids with the trip.  For me, part of the vacation fun includes the time leading up to the trip where we can all get excited about it.  And, this article by Kathleen Reilly called "How to Pull Off a Walt Disney World Surprise Trip" on  www.wdwinfo.com has a so many great ideas if you want to pull off a surprise Disney trip.  She lists many great approaches, which include "The Gift", "The Hunt", "The Mystery", "The Shocker" and "The Switcharoo."  Every approach is fun for the kids and can stir up lots of Disney excitement in your household.

Is Character Dining a "Must Do" at Walt Disney World? 

Character Dining can be a fun thing to do with the kids at Disney World.  Last time we were there, we enjoyed a fun and delicious meal with some Disney Characters at the Crystal Palace.  But, I actually think my kids preferred the German buffet at Epcot even better!  First of all, my little guy was afraid of the costumed characters and the German buffet does not have costumed characters.  However, it does have live music from the German Band which my little guys LOVED. They danced and danced on the large wooden dance floor and truly had a blast! 

Growingupdisney.com  has a blog post called  "Team Favorites: Character Meals"  which they share their insight and opinions about Disney character meals.  And even though this other post from the Disney Diva was written in 2008 (prices on meals might have increased), I think it's another great source of info for parents looking for mom's advice on character Dining at Disney. Her post is called "Magic Kingdom: Character Meals for Lunch and Dinner"

These articles on  www.growingupdisney.com, "The Best and Worst Restaurants for Kids (Part 1)" and" The Best and Worst Restaurants for Kids (Part2)" are full of information about Disney eateries.  I also like the fact that these posts are written by several different mothers' perspectives so you get a few different points of view.

Have a picky eater?  This post, from www.growingupdisney.com may help: "Feeding a Truly Picky Eater at Walt Disney World" 

You also might want to check out these other helpful posts:

Free Dining.  How. Why from the Meltdown Free Disney blog

This page from the Disney website explains the Fast Pass & what attractions it can be used on.  If you've never heard of the Fast Pass, it's an easy way to cut your wait time for some of your favorite Disney attractions. And, if you're going to Disney with your little ones, you will definitely want to check it out.

Will you be Pregnant on your trip to Disney?  Growing up Disney has two blog posts on how to enjoy Disney while you're expecting. Their articles "Minnie Moms: Pregnant at WDW, Part 1" and "Minnie Moms: Pregnant at WDW, Part 2"  have many great tips to help other Expectant Moms who want to enjoy every second of their Disney Vacation.

Everyone knows that a visit to a theme park usually includes standing in some long lines.  This article on Deliberatelydisney.com called "It's a Line Emergency" gives you 8 ideas for ways to entertain yourself and your kids while waiting in some of these lines.

If you're travelling to Disney and have a child with Asthma you won't want to miss this blog post on http://meltdownfreedisney.com called "R.A.D. Doesn't Always mean "Radical".  Managing Asthma & Allergies at Disney."  This article gives you the scoop on First Aid Stations, special meal requests and how to handle an Asthmatic child who is "wilting" in Florida's summer time heat and humidy.

I can't wait to go to Walt Disney World in a couple of months!  I'd love to hear your tips and tricks for getting the most out of a Disney trip when traveling with toddlers and preschoolers.  If you have a great tip or have a favorite Disney blog, leave a comment below.

Fun for Kids Friday Blog Hop

 

 Welcome to the NEW 'Fun for Kids Friday' Blog Hop!

Link Up with a creative post about an Easy Kid Craft or a Family Friendly Recipe.  Please link directly to your post (not your main blog URL) in the linky below.  Then, have fun, visit and comment with new friends!

If you'd like, grab our button and get the word out about the Fun for Kids Friday Blog Hop by putting it in your post or on the side of your blog. That way people know where you're partying!
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'Fun for Kids Friday' Blog Hop Starting this Friday

If you've been following my blog, you already know that I love to highlight my favorite posts from 'Local Fun' Moms.  And, since being a Mommy comes first, I know that there are probably lots of other amazing posts that I'm missing. So, I am starting the 'Fun for Kids Friday' Blog Hop which will  give bloggers a chance to link up their favorite posts about an easy kid craft or family friendly recipe.  Even if you're not a blogger, it will give you a opportunity to check out some fresh ideas all in one place.

It's so easy to get caught up in work, cleaning & laundry, but we need to have fun too.  Let's see what other Moms are doing around the country and get inspired to try something new! (I swear I didn't make this rhyme on purpose. But after I realized it was so Dr. Suess-like, I had to keep it in for a laugh!)

Bloggers: Starting this Friday, January 7th, you'll have the chance to link up your favorite posts about easy kid crafts or family friendly recipes.   * This hop is open to anyone * If you're a 'Local Fun Mom' this means that you can get some National linky love*


Local Fun Moms have Something for Everyone

Happy New Year!

"Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world."

-Ann Landers

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ Photographer: hinnamsaisuy

Getting Kids to Eat Veggies in the New Year!

 

It's almost the New Year, and so many Moms are vowing to get healthier and exercise more.  Since I recently lost about 20 pounds, it's really important for me to keep the momentum going.  I wish I had a magic wand that would make me only crave salad and oatmeal, and push my chocolate cravings aside.  But, since I don't, I'm constantly thinking of creative ways to get myself and my family healthier.  One thing that really helps is getting my kids to eat healthier with me. That way, we can snack together.
Here are some things that work for us, and might work for you too:

 

1) Frozen onions, peppers and spinach might not sound very appealing, but they are some of the easiest veggies to sneak into food.  You can mix it in with pasta & parmesan, sneak it into eggs in your breakfast burritos, or add it to your stuffed chicken breasts. 

2) I also always have a variety of canned beans in the pantry.  My two year old absolutely loves bean salad - seriously.  You can easily make your own by mixing up some canned beans and light Italian salad dressing, but if you have a Trader Joes nearby, you have to try their canned bean salad.  I think my two year old could eat an entire can of that bean salad by himself!

3) Bake your own muffins or mid-morning snacks with healthy ingredients instead of grabbing  the processed stuff.  If you think you're too busy to do this, I assure you it can be done.  My sister, who works full time and has an active toddler, bakes in bulk on the weekend, then, uses some of her muffins throughout the week, and freezes the rest in single portions.  From my experience, your family will prefer your home-made goodies to the sugary store bought snacks

4) Dip, Dip, Dip! It's such an easy way to get kids eating raw veggies. I always make my kids their own little plate of veggies and  dip in the late afternoon or before dinner if they're asking for a snack.  Their favorite dip is ranch, but sometimes I make my own yogurt dip as a healthier alternative.

Some of my other favorites are homemade fruit smoothies in the warmer months, mini whole wheat pitas with spinach dip, and big salads.  Yum!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a an easy tool to find the daily recommendations for your family members.  Just enter in the age, sex, and physical activity level in the 'How Many Fruits and Vegetables Do You Need? interactive tool' and it will give you a guide as to the recommended daily intake of fruits and veggies for children and adults.
What are some of your healthy family favorites?