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Category Archives: Finds
Heads Turn for Boogie Board™ LCD Writing Tablets
Saturdays are busy for my family. Soccer games for the girls and a flag football game for my son seem to fill-up the entire day. Therefore, I always grab a few craft items or small toys to keep my kids entertained as we move from activity to activity.
Last weekend, I was watching my son’s flag football game and keeping my youngest daughter entertained with one of our three Boogie Board™ LCD Writing Tablets. All of a sudden, another mom approached me and asked about this unique gadget. Her questions were immediately followed by a group of moms who were intrigued by our “doodle pad” and wanted to know all about it. Given that our children live in an electronic world, I was shocked to learn that this was the coolest invention they had seen in a long time.
Since this gadget was turning heads, I wanted to share it with you so you can check-it-out for your family. My father-in-law discovered the Boogie Board™ last year and we have been having on-the-go fun ever since. The writing tablets are great for practicing letters and numbers, for homework scratch work and for drawing. Preorders are currently available for models that save drawings, notes and more. What a great option for families on-the-go!
Keep a tablet in your car, your diaper bag or your purse for grocery lists, things-to-do lists and schedule updates. The price point for these boards is quite reasonable with tablets starting at $39.95 per board. Models are available in different sizes, styles and colors.
It’s Just Hair
My children have not yet entered double digits and they have learned about the effects of cancer and other health conditions. Like many of your families, our family has been touched by cancer and my children have observed and participated in events and activities that educate the public and raise money for research and cures for multiple diseases and conditions.
Almost two years ago, I asked my now six-year-old daughter if she would be interested in donating her hair. Initially, I played several YouTube videos of children donating their hair so she could see how it worked. I felt horrible when she started crying and told me that she did not want to lose her hair and to promise her that I would not cut it off. I assured her that I would never make her cut her hair and that I only introduced the idea because her gorgeous hair would be great for a wig. I told her that her hair would look beautiful on another girl’s head and that there are several organizations that provide wigs and hairpieces to adults and children who have lost their hair due to either cancer treatments or to other medical circumstances.
Over time, I stopped discussing the donation because I did not want to upset her and I wasn’t convinced that the idea was in part to satisfy my desire to support the cause. I’m not sure I could ever go through with a hair donation and knew it was unfair to ask her to step-up to the plate. I give back in other ways so she should have that option as well.
As we were preparing for school on Tuesday morning, my daughter ran into the room and asked if she could donate her hair. I was puzzled since this question came out of nowhere and I knew I would miss her beautiful hair. My heart was pounding because I was not sure if she was really ready to make the change and since she had recently had her long hair trimmed, I was not sure if she had enough hair to donate. I forgot to mention that she has not had short hair since she was a toddler.
We went to the salon right after school and of course, my heart was racing. She was incredibly calm and ready for a change. The stylist and I talked about how the parents are generally more anxious than the kids and that I should not worry because “it’s just hair.” The stylist measured, measured again and then began the cut.
Her hair was cut and she turned and smiled and her giant smile continued until I tucked her into bed for the night. I told her I was so proud of her and that she looked beautiful. I also asked her if she missed her hair since I missed it. Of course, her reply was no and she reminded me that “It’s Just Hair.” Simply amazing I thought to myself. She is confident, beautiful, brave and giving. I hope she remembers the day for the rest of her life.
Although we had always discussed a donation to Locks of Love, she donated her hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. She had just enough hair to meet the minimum 8-inch requirement. Locks of Love requires at least 10-inches and Wigs for Kids requires 12-inches.
My Poptastic Experience
Thanks to our fantastic Arizona popchips rep, I can share a “poptastic” experience with you. She sent me a big red box that displayed “get popped” and I couldn’t wait to “pop” it open. She also included a nice note and sticker stating that popchips meet school nutrition guidelines and are grades K-12 nutrition approved!
Inside the box, I found six colorful bags of all natural popchips. In addition, the box contained a valuable booklet of snacking coupons and a popchips chip clip.
For those of you unfamiliar with popchips, they are the latest craze in healthy snacking. Actually, they’re more than just a craze and hopefully, you’ve had a chance to experience them at the Waste Management Open or after the Phoenix Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon! Perhaps you might have even tried them at a Phoenix Suns game.
Neither baked nor fried, popchips are created through heat and pressure. If the popchips description doesn’t motivate you to start snacking, read the snackers’ credo. My favorite truths are #6, if it doesn’t taste good, it isn’t a snack and #7, you’re allowed to eat the whole bag!
What are the flavor options? Well, there are seven flavors for your snacking pleasure. Original Potato popchips are great for finicky kids and I would even top them with a smudge of peanut butter or accompany them with a homemade Greek yogurt dip! Sour Cream & Onion did not disappoint with an explosion of flavor. Salt & Pepper popchips were yummy too. However, I must admit you really have to like pepper to enjoy an entire bag. My favorites were Cheddar and Barbeque. I’m a salt lover and the Cheddar popchips were cheesy and salty. The Barbeque chips were flavored to perfection and even had a little kick. The Sea Salt & Vinegar flavored popchips had a distinct, yet tasty, flavor and are great for vinegar fans. Although I have not yet tried the Parmesan Garlic, I’m excited to try popchips made with my favorite cheese.
Want to learn more facts about popchips? “Like” popchips on Facebook and follow our Arizona popchips guru, Monica Picard on Twitter @popchipsaz. She’ll keep you up-to-date regarding all the snacking developments and events in the Phoenix Area.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bag (or two or three), get snacking and share your favorite flavor.
Arizona Fall Festivals, Farms, Food & Fun
It’s that time of year again! We can finally head outdoors and enjoy cooler weather and the joys of the fall season. Plan a trip to a nearby farm or spook house or attend a Halloween party. Below are my recommendations for destinations and special events around Arizona:
•Agua Linda Farm Fall Pumpkin Festival – Weekends in October
•Apple Annie’s Orchard
•Boo! at the Phoenix Zoo – October 23 & 24, 2010 9am-4pm
•Buckelew Farm Pumpkin Festival, Corn Maze & Terror in the Corn – Last four weekends in October 2010.
•Cave Creek Coffee Company Great Pumpkin Smash – October 30, 2010
•Cave Creek Wicked – October 30 & 31, 2010. Activities begin at noon on both days.
•Challenger Space Center Halloween Fright Mission – October 22, 23, 29, 30 Reservations Required.
•City of Mesa Halloween Adult & Youth Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon – October 31, 2010
•Desert Botanical Garden’s Great Pumpkin Festival
•Disney Store’s Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party at Scottsdale Fashion Square Retail Store – October 22 & October 23, 2010
•Fear Farm – September 24, 2010 – October 31, 2020 http://www.azmazes.com/
•Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival – Opening Day September 18, 2010
•Gilbert Family Halloween Carnival – October 30, 2010
•Howl-O-Ween Nature’s Nightmares at the Phoenix Zoo – October 29 & 30, 2010 6:30pm-11pm
•MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch – October 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010
•Mother Nature’s Farm – October 2, 2010 – November 5, 2010.
•My Gym Scottsdale Halloween Party – October 29, 2010
•Prescott’s Pumpkin Patch and Carnival – October 30, 2010
•Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
•Scottsdale Gymnastics Baby Boo Bash & Boo Bash – October 28 & 23, 2010 respectively
•The Nest Haunted House at Rawhide – not recommended for kids 12 and under
•Tolmachoff Farms Pumpkin Days & Fall Maze – October 1, 2010 – November 21, 2010
•Wet ‘n’ Wild Festival of Fear – Ages 13+
Kids Eat Free – August 2010
In an effort to keep you informed about everything related to raising kids in the Valley of the Sun, we are excited to share our list of local kids eat free offers. This list will be updated on a regular basis so please reference it often. Also, we would greatly appreciate your input regarding free offers. Please contact us to submit your finds.
MONDAY
•5 & Diner – Almost free! $0.99 Kids meals Monday – Friday for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•Chompies – All day Monday and Tuesday receive one kid’s meal (10 and under) for free for every adult meal purchased ($8.00 or more).
•El Penasco Mexican Kitchen – Free kids meals on Monday with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Garcia’s Las Avenidas – One Meal From The Kids Menu With the Purchase Of An Adult Meal.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks – Desert Ridge & Paradise Valley locations: Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée after 4pm. Kids ages 12 and under.
•Pasta Primo – Kids eat free at Pasta Primo Italian Bistro Sunday – Thursday. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rock Bottom Brewery – Arrowhead, Desert Ridge, Ahwatukee (not Scottsdale Location): Monday & Tuesday Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rumbi Island Grill – Mondays & Tuesdays after 4pm at all four Arizona locations. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Sandbar Mexican Grill – With the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
•T.G.I. Fridays – Kids 12 and under eat for free on Mondays & Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entrée.
TUESDAY
•5 & Diner – Almost free! $0.99 Kids meals Monday – Friday for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•Chick-fil-A – Kids eat free on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Varies by location.
•Chompies – All day Monday and Tuesday receive one kid’s meal (10 and under) for free for every adult meal purchased ($8.00 or more).
•Cici’s Pizza – Every Tuesday 5pm-8pm kids 10 and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks – Avondale & Mesa locations: Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée after 4pm. Kids ages 12 and under.
•Lonestar Steakhouse – Kids eat free off the kid’s menu with the purchase of any entrée. Offer good all day.
•Pasta Primo – Kids eat free at Pasta Primo Italian Bistro Sunday – Thursday. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rock Bottom Brewery – Arrowhead, Desert Ridge, Ahwatukee: Monday & Tuesday Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rumbi Island Grill – Mondays & Tuesdays after 4pm at all four Arizona locations. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
•T.G.I. Fridays – Kids 12 and under eat for free on Mondays & Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
WEDNESDAY
•5 & Diner – Almost free! $0.99 Kids meals Monday – Friday for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•Chick-fil-A – Kids eat free on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Varies by location.
•Don & Charlie’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of each adult entrée for kids ages 12 and under. 5pm – Close.
•Jason’s Deli – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée through September 1. Chandler location 7230 W Ray Rd Chandler, AZ 85226 will offer the program until December 2010.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina – Kids eat free all day. One free entrée with the purchase of each adult entrée and drink.
•NYPD Pizza – Free Yutes Meal for kids 10 and under after 4pm with the purchase of a 14” pizza or pasta entrée, hero or large salad.
•Pasta Primo – Kids eat free at Pasta Primo Italian Bistro Sunday – Thursday. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
THURSDAY
•5 & Diner – Almost free! $0.99 Kids meals Monday – Friday for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Pasta Primo – Kids eat free at Pasta Primo Italian Bistro Sunday – Thursday. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Shane’s Rib Shack Arizona – Receive 1 Kid’s Meal with a Shane’s Plate Purchase (Dine-in Only)
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
FRIDAY
•5 & Diner – Almost free! $0.99 Kids meals Monday – Friday for children ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
SATURDAY
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
SUNDAY
•Arriba Mexican Grill – Kids 10 years old and under eat free on Sundays. One kids meal from kids menu per adult entrée.
•Café Portobello – Kids eat free all day. 1 free meal per every adult meal purchased.
•Charleston’s Restaurant – Kids eat free all day on Sundays ages 12 and under.
•Chelsea’s Kitchen – Kids eat free everyday 3pm to 6pm.
•Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Kids ages 12 and under Phoenix & Scottsdale locations with the purchase of an adult entrée $7.95 or more.
•Humble Pie – Kids eat Free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•IHOP – Kids eat free every day in August 4pm-10pm. Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on “Just for Kids” menu items. Drinks not included.
•Jalapeno Inferno – Kids eat free through August 31, 2010. Free kids meal with purchase of 2 adult entrées. Limit 2 kids meals per table.
•Pasta Primo – Kids eat free at Pasta Primo Italian Bistro Sunday – Thursday. Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Rustler’s Rooste – Kids eat free May 28 – Labor Day. Also, join the Kidz Slide Rider Club for an annual cost of $6 and your child age 12 and under can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•San Felipes Cantina – Kids eat free everyday through September 2010 at all locations. Free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
•Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – Kids under age 3 eat for free everyday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can also register for the Kids Club to receive a free birthday meal.
•Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill – Chandler & Phoenix Locations (not Scottsdale & Tempe locations): Kids eat free after 4pm with the purchase of an adult entrée.
The Allure of Store Brands
This week, I read an interesting article published in the East Valley Tribune regarding store brands at the grocery store. I was drawn to this article because over the past few years, I have heard more and more positive reviews of store brands, also referred to as private label or value brands. Specifically, it reminded me of a colleague who shared a cookie recipe with me and insisted I would bake better tasting cookies if I substituted Safeway brand butter for the recommended brand butter. It also reminded me that my Bosch dishwasher repair man told me that the Trader Joe’s brand dishwashing soap was the best product for extending the life of my machine.
Widespread media attention coupled with my personal experiences has convinced me that there has been a paradigm shift regarding the acceptability of store brands. As a result, over time, I have incorporated many great products into my grocery store selections. For example, I purchase Target coffee, Kroger frozen vegetables, paper towels and cereal and Safeway Eating Right products, especially ice cream and frozen entrées..
Surprisingly, I also purchase several products from the Whole Foods 365 Value Brand line. Products from what I once perceived as a store for the “well-to-do” are now practical for my family. To give you a bit of background, I lived across the street from a Whole Foods market, or as many of you have likely heard referred to as “Whole Paycheck”, when I was a grad student living in a suburb of Chicago. Unless it was freezing, raining or snowing, I avoided convenience to save money and drove to our nearest major chain supermarket for our weekly groceries. Since my acceptance of store brands, I purchase many Whole Foods premium products for my family of five without sacrificing taste and quality.
My initial motivation for selecting store brand products was price. However, since my family liked the new brands, I now purchase products because I perceive that they are comparable or sometimes better than their national competitors. Stores also support my shopping habits by supplying coupons for their products. I continually receive Target coupons (for products I use) in the mail and I receive Fry’s and Safeway brand product coupons (based on my purchases) at the point of purchase. Savings, quality and convenience now play an equal role in my shopping decisions.
What do you think of store brands? Do you purchase these products for your family and if so, do you think they are equal to or better than their national brand competitors?
A Great Read
Like many moms, I’m challenged to find time to curl up with a good book. However, I heard about this great read called The Help by Kathryn Stockett and decided to see if it was worth adding to MI’s book club.
First, I have to tell you that I have a track record of reading two-thirds of every book I start and then tucking it into my nightstand for a later date. My husband cannot understand how I can get so far in a book and not finish. I guess that is what happens when you have three kids, tons of activities and a household to manage!
So I began my search for this book by visiting the Scottsdale public library and adding my name to the waiting list. I was quite surprised to learn that I was number 280 on the list. After a few months of waiting for the “call”, I got restless and purchased my own copy. I am excited to say that not only was it worth the retail price (since it is not yet available in paperback), but I actually read the entire book and was a bit sad when I finished page 444. I even read the four to five pages of acknowledgements at the end of the book.
Truth be told, it took me about a month to read The Help. I tried to read at least a chapter a night and carried my book with me in my diaper bag and car so I could sneak in a few pages while I waited to pick-up my kids at school or while I watched them play at our neighborhood park.
The characters in this book were relatable and thought provoking. I especially connected with one of the main characters named Skeeter. Not only because her hair and humidity are sworn enemies, but because she is passionate about writing and her goals. I felt that during the entire book, I could picture the families, the women and the circumstances of life in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s.
Have you read The Help? If so, what do you think? Please visit our Entertainment Page and share your thoughts with our online community.
Starbucks Perks from Home
Other than providing a crisp morning perk, Starbucks rewards consumers for brewing their favorite blends at home. After I brewed my morning coffee, I read on the package that you can exchange your empty bag of coffee at your local store and receive a FREE tall brewed coffee.
What else can you expect from Starbucks? Check out http://www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet to learn how it is environmentally responsible and how it is impacting the communities it serves.
Finally, if you frequent Starbucks stores and crave that drive thru window each day, pack your recyclable cup and hand it to your barista to save $0.10 on every drink you purchase.
