I am always on the lookout for fun to be had with your kids. Since K and I have been on a cooking spree I wanted to find some fun cooking/baking kits where he could participate. I found Zebra Mix on a mommy blog site and tried to win the giveaway. I didn't end up winning (bummer) but the company checked out my website and decided to let me review the product and also sent me boxes to giveaway myself. YAY!
(from the Zebra Mix Website) You will love eating our Chocolate Chip Cookies. But, we think the best part is in the process of making these cookies.
Each baking mix has on oversized Safari Baking Map with two levels of learning. Level 1 (age 4-9) is for non-readers, beginning readers and experienced readers. Level 2 is for ages 9 and up. Each level has aspirational learning and appeals to a variety of learning styles.
Using pictures, colorful illustrations and icons, kids learn math, science, practice critical thinking and they even learn how to write a scientific formula - all while they are Stirring Up Fun!®
It is the perfect kid-sized project for one, or set it up as a fun activity with family and friends.
Since I had such a great time I decided to let the moms in the Fit Moms Challenge try the kits as well. Comment here ladies and happy baking!
P.S. These kits have organic ingredients- so thumbs up! No High Fructose Corn Syrup!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Breast Cancer Fund
HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
The Breast Cancer Fund depends on its community to be a driving force in helping to create awareness and change around eliminating the environmental causes of breast cancer. One great way to help spread the word is to send your friends and family a Breast Cancer Fund E-Postcard.
Become an advocate: The Strong Voices Leadership Development Program is a nationwide network of women and men who share their personal stories while inspiring the public to take action to end the breast cancer epidemic. The Strong Voices Leadership Development Program was envisioned when the Breast Cancer Fund founder, Andrea Ravinett Martin, first spoke out on behalf of the environmental links to breast cancer. As a leader and strong voice in the breast cancer advocacy movement, Andrea created the path for the Breast Cancer Fund to take issue with the single most compelling public health issue of this century – environmental health.
To become a Strong Voice, please fill the Volunteer Form and indicate that you are interested in additional advocacy training.
Visit the Strong Voices website to learn more about the program, access tools and resources and find opportunities for involvement in your region.
The Breast Cancer Fund depends on its community to be a driving force in helping to create awareness and change around eliminating the environmental causes of breast cancer. One great way to help spread the word is to send your friends and family a Breast Cancer Fund E-Postcard.
Become an advocate: The Strong Voices Leadership Development Program is a nationwide network of women and men who share their personal stories while inspiring the public to take action to end the breast cancer epidemic. The Strong Voices Leadership Development Program was envisioned when the Breast Cancer Fund founder, Andrea Ravinett Martin, first spoke out on behalf of the environmental links to breast cancer. As a leader and strong voice in the breast cancer advocacy movement, Andrea created the path for the Breast Cancer Fund to take issue with the single most compelling public health issue of this century – environmental health.
To become a Strong Voice, please fill the Volunteer Form and indicate that you are interested in additional advocacy training.
Visit the Strong Voices website to learn more about the program, access tools and resources and find opportunities for involvement in your region.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I want an ERGO...
If you do too, check out this giveaway and while you are at it, click on the bloggy baby bash button to the left and see what other goodies you can win!
Seventh Generation Giveaway on Katydid and Kid
I just found a great mommy blog that is doing a giveaway of Seventh Generation products. I love SG and use a lot of their products. Our household is pretty green. We recycle whatever we can and try to reuse what we can't. SG's philosophy says it best... "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."
Their products are Non-toxic & biodegradable, Hypo-allergenic, don't create harsh fumes, aren't tested on animals, and are Kosher-certified. They disclose all of their ingredients and their paper products are made with 100% recycled paper, with a minimum 80% post-consumer content.
I also follow SG on twitter and subscribe to their blog. Something I recommend to all green families. You can even register on the site to receive emails and coupons!
Anyways, back to the giveaway... Click here to see how to win!
Their products are Non-toxic & biodegradable, Hypo-allergenic, don't create harsh fumes, aren't tested on animals, and are Kosher-certified. They disclose all of their ingredients and their paper products are made with 100% recycled paper, with a minimum 80% post-consumer content.
I also follow SG on twitter and subscribe to their blog. Something I recommend to all green families. You can even register on the site to receive emails and coupons!
Anyways, back to the giveaway... Click here to see how to win!
Last day (March 15th) to skate in Longmont!
March 15th is the final day of the Ice Pavilion's 2008-2009 sesason and the rink will feature its annual March Meltdown event. The event will feature skating, ice painting, and ice cream. Regular admission and skate rental prices apply. Come out the Longmont Ice Pavilion and celebrate the completion of a tremendous year at the rink!
Sunday, March 15
1:00 - 5:00pm
Located at Roosevelt Park, the Longmont Ice Pavilion is a seasonal ice rink, offering public ice skating, hockey, skating lessons and party facilities throughout the winter, weather permitting. Come enjoy the ice, get some exercise, and have a great time in the facility.
Longmont Ice Pavilion
Roosevelt Park, 725 8th Avenue
(303) 774-4777
(Skating Rink)
Sunday, March 15
1:00 - 5:00pm
Located at Roosevelt Park, the Longmont Ice Pavilion is a seasonal ice rink, offering public ice skating, hockey, skating lessons and party facilities throughout the winter, weather permitting. Come enjoy the ice, get some exercise, and have a great time in the facility.
Longmont Ice Pavilion
Roosevelt Park, 725 8th Avenue
(303) 774-4777
(Skating Rink)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mardi Gras at the Boulder Fairgrounds
Hey Longmont moms, I just wanted to let you know of a fun event at the Fairgounds geared to 3-10 year olds.
Admission is free and tickets can be purchased for food or carnival games.
The theme this year is Mardi Gras and you can get to the flyer here!
Check it out!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Stroller Strides- what have you done for me lately?
A quick list of why I love Stroller Strides...
1. I have biceps, not just bumps where my biceps should be
2. I can run without getting winded!
3. I am back in my pre-baby jeans after only 8 months- actually I am in better shape than before having baby!
4. I have friends that love sharing about their kids and love to hear me share.
5. I have friends that gripe about their kids and allow me to gripe.
6. I have friends that talk about other things than their kids. We are people too, not just moms!
7. Owning a franchise has allowed me to offer this to others. This makes me feel so great about myself and not in a scary narcissistic way, but in a caring, generous and all over glowing way.
8. I have the great feeling of being my own boss!
9. I can be creative in my job but still get support from Stroller Strides when I need it.
10. I can combine the satisfaction of being a Stay at home mom with the satisfaction of being a business owner.
11. My kids see that I make fitness fun and a priority in my life. They will be less likely to be couch potatoes as they grow older.
12. I have had the blessing of surrounding myself with wonderful women that value health, their children, the world and themselves.
Stroller Strides is a great company and each franchise is owned by a woman, and more specifically, each is owned by a mother. Most moms start their franchise with no business experience, just the love of fitness and their children. There is a contest on line for the top businesses created by women and Stroller Strides is in the running! Your vote is very important and you can VOTE EVERYDAY! Click here and vote!
Thanks for checking it out and I hope to see you in class soon!
E
1. I have biceps, not just bumps where my biceps should be
2. I can run without getting winded!
3. I am back in my pre-baby jeans after only 8 months- actually I am in better shape than before having baby!
4. I have friends that love sharing about their kids and love to hear me share.
5. I have friends that gripe about their kids and allow me to gripe.
6. I have friends that talk about other things than their kids. We are people too, not just moms!
7. Owning a franchise has allowed me to offer this to others. This makes me feel so great about myself and not in a scary narcissistic way, but in a caring, generous and all over glowing way.
8. I have the great feeling of being my own boss!
9. I can be creative in my job but still get support from Stroller Strides when I need it.
10. I can combine the satisfaction of being a Stay at home mom with the satisfaction of being a business owner.
11. My kids see that I make fitness fun and a priority in my life. They will be less likely to be couch potatoes as they grow older.
12. I have had the blessing of surrounding myself with wonderful women that value health, their children, the world and themselves.
Stroller Strides is a great company and each franchise is owned by a woman, and more specifically, each is owned by a mother. Most moms start their franchise with no business experience, just the love of fitness and their children. There is a contest on line for the top businesses created by women and Stroller Strides is in the running! Your vote is very important and you can VOTE EVERYDAY! Click here and vote!
Thanks for checking it out and I hope to see you in class soon!
E
10 out of 10 experts agree we are in a recession...
Okay I made up that statistic, but I don't think anyone can contest it at this point. Times are tough for everyone and we all know someone that has lost their job or taken a paycut to stay in a job. Perhaps it is a friend, a friend of a friend, your loved ones or even yourself. Just thinking about my husband losing his job gives me heart palpitations. I am a "what if" person by nature, someone who is always thinking of worst case scenario. But in this climate, worst case could indeed be what happens. So, the control freak that I am, I am preparing for the worst even though I do not think it will happen. But then again, you just never know...
Here are some tips if you are also trying to save "just in case".
1. Choose activities that are fun and free. There are so many activities for families that are free. The park, playdates, the museum, storytime, etc. Not that I will not pay for fun things for me and the kids to do. It's just that they are young enough that going for a walk and trying to find a birds nest is just as exciting to them as going to the museum. And I know the free days at the zoo and museum are packed, but I guess I am less affected by it since I am from the city...
2. Surround yourself with frugal friends. I think everyone I know right now qualifies. When you have a family it is easier to make frugal choices since your priorities change. But even so, I am choosing to hang out with my more frugal friends. Spendy friends tend to make you spendy. Frugal friends will be as creative as you are to find the deals, and the good deals at that (meaning products that are worth it, and not just cheap). Share tips with each other to save!
3. Use hand me downs and consignment stores... I think we have bought only $100 worth of new clothes in the 5 years we have been parents. Granted I have boys, and if I had a girl I might be broke... Consignment stores are awesome. My favorites- Once Upon A Child on Ken Pratt and Childish Things in Boulder. For me, Rags to Riches on 28th in Boulder.
4. Think about wants versus needs... And be thankful for what you have. There is a buddhist saying- desire is the cause of all unhappiness. When I think about it, I really have everything I need. Of course it would be nice to have a larger car (even a van!) and it would be great to eat out more. The list of wants is large. But do we really need these things? And on the flip side of that, instead of desiring things and being miserable about not being able to get them, when do we ever sit down and really experience the gratitude for what we do have. Perhaps Thanksgiving? My sister was in town recently and her daughter said grace before we ate. Since we don't really have a religion we practice, K wanted to participate but didn't know how to. So I told him to share what he was thankful for. He said the sweetest things- thankful for mom, dad, baby, family, his blankie and for the dinner we were about to eat. It made me realize that even though most everything I "want" is for my family, they are actually happy with what we have already.
5. Put away a bit of money at the beginning of the month. If you wait till the end of the month to put away money in your emergency fund it will already be spent. This is amazingly true. And when I try to find where we spent the "extra" it is almost always on things we didn't really need (see tip #4).
6. Reuse- Good old #2 in Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Find new uses for things you already have. Or fix things that you have instead of buying new. But make sure whatever you reuse is still safe!
7. Be creative on new ways to make money... Think about skills you have! Do you know how to sew (I do- perhaps I can do custom draperies???) or are you creative (yes! Perhaps I can start doing nursery murals again). Think about your skills and see if there is a niche or need you can fill. Perhaps you can watch a few kids at home with your children. Or even provide a Moms Day Out service. Someone just told me they buy clipped coupons on ebay. People will pay for convenience, and you can be the person they pay!
Sometimes the world does collapse on top of you and there is sacrifice and loss. But whatever happens, just breathe and return to tip #4. Think about what you already have. It will not solve all your problems, but it may give you the direction you need to act in difficult situations.
Here are some tips if you are also trying to save "just in case".
1. Choose activities that are fun and free. There are so many activities for families that are free. The park, playdates, the museum, storytime, etc. Not that I will not pay for fun things for me and the kids to do. It's just that they are young enough that going for a walk and trying to find a birds nest is just as exciting to them as going to the museum. And I know the free days at the zoo and museum are packed, but I guess I am less affected by it since I am from the city...
2. Surround yourself with frugal friends. I think everyone I know right now qualifies. When you have a family it is easier to make frugal choices since your priorities change. But even so, I am choosing to hang out with my more frugal friends. Spendy friends tend to make you spendy. Frugal friends will be as creative as you are to find the deals, and the good deals at that (meaning products that are worth it, and not just cheap). Share tips with each other to save!
3. Use hand me downs and consignment stores... I think we have bought only $100 worth of new clothes in the 5 years we have been parents. Granted I have boys, and if I had a girl I might be broke... Consignment stores are awesome. My favorites- Once Upon A Child on Ken Pratt and Childish Things in Boulder. For me, Rags to Riches on 28th in Boulder.
4. Think about wants versus needs... And be thankful for what you have. There is a buddhist saying- desire is the cause of all unhappiness. When I think about it, I really have everything I need. Of course it would be nice to have a larger car (even a van!) and it would be great to eat out more. The list of wants is large. But do we really need these things? And on the flip side of that, instead of desiring things and being miserable about not being able to get them, when do we ever sit down and really experience the gratitude for what we do have. Perhaps Thanksgiving? My sister was in town recently and her daughter said grace before we ate. Since we don't really have a religion we practice, K wanted to participate but didn't know how to. So I told him to share what he was thankful for. He said the sweetest things- thankful for mom, dad, baby, family, his blankie and for the dinner we were about to eat. It made me realize that even though most everything I "want" is for my family, they are actually happy with what we have already.
5. Put away a bit of money at the beginning of the month. If you wait till the end of the month to put away money in your emergency fund it will already be spent. This is amazingly true. And when I try to find where we spent the "extra" it is almost always on things we didn't really need (see tip #4).
6. Reuse- Good old #2 in Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Find new uses for things you already have. Or fix things that you have instead of buying new. But make sure whatever you reuse is still safe!
7. Be creative on new ways to make money... Think about skills you have! Do you know how to sew (I do- perhaps I can do custom draperies???) or are you creative (yes! Perhaps I can start doing nursery murals again). Think about your skills and see if there is a niche or need you can fill. Perhaps you can watch a few kids at home with your children. Or even provide a Moms Day Out service. Someone just told me they buy clipped coupons on ebay. People will pay for convenience, and you can be the person they pay!
Sometimes the world does collapse on top of you and there is sacrifice and loss. But whatever happens, just breathe and return to tip #4. Think about what you already have. It will not solve all your problems, but it may give you the direction you need to act in difficult situations.
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