Presenting Arizona Breastfeeding Bag Project and Holiday event

The AZ Breastfeeding Bag Projects hands out true breastfeeding bags to mothers who want to breastfeed.

According to one of the group's organiziers, "This is an alternative to the formula bags that many moms will recieve at the doctors offices and at the hospital. It has been shown that when a mom has the support and resources that she needs she will continue to breastfeed."

These bags are available through midwives offices and upon request. The bag contains a few sample items such as nipple cream, nursing pads, milk storage bag, and lactation tea. It also contains on where to turn for information, including support groups.

In November the group is having a Boutique event that is working as a fundrasier. The hope is that the event that will bring together vendors and breastfeeding moms - pregnant moms and the community is welcome to attend as well!

They have the event set up on facebook here.

Join them on November 3rd at 1600 W Main Street, Mesa, AZ

• • Saturday, November 3, 2012
  • 8:00am until 12:00pm

• 1600 W Main St Mesa

Are you a vendor looking for an event to promote your product? 

Vendors will pay a fee for their spot which goes directly toward the cost of the bag project. There is no "percentage" taken from your sales, that is for you to keep. According to the Arizona Breastfeeding Bag Project says, "I guess this is kind of like a community service project to help mom businesses. During this time as will we will be handing out breastfeeding bags to anyone who wants them." Join the event above on facebook and message an administrator or email them at AZBFBP@gmail.com

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For more information on the Arizona Breastfeeding Bag Project visit their website at http://azbreastfeedingbagproject.org, "like" them on facebook or email them at AZBFBP@gmail.com

Clifford is coming to Town!

Clifford The Big Red Dog LIVE!

• My kids are so excited! Now, their favorite PBS show is live and local!

A BIG Family Musical is LIVE! 

Saturday, October 27

Comerica Theatre

Phoenix, AZ

Show at both 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Scholastic’s Clifford The Big Red Dog®, in conjunction with his 50^th anniversary celebration in 2012-2013, comes to life on stage in an all new family musical, Clifford The Big Red Dog LIVE!. Tickets for the Phoenix show are on sale now at http://www.livenation.com/Clifford-the-Big-Red-Dog-tickets/artist/919116, the box office or call 800.745.3000.

Special for pack of tickets for $99, or single tickets are $33.00 Special is limited time while supplies last.  All tickets are subject to applicable service charges.

In this new musical adventure, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth will take audiences on a journey to Birdwell Island with their friends Cleo, T-Bone, Charley, Jetta, and Mac.  And they will learn about Clifford’s BE BIG!™ Ideas -- Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Help Others, Believe In Yourself and Be A Good Friend -- with laughter, songs and dancing that the whole family will love. Clifford’s Big Ideas came out of the curriculum developed for the award-winning animated television series Clifford the Big Red Dog, based on the books by Norman Bridwell that airs on PBS KIDS®.

The property continues to perform well internationally with television episodes sold to more than 110 countries worldwide. With more than 126 million books in print, Clifford is a literary classic embraced by parents, teachers and kids.

Disclosure: As part of this blog, I may be provided with tickets, but my opinion and thoughts are always my own :)

Sesame Street Live is coming to town! DISCOUNT CODE!

Sesame Street live has two confirmed Arizona dates and more are to come! I know I am excited for this as I was a Sesame Street kid growing up and now my 4 and 2 year old kiddos LOVE this show! My 2 year old especially likes characters and my 4 year old loves to dance and sing so I'm sure this will be a great event for the family.

My favorite "unsung" Sesame  Street character is Bert. How about you?

We saw Elmo at Legoland last year and he was a hit just shaking hands, so I can only imagine how their faces will light up when they see these "friends" on stage! They also have a play zone for some of the events, thought not in Phoenix. The play zone is a place to see the characters, dance and play for the hour before the show. From the Sesame Street Live website:


Here are two local locations. For non-Phoenix area friends, there may be a show near you too! Here's a list of shows with the discount, but you can view all show dates, by clicking here.

 - Phoenix, AZ: “Elmo's Super Heros” 

• November 16 - 18
•  Comerica Theatre

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is: http://www.livenation.com/venueartist/204807/1592924/

 -Prescott Valley, AZ: “Elmo's Super Heros” 

• November 14
• Tim's Toyota Center

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is: http://gettix.net/concert/?event_id=3890

Additional Locations:

 - Fort Lauderdale, FL: “Elmo Makes Music” 

• October 18 – 21
•  Parker Playhouse

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is: https://parkerplayhouse.com/online/

 - Owensboro , KY: “Can’t Stop Singing” 

• October 16 – 17
• Lakefront Arena

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: ERNIE
• The Link is: http://riverparkcenter.com/

- Lexington , KY: “Can’t Stop Singing” with Play Zone

• October 19 – 21
• Rupp Arena

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is:http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/180350/1722557/?brand=sesamestreet

- New Orleans , LA: “Elmo Makes Music” with Play Zone

• October 25 – 218
• Lakefront Arena

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/221659/1031517/?brand=sesamestreet

- Lafayette , LA: “Elmo Makes Music” with Play Zone

• November 1-4
• Cajundome

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/221703/1031517/?brand=sesamestreet 

- Fairfax , VA: “Can’t Stop Singing” with Play Zone

• December 13 – 16
• Patriot Center

• The Discount is:  $3 Off 
• The Promo Code is: USF
• The Link is: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/172065/1722557/?brand=sesamestreet

Messy time - indoor painting

What better way to get energy out than to have a paint sensory party? It really is easy to do, and may take some prodding and assistnance if your kiddo isn't into getting messy, but is worth the try. The worst that could happen is you end up in a full shower with the kids, in your clothes with soap in your eyes :)

But really, it shouldn't be too bad at all.

1) Get your kiddo in the bathtub with out any water in it.
2) Squirt washable water color/ or finger paint blobs into the tub
3) Encourage your kiddos to paint.
- You may need to help out here. If they're hesitant. Start making their names with the finger paint or some shapes.

Allow them to paint up. Clean up is just running some water and then a nice  bath!

Halloween fun for Phoenix residents and savings! MacDonald's Ranch

Howdy Folks!

Welcome to MacDonald's Ranch Annual Pumpkin Festival!From the Ranch:

Once again we will have our horse or mule drawn hayrides out to the Pumpkin Patch, where you can pick from a variety of different sized pumpkins to take home and carve or decorate! Pony rides will  be available to all of the kids after a parent or guardian has completed our liability form (Please tip the person that leads your child's pony). Helmets are also available and are highly recommended for all children.

Come see all the old and new critters in the petting zoo! Our miniature donkeys Pete and Repeat will be happy to see everyone, as well as our miniature ponies! We have some new bunnies, chickens, ducks, and peacocks in the menagerie also. Our goats and sheep keep all of the other animals on their feet! They would all love for everyone to come out and play with them!

Many games will be on hand for everyone to enjoy! From our classics: steer head roping, horse shoe pits, gem mine and cowboy golf to our large hay maze!

Additional activities such as: a bounce house, small train, carnival rides, a face painter, and sand creations will be available at additional costs. And keep your eyes open for music and dance performances throughout the month! 

**PLEASE CHECK MacDonald's Ranch CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR DATES OF VENDORS & PERFORMANCES**

  Hungry after all the fun? No problem! The Blazin' Barbeque will be open Friday - Sunday with tasty hot dogs, pulled-pork sandwiches, refreshing drinks and much more(please see our menu above)! We will have our Snack Shack available 7 days a week with cold beverages and delicious snacks! 

      Looking to help out with a great cause? Bring out a can of food to get $1 off your admission price(Limit $1 off per person)! We will once again be working with Desert Mission Food Bank to help feed those in the community in need! Last year we donated over 5,000 pounds of food!!

• Admission Price: $8 per person (1 YEAR and younger are FREE)
• Pumpkins: $4 to $12 depending on size
• Open: October 5th to October 31st 
• From 9am to 6pm 
• Closed: after 1pm on Halloween

 Our pumpkin patch is conveniently located on Scottsdale Road just 5 miles north of the 101.

(Southwest Corner of Jomax Rd & Scottsdale Rd)

Happy Trails!

My Readers Get - Two for One Admission to MacDonald's Ranch! 
Disclosure: I will receive a free visit to MacDonald's Ranch in exchange for this post. However, it does not affect my view that this sounds like A LOT OF FUN! 

Phoenix Area Moms unite with new web forum

A new community gathering place launched Sunday for moms of the Phoenix-area. Bridget K., founder of the new site is happy to invite all moms to a welcoming place to discuss everything from parenting, washing pots and pans to figuring out the best place for mom's night out. After all, she says, "We are moms! And as such, we care about what is going on in our homes, our families, our friends, and our community." 

If you are seeking a new gathering place online and in person, visit Phoenix Area Mommies today.

HALLOWEEN Things to do with the City of Phoenix

Be sure to check local area things to do! Often cheap and free 'stuff' is going on. Here's some to-do activities for October:

The City of Phoenix is hosting a series of fun family events to Halloween and the coming of the fall season. Most are free or very low cost. Check out their Calendar of Events for a full schedule of events and activities at Phoenix parks, preserves and centers.

• Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m., Scare Fair, Desert West Community Center, 6501 W Virginia.
This event features a Haunted House ($1 admission for kids ages 6 and up) free carnival games, concessions  and 50 cent popcorn, water, candy bars and other snacks. More information is available by phone at 602-495-3700.

• Oct.  26 -28, 6 to 9 p.m., Haunted Hayride at South Mountain Park, South Mountain Park/Preserve:
This family event features a spooky ride on a horse-drawn wagon through Box Canyon.  $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. The event begins in the parking lot of the South Mountain Activities Complex, 10409 S. Central Ave. This is a privately produced event presented by South Mountain/Laveen Village Festivals Inc. More information is available by phone at 602-438-2928.

• Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Fall Festival, Sunnyslope Park, 802 E. Vogel.
Activities include entertainment, relay games, bounce houses, community resource booths and giveaways, health screenings, face painting and a costume parade. More information is available by phone at (602) 262-6661.
• Oct. 27, 6 to 9 p.m., Boo Fest `12, Beuf Community Center, 3435 W Pinnacle Peak Rd .
This free event features a horse drawn hayride for the whole family; pumpkin patch for kids up to age 15; inflatable bouncers; climbing wall; carnival games; live entertainment; costume parade with judging; and a goodie bag for each child between the ages of 1 and 15. This year’s event is being produced in partnership with Emily’s Toys for Joy, a local non-profit who collects toys for hospitalized children in the valley. Donate a new toy at the event and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win some great prizes. More information is available by phone at (602) 534-4754.

• Oct. 27, 2 to 10 p.m., Hallowe'en & Annual Zombie Walk, Heritage & Science Park, 115 N. Sixth St.
This free family friendly event features live music, Easley’s Lil’ Zombie Zone, Downtown Ambassadors Carnage Carnival, Rose & Crown Beer Garden with Four Peaks Brewing Company, Most Valuable Zombie contest, food vendors, makeup artists, retailers, bloodmobile, food drive and one of the largest zombie hordes in the continental United States. The Rosson House Museum will also be open for ticketed tours during the celebration with a special exhibition. The annual Zombie Walk will leave from Historic Heritage Square at dusk and return one hour later. Event and Rosson House tour information  is available by phone at 602-262-5070 or602-254-8696 or online at downtownphoenix.com/zombie/.

Phoenix-area teensy weensy Fairytale ball for ages 3-6

On Sept 29, 2012, the Beuf Community Center will have a fairytale ball for the 3-6 year old crowd. Dress up fun with music, dancing, games and snacks. Cost if $5 per person, Register online at https://online.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Start/Start.asp

Summer fun - take it inside in extreme heat - Books to read

Green Children's Books for Summer 

My friend Marissa is an ambassador for Barefoot Books and we love these "little literary pieces" so much that they really do dominate our extensive kid book collection.What makes a great summer book, "green" - it introduces topics of respecting nature and it activates little greenies! It also helps when the book is actually "green" as well.

Here are our Top 10 Books for preschoolers this summer:

10)

This book, Playtime Rhymes for Little People" is chosen because not only can you make up new games and activities using the rhymes, it comes with a CD for driving to the water park! What makes this (and other Barefoot Books) more green is that Barefoot also uses soy ink and ancient forest friendly paper (certified)!

9) 

Gardening can be an important and family-rich activity. "Grandpa's Garden" reinforces the importance of vegetables in our garden without being preachy. It opens questions and is filled with great illustrations.

8)

We were gifted these Innovative Kids books when my daughter turned 1 and they are favorites. They are made from recycled paper and use soy-based inks (even better for the environment) and show great diversity as well.

7)

Not a book you read with your kid but a great book to have read when it is 105 for day 4 in a row OR if you're in the part of Michigan I'm originally from, you randomly have snow in June :) Full of ideas of things to do, both indoors and out. There is also a Preschooler's Busy Book



6)

A library favorite for us, books on seasons always are great for bridging conversation and discussing how the solar system works also comes up in "Summer Solstice". Take a picture from the page an extend the book into an activity by creating what is happening in the picture with sidewalk chalk or even planting a garden of Sunflowers, using Heirloom Seeds




5)

Dr. Seuss is one of our favorite greenies in regular American culture, for his book, "The Lorax " Included in this hard cover (just don't be surprised when your kiddos ask you to read the "entire book" (yes it can be done in one sitting)) baker's dozen. But you can also find it individually if it suits your family better.

4)

 The Barefoot Book of Blessings is a collection of stories that not only expand a child's awareness of cultures, it has a great pictoral way of reminding even adults to be thankful.

3)

 

This book is slightly more advanced for the toddler age, but toddlers tagging along with their older siblings will be able to use these ideas as part of the family. Often, I hear of families looking to incorporate volunteering into their family but often non-profits do not allow young children (for a variety of reasons). When we live green daily, we can incorporate volunteering, even if it doesn't mean we aren't in a food kitchen or cleaning a shelter for pets. Make this even greener and download it for Kindle!

2)

I have to give a shout out to a current giveaway I have going on. I really like the idea of being able to truly personalize a kid's book. Champion Me books have 4 books out currently that allow you to personalize the character's name, look and clothing to match your little one. They are awesome e-books (you can use for your ereader or your computer) or as soft or hard cover books.

1) And the top book in my list for the preschool aged children this summer is....

 

The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle! This adventure is a great way to introduce earth topics in a family. It is part of a series of "green" topics and this one I saw at our local book store and I found it to be intriguing. I was worried about it being a bit less green than it hoped, but it did cover the green topics. With water being an important part of summer (hydration! pools and water games!), keeping the idea of recycling and reducing waste is important.