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I am planning on attending Blogalicious 2009 (a social gathering for women bloggers of color) in 10/09. To work together regarding promoting your brand or product (in a natural way) at the conference, please contact me: kcoleman@mominthecity.com.
In Case You Missed It…
Charity
-Mandela Day will be held on July 18th, Mr. Mandela’s birthday to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life and to serve as a global call-to-action for community service. Starting July 13, Mandela is asking volunteers to commit 67 minutes of their time (representing the 67 years Mr. Mandela spent fighting for humanitarian issues) towards volunteer work. (You can pledge online what you will do at http://www.mandeladay.com/participate/67minutes/ and have your volunteer work added to a handprint of what everyone in the world is doing (http://mandeladay.com/participate/handwall/). For more information, visit http://www.mandeladay.com/participate/volunteer/.
Contests
-Become a member of Panasonic’s Living in HD community (or refer other members if you’re already a member) during the month of July for a chance to win a 54″ Viera Plasma TV.
-If you have a budding artist (5 years +), then have them enter Office Depot’s backpack design contest, “Project Backpack” http://www.myprojectbackpack.com/. Participants will design an (actual or virtual – no purchase is necessary) Office Depot backpack using Sharpie markers. Winners get $10,000 in prizes, and a grand prize winner will have their design sold in Office Depot stores nationwide for the 2010 back to school season. The contest ends on 9/19/09.
Freebies
-Lifebooker New York, a website for spa deals in New York, is sponsoring free manicures for new users during the month of July. The manicures must be $12 or less. (The offer does not include tax or tip.) You just have to enter the code “FREEMANI” when you book.
Make the Best of Your Family’s Summer
(Despite the Recession)
Up to this point, my immediate family has not been negatively affected by the recession. I’m grateful for that and know that circumstances could change any day. As such, we are still trying to be careful with our finances. I know that I personally tend to spend a lot more money during the summer as I’m out and about with the kids, so I have to be aware of my purchases. (Besides, we have just spent thousands of dollars on our current move!)
That’s why I was happy to receive the following eight tips to make the best of your family’s “recessionary” summer. The information is from Marilyn Kagan, LCSW and Neil Einbund, Ph.D, marriage counselors and authors of Defenders of the Heart: Managing the Habits and Attitudes That Block You from a Richer, More Satisfying Life. They are based on their own family activities and conversations with parents in their Los Angeles private practice where parents have expressed concern about their kids this summer because the recession has taken away the opportunity for summer camp and/or family vacations. The instructions are aimed at instilling hope, creativity and family – making this the best summer yet!
1. Date night swap. Maybe you have enough funds for your weekly date night, but the babysitting fee is really breaking your budget. Don’t give up date night – your marriage needs it. Instead, arrange with your neighbors or other family friends to take turns watching each other’s children.
2. Skip the gym membership and get fit together. Set aside time during the week to hit the local park to play a sport together like softball or kickball. Gather the family and go for brisk walks after dinner. Wake up early on the weekend to cycle or hike on trails in your town.
3. Plant a garden. It teaches children about healthy eating and about positively contributing to Mother Earth. It also gives children something to care for each day.
4. Mentally prepare kids for the fall. In August, start to get your child’s mental power back on target by initiating one hour quiet time each day to fulfill back to school reading lists. Consider hiring a local high school or college student as a tutor to help your child get ahead in his or her weak subjects. Student tutors are usually more affordable and the work could benefit them too in their future career pursuits.
5. Flip your house. No DIY projects here. Instead, trade houses with a friend in another state that’s within driving distance. New places always lead to new, possibly great memories. It gives you and your family a chance to explore a new part of the country even if it’s only a few hours away.
6. Stay on top of local news. Whether it’s your weekly town paper, the city daily or a regional parenting publication, these media outlets will highlight a host of free and affordable activities during the week. If you’ve canceled all of your subscriptions to save a buck, then hit the internet and explore these publications online. You can also visit Craig’s List, Eventful, Zvents and CityGuide online for other nearby events and activities.
7. Join a cause together. Doing something good for others is one of the best feelings you can ever have. Families can contribute to the greater good by raising funds or providing time. Decide together those causes that are important to you, and how much you are willing to contribute.
8. Unplug. For one evening during the week, turn off the computers and television sets and host a night of good old time fun. Whether you take out the Monopoly board, spend hours on arts & crafts, or catch fireflies in the evening, teach your children the fun and inspiration in unplugged activities.
1,000th Blog Post: Pottery Barn Passion
Wow, how time flies! This is my 1,000th blog post. It just so happens that I’m sharing pictures from Pottery Barn, one of my favorite places to visit, in it. (After the Dapple event last Friday, I went to Pottery Barn with my two sons. It turns out that they love the store too. They made themselves a little too much at home. I was waiting for a store clerk to ask us to leave!) All of my moving challenges would be over if my family could just move inside of a Pottery Barn store…
PG Key: Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet
Back in April, I attended a parenting workshop. One of the things that we discussed was how important it is for parents to protect their kids from various things. One of the things that were mentioned in particular was the Internet. I think the presenter has a more negative opinion of the Internet (he compared it to a sewer!) than I personally hold. One thing that I did agree with though is that it is important for parents to have filters on their home computers.
I especially like the PG Key that I was sent to review. It’s a key that parents plug into their computer to protect their kids while they are online. Since my kids are small, I don’t let them use the computer alone anyway, but sometimes I have to walk out of the room for a few minutes. That is why I like the fact that I can filter and block inappropriate websites from coming up. Also, I know that Michael can’t use the computer while I’m away unless the key is in. You can actually record and watch everything that your kid is doing while online with this key too. I’m not especially worried about my kids’ Internet usage at this time, but I’m happy that we’re getting in the practice of using the Internet in a safe way. (It’s so much easier to continue with a practice as kids get older rather than try to introduce new habits later down the line!) Mostly, I like that the key is simple and easy to use. You just plug it into your computer to install it, set up a password and it starts filtering right away.
Sometimes pictures/videos help to “drive home” a product’s strengths a bit better than words, so below is a 60 second commercial that I found on YouTube about the product:
In any event, I think that the PG Key ($59.95) is a great investment in online safety.
Tell me…What do you to keep your kids safe (online or off)? (I’ll pick one of the “Comments” at the end of the month and send that reader their very own PG Key.)
Have a safe summer!
The Great Russian Water Circus Giveaway
I have read great things about “THE GREAT RUSSIAN WATER CIRCUS” (www.russianwatercircus.com) a new show that will be coming to the NYC area in September. So, I’m happy that they are offering one lucky Mom in the City reader a Family Four-Pack of tickets ($180+ value) which are good for the show dates between 9/18 and 9/28.
“First time ever in New York! A one of a kind international sensation! THE GREAT RUSSIAN WATER CIRCUS. The world’s only touring water circus has come to New York after 35 countries and countless standing “Bravo” ovations.
A water spectacle with 50 extraordinary acrobats, jugglers, magicians, clowns and synchronized swimmers, 350 spectacular costumes, sensational sets with stunning special effects and 75,000 gallons of water that will dazzle and amaze you. DON’T MISS THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME SPLASH EXTRAVAGANZA!”
To win, please let me know which aspect of the water circus that you think your family would enjoy the most in the “Comments” section below by August 1st.
For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter or friend me on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until August 1st.
Meanwhile, Mom in the City readers can save 20% on tickets to The Great Russian Water Circus at the Staten Island Mall under the Big Top! To order your discount tickets:
1. Call 212-307-4100 and mention code WCSI
2. Click here or visit Ticketmaster.com and enter code WCSI
(RESTRICTIONS- Offer is subject to change and may be revoked any time. If you experience problems with the links above, please use this direct link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/6ix73k)
Outback Steakhouse is for Serious Foodies (Like Me!)
I was in “foodie heaven” last night while attending an Outback SteakhouseTasting Event. While there, Outback’s Co-Founder and Head Chef Tim Gannon and Dave Ellis, Vice President of Research & Development shared about the company’s chef-inspired food at reasonable casual dining prices. It was obvious that both men love / are passionate about what he does.
They emphasized that “great food comes from great ingredients”. As such, everything in their restaurants is made from scratch. Since Outback was voted “#1 Best Steak” in a 2009 Zagat survey of National Full Service Restaurant chains, they must be doing something right! What impressed me the most (after eating various menu offerings) was that Outback has managed to serve such a variety of quality foods at such reasonable prices. (I’ve mentioned Outback’s new menu that offers 15 meals under $15, starting at $9.95 – with a steak meal for only $9.95 – on this site before.) I found out that the way that they are able to do so is because commodity prices are going down in this economy, so they can buy food at better rates. In addition, they have re-designed their menus to combine foods in order to be able to offer such competitive prices.
It was interesting to learn the “behind the scenes” information about this family-friendly company of restaurants. However, smelling and tasting the food made the event extra wonderful. For instance…in the past, I was not a fan of lobster. It tasted like “wet chicken” to me. After tasting Outback’s lobster, my mind has been changed. I LOVE lobster. (I leaned that the smaller the lobster tail, the better the taste. Maybe that was the problem in the past…) Anyway, take a glimpse of what I ate (click to enlarge):
And Dessert…
The room was dimly lit, so my photos are a little dark, but you get the overall picture. All I have left to say is that after chatting with my friends Beth and Issa and meeting fellow diners Aly and Jonathan, I “waddled” out after the tasting event! Oh yes, I do have one more thing to let you know. At the end of the event, Outback gave me a gift card for $100. My husband is not too happy with me about this, but I’m going to give it to one of you later this month. Stay tuned…
Win e.l.f. Cosmetics Gift Cards at 2PM Live Show Today
My blogging friend Katja of Skimbaco Lifestyle will be hosting her “First Ever Interactive LIVE Multimedia Snazl show” TODAY at 2PM EST. The show is part of e.l.f. Cosmetics BlogHer stories series, done by Snazl.com. Part of it is a video of Snazl interviewing Katja about fashion tips at the e.l.f. Cosmetics headquarters in New York last week. Katja will raffle $25 e.l.f. Cosmetics gift cards during the show. Nirasha of Mommy Niri and Sheena of Mommy Daddy Blog will also be co-hosting with Katja. If you’re around at 2pm, please come back to this post and watch the live show.
Dapple Tour/Launch Party
Last Friday, the boys and I went to NY Kids Club for a kick-off of Dapple’s month-long road trip across the US. Founded by two moms, Dapple makes baby-safe, green cleaning products and they are traveling across the US to help families, day cares, schools, and play centers “clean green”. It was a fun open gym play time for local moms and kids. (You can see my kids on their favorite part – the trampoline – in a video on this post at Dapple’s blog site.) There were also refreshments (Sean loved the cupcakes.); free Dapple samples (I especially like the toy cleaner wipes.); coupons and raffle prizes. Be sure to check their site to see a list of tour dates and cities on Dapple’s 50 stop road trip.
$100 JCPenney Baby Registry Gift Card
Recently JCPenney contacted me about their baby registry. (No, I’m not pregnant. If you read about me being pregnant, it will be one of those “IUD baby” situations!) Rather, they wanted me to test out the site since many Mom in the City readers are expectant moms. They sent me one $100 gift card to use on my registry. They also gave me a $100 gift card for one lucky Mom in the City reader.
Honestly, I didn’t even know that JCPenney had a baby registry. When I had Michael over 5 years ago, I registered at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby. (I didn’t want a baby shower for Sean, so I didn’t register anywhere for his birth.) Now, after having gone through the process of creating a baby registry on JCPenney’s site, I definitely think that it’s a great option for expecting moms.
Here are my top five thoughts after having gone through the registry process:
1. It’s easy to find the “Gifts and Registry” section. The link is on the top of the JCPenney home page. Once you click on it, there is a “find a registry” (by name) link on the page. (I know that It’s a little thing, but I hate having to search all over the place for what I’m looking for…especially if I’m looking to get a gift for someone else.)
2. It’s simple to create a registry. You fill in some basic information to set up your account and then you’re able to start picking items. You also have the option of receiving (up to 50) free announcement cards once you set up your registry. They will arrive within 2 -3 weeks. The only thing that I don’t like about the registration process is that a CoRegistrant name is a required field. (It’s a small thing, but what if you’re a single mom – by choice or by necessity?)
4. There’s a great selection of items to choose from and the registries are easy to update. The thing that I like about the idea of having your baby registry at a variety type store like JCPenney’s (rather than a baby specific store) is simply that you have more options. If you need baby staples, they have many of the top baby brands. If you’re an expectant parent who already has all of the basics, there’s a “More gift ideas on jcp.com” option where you can include items from all over their website on your baby registry. (I could have especially used that feature for my second child!) For instance, I used my gift card towards curtains and a rug for my boys’ room…
5. They offer free gift wrap and shipping on gift registry merchandise purchases of $49 or more. The only catch is that this only applies when buyers ship to JCPenney Catalog Desks for in-store pickups. (That’s fine if you have a local JCPenney, but not so great if you don’t.)
3. There are a lot of tips and advice on the registry. I’m an “information junkie” so having everything all in one place is ideal. From “parent’s favorites” to “baby solutions” to “nursery solutions”, there’s information on a wide range of topics. Do you need help regarding hosting a shower/designing your nursery/etc.? The information is there. (I especially like the “just for dads” section – the “21 things not to say” in particular.)
Now, it’s your turn to test the site for yourself. One lucky Mom in the City reader will win a $100 JCPenney gift card to use towards a JCPenney baby registry (either yours or to purchase a gift from a friend’s registry).
To win, please let me know which JCPenney baby registry item(s) – from either your or a friend’s registry - you would purchase with the $100 in the “Comments” section below by July 31st.
For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter or friend me on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until July 31st.
Good luck!
To see other contests & giveaways around the web, visit Contesting Monday or Contest Monday.)
Gift Hero Giveaway
Have you read about GIFT HERO yet? If not, this new site was founded by two NYC moms (former corporate and non-profit executives). After becoming frustrated with buying birthday gifts (for all of the parties to which their children were invited), they started this site offering a hand-picked selection of children’s birthday gifts for kids ages 3-10. On the site, there is a “Gift Finder” search tool to help customers choose gifts. Three questions (gender, age and price range) are asked to help in your selection.
Here’s the fun part. To introduce Mom in the City readers to the site, GIFT HERO will be giving one Mom in the City reader a Gears Beginning Building Set ($27). For ages 3+, this colorful building set has won several toy awards.
Set
Gift Bag
To win the set, please tell me your favorite gift on the GIFT HERO site in the “Comments” section below by July 15th.
Meanwhile, be sure to check out their site for your various kid gifting needs. To help, GIFT HERO is offering a 15% off discount to Mom in the City readers. Simply use the code “CITY”. It will be valid through July 15th.
To see other contests & giveaways around the web, visit Contesting Monday or Contest Monday.)
