Lemonade Day- Sunday May 3rd

Do you have a kiddo in your house that is always closing for something or a natural entrepreneur?

Then Lemonade Day is for YOU!

Held on the first Sunday of May every year since 2007, Lemonade Day offers kiddos the opportunity to savor the sweet taste of success that comes with setting up, owning and operating their very own lemonade business.

This city-wide event teaches kids the skills they need to be successful in the future. Youth learn to set goals, develop a business plan, establish a budget, seek investors, provide customer service, and give back to the community.

All you have to do is register today to get started. You’ll receive a backpack full of materials, including The Entrepreneur’s Workbook, which guides them through the entire process.
It is free for each youth to participate, and they get to KEEP THE MONEY that they earn!

And tomorrow, April 1st, is the first day backpacks are available! Once you are registered for Lemonade Day you will receive an email confirmation with your Username and password. Take your confirmation email to any of the participating locations to pick up your backpack which includes your Entrepreneur Workbook and Caring Adult Guide.

More questions? Visit the FAQ page here. Their site also has some fun games that might be just the thing to catch your kid's interest.

And did I mention there's contests for all you competitive types?

A great place to start is watching the video below. You'll be hooked for sure!

Something For Nothin'

The more I read blogs, the more I realize there are gals out there just like me. How? They have a need to share, even if there is no financial gain... whatsoever.

These chickadees (and one dude) are sharing their creativity, to give your blog or online social outlet a makeover, for FREE. Now's that something I get behind!

Blog Headers and Backgrounds
*Paisley Cat (this site is a wealth. She also has a ton of additional links for fonts, live signatures, etc.)
*Simply Blog It (backgrounds and headers...she also has bunches of additional sites listed)
*Banner of Blessing (shabby chic blog headers/banners)
*Aqua Poppy
*Bling on the Blog
*The Cutest Blog on the Block
*Smitten Blog Desigs
*Gisele Jaquenod

Signatures for Blog
*My Live Signature

Blog Help/Instructions
*Blog Doctor
*Blogger Tricks (this guy is amazing...has great, detailed instructions)

There is NO reason to spend a lot of cash when you get a bee in your bonnet to give your blog a new look.

And maybe, just maybe, this might give some of you non-blogging-lurkers the courage to create a blog to share what you just HAVE to share.

Come on...give it a shot! It'll be SO fun!

Two Timin'

I have a secret.

I've been two-timin' when it comes to blogging.

I can explain, I really can. It's not what you think. Plus, you'll be so blessed. (The short version? My sweet friend, Christina over at Nina Loca, is closing up shop early next year and moving on to greener pastures and newer projects. As a result, some of her information will be redirected over to the new blog below.)

Head over here to read about local fun in the Northwest Houston area. Lots of Summer Fun can be found over there in the coming weeks.

And if YOU have Local NW Houston Fun to share, please email your ideas to intheknownorthwest@gmail.com.

It takes a village to create a fun summer!

What's That Smell?

We all have our special gifts and talents.

Me? I have over-active olfactoryness. In English? I have an incredible sense of smell.

I wish I could say that my super power was one that I cherish and hold dear, but alas, it just brings me grief. Big fat stinkin' grief.

Especially when we there has been a breakdown in Critter communication behind our house. I swear, word on the trail should be that my casa is like The Hotel California. When will they learn?

Luckily for me, there is a handy product on the market that absorbs funky smells. Friends, meet Nature's Air Sponge Odor Absorber. This wonder is a technological breakthrough in the world of odor elimination and odor control. It's environmentally safe and eliminates virtually all odors and pollutants from the indoor air in your home, office, car, RV or boat, as well as lingering effects in clothing, curtains, drapes, carpets and upholstery.

Check out all the odors it tackles:

• Cooking Odors
• Diaper Odors
• Exhaust Fumes
• Garbage
• Gasoline Odors
• Hospital Odors
• Paint/Solvents
• Smoke Odors
• Bathroom Odors
• Mold & Mildew
• Pet & Skunk Odors

Impressive, right? And one not listed? Sewage..... Like if perhaps, sewage backed up into a bathtub? It happened to a friend who perhaps had someone living with unconfessed sin in her house. Ok, not really.....

All this for just under $8. Bargain!

I'll be stocking up on these little wonders once areas of my house start resembling a locker room. Something tells me I'm not too far away.

Feet Relief

Mosquitoes

'Round these parts, nothing positive comes to mind when that word is spoken. Houstonians, young and old, can be found sporting the oh-so-recognizable scent of Off from March to November.

I'm not kidding.

But I'm here today to give a new reputation to the word that brings about lots of itching.

Meet your feet's new BFFs....Moszkitos Sandals.

The founder of this company was a Flip Flop wearer all his entire life, when it became apparent after years of running, skiing and enormous amounts of fun, having arch support in all his footwear was necessary. So when it came time to developing their Archy Sandal line of flip-flops, fun and fashion were a key component.

Can I hear an Amen??

I'm lovin' their slogan: When you are on your next vacation don't let your footwear let you down halfway through your day.

I read about them in Shape Magazine and decided to give them a try, as I live in my flops all summer long (and honestly, most of the fall, too). This was a huge step for me because returning them would be an ordeal if they didn't work.

I ordered two pair (brave, right?). No worries. I'm SO not returning them.




You love them, don't you?


Just like any brand-new shoe, I broke them in by walking around the house (the arch support was a new concept for me). They are good to go now.

You might think they are a bit pricey, but if you order 2 or more pair, enter the code FAMILYPLAN and receive 25% off. And did I mention they offer free, FAST shipping?

If my choices don't do it for you, check out their many other styles and colors.

On a side note....let me also give a shout-out to Reefs sandals. They have been my go-to shoe for 2 summers running. I have this pair and this pair and wore them practically every day last summer. And you know Zappos give you the free-shipping-both-ways love.

When shopping for sandals this spring, remember.....Summer is too short to wear shoes that hurt your feet....at least, sandals.

They Wanted Us To Know

I find myself at a loss of how to exactly navigate through this post. Please forgive me for my heart is about to bust wide open for needing to share this with you.

Life is hard.

Right? We all have our struggles. ALL of us do. Sure, things are relative. My struggles aren't yours, and on it goes.

Part of being a female is trying to relate to other gals and all that comes with that. Some are private while others are an open book. But one group of women doesn't really have a choice in this matter.

Who are they? Pastor's Wives.

Their lives are an open book but they must keep close their emotions, hurts and reactions to what happens daily.... completely private, held inside their hearts and minds.

Beth Moore, through Living Proof Live, took an opportunity to love on these gals this past weekend in Tennessee. But before she met with them, she asked them to share with her what she needed to know about them, to best minister to them, before her arrival. To allow them freedom to share honestly, she requested they comment anonymously on her blog and she also kept the comments hidden.

Don't you know it blessed those sweet women to have a voice without fear of being revealed and all that comes with that?

Just today, Living Proof shared something on their blog that you must take the time to watch. In honor of these precious pastor's wives, a window into their lives was placed on the Living Proof site through three videos. Why did they do this? Because they wanted people to know what life in the ministry is truly like, that's why.

My heart's cry is their words will move the body of Christ to be FOR them and their husbands, not against them.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus, let it be so.
Amen

Cinema Alfresco

Vintage Park, located at Louetta and 249, is offering outdoor movies every month in 2009.

Have dinner at one of their fabulous patios, sit on one of their comfortable benches around the fountains, or cozy up in your own blanket or chair for a movie under the stars. Showtime is 7 PM. With new restaurants are opening monthly, you can't lose!

Here's the line up:

April 11th.................Field of Dreams
May 9th...................Jumanji
June 13th................Raiders of the Lost Ark
July 11th.................A League of Their Own
August 8th..............Ratatouille
September 12th.....E.T.
October 10th..........Ghostbusters
November 14th......Harry Potter
December 12th.......Polar Express

For more information, visit vintageparkhouston.com

Not a movie fan? Live Music in the Piazza is also featured Thursdays and Fridays 7-9 pm.

Short List:: Spring Break 2009

It's Spring Break 'round these parts.

Who else had their little darlins' greet them with questions of just what exactly is on the agenda for this week off of school?

(pause for sound of crickets chirping....)

Fortunately, Houston is jam-packed with all kinds of things to do and see, both inside and outdoors.

I'll start with a few and will add and post an update later in the week.


Here's to a great Staycation 2009!

Ruckus Room
Kids' Town
Jumpin Jacks
Monkey Bizness
Pump It Up (open jump 9-5 this week, $5 per child)

Cypress Academy is having a Parent's Day Out this Thursday the 19th

Miracles Baseball Spring Break Camp

Lunar Mini Golf (glow-in-the-dark putt putt)
Putting Edge (same, just off I-10 and Antoine)
Shankz Golf - The Woodlands variety

Aviator's Grill -have lunch and watch the airplanes at Hooks Airport
Brenham Municipal Airport - same idea, just a bit further west

Incredible Pizza
Itz
Mountasia

Children's Museum (7 new exhibits!)
Houston Zoo (Who doesn't want to see Toby, the red panda?)

Transco Tower
Memorial Park
Collins Park
Meyer Park
heck...any old park will do! Pack a lunch and get out there. No rain until Sunday!

I'm just scratching the surface.

What big plans do YOU have this week?

***Thanks, Michele, for your supah star ideas!

Restaurants.com

Let me introduce you to your new Date Night BFF....Restaurant.com.

Or so I thought....

I heard about this site through The Bargain Shopper Lady. Sounded too good to be true!

It totally was.

After Googling 'Restaurant.com scam?", here is what I found. Seems lots of people have had problems....and recently. These aren't old complaints, but I did see some as far back as 2007.

I originally was going to delete the post all together, but thought it might help to get the word out about the company, in case you heard about it somewhere else.

The Consumer Watchdog that I am.

So, read the post below with caution. If you read the fine print, you might be able to still get some deals on local eateries.



Restaurant.com serves as the community matchmaker, introducing great restaurants to great people. From appetizers to dessert, from wine to dinner, Restaurant.com helps restaurant owners promote the new and unique aspects of their restaurants while providing diners with great value in a fun, new and cost effective way. Your favorite restaurant is in your neighborhood – maybe you just don't know it yet. Restaurant.com is there to help.

How does it work?

It’s so easy. Just use their search to find a restaurant. Doesn't just have to be local....venture out to an area away from your home for a night on the town. Many of the participating restaurants have different offers, so pick the place that suits you best. They provide handy descriptions and even menus to help you decide. Follow the instructions for purchasing a gift certificate and print it out.

In minutes you're all set for a night out for less!

But wait...there's MORE!

The Bargain Shopper Lady has a code that makes the purchase price 80% off! Use code MENU to get restaurant gift certificates or coupons for $2.

This offer expires March 15th.

Skeptical? EJ's Neighborhood Pizza is on there as well as Mama's Cajun Cuisine. And you just might want to give Bertani Ranch another try. I hear they've improved.

The Short List

Summer is a comin'......

I tell you this not to cause swimsuit-induced-panic, but to offer some suggestions on how enjoy the summer with your kiddos...in addition to the pool.

This is my first pass....definitely more to come!

*Vacation Bible Schools
Houston's First Baptist Church: June 8-12

John Wesley UMC: June 8-12

Champion Forest Baptist Church: June 16-20

Faith Bridge UMC: June 22-26

Lakewood Methodist UMC: June 29- July 2

Still hanging out there: Foundry, The Met, Cypress Bible and Christ the Reedeemer

*Champion Forest Baptist Sports Camps, brought to you by Triumph Sports (dates not posted yet). The absolute BOMB...we loved these last year. NOT just for boys!

*Lakewood Methodist UMC Sizzling Summer Fun 2008 dates and camps listed, to give you an idea of what is to come for 2009

*John Wesley UMC S.A.C.K. 2009 (Summer Adventure Camp)

*Longwood Golf Camp

*Blackhorse Ranch also offers a golf camp, but nothing mentioned on their site yet.

*Arts of Glaze Summer Camps

*Cypress Academy of Gymnastics offers Parent's Day Out each Thursday in June and July...and maybe August

*The Good 'Ol YMCA offers a multitude of summer programs for members and non-members. Stop by for a schedule. My boys enjoyed the Sports Camp last summer (indoor gymnastics-feel to it)

*Lone Star College. Registration is Saturday, April 18th...in person. Super Yikes. Those classes fill crazy fast.

*Houston Museum of Natural Science Summer Xplorations (2 locations, Main and Woodlands)

*AMC Summer Movie Camp

****I also have it on good authority that Wee Ones will be offering some summer activities.

Your turn. Help me fill in the blanks. I have to think that there is a Tennis Camp somewhere out there....and other art-style camps.

What summer activities do you know of and want to share?


***UPDATE*****

Said authority offered this info:

*Wee Wuns Summer Fun Days- summer camp that runs MWF for 2 weeks from July 13-24 and is available for ages 14 mos.- current 2nd graders. Contact the Wee Wuns office at Cypress United Methodist Church for more information.

*Another fun camp for 2yrs- completed 4th graders is Camp Cornerstone at Cornerstone United Methodist preschool. They have a week long camp in June, July, and Aug. Taught by the preschool teachers with super fun themes. Cornerstone is located in Copperfield. More information on their website at www.cornerstoneumc.org/pre_summerycamps.html

More than Words

My 100th post came and went last week.

Seriously? I've needed to share that much information?

Wow, thanks for sticking with me! Maybe I need to get a hobby....like gardening. :-)

What I did realize is sometimes it's nice to revisit the ones that really were helpful, not just rants about magazine covers being inappropriate. Tray couldn't believe I blogged about that. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

My desire has always been for this blog to be a place for you to learn something practical. I pray that has been the case.

Here are my favorites, so far.

1. Tips for a trip to Disney
2. Tips for a trip to Europe
3. Stain Removal
4. Gift Ideas
5. What to do with Photo Christmas cards, after December
6. Teaching your kids about Money
7. A Jump Start for Fitness
8. Online Discount Codes
9. A Special Father's Day Gift
10. Plans for reading through the Bible

And just for fun...3 more that still make me think, A LOT
1. Ends of the Earth
2. Playing Favorites
3. A Look Inside

*And just so we are all on the same page...when you see a color change in the text, those are links. Not just me being creative!

A Cry For Help

I am many things, but a gardener, I am not.

I love flowers. I love how they brighten up a home or can cheer up any dreary day.

But, alas, I cannot keep them alive.

I went a bit crazy with a shovel today and dug out quite a bit of landscaping that was either out of control or dead. I'm not sure I'll walk completely upright again any time soon....my back is screamin'.

Part of me loves how simple and clean it looks.

But the reality is now I have BIG holes.

Can you help a girl out?

What flowers should I plant that can withstand H'town's climate?

I love me some snapdragons...are those good choices?

I need serious gardening help. Will you please, come out of blogstalking and offer advice?

Don't make me beg. If I get a letter from the HomeOwner's Association, it's all on you.

So there.

Pretty please?

Money for 'Nothin

Sometimes it's nice to know college girls. They often know about cool stuff that someone, say in their mid 30's, would know nothing about.

I have 2 SIL's who are in their 20's and they bring the 'coolness' to me. I'm SO lucky.

Coolness like Swagbucks.

Sounds kinda piratey to me. Arrrrgggh

Swagbucks is a search engine powered by Google and Ask. When you use their search engine, you regularly receive points that can be redeemed for prizes like gift cards, clothing, video games, etc. for free.

If you already use Google or Ask as a search engine, it is a good idea to make Swagbucks your primary search engine because it is basically the same thing except that you receive points while you are using it. Swagbucks (Google and Ask) gives people points and prizes in an effort to keep them as a user of their search engine.

And here are Swagbucks Tips. Dandy!

Aren't you a bit curious....sure you are!

Then you'd better go here to register and get started. It seems a little MultiLevelMarketingish to me (I earn points when you search, but those you refer do too)...but harmless enough.

Nothing to lose and Gap, Amazon, Southwest Airlines and many other certificates to gain.

I don't pretend to be deep...I don't know much about SwagCodes, SwagPolls or how to earn extra SwagBucks by searching for hidden clues. That just might send me over the edge. Baby steps....Face book was overwhelming at first, too.

And you know I did a thorough internet search for safety and validity. Swagbucks is completely safe. It does not ask for any personal information such as your phone number or credit card number and there is no spam mail. It's all good.

And like all good things, I'm sure will come to an end someday. But how fun to earn money while you search for stuff you'd already be searching for anyway.

Note: you don't win swagbucks every single time....but like I said, you might win sometimes...and that's money for nothin'. Right?

Free Sing-Along

HIGHLAND VILLAGE
Houston, TX
Performers:
Thurs. 3/12 - Non-Toxic Band
Show Times:
10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

THE WOODLANDS MALL
The Woodlands, TX
Performers:
Fri. 3/13 - Non-Toxic Band
Show Times:
10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Need other locations outside of H-town? Go here. They also have a Book Club for kids on Tuesdays. Who knew?