Coolest Halloween Costumes EVER!!!

I am a HUGE fan of Halloween. I mean I actually get goose pimples thinking about all the decorations, costumes and sugar highs that accompany this glorious holiday. Forget Christmas, forget Thanksgiving and even forget that I even HAVE a birthday. Halloween rocks!

So every year I ask the kids what they want to be for Halloween. We've hosted the vampire, the cowboy, Darth Vader and yes...even a Zebra. All pretty traditional. BOOORRING! I wanted to do something pretty unique this year and I finally found the perfect costume. We are going for the gold this year...the absolute pinnacle of cool.

Drum roll please!^^^^^^yes... it's the THE STICK MAN costume!




Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. Some people have wonderful imaginations. Good thing too, because it's people like me who need to steal the ideas of people like them. Isn't America freakin' fantastic?!?

Summer Drive-In via YOUR COMPUTER!

It's been a while since my last blog, but hey it's summer and I'd really rather be doing something other than sit in front of this damn computer!

However in my quest for something to do, I discovered a great site called crackle.com. Of course, this site requires me to sit in front of the computer, but when it's 114 degrees outside, somehow I really don't mind.

The site plays free movies and classic tv shows, past and present. Everything from Bewitched and Green Acres to Rescue Me and Damages. They also have full length movies and right now they are promoting their 31 movies in 31 days. A free FULL-LENGTH movie every day. Today is All the Kings Men with Sean Penn and Ghostbusters starring Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray.

Pretty neat site especially when you are on a long flight or sitting in the doctors office waiting for your 5 minute visit from the doctor after you've sat in the waiting room for 45 minutes. (Yes, I'm bitter.)

Check it out and hope everyone is having a great summer!

Got Chocolate?

It's not everyday that someone offers you a free bar of chocolate. M&M Mars however is doing just that. Each Friday, through the 25th of September, if you are one of the lucky 250,000 U.S. residents to respond first, Mars will send you a coupon worth one free bar of chocolate.

Yes siree, one free bar of Three Musketeers, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Dove or Bag of M&M's could be yours for the incredible low price of F-R-E-E!

All you do is log on to their website at Mars Real Chocolate and fill in your email address as well as your home address, etc. They will then send you a coupon within 6 weeks (I sent them my information and got my coupon within two weeks.) You can only request the coupon on Friday's and they limit the total coupons you can receive to one per Friday and four to any one address. That's FOUR free bars of chocolate!

Now if you're wondering, I spent my coupon on my favorite candy bar, a Three Musketeers Mint Dark Chocolate bar. I was totally selfish and ate the entire thing by myself after amply freezing it for one hour. (It's the only proper way to eat it.) My next coupons will go to my kids and then to my hubby. It's only fair. However if the mood strikes and I'm PMSing, nobody better stand in the way of me and my Milky Way!

Have a gloriously chocolatey day!

Why I Foster Dogs

I watched a program the other day about a dog who had been hogtied, muzzled and then thrown in a garbage dumpster in Phoenix. The Humane Society was called in and rescued this dog before it had succumb to certain death. I just heard yesterday about a dog that had been left outside in 110+ degree weather with the owners leaving their back gate open hoping that it would just runaway. A rescue organization was called by the neighbors and the dog is now safely in their hands. I hear these stories EVERY DAY in the media and in the group forums that I volunteer with.

What is wrong with these people!

It for these reasons and many others that I foster dogs in my home. The perception that we are a throwaway society is no more apparent than when we treat animals like trash. You don't have to be an animal lover to know that we as a society are responsible for the care and welfare of all domesticated animals even if you don't want or own a pet. With that being said, I understand that many people these days are losing their homes and can't afford or can't care for their animals anymore. Although it is a national tragedy, here in Arizona it is a far worse fate because animals are left in conditions that mean certain death within hours, not days, with our scorching summers. There are organizations that are more than willing to take these animals no questions asked. Why then do people make their pets suffer needlessly?

My involvement came after we lost our beautiful lab of 14 years named "Dave". He was a pound puppy that my husband adopted at the age of 3 1/2 months. He had been previously tied to a tree in the yard and left alone. When the previous owner's husband left on a fishing trip, the wife, who didn't like the dog and was mad at her husband, returned him to the animal shelter. When the husband returned from the trip he tried to get the dog back, but my husband was already in the process of adopting him. I'm glad the Humane Society denied the man's pleas and we ended up with the best dog in the world. So when we lost Dave, I really couldn't bring myself to get another dog, but since we were set up as two dog household anyway, (we also have an 8 year old Lab/Great Dane named "Chloe"), I thought it would be a good way to keep Dave's memory alive by fostering dogs that came out of difficult situations like how Dave started out and the ones mentioned above.

So even if you don't want a pet or even like animals, please remember that it doesn't take much to be kind. To give some water to a thirsty dog or to take a stray cat to an animal shelter so that it doesn't get run over. (I actually keep the number to animal control on my cell phone in case I see a stray animal on the road.) If you're considering adopting a pet or even fostering, the need is greater than ever. We can't save all of them, but to the one you save it means the world.

Here are some links:

http://www.hsus.org/ (Humane Society)

http://www.azhumane.org/index.shtml (Arizona Humane Society

http://www.aawl.org/ Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA)

http://www.azlabsandgiants.org/index.html (the organization I foster for)

http://www.petfinder.com/ (Petfinder.com)

http://www.pets911.com/index.php (Lost and Found Dogs and Cats as well as adoption)

VIDEO ABOUT FOSTERING

You wanna do what this summer?

For the past couple of months, my husband has had this itch to go camping. I personally have never been camping so there is definitely some ground rules that need to be set before we head off into the so-called, "wild". Not that I oppose roughing it for a couple of days, but a girl's gotta draw the line somewhere.

#1. I'm not sleeping in a tent on the ground - bugs in my hair or sleeping bag is something out of one of my childhood nightmares.

#2. I'll settle for a tent trailer - however it MUST have a toilet because I'm not venturing out at 3 'clock in the morning in pitch darkness to accidentally squat next to Yogi the bear.

#3. I will not kill anything for food- that includes anything with gills, antlers, or hooves unless I have a personal chef along and even then, DON'T tell me what I'm about to eat.

#4. I will kill anything that flies, crawls or stings - PETA be damned, I call it self-defense.

#5. Camping out does not translate to "mom-does-everything-just-like-at-home"-if that's the case, I'll hire a maid to go with you guys while mom enjoys 3 days of peace and quiet at home.

So as novice campers, we headed out to see some trailers at a place called Little Dealer Little Prices in Mesa. Not much to look at from the parking lot, but once you go inside it's like stepping into a log cabin museum. A cave-like tunnel leads into their indoor showroom that looks like you've stepped into a forest campground at twilight. (Not that I know what a campground at twilight actually looks like, but let's just pretend I know what I'm talking about.) I've got to say, it's pretty cool. They really try to give you that outdoorsy feeling. Even the salespeople are dressed up like Park Rangers! All they need is Yogi Bear to show up to take souvineer photos!

Anyway, after darting in and out of all the trailers, we left the place with our wallets intact. No impulse purchase, thank goodness, although I must say we were tempted. The place is a real kick in the head and the kids absolutely loved it. Next we headed off to Bass Pro Outdoor World in Mesa. If you have never been to this place, you have to go at least once. I've never seen a bigger collection of camoflauge in one place! (They even sell camo pacifiers!) The place is designed like a wildlife museum on steroids. It has more stuffed heads, fish tanks, shooting galleries and NASCAR enthusiasts then a redneck wedding. Needless to say, the boys loved it.

So now all the planning needs to take place. We've decided to rent a trailer and try it out first before we make the plunge. So...first have to reserve a trailer, outfit our minivan with a hitch, find a suitable campground in the middle of summer that hasn't been overrun by campers, then I have to plan what to take, what to not take and how to keep my sanity with two toddlers, one overgrown toddler and an 85 lb. Labrador.

Wish us luck. If we even make it out of the driveway, it will be a miracle. :0)

Can't plant anything in the desert...nonsense!

I personally have tried to grow everything from strawberries to tomatoes out here in the dry desert heat and have failed everytime. I admittedly DO NOT have a green thumb for such things so I was really doomed from the start. (That and a dog who loves to eat strawberries and tomatoes.)

Thank goodness there are lots of farmers still left in the valley of the sun who make a pretty good living at making things grow. Infact, they are willing to share their crops every season with us would-be farmers and invite the public to pick out their own veggies and fruits.

This weekend check out Dobson Family Farms who operate out of the Sheep Springs Sheep Company on Alma School Rd. and Queen Creek Rd. next to Target. They are offering organic sweet corn for 4 ears for a $1.00. You can go out to the stalks and pick out your own or choose from already picked corn in the office. I know my kids would love to pick their own corn and then reap their rewards for the 4th of July.

If you miss out, there are still lots of farms around the valley that you can visit and pick your own produce. Some even provide entertainment like hay rides, petting zoos and train rides. Go to this link http://www.pickyourown.org/AZ.htm#listings to find the one closest to you. Most are seasonal and I would call before hand to make sure the farms are open for business.

Happy picking and have a wonderful 4th of July!

Glidden's Giving Away Free Paint!

This is probably one of the most unique giveaways I've seen in a long time. Glidden is actually giving away a free quart of eggshell finish paint! Go to their website at http://www.glidden.com/ and choose from a large variety of paint colors. Fill in their online form or call their toll-free number 1-800-GLIDDEN and your paint should arrive within 3-4 weeks. Pretty simple.

Now, I'm a Behr girl myself, but I'm willing to try a different brand especially if it's F-R-E-E. A quart is actually a lot of paint and that amount will be just enough to paint an accent wall. I'm just amazed that the guys and gals at Glidden are willing to ship it to your house for free.

Anyway, I'm getting mine right now and you better hurry...the promotion only lasts through July 2, 2009 or as long as their generosity lasts. Hopefully, you won't find a scene in your living room like the picture above. Wow.

Have a Birthday Coming Up?

Do you remember the humiliation you endured on your 12th birthday when you and your folks went out to dinner with your Aunt Martha and Grandma Lois and all of a sudden a chorus of voices emerged from the backroom seranading you with a lighted cupcake? Do you remember the same humiliation when you were 20 and your girlfriends decided to have some fun with you at the local TGIF's? Despite the red face and strangers looking at you, it was kinda fun being the center of attention for all of 5 minutes wasn't it?

Now you can relive that past drama again at participating restaurants and stores throughout the country by following this link: freebirthdaytreats.com. The site links you up with all kinds of freebies including car washes, bowling, dinner, golf and even spa treatments! Some are even good for your entire birthday month. These birthday freebies are good for not only children, but adults and pets as well! Check it out and have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Customer Appreciation Week at Chick-fil-A!

Hey, if you like your chicken and just can't get enough of the winged morsel, go down to Chick-fil-A this week.

Starting June 15th through the 20th, Chick-fil-A is hosting a customer appreciation week at SanTan Village in Gilbert. They are offering all kinds of free stuff and entertainment starting with free breakfast from 6:30am to 10:30am everyday throughout the week.

Everyday will be a different event like Superhero night on the 16th starting at 5pm and a Sock Hop on the 18th. Free food and coupons will be given out daily!

Oh, and don't forget about Dad on Saturday and give him an early Father's Day gift. Chick-fil-A will give your dad a free breakfast or lunch from 8am to 11am to when you bring the kids. (After all, it's kind of cheating if your kids don't come with...ya know what I mean?)

Chick-fil-A Customer Appreciation website.

P.S. Did you know Chick-fil-A will deliver...who woulda thunk?

Chandler Festival this weekend!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Ok...looking for something to do this weekend that requires no money and no effort on your part? Then head to A.J. Park in downtown Chandler this Saturday to attend Chandler's second annual Summer Splash.

The festival is free of charge and will feature water slides, dunk tanks, bounce houses, carnival games and and lots of other water fun. From what I understand there will be vendors selling refreshments, and a Game Truck will be there, so it's not ENTIRELY free, but if you bring your own drinks and a picnic lunch I'm sure you'll save some dough.

Also, Aqua-Tots Swim School will be there offering free swim lessons to children as young as two years old. I've been wanting to get my kids into swimming lessons, so it might be a good time to check the school out and ask some questions about swimming lessons for your little ones.

The festival is in the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in Historic Downtown Chandler this Saturday, June 20th from 10am to 4 pm.

http://www.downtownchandler.org/

KIDS EAT FREE? COUNT ME IN!

The last time my hubby and I went out with the kids, it cost us about $20. What did we get for our $20? Mediocre food, worse service and the dirty looks of adults without kids or people who forgot what having toddlers is like. On top of that, my kids maybe took one bite out of their hamburgers and then said they "weren't hungry" only to claim they were starving by the time we got home. Sound familiar?

Now I don't know about you, but if I'm going to suffer these indignities every time I go out for a family meal, I might as well save some cabbage. I will gladly ignore the salty looks from old farts for a free pancake smiling back at me!

Here's a partial list of restaurants that have free kids' clubs.

TGIF's - Each child 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult eats free. Mondays and Tuesdays, all day. Not available at the Chase Field location.

GARCIA's MEXICAN - Kids eat free on Sundays, all day. Chandler, Glendale and Tempe locations participate.

CHICK-FIL-A - Free kids meal with an adult meal purchase. Nine locations in the Valley. Day of week for Kids Eat Free promotion varies by location. Hours vary, too, but are generally evening only.

CHEVY'S FRESH MEX - Kids 12 and under eat free all day Tuesday excluding holidays, one child per regular priced adult entree purchased. Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix.

MINING CAMP RESTAURANT - Family style dinners, chicken, ribs, steak. Children under 4 are free, ages 5 - 12 are half price.

RIGATONY's - Southern Italian food. On Wednesdays kids eat free with each adult dine-in entrée purchase. One child per adult.

DENNY's - Kids eat free on Tuesday night from 4pm to 10pm (and some Saturday, check your local restaurant.)

COCO's - Coco’s offers kids 10 and under one free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s after 4pm.

For more restuarants follow this link: http://www.azkidseatfree.com/

Whoop-de-freakin'-do

The big day is finally here. Woo Hoo.

Turning 41 really isn't that bad...if you're a tree. I hate the fact that I have more wrinkle creams, retinol and eye lifting serums than food in my refrigerator. Infact, I now have more anti-age stuff in jars than is legally permissible on board an aircraft. I feel so old that I think that I'm now going to just say my age in dog years. (Don't bother to get out the calculator...it's 5.86 if anyone cares.)

But I guess it isn't all bad. There are presents involved. Unfortunately, my hubby has no imagination and usually will just ask me what I want. Sweet man that he is, he really is clueless when it comes to surprising his wife. This year, I asked for one of those new Smartphones. This is a timely gift considering I thoroughly washed and dried my cell phone last week. I used Woolite in the gentle cycle so at least there was no fading or stretching.

I'm really starting to feel my age however because I used to make fun of the old people who were technologically in the dark. When I was "younger", my computer skills on WordPerfect were rivaled by none and my 3 pound cell phone was the envy of my friends. Now, I'm laughed out of the room because my cell phone doesn't have internet access and I have yet to Twitter.

Oh well.

So sing with me now...

"Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday dear what's her name...Happy Freakin' Birthday to me!

Now let's raise our glasses... to one more year of cheating death!

Things for toddlers to do around Chandler and the East Valley...

The only thing worse than a summer in Phoenix, is a summer in Phoenix with two bored toddlers and no extra funds to go on a REAL vacation. Lucky for you, I've compiled a list of activities for the mostly "5 and under crowd." Most of these activities are indoor to beat the summer heat and eliminate cabin fever. There is a lot more to do around town than you might think.

DID I MENTION THAT THEY ARE ALL FREE?!?


#1 SPLASH PARKS
http://phoenix.about.com/od/publicswimmingpools/ss/splash_2.htm



Splash parks are great, safe water fun for toddlers. I was surprised to find so many of them around the Phoenix area. There are three in Chandler alone. This picture was taken at the Jaycee Splash Pad in Tempe. We happened to stumble upon it when the Tempe Splash Pad at Tempe Town Lake was closed for the day (bummer!). It was a little smaller than the Town Lake Splash Pad, but a lot less crowded.


#2 HOME DEPOT KID'S WORKSHOP/LOWE'S BUILD AND GROW DAYS


I really love how these organizations have set up special workshops for kids. Times and dates vary and are usually posted at the entrances. Home Depot usually conducts theirs the first Saturday of the month between 9:00am and noon while Lowe's varies their dates and times. (You will need to register at the Lowe's site to attend and secure a spot.) When you arrive you're given an official Home Depot or Lowe's kid-size apron, goggles and a project kit that you do with your parent or guardian right there in the store. Both places give pins and/or patches to add to your apron when a project is completed and Lowe's gives out certificates. When we went to Lowe's this last time, the Sun Lakes Fire Department was on hand and let the kids fire the water hoses. Very cool! Projects vary but include bird houses, race cars, toolboxes, fire trucks and Holiday projects. Oh, I have to note that the workshops are catered to kids 5 through 12, but my 3 and 4 year old still loved it and were welcome to participate!

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?catalogId=&langId=-1&pn=Kids_Workshops&storeId=10051

https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/

#3 McDONALD'S PLAY PLACE

I really don't know why we as parents plop down a couple of hundred dollars a year for organized gym classes and bouncy-type places, when for the price of a happy meal (or vanilla cone) you can visit a McDonald's Play Place. My kids get more enjoyment from one of these places than they ever did at the bouncy places around town. Now some ARE better than others so you might want to visit a few before deciding on a fav. To find a McDonald's that has a Play Place (or to avoid one at all costs,) check out their restaurant locator using this link: http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/rest_locator.html


#4 BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORES
Did you know that a lot of Barnes and Noble Bookstores have free storytime events? Some B&N's also have craft events in conjunction with storytimes. Even if you don't make it for their storytime events you can still have your little ones play with the train sets in the children's book section. That's available anytime. I usually go to my local B&N here at the Crossroads Towne Center on the Chandler/Gilbert border. My kids enjoy playing with the Thomas the Train set and looking at the different books. We'll usually sit and read them together while mommy has a much deserved Mocha from Starbuck's. For a list of events near you, click on this link: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2039

#5 PUBLIC LIBRARY

We all know that the good 'ol Public Library is a great place to take your kids, but they also have wonderful storytime events that are very interactive and keep your toddler entertained. Now if that's not enough incentive for you to go to the library, then check this out...! Because of the generous sponsorhip of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, ShowUp.com and the Macy's Foundation, you can get up to 4 Free admissions to any of the following valley destinations:

1. The Phoenix Zoo
2. Desert Botanical Gardens
3. The Heard Museum
4. The Arizona Science Center
5. Phoenix Art Museum
6. Mesa Contemporary Arts
7. Arizona Museum for Youth ...and more!

All you have to do is check out a "Culture Pass" at one of these participating local valley libraries. Depending on the attraction you pick, this could save you almost $50 on admission for 4! f you haven't been to your local library lately, "check it out!" (Note: There are a limited number of culture passes available at each library, so get there earlier in the week. Each pass is good for 7 days, up to 4 admissions to any or all of the attractions!)http://chandlerlibrary.org/kids_place.htm

#6 BEHIND-THE SCENES TOURS

There's a little know secret in Phoenix that most people would love to get involved in if they knew about them. They are behind-the-scenes tours that are FREE (or close to free.) The ones listed below are specifically for kids (or for the kid in you,) but if you Google "Behind The Scenes Tours Phoenix", you'll get a complete list. The Stuffington Bear Factory in Phoenix and the Carreta Candy Company in Glendale are two you're kids will love and they don't charge a dime!

http://www.stuffington.com/shop/pc/pages/Drop-In-Visit-Us-14.htm
http://cerreta.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=38

#7 AMC SUMMER MOVIE CAMP and HARKINS THEATRES SUMMER FUNI had to list this one even though there is a charge because let's face it...it's only a dollar and in the case of Harkins Summer Fun...less than a dollar!!!

AMC SUMMER MOVIE CAMP
Families, schools and organizations alike are invited to see great kids' movies during AMC Summer MovieCamp. Available at select AMC theatres, this fun-filled program brings you:
* $1 movies from June 17 – August 5
* Shows starting at 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday
* Great field trip opportunities – groups can purchase tickets one week in advance starting June 10 at the box office or online at participating theatres
In addition, you can purchase an AMC Kids Pack for $3.00 that includes a kid-sized popcorn, drink and snack. What a deal!
http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/index.html

HARKINS THEATRES SUMMER FUN

Harkins Theatres' popular Summer Movie Fun program for kids will again premiere at theatres across the Valley this summer. The ten-week program begins May 30th at 12 Harkins theatres throughout the Valley. Featuring 10 popular family movies for an unbeatable $7.00. Tickets are available at participating theatres' box offices. Parents can also call the Summer Movie Fun hotline at 480-627-5525 or visit www.harkinstheatres.com for more information. http://www.showup.com/event/detail/45572

#8 JOIN A PLAYGROUP

This is easier than you think and great social interaction for your toddlers. There is a website available at http://playgroup.meetup.com/ that allows you to search through several organized playgroups in your area. There's just about a playgroup for everyone and even though some of the groups charge a nominal fee, most don't. A lot of these groups meet at parks, libraries, members homes and various other locations around the valley. Typically what you do is pick a group you'd like to join. Sign up, which will give you access to a schedule of events, and decide whether or not you want to attend those events. Even if you decide after one meeting that it's just not your thing, you might still come out with some good ideas from other moms for keeping your toddler busy. Worth a try!

#9 MUSEUMS ON US (Sponsored by Bank of America)

Bank of America is now partnering with the Phoenix Zoo to provide one (1) free general admission ticket to all Bank of America customers that show their BofA ATM, credit or check card and a valid ID. Additionally, if you are a BofA employee, you will also receive a free general admission with a valid employee and photo ID. Now the catch is that it is only valid the first full weekend of every month, but that's still a $16.00 adult admission savings or $7.00 child admission savings. (3 and under are always free.)

Bank of America used to have this offer for the Mesa Southwest Museum, but apparently they no longer do. I really liked the MSM, so that's a big loss.

For a full listing of all participating museums, zoos and others around the country go to this link: http://museums.bankofamerica.com/


#10 FREE FAMILY OPEN HOUSE AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER


To promote environmentally conscious awareness for all ages, the EEC (in Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler) offers a free Family Open House on the third Tuesday of each month this summer (June 16, July 21 and August 18) from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. These events include fun nature-based activities, crafts, hikes, movies, stories and science labs. Registration is not required; just stop by and join the fun!
I've personally never been to the EEC or the Park, but it sounds like a neat place to go for biking, fishing and nature walks in the cooler months. Here's a website that explains a little bit more about the newest recreational park in Chandler.
http://phoenix.about.com/od/parks/ss/VeteransOasis.htm



#11 IKEA PLAY PLACE
IKEA in Tempe has nine play areas throughout the store, including a supervised area, for children who meet the 37'' - 54'' height requirement, called Smaland that replicates the look of a typical Swedish farmhouse and forest. This ultra-clean, uber-cool play area is a fun, safe place for kids to romp while their parents shop. Kids must be potty-trained, and the staff gives parents a buzzer in case the little ones need you. They won't--this play place has a cozy area for kids to watch movies, a pit full of balls to dive in to, and plenty of crafts to occupy their time. After your 1-1/2 hours of alone time is up, take the kiddies upstairs for the famous IKEA 99-cent kid's dinner, where there is an additional play area as well.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea



#12 WESTCOR KIDS CLUB
This FREE event is an interactive community program designed to educate and entertain children in a safe and happy place (and what place is happier for mom than the mall!) Members learn about a new topic each show along with music, dancing and reading. The program is ran by entertainer, Persephone http://www.squidoo.com/persephone-kids-club-dooper along with Webster the Warthog, the Westcor Kids Club mascot.
Join Persephone and Webster the Warthog for Kids Club, every fourth Wednesday of the month from 10a.m. - 11a.m. in the Food Court!
http://www.shopsantanvillage.com/events.asp?id=5578