Tuesday, January 31, 2012

They’re in Full Bloom


There’s a fantastic new place in town where learning takes place in a blended environment with children of all levels of need, and it’s called Sproutlings.

You’ll see upwards of 120 children on the Masonic Homes of Louisville campus now days thanks to Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care and Preschool.  At Sproutlings, they take a different approach to day care and preschool by integrating both typical children and children with special needs, including up to 60 children who are medically fragile.

Check them out at www.sproutlingsdaycare.com or call for a tour, 502.753.8222.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Vacation or Staycation?

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It’s that time of year when the HR department is asking for your vacation day schedule.
Will your summer vacation this year involve a stroll on the beach?

… or might a family “staycation” be on your schedule with some local exploring?

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You could order up a “fried egg” at Squire Boone Caverns.

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… or take the wheel in an old pickup truck at the Louisville Zoo.

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… or better yet, get out the old Slip N’ Slide and have some fun right in your own backyard!

What does your summer schedule look like?

Friday, January 27, 2012

Monster Jam


They look like the trucks your kids play with, but these are the big boys’ version.  This weekend, check out the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam.

Freedom Hall
Friday, January 27, at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 28, at 7:30pm
-Doors Open 1 Hour Prior to Event

Adults: $22
Kids: $5 (Ages 2-12)
Total Access Pass available for Saturday only. Includes Best Seats and access to a Private Meet & Greet: $65
Facility, Handling, and Convenience fees may apply.
All seats $2 more day of show.

You may purchase tickets at Freedom Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com,
or charge by phone at 800.745.3000.

 
PARTY IN THE PITS
Saturday, January 28th 5:00PM – 6:30PM
Meet the drivers, take pictures, and get their autographs.
Pit passes available for FREE at Advance Auto Parts. Also available through the box office or Ticketmaster for additional fee.
Must have Saturday event ticket and pit pass to enter. Space is limited so arrive early!
 
For more information, go to www.monsterjam.com.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

10 Tips for Parents of Kids with ADHD

Ben Glenn
His name is Ben Glenn, and he speaks to ADHD with a revolutionary approach: Simplicity.
  • Read everything you can get your hands on about ADHD.
  • Make yourself available to share with your child what you know.
  • Examine your own attitude toward ADHD and how your view your child.
  • Pay attention to your child’s self-esteem.
  • Involve your child in any decision-making you can.
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things.
  • Create a fun reward system.
  • Partner your child with the most organized parent to set goals.
  • Watch what you say and how you say it.
  • It is entirely possibly you have ADHD.

While in grade school, Ben Glenn was diagnosed with Dyslexia and other Learning Disabilities. After being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, he immersed himself in the study of ADHD, ultimately developing his simple and easy-to-understand approach, a radical, yet informative, departure from the scholarly books and experts who have come before him. Ben travels the country and globe, speaking to thousands sharing his personal experiences with ADHD. He is the author of “Simply Special, Learning to Love Your ADHD” as well as a three-part guidebook series developed for parents and teachers. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and two children. For more information, visit www.SimpleADHDExpert.com.
Photo credit: Polina Osherov.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Another Best 3 Minute Car Wash Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.
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Yikes!!!  That’s a dirty car!  If your car looks anything like mine, this giveaway is for YOU!  Two lucky winners will each win one FREE “Best” car wash pass from Best 3 Minute Express Car Wash, located in Louisville, at 2301 Taylorsville Rd., 502.451.4400.


Three ways you can enter to win (just leave a separate comment HERE for each):
1. Follow Today’s Family Every Day (one entry)
2. Follow us on Twitter @todaysfamilynow
3. Like Today’s Family on facebook

Giveaway ends on 1/31/12 at midnight.

See Official Rules for details.

Update: Our winners are Crystal (comment #5) and Sarah (comment #3).  Congratulations!  Please email us to claim your prize.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Send Them to Camp

Zachary Taylor Elementary engineering camp
When I was a kid, summer camp options were slim and none, but once I begin investigating all the summer camp opportunities available to kids now days, it makes my head spin. Day camps offered at the Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Science Center, the Frazier History Museum, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft all sound SO NEAT! Every summer when I’ve driven past Zachary Taylor Elementary and seen the signs for Star Wars camp and Disney Princess camp I’ve been a little perturbed that kids get to have all the fun.

My second grader, Norah, has participated in a few My Gym summer camps and last year did a Lego Robotics camp and an engineering camp at her elementary school, but we’ve never committed to week-long camps. As much as I gripe about how much my kids drive me nuts, the truth is I don’t like to be away from them too much. So, afternoon-only camps or camps that just run a few days have been perfect, thus far.

Kids who demand lots of activity might take an interest in some of the more physically challenging camps offered by All About Kids and Hwang’s Martial Arts in their all-day programs.
There are also outdoorsy day camp events for Girl Scouts at Camp Shantituck and for Boy Scouts at numerous Kentuckiana locations and non-scout camps at Camp Hi-Ho and the Louisville Nature Center.

Someone should send dear old mom off to camp for a week!

Contributed by Carrie Vittitoe, parent-writer for Today’s Family magazine.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Money Matters

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“Save your nickels and dimes.”

“Don’t spend it all in one place.”

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

All are words of wisdom that I recall my parents saying when I was a child.  However, I’m not sure that I really understood what money was all about when I was a kid.  I thought that my dad went to work everyday and literally made money.  I also thought that you could buy anything you wanted as long as you had a plastic card and said, “Charge it.”

How do you teach your kids the value of a dollar?
Do you make them earn money to buy special items?
Do you give them an allowance?

Friday, January 20, 2012

Get Your Party On!

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If you’ve got a little one’s birthday coming up… This post’s for YOU! {kind of sounded like a commercial for a certain frothy beverage, didn’t it?}

Here’s a rundown of some local kids’ party spots/activities (just click on the names to be sent directly to their websites for party details):

Bubble Truck
Build-a-Bear
Crocodile Creek Gem & Fossil Mining
Kart Kountry
KaZoing!
Kuzin Kozy
A Mother’s Touch
Mr. Magic
Puzzles Fun Dome
Steve-O
YMCA

Where did your child’s favorite birthday party take place?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Small Talk Made Simple


Small talk is hard for most people, especially young ones.  So, here are five strategies your kids can use to connect with people in any scenario from Maribeth Kuzmeski, author of The Engaging Child: Raising Children to Speak, Write, and Have Relationship Skills Beyond Technology (Red Zone Publishing, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-9717780-3-0, $18.95).
  • Share something extra about themselves.
  • Be complimentary.
  • Talk about the weather.
  • Find things in common.
  • Wrap it up well.

How do you get your children to be engaging?

{Please share with us. We want to know how you do it.}

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Little Growing Spurts Giveaway

 This giveaway is now closed.

Today’s giveaway is a $50 gift certificate to Little Growing Spurts, an owner-operated children’s boutique that offers gorgeous clothing and toys with top brands such as Mudpie, Rabbit Moon, Za Za Couture, Melissa and Doug, and more, along with gently-used infants' and children’s clothing that are name-brand and marked at a fraction of the original retail prices. It’s located in Clarksville, IN, at: 1370 Veterans Parkway, Suite 1000 (Behind Famous Dave’s), 812.725.1444.
 
3 Ways YOU can enter (leave a comment here for each):
-be a Today’s Family Every Day follower by clicking on “Join this site” on the right sidebar (one entry) 
-follow Today’s Family on Twitter (one entry)
-like Little Growing Spurts on facebook (one entry)
 
This giveaway ends at midnight on 1/24/12.
 
See Official Rules for details.

Update: Our winner is Melissa Nasby (comment #18).  Congratulations!  Please email us soon to claim your prize.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

What’s Your Style?

Steve-O magic birthday party
Everyone has a style when it comes to throwing a party.  I like to come up with a theme and build around that--- like the above Magic Show party we had for our younger son this past year, complete with capes, hats, magic wands, and a real, live magician… Steve-O!

What’s your style for throwing a killer birthday party?
Do you hire entertainment?
Do you make your own favors or hit up the local party supply store?

Tell us how you throw an unforgettable shindig.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Celebrating Outside the Box

Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg TN
We celebrated Christmas this year outside our usual holiday box, renting a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the week after Christmas. Our party included my husband and me, our grown son and his two children, and our other grown son and his wife and baby-to-be, due in late February.

None of us were prepared for the party-on-the-streets atmosphere we were met with upon our arrival, but we soon found ourselves jumping into the heart of the streetfest ourselves as we wound down the sidewalks amongst the holiday crowds from all over the world, curious about what treasure the next shop might hold.

Our first stop was Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, containing over 30,000 species of living fish. My 3- and 1-year-old grandchildren were mesmerized by the schooling fish, stingrays, sea dragon, sea horses, jelly fish, piranha, and sharks, all swimming about near us, some within arms’ reach. They could have spent all week there and not have been bored!

On the same ticket we were able to tour the Ripley’s Believe It Or not Museum/Odditorium, three stories of over 500 outstanding and incredible artifacts from around the world. Maybe a little over our toddlers’ heads, but they kept up our pace as we were amazed by shrunken human heads and eight-legged buffaloes.

We kept the Ripley’s nightmares away by sampling the local kid-friendly cuisine, like the Snow Bears lunch my granddaughter devoured at the Pancake Pantry…bear-shaped pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and M&M eyes and nose. Scrumptious!
 
Contributed by Kathy Bolger, Senior Graphic Designer, Today’s Woman magazine.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Harlem Globetrotters are Here


As soon as I see those jerseys, I immediately have that familiar tune in my head (I bet you do, too!).  These guys can really put on a show, and they’re in town this weekend!
Check them out!

Harlem Globetrotters
KFC Yum! Center
Sunday, January 15, at 2pm and 7pm

Click here to purchase tickets online.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Time to Play

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Ever wonder what a playgroup is all about?  We have some insight from Nishea Sipley, Oldham County MOMS Club member and owner of M & N's Monogrammed Gifts .
 
How does one go about finding a playgroup for their children?
I found about my group through friends, but if you're new to an area, I would recommend an internet search. The Mom's Club of Oldham County is part of an international organization; so, a quick internet search will link you to the group's website, www.MomsClubOfOC.com.
 
When you are the hostess, do you plan activities for the kids, or is it a playtime free-for-all?
Free-for-all!! :0) The playgroups I've participated in have always consisted of mixed ages which I've always enjoyed. My daughter attends a two day per week preschool with children her own age and has no siblings; I love the fact that our playgroups have given her the opportunity to interact with children of other ages.
 
What do the moms do while the kids play (relax, chat, craft, etc.)?
Chat! For me, it's "catch up with the girls" time. With the opening of the store in July of last year, I've not been able to attend with my normal regularity.  So, when I do get to go to playgroup, I enjoy the conversations that ensue. The conversations prove to be invaluable when it comes to gathering info on everything from doctors to preschools.
 
What's the most challenging part of being a member of a playgroup?
Nowadays, it's finding the time to attend, but, initially, it was finding the way to the different locations.  I'm not from Oldham County and have only lived here a short time; so, driving to different neighborhoods and parks for playgroup really helped me branch out and get more comfortable with the area.

Today’s Woman Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.

We are giving away a pair of tickets to attend Eve*olution, a fashion show being put on by Today’s Woman magazine featuring cover women from the past 20 years!

The doors open at 6pm for mingling and hors d’oeuvres until 7pm, when the show starts with open seating (except for a VIP front row).  After the show, there will be an open Coffee Bar and Sweets Extravaganza, along with a swag bag full of goodies.

Thursday, January 19
The Olmsted
3701 Frankfort Avenue
6pm- 9pm
Tickets are $50/person and must be purchased in advance by calling Jaclyn 502.327.8855 or online at  www.iamtodayswoman.com.

So, grab your girlfriends, and head out for a Girls’ Night Out with fun and fashion!

Here are 3 ways YOU can enter to WIN a pair (2) of tickets to Eve*olution (just leave a separate comment here for each entry):
-follow Today’s Family Every Day (click on “Join this site” on the right sidebar) (one entry)
-follow Today’s Family on Twitter (one entry)
-like Today’s Family on facebook (one entry)

This giveaway ends at midnight on 1/17/12.

Update: Our winner is pookie (comment #3).  Congratulations!  Please email us by midnight tonight to claim your prize.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Time to Register for School

going to school
We leave the stress of December holidays behind only to find that a new stress is upon us. With the promise of a new year comes the process of registering children for school.

No matter the grade level of one’s child---preschool up to high school---there are many factors that play into one’s choice.

Some families select a school based on its educational philosophy (Montessori, Waldorf, etc.). Other families look at whether a certain sport or area of study is offered. For example, a teenager interested in space exploration might be a perfect fit for the Aviation/Aeronautics program at the Academy at Shawnee. Parents of special needs children want to select a school that can best address their child’s therapy requirements. Whether the school has a dress code may be an important factor for some families. Some parents want their children to have a Catholic- or Christian-focused education and make their school selection accordingly.

For most of us, there isn’t just one factor that determines where we will register our children for school. Our children’s needs and desires, our family’s finances, and simple personal preferences are all involved in the logistics of school registration.

Registration for JCPS occurs November through March, depending on grade level. Parents may go to the school nearest their home that serves their child’s grade level to complete enrollment forms or pick up Magnet, Advance or Optional program applications. The JCPS Parent Assistance Center (485-6250) can be contacted with any questions parents may have about the enrollment process.
 
Contributed by Carrie Vittitoe, parent-writer for Today’s Family magazine.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Let’s Grade Your School

first day of school
What do we expect from our schools? I think we all want the same thing: for our children to be taught well and treated fairly (and a bonus would be encouragement or inspiration). Many people don’t agree on how this looks in a practical, day-to-day way.

How about Jefferson Co. Public Schools? There are changes being made in the largest local school district of Jefferson County in terms of student assignment plans. Are you happy with the latest plan?  They talk about a reorganization: www.jefferson.k12.ky.us, but is it going to make you happy?

At the same time there is a group of Kentucky parents and leaders looking at starting Charter Schools. Check out their website: www.chartersinkentucky.com. Also, a Charter School in Southern Indiana seems to be doing well www.shiningminds.com.

Are you paying for private school because you decided it was worth it? Tell us why.

Tell us about your school complaints or praises – we need to be talking more about the things that need to change in our area.
 
Contributed by Anita Oldham, Editor, Today’s Family and Today’s Woman magazines.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Get Your Camera!

beautiful baby contest
That’s right!  It’s that time of year… time for Today’s Family magazine's 2012 Beautiful Baby Contest!

So, grab your camera and get a shot of your little cutie!

Rules:
-the child whose photo is submitted must be between the ages of 0 and 3 years old (not 4 before June 2012)
-the person who’s submitting the photo must be the child’s legal guardian and own the copyright to the submitted photo
*Please crop your image (file size at least 750K or larger) to the head and shoulders and size to 2” x 3”, and send it in a jpeg format.

Click here to fill out the official entry form online, and send an email to beautifulbaby@todayspublications.com with the baby's name, birthdate and a recent photo of your baby attached. Entries received without a photo will not be valid or included in the voting form.

Hurry… the deadline is January 11, 2012.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Perfect Chili Recipe!


"Besides the fact that the adults will adore it, your kids will have a ball adorning their chili bowls with tons of accompaniments. Kenya usually covers his with so much shredded cheese you can't tell there's chili under the surface, but he devours it all nevertheless. Make this recipe the night before the game or early in the morning, and all you have to do when everyone shows up is hang out and enjoy the fun!"

Four Bean Chili (Serves 8-10)
2 Tbsp Vegetable or Canola Oil, divided
1 Large Onion, chopped
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Lb Lean Ground Beef
1-15 Oz Can White Beans, rinsed and drained
1-15 Oz Can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1-15 Oz Can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
1-15 Oz Can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1-28 Oz Can Chopped Tomatoes with Juice
2-15 Oz Cans Tomato Juice
2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 Tbsp Cumin
2 Bay Leaves
2 Tsp Salt

Accompaniments: Sour Cream, Yogurt, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Scallions, Hot Sauce (if you want to take it up a notch)

1. In a sauté pan over medium heat place 1 tbsp of oil and sauté onions for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté another minute until the onions start to caramelize, then remove and place in a crock pot.
2. In the same sauté pan, add another tbsp of oil and sauté the ground beef for 5 minutes, breaking down the beef with a wooden spoon until it's cooked through and most of its juice has evaporated.
3. Add the cooked beef and the remaining ingredients to the crock pot and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook the chili on low for 8 hours.
5. Top with desired accompaniments and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Louisville’s own Catherine McCord of weelicious.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Mom’s Music Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.
moms music
From voice lessons to instrumental instruction and more, Mom’s Music has got you covered.  Mom’s Music can be found in Louisville at: 1900 Mellwood Avenue, or here on facebook. This week’s giveaway is 1 month of private music lessons.
 
3 ways YOU can enter to win (just leave a separate comment here for each):
-become a Today’s Family Every Day follower (one entry)
-like Today’s Family on facebook (one entry)
-like Mom’s Music on facebook (one entry)
 
Giveaway ends 1/10/12 at midnight.
 
See Official Rules for details.

Update: susan_tuma (comment #6) is our winner.  Congratulations!  Please email us within 48 hours to receive your prize.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Shrimp Creole for Your Crockpot

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“Hmmm… it doesn’t look good.”

crockpot shrimp creole
“… but it tastes good.”

My children were a little skeptical because it looked like soup, but after I convinced them to try it, they loved it!

1 1/2 C. diced celery
1 1/4 C. chopped onion
3/4- 1 C.  chopped bell pepper  (I used red because they’re sweeter than green)
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (29oz.)  can whole tomatoes
1 chopped clove garlic
1 t. salt (just shake a little in, it doesn't really need to be measured)
1/4 t. pepper (just shake a little in of this, too)
a couple of drops of Tabasco sauce
1 lb. frozen shrimp (thawed, deveined, & s helled)
white rice (I used Minute Rice because it cooks so quickly)

-Combine all of the ingredients except the shrimp and rice in your crockpot
-Cook 3 to 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Add shrimp during the last hour of cooking
-Serve over your cooked rice

Yummy!

What’s your go-to crockpot recipe?

Monday, January 2, 2012

It’s on the Calendar.

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My resolution is to start scheduling.  Literally, I’m going to write things with a lead pencil, instead of a stylus, on a real-life, go-on-the-refrigerator, can’t be accessed from “the cloud”, paper calendar.   I could put it on the computer on a Google calendar, but it’s much more likely to happen if it’s tangible and  “in my face,” and I see it every time I go in the kitchen.  So, here are some things that are going on my 2012 schedule:

-a weekly family night (a special book, puzzle, game, craft, or Wii game)

-a weekly meal plan (plan actual dinners ahead of time to avoid the “What in the world are we going to have for dinner tonight?” question that I often ask at 5pm)

-a weekly organizing project (closet, junk drawer, pantry, garage, etc.  Just think… at the end of the year, 52 things will have been organized!)

-a monthly family movie night  (at the movies or a Redbox rental)


What are you putting on your 2012 calendar?  Share some of your 2012 resolutions.

Contributed by Miranda G. Popp, Editor, Today’s Family Every Day.
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