Thursday, February 13, 2014

How to Survive Bad Weather with Kids in the Lehigh Valley!

That's right, another snow storm. If you are anything like me, after multiple snow and ice storms, winter has now lost its appeal.  

Snow flakes hitting my face, once a blissful moment, now tends to turn my stomach. And the idea of being cooped up in the house, with the kids, can be trying.

But as we all know, being a Mom or Dad is a 24-hour job, even if the weather isn't cooperating. With that in mind, here is a list of fun things to do with your kids when Mother Nature has other plans.
Bake cookies!
A perfect way to warm up the home and make it smell yummy too! A special trip to the grocery store isn't always necessary. Many times I can find recipes based on the food items I all ready have at home. We have lots of fun recipes on our Pinterest page.

Get out those board games.
Remember those good 'ol games that are piled in your basement or hall closet? Some oldies but goodies?  Connect Four, Clue, Monopoly (love it) just to name a few.

Clean out those closets.
I have clothing that my daughter has outgrown piling up in my laundry room. A snowy day is a perfect time to gather up all outgrown or unwanted clothing and be a Consignor. A Consignor is a participant who sells new and gently-used items at local, seasonal sales events. There are many consignment opportunities coming up in the near future. The Kids Closet Sale is March 13, The Kid's Clothesline is April 4-6. The Clothing Tree is April 11-13, and Just Between Friends is April 12-13. Most events are looking for Consignors NOW.

Teach your children how to take photos.
Being stuck inside is a perfect opportunity to show your kids how to use a camera. I could spend hours looking out the window at the snowy landscape and capturing photos of it. Our friends at Dan's Camera City have great tips on their website for taking fun winter photos. A great way for kids to see things that they might not notice otherwise.

Get messy, try paper mache.
That's right, I said it. GET MESSY! Put an old table cloth on your kitchen table and let the kids go wild. Check out our Pinterest page for some fun ideas! Paper mache is super easy to make - Mix 1/2 cup of flour with 3/4 cup of water, old newspaper cut into strips - add 1/4 tbsp of salt to prevent mold and to make extra sturdy and 2 tbsp of white glue. Let it dry and then GET OUT THE PAINT! This is twofold messy fun and you will be the coolest Mom or Dad on the block! You can thank me later.  :)

Go sledding.
OK, so this is obvious. But sometimes you have to point out the most common things to those who need ideas. Sled for a little while and then make hot chocolate. This is a MUST DO in my house.

Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit.
Being prepared is a great thing. Ready.gov lists items that are commonly found in your home that could be set aside for an emergency; flashlights, batteries, water, etc. With the amount of homes losing power in a storm, this could help you and your family should the need arise. It is also a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of being prepared.

Have a Snow Day Scavenger Hunt.
Our friends at Paper Bag Child have a list of items needed by local, Lehigh Valley charities. Check out the list and then do a family scavenger hunt in your house. You might just find a gently-used item, that you no longer use, that could help someone else in need.

So, I hope the above list helps you get through yet another snow day. Whatever you decide to do, do it together with your kids. You might just make a memory or two that will last a lifetime. 

Have fun!

Lehigh Valley Family Fun is a website resource for families of the Lehigh Valley! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Go Red with Lehigh Valley Mall!


During the month of February, Lehigh Valley Mall will participate in a nationwide Simon Property Group, Inc. celebration "Paint the Mall RED" to support American Heart Month.


On Friday, February 7, Mall goers are invited to join Lehigh Valley Mall for National Wear Red Day to show their support for women with heart disease.  Every customer to visit Guest Services on National Wear Red Day and February 8th will receive a Go Red for Women Dress pin...while supplies last.

Additionally, Lehigh Valley Mall will continue its annual partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) for the month of February and host the Go Red for Women event on Saturday, February 8th from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in the Macy's Court.

Activities will include...
*Blood Pressure Screenings provided by McCann School of Business & Technology
*Raffle Prizes
*Macy's Go Red for Women/AHA Fashion Show (emceed by Josh Gears of 100.7 WLEV)

"We're proud to join the movement to promote healthy lifestyles for women," says Lehigh Valley Mall Marketing Director, Amanda Johnson.  "Heart disease is the number one threat to women and we want to do everything possible to spread awareness and let those in our community know that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference!"

Throughout the month of February, Lehigh Valley Mall will sell the Simon From the Heart Giftcard at Simon Guest Services located on the lower level near Boscov's.  This giftcard makes a great Valentine's Day gift and provides the purchaser the opportunity to support the Foundation for the National Institute of Health (FNIH) through the additional $1 purchase.

Shoppers can also enter to win an American Heart Association's Heart Health Goodie Tote at the giveaway table located by the escalators near Guest Services through February 27.  The winner will be chosen on February 28.