Consignment, Consignment, Consignment!

The Kid's Clothesline - May 3 - 6, 2012

Let me first start out by saying that I really enjoy being a Mom.  The hugs, the kisses, the yelling the screaming...OOPS!  I think I said too much.  Seriously though...being a Mom has had more rewards than I can count.

But there is one thing that gets under my skin...all the clothing that we go through.  I literally blink my eyes and the pants that we just bought for my 5 year old are now capris.  That's fine for spring but for the winter?  Not so much...  And that trendy sweatshirt that my 8 year old "just had to have" is now too small.  But what is a Mom to do???

As I have said in the past, one of the many benefits of running my own business (http://www.lehighvalleyfamilyfun.com/) is meeting new people.   And I was recently introduced to Amanda D'Ambrosio, Owner of The Kids Clothesline. 

The Kids Clothesline or "Consignment Extravaganza" as I like to call it, offers families a place to sell their children's outgrown items and to buy new and gently used items at up to 90% off retail. 

The next Kids Clothesline Event will take place May 3rd - 6th, 2012.  

In 2004, when Amanda's kids were in Preschool she developed that entrepreneurial "bug".  Not sure which direction to go, Amanda met a woman who had a children's consignment event in the south.  After that meeting she knew what her next step would be...CONSIGNMENT! 

"So many people benefit from the sale"  says Amanda.  "Any time I think of giving it up I meet someone really wonderful who tells me how much they appreciate it!"

With over 2,500 Shoppers at the last event and filling approximately 250 Volunteer Shifts and 375 Consignee Spots, the growth of the sale has been tremendous.  For Spring of 2012, they will move to Ag Hall, which can fill 550-600 Consignee Spots.  "I think this has always been my goal (moving to Ag Hall)" says Amanda.  "So I'm happy that we've finally done it!"

Mom to 4 kids, Amanda is a busy WAHM (Work-At-Home-Mom).  "I think a lot of people think the sale is 2 weeks of work, twice a year. That is so far from the truth."  In reality, Amanda begins preparing for each consignment event approximately 12 weeks prior to the Sale.  " I am usually at my desk any spare moment I can find and a lot of times into the night. When it's not sale season I am still working part time coming up with new ideas..."

I wanted to find out more about this amazing Mom...so I asked her what life messages she has for her kids.  "It's important to me that my kids be kind to others and that they are honest," says Amanda.  "We are very open minded and do not judge others, I guess it's just the only thing they have every known, it's just how we live."

I also wanted to know what tips she would give new parents of things she wished she knew before being a parent.  "Patience is so important and enjoy every second...it goes so fast.  It is so cliche but SO true!" 

The Kids Clothesline is dedicated to bringing families excellent quality items at a fraction of the price.  TKC is a selling and shopping experience not to be missed!

The Kids Clothesline will hold its next event May 3rd - 6th 2012.  

It's Hip to be Green! Check out Hipcycle.com...

(OCEAN, NJ) – From tequila bottle candles to chopstick baskets, Hipcycle.com is dedicated to selling innovative, stylish, and affordable upcycled products. Launched in October 2011, Hipcycle.com is dedicated to the growing upcycling trend in green design - taking something that would otherwise be thrown away and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

The Hipcycle team offers its top picks for unique gifts and finds for spring 2012: 

Welcome the birds back from migration with this whimsical birdhouse made from carefully woven reclaimed plastic wrappers. 

Whether you prefer Speedway Stout or Grey Goose,

choose from a wide selection of upcycled glassware made from beverage bottles that were far too beautiful to only drink

from once. 

Rescued intricate ceiling tins from historic homes create beautiful new objects like this upcycled picture frame.

  “Our goal is to bring the marketplace for upcycled products closer to the mainstream consumer,” said Andrew Sell, Founder and Chief Hipcycler. “Rather than only targeting people who are highly environmentally conscious, we want to reach the broader population. Hipcycle features a curated variety of products that are stylish and functional, and that also happen to be environmentally friendly.”
Many of the 500+ products featured on Hipcycle.com are made in the U.S. while others are purchased through a commitment to fair-trade practices. Products can be searched for by purpose (i.e., home, garden, office) or by original material (i.e., wood, fabric, glass). Hipcycle also prides itself on telling the story behind the product, from its creator to its provenance.

As it expands into new categories, Hipcycle welcomes contact from potential designers and vendors. Learn more at Hipcycle.com. 

ABOUT THE FOUNDER 
Prior to starting Hipcycle, Andrew Sell worked in operational, marketing, and sales roles in Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and mid-tier venture-backed firms.Having started his career working with the Job Corps, Andrew has always believed that social and economic goals can mutually coexist. The launch of Hipcycle allows him to operate a triple bottom line venture – focusing on people, planet, and profit.

 Andrew’s work for management-consulting firm IHS International took him to China, where he managed projects for clients in a wide range of industries, including hospitality, aviation, energy, agriculture, maritime, and the environment. He was part of the team that organized China’s first major environmental conference in 1996. As vice president of business development for healthcare company LogistiCare, Andrew formulated the strategic plans for all new organic growth and successfully navigated complex political environments that lead to new government sales.

With a growing family and a desire to return to the ideals of working to make the world a better place, Andrew created Hipcycle, which he aims to grow as the leading marketplace for beautiful, functional, and well-designed upcycled products.

We are happy to spread the word about Hipcycle.com!  Here is a Promotional Code to receive 15% off your order - HCB15 - this code expires 6/30/12.

10-month old Ava, waiting for multiple transplants, needs YOUR HELP!

"BLING FLING" FOR AVA!

**FEATURING** PREMIER DESIGNS JEWELRY

This is 10-month old Ava, diagnosed with MMIHS or Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome. MMIHS is a very rare, smooth muscle disorder.

Ava has had several surgeries and is currently on a transplant list for a Stomach, Small Intestine, Pancreas and Bowel. Ava cannot eat by mouth or give a bowel movement until she receives the transplant.

Ava has and will go through many procedures and testing. To help with expenses we are holding a Fundraiser for Ava and her family.

JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON FILLED WITH FUN, FASHION, JEWELRY AND PRIZES!

WHEN: SUNDAY- MARCH 25TH, 2PM
WHERE: NORTHWEST CHILDREN'S CENTRE, 6301 RT. 309 SUITE 200, NEW TRIPOLI
(CORNER OF RTS.309 & 100)



COME OUT, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND GET SOME AWESOME ACCESSORIES FOR EASTER, MOTHERS’ DAY OR YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE!

The Pennsylvania Mentor Program..The True Super Heros of Today!

Did you ever wonder who the Super Heroes of today's world are?  Sure, we have Entertainers that occasionally do really cool things for charity.  Or the Politicians that want us to believe that they do really cool things for people in the community...BUT there are still many people out there in need of assistance.  

As a Mom, I often consider what more I could do to help people in the Lehigh Valley.  Sure, I could deliver meals for the Lehigh County's Meals on Wheels or volunteer my time in a soup kitchen...

However, more recently I was introduced to the Pennsylvania MENTOR Program.  Just the title piqued my curiosity so I wanted to learn more about them and what they had to offer the people of the Lehigh Valley.

The mission of Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network is to offer adults, children, young people and their families innovative, quality services and supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual or behavioral challenges they face.   Wow, that is a mouthful...but what does that mean?  In simple terms it means to "make a difference in some one's life" by becoming their Mentor.

OK, but what is a Mentor?  A Mentor is someone who opens their heart and their life to a foster child or someone with developmental disabilities.  Whether it is a helping hand, a home, or a family, a Mentor helps people to live their life to the fullest.

So who can be a Mentor?  Just about anyone. You don’t need to be a superhero, just a regular person who’s ready to help give someone a better life by sharing yours. It doesn’t matter if you’re a retiree looking for a way to continue contributing to society, a stay-at-home mom looking to earn money, or a working family with children of your own.  

Pennsylvania MENTOR's philosophy emphasizes partnerships – with those we serve, their families, our employees, Mentors and the communities in which we work – in an effort to help people shape the direction of their own lives in community-based settings.

There are two programs available:  The Therapeutic Foster Care Program and The Host Home for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. 

The Therapeutic Foster Care Program calls their foster parents "Mentors" because they do so much more than provide a home to a child in need.  Mentors help children grow and learn, forever changing their lives, creating an opportunity to bond.

The Host Home for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities has some similarities to adult foster care because an adult comes to live with you in your home—and yet is different because the adults we support have the same freedom of choice that all adults enjoy.

The MENTOR Network  is called a “network” for a reason—it’s not just one person or group. It’s a national network of people, in areas like the Lehigh Valley, across the country, who are joined by the common belief that positive, nurturing relationships are the basis for growth and change. And that these relationships are best fostered through active participation in the daily activities of neighborhood and family life.

The word that comes to mind when I re-read what I have written is "OPPORTUNITY".  Think of the people you can help, who would really appreciate your help.  And consider the reward...the feeling you will get at the end of the day to know you made a real difference.  Yes, help is definitely needed at the local soup kitchen, but consider the importance of becoming a MENTOR  The opportunity that will last a lifetime.

Isn't that what it is all about?

**For more information, please visit their Website or call them directly
at 877-619-7711.

Is lead poisoning a thing of the past?

A friend of mine brought this to my attention and I thought it was important enough to share.

LEAD POISONING  For those who buy the myth that lead poisoning is a thing of the past, or only a low-income problem, it is eye opening to see that even in the White House, this remains a hazard, not just for pets, but especially children.

Columbia University researchers have found that an estimated 68% of children in the U.S. have chronic, low-level, invisible lead dust exposure, which the CDC has called “the #1 environmental risk to children in the U.S.”. Even higher numbers of children in poor and minority neighborhoods are impacted by ordinary household dust that contains lead paint particles too small to see.

Most parents are not aware that their children are in danger, or if they are aware, they don’t understand the simple prevention steps to protect their children’s healthy brain growth and development . But primary prevention is actually very straightforward, and educating parents is the most effective weapon in the fight to end this epidemic that robs our children of their full potential.  Hence the reason for this post. 

Parents can follow simple housecleaning steps, like regular window sill cleaning where invisible lead dust accumulates, and require basic “safe lead practices” that are often low-cost or “no cost” when doing repair or renovation in their pre-1978 home. In most cases, it is as simple as following the simple 3 C’s :  Control, Contain, and Clean the DUST!

In addition there is a new product on the market called LockUpLead.  This patented product, adapted from proven technology used in military applications, is a 100% nontoxic spray cleaner that actually detoxifies lead dust on contact. In addition to being a dust suppressant, it also reacts on a molecular level with poisonous lead dust to form lead compounds that are permanently detoxified.

Independent lab testing has shown that LockUpLead dramatically reduces the toxicity of lead dust.  For more information regarding LockUpLead, please visit their website. 

We have a coupon code to pass on...simply use LVFAMFUN at checkout and receive 15% off your order.  This offer expires 3/15/12.

Stuart Little comes to the Lehigh Valley!

All-Student Cast Makes Stuart Little Big Success

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre brings mouse’s story to Downtown Bethlehem

March 23 to April 1, 2012

Spring is just around the corner and Pennsylvania YouthTheatre is getting everyone out of hibernation with its whimsical Mainstage production of Stuart Little! And unlike our traditional Mainstage shows, our kids are 100 percent in the spotlight. 

Stuart Little is the endearing E.B. White classic, which chronicles the life of a mouse born into an everyday New York family. The charm, wisdom and joy of the original story are captured in this adaptation by Joseph Robinette, a nationally recognized author of children’s plays. Stuart’s many adventures are colorfully brought to life in this story-theatre presentation.  

The show’s company is comprised of 55 PYT students from all around the Lehigh Valley.

“The advantage of working with an all-student ensemble is that they have a great abundance of imagination - a willingness to be zany and have fun,” Stuart Little Director Susan Chase said.  “We will be using hilariously oversized props to emphasize Stuart’s size to the audience.”

The actors portray both human and animal roles in a series of delightful scenes that make-up the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s world.”

“Stuart’s struggle is a universal one,” Chase notes. “He is more human than mouse, but he is also different from everyone around him. He has to find ways to build bonds with those close to him while staying true to his individuality.” 

Chase is infusing the production with her own voice by highlighting the many theatrical references Stuart makes throughout the show.  For example, all you film noir fans, pay close attention to Stuart’s remarks and see how many 1940s movie references you can catch.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to get your tickets! Snag your seat for one of the show’s 10 public performances by calling 610-332-1414, emailing tickets@123pyt.org, or visiting www.123pyt.org. 

Public Performances:

March 23 at 7 p.m.
March 24 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
March 25 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
March 30 at 7 p.m.
March 31 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
April 1 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Where: The Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St., Bethlehem

Cost: Premiere (assigned) seating $20; Reserved (unassigned/general admission) seating - $15; $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Call for details.

The Kids Closet Sale...Out with the Old and in with the New!

As a transplant to the Lehigh Valley, I am always looking for new places to explore.  One area that I feel is often overlooked, since it is further north is Carbon County.  A close neighbor to the Lehigh Valley, Carbon County offers many "family-friendly events".   From the Fall Foliage of Jim Thorpe, to the Switchback Railroads, to the Pocono Mountains, there is so much to see & do!

So, in my travels I have become friendly with a Mom up in the Carbon County area, more specifically Lehighton, PA.  This Mom has taken on a big challenge...the challenge of CONSIGNMENT!

But "What is Consignment"? Consignment, as defined on Websters.com is "Property sent to an agent for sale, storage or shipment". Like a yard sale, you sell your stuff, except better!  Way better, in my opinion.  The "Consignment" Event takes care of all the Marketing & Advertising, they host the sale and they watch the inventory.  They do all the "Not-so-fun" stuff.

With that being said, one thing that I absolutely dread is cleaning out my kids' closets.  And with two growing girls this is done quite frequently.  However, I do LOVE the feeling once it is done.  Everything is neat again, I've finally trashed the stuff with holes and I am left with that feeling of completion.  Yay! 

Now What?  What do I do with the "gently worn" clothing that my "darling daughters" have used so preciously over the past few months?  Yes, I am a little sarcastic here but actually there are MANY times that a blouse or skirt is worn one time...Or that Easter dress that was used just for pictures and a trip to Church...Or how about those shoes that fit yesterday and now they are just too small.

Are you with me?  My eyes blink and all I can think of is
 "Show me the M-O-N-E-Y!!!"

Danielle Andreas of the Carbon County Area and employee of the family-owned business "Andreas Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning" of Lehighton PA. has figured out this "Consignment Thing" and has done a really great job for the people in the area. 

An active "WAHM" Mom (Work-At-Home-Mom) to 4 children, Danielle has a full plate.  With "kids in tow", she & her husband run the family business from their "Home Office"...literally in their home with a separate store front.  In addition to her daily activities of being a Mom, you know running here, running there...they are active at Church and also like to ski as a family. On top of all that Danielle finds time to own & operate a "Consignment" business. 

So back to the "Consignment Thing". 

The Kid's Closet Sale, established in 2010, came about when Danielle shopped at other consignment events and felt that the community of Carbon County and the surrounding area could benefit from a Consignment event.  With experience in running a family business, she and friend Mary Lichtenwalner, decided to put their talents to use and hence the beginning of The Kid's Closet Sale.   

With the help of 40+ Volunteers, Danielle & Mary organize the event, which takes place twice a year.  The next event is scheduled for March 22 - 24, 2012.

 "People are talking about it, we are growing, so the Community must be benefiting...and that is all we wanted" explains Danielle. With steady growth at each sale, 100 Consignees in the Fall 2011 and a goal of 125 for the spring, they decided to upgrade the location to The Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, which is located at 101 East 10th Street, in Jim Thorpe, PA. 

With 1,000 checkouts through their system last spring, they expect to double the amount of shoppers they had in the fall with a new location and new advertising strategies for the spring of 2012. 

For those who may be in the market to purchase, this is an awesome event for you to check out.  You can purchase name brand items for less...much, much less.  And remember, most kid's stuff is hardly used.  So...

Mark your calendars now for the 2012 Spring/Summer Event

  "The Kid's Closet Sale". 

March 22 - Private Pre Sale

March 23 - 10am - 6pm

March 24 - 10am 6pm

Youniversity of Music And Arts - What is Musikgarten?

Youniversity of Music and Arts® located in Bethlehem's new Arts District and only steps away from ArtsQuest and SteelStacks, is introducing a new music series, Musikgarten.




Musikgarten, an internationally taught music program offered to infants through children 9 years of age, is a progressively sequenced, age-appropriate series of classes. Its focus is on a variety of musical concepts, rhythmic patterns, improvisation, playing skills and more. The early childhood classes provide a platform for children who may want to continue their music education through instrumental or voice education.

Registration is now open for the new series, which will launch March 5th, 2012.

According to LuAnn Longenecker, Early Childhood Music Specialist and instructor at the Youniversity, Musikgarten builds “a systematic path to music literacy.”

“Musikgarten is both an extremely enjoyable activity and a powerful tool in nurturing and developing young musicians,” said Longenecker. “These classes are an excellent foundation, as they place a strong emphasis on repetition of sounds and patterns, auditory and sensory skills and how to have fun with music.”

The new series will be offered on Mondays at the school. One parent or caregiver is asked to attend the 30-minute classes for babies/toddlers. The Music Cycle classes, (ages 3-5) are 45 minutes and the Music Makers (ages 4 and up) meet for a full hour.

Longenecker said Musikgarten promotes family involvement and parents are encouraged to enjoy and reinforce the activities at home. The Musikgarten curriculum also emphasizes multi-cultural music diversity and exposes young people to classic performance, Longenecker explained.

“We expose our little ones to musical gems like Peter and the Wolf,” Longenecker said. “We play Aaron Copeland’s “Hoedown” from Rodeo and children as young as 3 will recognize it and pretend to ‘ride their horses’ to it. Children love the diversity and will soak up many musical genres - not just music written for their age group.” she added.

The Youniversity, which opened in mid-2011, offers music classes and private lessons for all ages and levels of ability. Located in Bethlehem's SouthSide Arts District, the school occupies a 15-classroom facility and is staffed by more than 15 music professionals. The Youniversity of Music and Arts is owned jointly by Valentina Jotovic, C.E.O., and her husband, Dr. Antonius Bittmann, an Associate Dean and Professor of Music at Rutgers University.

To register for Musikgarten and for complete information on the Youniversity of Music and Arts, please call 610-849-2130 or visit their website.

Shafnisky Electric...Family is Top Priority

Lehigh Valley Family Fun is a FREE Website Resource for Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers or WHOMEVER, who are in & around the Lehigh Valley, PA area.  And to keep our site up & running we rely on the generous support of local business to sponsor us.  With that in mind, it is my goal to get the word out about my sponsors whenever I can.  My business would not be here without them.  They help me, I help them...Win, Win for everyone!

So one morning, I had the opportunity to stop out and visit Shafnisky Electric, a "Lehigh Valley Family Fun" Sponsor.  I enter their office where I meet the Office Manager, Heidi, a petite woman, nice as can be and so down to Earth.  We start "gabbing" about the business, where I learned more than I had expected.  She also serves as the "Dispatcher" and "Customer Service Specialist" too.

For those who have worked with contractors, you know, that on many levels, there is just something missing.  Sure, they know their craft but in my experience they lack that "Customer Service" Feel.  Return phone calls are few & far between...basic questions are never answered without a service call, which ultimately equals an invoice...and I could go on.

But Shafnisky Electric felt different...and I had to find out why.

I met up with them for lunch a few weeks ago at a local eatery.  I needed to find out what separated them from the competition.

Tom Shafnisky, owner & operator of Shafnisky Electric is also a family guy.  A devoted husband, and father to 4 little ones he also takes the time to be the Assistant Youth Group Leader at Holy Family of Nazareth Church.  As if that wasn't enough, he is a Substitute Teacher for the Institutde of Technology AND the President of the Electrical Contractors of the Lehigh Valley.  Gosh, I'm out of breath typing his credentials!

Sure, he has a great resume and he has kids...but so does every other contractor in the Lehigh Valley.  What makes him different?

The man could not stop talking about his family.  And I mean that in the nicest possible way.  Losing his Parents at an early age, he understands the importance of being there for his kids.  "I'm a "Hands-on Dad", he explains.  "We have fun going for walks, grocery shopping, we have movie nights and make popcorn...Daddy makes it fun".   He believes in stressing the importance of Honesty, Integrity and "Your Word IS Your Word".  He understands that he is responsible for forming his kids' lives and making them responsible adults.

Ok, so you know a little more about him...but how did Shafnisky Electric begin?    He started back in 1988, his business was simple.  He worked out of his car and helped his family & friends with their electrical needs.  Hence the beginning of Shafnisky Electric.

So, while sitting there at lunch with Tom & Heidi, I started to understand how Tom feels about his clients...they are never an interruption to his day.  As he ate, he took phone calls from his technicians, answering questions and providing direction, all while showing a great deal of respect.  At no time, did I feel that this was forced behavior or a show for me.  By the end of our lunch, I wanted to be part of  Shanisky Electric Team!

When you call Shafnisky Electric, you will never be handled by a "Call Center".  You will talk to Heidi directly, as she is your first point of contact.  When she is not in the office, she checks their voice mail system often to be sure all calls are handled in a timely manner.  And yes, this includes evenings & weekends.   When a service call is left after hours, Tom is paged immediately.

Heidi also explained to me that many people call with electrical issues that can be handled "over the phone".   I'm sorry, What?  Helping people with an issue "over the phone"?  Now that is what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE!  However, I do want to mention not everyone wants to fix their own problems, so in that case or when additional help is needed, a Service Technician is dispatched.

Tom also stressed to me the importance of the "Return Phone Call".  "There is nothing worst, wondering what is going on, when you have a problem", says Tom.  They like to be upfront with their clients and provide as much information as they possibly can. 

I guess to 'NutShell This', Shafnisky Electric is a family-owned business, that is run with the same principles as the Shafnisky family:  Respect, Integrity, honesty, with "Hands-On", Customer Service and a "No problem is too small" attitude.  Now, that's what I call a true service provider.

For the Love of a Pet...It's ALL the difference in the World to me.

This post is going to be a little different than the norm.  And for those of you who are able to live without a furry companion...you just won't get it.  And that's ok. 

My DH and I were married in our 20's and were just not ready for kids at that time.  As a kid, growing up in a household with a dog and a cat, I was used to having them around.  So, after we were married, our tiny little apartment seemed very empty...something was missing.  So, one spontaneous evening in November of 1996, we headed to the pet store to pick up bird food.  Bird Food?  Yes, we had a Sun Conure named Sadie...but she was just not the pet I was used to.  She didn't snuggle and she would scream and scream...I needed something more.

So, where was I?  Oh right, the pet store....long story short, we went to the pet store for bird food and came home with a puppy.  I know, I know...I'm a bad person...buying a puppy from a pet store.  But we were young, ignorant and I just couldn't resist those cute, little, brown eyes staring back at me.  Let me just say, I would never buy from a pet store again after learning the darkness of the puppy mills...but again, I was young and ignorant.

And there we were...the 3 of us driving home from the store, in my 1993 Ford Probe.  We called her Shelby and she was an American Eskimo, formerly known as a Spitz.  I guess the name "Spitz" had a bad rap and they re-marketed the breed as American Eskimo.  It didn't matter to us, she was our first little baby and she was mine.

As the years progressed, Shelby followed me everywhere, including the bathroom.  When I was in the shower she would lay right outside of the tub area.  When she would hear the water shutting off, that was her queue to leave the bathroom.  She was my laundry buddy too.  Every laundry load I would do, she would be there, sitting right outside the laundry room door. 

When we brought home our first little bundle of joy from the hospital, Shelby was there.  She was very interested to see what was making "all that noise".  Every night feeding, and for my first baby this was every 2 hours, Shelby was there.  We would sit together as I fed the baby.  When someone was sick and we were up in the middle of the night, Shelby was there too.  We referred to her as "Shelby Nightingale".

That leads me up to her name...every time we saw a funny show, commercial or just heard an unusual name, we added it to Shelby's name.  A lifetime of moments she became...Shelby, Cha-cha, Esposito, Luka-Bella, Charlamagne, Chiquita, Baby Spice, Rubatella, Whiskers the Wooby, Woo.   Yes, this little dog was a BIG part of our lives.

So, after 15-1/2 years of living, we had a tough decision to make this past Friday, February 3.  She had not been doing well, lots of shaking and panting and blood work revealed there was an issue with her liver.  We knew that we couldn't let our first baby suffer any longer, so we gave the 'ok' to the Vet to Euthanize her.  Gosh, what a moment that was...I can't even describe the feeling of hurt I felt as they injected her with the medication to stop her heart.  It still hurts.

But life goes on and now as it has been 48 hours since, I have to start focusing on the family again.  To some, they will never understand the hurt I feel of losing her.  But to others, they know exactly what I am going through.  But through the good and through the bad, Shelby was there.  And now life is so strange without her.  As I type this, my husband rolls his eyes and says "What are you doing?" with a very cynical tone.  This is therapy, this helps me...writing is what I like to do.  So, I am doing it.

For those without a dog in their lives, I feel sorry for you.  You will never know the true, unconditional love a pet can provide.  Pets won't judge you and they are ALWAYS happy to see you.  That feeling you get just scratching behind their ears or under their chin...one that is priceless when you are having a rough day.

Thank you Shelby for all that you were to me...I will miss u!  <3

And a special "Thank You" goes out to Hamilton Animal Care for all they have done for us.  If you need a caring and "No task is too small" type of Vet, I HIGHLY recommend them!

"Please Touch Museum" in Philadelphia...Your Little Ones will LOVE it!

Yes, we are a website that promotes people, places and things in the Lehigh Valley, PA.  But let's get realistic, you won't always stay in this area...so we decided to find stuff that is fun to do, slightly outside of the Lehigh Valley.

Megan, from Two Frugal Mommas took a trip to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia this past week.  And this is what she had to say...

As a mother to three little ones, I am always looking for places to take my children where they can enjoy play in a creative, safe, learning atmosphere.  But, with two of my children being fifteen months old and the other, four and a half, it is often difficult to find somewhere that interests both age groups.

In late January, my family and I were invited to spend the day at the Please Touch Museum, in Philadelphia.  Immediately upon our arrival, my three children were in awe.  At over 38,000 square feet, the museum was filled with bright colors and welcoming sounds as well as a very warm and friendly staff.    While the almost-completely-full parking lot was intimidating, this was no indication of how the museum looked inside as there was plenty of room for my children to explore and not a visible crowd in sight.

The Please Touch Museum is vastly different from any other museum we have visited in the past.  Within the first few minutes, it was clear that this museum truly “gets” the magic, wonder, and fun of being a child!  One of our favorite exhibits, City Capers, is complete with a mini McDonald’s restaurant, ShopRite supermarket, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) medical center. 

There were many moments of pure joy watching my children in this exhibit, including witnessing my older daughter, complete with white coat and stethoscope, place her doll through the mini X-ray and MRI machines (not functional radiology equipment, of course, but very real to children!) pretending to be “Dr. P” and for once, recognizing that these were items that help children, rather than hurt them.  I also couldn’t help but smile watching my twins clearly enjoying running around the supermarket placing items into their carts and giggling as their older sister tallied their orders in the checkout line.  All three later convened in the adjacent child-sized kitchen to share “lunch”….ADORABLE!

For parents of toddlers, you will be happy to know that there are designated exhibits where little ones can safely play without the worry of the older children accidentally knocking them over.  In one, the children can pick carrots in the garden!  As we made our way through the museum, every exhibit seemed even better than the one before.  From a mini-Septa bus and water play area to an incredibly detailed Alice in Wonderland exhibit (complete with a scented Rose Garden, a Tea Party and Hall of Mirrors and Doors), I was impressed at how in a matter of just a few hours, my children could dream so big and be anyone their little hearts desired to be.  

Just when we thought we had seen it all, we encountered a magnificent carousel in an indoor glass pavilion on the east side of the museum. Riding the carousel with my children brought back fond memories of riding carousels with my parents as a child, and I was thrilled to be able to experience that with my children.

The Please Touch Museum also features a reasonably-priced café which offers a wide variety of foods including those that are gluten, nut, dairy and egg free.   In addition, they also host birthday parties!

If you are in the Philadelphia area or are looking for a fun and exciting place to take your children, visit the Please Touch Museum.  I am sure that your children, like mine, will be overjoyed! 

(Many thanks to the Please Touch Museum and Lehigh Valley Family Fun for this opportunity! In the spirit of full disclosure, I received tickets in exchange for a review of the Please Touch Museum; however, all opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.)

Thank you Megan for this awesome blog about your adventure to the Please Touch Museum!  Please check out Megan and Two Frugal Mommas by visitng their website.

It turns out that "I AM the SOCK MONSTER!"

Back when I was working full time, I hated the idea of sending my daughter to daycare.  Don't get me wrong, the daycare center we used was nice but there was just something missing.  It was me.  So after months of debating and listing the pros & cons, I left my career in the Direct Mail/Print industry to be a Stay-At-Home Mom.  Or SAHM for short.

Let me first say that I have never been a "Domestic Goddess".  I get by with as little housecleaning as I possibly can...you know "spot cleaning"...AND that ugly 7-letter word "L-A-U-N-D-R-Y".  I've always dreamed of having a cleaning service come in and do all the ugly stuff, bathrooms & such.  But living on one salary...it just isn't in the budget.

So, where was I...  Oh right...I AM the SOCK MONSTER!

Am I the only one who has one of these?    I call it the "Sock Basket".  If you don't have socks in your drawer, you check the "Sock Basket". 

This is why I HATE Socks!  Yes, they keep your feet warm but each and every time I enter the laundry room I see this UGLY basket.  It calls out to me "Hey you!  Shouldn't you be folding me sometime soon?"  "What kind of mother are you?"  "Put down that cup of de-lish coffee and sort me!"

That leads me up to my daughter's sock drawer.  When you have a basket that looks like that, you have a drawer that looks like this!





No child should have a drawer like this...





But the good news is...Last night I was surfing on my new favorite site - Pinterest.  And I found something that will help me get rid of the "Sock Basket" FOREVER!

Source: imalazymom.com via Lehigh Valley Family Fun on Pinterest

THE MESH BAG!

Why didn't I think of this before?  This is GENIUS!  Each person in the "fam" keeps a Mesh Bag on the back of their door.  When they take their socks off at the end of the day, they simply put them in their mesh bag INSTEAD of their hamper!  When it gets full, the entire bag gets thrown into the wash and VIOLA!  NO MORE "SOCK BASKET"!  No more sorting..   No more snide comments coming from the "Sock Basket".

So, take THAT, you stupid "Sock Basket".  If my kids were to read this, I'd be getting in trouble for using the "Stupid" word.... But they are not....so, STUPID "Sock Basket!  Be gone with you!

I'd like to send a "Thank you" to  "I'm a Lazy Mom" for coming up with such an awesome idea and spreading the word about it on her site.  And thank you to Pinterest. for allowing us the ability to get the word out about a simple solution for a monster of a problem.

Beauty and the Beast in 3D. What could possibly be different?

Yes, skeptical could be my middle name.

But before we were invited to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D at a screening premiere in King of Prussia, I was a bit, um, unconvinced that I could like Beauty & the Beast any more than I all ready did.  Let me put it this way, out of all the Disney movies out there, Beauty and the Beast was and is my absolute favorite!

But back to my point...what could possibly be different? 

The colors, the details, "introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery" as detailed on the studio website.  "The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O'Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who's taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle's enchanted staff–a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others–and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast's exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince."

What was different to me?  Yes, I saw this movie many moons ago when I was a teenager.  But watching it now as an adult and mother to two little ones, I noticed all of the detail in the scenery.  I noticed minutiae things that I once overlooked.  It gave me a whole new appreciation of all the time & energy and planning that goes into a masterpiece such as this.

So, if you are on the fence on whether or not to see this wonderful movie again at the theater...I highly, highly recommend that you do so.  See this movie again through the eyes of your little ones but outside the cute story line you will notice a whole new world in a "tale as old as time".

I'd like to thank Cheryl Baker, Account Executive for Radio Disney, Philadelphia for allowing my daughters' and I the opportunity to see the screening of Beauty and the Beast in 3D at the United Artists, King of Prussia Stadium 16, last weekend.

FD HIDDEN DIV

An Unexpected Surprise found at Fiesta Olé, in Whitehall

Ok, so picture this...it is Saturday night and I have no desire to cook, go figure... So, on the spur of the moment, my family and I decide to go out to eat. We weren't sure where to go or what we wanted but our youngest daughter, Lexi wanted a taco.

We had some shopping to do at Best Buy in Whitehall, but with food on our minds, we were a bit distracted.

As we headed down MacArthur Road, we had the urge to hang a right into the parking lot of Fiesta Olé.

Having never been to Fiesta Olé before, I didn't know what to expect. But on a Saturday night in Whitehall, that usually means long wait lines to any of the local restaurants.

We entered the door and were pleasantly surprised to be seated almost instantly. The inside was festive, there was a cute little bar area and a man playing live Mexican Music. The place was very clean and the employees were very nice.

We waited only a short time for our food to arrive and let me tell you, the food was OUTSTANDING!

The man playing the guitar walked around and serenaded each table as we ate. And to top it off, it did not cost a fortune for us to eat and drink.

Everyone enjoyed their meals and before we left, we were all ready talking about going back again.

Here is a breakdown of our visit:

Child Friendly: 5 STARS
Food: 5 STARS
Staff Friendliness: 5 STARS
Establishment Cleanliness: 5 STARS
Overall Visit: 5 STARS

As a Mom, I highly recommend Fiesta Olé. As a lover of Mexican Food, I also highly recommend Fiesta Olé. When checking out their website, I found a coupon for $5 off...wish I had this! I hate finding a coupon after the fact...but now it is a great excuse to go back again soon since it expires 12/31/11.

**Ratings are based out of a 5 Star System""
1 Star is "UNACCEPTABLE"
2 Stars is "POOR"
3 Stars is "JUST OK"
4 Stars is "GOOD"
5 Stars is "ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!"

Holiday Crafts and coloring at the Lehigh Valley Mall

On Saturday, December 17th, from 11am to 2pm, join Kidgits Club and the Lehigh Valley Mall Teen Board in the Macy's Court for Holiday crafts and coloring! We'll be making reindeer food for Rudolph and all of his friends for Christmas.

Bring your Kidgits Membership Card and your imagination and let's start creating!  Not a Kidgits member? Join today at Guest Services, online or on Craft Day for a special gift!

Visit the website for more information.

A family tradition - Cutting down the Christmas Tree

As my girls get older, holiday traditions are becoming quite important. One that we enjoy is "Cutting down the Christmas Tree". Sure, you can find a Christmas Tree on any street corner in the Lehigh Valley. But for us, the event to "get a tree" is the fun part.

Our place of choice is Pine Brook Hollow Tree Farm in Macungie. My family just loves it here. And that love starts as soon as you enter their property.

We jump from the car and wander down the dirt path that leads to the area that I refer to as the "Christmas Village". The Village includes a cute little building where they sell arts & crafts (also where Santa can be found on certain days/times), an area where they sell wreaths and have free popcorn & apples and a place where your tree gets "shook" and wrapped.

We like to cut down our own tree but you may also choose from fresh cut trees as well. We retrieve our saw from the "Saw Hut" and begin our trek to find the perfect tree.

 Usually, this is where the playful arguing begins "I found the perfect tree!", "No, I did!", "Check this one out, it is better than those!". At that point, my husband just rolls his eyes and says "just tell me which one to cut down".

We carry our tree back down to the area where they will shake it for you. This eliminates the loose pine needles ending up in my living room...yes, I'm picky like that. Lastly, we visit the building where arts & crafts are sold, as this is where we will pay for our tree. From there you can view out to the pond where the resident swans can be found.

I have to say, the people that work there are so very friendly. In my 10+ years that I have come here, I have never encountered an unfriendly person. And that says a great deal about the people who own & manage this business.

If you are looking for the holiday experience & a place to create memories with your family, Pine Brook Hollow is the place to go.   

Breakfast with Santa at the Lehigh Valley Mall

The start of the holiday season just isn't complete without having breakfast with the one & only Santa Claus.  Well, you are in luck!  Santa is planning a special get together at Bravo! Cucina Italiana! on Sasturday, December 3rd.

Reservations are required for this event, please call the restaurant directly at 610-266-4050 to place your reservation.

This event is partly sponsored by Lehigh Valley Mall's Simon Kiddgits Membership program.  For more information visit their site. 

Hope to see you there!

A Little Christmas Miracle: From 1 to 100 Toys for Tots in 48 Hours

After a month of promoting the annual drive to customers and offering an admission discount for every donation, as of last Sunday, BounceU Bethlehem had exactly one toy in its Toys for Tots collection box. 

Forty-eight hours later, the same box overflowed with 100.  “There was no way we were going to disappoint local children who count on us,” says BounceU Lehigh Valley General Manager Carissa Santos. So, on Sunday afternoon she fired off an email to the 60+ teenage employees who staff the company’s two locations. “I know this is last minute,” it read, “but our Toys for Tots bins are looking pretty bare…if any of you are out shopping tonight or tomorrow maybe you would be able pick something up…Let’s spread a little Christmas cheer this year and help out kids less fortunate then us.”

BounceU owner Mike Principato liked Santos’ idea so much that he upped the ante by offering to match every donation, toy-for-toy “Hope you’re ready to go shopping,” Santos told Principato.

Twenty-four hours later, Principato was roaming the aisles of a local department store on a quest to buy 50 toys…one to match every toy contributed the day before by BounceU employees, their friends and their families, for a total of exactly 100 Toys for Tots.

Principato says, “I’m not a guy who likes to shop, but I sure didn’t mind that trip. I’m so grateful to and proud of Carissa and the great group of kids who work at our stores. In 48 hours, we went from one toy to one-hundred. They created their own little Christmas miracle for the children who will receive those toys.”

BounceU Bethlehem and BounceU Allentown are the region’s premier indoor recreation centers for active family fun, offering 10,000 square feet of climate-controlled, spotlessly-clean fun on giant interactive inflatables. BounceU is a national franchise network that specializes in children’s birthday parties, summer day camps, open-to-the-public play sessions and other events in a safe, supervised and private setting. BounceU Lehigh Valley’s “Bounce It Forward” program sponsors dozens of free parties every year for local nonprofit agencies that serve the needs of children and families. For more information, please visit www.bounceu.com