Delaware County Moms

Weekend Family Fun

2013-05-17T08:58:00.000-04:00

Weekend

Pinocchio at the Arden Theatre (select shows eligible for the Target 2 for 1 program) Info HERE
Italian Market Festival (Saturday & Sunday)
Longwood Gardens Spring Blooms
Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and tickets start at $6!

Saturday:

International Museum Day.. Best list of free museums is found HERE
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Hagley Muesum Teacher Appreciation Day & Creek Kids Day
Philadelphia Parks & Rec Open House
Touch a Truck at the Granite Run Mall
Tyler Arboretum (2 events today!)

Sunday:

Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon
Antique Car Show at Linvilla
Clover Market in Ardmore is worth checking out!

Free and Cheap Summer Fun

2013-05-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

Let's be honest, I LOVE summer. I love the relaxed schedules, hanging out at the pool for hours, sunsets later in the evening, love summer! I don't love bored kids. I try to keep a variety of activities for us to check out every so often, it prevents fights and keeps them entertained.

Herrs Factory Tour-Fun & free! Click HERE for all the info!
$1 movies at Regal. Click HERE for all the info & locations.
Delaware County has fantastic library programs all summer long. For a complete list go HERE!
We head down to the creek! I am certain that one day my children will say throwing rocks in the creek was one of their greatest childhood memories. Check some great Delaware County Parks HERE.
Linvilla Orchards. We buy a bag of old produce to feed the animals and then play on the playground.
Free concerts at Rose Tree Park
Go down to Penn's Landing. All summer long they have free concerts, movies, festivals & more. Info is Here.
Check out a different playground. It doesn't have to be one you have never been too, just one you don't often go too, bring a snack or lunch & hang out for a while.
Kids Bowl Free!!! Info HERE!
If you're looking for a beach day, keep in mind that Sea Isle has FREE beach days on Wednesday (except July 4)! Any other day of the week, kids under 12 are free.

Keep adding to the list. What do you do with your kids for the rest of the summer?!

Summer reading programs

2013-05-13T09:23:00.001-04:00

Keep those reading skills up over the summer. Here is a list of reading clubs and challenges I found to help keep the kids excited about reading over the summer.

It is so important to keep your child reading over the summer so they don't regress by next fall. Sing them up for one or all of these programs to keep them motivated!

Click HERE for Barnes and Noble Kids Summer Reading Program Information
Kids Earn a Free Book from Barnes and Noble!
1. Read any eight books this summer and record them in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Imagination’s Destination Journal.

2. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 21st and Sept. 3rd, 2013.

3. Choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of the journal.

Click HERE for TD Bank's Summer Reading Reward Program

Here’s what participating kids need to do:

1. Read 10 books this summer.
2. Print out the Summer Reading Form and write down the names of the books.
3. Take the form to the nearest TD Bank
4. Get $10 deposited into a new or existing "Young Saver Account."
Must be 18 years of age or younger to participate. (Bring form of ID for child for new account opening).

Click HERE to check out the Scholastic Summer Challenge
Scholastic has a free online program designed to motivate and excite your children about reading books this summer. With the Summer Challenge, kids can log the minutes they spend reading, earn rewards, and help read for the World Record!

Click HERE to go to the Delaware County Library System's site and participate in the Summer Reading Club

The Delaware County Library System's member libraries are participating in the statewide Summer Reading Club.

Readers of all ages can participate in the 2013 Summer Reading Program "Dream Big-READ!" Check your library for registration information and for dates & times of programs, story hours, reading clubs, etc.

Weekend Family Fun

2013-05-10T08:43:00.003-04:00

Weekend

Dad Vail Regatta in Fairmount Park
Pinocchio at the Arden Theatre (select shows eligible for the Target 2 for 1 program) Info HERE
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Longwood Gardens Spring Blooms
Spring Carnival at the Granite Run Mall
Love Your Park has a week of events HERE

Friday:

Free Admission to National Public Parks, Info HERE

Saturday:

Middletown Township Community Day
May Fair at the Helen Kate Furness Library
Kids Yoga at the Middletown Library
Family Fun Day sponosored by the Ridley Park Police Department
National Train Day; Events Nationwide, Info HERE
Lowes Build & Grow Workshop, Register HERE
Mother's Day Craft at Michael's $2 fee

Sunday:

Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon

Summer Art Camp

2013-05-06T11:41:00.000-04:00

July 1 - August 16 for children ages 5-15. Summer Art Camp sessions takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for one week each. Students will learn new skills, create artwork and make new friends. Sessions are designed to appeal to all levels and interests of young artists .The daily schedule includes a morning session, (including a light snack) followed by lunch (brought by each camper), and an afternoon session. After-camp sessions are also available from 3:00-5:30 p.m Check out the website for more information: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art Summer Camp: offers enriching, imaginative experiences for campers.

Mother's Day Crafts

2013-05-05T08:52:00.000-04:00

Last year Crystal went all out with great ideas for mother's day crafts..why reinvent the wheel?!

Check it out HERE!

Weekend Family Fun!

2013-04-25T22:24:00.000-04:00

Weekend

The Little Mermaid Jr at Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School Info HERE
Pinocchio at the Arden Theatre (select shows eligible for the Target 2 for 1 program) Info HERE
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Philadelphia Science Festival Info HERE
Broomall Fire Company Carnival
Sharon Hill Fire Company Carnival
Ladies Night Out Bingo for Cradles to Crayons at the Swarthmore Community Center

Friday:

Celebrate National Pretzel Day with a free pretzel from Philly Pretzel Factory!
Free Plaza Performances at Kimmel Center info HERE

Saturday:

Sunday:

Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon

Weekend Family Fun!

2013-04-19T10:13:00.000-04:00

Weekend

Pinocchio at the Arden Theatre (select shows eligible for the Target 2 for 1 program) Info HERE
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Free Plaza Performances at Kimmel Center info HERE (Saturday & Sunday)
Philadelphia Science Festival (I've heard great things about the carnival on Saturday!) Info HERE
Haverford Township Parks celebrate Earth Day!

Friday:

Click, Clack Moo at the Upper Darber Performing Arts Center Info HERE
Pizza & a movie at the Middletown Library from 5-7:30 in Media!

Saturday:

Michael's Craft Event: learn How to turn and old t-shirt into a fashion accessory!
Charlotte's Web at the Hedgrow Theatre

Sunday:

Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon
Roman Rituals at the Penn Museum

Weekend Family Fun

2013-04-12T09:09:00.000-04:00

Weekend:

World War 2 Camp at the Colonial Plantation (Saturday & Sunday)
Pinocchio at the Arden Theatre (select shows eligible for the Target 2 for 1 program) Info HERE
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Free Plaza Performances at Kimmel Center info HERE (Saturday & Sunday)

Friday:

Click, Clack Moo at the Upper Darber Performing Arts Center Info HERE

Saturday:

Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe's. Click HERE to register.
Second Saturday Arts Stroll in Media, info HERE (Front Street Fountain has karaoke!)
Michael's Craft Event ages 14 and up!
Charlotte's Web at the Hedgrow Theatre

Sunday:

Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon
Roman Rituals at the Penn Museum
Philly Farm & Food Fest info HERE

Big Time Rush & Victoria Justice Concert Deal!

2013-04-05T13:30:00.006-04:00

We went last summer & had a great time---we're going again this year too! $15 for Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice Concert on July 16 at 7 p.m. (Up to $27 Value). These are for lawn seats.

For more info & to order go HERE!

Kindle Fire- $99

2013-04-03T14:01:00.000-04:00

Amazon Kindle Fire 7" Tablet (First Generation) – Online Deal $99.99 for First-Generation Amazon Kindle Fire 7" Full-Color Tablet (Refurbished) ($199.99 List Price). Free Shipping & Returns.

Click HERE to get all the info!

Dance Mob Benefits Alex's Lemonade Stand & you can join in too!

2013-04-03T07:53:00.002-04:00

Dancing for Donations – Red Hot Dance Fitness & The MOM Prom of Media & Aston team up to fight kids’ cancer with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

MEDIA, PA – (April 2013) – In an effort to help find cures for all kids with cancer, members of The MOM Prom of Aston & Media are teaming up with Red Hot Dance Fitness to “dance for donations,” raising funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, at the Granite Run Mall on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

Led by Rebecca Mucklow, founder of the MOM Prom, and Megan Kuzinski, who brought Red Hot Dance Fitness to the area, the event will invite area residents to have fun while participating in a complete workout from 12:30-2PM. Instead of paying for the class, participants will be urged to make a donation to the Foundation dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer. To kick off the event, Red Hot Dance Fitness will host a Dance Mob, which participants can learn prior to attending through this link on their website.

Red Hot Dance Fitness (RHDF) is an award winning new group exercise format utilizing the hottest, most popular music of today. Created by Philadelphia based Fitness Expert Christine Gallagher, RHDF provides beginner through advanced dance enthusiasts with a vigorous cardiovascular workout while channeling their inner JLo.

In addition to the Dancing for Donations event, the MOM Prom of Aston & Media will host their second annual event benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation on Saturday, May 4 at Barnarby’s in Aston. In their inaugural event, aiming to bring women in the local community together for a ladies night out to support a cause, over 160 women attended, raising nearly $7,000. Tickets to this year’s event are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, and include food, drinks, and raffles.

“I was happily stunned by the outpouring of support and success of last year’s MOM Prom,” said Rebecca Mucklow, who created the event. “We raised an astonishing amount of money, but perhaps more importantly, shortly after the event were reminding of exactly why we were hosting it – our community lost a child to cancer. We are happy to return this year to honor the fight of this child, and continuing raising funds and awareness for the disease.”

For more information on Dancing for Donations and the MOM Prom, visit: http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/79249 or http://redhotdancefitness.com/classes/dancemob

Event Details:

Red Hot Dance Fitness Dance Mob and Fundraising Workout

Granite Run Mall, Media PA

Sunday April 7, 2013 12:30PM - 2:00PM

Is Your Child Safely & Correctly Buckled Up In The Car?

2013-04-01T14:10:00.000-04:00

I see it every day: Children who are not buckled in a car seat when they should be, Children in the front seat of a vehicle, Car seats that aren't buckled into the car properly & tightened enough, and Car seat harness systems that are too loose on the child...

Children under the age of 4 must be in a federally approved car seat (or booster if the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of a car seat).

The American Academy of Pediatrics Now advises parents that children should remain rear-facing until 2 years of age (or until the child reaches the highest weight or height limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat). Previously, the AAP advised parents to keep kids rear-facing as long as possible, up to the maximum limit of the car seat, but also cited one year and 20 pounds as the minimum for flipping the seat, which many people interpreted as the time to make the switch.

*Loose harness straps don’t provide proper protection. Be sure the harness is tight; you should only be able to fit your finger under the straps. Position the shoulder straps through the slots on the seat at or below your child's shoulders. (Winter coats make this very difficult, dress them in layers and take big bulky winter coats off in the car seat).

*Adjust the chest clip to armpit level!

*Use either the car’s seat belt or LATCH system to lock the car seat into the car not both systems at the same time. The car seat should not move more than one inch side to side or front to back.Use your knee to press the car seat down on the vehicle's seat while tightening the belt/strap.

*All car seats have an expiration date. (About six years).

*If you need help, or to make sure your car seat is installed properly, you can get it inspected for free. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Find car seat safety check locations HERE

Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must use a booster seat.
*An adult lap and should belt does not fit children properly until the child is about 4 feet, 9 inches and at least 80 pounds. They must be able to sit all the way back against the vehicle seat, knees bent over the seat's edge, the shoulder belt goes across the collarbone and the lap belt fits low on the hips.

Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat. (No front seat until at least age 13!)

Even if you are just going down the street, or a quick trip to the school or store or whatever, Please take the time to buckle them in properly & tighten belts. Accidents can happen any where and at any time!

Spring Break Treat for the Kids

2013-03-27T19:02:00.000-04:00

I stopped by Mango's Frozen Yogurt today in Media with the kids for the first time.

In three words: They Loved It!

1. Grab a cup

2. Choose your flavor (there are so many!) and self serve it.

3. Choose your toppings (tons of choices).

4. Weigh and pay (.49 an ounce)

5. Enjoy!

The kids loved creating their own treat!

Look at all those choices!

Plenty of toppings to add to your favorite flavor(s)


Yum-o!

*I was not compensated in any way for this post. Just wanted to share my experience!- Crystal

Kicking Off Spring Break at Saharah Sam's Oasis Water Park

2013-03-26T20:35:00.000-04:00

We were invited to spend our first day of Spring Break at Saharah Sam's:....this is what we saw when we arrived. Snow on the ground & the water tunnels!

Brr!

It was cold and snowy outside, but nice and warm inside. (84 degrees and sunny!)

Seems to us, that it is worthwhile to take advantage of the Annual Pass for $59.95 per person. (non-transferable)
It pays for itself after two visits!
The annual pass includes both the indoor and outdoor parts of the water park.
The annual pass can be used anytime & is good for an entire year from the date of activation (your first visit).

Check out online special ticket prices: HERE

There is an arcade in the lobby!

You can't bring your own food in, but they have a cafe where you can buy food.

seating for the cafe

One of our favorites: The Lazy River

Another favorite

Watch out!

A few things we want to point out:

It took us about 45 minutes from Wallingford, PA (easy to get there).

The water temperature was great.

There were plenty of Life Guards on duty.

Bathrooms/locker areas (along with the rest of the place) were clean, but don't forget flip flops or water shoes (the bathrooms have that hard rubber mat that stops you from slipping but hurt bare feet!)

Staff was friendly.

Lines moved pretty quickly.

There are lockers to keep your valuables in. The large lockers are only $1 more than the small ones and have twice the amount of room (although there were alot of large lockers that were out of order). How can a locker be out of order you wonder, well this is what the locker key looks like:

locker wristband key


$5/$6 for lockers

You too can spend Spring Break at Sahara Sam's! Check out the online deal they have going on:
Spring Break Admission Tickets are available at $24.95! (Must be purchased online & only valid for admission between Friday March 22nd and Friday April 12th)

It did get a bit crowded while we were there, and the chlorine was a bit strong, but overall we all agree that it was a blast and would love to go back during the summer.

Check this out: The Grand Opening of the Outdoor Water Park Expansion is May 25th and 26th of Memorial Day Weekend.
The new facilities will include a leisure pool, children’s splash area, tiki bar, cabanas, volleyball courts and a Wave Pool!
(The outdoor expansion will be included in the price of admission--no additional charge).

Watch for special events, discounts, and happenings on their facebook page : HERE

*Delcopamoms received tickets to Sarah Sam's in exchange for this review* Our opinions are completely our own as always.

Menu Plan Monday!

2013-03-25T17:55:00.002-04:00

So I realized I hadn't posted a menu plan for a while & thought today was a good day to do it! We've been doing really well with making & sticking to a menu for the past few weeks. Last week we had a few issues, because we had scheduled leftovers for 2-3 days but there weren't nearly enough leftovers to last...so we improvised, has some Brinner (breakfast for dinner) and everyone was fine!

Sunday: Steak, asparagus and mashed potatoes
Monday: Meatball hoagies
Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets
Wednesday: Spagetti
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Leftovers or brocolli cheddar soup
Sunday: Easter

Because we're on spring break, the kids will be heading to the office with me this week & we need to be prepared with food! We've got a ton of pretzels, apples, bananas, oranges, etc. We also have lunch meats & cheeses, peanut butter & jelly plus hummus for lunch!

Weekend Family Fun!

2013-03-22T08:01:00.000-04:00

All Weekend:

Fore! The Planet mini golf & their recycled Christmas tree maze now open at Linvilla Orchards
Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Hayrides to Bunnyland at Linvilla Orchards
The Rockin Tale of Snow White info HERE
Just Between Friends Sale in Glen Mills

Saturday:

Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe's. Click HERE to register.
Luv-N-Bunns Pictures with Bunnies at the Media Upper Providence Library, info HERE
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Granite Run Mall
Charlotte's Web at the Hedgerow Theatre, Inf HERE
Delco SPCA is hosting their St. Pitty's Day party!
Lego Friends Event at Toys R Us
Wallingford Presbyterian Church's 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Click HERE to Register!

Sunday

Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Muesum
Dollar Days at the Hagley Museum
Free Admission to the National Constitution Center
Delco SPCA is hosting their St. Pitty's Day party!
Free Admission to the Academy of Natural Science

Starbucks Groupon Deal!

2013-03-21T19:25:00.001-04:00

Groupon has a limited Starbucks Deal right now & it's invite only!

So click HERE! to go to the deal & see if you're one of the lucky people who got the deal!

Just Between Friends Presale & Info!

2013-03-21T16:46:00.003-04:00

I love the Just Between Friends Sale in Glen Mills, I've gone every season for at least the past few years! I love that I can find a great selection, a variety of prices & I'm helping my wallet! This year didn't disappointed. I paid around $55 and I got a ton of stuff, including an Easter Dress for my daughter! Here are a few of the items I purchased that I thought I wanted to share!

The view as I was checking out!

Two pairs of cute shorts, only $5!

Easter Dres, $8

Ninja Turtle Walkie Talkies---these are going in an Easter Basket, only $7!

Not pictured were swim shirts, Diary of a Whimpy Kids books, some easy reader Dick & Jane books, shoes. There was so much there! For location and hours click HERE also, make sure you snag the free admission pass!

Ants: They're No Picnic to Get Rid of...

2013-03-21T16:45:00.003-04:00

Spring in my neighborhood means the return of those pesky little ANTS!

Before moving to my current home in Delaware County, if I saw a few ants, I would try a few different things I had heard worked (like cinnamon, baby powder, etc. to get rid of them and it always worked)... Well none of those things worked on the ants that live in this neighborhood! They must be super ants around here or something!

So, we spent hundreds of dollars on pest control contracts for the first couple of years of living here... The first company we went with didn't get rid of them or even keep them under control! The company we went with the following year did get rid of them, but we got tired of spending all that money on those tiny little ants. So... I did some research, and found that mixing Borax with honey or syrup (or sugar & water) is a cheap, easy, and effective way to rid your home of those annoying little things.

I tried it and it worked! I put some of the mixture in a container with a lid, poked a few small holes around near the bottom so the ants can go in, but your pets can't get to it. I also tucked it out of site in an unreachable spot because this product is potentially dangerous to animals and people. *Please be cautious and take the necessary steps in order to make sure that using this (or any pesticide) doesn't cause harm to you, children, or animals (inside or outside).

I also read that this method may be less effective in warmer weather, but works very well in the spring.

-Crystal

Fellow Mommy Bloggers Hop Into Action to Help Us Spread the Word About the Drive for Cradles to Crayons Happening at The Springfield Mall

2013-03-20T19:30:00.001-04:00

Who else wants their picture taken with the Easter Bunny at The Springfield Mall ?

These "Mommy Bloggers" got together to help spread the word about the drive happening at The Springfield Mall for the local charity Cradles to Crayons.

Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization that provides children in the Philadelphia area living in homeless or low income situations with the basic essentials they need to feel safe, warm, and ready to learn.

When you drop off your donation of new or gently used children's clothes at the Customer Service Desk, you'll receive a discount for pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Even if you don't have anything at home to donate, you can still help!

Pick up an Easter Egg from the Customer Service Desk & while you're already at the mall, purchase an item or two that are always in need at Cradles to Crayons; Such as:

Boys Pants, sizes 7-16

Boys PJs, sizes 11-16

Girls PJs, sizes 11-16

New Girls Underwear sizes 5/6 and 7/8

New Boys Underwear sizes 3T to 11/12

This drive will continue through March 30!

Please Join Delco PA Moms and The Springfield Mall in supporting this drive for Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia!

Weekend Fun!

2013-03-15T09:29:00.000-04:00

All Weekend:

Fore! The Planet mini golf & their recycled Christmas tree maze now open at Linvilla Orchards
Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
Hayrides to Bunnyland at Linvilla Orchards
Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens (Orkid Days this weekend!)
The Rockin Tale of Snow White info HERE
Celebrate Women's History Month at the National Constitution Center

Saturday:

3rd Annual Spring Eggstravaganza, Radnor Township
Thomas Playdate at Toys R Us

Sunday:

Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Muesum
Dollar Days at the Hagley Museum

Western Main Line Just Between Friends Sale: Worth the Trip!!

2013-03-13T21:01:00.002-04:00

I had a fabulous opportunity today to go to the Western Main Line Just Between Friends Sale for a blogger shop. I walked in and this is what I saw:

Rows and rows of toys, clothes, strollers, baby gear, etc. I felt a bit overwhelmed. I was so excited and had to take a minute to take it all in and decide where to start.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is full of bargains, just waiting to be scooped up (the sale runs from March 14 - 16)!

Thursday: 9am - 8pm,
Friday: 9am - 7pm,
The half price sale on Saturday: 8am - 6pm

Need items for Spring Sports?

Or swim stuff/beach gear?

Maybe Easter baskets or small toys/games/books to put in them?

Footwear: think sandals, water shoes, spring dress shoes.

The home stretch! Almost my turn to check out!

Be prepared to spend a lot of time browsing what seems like endless amounts of items, plus time waiting in line. (I waited in line for about 45 minutes --with a friend and we chatted the whole time so it went by quickly).


my haul!

I spent several hours at the sale today, but I left a very happy camper! I got great bargains on tons of stuff for the kids: Storage items, shorts, swim stuff, sandals, pjs, toys/games, and things for Easter baskets!

My recommendations: Go with a game plan-- know the items you are in need of and go to those items first. Wear comfortable shoes and leave your jacket in the car. Oh, and bring bags or a beach cart to shop with. (I actually saw several people pulling a laundry basket by a belt or leash). Your arms will get full fast. They do have a place where you can have them hold your items esp. larger items that you won't want to lug around with you. Happy shopping!
Definitely worth the trip!
-Crystal

*I was compensated for this post with a free entry and JBF dollars to spend.

However, this post is written honestly, and is completely my own opinion!

Flower for Mom

2013-03-11T19:15:00.000-04:00

Bendaroos deal on Amazon.com

Check out this cute idea my 5 year old came up with...

He used Bendaroos to make me a flower on my bedroom door. It was a very sweet surprise!

-Crystal

The Rockin Tale of Snow White Opens on March 15th at The Spotlight Theatre

2013-03-11T18:20:00.000-04:00

Spotlight Theatre

Book by Barbara Lennon Music by Bill Francoeur

Lyrics by Bill Francoeur and Barbara Lennon

Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services, Inc

Directed by Gina Parker

All seats $9.

Part of the Family subscription series:

This musical adaptation with new characters and comedic twists will make you laugh out loud as a modern mom reads the Brothers Grimm tale to her restless children.

The Rockin' Tale of Snow White
Mar. 15 & 22, 2013 7:30 PM
Mar. 16 & 23, 2013 11:00 AM
Mar. 17 & 24, 2013 2:00 PM

LOCATION:
Swarthmore United Methodist Church
129 Park Ave
Swarthmore, PA 19081
(Not affiliated with SUMC)