Murfreesboro Mamas

Lets take back our Thanksgiving!

2014-11-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

As a mother of 3 and a college student, I like a good deal like the next person, in fact I need a good deal to buy most things. However, I refuse to give up a holiday with my family, so that I can find such a deal. Which brings me to my point.... Black Friday.... now Black Thanksgiving. As I was browsing around for a new set of pots and pans, I remembered Black Friday deals were coming up. So I checked out walk mart and targets ads, guess what? They have the majority of their sale items at 6pm on.... get this....Thanksgiving. As I went back and forth in my head about how I could make it to the store to get my loot on Thanksgiving, I had a very needed reality check. "Why would you give up a holiday of stuffing your face, and time with family, to save $20."

My sisters and I normally do the whole Black Friday experience, its awesome (jumping over crowds for sheets, and waiting in line for hours). However, somewhere in the money-hungry world, these superstores have thought that is was a good idea to make more money, and open earlier, and WE TOLD THEM THAT THAT WAS OK. Is it ok with you? It is not OK with me. What about the poor employees that would like to spend time with their families? It is mandatory for them to work, some are even scheduled for odd hours in order to staff the store.

What can we do about it? I say let's make a grand statement that we won't go and spend money at their stores on Thanksgiving. As a business they will not do it next year because they won't receive the sales to be worth it. In order for this to work I need your support, and everyone you know. Let's not spend money on these Black Thanksgiving stores.

Who is with me?

Father's Day!

2013-06-16T07:54:00.001-07:00

Yeah for fathers! Post your favorite picture of your favorite fathers.

BareNaked Babies

2013-06-12T20:55:00.001-07:00

I make lots of crochet items and more. Please go like me on facebook

EVENTS for KIDS Summer 2013

2013-06-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

What to do this Summer!

Don't forget to like my page on Facebook!

Helpful Event Links

Rutherford Parent
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Calendar

List of Rutherford County Events

Linebaugh Library Events
Smyrna Library Events

Movies in the Park flyer

Nashville Sounds

Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles
Beech Bend Park
Middle Tennesee Library Storytimes

Ongoing Events

Kids Bowl FREE at Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles-sign up online here and kids can bowl two games FREE......ALL SUMMER!

Patterson Park

A, B, C, 1, 2, 3...Let's Go ages 2-5 can learn letters and numbers every Tuesday and Thursday @ 10-10:45; $3
Activity Time with Mrs Trina ages 2-6 can make road trip games Thursdays 9-9:45; $3
Busy Bees ages 3-5 learn to follow directions, improve coordination, and practice good sportsmanship Tuesday and Thursday 10:45-11:15; $3

**Sports*Com**

Toddler Time with Thomas: Ages 5 and younger can participate in motor-skill development activities every Friday; 10 – 11 a.m.; $3

Lucky Ladd Farms- NEW Splash Pad and Bubble Blasting Foam Pool, petting farm, pony rides, mega slides, wagon rides, and more Eagleville; Wed – Thu 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fri 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $10 ages 2 and older;
Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Nashville Shores

Smyrna Library Events

N-Trak Model Railroad Display Sunday, June 16@9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room

All Ages Welcome

(Library Closed but Conference Room opened)

Craft Time “Flower Pot” Tuesday, June 18@10:00 a.m. - in Conference Room All Ages Welcome

Wild Goose Chase Theater Wednesday, June 19@10:00 a.m. in Conference Room

All Ages Welcome

Books & Babies Story Time Friday, June 21@9:30 and 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room

Birth to 23 Months

Wildlife on Wheels Nashville Zoo Friday, June 21@2: 00 p.m. in Conference Room

All Ages Welcome

Hobbit Tea Saturday, June 22 Teen Event@2:00 p.m. in Conference Room

Ages 12-18

Craft Time Tuesday, June 25 “Paper Plate Dinosaur" 10:00 a.m. in Conference Room All Ages Welcome

Imagine That Crew Wednesday, June 26@10:00 a.m. in Conference Room

All Ages Welcome

Balloon Artist Scott Tripp Thursday, June 27@10:00 a.m. in Conference Room

All Ages Welcome

Books & Babies Story Time Friday, June 28@9:30 and 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room

Birth to 23 Months

Steampunk Jewelry Saturday, June 29 Teen Event @2:00 p.m. in the Conference Room

Ages 12-18

Linebaugh Library

Tuesdays @ 10am 2 year old storytime

Wednesday 10am 3 year old storytime

Thursdays 10am ages 4 and up storytime

Wild Goose Chase Theater Wed. June 19 1:00 p.m. (all ages)

Storytime with Girl Scout Troop #2830 Thurs. June 20 1:00 p.m. (all ages) Bring a blanket orstuffed animal, and get cozy while listening to stories read by this local 4th GradeTroop.

Wildlife On Wheels Fri. June 21 10:00 a.m. Nashville Zoo, (all ages)

Imagine That Crew Wed. June 26 1:00 p.m. , Skits, Puppets, Stories, Live Music, and More (all ages)

Fossils Rock! Fri. June 28 11:00 a.m. Create a treasure to unearth, discover some fossils, and enjoy
a "dinomite" snack. (Tweens Ages 8 - 12) Advance Registration Required. Event & supplies
are limited to 30 tweens.

FREEMusic at the Mill-Smyrna

Wildfire (June 7th)
Springs (Aug 16th)
Top Tier (Sept 13th)

Music at the Mill Concert Series at Gregory Mill Park @6:30

Bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy a concert, inflatables for children, and food vendors.

FREE Barnes & Noble Storytime Stories and related activities for all ages every Mon and Sat at 11 a.m. Murfreesboro

FREE Books-A-Million Preschool storytime for ages 2 – 7 is every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Murfreesboro

BounceU Bounce on inflatables Murfreesboro Check website for open bounce and preschool play date times.

Murfreesboro's Movies Under the Stars

FREE June 4th-July 28 @ 8:30 This week is "Back to the Future," and the week of June 17-22 is "Mirror, Mirror"
Bring blankets and lawn chairs
Mondays- Cason Lane Trailhead
Tuesdays-Cannonsburgh Village
Thursdays-Seigel Neighborhood Park
Fridays-Mitchell Neilson Primary
Saturdays-Hobgood Elementary
For more info call 890-5333

FREE Family Trivia Night Compete to win $25 gift card by answering trivia questions at 6pm at Goofballs Family Fun, Franklin

MOMS Club of North Murfreesboro meetings: 10:30 a.m., Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) support group for stay-at-home mothers, first Friday each month, First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, Thompson Lane. For more information, contact Rachel Holder, president, at 615-542-5696

Middle Tennessee Dads Group meeting: 10:30 a.m., each Wednesday. Stay-at-home dads and their children gather for play groups and field trips. Mike Willis 931-490-1158, or e-mail toolshed@cpws.net.

Rutherford County Farmers Market June 14, 2013 from 7:00am to 12:00pm Murfreesboro, TN
Lane Agri-Park Community Center, Murfreesboro, TN

Main Street Saturday Market June 15, 2013 from 8:00am to 12:00pm Murfreesboro, TN
Main Street Saturday Market, Murfreesboro, TN

Every Saturday in June

FREE Big Band Dance-learn how to dance at Centennial Park Event Shelter, Nashville, TN 7pm-11pm
FREE Musicians Corner-enjoy live music, food vendors, and children's activities @ Centennial Park 12pm-5pm
FREE Puppets on the Porch- learn about animals from puppets @ The Wilderness Station, Murfreesboro
FREE Bike tour @ Stones river National Battlefield ranger led bike tour murfreesboro 11am

Friday June 14th

FREE Flag Day Celebration - (11am-12pm) 1st 1,000 people get a FREE flag. Cannonsburgh Village

Just Me and My Dad - (4pm-7pm) Explore the Discovery Center @ Murfree Spring with dad

FREE Touch a Truck - Check out a variety of different trucks (dump trucks, fire trucks, garbage trucks and more) Pinkerton Park, Franklin
Movies in the Park - "Hotel Transylvania" Movies in the Park flyer @ Rotary Soccer Park, Smyrna $1/person, movie starts at dusk, food vendors, inflatables and train rides

FREE Books & Babies Story Time Friday, June 14@9:30 and 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room

Birth to 23 Months

Saturday June 15th

FREE RC and Moon Pie Festival is a family friendly festival with music, food, and games. 7:45am-5pm
Downtown Bell Buckle

FREEN-Trak Model Railroad Display Saturday, June 15@ 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room

All Ages Welcome

Thursday June 20

FREE Splash out!- have water fun under the spray from Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Dept

Friday June 21

FREE Third Friday Night Concert Series enjoy music and dancing at Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro

Saturday June 22

Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of the Stones River National Cemetery

Wednesday June 26

FREE Arts in the Park- enjoy a variety of arts and craft projects at Old Fort Park Pavillion 3, Murfreesboro

2013-06-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

SUMMERTIME!!! WOO HOO!!

Well, it has been a while. Babies can really keep you busy. My little one is 18 months now and I have found a little more time to get back to my blog.

Every year I make a decision that we are going to have an awesome summer. Time flies by and before you know it summer is over and it is time for school, and all you did was a vacation (if you are lucky) and some swimming. NO, not this year. I want to have fun!!!! So we decided to make a "Summer Bucket List." These are things that we want to do before the summer is over. We counted the days in the summer vacation and came up with that many activities. Don't worry, I built in my break days. Some things can be matched together on the same day. We wrote our activities on popsicle sticks and color coded them with lines that tell us about the activity like if it costs money, for a rainy day, etc.

I am going to post our summer bucket list ideas, and post pictures when I can. I am totally stoked, because we have actually been doing them so far. These are the ones we have done:

Eat Chicken Fried Rice (put some favorite meals on the lists)

Go to the Library

Play badminton

Hang out with cousins (they played badminton with them)

Go Swimming

Have friend stay the night

See the Temple

Go to the Splash pad

Make cookies

Learn to crochet

Family Day (we went shopping, splash pad, Factory @Franklin, and saw the Temple, BAM! 3 in 1)

This week we are going to:

Make snack necklaces

Have a stuffed animal fight

Make "fluffy stuff" http://www.playcreateexplore.com/2012/08/summer-snowball-fight-with-fluffy-stuff.html

Have a glow ring toss

Go Bowling or Movie

Go to Park

Eat Chicken and Rice Casserole

Some other things that are on our list are:

Go to Chuck E. Cheese (of course!)

Go to the Zoo

Balloon Volleyball

Make mood sand (8 cups of flour and 1 cup baby oil)

Get ice cream

Fly kite

Eat Birthday Cake (we have two kiddos with birthdays this month)

Build a fort

Go to the Discovery Center

Go to Nashville Shores

Scavenger Hunt

Bubble prints

Go to Library Storytime

Walk the greenway

Rainy day art http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/05/rainy-day.html

Build tin can robots

Wash the car

Movies in the park

Make flubber http://www.livecrafteat.com/craft/homemade-flubber-for-kids/

Laser tag

Go to Farmers Market

Have a field day in the yard

Water balloon fight

Tin foil river with ice cube boats http://www.camoandbows.com/2011/08/river-runs-through-it-in-our-front-yard.html

Play super heroes

Take cookies to a neighbor

Go to Drama Camp (like Vacation Bible Camp, but cooler :)

Paint rocks http://coastalways.blogspot.com/2012/08/rock-monsters-pebble-magnet-tutorial.html

Turn painted rocks to necklaces

Fishing in the bathtub (we will make fishing polls) http://craftsandartforchildren.blogspot.com/2011/07/bathtub-fishing-make-your-own-fishing.html

Try it, make your own bucket list. Use my ideas. Make sure to post pics of your kids having fun!

Here are some other sites that have some good ideas to add into your bucket list.

75 things you can do with your kid for spring that cost next to nothing

No Time for Flash Cards

50 Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

Costume Ideas

2011-10-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has a hard time coming up with somewhat of an original thought when it comes to Halloween costumes so I thought I would post the links to some of my favorite ones. Maybe you can come up with an idea...let me know what are your favorites.

Lego

For the Pregnant one

Lollipop Guild

Bun in the Oven

Last Minute Costumes

These are some of the best Halloween sites. Check them out!

http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-kids-costumes/funny-costumes/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/costumes/homemade-halloween.html

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/20-homemade-halloween-costumes/11/

Couples Costumes

Group Costumes

Martha Stewart Halloween

Star Wars Baby Shower

2011-10-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Two of my best friends are having a baby so I decided to have a Star Wars themed baby shower, because I wanted it to be a coed shower. I wanted the guys to feel as though it was not a typical shower. I do not know very much about Star Wars so I used Google to help motivate my ideas. I hope you enjoy the ideas I came up with, and maybe even find something helpful for a party you may want to throw.

FOOD

I named all the food after Star Wars characters

I googled a list of Star Wars characters and then picked names that sounded good with my food item.
Here is a list of my food names:
Anakin-Pasto Tray - Antipasto tray
Obi-Wan Fruit Tray - Fruit Tray
Nausage Balls - Sausage Balls (Nausage is a food that they ate in Star Wars....I think)
Darth Veggie Traya - Veggie tray
Shaak Tea - tea
Yoda Soda - limeage, sprite, and lime sherbert....I did not come up with this name.
Boba Fett Bean Dip - Seven Layer Bean dip (recipe below)
Ackbar Artichoke Dip - Spinach and Artichoke dip

Seven Layer Bean Dip

1 large can refried beans
1-16oz Sour cream
1-16oz guacamole dip (or fresh)
1- 12oz Salsa
Shredded lettuce (optional)
12 oz shredded cheese
Layer all ingredients as listed in a 9x13 glass dish,
Jalapeno peppers
tomatoes
black olives
Apply the last three ingredients in the design of Boba Fett. (you can also do Yoda's face)

ALL THE EXTRAS

I made a baby journal for people to write parenting advice in, Yoda style. I printed pictures from the internet and used Mod Podge to seal them to the composition book. I also used the book to keep the record of the gifts that were given.

I had some generic powder I wanted to add the theme of star wars to for the gift basket I made...so I printed, "Use the Force" and, "Jedi Powder" and used Mod Podge (a type of craft glue) to cover it up.

This is another item I threw in the basket. Again, I printed it from the internet, and used Mod Podge and adhered it to the mug. The mug will only be used for decoration.

I crocheted this Princess Leia hat. Stay tuned and I will try to come up with a crochet pattern for this. I could not find a free one anywhere online.

I used Baby Picture Maker to create an image of what my friends baby would look like. I decorated the frame using painted puzzle pieces and hot glue. The baby's room decor is black and white.

This is the basket I made for the parents to be.

I also made a video/slideshow which started like the beginning crawl of the original Star Wars movie....
These words scrolled across the screen while the Star Wars theme played in the background.

Right now, in a uterus not so far away... (then the Star Wars logo)
A fetus found nutrition from its mother.
Rebel adults, insistant upon being parents,
have won their first victory against
the evil Unfertility Empire

During the pregnancy,
the fetus managed to steal nutrition
and energy from its host,
Caty, a strong female
with enough power to destroy
an entire planet.

Princess Chapman races home
in her uterus,
in hopes to push all boundaries set by the evil
and one day restore her own freedom

Then I included random pictures of the parents to be as they have grown up.

CAKE

This cake is very simple. I made two sheet cakes, and put them side by side, and then froze the cake. After the cake was frozen, take it out and cut into the shape of a baby shirt. The logo on the front is printed from the internet and I used contact paper to cover it, you can also use plastic wrap. Then pipe the icing around the sides, neck, sleeves, and bottom to complete the look of a onesie.

FLOWERS

Luckily I threw this party around Halloween. It is hard to tell in this picture but the flowers are arranged in Darth Vader trick or treat bucket. The flowers were arranged by Murfreesboro Flower Shoppe

Congrats Caty and KC....you will be good parents.

What to do in Murfreesboro during October

2011-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't even touched on the events going on in October...stay tuned and I will add them as I find them.

Thursday October 6, 2011

Creation Station

All ages can make Shrinky Dink jewelry and key chains. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 3 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.03:00pm

Nature Nuts

All ages can explore constellations. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 4 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.04:00pm

FREE Live on the Green
Brett Dennen, Marie Hines, Rayland Baxter, and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

All ages can enjoy live music sponsored by Lightening 100. Public Square Park near City Hall (Courthouse) Downtown Nashville. Parking is only $3 in the parking garage located directly under Public Square Park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase each night, as well as VIP Tickets - which include beverages, food and exclusive viewing areas. 5:30-10:30 http://www.liveonthegreen.net/schedule

Friday October 7, 2011

FREE Family Movie Night

All ages can discover the secrets that the Museum of Natural History holds during a movie screening. Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 349 Chaney Road, Smyrna; 7 p.m.; cornerstonetn.org.

07:00pm

Saturday October 8, 2011

FREE Nolensville Women’s Show
Several local businesses will showcase their goods and services, a kids’ area includes inflatables and games, and proceeds from the silent auction benefit the Susan G. Koman Foundation. Tusculum Hills Baptist Church, 7198 Nolensville Road, Nolensville; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; facebook.com/nolensvillewomensshow.09:00am - 03:00pm

FREE Biscuits & Bluegrass Fall Festival
Enjoy an array of arts and crafts demonstrations, artists booths, live music, free biscuit samples and more. Loveless Café, 8400 Hwy. 100, Nashville; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 646-9700 or lovelesscafe.com.10:00am - 04:00pm

FREE Sports Cards and Collectibles Show
All ages can buy and sell the latest and all-time favorites in all types of sports cards. RiverGate Mall, 1000 RiverGate Pkwy., Goodlettsville; Fri - Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 12 - 6 p.m.; 478-279-2817.10:00am - 09:00pm

FREE Family Fall Festival
This community event features inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts, games, prizes, food, horse and train rides, and more. Central Pike Church of Church, 4240 Central Pike, Hermitage; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 883-2696 or centralpikecofc.org.11:00am - 03:00pm

FREE Family Program: Introduction to Thumbpick Guitar
Ages 6 - 18 can learn to play guitar like Chet Atkins and Merle Travis through a hands-on workshop covering the basics of thumbpick and fingerstyle guitar (guitars provided). Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Ave. S., Nashville; 1 p.m.; 416-2001 or countrymusichalloffame.org.01:00pm

Meet Clifford
All ages can meet Clifford the Big Red Dog. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; Sat 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., Sun 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.02:30pm - 03:30pm

Sunday, October 09, 2011

FREE Sports Cards and Collectibles Show
All ages can buy and sell the latest and all-time favorites in all types of sports cards. RiverGate Mall, 1000 RiverGate Pkwy., Goodlettsville; Fri - Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 12 - 6 p.m.; 478-279-2817.12:00pm - 06:00pm

Monday, October 10, 2011

Parents & Tots
Preschoolers and their parents can experience autumn in the wetlands. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 9 a.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.09:00am

Snack Attack!
All ages can make chocolate hearts. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 3:30 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.03:30pm

Tuesday October 11, 2011

FREE Concert in the Courtyard
Enjoy music by Grammy-winning classical cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio. Nashville Public Library’s courtyard, 615 Church St., Nashville; 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 862-5800 or library.nashville.org.11:45am - 01:00pm

FREE Movies in the Library
All ages can watch a screening of Toy Story 3. Gallatin Public Library, 123 E. Main St., Gallatin; 2 p.m.; 452-1722 or gallatinlibrary.org.02:00pm

Animal Antics
All ages can meet the gecko. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 3:30 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.03:30pm

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

FREE 4-H with Mr. Shirley
Ages 8 - 12 can participate in programs based on science, engineering and technology. Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd., Murfreesboro; 4 - 5 p.m.; 893-7439 or murfreesborotn.gov/parks.04:00pm - 05:00pm

Thursday October 13

69th Annual Al Menah Shrine Circus
All ages can enjoy circus fun, including a pre-party one hour prior to the show that includes face painting, elephant rides (additional charge) and other activities. Municipal Auditorium, 417 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville; Thu 7 p.m., Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 and 6 p.m.; $23 reserved floor (adults and children, general admission seats are $17 adults, $12 ages 2 - 12, free ages 1 and younger; 226-7766 or 2011circus.com.07:00pm

Friday, October 14, 2011

30th Annual Fall Festival and Tennessee State Pow Wow
All ages can have fun with a weekend of Native-American activities including arts and crafts, live music and dancing, food and more. Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage; Fri - Sun 9 a.m.; $6 adults, $3 ages 6 - 12, free ages 5 and younger; 232-9179 or naiatn.org/powwow. 09:00am

FREE Southern Festival of Books
Enjoy three days of the written word featuring author presentations, readings, panel discussions and book signings, including children’s and young adult authors. War Memorial Plaza, Charlotte Avenue at Seventh Avenue North, Nashville; Fri 12 - 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 12 - 5 p.m.; 770-0006 or humanitiestennessee.org/festival.12:00pm - 06:00pm

Saturday 15, 2011

FREE 24th Annual Oktoberfest
All ages can get into the fall spirit with crafts, food, art, live entertainment, games and more. Wilson Bank & Trust, 623 W. Main St., Lebanon; Sat 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun 12 - 4:30 p.m.; 443-6522 or wilsonbank.com.09:00am - 04:00pm

FREE Bird Club
All ages can learn about birds and their behavior. Cason Trailhead, 1100 Cason Trail Murfreesboro; 9 a.m.; 217-3017 or njordon@murfreesborotn.gov. 09:00am

FREE Middle Tennessee Christian School’s Fall Festival
All ages can enjoy carnival games, inflatables, a petting zoo, vendor and theme booths with crafts, fall items, baked goods, a silent auction, pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. Middle Tennessee Christian School, 100 E. MTCS Road, Murfreesboro; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; admission is free, but tickets are required for certain activities; 893-0601 ormtcscourgars.org/patrons.htm.09:00am - 09:00pm

FREE Southern Festival of Books
Enjoy three days of the written word featuring author presentations, readings, panel discussions and book signings, including children’s and young adult authors. War Memorial Plaza, Charlotte Avenue at Seventh Avenue North, Nashville; Fri 12 - 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 12 - 5 p.m.; 770-0006 or humanitiestennessee.org/festival.09:00am - 06:00pm

FREE Healthy You, Healthy Me!
All ages can learn how to get fit, enjoy healthy snacks, jump in the bounce house participate in fitness demonstrations and more. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.10:00am - 04:00pm

FREE Mars Petcare Adoption Fair
More than 20 local animal shelters will be on hand along with live music, children’s activities, a balloon artist, dog kissing booth, paw painting and more. Mars Petcare, 315 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 373-7774 or mars.com.10:00am - 03:00pm

Saturday AM: Bird Buffet
Families can make a craft to attract birds. Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; free with gate admission ($12 adults, $5 ages 6 - 17, free ages 5 and younger); 356-8000 or cheekwood.org.10:00am - 12:00pm

FREE Bringing Stories to Life
The Junior Service League of Gallatin presents this storytime event for ages 3 - 8 that explores the importance of being healthy and fit through a story reading, a physical activity and healthy snack. Gallatin Public Library, 123 E. Main St., Gallatin; 10:30 a.m.; 452-1722
10:30am

Sunday, October 16, 2011
30th Annual Fall Festival and Tennessee State Pow Wow
All ages can have fun with a weekend of Native-American activities including arts and crafts, live music and dancing, food and more. Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage; Fri - Sun 9 a.m.; $6 adults, $3 ages 6 - 12, free ages 5 and younger; 232-9179 or naiatn.org/powwow. 09:00am

FREE 24th Annual Oktoberfest
All ages can get into the fall spirit with crafts, food, art, live entertainment, games and more. Wilson Bank & Trust, 623 W. Main St., Lebanon; Sat 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun 12 - 4:30 p.m.; 443-6522 or wilsonbank.com.12:00pm - 04:30pm

FREE Southern Festival of Books
Enjoy three days of the written word featuring author presentations, readings, panel discussions and book signings, including children’s and young adult authors. War Memorial Plaza, Charlotte Avenue at Seventh Avenue North, Nashville; Fri 12 - 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 12 - 5 p.m.; 770-0006 or humanitiestennessee.org/festival.12:00pm - 05:00pm

FREE Egypt Family Day
All ages can participate in special art-making activities and enjoy performances (including Egyptian folktales) celebrating ancient and contemporary Egyptian culture. Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway, Nashville; 1 - 5:30 p.m.; 244-3340 or fristcenter.org.01:00pm - 05:30pm

69th Annual Al Menah Shrine Circus
All ages can enjoy circus fun, including a pre-party one hour prior to the show that includes face painting, elephant rides (additional charge) and other activities. Municipal Auditorium, 417 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville; Thu 7 p.m., Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 and 6 p.m.; $23 reserved floor (adults and children, general admission seats are $17 adults, $12 ages 2 - 12, free ages 1 and younger; 226-7766 or 2011circus.com 02:00pm

Sunday Series of Fun
Families can make fall and Halloween decorations. Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd., Murfreesboro; 2 - 4 p.m.; admission is a bag of non-perishable food items per family; 893-2141.02:00pm - 04:00pm

Monday, October 17, 2011

Parents & Tots
Preschoolers and their parents can learn about creepy, crawly things. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 9 a.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.09:00am

Snack Attack!
All ages can enjoy edible creations in the kitchen. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 3:30 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.03:30pm

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Parents & Tots
Preschoolers and their parents can learn about creepy, crawly things. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 9 a.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.09:00am

Tuesdays for Tots: Leafy Landscape
Preschoolers and their parents view the trees on the grounds and then create a leafy work of art. Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; free with gate admission ($12 adults, free ages 5 and younger); 356-8000 or cheekwood.org.10:00am - 12:00pm

Animal Antics
All ages can meet Bill, the ball python. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 3:30 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.03:30pm

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Creation Station
All ages can make egg carton jack-o-lanterns. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 3 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.03:00pm

Nature Nuts
All ages can learn about the planets. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 4 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.04:00pm

Friday, October 21, 2011

Southern Living Showcase Home Tour
The Southern Living home, in which Nashville’s top designers showcase the latest ideas in home design, green innovation and new building products. Southern Living Showcase Home, 913 Dorset Drive, Brentwood; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (tours continue Thu - Sun through Nov. 6); $10 in advance, $14 at the gate, free ages 11 and younger; 309-8200 or castlehomes.com.11:00am - 07:00pm

FREE Family Harvest Days
The whole family can enjoy inflatables, hayrides, food, carnival games, a magic show and more. Rutherford County Baptist Church, 5742 Seminary Road, Smyrna; Fri 4 - 7:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; 355-9710 or rcbaptistchurch.org.04:00pm - 07:30pm

Wetland Walk
All ages can join a naturalist for a guided tour of Murfree Spring wetland. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 4 p.m.; $6; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.04:00pm

Fall Harvest Hayride
All ages can enjoy live music, hayrides, campfire fun, children’s activities and more. General Bragg Trailhead, 111 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro; 5 - 8 p.m.; $2 ages 3 and older; 893-2141.05:00pm - 08:00pm

Spooky Splash
Ages 7 - 13 can swim, do crafts, eat pizza, find a pudding surprise and make tie-dye T-shirts (bring your own white shirt). Patterson Park Pool, 521 Mercury Blvd., Murfreesboro; 6 - 10 p.m.; $5 in advance, $7 day of event; 893-7439.06:00pm - 10:00pm

FREE Third Friday Outdoor Concert
Enjoy live music by local bands. Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro; 7 - 9:30 p.m.; 890-0355.07:00pm - 09:30pm

Saturday, October 22, 2011

In the Artist’s Studio
All ages can join artist Lisa Butler for a hands-on art project. Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 2 - 4 p.m.; $6; 890-2300.02:00am - 04:00pm discoverycenteronline.org

FREE Family Day
The entire family can enjoy DJ entertainment, games, hayrides, fishing, mini train rides, farm animals and more. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, 239 Franklin Road, Franklin; 550-6947 or franklintn.gov.08:00am - 05:00pm

FREE 14th Annual Buddy Walk
All ages can participate in a half-mile walk to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome; other activities include music, games and more. Funds raised go to the local community by offering support, information and education to families in Middle Tennessee. Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave., Nashville; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 386-9002 or dsamt.org.09:00am - 12:00pm

FREE Family Harvest Days
The whole family can enjoy inflatables, hayrides, food, carnival games, a magic show and more. Rutherford County Baptist Church, 5742 Seminary Road, Smyrna; Fri 4 - 7:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; 355-9710 or rcbaptistchurch.org.10:00am - 06:30pm

FREE Town Center Saturday
Visit 50 vendors with everything from fresh produce to jewelry along with local artists, live music, children’s activities and more in a city market atmosphere. Roundabout in the Town Center area of Brentwood; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; towncentersaturdays.org.10:00am - 03:00pm

PCA Fall Festival
All ages can enjoy pumpkin decorating, pie eating, pumpkin seed spitting contests, karaoke, pony rides, a mechanical bull, euro bungee, petting zoo and more. Providence Christian Academy, 410 DeJarnette Lane, Murfreesboro; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; admission is free for adults, teens and ages 1 and younger; children 2 - 8 are $20 ($50 per family), which includes most activities; 904-0902 or providencechristian.com.10:00am - 02:00pm

Saturday AM: Wild West Weekend Kids Corral
Young cowpokes can enjoy western-inspired art and craft projects and participate in challenges like calf roping and stick horse barrel racing. Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; free with gate admission ($12 adults, $5 ages 6 - 17, free ages 5 and younger); 356-8000 or cheekwood.org.10:00am - 02:00pm

Wild West Weekend
A variety of activities include an expanded Saturday AM program (see separate listing above), guided tours, a “Buffalo Bill and his Wild West” interactive storytime and two public lectures about Western art on Saturday. On Sunday, enjoy live music and guided tours of the new exhibit, Visions of the America West: Masterworks from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville; Saturday at 10 a.m. with the last program beginning at 2 p.m.; Sunday 1 - 3 p.m.; $12 adults, $5 ages 6 - 17, free ages 5 and younger; 356-8000 or cheekwood.org.10:00am - 03:00pm

FREE Lego Playtime
Ages 3 and older can have fun making Lego creations. Gallatin Public Library, 123 E. Main St., Gallatin; 10:30 a.m.; 452-1722 or gallatinlibrary.org.10:30am

Fiddlers Grove Fall Festival
Celebrate all-things autumn with costume contests, pumpkin-carving activities, a punkin’ chunkin’ contest, a quilt show, antique appraisals and more. James E. Ward Ag Center, 945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; call for admission; 443-2626 or fiddlersgrove.org.11:00am - 04:00pm

FREE Fall Fashion Extravaganza
All ages can see what’s new and trendy this fall. RiverGate Mall, 1000 RiverGate Pkwy., Goodlettsville; 2 p.m.; 859-3456.02:00pm

FREE Fall Festival
All ages can celebrate the season with games, a costume contest, trunk-or-treating, silent auction and a chili cook-off. Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 349 Chaney Road, Smyrna; 4 - 6:30 p.m.; 220-0042 or cornerstonetn.org.04:00pm - 06:30pm

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Great Pumpkin Festival
All ages can enjoy the magic of science (visitors are asked to bring a canned food item for the Rutherford County Emergency Food Bank). Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro; 4 - 7 p.m.; $3; 890-2300 or discoverycenteronline.org.04:00pm - 07:00pm

Friday, October 28, 2011

Halloween Carnival
All ages can participate in a costume contest, play a variety of carnival-style games, enjoy face painting and more. Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Barfield Crescent Road, Murfreesboro; Fri - Sat 5 - 9 p.m.; activities are 50 cents each; 890-5333.05:00pm - 09:00pm

Preschool Pumpkin Patch
Ages 2 - 5 can wear costumes and enjoy an evening of games, activities, a cakewalk, trick-or-treating and more. Patterson Gym, 521 Mercury Blvd., Murfreesboro; 5 - 7 p.m.; $3; 893-7439.05:00pm - 07:00pm

Judgement House
This dramatic walk-through presentation explores the truth of people's choices and their consequences both in this life and the next.
Jubilee Worship Center
5254 New Hwy. 31 E., Westmoreland
6 - 10 p.m. Free admission 644-3396 or judgementhouse.org 06:00pm - 10:00pm

Saturday, October 29, 2011

FREE Cool Springs Galleria Play Area Grand Opening
Ages 12 and younger can meet Dreamworks characters and enjoy KidsDance, balloon animals and more during the opening of the new play area. Cool Springs Galleria, 1800 Galleria Blvd., Franklin; 771-2050, ext. 250, or coolspringsgalleria.com.10:00am - 09:00pm

FREE Fiber in the Boro
All ages can celebrate all the fiber arts — knitting, weaving, spinning, crochet, quilting and more — through demonstrations, vendors and classes (classes require advance registration). Lane Agripark, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 217-4966 or fiberintheboro.com.10:00am - 05:00pm

El Dia de los Muertos
Experience the traditions of Mexico’s holiday with music and dance, art activities, food, altar displays, a Mexican marketplace and more. Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; $12 adults, $5 ages 6 - 17, free ages 5 and younger; 356-8000 or cheekwood.org.11:00am - 05:00pm

Family Day
Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins and Nashville Parent sponsor this day of fun that includes musical performances, inflatables, a rock climbing wall, skee ball and other carnival games, face painting, balloon artists, trick-or-treat booths, food and more. Proceeds benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation, dedicated to leukemia, cancer and AIDS research. Belmont University’s Curb Event Center, 2002 Belmont Blvd., Nashville; 1 - 4 p.m.; $15 ages 3 and older (family of four pass for two adults, two children is $50); 256-2002 or nashvillefamilyday.com.01:00pm - 04:00pm

FREE Book Club
Reading kids of all ages can participate in age-appropriate group readings and discussions of spooky-themed titles. Belle Meade Plantation, 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville; 3 p.m.; 356-0501, ext. 48 or bellemeadeplantation.com.03:00pm

FREE Halloween at The Avenue
All ages can trick-or-treat from 4 - 6 p.m. and then watch an outdoor screening of Gnomeo and Juliet at 6:30 p.m. The Avenue Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy.; 893-4207 or shoptheavenue.com/Murfreesboro.04:00pm

* We attended this last year, and it was not much fun. It was very crowded and we stood in a line all the way around the avenue, and when the kids were done trick or treating they had like maybe 50 pieces of candy, and it was all hard candy and suckers, and coupons and stickers. We arrived about an hour after it started and half of the stores were already out of candy. I would not suggest this.

FREE RiverGate Mall Play Area Grand Opening
Ages 12 and younger can meet their favorite Dreamworks characters and enjoy KidsDance, balloon animals and more during the opening of the new play area. RiverGate Mall, 1000 RiverGate Pkwy., Goodlettsville; 4 - 6 p.m.; 859-3456 or rivergate-mall.com. 04:00pm - 06:00pm

Halloween Carnival
All ages can participate in a costume contest, play a variety of carnival-style games, enjoy face painting and more. Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Barfield Crescent Road, Murfreesboro; Fri - Sat 5 - 9 p.m.; activities are 50 cents each; 890-5333.05:00pm - 09:00pm

Sunday, October 30, 2011

FREE Fall Family Funfest
All ages can enjoy an afternoon of fun with inflatables, character appearances and a performance by The Nick Carver Band. The first 300 kids can decorate pumpkins and play games. Stones River Mall, 1720 Old Fort Pkwy., Murfreesboro; 2 - 5 p.m.; 896-4486 or stonesrivermall.com.02:00pm - 05:00pm

Here are some links to local venues Calendar of Events
Stones River Mall
Rivergate Mall
Live on the Green
Bell Meade Plantation
The Avenue (Murfreesboro)
Upcoming Events for the Current Day
More upcoming events
Cheekwood
Cool Springs Galleria
Discovery Center at Murfree Springs
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation
Barnes and Noble

Cheap and Easy Crafts to Decorate Your Kids Room

2011-10-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you are like me and have a hard time decorating your kids room check out some of these ideas that you can do fast and cheap to personalize your kids room.

Kaleb's Room (my son)

Instead of coming up with a theme and trying to match everything perfectly I decided to go with colors instead.
Bumper Pads - Green gingham (consignment sale for $10)
Mobile - Jungle animals (Kmart $25)
Dressers - hand me downs from our parents (Spray painted - I removed the hardware and sprayed the drawers a different color than the base, and then the hardware the color of the base. I think I used 3 cans of green and 2 of white for two dressers)
Art - I had some square canvas laying around and I just painted them solid colors, you can also cover canvas with fabric or scrapbook paper for a design.

Lamp - I purchased a plain lamp from Ross for about $5 and painted it orange, and then hot glued buttons onto the lamp shade.

Shelves - Walmart ($25) and colored canvas bins ( Kmart $3) The bins add some more colored squares to the room.

Name - You can find wooden letters just about anywhere. I am not sure where these came from, because someone bought them for me. Some places to try are Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Joanns. I love them because you can decorate them however you want. Some ideas: use Mod Podge and scrapbook paper, or paint them.

Zayne's Room

Chore Chart- If your kids are anything like mine, they work best with a game plan. This is really simple and mine isn't all that great because it needed to be done quickly. It is a frame from the thrift store, scrapbook paper, a dry erase marker and a magnetic strip. I wrote on the scrapbook paper the square and the chore, and framed it, and then applied a magnet on the back of the marker and on the frame. Decorate the frame using anything such as puzzle pieces, glitter, decoupage items, paint, buttons, or whatever fits your child's room decor.

Light Switch Plate - I love this because it is just easy added art. It would look a lot better if my light switch plate was white, but I used what I had. Use Mod Podge and cover the light switch plate with scrapbook paper, and cutting out holes, using a craft knife works the best.

Name - Again she has her name in her room. I spent some time hand painting these several years ago. So decoupage something on them and make it fast. These letters are close to a foot in height. They came from Hobby Lobby and I think we paid $1.50-2 a letter...on sale of course. Look for those sales though.

Dresser - This dresser was mine when I was a kid...so it has been around. My mom painted it for me, and I had stickers all over it and it was rough. It still is, but looks much better in her room. We painted the base pink and the drawers purple and the hardware came from Hobby Lobby (again, on Sale) which as you can tell we still need 3 more. The one thing about buying from Hobby Lobby is they might not always have the amount you need, and they may not ever get them. So Good Luck!

Are you liking all the pinks and purples yet?
Art - This piece is just a Dollar Tree puzzle, I worked and glued, and then framed. The frame came from a thrift store and then I painted the frame. You can do this with any kind of puzzle.

Zayne painted this, we bought the art unpainted at the Dollar Tree and I squirted the colors onto a plate and she painted it. You can also find unpainted items at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

Curtain - I love this. I purchased a curtain rod...any cheap one will do, and then several colors of ribbon...get it on sale...and cut strips the length you want them, and fold over the top about 1 1/2 inch and sew it then slide them on the curtain rod. Super cute....and girly.

Just Some More Ideas

My niece Madison, (9 year old) was having a birthday and her parents were remodeling her room. She was a princess kind of girl, but now she wants animals. Her walls are purple and the trim is sort of a lime green. This was the art that I made for her.
Art - Top - Thrift store frame painted (All Things Possible...Bargain Center is the best for cheap frames), scrapbook paper (Hobby Lobby and Michaels have the best selection) and purple buttons. I used craft glue to put the buttons on.

Bottom - I used paw print scrapbook paper and used paint to add the colored ones, I tried a stencil...but stencils and I do not get along, so I free handed the paws. I then added ribbon with hot glue to the top and bottom to add something to the frame (also a 0.99 frame from the thrift store).

Art - This is Zayne's art they framed at school, but wouldn't be hard to do at home. They took her picture and matted it to a piece of large construction paper, but you could use poster board, then laminate it. If you are like me and don't have access or money to laminate it, use clear contact paper (usually can be found at Walmart in the craft section or with the shelf liners in the kitchen area)

Storage - Use everyday containers and decorate them using scrapbook paper or paint. This is a metal tin I purchased at a thrift store for $0.50 and I use it in my craft room for buttons, obviously.

Art Display - As you can tell we are big with our artistic abilities, and we encourage the kids to be artistic. So instead of having 500 pictures on my fridge we display them in the play room. We nailed two pieces of clothesline down the wall and use clothespins to hold them. Make is prettier and use colored clothespins, or decorate your own using Mod Podge and scrapbook paper...or glue thing to them like puzzle pieces, flowers, or buttons.

Consignment.....What a great way to save and make money!

2011-10-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

In case you have never hit up one of these, THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!

At these sales you can find anything kids related from strollers and cribs to video games. Everything is priced by the seller. So it is like one giant children yard sale. You can also sell your own items.

www.kidsconsignmentsales.com is a great place to stay active on where the current sales are.

Here are the ones coming up:

Consign & Co.

809 Park Ave

Murfreesboro, TN

Nov 3-4 9am-7pm

Nov 5 (1/2 price sale) 8am-2pm

Everyday Consigning

Once Upon a Child

1734 W. Northfield,

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

615-907-0500

Business Hours:

M-F 9:30-7

Sat 9:30-6

Sun 1-5

The Rocking Horse

402 W Northfield Blvd # A

Murfreesboro, TN

(615) 867-0339

Business Hours:

Mon-Fri 9:30am - 6pm

Sat 9:30-5pm

Sun - Closed

Plato's Closet

429 N. Thompson Ln

Murfreesboro, TN

615-896-8511

Business Hours:

M-Thur 10-8pm

Fri & Sat 10-9pm

Sun 11-8pm

The Willow Tree Children's Shoppe

133 James Luscinski Dr
Murfreesboro, TN
Next to Wal-Mart on Old Fort Pkwy

615-396-8518

Business Hours:

M T TH F – 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Kids Eat Free...or Cheap

2011-10-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Where can you get a FREE kids meal in Murfreesboro, TN?

Monday - Southwest Moes, Buffalo Wild Wings ($0.99 with drink), Zaxbys

Tuesday - Applebees, Fazolis ($0.99 kids meal from 5-8pm) Chic Fil A, Blue Coast Burrito (5-9pm 1.99)

Wednesday - Sonic (1.99 Wacky Pack) Your Burger

Thursday - Captain D's

Friday - I can't find any on Friday sorry :(

Saturday - Steak N Shake (dine in only)

Sunday - Steak N Shake (dine in only)
               Hooters

Everyday - Toots (hot dog kids meal with ice cream)
                  McAlisters (1.99 meals)
                  Logans (2.99 meals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday all day, and 3-6pm every other day)

and more to come.

I can not believe how often I check my own blog. I love getting cheap kids food. We will base where we eat on who has cheap kids food.

Some of our favorites include Zaxby's (the chicken is great, and the kids get a rice krispy treat, my daughter loves that) Steak N Shake (yummy cheese fries, and the kids can choose from many healthier side items) Toots (any night you want to eat out....free meal for the kids...that is awesome. On Tuesday they have a special for a burger and fries for 3.99) Southwest Moes (their food is absolutely delicious) Fazolis (the breadsticks...yum. They also have a craft or activity for the kids while they are waiting on the food)

* If any of this information in incorrect please leave me a comment so I can update it. Also if you know of another place that offers a kids night, let me know so I can let everyone else know. Thanks so much for your help.

Sorry!

2011-10-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have been a horrible blogger. I have been juggling multiple things, and just being pregnant, forgetful and a bad blogger. So I am going to get better. Just bear with me, and I hope that by the end of the day I will have updated you on the things to do this month with your kids, and given you some excellent ideas about some inexpensive easy crafts.

Tomato Festival Sat Aug 13, 2011

2011-08-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Tomato Festival

Sat Aug 13, 2011

TOMATO ART SHOW

(August 13 – September 11, 2011)

VIEW THE TOMATO ART ON
Saturday, August 13, 2011
10:00am – 8:00pm

EVENTS

Tomato Fairy/Elf Costume Contest:

Bobbing For Tomatoes / Tomato Toss:

Tomato Bicycle Art Contest

Faux Paw Fashion Show

Giant Ice Cream Sundae Extravaganza

Red Head Competition

Biggest/ Littlest/Ugliest Tomato Contest

Beautiful Tomato Contest

Wet Burrito Contest

and more

SCHEDULE

Main Stage

Location: Lot next to Bongo Java on 11th

10:00 am Half Brass
11:00 am Deville Soul

12:00 pm Bodhicitta Bellydance
1:00 pm Richard DuBois

2:00 pm The Red Caps
3:00 pm Fanny’s House of Music presents “The Wits & Rambles”
4:00 pm Crazy Aces
5:00 pm Homemade Water
6:00 pm The Coolin’ System
7:00 pm Charles Butler & Associates
8:00 pm Ned Van Go (this is my friends uncles band...check them out)
9:00 pm Totie
The Green Wagon Stage

Location:1100 Forrest Ave.

10am- Kristen Cothran
11am- This Old Bear
12pm- Adam Finchler
1pm- Pageant
2pm- Mark Robinson
3pm- David Greenberg
4pm- Little Johnny Kantreed
5pm- Auto Defiance
6pm- New Pleasure
7pm- Oh Dang Lo Mein
8pm- Kat Smo
9pm- Evan P. Donahue
10pm-DJ Nekos

KidFest: (Hosted by East End Methodist Church)
Inflatables! Water Slide! Tomato Head Hair Painting! PoPsicles! Free fun for children of all ages!
Fairytales Bookstore will be on hand with a fun tomato inspired craft project.
New this year, Explorastory, a storytelling guild from Hendersonville, will be performing Tomato Tales from 10:30-11:30, and “Leslie’s Music Together” will be doing a live demonstration of her family music classes at 11:30am.
And as if that were not enough, Boy Scout Troop 3 will be on hand with refreshments available for purchase. Yum.
WHERE: the park at the corner of 12^th & Holly
WHEN: Saturday, August 13, 2011
TIME: 8:30 am – 12:30pm

* We went last year and this event was a lot of fun. You may want to pack some snacks or a lunch and put a swimsuit on the kids. There are all kinds of things for the kids.

Go check out their website there is a lot more information.

http://tomatoartfest.com/

Get a box of child clothing for only $5

2011-07-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thred UP

I just found out about this. It seems pretty awesome. I am going to wait to try until my new baby comes and we find out the sex. If it is a girl I am going to need a box of clothes.

What is the deal? Pick a great new box full of clothes for your child for just $5 plus $10.95 shipping.

Navigate the listings similar to surfing eBay, iTunes or Amazon. Sort by gender, size, brand, season or type of item. Find baby, toddler, or pre-teen clothing, and toys for all age. Get your box sent directly to your doorstep by the parent who listed it. Add listers to your Favorite Senders list and filter search results to view only boxes that your favorite senders have listed. View community ratings to ensure high quality items and picking boxes with confidence

Post a box of gently worn clothes your child no longer wears. Receive a pack of FREE USPS flat rate boxes automatically sent to you (free of charge) upon registration. Sort clothes by making groups of the same size, season(s) and gender. Separate by clothing item type (tops and bottoms) and brand. Keep outfits and matching items together.

When another member picks you box, send it FREE of charge. Confirm that you can send the box. Print the prepaid shipping label and auto-schedule the pick-up. Attach the label to the packed up free box that we sent you and confirm the pick-up time. Depending on where you live, you can leave the box outside your front door for convenience sake.

**I have a friend that used this website and she recently got her box of clothes. She said that she is super happy with the clothes she received. I am really interested in exploring this site. I would like to see the clothes that I am receiving, I have only browsed around a little so if you know anything leave me a comment.

Check out the website for more info or to sign up. http://www.thredup.com

FAAN Walk for Food Allergy

2011-07-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

FAAN Walk for Food Allergy

I am walking for one of my best friend's daughter. She is a great little girl with amazing parents who struggle every day to protect their child from multiple food allergies.

Help Me Reach My Goal!
I am participating in the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network?s (FAAN?s) Walk for Food Allergy. The event will raise funds to find a cure for food allergy and to educate others.

FAAN?s mission is to raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.

Please support my fundraising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of the estimated 12 million Americans with food allergies and their families. You can make your secure credit card donation by selecting the Support Me button.

Any amount helps me reach my fundraising goal. I greatly appreciate your support!

Date of Walk: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Location: Centennial Park, 2500 W. End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Check-In Begins: 8:00 a.m.
Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Distance: 2 miles
Contact: Walknashville@foodallergy.org
Restrictions: No pets, glass bottles, bikes, roller skates, or skate boards. Baby strollers and wagons are welcomed.

We Walk Rain or Shine.

Visit http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/TR/2011Walks/2011Walks?px=1867509&pg=personal&fr_id=1952 and sponsor me or join our team and come walk with us.

Places to go...Cheap!

2011-07-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Strike and Spare Family Fun Center

Murfreesboro, TN

Daily Specials

SUNDAY
4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
BOWL TIL U DROP
$7.00 per person
$2.00 off w/college or military ID

MON. - THURS.

Open to 1:00 AM

$1.00 games, shoes,

12 oz. domestic drafts and soft drinks

FRIDAY

11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

ALL YOU CAN BOWL

$8.50 per person

FREE Shoe Rental

$1 off w/college or military ID

FRI & SAT

Midnight to 2:00 AM

ALL YOU CAN BOWL

$10.00 per person

FREE Shoe Rental

$1 off w/college or military ID

Lanes, Trains and Automobiles

Mon-Fri &
All day Wednesdays
10am - 5pm
$1 shoes, bowling, cokes,
popcorn, hot dogs, and pizza slices

All day Tuesday
$2 bowling, shoes, cokes, popcorn and domestic bottles

More special offers on the website
In addition to bowling they offer
Laser tag, Bumper Cars, Arcade games and Pool Tables

Go USA Fun Park

No current specials

They offer go carts, mini golf, an arcade, batting cages, and a driving range

Discovery Center

Calendar of Events

Hours
Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
The Discovery Center is closed major holidays.

Admission
Adults & Children: $6.00
Children under two are FREE!
Members receive free admission

Get your kid involved!

2011-07-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the organizations that your child can be a part of. Here is some things to keep you and your kid busy.

Sunshine Players at Patterson Park

Terry Ann Womack, Cultural Arts Coordinator
615-893-7439, ext 33
twomack@murfreesborotn.gov

SUNSHINE PLAYER MEMBERS (ages 4-17)Membership is $30.00 per fiscal year.

Each member gets free acting lessons

A chance to be in at least one production

discount tickets to shows they are not in

membership t-shirt, talent showcases

Film workshops and special theatre nights

An Awards and Recognitions Dinner.

Dates for classes

Session I
July 18/19 - August 22/23
Showcase Performance
Friday, August 26 7:00 p.m.

Session II
September 12/13 - Oct. 31/Nov. 1
Showcase Performance
Friday, November 4 / 7:00 p.m.

Session III
Nov. 14/15 - Dec. 12/13
Showcase Performance
Saturday, December 17 / 10:00 a.m.

Session IV
Jan. 9/10 - Feb. 13/14
Showcase Performance
February 17 / 7:00 p.m.

Session V
Feb. 27/28 - Mar. 9-10
(no classes during spring break)
Showcase Performance
Friday, April 13 / 7:00 p.m.

Session VI
April 23/24 - June 4/5
Showcase Performance
Saturday, June 9 at the Awards Dinner

Auditions Dates

Nutcrackin’ (a hip-hop, jazz, rap, swingin’ version of the Nutcracker)
Sunday, July 10 2:00 p.m.
2nd Auditions
Sunday, August 28 / 2:00 p.m.
Monday, August 29 / 6:30 p.m.
Production Dates
December 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10, 2011
DISNEY’S CINDERELLA KIDS
Auditions - June 26-27, 2011
Show dates - August 19-21, 2011

A SUNSHINE PLAYER
CHRISTMAS
Auditions - October 16-17, 2011
Show Dates - December 16-18, 2011

THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF
Auditions - January 8-9, 2012
Show Dates - March 2-4, 2012

WHAT ABOUT THOSE GIRLS!
Auditions - April 1-2, 2012
Show Dates - May 18-20, 2012

1st Auditions
-
* We are members of the Sunshine group and my daughter loves it. We really enjoy watching her on stage and she enjoys being there. Most of the staff are very nice and good with the kids. For the price this is definitely worth it.

Dance at Patterson Park

Dance Registration is Saturday, August 13 from 9am-12 pm; Monday, August 15 from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The tentative schedule for 2011-2012 season is:

Ages 3-5; Tuesday OR Thursday 11:30 am-12:15 pm OR Saturday 8:05- 8:50 am

Ages 5-7; Tuesday OR Wednesday 3:45-4:30 pm

Ages 8-13; Wednesday 4:30-5:15 pm

Home School Ages 8 and up; Tuesday 11:00-11:45 am

This class cost $25 a month and meets once a week.

*My daughter also takes dance with Mrs. Jane Ogg and she loves her and the class. Again, the price is amazing and they learn a little bit of everything. It is not a competitive dance class or a hard structured class. She willingly also accepts children with special needs in her class and she is great with them. I am looking forward to another season with Mrs. Jane.

Youth Cheerleading Program

Interested in being a cheerleader? Then this is the opportunity for you. Learn the fundamentals of motions, jumps, voice projection, crowd appeal and stunt safety. Emphasis will also be placed in developing good attitudes and teamwork. Each person will be assigned a squad and a football team to cheer for each week. Practices begin Aug. 15 and continue on Mondays, Tuesdays and, occasionally, one other day during the week at Sports*Com and McKnight fields. The season will end with an exhibition in early November. For ages 8 through 13. Uniform sizing will be held on July 30 at 10 a.m at the football fields behind Sports*Com and a Parent Meeting will be held Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the pavilion by the Sports*Com Outdoor pool. There is a $30 fee (due upon registration) and a $79.90 fee for uniforms (due July 30). Contact Becki Johnson by email or call 893-2141.

Youth volleyball

Bump, set, and spike it at Sports*Com, as qualified coaches give instruction on every aspect of the game. From beginners to advanced players, youth volleyball athletes in middle school and high school will get the opportunity to develop and refine their skills. For ages 11 to 18. The program will be held on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The fee is $3 per visit. For more information please contact Thomas Laird by email or by phone at 867-4913.

Murfreesboro Soccer Club

Murfreesboro Soccer Club

Email: mscsoccer@hotmail.com
Telephone: 615-631-300

On-site Fall Registration at the Richard Siegel Soccer Park will take place on the following dates:
Saturday, July 23rd from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Registration will take place in the meeting room to the left at the Main Concession area.
On-line registration is open!

Runs with Scissors off-road 5k event

This off-road running and walking 5k event will be the first of its kind offered in Murfreesboro. The Richard Siegel Soccer complex will be used as an off-road running and walking course. Proceeds will be used to benefit Project Go!, a local non-profit corporation which provides needed school supplies for Murfreesboro children. Participants will receive an official Runs with Scissors t-shirt and water bottle. The event will be held July 30 starting at 7:30 a.m. Registration will be available to the first 200 runners who show up. Contact Jennifer Joines by email or call her at 615-895-5040 for more information.

Lanes, Trains and Automobiles Youth Programs
Youth League Bowling Kids love to bowl! Register your kid(s) for our Youth Bowling League today!
Call 615-890-3999 for more information.

Bumper Bowling Program
The bumper bowling program is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of bowling. This program will teach basic technique, etiquette, and rules of the game.
Call 615-890-3999 for more information.

"Bowling Strikes" after school program
Coming soon, this will be a 12 week program focusing on bowling fundamentals as well as good nutrition, character building, & self-esteem. This program will be held after school; dates TBD.

Contact info

My kids b-day party

2011-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Both of my kids have birthdays on the same day...so I thought I would show you a few of the pictures and share some of my party ideas with you.

It was a Toy Story party. I have a 7 year old and a 1 year old...they both really enjoy the movie.

Food
We made Pita Pizzas (like Pizza Planet) I bought Pita bread and toppings and portioned things out in little Dixie bathroom cups.

Games
Mr. Potato Head race game--where we blind folded the kids and gave them 30 seconds to put Mr. Potato Head back together.

Army Man Hunt -- I hid army men in the backyard and had the kids hunt for them.

Pin the Tail on Bullseye -- I drew Bullseye on a piece of foam board without his tail, then made tails out of construction paper.

Party Favors
Some of the Items that I put in the gift bags: toy story color sheets, toy story ball, silly bands, crayons, stencils, sunglasses, and army men. I also bought a large box of stickers and used them to make everything toy story themed, like on bubbles and memo pads.

Decorations
For the decorations we bought some Toy Story balloons, and the centerpiece kit they sell at Party City. Instead of spending a lot of money on character plates, cups and tablecloths, we just bought brightly colored plates and such. We used some of the stickers to put on the cups (they were pretty stinkin' cute.)

Cake

Kaleb's (1 year old) cake

Alien cupcakes (Mentos for the eyes and rips for the ears and antennae)

Toy Story Birthday Cake

Toy Story Photo Props

(I drew all three characters on a pieces of foam board and colored them with markers and painted on the back ground. Then I cut out their faces so the kids could put in their faces. It was a BIG hit!)

My daughter, Zayne (7 year old)

It was even a big hit with the adults.

Kids Eat FREE!...or cheap!

2011-07-17T08:44:00.000-07:00