Inspiration for Indianapolis moms :: Nap Time in Naptown

Switching it up, yo

2011-08-10T00:20:00.000-04:00

I made a change.

For reasons that might seem pathetic and/or lame, I moved my Nap Time in Naptown posts to my blog, Heart Gone Walking.

It was overwhelming to write two different blogs, leading me to be frozen at both places. Which I really didn't like because I blog to remember Madeline's childhood and I really do like writing about a great experience in Indy.

It just makes more sense to combine all my thoughts in one place.

So if you are looking for posts on Indianapolis (like how we do the Indiana State Fair multiple times on the cheap) and are interested in hearing how much I like Harry Potter and Big Brother, how my second unknown-gender pregnancy is rolling or how overjoyed I was to share my anniversary with Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, I hope I'll see you over there.

Splashing Away at Riverwood Park

2011-07-14T15:04:00.016-04:00

One of my favorite summer destinations is a splash park. Madeline loves them too (which is really handy) but I could visit one every day to wile away the hot, hot hours.

It's not that I don't like the pool. I really do. I also like a good water table or slip 'n slide.

But when it comes to my preferred water choice, I will pick a splash park every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

The number one reason why? I can talk with other moms or read a book and not worry about Madeline drowning. Kinda a big one to me.

Today, there was a grand-opening event for the brand spankin' new Indy Parks splash park at Riverwood Park. I have a feeling we will be spending a significant portion of the next several weeks there.

It was a big hit in Madeline's eyes.

(Oh, sweet naive reader, did you actually think I brought my camera with me? I totally stole these from the Indianapolis Parks Foundation's Facebook page.)

Even though the park is new, there are huge shade trees lining the grassy strip alongside the entire pad. Perfect for this momma to sit in the shade and watch her kid tire herself to exhaustion. (At this exact moment, Madeline is gloriously sleeeeeeeeeping!)

At splash parks, we always eat on a wet towel in the grass but if that isn't how you roll, there's also a nice shelter with picnic tables behind the playground. (Hey, I've never claimed to be classy, especially while wearing a tangerine cover-up.)

The park also has a HUGE playground but beware that the equipment can get really hot because it's not under any sort of shade. Your kids might not mind though because it's a pretty awesome sight to behold.

The only bummer about Riverwood Park right now is that the bathrooms aren't up and running yet. If you're potty-training your littles or have a tiny kid with a tiny bladder, you might want to bring a potty seat in your car. On a slightly more positive and very related note, we did discover this morning that the Broad Ripple Marsh has fantastically clean restrooms.

We will definitely be back. Over and over and over again.

Riverwood Park
7201 Crittendon Avenue, Indianapolis
Open dawn to dusk

Madeline goes to The Ruby Pear

2011-06-10T08:43:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago, I wrote this post and included a video of Madeline being enthralled by a brochure from 8 Great Towns. I posted the videos because I thought Madeline was acting super adorable and grown up. (What else is new?) (And yes, I totally just watched the videos again because I can't handle the adorbs.)

Well, the people at 8 Great Towns thought Madeline was pretty darn cute too and sent her some gift certificates to thank her for loving their brochure.

One of the gifts was to The Ruby Pear, a tea parlor in Noblesville. We invited our friends Andrea and Addie because I want to start a club of Ladies Who Lunch and Toddlers Who Tea.

If you need an hour or two to feel like a feminine woman again, a tea parlor will do that for you. Forget that yesterday I floated in the pool like a hippo, just minus the mud.

But today I sat in a little airy green room with flouncy white curtains and ate on mismatched floral china. I drank the hot Midsummer Peach tea and ate a cucumber cream cheese sandwich, a pecan chicken salad sandwich and a white chocolate cashew scone with Southern cream and lemon curd. Even the girls' apple juice was served in a little but heavy glass pitcher.

It's hard to describe how that fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine but it did. I ~~am obsessed~~ really like English movies and books and have heard about clotted cream with scones for a very long time. I've wanted to try it for just as long because anything with cream? Sign me up.

And today I smothered my scone in the Southern cream (their version of clotted cream) and then immediately ordered some scones and cream to go. When I'm eating breakfast tomorrow morning in my pjs (which are not a little sexy satin number but instead a ratty tank top and cotton shorts), I can eat my scone with Southern cream and imagine that Princess Kate is doing the same thing at tea time.

I believe in the soothing power of day dreaming, people. Don't touch that bubble. Don't even go near it.

I really loved The Ruby Pear. I always judge a place by whether or not they give me the stink-eye when I walk in with a kid. (Because, as every mom knows, this does happen and it makes you want to immediately walk out.) I was thrilled when the owners of The Ruby Pear passed that test with flying colors.

The tea parlor is in an old, renovated Victorian home in the historic downtown Noblesville. The layout is very private with tables in multiple rooms, more private than other tea houses I've been to. We had a tiny room of our own, the Garden Room, which was perfect for two adults who wanted to catch up and two kids who weren't in danger of ruining anyone else's special time.

While being everything a tea parlor should be, the atmosphere was far, far from pretentious or stuffy. Canvas paintings hung on three of the walls in our little room but the fourth wall had beautiful aprons strewn across a clothesline. Our mismatched chairs were oversized and cushioned so you sank back comfortably. P.S I just love mismatched style.

The Ruby Pear is a place where you could have a wonderful, lovely lunch with girlfriends and forget the mounds of laundry at home. Or a bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party or a "I survived this week" party.

Or you could totally bring your kids if you need a nice afternoon to remind yourself that real plates (read: fragile) still exist and not just the Disney plastic ones. Just be sure to load them up on Fat Rascal cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries and they'll beg to come back. At least that was Madeline's experience.

My other favorite part was the little shop in the front of the house. The owners have selected the cutest collection of jewelry, handbags, china, doll accessories and the like. I found a drawer full of vintage earrings and couldn't pass up a set of big pearl-colored earrings for just $6. You know they're real vintage when they aren't even clip-on earrings but screw-back. (Since they don't require a pierced ear, Madeline has claimed them as her own.)

Thanks so much to 8 Great Towns for providing a wonderful afternoon with my girl and our friends. And thank you again to The Ruby Pear for not giving us the stink-eye. We loved it!

Pizzology in Carmel

2011-03-22T10:07:00.003-04:00

I've kinda been putting off writing this post because it's on Pizzology and remembering their pizza makes me want to weep.

{I just clicked over to their twitter page and I'm pretty sure the background image is the pizza we had, the Lombardy. Not only did my stomach just growl at the sight of it but my heart also cried out, "GO THERE TOMORROW!}

If you need a restaurant that's classy for adults yet kid-friendly, I promise you will fall in love with Pizzology.

They make out-of-this-world Neapolitan craft pizza. I am so not a food critic so while I can't break it down for you and explain why I loved it so much, please believe me that I did. A lot.

But I am a mom so what I am fully authorized to discuss is how I didn't worry about being in a white cloth napkin restaurant with my 3-year-old.

From the crayons and white-paper tablecloth to the pizza-making window, Madeline was perfectly comfortable eating in a restaurant known for their wine selection.

This has NEVER happened before, folks.

She absolutely loved hopping up on one of the tall chairs to watch the chefs work their magic and they didn't seem to mind that she was enamored with them for about 45 minutes straight.
Noticing the Eiffel Tower olive oil container confirmed her love and made her shriek, "RATATOUILLE!"

And I loved that my server didn't laugh in my face when I ordered the fancy-schmancy prosciutto, arugula, smoked mozzarella and parmesan reggiano pizza but then asked for one slice with pepperoni for my pepperoni-loving girl.

Our family of three got out of there for less than $25 including tip, salad, pizza and a take-home box.

We can't even do that at Olive Garden and this is owned by a Hoosier couple and tastes waaaaaay better.

{Tangent, when I think of Olive Garden, I always think of Mike Birbiglia who says his family is Italian but not real Italian. More like Olive Garden Italian. You're welcome for that tangent.}

So take the kids and go try out Pizzology. Just drop off your leftovers at my house.

:::

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Yogulatte on Mass Ave.

2011-02-18T01:06:00.001-05:00

Last night I dreamed in a world of peanut butter and crushed Oreos.

That might sound weird but if you had visited Yogulatte with me last night, then you would completely understand.

Yogulatte is a frozen yogurt and coffee shop located on one of my favorite streets in Indianapolis: Mass Ave. {Cue Hallelujah chorus.}

It's perfectly sized. Not too big; it's still a local shop that belongs on Mass Ave. Not too small; no panicking like when walking into tiny shops and realizing they only have two and a half seats for 17 customers.

Have you ever done serve-yourself yogurt? Because I hadn't before but now I can't go back.

In Yogulatte, there is a wall of frozen yogurt machines and a bar of toppings. You pick whatever you want, serve yourself and pay just $.49 per ounce.

They have little taster cups so you can taste each flavor before you decide. {And I tasted each flavor, oh yes I did.}

Cookies and cream. Cheesecake. Tart. Peanut Butter. I wanted to take them all home with me.

And then there's the toppings bar. Half is healthy with strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, etc. The other half is... not so healthy.

I scooped up Oreos. Clearly the bad half was whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

Next time Madeline and I go to Mass Ave Toys, I can guarantee we'll be making a frozen yogurt stop too. And if I can throw Yats in there too?

Heaven on a street.

:::

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Cabin fever fix: Discovery Station at Conner Prairie

2011-02-09T23:13:00.001-05:00

I have discovered a new winter haven for moms who need to entertain their cabin-feverish kids. Or moms who need a cover story for leaving the house instead of "I just need a diet Coke."

It's the indoor side of Conner Prairie, and it's awesome.

Growing up in Indy meant that I went to Conner Prairie a lot. I always loved stepping back in time in the blacksmith forge, schoolhouse and homesteads. My absolute favorite was {and still is} Headless Horseman. {If you've never gone to Headless Horseman, you must go. Really and truly.}

It's the fantastic experience of walking through "Little House on the Prairie" during spring, summer and fall but I never once thought about visiting in the winter.

So when our friends invited us to play with them at Conner Prairie a couple of weeks ago, I envisioned us stumbling around in the frigid wind before remembering that she wouldn't make me suffer on a random Thursday.

Instead, I was introduced to my new favorite room: Discovery Station.

It's one big room set up as a town, complete with a market, train station and farm. Everything is completely hands-on, from the apple tree ready to be picked to the cow waiting to be milked to the costumes whispering to be worn. Basically, it's a condensed version of The Children's Museum.

Now I love me some Children's Museum and will have a membership until Madeline begs me to spend the money on a cell phone instead but it's not exactly the place to go and relax and catch up with another mom.

My favorite part of the Discovery Station is the super comfortable, "wanna take a nap" leather sofas placed throughout the room.

Mothers of Indianapolis, hear me! I sat on a couch for two hours with my friend and we actually were able to talk while watching our kids play.

I know!

I should have taken some pictures of Madeline enjoying every nook and cranny of that room but instead, I WAS TALKING TO ANOTHER ADULT. And I don't regret it one bit.

Admission is just $5 per person and kids 2 and under are free, cheaper than a morning at Monkey Joe's or Recreation Unlimited but way more educational. Our friends have a membership and can visit as many times as they want. {Oops, is my jealousy coming through?}

In the winter, Conner Prairie is only open from Thursday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2p.m. At first, I was a little disappointed that they weren't open longer but then I found the silver lining: a built-in excuse to make the kids leave at nap time.

So go, relax on a leather couch and remember you are doing it for the kids. For the kids, y'all.

:::

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Tell a better story

2011-01-21T10:31:00.000-05:00

Who knew a little girl with a giant bow would compel me to be a better storyteller to my daughter?

Last month, my mom showed this video to Madeline and me. It's 8 minutes long but totally captivated my attention. And Madeline's.

You might think after you've watched it for a minute or two that you get what it's about. Just please keep watching at least until she talks about the storm. I know!

Her name is Mary Margaret. I know!

I think her presentation is fabulous but more than that, these videos make me want to meet her mom.

Because you know that Bible time at home isn't some dry, boring affair. She's modeling what's been taught to her and she's learned these ancient stories are awesome.

This is the kind of love I want to instill in Madeline:

a love for the Bible
a love for stories
a love for sharing stories

And after watching Mary Margaret, I'm even more convinced of the impact I can have in Madeline's life by modeling passion and enthusiasm.

:::

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Don't Fear the (FREE!) Pap Smear

2011-01-19T14:14:00.004-05:00

January is a hot month for deals.

Crocs clearance.

Bath & Body Works soaps sale. (Pink grapefruit on clearance? Holla!)

But one e-mail came in my inbox which I just had to share with here because it's something every women needs this year but might not do because of money or time reasons.

The good, fun pap smear.

I know, I know. It's not as pretty as a new cardigan and certainly doesn't smell anything like pink grapefruit but it's just a wee bit more important.

And for all of January, St. Vincent Women's Hospital is offering pap smears for free to anybody, no strings attached. All you have to do is call 338-CARE and schedule it.

If you live outside of Indy but close to Zionsville, Fishers or Brownsburg, there are St. V's OB/GYN offices offering this service as well.

If we're being honest, here's my first thought when I saw the info: if I put myself through the exam, got it done in the first off the year AND got it for free, I would deserve a Starbucks drink or McDonald's pop when it's all done. Wouldn't you agree?

For me, I'm spreading the word to my refugee friends who might not get it done otherwise and you might know someone who could benefit from it too, yourself included.

I love St. Vincent Women's because that's where I delivered Madeline and because that's where I first watched David Letterman the night my little brother was born but now I love them even more because I have to love an organization that declares "Don't fear the pap smear."

:::

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Duckpin Bowling at Fountain Squuare

2011-01-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

All photos by my sister-in-law Janna

Ah, January in Indianapolis, A.K.A. peak of cabin fever.

One of Indianapolis' best places for indoor family fun is duckpin bowling in Fountain Square. If you've never been to this is a funky part of town, you need to go.

{No, really, GO! It makes for a great family day, fun girls night out or date night.}

Duckpin bowling is a blast. I went bowling at Fountain Square while dating Joe in college. My cousin had his rehearsal dinner there which still stands as my favorite wedding-related activity ever.

Knocking down tiny pins next to a buffet line of delicious food and the excitement of a wedding the next day? Wicked awesome, folks.

But with a kid in tow? Duckpin bowling just got even better.

Madeline's aunt and uncle took her duckpin bowling as her Christmas gift and I hope they make this idea a tradition. Toys, puzzles and books are wonderful but these memories are pretty sweet.

She had been bowling but never duckpin-style.

I wasn't there but there's photographic evidence that it was a pretty bit hit.

If that picture isn't inspiring enough, there's a coupon for $5 off an hour of bowling valid from January 10 - 13.

Fountain Square Duckpin Bowling
Located in Fountain Square Theater Building
1105 Prospect St., Indianapolis
$30 per hour, per game
Free shoe rentals

:::

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Guilt-Free Journal: Mom's One Line A Day

2011-01-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

Since I started my personal blog in 2007, the most common thing I hear is, "It is wonderful that you are capturing so much of Madeline's childhood."

This would be true if I actually blogged every day while veering away from topics like reality TV and why I am incapable of doing all the laundry in one day.

{Now that we're speaking about it, why is that so impossible? Why, oh why? I think I should add it to my bucket list.}

Blogging every day is hard as moms. It requires Internet, a minimum of 10 minutes for coherent thoughts and another 10 if typos are to be avoided.

Let me be real. If I have 20 minutes on the Internet, it will most likely be spent on People.com and Facebook.

I once bought a blank notebook which I intended to use as a journal and write down the everyday life in our postage stamp-size home.

But then I felt inadequate when I didn't fill up an entire page and then the whole project went to pot when I needed grocery list paper and Madeline discovered markers.

Memory capturing FAIL.

Enter the above tiny but thick pink book, Mom's One Line A Day. It's designed to capture five years of memories {Holy cow, Madeline will be EIGHT!) and it's guilt-free.

There are no dates so it's impossible to fall behind and there's no space to wax poetic. The goal is simply to capture one meaningful sentence each day so you can look back and remember meaningful bits and pieces.

Essentially, it's the hard-copy Twitter for moms.

I received it as a Christmas gift and I'm already in love. I've been keeping it on my nightstand and scribble just a few words each night. Even if I skip it for all of February, there's no reason why I can't just pick it up in March.

If only my morning hot chocolate came guilt-free too...

:::

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An Open Letter of Apology to the Eiteljorg Museum

2010-12-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Eiteljorg Museum,

Please accept my sincerest apologies. Since 1992, I've held a grudge against you and just this week, I realized how wrong I've been.

My negative feelings toward you can be traced back to a horrendous third-grade field trip. Memories of dull art galleries and the overwhelming feeling of being bored out of my pea-sized mind kept us apart.

But this week, you opened your doors for free, thanks to the 12 Free Days of Indy Christmas, and I'm a sucker for free.

Plus you lured me in with high expectations of Jingle Rails. My three-year-old and I are also suckers for anything miniature.

The verdict? Eiteljorg, you blew me away.

Jingle Rails was very cool. Madeline loved it all and was especially thrilled to walk underneath bridges as the trains chugged their way above her. My inner kid loved the tiny Yellowstone which included Old Faithful.

But the part that was truly amazing? The R.B. Annis Western Family Experience, a.k.a. the kids area.

When Katie the Third Grader toured your hallowed halls, you didn't have this. {Or if you did, I had very mean teachers who kept me away from it.}

Madeline and I absolutely loved discovering this exhibit. Everything is hands-on, from the totem pole waiting to be decorated and raised by little hands to the drums needing some loud loving to the stagecoach which rocks and bucks for an authentic riding experience.

After discovering just how cool you really are, I was kicking myself for not come earlier. We arrived at 4 p.m. because I thought we would be in and out quickly. Instead, Madeline was so sad to leave way too soon.And if I'm being honest, I was sad too.

You also scored super bonus points on my way out. I lost my cell phone and even though it was 20 minutes past closing, three extremely cheery staff members helped without making this scatter-brained mama feel guilty for keeping them late.

And the final two words: Free. Parking.

Way to be, Eiteljorg. Way to be.

You changed me from "not interested" to "totally want a membership." That's a big jump but I know now that you would be worth it.

I hope you can forgive me, Eiteljorg. Because I totally wanna be your friend now.

Love,

Katie

:::

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12 FREE Days of Indy Christmas

2010-12-09T19:40:00.000-05:00

If you're not yet fully in the holiday spirit, Indianapolis is about to chuck you into Christmas cheer.

Next week starts 12 FREE Days of Indy Christmas which is your ticket to just about every fun destination in Indy. No coupon to print out. No hidden charges. Just totally free.

From December 13 - 24, museums, historic homes and other great {and sometimes costly} places will each be free for one day. All of the destinations are family-friendly, except for the Indy Wine Trail.

{Do I hear any parents complaining about that one? Yeah, I didn't think so.}

And before you think, "It might be free but it's probably not anything good," let me list a few of the highlights:

free admission to The Children's Museum on December 24
free admission to Indiana State Museum on December 20
free ice skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on December 17
free admission to Connor Prairie on December 21
free Christmas concert at the gorgeous Scottish Rite Cathedral on December 18

Two of my favorites from last year's event were visiting Celebration Crossing at Indiana State Museum {which Madeline still remembers and has been begging me to go back} and the Lilly House on the IMA grounds {I like to pretend I'm in a Jane Austen novel when I visit}.

However, if you have a membership to one of these places, you might want to make a note of its upcoming free day. If you can go any other day of the year, you might want to avoid visiting when the crowds come flocking for free.

:::

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Buy local: Christmas shopping in Indy

2010-12-08T00:45:00.000-05:00

My goal this Christmas is to buy most of our Christmas gifts at locally-owned shops and from local artists.

{In full disclosure, I already failed a big one because we're getting Madeline a castle and I found it for 60% less online than what was in our local store. Sworry, Indy.}

Here's a glimpse at how I'm hoping to make my "buy local" dream come true.

Where to buy local

For all the kiddos and munchkins on my list, I'm just walking into Mass Ave Toys for games, puzzles and toys and Kids Ink for books. You could buy anything, anything on those shelves and you"ll be a hero on Christmas morning.

Also, if you know a child with gobs of energy, you might want to buy this week's Savvy Source deal, $20 for $50 worth of Bounce U sessions. {The parents will love you too for that one.}

For my sisters and friends, my stops will include Be Boutique because they carry gorgeous items, including jewelry from local artists like Kristin Hubick's typewriter necklaces.

For the grandparents, Madeline will create our gifts at Half Baked Pottery. I'm so excited to see how these turn out.

If you still aren't sure where you should head, Nuvo has created a fab and lengthy shopping guide featuring our city's best indie shops.

Need inspiration?

If you still don't have a clue what to buy for some folks, a couple of my favorite local bloggers have created their own gift guides.

Casey at Moosh in Indy has created a gift guide with the mantra "no loved one left behind" because she includes everyone from the photographer to "the people you love but your wallet doesn't."

Haley at The Tiny Twig was super busy creating gift guides for kids, men, women and the hostess.

Got an ugly Christmas sweater party coming up but no time to browse through racks and racks in search of the perfectly hideous garment? Emily at DesignHER Momma has created the Fugly Finds Etsy shop just for you.

Also, if you're ever looking for fantastic handmade finds, Emily always discovers what's been missing in my life. Now on my Christmas list? The state of Indiana, hand-embroidered by Emily Hampton.

Swoon.

I feel like I just created my own wish list because I think I would happily love anything I linked to in this post.

And for realz, I want that embroidered Indiana.

:::

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A Taste of Philly

2010-12-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

Photo credit: A Taste of Philly

This week, we hosted our church small group at our house and I made a few snacks. The menu included:

But you know what the hit of the party was?

The pretzel braids I picked up last-minute from A Taste of Philly after we left the College Avenue library. Their braids are beautiful on a table, taste delicious and are a steal at $2 each.

I just wished I had taken a picture of how pretty they were. Plus a recording of my friend asking me if I baked them myself and my hysterical laugh that followed.

If I'm being honest, the "three hot pretzels for $2" deal is pretty much the only reason I choose that branch over Glendale.

Photo credit: A Taste of Philly

If you haven't tried these salty bits of heaven-made dough. you've got to make a library/pretzel stop soon. {Library visit not mandatory.}

I think for the next Christmas party which I'm required to bring food to, I'll just skip the cooking and head right to the compliments by bringing some more of the pretzels.

:::

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Mass Ave Toy Store

2010-11-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

On Friday afternoon, Madeline and I met Joe at the Starbucks on Mass Avenue to get some buy one, share one holiday drinks.

{Let me take this moment to say two things directly to Starbucks. #1: Buy one, share one was awesome. Thank you. #2: Your caramel brulee latte is what I think manna tastes like in a cup.}

Anyways, once Joe went back to work, Madeline and I walked across the street to Mass Ave Toys.

And then I wondered why we have a Children's Museum membership when Madeline could just visit here once a week and be equally thrilled.

Seriously, is this not the place that appeared in your dreams as a child?

It pretty much goes without saying they pick the best toys. North American Bear Company. HABA. Kushies. Gymnic.

Madeline's favorite toys came from Mass Ave, including Rody. If you don't know this adorable horse, you might be depriving your child of a complete childhood.

{Just kidding.} {Kinda.}

While I was there last week, I picked up a couple of these beautiful prints. They're from England and I'm so excited to put them up the toy room. And since they're just $5 each, it's about the cheapest, coolest art possible.

But I really want to mention their customer service because every time I visit the store, I'm super impressed by the staff. Their employees are extremely helpful and truly know the items on the shelves.

I asked for ideas for a Christmas gift for my brand-spankin' new nephew and BAM! I was nailed with nine different possibilities that I wanted to scoop up in my arms and then flee for home.

If you need a kid birthday gift but are unsure what to buy, this is the store for you.

Or if you want to spend an hour watching your child float blissfully from one toy to another, this is also the store for you.

{And the Starbucks across the street ain't bad either.}

Mass Ave Toys

409 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis

317.955.8697

Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 6 p.m.

:::

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Read Aloud Program at IMCPL

2010-11-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

Oh, hey, I know it's mid-November but just in case you didn't realize (like me), this month is a Read Aloud Program at all Indianapolis Marion-County Public Libraries.

If you sign a simple pledge to read aloud with your child for just four hours this month, all library locations are handing out a free canvas book bag, a reading log (which might be Madeline's favorite part) and stickers.

My favorite part? Everything is based on the new PBS show, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about That.

{In full disclosure, my other favorite is the bag. I love.)

And this Wednesday, your kids can meet the Cat in the Hat in person. Or... in cat character.

The Cat will be at the InfoZone branch on November 17 at 10:30 a.m.and make sure to bring your camera.

You win triple friendship points with me if your kiddos dress up as Thing 1 and Thing 2.

:::

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Book Review: One by Kathryn Otoshi

2010-11-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

Photo credit: KO Kid's Books

I know a lot of parenting blogs are suggesting great books and crafting ideas for the upcoming holidays right now but since Indy is peaking in the 70s this week, it's a little tough for me to think beyond Operation Christmas Child.

One by Kathryn Otoshi has nothing to do with Thanksgiving or Christmas but it's my current favorite.

The story captured my attention and held Madeline"s to the end.

The illustrations are simple, memorable and beautiful.

And when I read the last page, I even got a little emotional about its message.

The book covers just about every concept for young kids. Colors. Numbers. Friendship. Bullying. Tolerance. Acceptance.

Plus, it's worth repeating: the illustrations make this book one I could read to Madeline over and over again.

:::

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Operation Christmas Child

2010-11-10T21:49:00.000-05:00

If you are dying to turn on Christmas music but feel like peer pressure says it's too early, here is your free pass to hit play.

Next week is national collection week for Operation Christmas Child. To me, this is the equivalent to saying, "grab a shoebox and crank up Mariah's 'All I Want For Christmas.'"

If you've never heard of this wonderful program, you and your kids don't want to miss out this year.

You can touch the life of a child in poverty somewhere in the world by simply packing a shoebox with small necessities and luxuries. Your box will go to a child who most likely will not receive anything else for Christmas.

Every year since Madeline was born, we pack a shoebox together and include a note and pictures of our family.

And last year, we got a response.

It was the most emotional letter I've ever read. Not because of the written words but because I realized the bubbles, toothbrush and stickers went to a child with a name.

Lea. Lea from Burkina Faso.

She is not a child to be pitied but a child to love on and learn from.

Lea loves her family and her goats and her donkey. And she prays for us every day.

It was a blessing to bless her.

So go ahead and kick off the holiday season by taking four simple steps and make a huge impact in the life of a child like Lea.

Pack a shoe box.
Print a label.
Include a $7 check for shipping.
Drop it off at one of the five Indy locations.

:::

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Giveaway: Tickets to Michael Pollan at Spirit and Place

2010-11-04T22:02:00.001-04:00

**Updated 11/8/10**
The giveaway is now closed and the winner is...#16 Andrew! Congraulations! Enjoy your Skittles while you can! Thanks to everyone who entered.

Original Post:

Remember that scene in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" when Kate Hudson raises her hand and squeals, "I've got tiiiiiiiiiickets!"?

Well, I'm saying that in my head because I'm giving away two tickets to the Spirit & Place event featuring Michael Pollan. If you haven't heard about it, it sounds pretty amazing.

Photo Credit: Spirit & Place

Michael Pollan is kinda a big deal, like author of the best-selling, "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and a contributor to the Academy Award nominee documentary, "Food Inc."

Some of his more staggering (a.k.a uncomfortable) statistics include:

more than a quarter of all the food in a grocery store contain corn in some form
in the 1960's, an average household spent 18 percent on food but 5 percent on health care; now we spend 9 percent on food but a whopping 17 percent on health care

He'll talking about the place where nature and culture intersect next Friday, November 12 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. You can purchase tickets online for $15 for balcony, $25 for main theater.

Or make it easy on yourself and win a pair of tickets from me.

Giveaway Rules

1. Leave a comment on this post. (If you need inspiration for a comment, tell me your favorite bad food with corn. Mine? Diet Coke with high-fructose corn syrup. Sorry Michael.)

2. Enter again by mentioning the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook and leave another comment letting me know.

3. The contest will end at 8 p.m. on Monday, November 8.

4. Using Random.org, the winner will chosen and announced on the blog.

Good luck!

:::

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Driven Like Danica Essay Contest

2010-11-02T23:49:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Blondes, Poop and Mascara, a local scholarship contest came across my Twitter feed and I wanted to pass it along because it:

encourages young girls to write and
offers fab prizes.

I'm partial to essay scholarships since I love to write but also because a high school career highlight includes winning an American Legion scholarship and receiving a standing ovation when I read my essay in a smoke-filled post hall.

Also, I remember that my mom made me wear flesh-colored hose to the event. Quite possibly the last time I wore anything like that.

But let's leave 1999 and return to 2010.

St. Vincent is hosting the Driven Like Danica essay contest for girls in grades 6 - 12 and wants to hear stories of your girl's past adventures and her dreams for the future.

If she needs some prompting, ask her these questions:

What has inspired you so far in life?
Where – or who – do you look to for inspiration as you strive to reach new heights?
How you think the role of young women will evolve in the future?

The exciting stuff:

The first 100 submission writers will get to meet Danica Patrick in Indy on Dec. 4.

A winner from each grade will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship.

But, BUT, one grand prize winner will win a free trip for four to see American Idol (a.k.a. see J. Lo. in person!).

Boring but necessary stuff:

Essays must be between 300 - 500 words and can be submitted online.

The deadline is Nov. 10, 2010.

Tell her good luck from me!

:::

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How not to fold/organize your socks

2010-11-01T22:34:00.001-04:00

I want to tell you a story but first you need this tidbit of background info: matching socks is my nemesis.

Matching socks to me is Elizabeth to Kovacs. Gretchen to Michael C. Crazy one {matching socks} to unsuspecting nice person {moi}.

Let's proceed.

Once upon a time, I had a brilliant idea. We had roughly 300,000 loose socks with nary a pair in sight. I grew so tired of just stuffing the matchless socks in the drawer after laundry day.

{Who am I kidding, it's more like laundry week.}

So I had this idea. It went like this:

When folding clothes, throw all socks in a ginormous bag.
Let the socks pile up for several weeks.
One night, pull the bag out and match up all the socks while blissfully watching a movie.

That was about three months ago. This is where we are today:

My "brilliant idea" turned into a daunting monster.

I guess the good news is I haven't had to match a sock in months. The bad news is socks are literally spilling out of a closet.

And my poor husband has to root around in this bag every morning with the simple hope of just getting dressed for the day

So I turn to you, dear readers. How do you organize your socks? Do you throw them in the drawer as single ladies and hope they hook up in the dark? {Wow, yes. I just went there.} Do you suck it up and just match them?

Tell me, tell me, because I need help and my husband needs me to get help.

:::

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VeggieTales Live! Giveaway

2010-10-27T02:16:00.007-04:00

**UPDATE - November 2, 9:00 a.m.**

Two winners have been selected. Congratulations to Erin and A. Bryan Photography! You've each won four tickets to the showing of your choice. Enjoy the show!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Original Post:

Raise your hand if you unwittingly know all the words "His Cheeseburger."

Can you see that mine is raised?

There's some strong VeggieTales love in our home. To say we're excited that VeggieTales Live! is coming to the Indianapolis-area is to say Madeline just sorta laughs at the goofy, singing cucumber.

Because, dudes, we love VeggieTales and Madeline laughs like a hyena when Larry is on the screen.

Source: VeggieTales Live!

The "Silly Yourself Silly" tour will be at Northview Church {hey, that's my church!} on November 8 at 2 and 7 p.m. This musical-stage production will be packed with all your kids' favorite vegetables singing and dancing.

And if you think church means sitting in pews at a small, stuffy sanctuary, Northview ain't that church. They have an awesome space for high-quality events like this.

Source: at Carmel

Wanna Go?

Tickets are $15 online and $10 in person at Capstone Bookstore but VeggieTales has kindly offered two deals for my readers.

1. Use the NaptownVT code.

2. Enter to win a four-pack of tickets. {Because discounts are good but free is always better.}

Giveaway Rules

1. To enter, leave a comment on this post {be sure to include which show time you prefer, 2 or 7 p.m.}.

2. Enter again by mentioning the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook and leave another comment letting me know.

3. The contest will end at midnight on Monday, Nov. 1.

4. Using Random.org, two lucky readers will each win four tickets to the showtime of their choice.

Good luck!

:::

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Stain removal with hair spray

2010-10-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

Last time I shared cleaning tips, it involved toothpaste, baking soda and vinegar. Today, it's hair spray.

Clearly I'm not a fan of traditional cleaning methods.

But hear me out, especially if you have any small people around the house who like to mess with markers or pens.

For whatever reason, Madeline is drawn to markers like a moth to the flame. Not crayons {which are in abundance}. Not colored pencils {also in abundance). Nope, she prefers markers.

Which then get on everything. Clothes, shoes, everything.

Today was a green marker on her princess sleeping bag.

Here's my three-step process for removing said stain.

1. Grab a can of hair spray, preferably White Rain if you want to resurrect 1985 on a Monday morning.

2. Heavily spray the stained area with hair spray and dab with a paper towel. Then, heave a big sigh at your chunky, unmanicured fingers.

3. Heave sigh of relief that hair spray worked yet again and promise yourself that this time you will hide the markers better.

I used this method for removing ink stains on skirts, shirts, canvas shoes, blankets and now a sleeping bag. It's worked with pen and marker ink. It's even worked on days-old stains that I forgot about until it was laundry time.

But for realz, I've got to go hide those markers better. I've used this can of hair spray way too many times.

:::

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Cooking Autumn: Turn Up the Heat

2010-10-18T23:41:00.000-04:00

Now that Indiana weather has finally caught up with the calendar, I'm eager to start cooking my favorite fall meals and discover new recipes.

My absolute favorite cold-weather cooking is creating a big pot of soup.

Yes, with my love for jigsaw puzzles, over-sized cardigans and bowls of soup, it's true that I welcome turning 70 with open arms. But let's get back to some delicious soup.

Fall Soup Recipes 

Janna's Tortilla Soup

This is not a soup to encourage healthy eating. It does involve a chunk of Velveeta but it also involves spooning heaven into a bowl. Eh, you win some, you lose some.

Haley's Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you are scared off by the "B" word, you still need to try this soup. My only change to the original recipe is I puree it right before adding the cream. The lack of broccoli chunks help my vegetable-disliking family members enjoy it more. And the nutmeg makes all the difference so toss in a large pinch.

Em's Potato Corn Chowder
Just typing the name of this one makes me think, "Oh golly." This chowder is a staple in our home. For most of the colder months, we eat this once a week and it's perfect for Colts games on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Soup Tips

1. Serve over rice. For all of these recipes and others, our family loves to eat soups over steamed brown rice. We like the added texture, nutty taste and nutrients.

I also love that adding rice stretches the soup into additional meals. I'm not a leftover lover by any means {translation: I detest leftovers} but most soups really do taste better the next day. It's an unknown mystery, just like the meaning of San Diego. {Name that movie.}

2. Get thee an immersion blender. This is by far my favorite kitchen accessory for cooking soup. I adore my immersion blender. {Strong possibility Joe gets jealous every fall.} It eliminates the cumbersome steps of transferring the soup to a food processor and eliminates additional dirty dishes.

Perfect Soup Sides 

Like I mentioned earlier, I love discovering new favorite recipes. So far this month, I've found two fall recipes that turn out perfect every time.

Amy's Pumpkin Cornmeal Muffins

I love using canned pumpkin and adding cornmeal was a surprising but yummy combination. These are perfect with a bowl of soup but we also eat them for breakfast, lunch, snack and emotional eating binges. {Last one might just be me.}

Spinach Pomegranate Salad with and Apples and Walnuts

When it comes to salads, I don't eat them for the leafy, healthy greens. I eat for the toppings. Since this salad is loaded with yummy toppings, I've eaten it every day since Saturday. It doesn't get much better than Honeycrisp apples, bacon and pomegranates. For realz.

P.S. If you've ever wondered how in the world you're supposed to open a pomegranate, The Cooks Next Door have a wonderful tutorial with pictures. Also, I always open mine in a deep bowl of water to eliminate any splattering. Those cooks are so wise.

:::

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The Curiosity Shoppe

2010-10-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

Ever hop on the Internet "real fast" and then ~~3 hours~~ ~~2 hours~~ sometime later find yourself pages and pages from where you started?

Yeah, I do that. A lot.

Tonight, I started in my e-mail and somehow ended at The Curiosity Shoppe.

Anything with a whimsy sense of humor is up my alley and this shoppe is chock full of them for your kitchen, family room or office.

Teacup Hookmaker - $30

Just my cup of tea.

Owl Tray - $16

To any fellow Top Chef fans: Hootie hoo?

Yeti Card - $5

Finally. A funny card without a giant comic on front.

Postcard Aeroplane - $10

And I thought just getting a piece of mail was fun.

:::

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