Gift Guide and Giveaway: Sky Zone

November 29, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

So just to recap….

The perfect gift for…..

The couples in your life:

Post: https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2016/10/31/2016-christmas-gift-guide-giveaway-perfect-gift-idea-for-couples/

Your four-legged family member (s):

Post: https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2016/11/07/pet-wants-perfect-present-for-your-four-legged-family-members-giveaway/

This giveaway is still OPEN 😉

Homemade gifts for children and little girls:

Post: https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2016/11/15/giveaway-perfect-christmas-gifts-or-stocking-stuffer-for-girls-and-kids/

Congrats Judith Schorling you are the winner of this giveaway!! (I will be in touch via email 😉 )

And that brings us to today’s Gift Guide Category and Giveaway

This is the perfect gift for kiddos (and parents)!

Tickets to Sky Zone!!! (Awesome Stocking Stuffers!!)

Why is this the perfect gift for both kiddos and parents?

3 Reasons:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that kids should receive at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In the summer months getting kiddos their recommended 60 minutes is no promblemo. But come winter time when the temperatures are frigid and the sun sets when the kids get off the bus forget about it! This is when Sky Zone is super beneficial, it is always sunny and climate controlled in Sky Zone which means kiddos can easily get their 60 minutes after school and on the weekend.
Mom and Dad get a break! Kiddos can jump their little hearts out while mom and dad get some quality time in…add some pizza & pop to the mix and look who just got their date night! Or, if moms or dads are solo invite other friends to join you. Why not make it a Moms Night Out with the kiddos…kiddos can jump with friends while Moms get to chat and catch up on each other’s lives.
You have the potential to earn money for the community. Did you know Sky Zone offers the opportunity for your school, church, sport team, etc. to have a Sky Zone Night where a percentage of the sales go back to your school, church, etc.? We go for my kiddos school and it feels great knowing the kiddos are getting exercise, I am getting some quality time with my mom friends, and giving back to the school…talk about a win-win-win!!

I realize everyone’s budget is different and Sky Zone does too which is why they offer fun discounted nights like…..Wing Man Wednesday and $10 Tuesday (both good till Dec. 13^th, can’t be combined with any other promotion). More DEETS on their website; http://www.skyzone.com/toledo/promos-deals

Additional fun events Sky Zone offers:

Glow Zone! Every Friday night 9-11pm Sky Zone turns off the main lights, turns on the Black Lights, has a live DJ, and offers an awesome, safe, fun experience for kids (6+). $20 gets kids two hours of jump time and there is pizza and pop available for $4. (Again, I like the fact that they are getting a great workout while having a blast)

GIVEAWAY:

Enter to win FREE Sky Socks & a FREE 30 minute JUMP Time at Sky Zone Toledo

How to enter:

Share this post via your social media of choice (FB, twitter, etc.)
Comment below, what do you like most about Sky Zone? (My son’s fav is Ultimate Dodgeball..that’s him in the pic above)

Winner will be randomly selected Dec. 15^th

Good Luck!!

Dear Diary…..Why We Can’t Promise our Kids the Moon

November 16, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

Dear Diary,

~~Monday~~, ~~Tuesday~~ Wednesday, November (something) 2016

What to Expect When You’re Expecting said nothing about this!! Last month it was turn a pumpkin into a horse’s head (literary pumpkin decorating), this month its turn a cake into Saturn (Boy Scout Bake-Off), lol! Talk about asking for the moon! So last night we got to work…and right when we were covered in sticky rice krispies & frosting the youngest came running in blood everywhere from a bloody nose, “I might be dying” she sobbed, phone rang, darn dog took off with marshmallows, 5^th grader was yelling for a charger because the iPad was dying and with it, our 3^rd grader’s dream of having a Saturn cake. His immediate reaction was denial, quickly followed by doors slamming, then some crazy ideas on how we could make a ring….”mom I just want to put a ring on it!”….”you & all the single ladies, son”, lol! Then the water works, finally followed by acceptance, yep, we went through all 5 stages of grief in that one exhausting hour. And here is the big reveal of his Boy Scout Bake-Off Saturn Cake……

Our 3^rd grader grew a lot last night, he learned that sometimes you shoot for Saturn and land on the moon…a.k.a. life is 2% what happens to you and 98% how you react. He still isn’t necessarily over the moon (see what I did there? ;)) Could I have rushed out at 10pm with all 3 kiddos in tow to get more marshmallows? Sure, but the authorities might have been called in on account of all the blood all over my youngest face, clothes, etc. 3rd grader’s red eyes, and puffy face from crying, and my 5th grader yelling about what a horrible mom I was because I let it die (the iPad)…yep, that scenario would not have ended well for me and what would my son have learned, that mom will always fix “it”? Instead he received a good lesson in resilience, coping when things don’t go your way, and persevering…all valuable life skills that should be learned at a young age. Was it easy to watch him go through this experience, not particularly, but life wasn’t meant to always be easy, nor was parenting. It is so important that we don’t promise them the moon when they are kids. That we allow them to make their own mistakes and learn how to react appropriately when life happens….and you might just be surprised how far they will go if you let them grow. They might shoot for the moon and far exceed their own expectations and end up orbiting Saturn and it’s gosh darn ring system! 😉

I love how multifaceted parenting becomes with each passing year. Coffee cheers to choosing joy, to seeing the humor in otherwise stressful situations, accepting all life’s challenges, allowing our children the opportunity to grow when life happens & loving our kiddos to the moon and back!

Giveaway: Perfect Christmas Gifts (or stocking stuffer) for Girls and Kids!

November 15, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

My latest obsessions, headbands & literary classics! Headbands because I adore a little something that makes it look like I actually tried to do my hair, lol! It doesn’t get any better than a messy bun and a headband.

And literary classics, the kiddos and I have decided that from now on in the evenings, in addition to saying the Rosary we will be reading a chapter or two out of a classic book that has also been made into a movie. Thus, once we have finished reading said book we can have a family movie night and then discuss how the book and movie differed.

I am happy to state that we followed through and our first book we completed was The Little Prince. Last Friday we watched the movie and then discussed the similarities and differences once everyone stopped crying, yes, it was that good! As my son stated, in-between tears, “that was the best book and movie I have ever heard and seen”. I am not going to lie, that put a huge smile on this momma’s face.

Our next book, Treasure Island….

And check this out, in addition to the book and movie combo, Marzipantz Knit & Crochet Dolls has this adorable Pete the Pirate Doll that would be the perfect addition!!

This is why Marzipantz Knit & Crochet Dolls shop is my pick for the perfect Christmas Gifts (or add on/stocking stuffer) for girls and kids!

Total disclosure, I have already purchased one of Marzipantz dolls, Saint Kateri for my daughter’s birthday and it is absolutely adorable!!! I am such a sucker for a book, movie, doll combination for kiddo’s birthdays and Christmas gifts.

How lucky am I to have found a store that feeds both my obsessions, headbands & literary characters?

Luck was meant to be shared! 😉

GIVEAWAY

Marzipantz Knit & Crochet dolls is giving away one of their awesome headbands (winner picks which one)! You can keep it all for yourself or use it as a Christmas gift, your choice…all you have to do to be entered to win is:

1.Give Marzipantz shop some Facebook & love, www.facebook.com/marzipantzknitandcrochet & Instagram love www.instagram.com/marzipantzknitandcrochet

2. Share this post with a Facebook Friend.

3. Checkout the shop here, www.etsy.com/shop/marzipantz and comment below sharing what your favorite item is in the shop

Winner will be randomly selected Monday the 28^th

Good Luck!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

November 13, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

Are you ready to make a memory that is sure to go down in history? As many of you know I have always been a HUGE proponent for giving the gift of an experience for Christmas. Giving the gift of a beautiful experience that a child can treasure for a lifetime is ultimately priceless, especially when they get to share that experience with a loved one. To this day I still treasure my first live performance show, the ballet, The Nutcracker, at Stranahan Theater with my mother and grandmother, it was seriously an experience like none other and one I enjoy sharing even to this day. My grandmother has since passed and that memory is one I cling to, getting all dressed up, chatting during intermission and the feeling of being part of something special, it was magical! And I can’t wait to share that same magical feeling with my children. The most famous reindeer of all is coming to Stranahan!!

As a child the Christmas season didn’t officially begin in our house until that highest rated CBS Christmas special of all time, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer aired. The excitement and anticipation was always off the chart that night. My sibling and I would sit way too close to the television set, eager to see if the story may playout differently this year, but every year my eyes would tear up when they met Charlie-in- the-box on the Island of Misfit toys. After learning of the Island of Misfit Toys I remember vowing to always take good care of my toys, and for the most part, I did. As an adult I really appreciate ALL the valuable lessons hidden in that critically acclaimed show….true friendship, how our unique traits should be treasured, the importance of diversity, not bullying, responsibility, etc. Come to think of it, there are some lessons in the show that even we grown-ups might need to go back and review. And review we can!

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (www.rudolphthemusical.com) is coming to Stranahan Theater!! November 25 for two performances ONLY!!!

Performance Schedule for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL at the Stranahan Theater

Friday, November 25, 2016 1:00 PM

Friday, November 25, 2016 4:00 PM

Tickets for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL start at $28 and are available online at http://www.BroadwayInToledo.com , at the Stranahan Theater box office, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, or by calling 419.381.8851. (Looking to make this a scouting, playgroup, youth group, or club event? Group tickets of 10 or more can be ordered by calling 866.314.7687).

If you are looking for the perfect souvenir to help your child commemorate the experience then check this out……

Rudolph’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. A new illustrated storybook, T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games, will be available this year only at the stage show performances. A portion of the proceeds from all sales of the books will be donated to PACER.

***Please Note: Theaterleague.com, BroadwayInToledo.com, and the Stranahan Theater box office are the only official sources for tickets to RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and all of the shows in the 2016-17 Broadway in Toledo. If you purchase tickets through another source, you may pay over-inflated prices and your tickets will not be guaranteed. ***

What is your favorite scene from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Pet Wants: Perfect Present for your Four-legged Family Members & Giveaway

November 7, 2016November 21, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

May 2003 on our way home from our honeymoon, after being married for only one week we made the first big commitment of our married life, we became pet parents. We picked up an adorable yellow Labrador and I instantly feel hard for that little fur ball. On the drive home we decided on a name, Deuce. As Deuce lay on my lap I soaked in all his cuteness, pondered all the fun we would have, memories we would make, and then suddenly a wave of sadness took over me. My husband inquired why I was so sad, I should be happy! And he was right, though in that moment, in the beginning of that beautiful relationship, after giving my heart to that adorable puppy, I also knew that one day he was going to break my heart.

Fast forward 10 years, one house, four cars, one cat, and three kids later and our Deuce was diagnosed with diabetes. I felt horrible. It was my fault, I would just buy him whatever dog food, and treats, etc. were on sale. I never paid attention to ingredients, additives, preservatives, etc. That last year of his life was SO HARD to witness. I gave him his shots twice a day, he had so many accidents in the house, and he eventually lost his sight. It hurt my heart so bad to watch this magnificent dog who loved to run around and play fetch with his favorite ball suddenly deteriorate. My husband slept on the kitchen floor with him that last night, the next morning Deuce couldn’t even move, and we knew it was time, it was time to say goodbye, it was time to close that chapter, and I couldn’t help but think back to the beginning. The day we welcomed a yellow Labrador named Deuce into our hearts and that little fur ball lay on my lap, it felt like I blinked.

After losing Deuce I wasn’t certain if my heart could go through all that again. But, there definitely was a void without having a four-legged family member roaming the house. So we did it again, this time we welcomed a chocolate Labrador, Wyatt. Wyatt is the most energetic, mischievous, crazy, cuddly, sweet, rambunctious dog I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He has torn up our kitchen floor, chewed through the kitchen table leg, chewed chairs, torn our comforters, gotten out a couple time, and so much more, he definitely keeps us busy; there hasn’t been one dull moment since he entered our hearts and home.

And this time I refuse to have a diabetic dog. I am much more conscientious when it comes to the food and treats I purchase for him. He also has some food, skin, and environmental allergies, so finding food that works for him is a bit more complicated, which was why I practically lost my mind when I learned about Pet Wants. Pet Wants is a local pet food company, which makes fresh, sugar, gluten, dye, wheat, corn, & soy free pet food. And…and this is the best part, they deliver right to your door!!!

What’s Wrong with Name Brand Pet Foods?

Most commercial pet food is manufactured in mass quantities and sent to a series of distribution warehouses before finally making it onto the shelf at your local store. There it sits…and sits…possibly for up to 6-8 months before it’s purchased for consumption. Because pet food loses its nutritional value over time, pets can ultimately end up eating a diet that’s low in nutrition and can ultimately lead to unnecessary sickness, disease and even a shortened life.

How Are Pet Wants Products Different?

Pet Wants proprietary pet food formula that has been carefully developed over the years. Since their food is slow-cooked to lock in nutrients and is made in frequent, small batches, the result is fresh and highly nutritional food. Best of all, you can relax knowing they are providing the best possible food for your pet—delivered right to your door—for the same price as most premium commercial dog foods. It’s simple. Freshness is the key to good nutrition. You and your pet will appreciate healthy, complete and balanced pet food made from fresh, all-natural ingredients. http://www.petwantsperrysburg.com/

Wyatt loves Pet Wants food and I love the peace of mind that comes with knowing I am purchasing food that is good for him, that is fresh, and contains no fillers or by-products.

Pet Wants offers a variety of Pet foods and products, including:

Dog Food
Cat Food
House Made Jerky
Salves, Balms, & Sprays for Dogs

Giveaway

Pet Wants goodie bag filled with the following:

1 bag of Pet Wants Beef Jerky Treats (Grain Free, Single Ingredient treat, great for pups with allergies or food sensitivities)
1 tin of Paw Wax (helps to protect and condition pads during the cold winter months)
1 12-inch Odor Free, Made in the USA, Bully Stick (Easily digestible, single ingredient, natural alternative to Rawhide)
1 Medium Sized Split Elk Antler (Long lasting chew, perfect for puppies or aggressive chewers)

Total Value: $30