10 Ways to Keep Kids Active in Toledo This Winter

February 4, 2017momonthegoinholytoledo

Its official Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow; we will have 6 more weeks of winter! 6 more weeks of the kids getting home from school just before dark, 6 more weeks of not just cold temps, but, wind chill temps too! And let’s be honest, we live in Northwest Ohio, 6 weeks is being generous, sometimes Spring time weather doesn’t grace us with its presence until mid-May! Pair all that with the fact that The Center for Disease Control and Prevention stipulates that children need at least 60 minutes of aerobic activity a day… (Specifically; vigorous-intensity aerobic activity on at least 3 days per week, muscle strengthening activities, such as gymnastics or push-ups, at least 3 days per week, and bone strengthening activities, such as jumping rope or running, at least 3 days per week as part of your child’s 60 or more minutes). (Source; https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/ )…and to further complicate the issue one can’t forget about homework, parents’ work schedule, evening activities, and the lure of the screen. It’s enough to make even the most optimistic parent want to just toss in the towel, call it a winter, and hibernate till spring.

First things first, let’s check those screens into the Mobile Motel where they can recharge and rest up for a few hours. (I would encourage your family to come up with check-in and check-out times that suit your family’s schedule. Having the screens out of site and out of mind will help remove that temptation. Added bonus, you will always know where the screen is & it will be charged. Winning!!).

10 Ways to Keep Kids Active in Toledo This Winter:

Walk to school! We started walking to school this year and while there was a bit of resistance in the beginning we have all come to enjoy and look forward to our walks in the morning. And recently our school introduced Active4.Me. It is a program that promotes physical activity and walkable communities. Active4.Me uses a barcode system to keep track of students’ active trips to and from school, CO2, calories, miles and how much gas savings for each student, their classroom, grade or for the whole district. It notifies parents that children have arrived safely, students can win prizes, and it is a great way to promote safe active communities. Website: https://www.active4.me/index
Earn Prizes for being Active!?! Winter Quest by Metroparks Toledo is a great initiative to get everyone outdoors and active. Simply download your journal, track your activity, and submit it via a message on the Metropark’s Facebook page or in person to be entered into a drawing for a prize. Names are drawn every Monday….but hurry Winter Quest end February 28^th. Website: https://metroparkstoledo.com/discover/special-events-and-programs/winter-quest/
Feel like life with kids is a 3-ring circus? Why not make it official and sign them up for Circus Classes! Birds Eye View Circus is Toledo’s Premiere Circus School and Performance Space. They offer Trapeze, Silks, Lyra, Aerial, Tight Wire, etc. drop in or classes for youth and adults. Website: https://birdseyeviewcircus.com/
Make it a family date at Ohio Skate! Why let the kids have all the fun? Skate rentals are reasonably priced to accommodate most budgets. For list of locations, prices, hours, etc. click on link to website: http://www.ohioskate.com/
Spend the Day at Maumee Bay State Park! The Lodge offers Day Passes Sunday- Thursday (8am-10pm). Children 2 & under are FREE, Children 3 & Up and Adults are $12 + tax for the day. That means you have all access to the locker rooms, sauna, hot tub, pool, splash area, kids area, arcade space, & fireplaces. What’s more, if it snows you can sled down the big hill, and if we get 6 inches you can rent skis too…then go warm up by the fireplace with hot cocoa or take a dip in the hot tub. This is a great one for Sundays, family fun days!! Website: http://www.maumeebaystateparklodge.com/
Ice ice baby! Take the kiddos to the only open air ice rink in northwest Ohio & southeast Michigan, at Ottawa Park!! General Admission is $4 (3 & under are free) Skate rental is $2. For directions, hours, etc. click on link to their website: http://www.ottawapark.org/outdoor-ice-rink-ottawa-park-toledo.html
Say Cheese! Enjoy a Photo Scavenger Hunt at the Park(s)! Since the Parks uphold the motto of “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.”- Chief Seattle- a photo scavenger hunt is perfect! Put together a quick list of items to find, grab the camera, and have kiddos snap shots as you walk one of the trails. To add to the fun and adventure, challenge yourselves to visit a different park each week, print off the kiddos’ findings and let them put together a winter book with all their pictures.
Prefer a more climate controlled park? One that is bright long after the sun goes down? Then head for the sky, Sky Zone! Half hour jump times are just $10, one hour is $15, for more pricing options and hours (Toddler Time: Fridays 10am-12pm, $8 per toddler, parents are FREE) click on website link….don’t forget your Sky Socks! Website: https://www.skyzone.com/toledo
Swing sets indoors!?! Dreams do come true! Take the kiddos to Sylvania Playland where they can enjoy five inflatables, four swing sets, & a toddler area. Care to extend the fun? Play a game of glow-in-the-dark mini golf, 18 holes, with 4 awesome themes (underwater, pirates, dinosaurs, knights and dragons). For location, hours, and pricing click on the link to the website: http://www.sylvaniaplayland.com/
There’s only one place your child can go to sail on a pirate ship, narrowly escape a monster shark, trek the jungle among gorillas and iguanas, weave his way through a dazzling maze, defy gravity, visit a neighboring kingdom’s castle, and then take a seat on his own castle’s throne – all in one day! Funigans!! Kiddos can bounce, slide, jump, and run around on their giant inflatables, play Lazer tag, and challenge one another in the arcade. For location, hours, pricing, etc. click on link to website: http://www.funagins.com/

Have a favorite activity that your kiddos enjoy during the winter time that didn’t make the list? Please share.

Dinner at 4pm: Are you raising 80 year old children?

January 13, 2017January 13, 2017momonthegoinholytoledo

Dinner at 4pm, are you mad? Seriously, the only people who eat dinner at 4pm are those living in retirement homes. At least that was what I thought in the past, (in fact, one of my Sheroes does this and I thought she was crazy) but I recently had a change of heart. It all occurred one afternoon when my youngest asked for her 3^rd afterschool snack in an hour. This got me thinking, why do we eat when we eat? Who established those times? And why do we follow an agenda that doesn’t suit our lifestyle? The answers to these questions brought about one of the biggest game changers in our meal schedule since eliminating that midnight feeding when the children were babies. The 4pm dinner!

So, after giving my daughter her 3^rd afterschool snack in an hour’s time, two things occurred to me; one, she had just eaten the equivalent of her dinner, and two, in two hours when it was dinner time she would more than likely eat nothing because she will be full from all her snacking. Having one child not eat their dinner is annoying, but all three, that’s just darn right frustrating. I starting have a sense of defeat. Why bother prepping and making all these healthy meals if the kids aren’t even going to eat them! I had grown sick and tired of wasting good food and money, something needed to change! And change it did. I managed to remove my heart and emotion for the situation and got down to the logistics. Why are the kids so famished after school? They have breakfast around 7:30am, lunch almost exactly 4 hours later, around 11:30am, and 4 hours after lunch is when they get home from school. But instead of being fed a meal at that time I give them apple slices that are supposed to tie them over until 6:30pm, that’s 7 hours between lunch and dinner, and to be honest sometimes dinner was even later than that depending on extracurricular activities. Why?….

Why do we eat when we eat, why eat dinner at 6:30pm/7pm? When I was a child we always ate dinner when dad came home and my parents did the same when they were children, so on and so forth. But that was also back in the pre-computer, web-conferencing, facetime, texting/cell phone era when parents were officially clocked out at 5pm or 6pm. A lot has changed since then and yet we are still maintaining that same time schedule.

Who established dinner time? I suppose I did, I set the meal time schedule. I like the idea of us all sitting down as a family, saying the prayer, breaking bread together, and sharing the happenings of each other’s day.

Why do we follow an agenda that doesn’t suit our lifestyle? One word, tradition, tradition says that the family sits and eats dinner together when the dad gets home from work. But here’s the thing, after the children have each had 3 afterschool snacks and 6:30pm rolls around, not only does no one eat but often times we have to go somewhere- religious education classes, Boy Scouts, basketball practice/game, or some other school/church activity. And what’s more, since my husband changed jobs two years ago he travels a lot which means often times he isn’t in town or at least not home in time for dinner. And yet there I was still sticking to a tradition.

Solution: Serve dinner when everyone is hungry, when they will eat the healthy meal that I have prepared. Serve dinner when there is time, time to sit before running off to another activity. But what about the family table, praying, breaking bread, sharing? We can do that earlier, or, even better, 4 hours after dinner and after those extracurricular activities the children’s bellies usually have room for a small snack before bed. Thus, the family table is quite suitable for an evening snack & chat before getting ready for bed- and if dad is in town he can join us. (This might mean giving up your screen time in the evening, do it!! This was another HUGE game changer to our evening routine that we adopted a couple years ago).

So it turns out all those folks in the retirement homes were onto something. The 4pm dinner and 8pm snack has been quite accommodating to our busy lifestyle and best of all the healthy, good food, and money spent on said food don’t go to waste. In fact we are having quite the opposite problem; there are no leftovers for the next day. What a magnificent problem. Then they are often off to an activity and return home for a delicious snack before bedtime.

Here are some examples of the snacks we enjoy:

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie (Kiddos’ Snack-Paleo(ish) Greek Yogurt is debatable)

Ingredients:

1 Banana- sliced

2 Cups Frozen Strawberries

1 Cup Greek Yogurt

1 Cup Coconut Milk

2 Tablespoons Honey

Instructions: Blend everything together and serve. If you wish you could also place in a frozen safe dish and freeze overnight and have yummy frozen yogurt the next day.

Avocado Love (Sugar Free)

1 Avocado, ¼ cup cucumber slices, & 4 cherry tomatoes sliced -drizzled with garlic olive oil (Bumble Olive Oil Company) and then topped with a bit of pepper. (Mom’s snack-sugar free)

Buffalo-ish Cauliflower (For everyone! Sugar Free!!Buffalo sauce is on the side since it is too spicy for some of the kiddos)

Ingredients:

One Head Cauliflower cut into bite sizes

1 Cup water

1 Cup Almond Flour

Salt & Pepper to taste

½ cup Red Hot

1 Tablespoon Kerrygold Butter

Instructions:

Combine water and almond flour into a batter. Coat each cauliflower in batter and then place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 450 degrees then flip each and bake for an additional 10 minutes until each is slightly brown and crispy looking.

While baking place Red Hot and butter in pan on top of stove, heat till butter is melted.

If you are not sharing this amazing dish with kids then brush buffalo sauce over cauliflower bites and place back in the oven for 8 minutes until the buffalo sauce is absorbed and cauliflower is crispy.

Salad Love (Sugar Free)

Eggs, avocados, cucumber slices, and red & orange pepper slices in garlic olive oil-a.k.a. a salad (Mostly moms snack but once mom starts eating it everyone wants some, go figure! Lol! This is a sugar free snack)

Blueberry & Strawberry Smoothie (Kids’ snack-Paleo)

Ingredients:

2 Cups Frozen Strawberries

1 Cup frozen Blueberries

½ cup hot water (otherwise everything freezes together in the blender)

1 Tablespoons Honey (Optional)

Instructions:

Blend 😉

Carrot Candy (Kids’ Snack-Paleo)

Ingredients:

8 Carrot’s sliced into small bite sizes

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Place sliced carrots in bowl, pour olive oil in bowl and toss until all slices are coated. Place slices on baking sheet, sprinkle with salt. Roast at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool then devour-kiddos say they taste like candy.

Have you ever considered altering your meal schedule?

My Sheroes do more than Eat Pray & Love

January 5, 2017momonthegoinholytoledo

You gotta love Hollywood, add an emotional soundtrack that will tug at audience’s heartstring to any image and/or picture and suddenly watching someone have the equivalent of a bowel movement is not only acceptable, but creative and inspiring. To add insult to injury why not blast Facebook with beautiful images of bad advice, hashtag vague phrases, and ultimately misinterpret ones purpose for life entirely. Once you allow your mind to be fed this alluring lifestyle that breeds self-love, self-assurance, self-analysis, self-examination, self, self, SELF, one could easily become glutton and drunk on the magnetism.

There is a group of women who are quite popular, mostly due in part because of their all-encompassing self-everything books, lifestyles, and who have grown quite a huge presence on social media, via popular picture/quotes, hashtags, YouTube videos, etc. and they have been known to identify each other as Sheroes=She +Hero. Upon learning that yet another one of these Sheroes had decided to leave her husband I literally wept. For I knew that her decision was monumental, she did not just end a marriage, break a vow, a promise, a commitment, but she also broke a family. And once something is broken, shattered into a hundred pieces, no matter how much time, love-wins Band-Aids are placed on it, or glue is used it will never be the same ever again. My heart really breaks for the children; they will never again have a, one, single home, but rather, mom’s house and dad’s house. We can justify anything, there are probably a million and one reasons why this broken family is for the best, but if one goes deep, really deep, beyond the mind, past the heart, to the soul, that is where truth sleeps.

After sinking into a mild depression upon reviewing the Sheroes of our time, these mentors of moms, these role models, leaders with such huge followings on social media, I came to the realization that I was listening to the emotional soundtrack, it was tugging at my heartstrings, & I was watching the equivalent of someone having a bowel movement. I was duped. I started contemplating all the other women in my life that might be feeling this same sense of being deceived and suddenly I had a revelation, a deep insight, my Sheroes weren’t those women with the all-encompassing self-everything books, movies, YouTube videos, etc. My Sheroes are the amazing women God has placed in my life, their stories are profound, and they are the true Heroes.

My Sheroes are…..

The wife who found out her husband was cheating on her and she stayed, worked things out, kept her family together despite all the horrible advice she received to leave. It was far harder for her to wake up every morning and see him and relive all the hurt than it would have been to leave but her love for her children, family, God, her commitment to marriage and her family was more important than her emotional state at that time.

The mother who has a nonverbal autistic child, who does everything she can for that child, along with her family, who you know must live with some heartache but maintains a positive outlook.

The wife and mother who had tumors removed from her brain and who now has to live with side-effects from the surgeries.

The woman whose husband cheated on her, refused to work on their marriage, left her, got remarried, had children, his second wife died, and this amazing women opened her heart and home to her ex-husband’s children because the children were innocent in all his life decisions.

The mother who not only had to give birth to her stillborn baby but also had to go through the heartache of explaining to the other children why their sibling wouldn’t be coming home.

The mother whose dream finally came true and she gave birth to her second, much prayed for child, only to find out the baby needed open heart surgery immediately.

The young wife whose husband had testicular cancer twice early on in their marriage and her commitment, her sacred vows of Holy Matrimony meant far more than any biological family.

My Sheroes do more than Eat Pray and Love, they stay! When the going gets tough, no matter how many times, they persevere, they stay….these bad-ass women honor their commitments!

These amazing women are held to high esteem in my mind, are very close to my heart and each of their stories have touched my soul deeply.

Are there any Sheroes in your life? Perhaps you are a Shero? Please feel free to share your story.

Michigan Science Center

January 3, 2017January 4, 2017momonthegoinholytoledo

“Awesome!”, “Cool!”, “Amazing!” those are the replies my 11, 9, & 6 year olds gave when asked what they thought about their experience at Michigan Science Center. Michigan Science Center is a hands-on STEM based museum located in Detroit, Michigan. We ventured up there and had the pleasure of partaking in their Glow Night. Glow Nights are special evening hours, 6-9pm, with discounted pricing (now through the 6^th of Jan.), and some added Holiday fun. But best off all it provided us the opportunity to see what amazing exhibits, displays, and activities one can do, see, interact with, & even make at Michigan Science Center (MiSci).

Our visit…..

First Stop- Engineering

Kiddos had a blast venturing across the 80-foot-long Mini Mac Bridge, traveling the roundabout, working the U.S. Steel Fun Factory and more…..

Next Stop-Health & Wellness

We discovered the importance of good nutrition and fitness, uncovered some of the hidden factors that affect our health both now and in the future, we learned how to make smart choices to improve our health, and had fun whacking sugar & fats!

Then we were off to the final Frontier-Space

We had a glimpse of the wonders of the universe and the history of human space travel….the rest of it was located on a level below us that wasn’t open in the evening…thus, we totally have to go back!

We enjoyed learning about the constellation in the winter sky and about Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, during the Planetarium show. Dassault Systèmes Planetarium features a Digistar® II projection system with 13,000-watt Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and a 50-foot-wide, three-story-high-dome, and comfy chairs.

Our final stop, Creatures of Light exhibit! (This special exhibit Ends Jan. 15th)

We voyaged to the otherworldly realm of bioluminescence — the creation of light by living organisms. We traveled through summer meadows, learned why Fireflies glow, ventured into a cave to see worms glowing, and the deep sea to explore this incredible natural phenomenon.

Glow Night was the perfect sampling of MiSci and it left us longing for more…so in order to satiate our appetite for science and fun we are already planning our next visit and it will include seeing….

Kidstruction

Kidstruction -Become an engineer and create structures with large vinyl blocks, giant planks, k’nex and more. Use tablets to experiment with design and participate in our building challenges. Included with paid general admission

Spark!Lab

Through hands-on activities, interactions with facilitators, and even conversations with inventors from the community, children and families engage in the process of invention. The self-led exploration that happens in this interactive space creates environments that support the creative and collaborative thinking so important to invention and entrepreneurship. Spark!Lab Smithsonian is where science center visitors become inventors and innovators.

Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre

Feel like you’re a part of the action. Showing films that entertain, educate and inspire, Michigan’s only IMAX® dome theatre surrounds audiences with an experience that thrills students and adults alike. Its 67.5-foot-wide, five-story high screen, modern stadium-style seating and state-of-the art technology creates an ultimate movie experience not to be missed!

We can’t wait to go back! Intrigued? Want to learn more? Perhaps plan your trip to MiSci today? Here are all the details….

Details

Phone: (313) 577-8400

Address: 5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202

Website: http://www.mi-sci.org/

Admission: General admission is $14/adult, $11/child 12 and under or senior citizen (60+). Children under age two are free. (If you have an Imagination Station Membership you will receive 50% OFF!! It is advised to use your discount and just pay a la carte for the IMAX ($6per person) & the Planetarium shows ($6 per person)…your savings is deeper with this option as opposed to waiving your discount and going with one of the packages they offer…I found the website admission info slightly confusing so I gave them a call and a lovely woman walked me through the admission options over the phone). They also offer 3 different package prices online that do provide a slight discounts, click on link to view those, http://www.mi-sci.org/visit/#admissions

Hours: Jan. 7 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Jan. 8 – 11 Closed for maintenance

Jan. 9 Normal hours resume:

M-T Closed

W-F 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun noon-6 p.m.

Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Day 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Parking: http://www.mi-sci.org/visit/parking/

Amenities: Lockers, Coat Racks, & Café

Upcoming Events:

After Dark: Come spend your Third Thursday at After Dark, their monthly happy hour for ages 21+ only, while exploring exciting science concepts.

Upcoming After Dark dates and themes:

January 19 – Vintage Video Games
February 16 – Mardi Gras

FX Xpereince: Don’t miss out on MSC new FX: Family Xperience series the first Saturday of every month! All activities are included with paid general admission. Click on link to see schedule of events for 2017, http://www.mi-sci.org/discover/fx-family-experience/

Looking for more fun Indoor Adventures in SE Michigan and NW Ohio this winter? Click Here

Win Family 4 pack Tickets to Santa at Stroh

December 16, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Picture it-Christmas tree lit, frosted window panes that give way to a winter wonderland view, Amy Grant’s Tender Tennessee Christmas on Pandora conjuring up a potpourri of childhood Christmas memories, retro Santa mug filled with fresh brewed coffee and children…children interrupting every other sip with random inquiries and requests….

“Mom, I’m hungry!”-and why shouldn’t they be it has been an entire 10 minutes since they last ate!

“Mom, can we sled down the stairs?”- Really!?! Boys!

“MOM…Mom…Toilet’s clogged!”- Fabulous!

“Mom, it was an accident…there’s blood!!”- And that will do it! End of peaceful Christmas moment. “Here I come….what size band-aide?”

Ahh…the first full day of Winter Break! lol!

How quickly one forget how beautiful and irritating Christmas Break can be, it’s kinda like childbirth, all you remember in the end is the beauty, the miracle, and magical moments. So much so that you can’t wait till the next one! And then it happens, day one of Christmas Break and just like that first contraction of the second birth, it all comes flooding back to memory. This time I am going to have a plan, and unlike my birth plan this is one I can guarantee will come to fruition.

I literally have my planner out right now and am planning at least one outing a day until Christmas. I figure after Christmas they will at least have new toys and games to play, books to read, memberships to venture out and use, etc. I should also stipulate that when planning these excursions I am keeping two things in mind, budget and the novelty of the experience. And that is where Santa at Stroh comes in…

Talk about a unique experience, when was the last time you attended a basketball game with your kiddos and got to see & get pictures with Santa for FREE before tip and/or during half time?

Here are the DEETS:

Game Dates & Times: Wednesday December 21^st @ 7pm and Thursday, December 22^nd @12pm

Location: 1535 E Wooster St, Bowling Green, OH 43403

Cost: $11-$13 (Kids 12 and under are FREE)

Purchase Tickets: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/bgsu

GIVEAWAY:

Win a family 4 pack to see Santa at Stroh (winner will determine which game).

How to enter:

Share this post with a friend on Facebook (perhaps a friend you would like to take with you to the game? Why not make it a double (family) date! 😉
Comment below stating what your favorite part of your kiddo’s Winter Break is (don’t let me fool you…even though I may repeat And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again! a dozen times or so, I secretly LOVE IT-ALL OF IT! )

Winner will be randomly selected Monday December 19th

Coffee cheers to LOVING IT ALL & good luck!

Go Falcons & Ho Ho Ho!

TICKETS for Disney on Ice’s Passport to Adventure

December 3, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

The Christmas Countdown continues in our household, day 3, Dec. 3^rd Christmas activity is tickets, tickets to Disney on Ice’s Passport to Adventure!!!

We will be joining Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they travel to four timeless worlds in one fun-filled ice production! Celebrating the most memorable Disney tales with all our favorite characters! We can’t wait!! Eeek! Our Kindergartener is already planning her outfit….she has it narrowed down to Belle or Minnie?

Here are the DEETS:

-Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure, which will

Travel to the Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43604, Dec. 8-11.

-Show times are: Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

-Tickets for Disney on Ice presents, Passport to Adventure range from $15 to $50. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling (800) 745-3000 or visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Synopsis: You and your family will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinker Bell. You’ll also be whisked away to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite, huggable snowman Olaf, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all. Disney on Ice presents, Passport to Adventure features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a colorful set that captures all four unique worlds. Upbeat music, lovable characters and unforgettable moments make this an experience your family will cherish forever!

GIVEAWAY

Win a family 4 pack tickets to Disney on Ice presents, Passport to Adventure opening night, Thursday December 8^th 7pm!

How to Enter:

1-Comment below with the answers to the following Disney Trivia Questions

2- Share this post on Facebook with a friend, & challenge them to the trivia questions too!

Trivia Questions:

What is the name of Captain Hook’s assistant and only friend?

Who are Shenzi, Banzia, & Ed?

What is Ursula’s human name?

Who likes warm hugs?

Winner will be randomly selected Monday December 5^th @11:59pm & announced the next morning on Facebook and the blog.

Good Luck!

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!!

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