Lego Store Event

Tuesday March 1st (can you believe it is March), your local Lego Store will have its Free Build Event for the month.  Your child will get to build a Lego creation, a mini bird, and they can take it home with them.
Event starts at 5pm and will run while supplies last. One per child ages 6 – 14.

Before heading out check to be sure your local store is participating.

Thanks Couponing to Disney

Craft of the Week

This week's featured craft comes from Art Lessons for Kids.  She uses  Texture Rubbing Plates for the children to do crayon rubbings to create different textures on paper then they use the paper to create pictures.  You can create your own texture plates using Elmers white glue.  Squeeze glue in a pattern on a piece of cardstock and let dry.  Then you can place paper over it to create your crayon rubbings.  Another alternative would be to use various materials to create your picture.

Weekend Events

Don't forget to checkout this great activities this weekend at:
Michael's
Lowe's Build and Grow - build a race car
Border's - Elmo's B'day
Target - Dr. Seuss event

Learning Resource Activity Set

Learning Resources Pretend and Play School Set is great learning tool for kids. It is available on Amazon for $19.99 (reg. $36.99) today.  These deals go quick so be sure and grab it today.

Wacky Wednesday

Glacier Jump

Throw pillows on the floor about a foot apart.  Each player must jump from "glacier" to "glacier" without falling in the "water." If you do, you're out. With each round, move the pillows farther apart until only one player remains.

National Pancake Day

My 17 year old son loves pancakes and when he can get a them for free he is over the moon.   On March 1st, National Pancake Day, he and his friends will head straight to IHOP after school (before school if he can talk me into letting him go in late) to get a free stack.  This offer is available nationwide from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

All they ask is that you consider making a small donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other designated local charities.
If you need a freindly reminder to get you free stack sign up for a celebrity wake up call.

Tasty Tuesday

I made these melting snowman smores for my granddaughter and her cousins.  They were a huge hit.  With the weather warming up a little a thought these would be a great treat to celebrate the melting snow in your area. 
When I made these I improvised with what I had on hand.
Ingredients:
graham crackers
Hershey bars
marshmallows
marshmallow fluff
chocolate chips
fruit roll-ups

Directions:
Melt a 1/2  cup of the chocolate chips.  Place melted chocolate in a squeeze bottle if you have one ( I just made mine with a toothpick). Squeeze out on to wax paper to make your twig hands.  Let harden.  Place a dap of melted chocolate on the top of a graham cracker square, place a square of hershey bar on top.  Add a spoonful of fluff on top of the chocolate bar.  It will "melt" as it settles.  Top with a marshmallow. 
Now it is time to decorate.  Using a pizza cutter, cut a scarf out of a fruit roll up.  Wrap around the bottom of the marshmallow. Cut a nose out of an orange fruit roll up, add to marshmallow along with chocolate chips for the eyes.  Place the twig hands into the marshmallow fluff.  Enjoy these gooey treats.

Preschool Printables

If you homeschool your preschooler or are looking for some at home activities for them check out Tired, Need Sleep.  She has created some colorful printables and a few ideas on how to use them.  Just remember to make the activity as interactive and fun as possible.  Also, I recommend you print them on cardstock and laminate them.  If the cards are laminated you can write on them with dry erase markers or vis-a-vis markers and reuse them over and over again.  Need an easy to use laminator, the Scotch TL901 Thermal Laminator 2 Roller System on Amazon is just $29.24. 

Elmo's Birthday Party at Borders

 Celebrate Elmo's 3rd birthday at Borders on Saturday, Feb 26th at 2:00 PM with music, stories, crafts and more! Please note that this is not a costume character event. Activities will vary by store.  Be sure to check with your local Borders to be sure they are participating in this event.

Read Across America Event at Target

Join Target on Saturday, February 26 from 9-11 a.m. for some whimsical, wonderful Seuss-style fun. It’s all part of Target’s commitment to support education and help kids learn to read.


To find other Read Across America events in your area go here.

President's Day Sale at The Children's Place

Enjoy free shipping online at The Children’s Place this weekend when your order exceeds $50.00 with code FSPRESIDENTS (shipping is usually a flat $5). Spring dresses are 25% off and take an additional 30% off already reduced items.  For $5.00 you can pick up adorable T's, s/s and l/s solid color shirts, leggings, and more.  Go thru Shop at Home to earn 3% back on your purchase.

Michael's Free Family Event

The Knack Family Event at Michaels

My First Science Kit Demo

02/26/2011  10:00 a.m. - Noon

Learn to think like a scientist. Ages 3 and up welcome.

Lowes Build And Grow Clinic

You don't want to miss this clinic at 10:00 AM on Saturday, 2/26.  This race car kit includes #48 stickers and a pull back motor! Your kids will love it!  Registration is open to the first 50 children who sign up at each location. Each child will get a kit, work apron, and safety goggles for free. Kids also get a badge and certificate when they complete their project.

Craft of the Week

Our craft of the week is a winter tree from Frugal Family Fun.  With a warming trend around most parts of the country the winter trees will start to bud soon.  To create this project all you need is masking tape (I recommend painters tape), paper and watercolors.   Repeat this project in a few weeks adding a few buds as the season turns to Spring. 

Dental Health Month

I REALLY hate going to the dentist.  It is right at the top of the list of things I dread doing. My husband stays on me to make sure I go and that our children go one a regular basis. February is Dental Health Month so if you haven't been in a while or you haven't started taking your kiddos yet this is a good month to set up those appointments.  To help get them prepared for the office visit read one of these informative books:           

   

For some fun activities to do with your preschooler check out these fun printables from  Musings of me. 

Disney Junior

Have you checked out the new Disney Junior?  Go ahead take a look.

Online you will find games, stories, activities and full eposides of your favorite Disney shows.   
Riley, if your reading this tell mommy you want to play this. 

President’s Day Event

President’s Day Event at AC Moore
Monday, February 21st  1-3 pm

Here is a fun activity for the kids since they have the day off from school.  Buy a t-shirt at AC Moore and the kids can use their creativity to decorate it for free!
 

Trade Your Old Clothes with Out Growing In

The other day I told you about Thred Up, an inexpensive way to trade the gently used clothes your children have outgrown. Well now there is a new company,  Out Growing In, that allows you to package your box of twelve "like new" used clothing items and then swap them with another box of your choice for as little as $3.00.  Oh yeah, you can also trade in your maternity clothes.  Membership is free.

T-Shirt Event - Turn a T-Shirt into a Bag

T-Shirt Event - Turn a T-Shirt into a Bag  at Michaels
02/19/2011   10:00 a.m. - Noon

 Make a festive T-shirt tote bag (with purchase of T-shirt) for someone you love or keep it for yourself. While supplies last. Ages 12 and up welcome.

Walgreen's Coupon Book

                                                          

Be on the look out for this new coupon booklet at Walgreens. 

These are the coupons you will find in the booklet:

•$2.00/1 Children's or Infants' Advil Suspension .05 oz or 4oz
•$2.00/1 Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash 2 oz+
•$2.00/1 Walgreens brand diapers jumbo pack
•$2.00/1 Enfamil Infant Formula Powder 22.2 oz +
•$2.00/1 Similac Advance or Sensitive 23.2 oz
•$2.00/2 Playtex Infant products
•$2.00/1 Huggies diapers big pack or wipes 184 or 216 ct
•$2.00/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers or Swaddlers Sensitive diapers

Note:  You may want to grab a couple because they don't expire until 12/31/2011.

Pampers Gift to Grow Code

There is a new code for Pampers Gifts to Grow.  Login and enter 4W34A9BD99YDFWY to recieve 10 points to use toward rewards. 

Bambi Blu-Ray DVD for $12.79

You can preorder Bambi Diamond Edition Blu-Ray DVD Combo 2- disk set from Barnes and Noble for only $12.79 when you use coupon code W3U3X4T at checkout. 

Shipping is free if you spend $25 or will cost around $3.00.   The movie will ship on March1st.


Thanks Couponing to Disney

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you are your family enjoyed our Week of Love and it inspired you to love on each other just a little more than normal.

 

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Barbie and Ken for $5.00

Just in time for Valentine's day. 
Did you hear about Ken's campaign to win Barbie back?  Well, I guess it worked because you can get the "SHE SAID YES" Barbie and Ken set for only $5.00 this week at Target, WalMart and other retailers.  These are sure to go fast so you may want to grab them quick. Don't forget to grab a few for your gift cabinet. 

Thanks Totally Target

I Love ... Game

Today's love activity is called the I Love ... Game. Give everyone in your family three small scraps of paper to write something that they love. For example your five year old might write gummy bears, jumping rope & princesses. Put all scraps of paper in a bowl and pull out one by one and try to guess what family member wrote what. This can be done during dinner and is a great way to learn something new about your children!

thredUP

ThredUP is a site where parents exchange gently worn kids clothing. You can set up a circle of friends across the country or shop from the "pool" of other registered users. You will simply choose the “box” of clothing that you wish to receive, then pay shipping and handling. Next you pack your own box (it will be shipped to you) of clothing to swap, and when someone choose’s your box, you print out a label and mail it. Remember, only the recipient pays shipping and handling.

Right now when you join (free) you will get your first box free except for shipping.  Also, you can earn credit for trading clothes in high need sizes (and there are many).

I would love to hear from anyone who has tried this service.  I just think it sounds like a great idea.

Cupid's Cups

Here is a simple treat you can whip up in the kitchen with the help of your children. I don't know a better way of showing someone you love them than with a sweet treat!

photo by:

kraft

What You Need

1 square semi-sweet chocolate, melted

2 cups  boiling water, divided

2 pkg. (3 oz. each) Jell-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin

1-1/2 cups  cold water, divided

Ice cubes

1 cup  thawed Cool Whip

Decorations: assorted Valentine sprinkles and candies

Make It   

DRAW heart design or write Valentine's Day message in each of 8 (6-oz.) clear plastic cups by piping chocolate onto insides of cups. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm.

ADD 1 cup boiling water to 1 pkg. gelatin mix in medium bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup cold water; pour into cups. Refrigerate 1 hour or until gelatin is firm.

MEANWHILE, add remaining boiling water to remaining gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to remaining cold water to measure 1 cup. Add to gelatin; stir until thickened. Stir in Cool Whip; spoon over gelatin layer in cups. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Decorate as desired.

Recipe courtesy of Kraft Foods

Free Pancake Puppies Sundae

Print a coupon for a FREE Pancake Puppies Sundae at Denny's when you purchase an entree.  The coupon is a PDF so you can print it and use it as often as you like.  Coupon expires March 21st. 

Thanks Money Saving Mom

Heart Hide-n-Seek

Today's activity for love week is a variation on hide-n-seek, Riley's favorite. Take a piece of construction paper cut into a heart or something in the shape of a heart (we used a cookie cutter) and hide it somewhere in your house for your child(ren) to find. Depending on their age you could hide several hearts for them to find. Then let them take a turn to hide the heart for you to find!

Sweet Dot Hearts

Craft of the Week

This is perfect if you need a treat for the kids to take to school for Valentine's Day and it won't take you all weekend to do or break the budget.  Plus, the kids will love to help with this one.

Materials:

contruction or craft paper

dot candy strips
scalloped scissors

glue stick

Instructions: Cut a heart from a strip of dot candy.  Glue the heart to a piece of construction paper.  Cut a 1/4" border around the candy heart with the scalloped scissors. 

From Martha Stewart

Conversation Heart Wreath

In today's Valentine activity we are making a conversation heart wreath with words that lift our children up. This is an activity you can sit down and do together and talk about all the wonderful things you love about them! You could also make one for your spouse too. Let your children help you list things they love about their mommy or daddy.

What you need:

• 9" dinner plate or paper plate
• Recycled cereal box or other thin cardboard
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Heart pattern
• Construction paper: Valentine's colors
• Markers, crayons or paint pens
• Glue sticks

Instructions:

1. Trace around the 9" plate onto the cardboard.
2. Use your pen or pencil to draw another circle inside that one, about an inch away from the outside circle. 
3. Cut out the circle and the center of the circle to create a cardboard wreath base.
4. Cut out 12 medium size hearts with the different color construction paper. You can either free hand a heart on paper, print a heart shape from Microsoft Word or use a this template.
5. With your markers write 12 different words on each heart that describe what you love about your child like kind, sweet, smart, their pudgy feet, etc.
6. Arrange your hearts on top of the cardboard wreath shape without gluing them down. Once you have them where you want them, use the glue stick to attach each one. 
7. You can hang the wreath as is or attach a piece of looped yarn to the back as a hanger. Hang it on your children bedroom door or in their room as a reminder at how wonderful you think they are.

Michael's Free Family Event

The Knack FREE Family Event at Michaels   Make a Valetine's Day Card
02/13/2011    1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m

Just in time for Valentine's day craft custom greetings for the special people in your life. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome.

Free Nursing Cover from Udder Covers

Here is a wonderful offer if you are a new or expecting mom or know someone who is.   UdderCovers is offering a FREE Designer Nursing Cover ($32 Value) when you use the code onefree at checkout. You will just pay $9.95 for shipping. 

Note: The site is experiencing high traffic so you may have to be patient trying to get through.
Thanks Time to Save

Puppy Love

We are celebrating LOVE this week on Kid Kapers.  One way we let those around us know that we love them is through our ACTS.  When we take time to go the extra mile to prepare something special or do a good deed our love shines through. 
This Valentine's Day you can create this quick, easy treat for your child.

Ingredients:
Hotdog
spaghetti noodle, uncooked
cheese
ketchup

Instructions:
Cut the hot dog in half at a sharp diagonal and place the cut edges together to form a heart.  Spear the heart with a piece of the uncooked spaghetti noodle. Add pieces of cheese cut to look like the ends of an arrow (this was harder then I expected).  It took me a couple of tries to get it right.  I then squeezed out ketchup in a heart shape.   Presto... your done.  Takes only a few minutes and your kids will LOVE it.

Idea from Family Fun Magazine

Jewelry Demonstration at AC Moore

Charmtastic™ & A Bead at a Time™ Jewelry Hands-on Demonstration
 AC Moore   Saturday, February 12th 1-3 pm

Adults & Kids will have fun learning how to make personalized bracelets & necklace.   The timing is perfect with Valentine's day coming up.
Pssst…Dads... bring the kids so they can buy their own beads and make a perfect gift for mom.  They will not only love the gift they will love the free time.

Wacky Wednesday

Make sparkly snow paint with 1/2 cup each of flour, salt, and water. Apply to a piece of cardstock with a brush or fingers.  The snow will sparkle in as it dries. Create an art gallery with your paintings.
Alternative:  Place in a squeeze bottle and squirt on paper.

The Knack Family Event at Michaels

Decorate a Valentine's Day Frame Make-It Take-It & Heart Shaped Pom Pom Demo
The Knack Family Event at Michaels

Saturday, 2/12 10 AM - Noon

(with purchase of wooden frame) Celebrate Valentine's Day with hand-decorated frames. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome.

Save $10 on Disney's Bambi Diamond Edition

There’s a new coupon on the Disney Rewards Site:

March 1st Disney is releasing Bambi Diamond Edition on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack.  When you submit the UPC code from a previously purchased copy of Bambi on VHS or DVD you can print a coupon for $10/1 Bambi Diamond Edition on Blu-ray or DVD Combo Pack or try entering the "Magic Code" 786936244175, click the Bambi banner and print your copy (limit 2). Coupon expires 3/5.

Thanks Totally Target and DealSea

Crayon Hearts

 My sister-in-law shared with me these crayon hearts she made with her kids on a snow day and I think they are so cute and simple.  I love simple!

First you gather up all your old crayons and remove the wrappers. If you are having a hard time getting the paper off you can soak the crayon in water and it should come off easier.

Then you use a heart shaped silcone or metal pan (make sure you spray good) and fill to the top with broken crayons of all colors. If you don't have a heart shaped pan you can get one here.

Place your pan in the oven and "cook" for 12 minutes at 250 degrees, or until all crayons are melted.

Carefully remove from oven and put in freezer for 5 minutes or until set. Once cooled you should then be able to pop them out easily. These also make great gifts to include with a Valentine's card.

Happy coloring!

Lowes Build And Grow Clinic

Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 AM at Lowe's kids can have a great time building this adorable jewelry box for a loved on for Valentine's Day.  Lift the heart-shaped lid and the music plays!  The lucky recipient is going to 'flip" over this. Be sure to register in advance.  The first 50 kids to sign up for each workshop will get a kit, work apron, and safety goggles for free. Kids also get a badge and certificate when they complete their project.

Leap Frog

Like.Give.Read. Like LeapFrog on Facebook and we'll donate a Tag book to a Kindergarten classroom!

Then head on over to LeapFrog where you can Save up to 30% on gift packs for Tag, Tag Jr, Leapster, Explorer and Toys! offer valid 1.18 through 2.10.

While you are there create your child's LeapFrog Learning Path and they will send you FREE Leapfrog Tag or Tag Jr.  when you provide your mailing address.