Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Pinterest Style Painting Doors Black : What will it really take?



 

If you have seen these beautiful photo of doors painted black on pinterest, here is tutorial of what it will require to complete.

These doors can be painted by hand or with a spray with an airless paint sprayer.  If you choose to hand paint, you could just do a door a day and complete it in a few months or weeks.  The clean up will be really messy because black is a really hard color to clean up, and the set up each day it going to take a lot of time.  Using an airless paint sprayer will save so much time! I would highly recommend spraying it.

First up:

PREP:

Wipe down each door, get all the edges with a with a tooth brush.  Any dust you leave on the door will show in your paint.  Make sure you rinse out the cloth in between each door you wipe down.  You could use a tacky cloth is you have a lot of dust in your home.

Take off all the hardware.  First take off all door knobs and door stops.  It is easier to take off the door knobs first, then take the doors off.   If you are going to keep the same hinges you can either tape them over or remove them.




If you are keeping the same hinges, it will be much better if you remove them.  It is really hard to take paint off of them, and it will look cleaner when finished.   As you remove the doors mark on tape or on the hinge where that door belongs.


When you finish you just look at where you have marked it and take it back to the location.  Doors have specific sizes, and it could become difficult to figure out where the doors go after painting.   Take the hinge closed so you don't paint over it.

PAINTING AREA:
Find an area you can hang up all the doors to paint.  You can use an unfinished basement, a garage, or outdoors.  Where ever you are going to paint you will need to prep the area so the extra paint doesn't get on everything.  Make sure that the over spray will not get on walls, floors, carpet, or cars!  Put visqueen plastic down on the floor, and walls.
We used our backyard and put visqueen down on the grass.





We screwed pieces of 2x2 on the tops of the doors to keep them stable.

Prep for paint and start painting.  We had 24 doors, and 6 bi-fold closet doors for a total of 30 doors to be painted.  It took 6 1/2 gallons of paint to coat these doors twice and do some touch up.




Paint the doors. Make sure you get down low to catch all the under side edges.
Let the doors dry 3+ hours.





Clean up: Take all the 2x2's off the tops of doors.  DO NOT stack the doors on top of each other, they will stick and ruin your paint.   Make sure you use visqueen on the surface you lean them on and on your floors.  I cut out 3'x1' sheets and placed them behind the doors while cleaning up and then again under the doors at the doors specific location in side our house.





Clean up!

We started this project at about 1:00 PM, and had planned on 5-6 hours.  We should have planned that it would take more time.  We didn't want the doors sitting outside all night, so when we were done painting we had to let them dry and then take all the doors back inside.  We finished the project around 11:00 at night!  (Doors just placed in their locations, not hung up.)  Ten hours of moving heavy doors and working in 90 degree temps was extremely hard.    The next day we spent about another 4-5 hours hanging doors back up.    We love the look of the doors!  It looks amazing and we are so happy.   Just plan on it taking more time than you think.  A rule that contractors use is estimate the time you think it will take and then double it!  The time we spent was more than double.



COST:  
                   Paint:      $210
                   Hinges:   $144          
                   Handles: $600

Total:                            $954           
Approx Price Per Door $35 

                   Just Paint:   $210
Approx Price Per Door    $7

BEFORE


AFTER

Hall BEFORE

Hall AFTER



Monday, July 9, 2012

Magical Disneyland

 Disneyland is the most amazing theme parks in the world. Arriving at Disneyland you can feel the magic. The park is beautifully landscaped, and immaculately kept. Disney is great for everyone, young and old. It is the perfect place to make amazing family memories.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Disney vacation more fun!



• Take a light weight backpack. Fill it with food, sunscreen, and ponchos or jackets.

• Take an umbrella. Sometimes it can get very hot, and it is so nice to have an umbrella to shade yourself during those long line waits.

• Give each child a set amount of money. Let them buy what snacks or toys they want. When the money runs out, it’s gone.

• Early entrance to the park can save you hours of waiting in line for rides. Your Magic Morning will give you a full hour before the park opens to the public. Get to bed early the night before or take a nap. You will save so much time by going early.

• Pack a lunch, take snacks, and water bottles for drinks. The food in the park is expensive and honestly not very good.

• One thing that Disney is best at is crowd control. They will put many things on your way to the rides to distract you and your family. Disney charters, toys, balloons, food, and photo opportunities. DON’T GET DISTRACTED!! Bypass all the fun, and get to the rides. The lines are the shortest at the beginning of the day. Promise your kids you WILL go back and visit all those fun things later in the day!

• Use Disney’s Park app to keep track of FAST PASS time and wait time in lines. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/08/disney-parks-mobile-magic-app-is-now-free/

• Use your FASTPASS first! Get a FASTPASS for a bigger ride like Splash Mountain, or Indiana Jones. Then go to Pirates, or Buzz.

• Splash Mountain: if you have big kids who want to ride on Splash mountain, but you also have little kids. Let one person take the big kids on splash. Right next to splash there is a Winnie the pooh ride that is perfect for little kids!
• ToonTown usually opens at around 10am. It is the best place to go as the park gets busier. In ToonTown there is a ride called the Goofy rollercoaster, my two boys LOVE riding it over and over! They get to ride it and I get to sit and relax!

• The monorail is really fun even if you are not staying at one of Disney’s properties. Ask to ride in the front. Take a loop with the conductor around Disney’s property!

• Take a full loop on the train ride. You might be surprised at what you get to see.

• Fantasmic: unless you have someone sit and reserve a spot for two-three hours, you will not get to see a great view of it! It was an excellent show, but won’t go again. Best spot is front and center, right by the entrance of Pirates.

Disney California:

• Color of Wonder is amazing I highly recommend it. With little kids it is best to try to get the early time, normally 7pm. Get to Disney California right when the park opens. Go directly to the FASTPASS area by Grizzle Gulch, that is where they distribute the passes. Use your Disney tickets to get the Color of Wonder tickets. It will not effect your ability to get other FASS PASS tickets.



• Unless you want to get soaked, buy a few dollar store rain poncho’s for Grizzly gulch. Most people get off the rides completely soaked.






Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Brighten Your Boys Outfit!

Boys don't have the wide selection of fun clothing that girls do.  Shoe laces can really brighten and make boys outfits really cute!  My two boys have loved to match the color of their shoe laces to the color of their shirts.  The cute of color from boys shirts matching to their shoes mades a huge fashion statement.   They have both loved dressing with their fashion shoe laces.
These shoe laces were purchased at all a dollar.  They had so many colors to pick from; blue, green, yellow, pink, red and purple. 

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Why I love Target Pharmacy...

There isn't a mom out there that likes to give medication to their kids.  If you have ever spilled a bottle of antibiotic and WISHED there was a better way, I can tell you THERE IS!  Most pharmacy's give you a wide mouth medication bottle.  It can be a very difficult sticking your syringe down into the pink medication and trying to fill it. 

At your local Target pharmacy they have the best solution, and it is FREE with your prescription.   All of their liquid medications come with a stopper with a dosing hole for the syringe.  It looks just like the stopper you have in Italian dressing bottles.  You can easily fill the correct medication dose with a syringe.  It makes dosing is so much easier.  An added bonus at your Target pharmacy is that you can request flavors to be put into your medication.  They have all kinds of flavors, but I have heard from a pharmacist that the grape flavor hides the nasty taste of medications the best.   If you are going to have sick kids, and have to give them medication for 10 days, why not make it easier on yourself! 

You can also purchase a kit with the dosing stopper caps at this link.
http://www.dogehouses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=41&products_id=203
It does come from a dog website, but as long as you boil sterilize the product before use, you will not have any problems. 

As an added bonus, I want to tell you about limiting the drowning of your salads.  It is in regards to the same looking stopper.  "Wish Bone" salad dressing is my favorite dressing.  Usually my children try to pour their own dressing on their salads, and they get a GUSH of dressing. Their plates can be completely covered with dressing.  I have found that pulling you can pull out your stoppers from your Italian dressing bottles, and put them on your thicker dressings.  This helps my children to pour their OWN dressing on their salads.  The stopper saves the day every time!  Just use a butter knife to pull the stopper off.  Getting the stopper off might be a little tricky the first time, so use a cutting board.  Make sure you WASH the stopper so you don't cross contaminate.  You will be amazed at how much less salad dressing is wasted with just a little tiny stopper cap! 

Enjoy!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

2011 Summer Camp Breakdown!

How often have you wondered what would be the best camp for the right cost for my kids this summer? Looking and deciding can take hours!
Here is a list of summer camps for this 2011 summer season along with times, days and cost of the program. 
Hopefully it will make deciding which camp is the best for you and your family easier!

Summer Arts in the Parks

Bicentennial: M W 10:30-12
Storm Mountain: M W 12:45-2:15
Flat Iron Mesa: T TH 10:30-12
Buttercup: T TH 12:45-2:15
June 13-Aug 4, 2011 (Aprox14 days )
Camp is every week unless noted below.
All parks have Fun filled activities will include arts & crafts, games, storytelling and much more! Limited number of participants at each location. Instructor /child ratio is 1:10. Program will not be held July 4-5 and July 25-26, 2011.
Cost: $32 For ages 5 - 9 year olds.

*My children have attended the arts in the park program for the past 2 years. They have loved the chance to get away and do something different.  Everyday has something different, and they always come home with something fun or an interesting to show me.  I love this program and would highly recommend it!

Wheeler Farm Summer Camp
6351 S 900 E
Ages: 5-12
$60 per AM or PM session
Weekly sessions June 6-Aug 19

http://www.wheelerfarm.com/wfPDF/2011_Summer_Camp.pdf

*This has been a great program that both my children have gone to.  They really like the morning session because of all the farm activities.  I would recommend it.
YMCA
Community Family Center
4223 South Atherton Dr.
Taylorsville UT 84123
ymcacfc.org
801.839.3388
June 13-August 12, 2011
9am-4pm
Weekly: $130 Daily: $35 Half Day: $20 9-12:30 and 12:30-4pm
http://ymcasaltlake.org/documents/SummerCampBrochure2011WEB.pdf

Bricks 4 Kids
http://www.bricks4kidz.com/utah-saltlakecity-sandy/program-events/camps/
Dimple Dell Rec-Center
10670 S 100 E
801-495-1480
*Lego Robotics/ Space Camp
June 13-17, M-F , 1-4PM
*Stop Motion Animation Camp
June 27- July M-F, 1-4 PM
*Lego Robotics/ Transportation Camp
July 11-15, M-F, 1-4P
*Lego Robotics/ Construction Camp
Aug 1-5, M-F, 1-4 PM
Cost: $100 Ages 6-1
http://www.recreation.slco.org/

Copper View Rec-Center
8446 Harrison St
Midvale, UT 84047
561-0075
http://www.activityreg.com/
*Lego Robotics/ Inventions Camp
June 20-24 M-F 9-12PM
*Lego Robotics/ Amazing Animals Camp
July 11-15 M-F 9-12 PM
*Stop Motion Animation/ Free Style Camp
July 26-30 M-F 9-12PM
Cost: $100 Ages 6-12

Theatre School for Youth
*University of Utah offers an excellent summer acting program.  My youthful alma mater, I attended four years of school here and loved it!!!  Would highly recommend it to anyone who would like their child to learn any aspects of acting or film.

http://www.youththeatre.utah.edu/summer2011.html

Kids 5-8  Aug 8-19
9 am- 12 noon
$195

Kids 8-12  June 13-July 1
9 am- 3:30pm
$540

Kids 12-18 July 11-Aug 5
9 am-3:30 pm
$715

All final performances take place at Kingsbury Hall.  The program offers life changing activities and friends to last a life time!

Challenger Summer Camp
http://challengerschool.com/summerSchool.php
10685 South 1000 East
Sandy UT 84094
(801) 572-1910
(801) 572-6686

Living Planet Aquarium
http://thelivingplanet.com/education/summercamps.html
Camps are two days, usually 8-11am. Only one date during the summer for select age group.
$50-$55

Mad Scientist Summer Camps
http://madscience.org/locations/greatersaltlake/pdf/SLCCamp2011wlogos1fixed.pdf
For more information: 801-292-8646
Half-day Camp (5 days per week, 3 hours daily) $140 per camper ($10 extra materials fee for Rockets & Robots)
Discount: $10 discount for multiple camps and multiple siblings.
www.madscience.org/greatersaltlake

Momentum Summer Climbing Camp
10600 South 220 West 801-990-6890
http://momentumclimbing.com/kidsSummer2011ad.html
June 13-August 22
$175 for a 5 day week
Ages: 6-14 9-11AM

Red Butte Gardens
Camps are offered June 13th through August 19th and accommodate students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. 801-581-8454.
HALF-DAY CAMP PRICES PER WEEK
Member Price $105
Non-Member Price $120
FULL-DAY PARTNER CAMP PRICES PER WEEK
Member Price $210
Non-Member Price $235

SnowBird Summer Camp
June 6, 2011 – August 19, 2011
Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed July 4 and July 25, 2011
Registration:$25 Registration Fee
To request a registration*, call us at (801) 933-2256 or
email campsnowbird@snowbird.com.
Open to children 4-12 years. .
Rates
Individual and First Child Rates
Full Day $60
3 Days $162
5 Days $255
10 Days $430
Same Family, Second Child Rates
Full Day $50
3 Days $140
5 Days $217
10 Days $395
Transportation
UTA bus transportation available from the Park & Ride at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon
Drop-off: 7:30 a.m.
Pick-up: 5:25 p.m.

SwimKids Summer Camp
location 4679 S. 2225 E.
http://swimkids.biz/documents/scamp.pdf
June 6-Aug 11 Sessions run M-Th
$90 per week or $80 when purchasing 2 or more weeks
Class Time: 9:00am - 11:45am or 2:30pm - 5:15pm
This is the place Summer Camp
PIONEER ADVENTURES DAY CAMP
Call 801-924-7507 for more details.
2011 Information
June 13-16, June 20-23, June 27-30, July 11-14, & August 1-4
Ages 6 - 11
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 12 pm
$80 TITP Annual Pass holders / $90 TITP Non Annual Pass holders

UTAH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY CAMPS
Partner Camp with This is the Place Heritage Park
2nd-3rd grade
July 26-29
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Partner Camp with This is the Place Heritage Park
4th-5th grade
July 26-29
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Full-day M-F: $240 - $260 per participant / $220 - $240 for UMNH Members

University of Utah Summer Camps
http://continue.utah.edu/youth/clubucamps/index.php

U Can Learn Summer Classes
Murray at 1231 E. 6600 South
801-281-5546
June thru August
Half Day - Monday-Thursday 9:00-11:30
$450 for a month

Wasatch Kids Camps
*830 East 9400 South
*1700 East 840 South
*495 East 5300 South Entrance
(*Three different locations)
Drop off 7:45-9 a.m.
Pick up 4:30-5:45
$190 a week + $45 registration fee
June 6-Aug 19
http://www.wasatchkidscamps.com/

Write On Day Camp
JUNE 13TH-17TH, 2011
Morning Session:
Upcoming grades 2nd, 3rd and 4th
9:00-12:00 p.m.
Afternoon session:
Upcoming grades 5th, 6th and 7th
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Located on:
Westminster College Campus
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
For additional information contact:
Emily 801.558.0300 or Carrie 801.915.0889
writeonworkshops@gmail.com

National Ability Center
http://www.discovernac.org/index.htm
Camp Giddy Up novice:
June 20th-23rd
Cost: $400
4 days
Camp Giddy Up intermediate:
June 27th-30th
Cost: $400
4 days
Overnight camp:
July 5th-7th
Cost: $475

For more information on any of the camps listed go to the link provided or enjoyutah.org :
http://www.enjoyutah.org/2011/03/utah-summer-camps-2011.html

Thursday, April 28, 2011

New Deal Sites!!!

Here is a few new deal sites...
http://www.sugardaddydeals.com/r/165

Don't forget to check the other offers on the page.  The offers are usually on the right hand side of the page, and might interest you.  Each deal site has all different kinds of deals, so I check them everyday. 

This site is my new favorite...
Zulily!!!  It is the best brand name children's and clothing site!  They offer some cute items for children and baby, and mom!  They offered some sun clothing at about 50% off the normal price.  My sister has Lupus and needs clothing that has an SPF, and the deal they offered was great! 

http://www.zulily.com/invite/hdavenport830

Remember:  As I said in an earlier post "Don't buy deals unless you think you are going use them soon!  The deals need to be close to you home!  If they are online, purchase the items you want right away so you don't forget.  If you buy a service, mark a calendar to make sure you use it in the allotted time!"

ENJOY!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Time for Baby Entertainment!

These are my BEST ideas for entertaining babies and toddlers! 

1.  Music: With my boys, once I established a bedtime routine my life got a lot easier.  One on our favorite nightly bedtime additions to our routine was listening to "Martha Stewart Baby: Sleepytime."  This tradition started when they were infants and sometimes we still play the music to help our kids wind down after a crazy day.  We start playing the music as we give bottles or eat snacks.  It continues to play while brushing teeth, reading a  book, saying prayers and hugs and kisses.  Sleep always seemed to come quickly as the music lightly played.
Martha Stewart Baby: Sleepytime

http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Baby-Various-Artists/dp/B00005NQK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1302833940&sr=8-1

Amazon has it for sale new and used.  Our local library has it, but several of the copies have scratches.  You might want to rent it before you buy it.

2.  Computer Games:  Kids see adults on computers and think they should be using one too.  Giggles Baby is a favorite.  Sit baby down at the table or in a high chair and let them play on the computer.

You can find all different software on amazon.com

3.  Busy Balls for Baby.  Both my boys LOVED these balls.  They keep little ones entertained for hours.  My only suggestion is when they get older the balls disappear.  The balls are hard and when they can be thrown hard, they can be a problem. 
Playskool Busy Basics Busy Balls:  Rhythm & Sounds


4.  Switch Toys Out!  Although toys are great kids can get board of them quickly.  The best solution to this is to have a series of boxes you switch toys out with.  You can have as many boxes as your home can handle, but really two boxes is great! When the kids are board of the toys,  just pull out one of the new boxes.  Put all the toys that have been played with in the box, and hide them away.  Just make sure to divide similar toys into each box, so you don't have too many of the same item in the same box.  Every few weeks switch out the old toys for the hidden toys.  It will be like the toys are brand new!!! (this works with older children's toys too!)

5.  My kids LOVED "Sesame Street."  I like it because it is educational and keeps the kids entertained for an hour! Who can pass up Elmo and friends!!!

6.  Take em for a walk.  Planning a daily outing makes for a great division to the day.  If you plan it around the same time each day, your child will know what to expect.  You don't have to be gone long, even a 10 minute walk with brighten your child's day.   If its raining take a rain coat and umbrella, and show them how to jump into puddles, and watch the worms crawling. (take your camera or video camera! First time worm introductions are so funny!)  Even on snowy days you can take a quick walk.  Point out and count snowflake shapes on a dark colored towel.  Remember just have fun!

7.  Painting!  Painting and drawing can be so much fun! Dress them in old clothing or just a diaper. This is a much better activity to do outside, but can be done in a high chair during colder days.  Pull out tempura paint and paper.  Put blobs of paint at the top of the paper, and let them smear it all over.  If you are thinking you want to frame your child's work, you will want to do it a little differently.  Give your child one color and allow them to smear and play.  When it looks good take it away to dry.  When you take away the paper, you might want to give them another piece to play with.  Then allow the paint to dry.  Use another color after each color has dried completely.  Use a blow dryer for quicker results. 
I have used acrylics, and haven't had a problem other than it drys and can permanently stain.  

8.  Treasure Hunt.  Kids are always walking around and searching for things.  When they are not looking hide their favorite treat around the house.  Smaller toddlers or babies might need your assistance when you first start, but they will quickly catch on.  At first put the treats out in plain sight, then as they get better use more difficult spots. Use anything from raisins to fruit snacks.(small baby treats)   Have them count the snacks out loud.   They will love this game!!!

ENJOY!!!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Hare Kirshna Holi Color Festival

Who knew throwing colored powder on people would be so much fun.  The day started out in white shirts and jeans, and children who didn't have a clue what to expect.   When I gave the colored cornstarch to my kids they were unsure what to do.  Their concern was that they would get into trouble.  Ethan had yellow and Ryan pink, and I told them to chuck some color on me.  They looked at me funny and them with some concern started throwing the color on me.  As they saw my smile, and realized that I was filling their clothing with color they quickly lightened up.   Ethan got really into it and I found myself with a mouthful of yellow, and an ear full of pink!  Huge smiles shined on their faces!  Covering mom in a colored powder was a good thing!  The two of them ran around and colored everyone they could!  Their giggles and laughter filled the air with each new color they threw!  It made my heart very happy! 
We ate a yummy Indian meal and watched the show of people and fun!  The countdown was amazing as the colors flew into the air and the music played! 
Things to know!

Krishna Temple
8628 S State Road.
Spanish Fork, Utah
http://www.utahkrishnas.com/

Highlights!
Throwing color! 
Laughing at people getting blasted with color!
Awesome very loud, rock music!
Lots of chanting of Hara Krishna!
Beautiful Temple, and view!
Yummy food and yummy mango lassie drinks!
Pictures of my family having a great time!
The people!
The count down and spray of color in the air!
Lamas....and they do spit!

Colors go on sale the first of the month.  They are $2.50 a package, or you can buy a set of 6 for $10.
Don't show up thinking you are going to buy some, they sell out every year.  There were many a sad child who didn't have color! 

Saturdays are much more crowded than the Sunday event. 

There is parking behind the temple or you can pay $2 a person to ride a shuttle from one of many areas.  You will have to check back to see where the shuttles will be running from next time.   There is parking along the side of the road.  People were walking MILES, when there was actually parking pretty close to the temple.  I would highly suggest driving by the temple and seeing if there is close parking.  We parked in the back of the temple, and didn't need to walk or pay for the shuttle bus.

The food is AMAZING!  I would highly suggest it!  My kids were starving and at about 1/2 of my food.  It is $6 and could feed 2 people! It is ONLY vegetarian, so don't expect BBQ chicken!

The color will go through layers of clothing.  I had three layers and I still had color under my clothing. 

It snowed the night before we went, and it was a little muddy, not bad, but still slippery.  It was a little cold and wet.  Plan on it being cold and windy.

You will get colored!!!  Don't think you can avoid it!  Plan on being covered with color!  Curt thought he would avoid it, but in less than 5 minutes he was hit! Green covered his whole back!  Someone hit him, they got him GOOD!
Don't wear anything you like! I wore white so I could see the color, but after washing it everything was pink.  then the second wash it turned purple.  I even bleached it and about 90% went back white, but it will never be the same!  Even jeans will still have a light pink hue for a few washes.

If your hair is light, your hair will take whatever color you get hit with.  My hair is still pink, purple and green!  I washed it four times last night and it is still colored.  Very slight, but I am no longer a blond!

Take a water bottle or extra water of some kind.  If you get a mouthful of color it can be a little icky.  Just have the water on hand just in case your mouth gets filled.  It doesn't taste bad, it's just dry.  I got a mouth full of yellow, and was amazed that after 1/2 hour I could still spit dry yellow out!  I had a MOUTHFUL!

We brought extra clothing to change into and sheets covering the cars seats.  Even with the change of clothing the sheets still had color on them.  I would highly recommend taking towels and sheets to protect your car. 

Above all HAVE FUN!  This can be such a fun and crazy experience!  RELAX and Just let go and enjoy! This isn't a time to keep clean, it's time to have fun! The whole point of the color festival is that everyone that has fun, and begins to look the same.  The color of your hair and skin doesn't matter anymore, you will all blend in! 

Hope to see you all there next year!!!

 



If you have questions PLEASE ask!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Winter Fun!!!

Winter is here! Here are some ideas to keep kids entertained during the long winter months:

• Museum of Natural History: http://umnh.utah.edu/home 1390 E Presidents Circle M-S 9:30AM-5:30 PM Prices: A $7.00,K $3.50 Free Family Mondays on the first Monday of every month. Group rates are avail with 2 week advanced reservation: A: $4.50 K: 2.50 581-5567


• Cottonwood Rec Center: Swimming, Ice Skating, Racquetball, Aerobics, Fit Kids, Zumba Kids, Basketball. http://www.cottonwoodheights.com/ Racquetball Ruckus: rent a racquetball court and bring lots of balls, let the kids have fun. Swimming is open: 12-4 & 7-9. Fit Kids: after school 45 min. class designed to encourage children to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Kids are taught Yoga, games and obstacle course agility. Designed for children 5-12. Sign up at the main office. Time: 4pm M-Th Cost: $2 single visit or $18.50 10 punch card. ZumbAtomic: Specially designed class for kids ages 6-13 using Zumba fitness concepts. ZumbaAtomic is a 100% kid-friendly mix of songs, dances, games and energy that comes together for a fun, healthy program. Kids can participate with or without their parents. Regular adult fitness class fees apply for all ages for this class. Time: 5pm Thurs. Cost $4 members, $5 non-members

• Sledding: Parks or up the canyon. Kids hike for an hour up to Doughnut Falls area, Sled back down. Bywater park has a great hill, with not many people.  We winter hike about 2 times a week.  There are many trails that are perfect for kids!  Not only is it fun for us, it gets the kids out of the house!

• Thanksgiving Point Lights: 6-8 pm $8 per car. $3 wagon rides

• Chuck E Cheese: http://www.chuckecheese.com/ M-Th: 10:30am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 10:30-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Sandy location: 10535 S State Street. Online Coupons

• Clarks Planetarium: http://www.clarkplanetarium.org/shows Free Exhibits TOO! Adult coupons can be found here: http://www.citydeals.com/?ref=CDUODk2OTU

• Classic Fun Centers: http://classicskating.com/sandy/sandyhome.html M-Th open 10am-9pm. Fri 10am-10 pm & Sat 12-10pm Monday night is Family night: $10 for a family of 5 (4-9pm only), Tues: Each activity is $2, Wed: unlimited fun for $7.50 (4-9 Only). Coupons here: http://www.citydeals.com/ref=CDUODk2OTU

• Incredible Pizza: http://www.incrediblepizza.com/draper/ Buffet, drink and $10 game card is $12 ages 4-11. M-Th 11am-8pm-game room open to 9pm. F & S 11-9 game room open to 10pm. Coupons Available on website.

• Boondocks Fun: http://www.boondocksfuncenter.com/public/draper/ M-Th: 10am-10 pm, Friday & Sat: 10am-Midnight. $12 Tuesdays.

• Skating at Gallivan Center.  Then go see the temple lights.

• Zoo Lights: Sun-Thurs 5-8pm, Fri & Sat 5-9pm Adults $6, Kids $4, 2 and under free.

• Ebenezer Scrooge Ballet: Murray High School 2pm & 7 pm

• Winter Smores: Up any canyon or in back yard to camp spot where you can built a fire.

• Ski free after 3 at Alta: This is our favorite!!!  Bring hot chocolate and cookies, eat in the parking lot after a fun night of skiing.

• Bouncin Off The Walls: Wed: Open bounce $5 per child 3-5 pm. 398 West 9400 South Sandy

• Dollar or Matinee Movie

• Jungle Jim’s Playland: M-Th: 11am-9pm, F 11am-10pm, S 10am-10 pm $8.19 all day pass. Riders 2 and under $5.49, single ride $1.29.

• Hollywood Connection: 3217 S Decker Lake Drive. Monday is “All Day Wrist Band $6.95. Tuesday is $5 for any show $1 popcorn, $1 drinks: Different deals on different days. M-Th 4pm-9:30 Fri 3-11pm Sat 11:30-11pm.

• Fat Cats Bowling: 3739 S 900 E. M-Th 10 am-12am/ Fri-Sat 10am-1am: More info at website: http://www.fatcatsfun.com/index.php/locations/salt-lake-city-utah.

• Make Sugar Cookies

• Gingerbread houses

• Neighborhood Front Yard Snow Art Contest: Have neighbors build a snow feature, and reward everyone with a award and a small gift. (best is show, smallest, most creative, best use of snow.)

Enjoy!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Be Good For Goodness Sake!

Christmas is almost here and I have been searching for a way to keep the magic alive. With all the kids at school taking about what is real and what is not, the magic is slipping away. This site is sure to keep your little ones guessing, and bring some much needed cheer!

Plug in the website and start building an email movie from Santa that is personalized for your child! It is so incredibly easy! It takes about 10 minutes to finish the whole movie. Select your the age of your child, and follow the easy steps. Add specific information about your child and if he has been bad, needs to work on something, or has been good. You can also add cute photos!! Also don't forget to send one to your sigificant other, friend or family!!! Everyone likes to be remembered for christmas!!!

The funnest part for me was seeing that my boys thought Santa knew them. Santa knows their name, their age, and if they have a brother or sister or BOTH! My boys eyes glowed as Santa talked to them through the email. This is so darling, and watching my boys get this message from Santa really warmed my heart!

Log onto this website, and start the process.

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home

I would LOVE for you to post how it worked and how your kids responded!!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Waiting: Keep Kids Entertained!

How many times have you had to wait for something while your kids terrorise you?  This year has really tested my ability to entertain my kids while we have to wait.  We have had numerous doctor appointments that have required us to wait for over an hour.  Going out to diner can be a challenge if your kids are board!
Here are some of my secrets to keeping my kids amused.
A backpack with many zippers and pockets can be easily transported, and can keep many items organized.
What I put in the pack depends where we are going and what we are doing. 
You can pick and choose from my list of items. 

The items you do pick should be kept only for going out or waiting.  These should not be items that your kids see everyday.  The new item will keep them more entertained!  If they see it everyday, it won't amuse them.

Basics: Needed in every pack
Pens
Pencils (sharpened)
Crayons
Scissors
Carola Markers

The List:
Coloring Books
Workbooks (Age appropriate) 
Mazes (my favorite is Kumon Workbooks http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Kumon )
Design My Ride (basic car outlines, then the child designs what the car looks like- http://www.supercoloring.com/ Select the coloring page you want.  Then click the picture again, then select "No Ad Version."  It will open up another web page.  Click the "+" to enlarge, and "Print Preview" to make sure the page is fitting correctly.  Then you are set to print.
Cranium Silly Stories ( http://www.amazon.com/Cranium-Silly-Stories-Play-Again/dp/0316012068 )
Family Flip Quiz ( http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=family+flip+quiz )
Old Magazines (I have my kids search for photos-Things that start with an A: apple,B: ball, C: car.  Then I have them cut (bring scissors) and paste the photos on a sheet of card stock.)
Best Knock Knock Book Ever ( http://www.amazon.com/Best-Knock-Knock-Book-Charles-Keller/dp/0806965134/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292006679&sr=1-5 )
How to Draw Books
Highlights High Five Magazine (best kids magazine!  It has stories and poems and stickers, lot's of fun!) http://www.highlightshighfive.com/ 
Highlights Hidden Pictures  http://www.highlights.com/
Brain Quest: Question flip book http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=brain+quest 
Favorite Toy, or Stuffed Animal!

Batteries Included
Nintendo Ds: With a variety of games.
CD Player with head phones: I use my old portable CD player and bring CD's.
Leapfrog Leapster: With games. (My Favorite for a nice dinner with family!  They ONLY get to play it when we go out to eat!  They are not allowed to play it any other time!!!)
ipod, or ipod Shuffle: I actually don't let my kids use mine, I don't want to have to worry about them loosing them or causing damage.  The CD player has been enough for my kids.
Phone Games: Pull up a game on your phone and show them how to do it.
Digital Camera:  Take photos of them and then show them.  Have them make funny or silly faces. They can use it too, but I have found this can get  a little annoying. 
Portable DVD Player: Perfect if your child has to try to be motionless.


Over the summer we had to have our little 5 year old sit in a completely dark room for 40 minutes.  I had find things to entertain him in the dark.  Here is what I came up with.
"What is it?" Put items in a bag that have a specific feel: Legos, paper clip, marshmallow, plastic fork, little toys, playdough.  Don't use anything that you will have to wash your hands, keep it clean.
"What does it smell like?"  Put items in plastic baggies that have a specific smell: Oranges, apples, lime, lemon, garlic, vanilla drops, honey, BBQ sauce, candy.
Tell a story:  Pick a topic, and each person tell a portion of the story. 

No Bag No Worries
I SPY:  Find an object in the room and use one description word, "I spy something red."
Name Game: 1. Write out one persons name, and use word to make a sentence of each letter. 2. Reverse the your names and see what it spells.  3. Try to see how many words you can make out of the letters from your name.
Alphabet Words:  Name a word that starts with each letter of the alphabet. 
Perfect Sequence: Have the child follow your moves in sequence, keep adding a move.  Example: Touch your nose, child touches their nose. Touch nose, elbow, then the child touches nose elbow.  Touch nose, elbow, clap. Child touches their nose, elbow and then claps. (additional moves: snap fingers twice, tap knees, wink, blow a kiss, ect.)
Concentration:  Pick a topic like animal.  Go around the group naming different types of animals. When an animal is repeated the games starts over.
Picture Words: Draw the word into a picture.  Example: Draw a bow, with the "W" drawn as a bow.
What's Red:  Make a list of everything that you can think of that is red.  Change the color and make a new game.
Say it again: Each person make up a simple sentence.  Have each player read their sentence aloud in the following ways: 1. As if they were out of breath.  2. Didn't understand.  3. It was really funny.  4. Frightened. 5. Sad. 
Telegram Fun: Create an abbreviated telegram by giving initial letters only.  Each person make what they think it says.  Example: CISITH: can make Cat Is Stuck In Tree. Help.

There are so many ways to entertain your children.  Changing up the activities every time really helps to make any event fun.

Traveling with little ones can be challenging too.  Especially when driving long distances or flying on a long flight.  Although movies are really great entertainers for kids, they will get restless if you pull them out in the first few hours.  If your flight is longer than 2 hours you will want to plan to have something else to entertain in the beginning of your flight.  The flight usually has a drink and food, and I make my kids wait at least until they are finished with their drinks and snack.  I try to start an activity first, like drawing, coloring or a maze.  Maybe another snack that I have brought with us.  Then the DVD.  The longer you can stretch the first few hours the happier you and your child will be.  When your child starts to get really restless that's when we pull out the video.  The last few hours of a flight are hard for anyone.  The video will let them and YOU relax for the final hours of the flight.

Have fun!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Deals...Deals...and MORE Deals!

There are so many sites that offer deals or coupons. You can buy a discount or coupon for pretty much anything!
They all offer great deals, with huge discounts.
Here are a few sites, just to name a few…

Media One Deals Utah
       Presented by local Utah news agencies. This is the of best!!!  Great local deals!
Citydeals
       This site offers many types of deals with different discounts.  They don't just offer one a day like the other sites.
Groupon
       Groupon is one of the best state to state sites.  I have had the best luck with them.  I bought a paragliding experience from them, and it was a great deal! Deals are located all over the United States.  If you travel, you can by deals where ever you go. I watched the California link, and bought surfing lessons for when we went to California!(we had to plan to use the coupon.)
Living Social
       This is a new site.  They don't have deals everyday. I have not bought from this site.
Deals That Matter
       This site offers deals mostly around South Jordan area.  Great deals.
Screamin Daily Deals
       Screamin Daily Deals isn't my favorite. Their customoer service is aweful!  If you sign someone up hoping you will get a referal, think again.  Unless the person buys with in 2 days of signing up, you will not get a fun $10 credit!
KSL Deals
       Local deals!  Really great site!  On this site we bought Olympic Park passes for 1/2 off.
http://www.utahsrealdeals.com/
      Channel 4 deals.  These are deals until they are gone, not just a daily thing.
My EZ Deal
       Coming soon.
How do you tell what coupons are right for you? Is it worth your time to buy it, or will it just a waste of money?
Every morning my email account is filled up with a bunch of coupon offers.  Which ones do I buy?

Here are a few questions you can ask before you click the "BUY" button.
Is the coupon in your area?
Or do you drive near that area regularly?
If the answer if "No" to both those questions, I would suggest you don't buy the coupon.
No matter what type of deal it is, if you are not driving near that location you are not going to use it. It is not worth buying it.
The only exception to that rule is if it is an internet coupon, or an activity that you or you family would love to do.
If it is a fun activity you want to do, here are some questions to ask.
When does the coupon expire?
Will you have the time or when will you do it. If yes, then make a plan, and write it on the calendar.
Another question is if you really like what you are buying? If you like yogurt, but only go once a month, then you might only want to buy one coupon for yogurt. Just because it is a deal doesn’t mean you have to buy a ton of them. I had a friend buy a laser hair removal coupon. Then when she went into the doctors her skin was too sensitive to do the laser. Now she is out the $120 for the coupon. Just be careful.

You can get some really great deals!  I love that I have been able to go and do so many fun and interesting things.  Hope these tips help you to decide which ones are best to get!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Stop the SWEAT!

In the 1980's there was a commercial that said "Never let ‘em see you sweat!" Remember that? I do, and I could never get my body to cooperate and stop sweating. Starting at my tween years, and continuing up to a few years ago I would lather myself up with that white stuff. I would buy anything that said something about “extra protection” cause I sure needed it! I did find that my body began to need more and more of it. Just a normal deodorant wouldn’t work for me, I had to have more. It got to the point that I had to get a prescription to help stop the sweating! My husband told me about the “Crystal” he used, and that it really worked great. I gave it a try, and it didn’t work at all for me, I was a sweaty mess!!! My body and sweating was getting worse and worse so I, in desperation, tried it again. I dedicated myself to using it for 6 months, and if it didn’t work then, I would stop. The first few months were really hard. I couldn’t stop my body from sweating, and I seemed to sweat more. Some of the days were so bad I had to take a shower twice just to control the sweat. Finally after about 3 months my body started to decrease. The waterfall that had seemed to run from my arm pits was finally getting under control! All those years of using antiperspirants had finally worked their way out of my body. By the time the 6 month mark hit, I was amazed at how much less I sweated. The best part about it was that I wasn’t worried about “hiding” my smell, or sweat anymore.
I still sweat, but not at all like I used to!
The Crystal has been such a huge positive change in my life.

Here are my tricks:

You HAVE to use it everyday. 

You have to wet the top to apply, use warm water not cold.

It can damage your marble countertops.  It dulls the top surface.  We haven't had a problem with cultured marble, or granite.

Don't tap it on your fauset, it is mineral based and will eventually cause hard water deposits on that area.

If you miss or forget to put it on you will KNOW it!

If you get stinky, you have to wash your armpits, not just re-apply.
The product works by stopping the bacteria growth.  If you start to smell, bacteria is already growing and they don't just die with a reapplicaion.

I have found I need to cover all the skin around my armpit, LET IT SIT for a moment. You don't have to let it completely dry, just soak in for a minute.

If you wipe it off by putting a shirt on, you will find it won’t work as well.

Don't drop it, it will break.  Then it can scratch and burn as you put it on. (no fun!)

I don't like the "Spray Crystal."  It's cold, and didn't seem to work as well.

Dedicate yourself to the product, don't jump between different things. 
If you give it a try just remember you have years of antiperspirants that will want to make you sweat, keep on trying!

(PS This also works on my boys smelly feet!!!  I use one for body and one for my boys feet. YAY!)

Hope it works for you!!!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Sharpie Baby!!!

The scenario: Your child has a fever. You grab the bottle of Ibuprofen and open it. Then you realize you don’t remember the dose, and you tip the bottle to check the dosage. The Ibuprofen spills onto the counter top and floor. You then check the bottle, looking closely at the small print for the dose. Find it, give it, and then clean up.

There is a better way!

Write with a sharpie pen your children’s name/s on the bottle. You can also just use the first initial of each child. Then put the exact dosage that the child should receive, and I always put how often you can give it also.
Example:
R= ½ t 6-8 hrs E= 1t
I also mark my children’s prescription bottles with their names and amounts.
This makes it so much easier to know the exact dose and be able to do it quickly.
Also I like to make sure the times that medication is given on our calendar. That way everyone is on the same time line, and there is less chance of a double dose.

Example:
E= Ace- 8:30 AM
E= Ibu- 11 AM
Use abbreviations for medications: Ace for Acetaminophen, Ibu for Ibuprofen, anti for antibiotic, A for antihistamine. Whatever you choose will be great! Just makes it easier to use abbreviations.
I used this system when our whole family got strep last year. It helped me to keep track of who needed what and when. We were able the finish the whole 10 days of treatment with out missing a dose! I also put helpful sticky notes on tables and mirrors so I knew when the next dose would be. 

I came up with this idea when my oldest had surgery as a baby. Not only did he need an antibiotic they also had him on two separate doses of pain killers. It was crazy trying to juggle the medications he had to take. Using this helped me keep track.

Hope you find it helpful!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Save Your Chicken!

I've killed many a chicken tender by cooking it too long.  Over cooked chicken isn't something I am proud of, but has happened often at our dinner table.   Making sure the chicken is fully cooked has been my goal, but the result has been chewy unpalatable chicken.  For my birthday my sister bought me a meat thermometer.  It has SAVED my chicken!  The thermometer is called “Thermoworks Super Fast Digital Thermometer.”  This thing is the BEST!  This thermometer takes the temperature ever 3 seconds, and show the reading immediately.   No more waiting for the metal core of the BIG BULKY meat thermometers to warm up.  This one is so quick!  You will be amazed, and your chicken will be tender and YUMMY!  Everyone will be asking for second helpings!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Snowbird Tram Ride

It's that time again to take a trip up Little Cottonwood Canyon and ride the tram at Snowbird.  This weekend and next is customer appreciation days.  Bring a can for the Utah Food Bank or pay $2 and get a ride up the Snowbird tram!  You can ride the tram to the top between 11am-5pm.  This is something our family does every year, and we love it.
Bring your can of food to the tram ticket window and get your passes.  Some years it has been busy, and other times there is hardly anyone there.   You will want to bring jackets and warm clothing because it will be windy and very likly cold at the top.   The ride up is so fun for kids.  If your kids have a tendencly to get motion sick, you might want to stand by a window in the direction you will be traveling.  The tram lifts over the supporting poles and may make the kids a little motion sick.  The ride is a great way to see all the fall leaves, and get the chance to see the top of the canyon.  There honestly isn't much to see once you get up to the top it is pretty desolate and windy.   Once you get to the top you can walk to the base, or ride the tram back down.

Here is a link to the days of the customer appreciation:

http://www.snowbird.com/events/summer/customerappreciation.html

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Stay Put Sheet Design!

Many mornings my kids beds look like they slept in a tornado.  The sheets are swirled around in a huge twist and completely untucked from the bottom of the bed.  The morning re-making of beds, by retucking and repositoning sheets has been frustrating.  Asking the kids to make their beds was pretty much impossible. They are still a little to young to understand how to tuck in the bottom of the top sheet. 
A few months ago I started thinking of how I could make it easy to keep my boys sheets tucked in.  Something that would work even with their all night pulling and tugging.  My first attempt was with store bought corner sheet elastic snaps.  They didn't work! Not even for one night, and were a pain to put back on when they came off.   Several evenings I worked on designs, ways to place elastic, extra fabric, or velcro to hold those sheets in place.   There were 5 attempts at making my kids sheets stay in place!  None worked until..... NOW!!!!!!
I figured it out with my "Stay Put Sheet Design!"   It is SO EASY, it is just sewing a small pocket in the bottom of the sheets!
A design that finally works!!!  Not only does it work, it is so super easy to make and so simple and easy to use!
Asking my kids to make their bed is now a dream!  The bottoms of my boys sheets stay tucked in, which makes it easy for them to make their own beds.
So here is the trick.
The idea is simple.   Without adding extra material, you are simply sewing a pocket at the bottom of the top sheet.  The pocket hooks over the bottom/foot end of the mattress.
To do this, place the top sheet on bed and set the upper edge of the sheet about 3 to 4  inches down from the top of the bed.  At the lenght you would put it if you were making the bed.
With the sheet sitting with the top exactly where you would want it,  go to the bottom of the mattress.  The top sheet will fall down the thickness of the mattress, this is the part you usually tuck under the foot end of the mattress.   Mark on the sheet where it hits 1/2 way down on the thickness of the mattress.   I like to use a safty pin, but you can use a marker or what ever you like.  This is the point you are going to fold over and start sewing from, and make a small pocket for your mattress to sit in.   The part you are marking is the bottom of the pocket. 



I  used a safty pin to mark the "fold over" point.  Whatever this distance is, make a mark on the other side of the foot side of the sheet.  The points you are marking are where you will fold over the material. You want them to be the exact same length at the foot of the sheet.  Fold over the sheet at the point marked.  Sew a straight stich from the mark point up to the top of the folder over point. Do this along the left and then on right side of the sheet, creating a pocket.
 I like to have the print inside the sheets when I make the beds, so I put my print on the outside as I am sewing.  After sewing, you turn the sheet back right side out.  As you make the bed, the sewing cannot be seen as it is hidden inside the sheet pocket. 



Here you can see the sheet is sewn together just on the edges.  For a twin sheet you will sew about 14 inches or so on each side.  After you have sewn both sides, turn it inside out.  You should have a nice little pocket on the foot end of your sheet.
Now that the sheet is sewn together on both sides making a pocket, you simply make the bed as usual.  The bottom of your sheet has a nice little pocket to snug around the bottom of the mattress.
With this design my kids sheets will not come untucked from the bottom!  It is easy to make and unmake the bed with out velcro, or extra fabric
YEA!
PS I HAVE NOT USED THIS DESIGN FOR ANY LARGER SIZE MATTRESS.  YOU WILL NEED ENOUGH FABRIC TO TUCK IT UNDER THE MATTRESS.
Hope you like it as much as I do!!!