PrintArtKids: Masterpieces Immortalized

Can't stand the thought of getting rid of your little Picasso's precious prints, but feel like they are taking over your home? There is a great, local company called PrintArtKids which can help you declutter while preserving some great memories!

The "brainchild" of a local mom whose house was buried under her sons’ artwork, PrintArtKids will transform your kid’s vibrant flower painting into Notepads, transform a homemade holiday ornament into this year's Holiday Card, or take a finger painting and make it a one-of-a-kind Note Card. Your children will be excited to see their artwork turned into custom pieces that will be used again and again!

Looking for a great gift for Dad? Upload your photos or artwork to www.PrintArtKids.com to create a never to be forgotten, one-of-a-kind present just for Dad (or Grandpa)! Place your order by June 7th to ensure your order will be shipped to you by Father's Day!

And, ordering is a snap! Either scan or take a digital photo of your print, and upload to your computer. Since it's digital, you can use your computer to make changes to the photos before sending off to PrintArtKids. Once you've digitized your child's masterpiece, visit www.PrintArtKids.com, select the item you wish to order from “Our Products,” then click on “Order Now.” Simply upload the image to PrintArtKids following the easy to use instructions to create notepads, holiday cards, return address labels and more! For an additional fee, PrintArtKids will even erase errant scribbles.

NBC 10 Show Mom's Morning Out Field Trip..

Hey Mom's.... call the babysitter and get a group of friends together.....Anyone interested in going to see a live taping of the NBC 10! Show on June 3rd or June 4th?

Visiting the 10! Show is a really fun Mom's morning out. If you are interested please email your name, phone # and date (6/3 or 6/4) that you can attend to sarah@chestercountymoms.com. The show tapes in Bala Cynwyd and you have to arrive at the studio between 9am-9:30am. Space is limited so please email your info ASAP.


June 3rd: A performance from Andrew Lipke, Father's Day Fashions, Katie Cavuto will be on (she from Next Food Network Star)- a demo on sunglasses and Lee Daniels and Adam Rothenberg they will be talking about their new movie Tennessee

June 4th: The Anitque Road Show,a chef-author Janice Leiberman (talking about how to shop for a husband) Adventure Aquarium and John Debella with a pet up for adoption

FREE Ice Cream Day at The Parkesburg Walmart Supercenter

Mark your calendars and make plans to visit the Parkesburg Walmart Supercenter

on Saturday, May 30th from 11am to 4pm for FREE Ice Cream!

Available items : 1.57 fl oz. Dibs snack bag, 2.4 fl oz. Blue Bunny Aspen Frozen Yogurt Granola Bar, 4 oz Ben & Jerry's Flipped Out Cup.

1 sample per customer while supplies last

Celebrate the End of School with Goodies for a Graduation Party

Break out the paper and the scissors! It's time to celebrate the end of the school year.

Click here for fun crafts, make it your self gift ideas, recipes, party ideas and more from Family Fun Magazine.

Tasty Tuesday - Class of 2009 Cake

With another school year drawing to a close, you'll want to make sure your young graduate gets his just desserts -- such as a jelly roll diploma wrapped in a fruit leather bow.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

2 eggs plus 1 egg white

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Jelly

4 oz. cream cheese

softened 3 tbsp. butter

softened1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Decorator's gel

Fruit leather

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a 15- x 10-inch jelly roll pan with waxed paper and grease the paper well.

2. In a bowl, beat the eggs and egg white with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the sugar at low speed. Stir in the dry ingredients until well mixed.

3. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Invert the hot cake onto a clean towel sprinkled with confectioners' sugar; remove the waxed paper. Trim the cake edges with a sharp knife (adults only) and roll up the hot cake and towel from a narrow end. Let it cool on a wire rack.

5. Unroll the cooled cake, remove the towel, and spread on jelly, leaving a 2-inch strip at one end plain. Reroll the jelly-covered portion of the cake.

6. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, and the last 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and use to frost the cake.

7. Use decorator's gel to pipe "roll lines" on the cake ends and the class year or your child's name onto the unrolled portion. Finally, add a fruit leather bow.

Money Saving Tip - Joovy Caboose Stroller

We received an email today from one of our awesome readers that wanted to share this Hot Deal with everyone. If you have a tip email sarah@chestercountymoms.com.

www.joovy.com is having a big sale on all of their Joovy Caboose strollers – I just bought the original Caboose in Appletree for $129, plus a FREE parent tray and FREE SHIPPING! If I had purchased it all through Babies R Us or Amazon, I would have spent $200 plus shipping.

This is the page that lists the sale prices: http://www.joovy.com/online_store/doublestrollers.php

Gluten Free Baking Demo at Wegman's

Gluten-Free Baking with Elizabeth Barbone

Event Information: Gluten-Free Baking 101: Baking Demo and Book Signing
Elizabeth Barbone, author of Easy Gluten-Free Baking will teach you the ins and outs of Gluten-Free Baking. In two hours, you will learn:
· The basic gluten-free flours
· How to stock a gluten-free kitchen
· Essential tools to make gluten-free baking easier

And you’ll see Elizabeth demonstrate two easy recipes—banana muffins and chocolate chip cookies from her cookbook. Whether you are new to the gluten-free diet or have been living gluten-free for years, you’ll learn something new in this fun class!

Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 6:00 - 8:00PM
Address: Wegmans Downingtown1056 East Lancaster Ave.Downingtown, PA 19335
For more info please call: (610) 518-7800
Cost: $15 Tickets available at “That’s T.H.E Ticket” locations. Click here for ticketing info.

Memorial Day Savings at Grand Slam, Malvern

Grand Slam USA

11 E Lancaster Ave

Malvern, PA 19355

(610) 647-6622

Memorial Day Specials
Indoor Mini Golf $4.00 a round (Save $3)

Laser Tag$4.00 per game (Save $3)

Dollar Dog Day$1 Hot dogs from 11am-3pm

Easy Grilling for Memorial Day

Still stumped on what to make for all the guests coming over to enjoy the relaxing Memorial Day weekend?

Cookie Magazine has gathered some scrumptious & easy recipes to help you celebrate your holiday this weekend! These recipes are also great to consider if you're vacationing or even at the shore with friends and family for the weekend.

Simple and Easy Grilled Chicken

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—and its convenience: When you're ready for dinner, all the prep has already been done, far in advance.

Serves 4 to 6 | Total time: 30 minutes, plus time for marinating

1/2 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 5 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or use whichever pieces you prefer)

In a medium-size bowl, mix together a marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Put the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, add the marinade, and cover the bowl or seal the bag. Let the chicken sit in the marinade in the refrigerator all day or overnight. The longer it marinates, the better. When you're ready to cook, turn the grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the bowl or bag, discard any remaining marinade, and place the chicken pieces on the grill. Grill the chicken until the breast meat near the bone registers 165° F and the thigh meat registers 180° F on a thermometer. If you don't have a meat thermometer, cook the chicken until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Açai Power Popsicles

If you have a blender and want to make happy food—and give your kids healthy snacks - this is a great recipe! If they dislike milk and yogurt, it's a great way to sneak it in. With the weather warming up (finally!) and the long weekend approaching, these Popsicles will do double duty: be fun and healthy.

Makes 8 4-ounce Popsicles | Total time: 5 minutes, plus 6 hours to freeze

7 to 8 ounces frozen açai puree 3 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt (the full-fat version tastes the best) Honey-based simple syrup (recipe below), or agave nectar.

Let the frozen açai puree soften at room temperature for five minutes, then crumble it into a blender. Add 1 cup of the yogurt to the blender and puree it with the açai until the mixture is smooth. If you like your Popsicles on the sweeter side, add honey-based simple syrup or agave nectar 1 tablespoon at a time. Use the remaining 2 1/2 cups of yogurt to fill each of 8 4-ounce Popsicle molds (or small paper cups) two-thirds full. Top each with the açai mixture and use the handle of a spoon to swirl the berry puree into the yogurt. Stir just enough to get some streaks going. Freeze the pops for at least 6 hours, or until they're solid. If you have trouble getting the Popsicles out of the molds, just give them a quick run under hot water.

Honey-Based Simple Syrup (optional) Makes 2 cups

1/2 cup very hot water 1 1/2 cups mild honey

Pour the hot water over the honey and mix until incorporated. Store the syrup in a clean jar at room temperature. TIP: Frozen açai puree is available in most natural-food stores. If you can't find açai, you can substitute any other pureed frozen berry or fruit.

5 Tips For Busy Moms

Millions of Moms are overloaded with responsibilities and distractions, and although they try to stay healthy from a physical standpoint by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep, they are only nurturing their bodies, but neglecting to nurture their minds and spirits as well.

Below are Five tips for Living Well from wellness expert, Marlise Karlin:

#1: Breathe Into the Moment: In the midst of a busy day, take a few moments to find stillness. Slow your pace, breathe deep, and refocus your attention away from the mind-chatter. Instead, reflect on what is most meaningful to you in life, and carry those inspirational thoughts with you throughout your day.

#2: Take Inspired Action: Being in constant reaction mode will leave you feeling exhausted & unfulfilled. After taking a moment of reflection and stillness, follow through with the necessary steps to achieve the goals you set forth for the day. If a disruption occurs, acknowledge it and look for a solution, rather than allowing it to derail you. Notice how your new focus helps you to stay on track with greater ease.

#3: Water Your Garden: Truly acknowledge the people in your life for the value they bring to you and the world. As with a garden, relationships need to be nurtured and appreciated. With even a sprinkling, the relationship will bloom – and the beauty of what is given will return to you tenfold.

#4 Be Aware of Your Attitude: Notice how you feel and how you radiate those feelings outward. If you have a positive attitude, people will not only gravitate to you, but it might even help change the attitude of others from negative to positive. If you are projecting love, generosity and hope, others may follow your lead. Realize how what you give comes back to you!

#5 Make Choices: Acknowledge that you have the ability to make choices that will keep you moving forward toward your overall vision, rather than letting other people, or life’s circumstances distract you from staying focused on what matters most. Choose what moves you toward your goals that give you the greatest rewards – inside and out.

“People are running at a hundred miles an hour, racing with the clock, trying to squeeze in ways to stay healthy and fit,” said Marlise Karlin. “It’s important to realize it only takes a few minutes a day to completely reboot ourselves by nurturing both mind & body to become more balanced and healthy.”

ABOUT MARLISE: Marlise Karlin is a person just like you and me who focuses on rebooting people by experiencing The Simplicity of Stillness. After a series of profound experiences shifted her perception of life, Marlise developed simple methods for people everywhere to reboot themselves so the journey of life can be more enjoyable. Countless people from every culture around the world have attended Marlise’s Programs and are attesting to the extraordinary benefits that her Stillness Sessions® have brought to their lives, from experiencing a sense of peace rarely felt, to finding balance and wellbeing, from releasing years of road blocks, to discovering what they really want out of life and how to create it. Marlise’s authentic personality allows her to connect with people at a real level to bring balance to their lives through The Simplicity of Stillness. See www.marlisekarlin.com

50 Great Places to take your Kids within 50 Miles

developed by the
Upper Moreland Free Public Library

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Briar Bush Nature Center

12 acre park with bird observatory & preschoolers' discovery den.
1212 Edge Hill Rd, Abington

215-887-6603
www.briarbush.org

Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Association

Aircraft museum and historic aircraft.
1155 Easton Road, Horsham

215-672-2277
www.dvhaa.org

Elmwood Park Zoo

Small zoo.

Ideal for young children.
1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown

610-277-3825
www.elmwoodparkzoo.org

Four Mills Nature Preserve

Trails on 51 acres, museum with child-oriented nature displays.
12 Morris Rd, Ambler

215-646-8866
http://tinyurl.com/c2y7ul

Freddy Hill Farms

Featuring miniature golf, a driving range, batting cages,

a farm zoo, homemade ice cream and fresh milk.
1440 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale

215-855-1205
www.freddyhill.com

Glencairn Museum

Educates visitors about the history of religion

using art & artifacts from a variety of cultures & time periods.
1001 Cathedral Rd, Bryn Athyn

267-502-2993
www.glencairnmuseum.org

Graeme Park

A colonial governor's residence.
859 County Line Rd, Horsham

215-343-0965
www.ushistory.org/graeme

Green Lane Park & Nature Center

Workshops, nature studies, hiking.
Rte 63 & Rte 29, Green Lane

215-234-4528
http://tinyurl.com/db587t

Hope Lodge & Mather Mill

In 1777 Washington's troops camped here after battle of Germantown.

House was Surgeon-General's Headquarters.

Mather Mill is a 200 year-old grist mill.
553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington

215-646-1595
www.ushistory.org/hope

Pennypack Farm

Learn about sustainable local food systems.
685 Mann Road, Horsham

215-646-3943
www.pennypackfarm.org

Upper Moreland Free Public Library

Providing access to diverse information, life-long learning,

and cultural enrichment.
109 Park Ave, Willow Grove

215-659-0741
www.uppermorelandlibrary.org

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Visit the historic Revolutionary War site.

More than 3,600 acres of rolling hills and well-worn trails.
1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia

610-783-1077
www.nps.gov/vafo

BUCKS COUNTY

Bucks County River Country

(Please check website or call for directions.)

Rafting, canoeing, kayaking & tubing outings on the Delaware River.
2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant

215-297-5000
www.rivercountry.net

Carousel Village at Indian Walk

Enjoy a ride on antique 1890 carousel or 1/3 scale locomotive.
591 Rte 413, Wrightstown

215-598-0707
www.carouselvillage.com

Central Park

Park featuring Kids' Castle, an eight story wooden playground.
425 Wells Road, Doylestown

215-348-9915
http://tinyurl.com/cxdvja

Fonthill Museum

Henry Mercer's home - laden with treasures

from his travels plus his world famous tiles.
E. Court St & Rte 313, Doylestown

215-348-9461
www.mercermuseum.org

Giggleberry Fair Giggleberry Mountain, Discovery Land

and lots more at Peddler’s Village.
Rte 202 & Rte 263, New Hope

215-794-4000
http://tinyurl.com/cp2geg

Historic Fallsington

300 year-old village recreating early Quaker community.
4 Yardley Ave, Fallsington

215-295-6567
www.historicfallsington.org

James A. Michener Art Museum

Home to a world-class collection of

Pennsylvania Impressionism.
138 South Pine Street, Doylestown

215-340.9800
www.michenermuseum.org

Mercer Museum

Displays of furnishings, folk art & implements of Early America.
84 S. Pine St, Doylestown

215-345-0210
www.mercermuseum.org

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad

Authentic operating museum.
32 W. Bridge St, New Hope

215-862-2332
www.newhoperailroad.com

Peace Valley Park

Walk the beautiful shores of Lake Galena

or visit the Nature Center.
230 Creek Rd, New Britain

215-822-8608
http://tinyurl.com/djz87w

Ralph Stover State Park

45-acre park offering rock climbing, picnicking and fishing.
Stover Park Rd & State Park Rd, Pipersville

610-982-5560
http://tinyurl.com/cyxf49

Sesame Place

Experience Sesame Street together through

whirling rides, water slides, colorful shows & furry friends.
100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne

215-752-7070
www.sesameplace.com

Tyler State Park

1,711 acres of park roads, trails, and facilities along Neshaminy Creek.
101 Swamp Rd, Newtown

215-968-2021
http://tinyurl.com/dhftr4

Washington Crossing Historic Park

Picturesque setting with 13 historic buildings.
1112 River Road, Washington's Crossing

215-493-4076
http://tinyurl.com/dm5cwl

CHESTER COUNTY / WEST CHESTER

American Helicopter Museum/Education Center

Currently displays over 35 civilian and military

helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes.
1220 American Blvd, West Chester

610-436-9600
www.helicoptermuseum.org

Brandywine River Museum

American art in a 19th century gristmill,

including paintings by 3 generations of Wyeths.
Rte 1 & 100, Chadds Ford

610-388-2700
www.brandywinemuseum.org

Springton Manor Farm

300 acre demonstration farm, animals and nature trail.
860 Springton Rd, Glenmoore

610-942-2450
http://tinyurl.com/c97bua

DELAWARE COUNTY

Brandywine Battlefield

Historic Site Encompasses 650 acres of

horticultural collections, rare plant specimens, ancient trees,

historic buildings, and extensive hiking trails.
1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

610-459-3342
www.ushistory.org/brandywine

Longwood Gardens

1,050 acres of woodlands, gardens, conservatories, and fountains open year-round.
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

610-388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.com

Tyler Arboretum

A place where history, horticulture, and natural habitats come together.
515 Painter Rd, Media

610-566-9134
www.tylerarboretum.org

LEHIGH COUNTY

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Features world-class roller coasters and 22 twisting water slides.
3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown

610-395-3724
www.dorneypark.com


NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Crayola Factory

Color, draw, paint and create with the latest Crayola products.
30 Centre Square, Easton

610-515-8000
www.crayola.com/Factory

PHILADELPHIA

Academy of Natural Sciences

Dinosaurs, animal dioramas & children's hands-on museum.
19th St & Ben Franklin Parkway

215-299-1000
www.ansp.org

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Houses and interprets the life and work of African Americans.
701 Arch Street

215-574-0380
www.aampmuseum.org

Elfreth's Alley

Museum Considered oldest continuously occupied street in America.
126 Elfreth's Alley (on 2nd St between Race and Arch)

215-574-0560
www.elfrethsalley.org

Fireman's Hall

Firefighting equipment from 1730 to present.
147 N. 2nd St

215-923-1438
www.firemanshallstore.com

Fort Mifflin

Historic site of 1777 Battle.

Tour features weapons and uniforms.
Fort Mifflin Rd & Hog Island Rd

215-685-4167
www.fortmifflin.com

Franklin Institute Science Museum and Fels Planetarium

Multi-faceted hands-on Science Museum & Tuttleman IMAX Theater.
222 North 20th St

215-448-1200
www2.fi.edu

Franklin Square

History comes alive with mini-golf, a carousel, storytelling and more!
200 N 6th St

215-629-4026
http://tinyurl.com/ajbflt

Independence Seaport Museum

Interactive exhibits demonstrate early times. Also visit Naval Flagships.
Penn's Landing

215-413-8655
www.phillyseaport.org

Mummers Museum

History of the parades, from costumes to instruments.
1100 South 2nd St

215-336-3050
www.mummersmuseum.com

National Museum of American Jewish History

Exhibits featuring artifacts, documents and photographs.
55 N. 5th St

215-923-3811
www.nmajh.org

Philadelphia Zoo

Special features include children’s zoo, Big Cat Falls, and Primate Reserve.
3400 W. Girard Ave

215-243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org

Please Touch Museum

Unique, fun-filled environment for young children.
4231 Avenue of the Republic; Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park

215-581-3181
www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

NEW JERSEY

Adventure Aquarium

See sharks, seals, stingrays & other sea creatures. Ferry from Penn's Landing.
1 Aquarium Dr, Camden

856-365-3300
www.adventureaquarium.com

Battleship New Jersey

Learn what life was like for a battleship sailor.
100 Clinton Street, Camden

866-877-6262
www.battleshipnewjersey.org

Cowtown Rodeo

Cowtown is the oldest weekly running rodeo in the U.S.
780 Route #40, Pilesgrove

856-769-3200
www.cowtownrodeo.com

Howell Living History Farm

Workhorse rides, etc.
70 Wooden's Ln, Lambertville

609-737-3299
www.howellfarm.com

I know everyone is already in holiday weekend mode-- and probably loving the weather-- but if you know someone who's looking for work, you have to tell them to watch NBC 10 news at 5 with Tracy Davidson, tomorrow(Friday) at 5:30. Tracy has a long list of local jobs that are available right now and will be showing them for a half hour.. Very cool that NBC 10 is trying to help people connect with employers..

For more info please click here to visit the NBC 10 website.

Eagleview - Concerts on the Square

Pack up the family or hire a babysitter and head out for date night. Eagleview is hosting FREE Concerts On the Square, Tuesday evenings throughout the summer from 7-9PM. Below is the summer schedule. The dates have also been added to our community calendar.

June 2nd
Barley Juice (Celtic Rock) with special guest Amy Lavere

June 9th

Guggenheim Grotto (Pop/Folk) with special guest Caleb Hawley

June 16th
Big Package (R&B / Funk) with special guest fusionhouse

June 23rd
Jim Boggia (Singer/Songwriter) with special guest Graham Brown

June 30th
Cresson Street Vibration (Reggae) with special guest David Spencer

July 7th

Ben Arnold (Singer/Songwriter) with special guest Zach Djanikian

July 14th
Family Night - Mama Mac with special guest Scott Silipigni(kid's music starts at 7:00pm)

July 21st
Andrew Lipke (Singer/Songwriter) with special guest Papertrees

July 28th
Christine Havrilla (Pop Singer / Songwriter) with special guest Liz Longley

August 4th
Jim George (Rock) and Wink Keziah (Country Rock)

August 11th
The Large Flowerheads (Groovy 60s Music) with special guest Jim Stanson

August 18th
Works Progress Administration (Folk Rock) with special guest Adrien Reju

August 25th
Entrain - Fireworks at 8:30

Click here for directions. Click here for more information.

Healthy Kids Day!

Please join us for the first Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Healthy Kids Day. Come and get ideas for great health from the nation’s top children’s hospital and its community partners. Ask experts about nutrition, vaccines, managing asthma, injury and prevention and much more.


When: Saturday, May 30, 2009, Noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine
Where: Mann Center for the Performing Arts

This celebratory event is free to the public, but tickets are required. Come and enjoy:

• Concert performance by The Laurie Berkner Band featuring Susie Lampert, Adam Bernstein and Laurie Berkner, with special guest Bob Golden
  
• Healthy food and drinks (while supplies last)
  
• Children’s activities

Admission to Healthy Kids Day is free of charge, but you must register for the event. Seat assignments for the concert, including lawn, will be distributed at the gate on a first come, first served basis. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For information, please e-mail us at healthykidsday@email.chop.edu or call our hotline at 1-877-HKD-CHOP (1-877-453-2467).

Visit the Mann Center for the Performing Arts Web site for directions. Check our Timeline of Events and Sponsorship pages for more.

Family Fun Day at ACAC
Enjoy some relaxing fun-time with your family!

Saturday, May 16th from 12-4 pm

FREE and OPEN to the Community

Inflatable Obstacle Course and Bungee Run

FREE Carnival Games with Prizes.

AM 640 Radio Disney Road Crew on-site from 1:00pm-2:30pm

entertaining the kids and giving out prizes.

Bring your bathing suit and relax in our Activity Pool with Tumble Buckets, Water Slide, and zero grade entry-perfect for little ones.

For more info contact ACAC at 610-431-7000

1130 McDermott Drive, West Chester, PA 19380

It's All About the Shoes!

Did you know that Olly has a Shoe Donation Program???

Children's feet grow at such a great rate. Consider donating your kids' gently worn shoes at any OLLY location. However, outworn shoes should NOT be donated to this program. It is important that each child's foot is able to make its own impression (footprint) in the shoe footbed.

This is a not-for-profit program. OLLY will distribute these shoes to local charities where OLLY retail stores exist and will also work with charities and associations that distribute items overseas to children who are in great need of footwear.

And, here's another exciting tip for those wildly popular Crocs that everyone has (there are 5 pairs in my home as I type this)...... Olly participates in a recycling program for all Crocs shoes! Just drop them off in the store, and Olly will take care of the rest! Yay! No Crocs going into the landfills!

There are several Olly locations in the local area. Click here to see the store closest to you!

Too Good Not To Share

You know when you get those annoying forwarded emails in your inbox? 99.99% of the time you just click the delete button before you even read the subject line? I know, I know...it's so bad. The only ones that even get the "second glance" are the ones from family members and friends who rarely, if ever, send forwarded emails. Well...let me tell you...today...I hit the forwarded email jackpot! Seriously! The contents of the email were so good...I decided to share it with everyone!

So...what was in that email, you ask?

The recipe for this:It's a scrumptiously delicious and delectable S'mores Cupcake.

You're very welcome.

One of my friends found a version of this cupcake recipe, but tweaked it a little to fit the ingredients she had in her pantry...the picture above is her creation...and here's the recipe for her version as well:

1 box Chocolate Cake Mix
1 container of Whipped White Frosting (*may need more if you make all 24 cupcakes...it all depends on what frosting tip you use...if you like lots of frosting, I'd use 1.5-2 containers)
24 Graham cracker sticks
24 jumbo marshmallows
2 Hershey candy bars

Make cupcakes as directed on the box. Let them cool and then frost them. Place a graham cracker stick into each one. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and line the with the 24 marshmallows. Broil them until the tops are just golden brown. Put a marshmallow on top of the cupcake and top it with a wedge of the Hershey chocolate bar. There you go!

*giving credit where credit is due...my mom suggested making the cupcakes out of brownies for a more chocolaty treat!

This recipe got me thinking though...are there some other S'mores Cupcake recipes out there? One with marshmallow frosting, perhaps? I know...I'm totally out of control. But, someone else must be too because I found another recipe...and yes, it calls for marshmallow frosting.

And here's the recipe for the one above:

For the cupcakes
From Nabsico Graham Crackers
1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
½ cup of flour
2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
½ cup of butter, softened
¾ cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
¾ cup of milk

In a small bowl combine the crumbs, flour and baking powder; set aside. Beat the butter and the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture with milk, beating well after each addition. Divide the batter into two muffin tins lined with 16 cupcake liners total. Bake at 350F degrees for 22-25 minutes or until done. **You can fill the liners 3/4 full...which might make less cupcakes...but the batter doesn't rise very high. Cool in pans for 15 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Top cooled cupcakes with THIS marshmallow frosting. Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with graham cracker crumbs.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. To do that...just melt a few Hershey bar pieces in a plastic Ziploc bag in the microwave...just a few seconds will do. Snip a tiny corner off the bag and squeeze the chocolate drizzle over the cupcakes.

The only thing you might regret about reading the contents of my "junk mail" is the 5 pounds you're now going to gain when you devour these!

Click on the link above for AWESOME deals and steals!

Like $50 worth of printable coupons from KRAFT

and links to lots of FREE samples.

Tasty Tuesdays - Kids in the Kitchen

Tasty Tuesdays: Kids in the Kitchen

Your kids are home from school and they're starved. Sound familiar?

It seems like each and every day there's someone hanging on my legs begging for a snack to hold them over until dinner time. But the big question is...what in the world should I feed them that will fill up their tummies just a bit and yet won't spoil their dinner? Ugh.

I want healthy snacks that I can whip up in a flash...and I want the kids to be able to help prepare them too! That's when I turned to Kraft Foods. They have an incredible slew of recipes for kids, safety tips for cooking with kids and even a few ideas on how to burst that lunch box monotony we so often find ourselves in.

Here's just a few recipes and ideas that you can add to your repertoire of after school snacks for your staaaaaaaarving children...

Fruit and Cheese BitesWhat you need:
18 Triscuit Crackers
1 packages (16 oz.) of Cheddar Cheese
3 fresh strawberries, each cut into 3 slices
1 kiwi, peeled and cut into 9 pieces

SLICE the cheese into small squares (to fit the cracker).

TOP the crackers with the cheese.

ADD the fresh fruit slices on top of the cheese.


Turtle Cracker CritterWhat you need:

1 Deli Style American Cheese Slice, quartered

2 Ritz Cheese Crackers

1 cherry tomato half

5 small carrot or celery pieces

1 stuffed green olive slice

STACK cheese pieces on 1 of the crackers; cover with remaining cracker to make sandwich.

TOP with tomato half, cut side down.

ARRANGE carrots around crackers to form 4 "legs" and a "tail." Add olive slice for the "head."

Berry Lemonade Slush

What you need:

Country Time Lemonade Flavor Drink Mix (dry)

1/2 cup water

3 cups ice cubes

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

MEASURE drink mix into cap to 1-qt. line (1/2 cup). Empty into blender container.

ADD remaining ingredients; cover. Blend on high speed 10 sec. Turn off blender. Stir with spoon; cover. Blend an additional 5 sec. or until smooth, using pulsing action.

SERVE immediately. Store leftover slush in freezer.

Cookies 'n Creme Pudding Pops
What you need:
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
6 Oreo Cookies
1⁄2 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping

BEAT pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 minutes.

PLACE cookies in resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Use rolling pin to crush cookies.

ADD cookies and Cool Whip to pudding; stir just until blended.

SPOON into 9 small paper or plastic cups.

INSERT wooden pop stick or plastic spoon into each for handle. Freeze 5 hours or until firm.


All of these recipes would be great all throughout the summer too!
For more delicious kid-friendly, hunger bursting snacks from Kraft, click HERE.


Do you have a favorite kid-friendly snack you like to share with us?
Just leave a comment or link to your recipe...we'd love to have more great ideas from moms!

Kraft is also kicking off the season with Delicious Summer Savings! They are offering over $50 in coupons for your favorite Kraft Foods. Hurry over HERE to print them off. Quantity of coupons is limited...so don't miss out!

Brain Development & Immunity from Juicy Juice

Every mom knows that when it comes to food and nutrition for our children, we only want the best!

We want products that help encourage their growth and development so they can be healthy, smart and active children. As moms, we spend countless hours researching products that we want to have in our homes - whether it's toys, books, or even snacks and foods - we only get one chance to make a positive, healthful impact while we raise our children.

That's why moms have come to love and trust Juicy Juice!For a long time Juicy Juice has been the leader in helping parents everywhere supply their children with 100% All Natural Fruit Juice. And Juicy Juice even encourages you to know what's in your juice! You can be confident knowing that Juicy Juice never uses added sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, colors or preservatives...their juice is truly 100% All Natural Fruit Juice. Now, that's something to make all moms smile!

Juicy Juice already has a substantial line of 100% Fruit Juice and Harvest Surprise juices - which are 100% fruit and vegetable blended juices - but they have just launched a new line of products promoting brain development and immunity! Juicy Juice Brain Development and Immunity Fruit Juices not only pack the outstanding flavor and goodness that you've come to trust, but they are enhanced with added nutrients!

Juicy Juice Brain Development Fruit Juice comes in delicious apple and grape flavors and is enhanced with DHA - an essential building block for proper brain development. And since your little ones' brain will triple in size by the time they're two, every chance that a mom can get to enhance that growth is key!

And because kids are exposed to millions of germs each year, Juicy Juice has also developed Immunity Fruit Juice enhanced with Vitamin C and Zinc to help boost and support their immune systems! It also contains Prebiotic Fiber to aid in their digestive health as well. Immunity Fruit Juice comes in delicious apple and berry flavors.

As soon as we heard that Juicy Juice came out with these new Brain Development and Immunity juices, we had to let our kids try them out! They loved them so much that we even took a few sips too! The verdict: They are delicious! As moms, we can feel completely confident knowing that these juices pack the flavor our kids love with the added nutrients they need.

But, just in case you still don't believe us...Juicy Juice wants you to try them out for yourself!

Click HERE to download your coupon to use on Juicy Juice products.

Wishing you a relaxing and Happy Mother's Day!

28th Annual Wildfower Sale at The Brandywine Conservancy

Gardeners can choose from a superb selection of low-maintenance, beautiful native plants at the Brandywine Conservancy's 28th annual Wildflower, Native Plant and Seed Sale, May 10 and 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This popular event offers a wide variety of regional plants and seeds that are suitable for sun or shade and all types of landscapes.

Natives plants are a great way to "go green" because they are adapted to the local growing conditions and require less water and intensive care in the garden. Many varieties will attract songbirds, hummingbirds and butterflies and are as useful for strengthening our local ecosystem as they are low-maintenance additions to the garden. Wildflower seeds which have been collected from the Conservancy's gardens and meadows and cleaned and packaged by garden volunteers will be sold.

For more information about the sale or becoming a garden volunteer at the Brandywine Conservancy, contact Mark Gormel at 610-388-8327.

The Brandywine River Museum is located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and students, and free for children under six and members. Group rates are available with advance reservations. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or click here

Frugal Friday: Quick, Cute, and Cheap Mother's Day Craft

Ok, so it's 2 days until Mother's Day. Are you stumped for ideas for gifts for the special women in your kids' lives? You need something that's cute and you need it fast, right? And, let's not forget that it needs to be affordable!

Here's an idea for a super inexpensive, but very sentimental craft project that you still have time to have done by Sunday!

Here's what you need:

• 1 White Bathroom/Kitchen Tile ( I used 6x8 tiles that I found at Lowes for .58 cents each, but any size you want would work)

• A few different colors of acrylic paint. I used acrylic because it was kid friendly and cleaned up easily with soap and water, while still being permanent enough to use with the tiles. (Each bottle of acrylic paint that I picked up at Michaels was $2.49 each)

• 1 Decorative Plate Holder (Our local dollar store has the 9" plate holders that I used in silver, gold, and black finishes. And, yep, they're just $1.00! )

• Some paintbrushes

Use your creativity to make any design on your tile to tell Mom, Grandmom, God Mother, Aunts, etc. how much you love them this Mother's Day. I used my older daughter's handprint and my younger daughter's footprint, but their are a million ways to decorate the tile. You could stamp them, stencil them, have the kids paint on them, use sayings or verses ...... the options are endless.

We made 6 different tiles and they dried in no time. They look ADORABLE on their plate stand sitting on a kitchen table, a shelf, or a mantle!

Have fun.

National Train Day - May 9th

Show your love for trains at 30th Street Station, from 10am to 3pm, on May 9th.


Click here to check out all the cool things at Philadelphia’s celebration.

Finds we found online...

Do it HER- SELF workshops at Home Depot

FREEBIES from Walmart (Pull Ups, Toilet Paper & more)

20 FREE copies of your resume & 40 FREE business cards at Staples

Do you know of an awesome money saving deal or coupon code.. if so leave a comment or email sarah@chestercountymoms.com

Mother's Day Activities at Wegman's

Make plans to visit the Downingtown, Wegman's and let your children create a delicious token of love for a unique Mother’s Day gift. Whether you want to bring your little cake decorators into the store or just take a kit home, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in making her day special. Choose from our Ultimate Chocolate or Moist Vanilla in-store cake or take-home cake/kit.

When: Saturday, May 9th

Time: 11am-3PM

Price: You purchase a cake in bakery department and Wegman's will provide all of the decorating supplies.

For more info please call: 610-518-7800

Tasty Tuesdays

Tasty Tuesdays:
Mother's Day Brunch

Since most of us are moms here, it crossed my mind to come up with a different Tasty Tuesdays theme this week. But, let's face it, besides a "kid-cooked meal" consisting of a cold bowl of cereal brought to our bedside on Mother's Day morning, I think it's all safe to say - as moms, we do the cooking 365 days a year...Mother's Day included. That is...unless you've somehow managed to get the point across that on this ONE day of the year when Mothers are actually even acknowledged, you'd prefer not to be in the kitchen! Either way, scrumptious breakfast recipes come in handy all throughout the year...and these recipes are perfect for a Mother's Day Brunch or just a cozy family breakfast on a Saturday morning. And hey, even though you're a mom and hope to be treated this coming weekend with a lavish meal that is NOT prepared by you...maybe you want to treat your own mom to a wonderful home-cooked Mother's Day brunch!

Here are some great recipes to help you host a magnificent brunch - no matter what day of the year it is...

Nutty Pecan Waffles
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Clone Recipe - Mmmmm!!
Sausage Gravy (for Biscuits and Gravy)
Eggs Benedict
For a list of different Crepe Recipes, click HERE.
Mimosas and More

So, whether you're the one preparing a Mother's Day spread or not...

We want to wish all of our Chester County Moms a very Happy Mother's Day ~ may it at least be filled with a little pampering!

And feel free to send your hubby's over here to check out these recipes...a subtle nudge and hint never hurt anyone!

Do you have a super breakfast recipe you'd like to share?
Leave us a comment or a link to your recipe.

Recipes above can be found at AllRecipes.

Eagle Chiropractic Hosts a FREE Wellness Workshop for Women

National Moms Night Out Event at Pump It Up

Mom's Nite Out at Pump It Up in West Chester
Thursday, May 7th

5:30-8pm

Mom works hard all year long, so give her a break on National Mom's Nite Out. Dad or another caregiver can bring the kids to Pump It Up for a nite of bouncing, sliding, inflatable fun. Pizza and a beverage are included with each paid admission, so the kids will get back home exhausted and full. Admission is just $9.95 per child.

Children must be at least 34" tall to play. Socks and signed waiver required. Click here for more information.

Pump It Up

540 East Union Street

West Chester, PA 19382

(610) 918-9180

Ask Shelby: Mothers Day Question

As we mentioned, we are proud to be featuring our brand new monthly column "Ask Shelby" featuring expert advice from Chester County based Marriage and Family Therapist, Shelby Riley. Here is our installment for May!

---------------------------------------------

Shelby,

I don't know what to do. Mother's Day is coming soon and I have a complicated relationship with my mom. I love her, but we don't get along well, and right now we're in a big fight and we're not speaking. Do I give her something for Mother's Day or do I ignore her because I'm still really hurt? I'm a grown woman--I hate to not know how to handle this!

Signed, Mad at Mom

Dear Mad at Mom,

I just had a client in my office last week who said, "I'm 52 years old and I'm sitting here whining about my mother." A lot of people have issues with one or both of their parents, and that doesn't always change just because we grow into adults. Relationships are complicated...relationships in our families of origin can be REALLY complicated.

The most important thing I hear from your question is that you love your mom. I love that you can be mad at her and stay connected to your love for her. It sounds like there is a part of you that wants to reconnect, a part of you that is still hurt, a part of you that is angry, and a part of you that recognizes your relationship is complicated and this fight isn't new or different for the two of you. It's okay to have good boundaries and protect yourself and still be open to showing your mom love. Think of it as a door to a room: you probably aren't going to close that door completely and cut her off, and you probably don't want to have that door wide open, because that would leave you open to more conflict and pain. You want to have the door open enough to give and receive love, and closed enough to protect yourself. That door can be cracked and slowly swing more open as you and your mom work on your relationship.

(Sometimes cutting off completely from someone is the right choice. If you are being physically, sexually or emotionally abused by someone who is unwilling or unable to change their behavior, complete cut-off can be the only thing that keeps you safe.)

Having good boundaries with difficult people means finding a way to be in relationship with them without making yourself available to be hurt over and over again by them. A therapist can be a great resource to help you figure out how to navigate your relationship with your mom in a way that feels healthier. There are also some great books...Extraordinary Relationships by Gilbert is one that I would recommend you read.

As for Mother's Day, if a phone call seems like it might ignite into another fight, and a gift feels inappropriate given the state of your relationship, acknowledge your love for her with a card. Speak from the part of you that feels love for her. Keep it simple and short. Don't let the angry part or the hurt part have a turn. Simply remind her that you love her and that you wish her a happy Mother's Day.

Good luck to you, and remember-- you are not alone. Lots of people will be struggling to decide how they want to handle Mother's Day and Father's Day. I'm sure you will find something that works for you,

Yours, Shelby


**Remember to check out Shelby's website, Family Help Today, for a variety of useful information for couples, individuals, families, and kids. You can also find out more about Shelby's AWESOME e-books on her site.

Wendell August - Personalized Mother's Day Gift

Main Street at Exton
103 Woodcutter Street

Exton, PA 19341
(610) 363-2426
www.wendellaugust.com

Wendell August Forge is also offering a FREE handhammer metal station for the children that would like to come in and create a message for the piece. Extra fun while making a memorable keepsake for their moms and grandmoms. Happy Mother's Day!

Drumroll, Please!

Well, we've wrapped up our Green Week giveaway contests as well as selected the winner of the Zing Zang Zoom Circus passes. So, without further ado... here are the lucky winners....

My Natural Bamboo Plush Panda: Kerrie Lyons

Bee-Eazy Bags: Jennifer Groben and Jennifer Redmile

Wool Worth It Bitty Bag and Accessories: Rachel Byerly

Lil Boo & Co. Boo Boo Cubes: Kate Hargrove, Steph, Caitlin, Chris Stulak, and Jen

Footprints Bamboo socks: Shannon Kamph

Soap-It Nuts: Laura Lunati

and, last but certainly not least, the winner of the family 4 pack of tickets to the opening night of the Zing Zang Zoom circus tickets is: Susan Ford

***Winners will be emailed within the next 24 hours to set up the exchange of your prize!

Internet Safety: Are you taking Proper Precautions?

Our moms did everything to keep us safe as children, and still try even though we’re adults. And of course we say we would do the same thing, but are we? In an age of Internet social sites such as Myspace and Facebook we need to step up our instinctual mother hen routine and protect our children.

It isn’t unusual to see stories about teenagers running away to foreign countries to meet ‘boyfriends’ from Myspace or Facebook – and if you’re anything like me you’re shaking your head wondering, ‘Where are these kids’ parents?’ Maybe we should stop and take a moment to look over our own shoulders and ask the question ‘Am I putting my child at risk?’

The ability to network with people you haven’t seen since high school, or aunts and uncles on the other side of the country is wonderful and the immediacy of it all is astounding, but at what cost? These ‘relationships’ may seem like a great idea at first, and many probably are, but we need to know the ins and outs of sites such as these so that the personal information and pictures we all seem so willing to share remain just that, personal.

Social networking sites are fun and it’s great to relive memories of yesteryears, but knowing your profile is safe makes the experience more enjoyable. Both Myspace and Facebook allow you to customize your privacy settings. Did you know that? Do you know how to secure your personal pages? Take some time to navigate the site and learn what security measures exist and use them, you won’t regret it!

Next month we’ll have a ‘how-to’ section for securing your Facebook page…stay tuned! Until then do some research of your own and learn as much as you can – knowledge is power!

$25 Tickets to Bob the Builder Live

Going green is not just for adults anymore. In "Bob the Builder Live! Spud's Big Mess, kids learn they can join in to help save the environment, too.
The show is about Bob and his team building the first-ever recycling center and wind farm in Sunflower Valley.

Bob the Builder Live: Spud's Big Mess, a new stage show featuring Bob the Builder and his crew, comes to the Academy of Music May 5-6. Patrons who use the promotional code "SPUD" when purchasing tickets online or by phone pay just $25 for any seat (excluding parquet and balcony boxes) at any performance - a savings of up to $17.50 per ticket!

Location: Kimmel Center, 260 South Broad Street, (Avenue of the Arts), Philadelphia, PA, 19102
Web: http://www.kimmelcenter.org
This offer expires: May 6, 2009

Use the promotional code "SPUD" when ordering tickets by phone at 215.731.3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office at 260 South Broad Street in Philadelphia. Seating is limited.