Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Thankful for sweet kids!

I'm so thankful for my little girl's sweet, nurturing spirit! She loves taking care of her babies!! And I'm thankful for my handsome little man's leadership. He loves being a leader and helping others, especially at preschool.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Rise of the Guardians Movie Premiere

Late last week, my mom and I both won free tickets to the premiere of Rise of the Guardians through iFamilyKC!! OH YEAH! My mom, sister and her son, my kids, and I all got to go see the movie together! We also invited a couple friends to join us! Let me tell you, folks...this film is excellent!!! Reese got a little restless in the last ten minutes or so but she gets restless during every movie no matter how much she loves it. Hudson...oh, Hudson was G-L-U-E-D to the screen. He talked about it non-stop afterwards! And this is NOT just a kiddie movie...it really was good! I loved it and can't wait to see it again! They obviously are releasing it (Nov. 21) just in time for the holidays, because they know it will be the perfect holiday movie for the family to go see together! (In the picture below - from left to right - is Hudson, Reese and our friend Dominic). Yes, as a matter of fact, they ARE wearing shorts in November! (Too bad it went from 70's on Saturday to sleeting on Sunday! Gotta love that KC weather!)

After the movie, a huge Ronald blowup was sitting on McDonald's roof across the street, and he was "calling our names". We went to lunch after so the kids could play in the new play place. A clown was making free balloon animals (of course, my kids wanted swords), and they had great deals - $1.99 happy meals and $1 quarter pounder with cheese. Yeah!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Front Doors

We painted our front doors! We love it! It's amazing that just painting your front doors really makes such a difference in your curb appeal. Today, I'm so thankful to my parents for giving us their paint in order for us to do this! And it was red...the color I always wanted my front doors to be!


Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful for our zoo!

Today, I am so thankful for my in-laws who bought us our zoo pass and that Kansas City has an awesome zoo! We LOVE going to the zoo and actually go pretty frequently. The nice thing about having a zoo pass is you don't have to feel like you have to spend the ENTIRE day at the zoo to get your money's worth. 

Did you know your kids can feed the lorikeets? Reese hates it and freaks out when the birds fly around; however, Hudson loves it! He could stand there and feed them all day. It's so much fun! If you haven't been the zoo recently, you should! They are redoing everything and making it so much nicer for the animals and for the visitors. They have building plans to add penguins and are in the process of re-building many other parts of the zoo. I highly recommend visiting to see what's going on!
Tip: When you walk in, they hand you a map. Inside the map is an extra piece of paper with a survey on it. Fill out the survey and bring it back into the zoo for a FREE $5 gift certificate to use on whatever you want! Make sure you spend the entire $5, because they can't give you change or credit towards another purchase.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Urgent Care & Pharmacy Review

So Reese has "a touch of pneumonia and an ear infection"...possibly a double ear infection but since Reese did NOT like it when the doctor checked her ear, she decided since she already knew she had one infection, she wouldn't even bother checking her other ear. Doesn't it stink when your little ones are  sick? Today, I'm thankful that while my girl may be sick right now, no one in our family has a life-threatening disease. I'm thankful that we're mostly healthy. And I'm thankful my kids have insurance and are able to go see a good doctor and get medicine to heal them when they need it.

While we're on the topic of being sick, I thought I'd give you a quick, little review of a couple of pharmacies and urgent care in the Kansas City Northland area. We took Reese to Children's Mercy Northland. They have an urgent care and are open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Even if you are in line at 10:45 p.m., they will still see you and stay open for as late as it takes. They just don't accept any more patients after 11 p.m. So we've been there several times in our kids' short lives and have been happy with (almost) every visit. They are so quick...didn't even have to wait 5 minutes to be seen, and there were 3 other families in front of us in line! The nurses and doctor were so gentle and sweet with Reese. They took care of her, were very thorough, and got us in and out. So much better than having to go downtown!
Tip: Also, if you're there for a little while, don't be afraid to ask for something to eat or drink! They provide mini Gatorades and Nuby spill-proof sippy cups (that you get to keep!), along with graham crackers or Lunchables. And they give adults waters or cans of Coke.

As for pharmacies, we really like CVS; however, we do NOT recommend the CVS at 72nd and N. Oak. They can never hear you through their intercom system, aren't very friendly, and are SO slow. They seriously take at least an hour to fill a prescription...EVERY...TIME!!!

Finally, we smartened up a bit and started getting our prescriptions filled at the CVS at Antioch and Shady Lane, which happens to be closer to us anyway (why didn't we go here to begin with?!). They are extremely friendly and extremely fast. Even if you pull up in the drive-through, and they haven't received your prescription, they'll find it AND fill it for you immediately...EVERY...TIME!!! They always make sure to go over any details with you and throw in any extra syringe most of the time, too. Tip: If they don't, you can ask for an extra for free. We like getting an extra because if one is in the dishwasher or the the pieces get separated, we have another one.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day!

I really don't like political ads, signs, mailings, etc. I don't like any of it and always dread the elections; however, I am so thankful for the freedom to vote for who I want to be President. And this morning, I did just that. And then, I took advantage of my sticker to go get some freebies!

I'm also so thankful for an amazing preschool for my son. They are already teaching them about voting and about the candidates. However, when they voted, they voted for what was REALLY important - which snack to eat! Hudson chose crackers, and his "party" won!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Election Day Freebies!

I know you all like freebies. So go vote tomorrow so you can get in on them! Don't forget...you HAVE to have your sticker in order to get the freebies!

Starbucks - free indivisible bracelet to the first 200 people at each location (no sticker needed)

7-11 - free cup of coffee in an Obama or Romney cup

Taco Bueno - free chips and guac (their slogan is "guac the vote!")

Krispy Kreme - free star-shaped donut

Einstein Bro - free bagel with shmear

Buca di Beppo's - buy one lunch, get one free


Did I miss a freebie?? Let me know! What freebie are you getting??

Holiday Traditions & Day Five of Thankfulness

My mom, sisters, and I enjoyed a relaxing day walking around the Hen House Holiday Celebration yesterday. It's a family tradition of ours...we go every year! If you haven't been, you are missing out. It's only $5 (if you buy your ticket in advance at Hen House), and you get to "sample" food after food after food. People, most of these samples are HUGE! You get SO stuffed, you could puke. Some are even samples to take home. A few samples I got to bring home: cans of soda, mini boxes of cereal, whole cups of yogurt, granola bars, avocados, red pears, etc. It was so delicious, and the perfect start to our holiday season.

So today, I am thankful for time with my mom and sisters. I'm thankful for a husband who loves staying home to play fort with our sick kiddos. And I'm thankful for holiday traditions.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Don't miss out!

I created a facebook page for the blog! Be sure to check it out and 'like' the page! Here's the link:
Pretty Bows and Superheroes Facebook Page

And if you haven't added us as a friend on Google Friend Connect, please do so!

Thank you!

Day Four of Thankfulness

I am so thankful that my grandparents are still living, doing well and live in town to love on and spoil my kids. It means so much to me that my kids not only have a close relationship with them, but absolutely adore them. I'm thankful my grandparents are crazy about my kids as well! Here are a few pictures of my kids with their Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa.

I am also very thankful that my other grandparents and around to love on and spoil my kids...I just wish they lived closer so they could get to know my kids more! I know my kids love them all, and I'm so thankful for all their love!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Day Three of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for pizza and movie nights with my family. None of us were feeling well last night so it was nice to just stay in, cuddle on the couch and watch movies. Everyone should have those every once in awhile.

We had a coupon for Marco's Pizza, which just so happens to be our favorite pizza place! It's so good, and they add different seasonings to the crust for free! Yum! If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it! By the way, their customer service is great, too!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Day Two of Thankfulness

I'm so thankful for freebies! I have been able to get SO much for free for our families this year...some without even trying! We've gotten free RenFest tickets, free concert tickets, free movie passes, free coffee samples, free travel cup, free pumpkin patch pass, free beauty/ feminine products, free snacks and food samples, etc...the list seriously goes on and on and on! Most of them are just for 'liking' a page on facebook! How easy is that?! It's awesome and really blesses our family since we are a one-income household. It still allows our family some extra fun stuff to help us not necessarily "feel" the tightness of our budget. Here's what I got in the mail today:

Two free packs of coffee samples from Green Mountain Coffee and two $1 off coupons. If you 'like' them on facebook, you'll be able to participate in their coffee giveaways, which are actually fairly often! Most of the time, they mail you k-cups, which I gladly give to my grandparents...and they get so excited!

AND two free makeup bags full of beauty samples and beauty product coupon books from Target! Oh yeah!



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Day One of Thankfulness

I'm so thankful for my two sweet, beautiful kids. They are AMAZING and bless me so much. And I'm so thankful for their deep love for each other. They truly love and care about one another and love playing together!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Festivities

2012 Halloween/ trick or treating hot spots in Kansas City North...

Hoots and Howls at the KC Zoo: Hay rides, free face painting, tractor pedal races, mural painting, characters in costume, pirate plank to walk, etc. (Free for FOTZ members...otherwise, you just pay cost of admission into the zoo). It's fun if you're already planning on going to the zoo...I wouldn't make a special trip for it.

Boo at the Zoo: Trick or Treat around the zoo...trick or treating + zoo = FUN! Different local businesses come to hand out candy or treats to the kids.  Some of the treats included candy, large elephant gift bags from Hallmark, animal masks, Dippin' Dots, cans of Fanta from Coca-Cola, etc. It's lots of fun and a tradition our family has had ever since our first child was born! (Free for FOTZ members...otherwise, you just pay cost of admission into the zoo). It's fun, gets you some treats and helps you burn them off at the same time! What candy-loving mom doesn't love that?!

Macken Park Halloween Party: Hay rides, free face-painting, free mini pumpkins and pumpkin painting, free balloon animals, free moon bounce, tons of free games with prizes, food vendors. (Free!) This event was lots of fun! It wasn't packed, and there was so much for the kids to do! You should check it out next year!

Park University Fright Night: This was my FAVORITE event, and not just because I'm an alum! Despite the name, it's not scary. Park really goes all out at this event! Kids trick or treat through the huge resident halls - yes, I am talking 4 floors of college kids who go ga-ga over your little ones' costumes and end up giving them way more candy than one could possibly eat! They also have a moon bounce, music, and they invite local businesses and all the Park University clubs to set up booths to give out candy, caramel apples and toys. They also have games with prizes for the kids and free popcorn! (Free!) So...part of me wants to tell you that it's AMAZING and super impressive, but the other part of me wants to keep this one all to myself! I'll let you make up your own mind... ;)

The Salvation Army Northland Corps: Trunk or treat in the parking lot, moon bounce, free popcorn, $1 hot dogs, tons of games inside gym, door prizes (Free!) We went to this last year, and it was packed...but that's because it was amazing last year!!! They had a ton of prizes, face painting, balloon animals, etc. This year wasn't nearly as big or exciting, but we can understand that things sometimes don't work out as planned. Maybe next year will be like last?

Kendallwood Hills Estates Retirement Home: The residents gather in the lobby and have bowls of candy to distribute as the kids walk around in costume. It's not huge, but we enjoyed it because it really blesses the residents to get some visitors and get to see the kiddos in costume! I think they may have enjoyed it even more than the kids! :) (Free!) I thought this was worth it. This was in the middle of the afternoon on Halloween when nothing else was going on. It's kind of a "feel good" place, because you feel like you're also giving back in a way.


Yogurtini: Kids in costume got 5 ounces for free on Halloween and the two days before! So H and R BOTH scored...and that means I scored, too, because I got to share! Yum! Reese and I love their birthday cake ice cream with sprinkles! (Free!) Definitely worth it...you can't miss this one, folks!

Platte County YMCA Trunk or Treat: A portrait studio took free professional halloween shots and local businesses set up trunks and booths to handy out candy. They also had a moon bounce, crafts, a Storm Trooper, and a haunted house (which we skipped since my kids are little). (Free!) It's fun, and if there wasn't anything else going on, we'd go back...but it wasn't especially amazing.

Gladstone Hy-Vee: Trick or treat around the store, make a caramel apple, and get candy, a juice or coke, and a free reusable treat bag. (Free!) My kids LOVED this, because they especially love Hy-Vee! It was fun, and Hy-Vee did a great job! The employees all dressed up, too!

Gladstone Price Chopper Trunk or Treat: Trick or treat around the store and get candy plus an item (juice, apple, cheese stick, etc) in each department, cupcake walk where every kid gets a cupcake and some great store sales! (Free!) It's fun and provides great bribes as you quickly do some grocery shopping!

Liberty Jr. High Trunk or Treat: Trick or treat down the hallways of the school. The school clubs put this on and do a great job! They distribute candy, prizes, and coloring sheets. They also have some games and prizes for the kids. (Free!) It's fun and is usually always on an evening a few days prior to Halloween.


Sprint Family Fun Days in the P & L District: Trick or treating at the stores and restaurants, free kids' concerts, free horse-led hay rides, free pony rides, free crafts and goodies from local business' booths, free caramel apples, etc. (Free!) It gets pretty busy, but is fun if you can get there early enough!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Eating Halloween

To make Halloween a little extra special for my kids, we've made a few Halloween-related treats the past few days. I had a few more ideas but...they just didn't happen. Maybe next year!

Jack-o-lantern face made of pumpkin spice Eggo waffles with sliced apples...

Jack-o-lantern tostada with a cheese stick stem served with pumpkin bread...

 "Candy corn" fruit parfaits (idea found here)...

 Jack-o-lantern burger...

Monday, October 29, 2012

Pumpkin Pie Playdough for Preschool

So last year, a mom on one of the blogs I follow posted these amazing recipes for pumpkin spiece play dough and apple spice play dough. We couldn't resist and made them immediately. The play dough itself was the best play dough, and with the spices, it just smelled so yummy! Anyway, since I knew Hudson's preschool halloween party was coming up, I thought I'd make some to share with his classmates. And then...I found this adorable way to package it on Pinterest! Hudson helped me package it and was just ecstatic to take it to school!! Here are the results...
Credit: (packaging and play dough)
I also made the bucket! Packaging and bucket supplies are found at your local Hobby Lobby! (I got mine discounted AND on sale!) Hey, do you have the Hobby Lobby app on your cell? If not, you should get it! There is ALWAYS a 40% off coupon on there, AND you don't have to worry about printing anything or remembering your coupon...just pull it up as you check out and show it to the cashier!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Carolyn's Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch


Carolyn's Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch is amazing. Our family LOVES going to the pumpkin patch, and not to buy pumpkins...to play and spend time together as a family outside! Carolyn's offers a pumpkin patch (duh), hay rides, fossil dig, mining, train rides, hay bale maze, huge slides, playground equipment, a wooden fort, play house, kiddie corn maze, pumpkin donuts and apple cider slushes, corn silo, tricycle races, pig races, and tons more. We got the family pass on Groupon and were able to go about 5 or 6 times! They kids were not bored once, and even after Halloween (when it was closed, they were still begging to go again). It really is family-friend, even if you have little ones. You can find discount coupons all over including Hy-Vee. Here are a ton of pictures to give you a better idea of what your adventures could look like.