Northern Star Farm, Trappe PA

I love Halloween!  It is one of my favorite holidays (along with Thanksgiving).  It is fun, scary, and you get to dress up and pretend to be whatever you want....oh yeah, and the CANDY!

One of the things I like to do to kick off the Fall season is to go to a local farm for pumpkin picking.  Today we visited Northern Star Farm in Trappe, PA.

This the first time we went out to this farm.  I checked out the website and the list of activities included a petting farm, hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin, pony rides, and corn maze, just to name a few.  This is just what we were looking for!

We met up with friends today and arrived at the farm when it opened at 10am.  We were greeted by hay bales made to look like spiders and a big pumpkin.  So cute!  There was also displays of large mums and pumpkins around the farm.  We wandered around the farm and saw chickens, cows, kittens, baby calves, and ponies.  We bought tickets for the hayride, the petting zoo, and for the pony ride. 

We started the day with the petting farm.  In this area, there were rabbits, goats, a pig, and a donkey.  There was also an area where little ones could crawl through a hay maze.  Mason loved going through that with his Daddy!

While we waited for the tractor, Mason and Kayla took a wagon ride.  We then went on the hayride out to pick our own pumpkins. Mason and Kayla loved the tractor ride and Mason picked a pumpkin from the patch that we will take home to decorate. 

Last stop on our tour for the day was the pony ride.  Mason rode a sweet pony named Violet.  This was Mason's first pony ride and he loved it!

We pretty much finished up after the hayride until I found the biggest, most beautiful, and dare I say, cheapest mums around!  This mum was $5.00......YES, $5.00!!!!

We left the farm around noon.  This was a perfect way to spend 2 hours out with our little guy.  He had so much fun petting the animals, picking his pumpkin, and crawling through the hay.  Definitely check out this farm if you want a real farm experience!

Temple Infant Lab, Ambler PA

On occasion, I have received a flyer in the mail from the Infant Lab at the Temple University campus in Philadelphia, PA about having Mason participate in various studies.  The problem for me is that going to the Temple University campus in Philadelphia, PA is just not going to work for me logistically.  I am unfamiliar with the area and I always worry about finding parking.  In the previous chapter in my life, I was a teacher, so this opportunity has always been very interesting to me.  I was bummed because I would love to participate in a research study with Mason.

One night, I was wandering around the world of Facebook and found the Temple University Infant Lab, Ambler Campus.  My problem seemed to be solved.  I filled out a request for Mason to participate in a study and was contacted within days that there was a study open for him!

Upon entering the facility, we were greeted by a large variety of books, toys and puzzles for Mason to play with.  It was nice that Mason could play and get acquainted with his new surroundings before the study began.  I had to fill out some paperwork regarding Mason's current verbal skills and crawling/walking history while the coordinator spoke to me about the study details.

The study Mason participated in dealt with coordinate spatial relations and categorical spatial relations.  Researchers are trying to investigate how infants manage these types of information when both are available.  The X and + Study and Balls on Shapes Study is trying to determine if certain situations bias infants to encode coordinate and categorical information (X and +) and whether infants can combine coordinate information to give them the best estimate of the location (Balls on Shapes).  Basically, Mason sat on my lap while he watched a series of videos.  He was video taped so his eye movements could be studied at a later time.  There was one last study where he watched a computer that tracked where Mason's eyes looked when presented with different sounds and shapes.  This study looked at how he remembered where the shapes appeared and where he expected them to appear upon hearing a particular sound.

When the study was completed, Mason received a certificate and a T-shirt for his participation! 

He also got to pick a toy from the prize shelf.  He picked a football! 

Check out the website for the Temple Infant Lab if you are interested in learning more or signing up your child to participate in a study.  They are always looking for children ages 5 months to 6 years old to participate in studies.

InboxDollars

I LOVE InboxDollars!  Plain and simple.  It is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money.  How does it work?  Advertisers pay InboxDollars to reach consumers like you. InboxDollars shares the revenues received from advertisers with their Members.  InboxDollars is 100% free to join. In fact, they will pay you! Simply complete their sign up form and they will credit your account $5.00 just for trying their service.

Plus, there are so many other ways to earn money through InboxDollars.  Some offers include:

• Cash offers and 100% free offers in which you can earn cash for trying new products and services.
• Cash surveys in which you can earn cash for sharing your opinion.  There are new surveys every day and you can earn $0.50 for every completed survey.
• Cash games in which you can can earn cash back into your InboxDollars account on every game entry fee.
• Cash shopping in which you can earn cash back with your favorite merchants.
• Cash coupons in which you can earn .10 for every coupon you print and redeem.
• Cash tasks in which you can earn cash for completing easy tasks.

InboxDollars generally sends 2 or 3 Paid Emails per day to your email account. This is the easiest way I earn money.  By clicking on the daily emails I receive, I earn .02 in my Inbox Dollars account.  After clicking the confirmation link, my account gets credited instantly and I am taken to an Advertiser’s web site.  It doesn't sound like much, but it adds up. Once your account balance reaches $30.00, you may request a payment.

Baby Sleep Positioners

When I was pregnant with Mason, I wanted one of these positioners because I was so afraid that he would roll over onto his belly and he would be stuck there, not having the strength to roll back over.  Mason slept by the side of my bed in his bouncy seat for the first 3 months and it wasn't until after that that he was in his crib, so I never bought a sleep positioner.  Thank God I didn't!

I saw this  link on Channel 6 news website.  I think this is important enough to share.  Please tell your friends who might consider using one so no more little babies die unnecessarily.

WASHINGTON (AP) - September 29, 2010 (WPVI) -- The government is warning parents and caregivers to stop using infant sleep positioners - those soft fabric products that anxious parents put in the crib to keep babies safely sleeping on their backs.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday they know of 12 infants in the last 13 years who died when they suffocated in a positioner or became trapped and suffocated between the positioner and the side of a crib. The infants were between the ages of one month and four months. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from a side to stomach position.

CPSC has also received dozens of reports of infants who were placed on their backs or sides in sleep positioners and later found in potentially dangerous position in or next to the sleep positioners.

So, here's what the CPSC is telling parents to do:

• STOP using sleep positioners.
• NEVER put pillows, infant sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib.
• ALWAYS place an infant on his or her back at night and during nap time.

Kids Weecycle, Ambler PA

Today I continued my consignment shopping at Kids Weecycle, located in Ambler, PA.  This was my first time at the sale and was more than pleased at the selection and variety of articles offered!  This sale was from 8:00am -1:00pm.  The best part of the sale - - - there was a half price sale from 12:00pm - 1:00pm.  Can you say SOLD? I know that most sales offer a half price day or a $1 day, but if you find yourself limited on days to get out and shop, having half price day on the same day as the regular sale is a brilliant idea!

Here's what I got today:

$3.50

$2.00

$3.00

$4.50 

$4.00

$3.00

The total for today: $20.00 (and I saved $20.00!!!)  I did go to the half price sale from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.  What a bargain!

Please Touch Museum

Recently, I had the opportunity to check out a new program, You and Me Playdates, at the Please Touch Museum.  I was so excited because it had been years since I had been to this museum located in Philadelphia.  It had been so long, in fact, that I had not been to the new Please Touch Museum located at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.  Getting to the museum was a lot easier than I though.  And, once we got there, there was an easily accessible parking lot.  Parking was $8.00 for the day.  However, you may be able to find free, local parking if you are willing to walk a little.

You and Me Playdates offer a chance for children and their parents to play together and experience music, art, puppetry and make believe.  Here is a little information about the programs.

Music:  You, Me & Music will explore music that features the String, Wind, and Percussion families.  It is a 3 week class appropriate for ages 2-5 beginning Monday, November 1, 2010.  During this class we were introduced to the String family.  The session leader started the session by singing children's favorite songs on the guitar.  The children were given a cardboard harp with rubber bands as the strings.  How cute!  The children were then encouraged to join in on the song and strum their instruments too.  The leader allowed the children to have an educational, hands on experience with the instruments and the children had an opportunity to strum the guitar and play their favorite song on the violin. 

Music is Mason's FAVORITE activity!  I have had Mason listening to music since he was in utero.  Having a background in music, BMUS and having taught for many years, I strongly believe in the power of music and how influential it can be on people.  Since Mason was able to sit up, he would sway back and forth to music.  He progressed to clapping, dancing, spinning, jumping, and now he is humming his favorite songs.  He even sings You Are My Sunshine with me or my husband when we put him down for bed.  This class was exceptional.  It was definitely age appropriate for Mason's age and skill level.  I would recommend this class for anyone with a child about 18 months and up. 

Art: You, Me and Art is a 6 week session for children 8 and under.  During the sessions you and your child will create projects such as Mix it up with color, Print and Pattern Party, Halloween Festive Fun, FALL into Art, Express Yourself and Drip! Drop! Splat!  All art supplies are included in the pricing. Classes begin Monday, October 4, 2010.

Art is something I am just really getting into with Mason.  On occasion, I have given him crayons to color with, but, until recently, he would mostly try to eat the crayons.  Mason has also started to color with Crayola 3 Ct Washable Tadoodles Crayon Buddies and really seems to like them.  I was very interested in seeing how Mason would respond to other art media besides crayons and paper. 

Mason loved the art project presented to him.  He was able to use glue, markers, and play with buttons and stickers to decorate a bag with his name on it.  He did much better at this art project than I would have thought.  I guess I have start busting out the crayons and paints more!

Puppetry: You, Me and Puppetry is a 3 week session beginning on Saturday, November 6, 2010.  This program is will introduce your child to Rod Puppets, Shadow Puppets, and Marionettes. 

Our class introduced Shadow Puppets to the children.  I have often played with sock and hand puppets with Mason, but never shadow puppets.  Mason loves puppets and I was excited when I found out what kind of puppets we would be playing with during the session.  

During our preview of the puppetry session, Mason seemed to enjoy himself.  This class is intended for ages 5-9, so this was currently a little out of his age range.  However, he snuck behind the curtain and was thrilled with watching the Puppeteer behind the screens.  Eventually, the other children also decided behind the screen was interesting too.  The leader of the group was flexible and recognized he needed to change the program for the age level in the class tht day.  The leader was excellent in going with the program and decided to let the children explore and play with the puppets.  In teaching children, especially preschool age, flexibility is a necessity and the program allowed for the explorartive behavior children inherently possess.

Make Believe:  You, Me and Make Believe is a 3 week session beginning on Monday, October 4, 2010.  It is geared towards ages 3-6.  You, Me and Make Believe will explore different themes through the use of story books, props, movement, and dramatic play.  The session of creative play at the Please Touch Museum we experienced was so much fun!.  The session we sat in on was Camping Kids.  Other sessions will include Fall Fun and Big/Small Short/Tall.  Camping kids started with an introduction to camping and the camping experience.

Mason is just getting into make believe play.  He is starting to dress up with Daddy's baseball hat or tries to put on my shoes.  I bought his Halloween costume and loves to wear it.  I can tell this kid is going to have a creative and bright imagination.  Mason was so interested in the camping gear and loved the binoculars, the play fire, and the tent that was set up for the children to explore. 

After the sessions, we were allowed to take Mason and explore all the offerings of the Museum.  Our first stop was checking out a brand new exhibit, Space Station.  Space Station is an addition to the Flight Fantasy exhibit opening in October 2010.  This exhibit will include a shiny, sliver rocket that soars above visitors heads.  Children will be able to build their own rockets and use launchers to blast their creations into space.  A 18 foot steel Ring Tower will provide youngsters with targets and kids can attempt to shoot their targets through the rings!

Children will also be able to suit up like an astronaut in front of a blue screen and pretend to walk in space or fly their own rocket ship through the solar system.  There will also be a Busy Board in which kids will be able to practice their flying skills throught he use of  space-aged effected levers and buttons.

After our fun in the Space Station, Mason explored a city bus, a car, a crane where he could pick up and drop balls, River Adventure (a very large and extensive water play table), and last, but not least, the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel.  

The Please Touch Museum is locally and nationally recognized as one of the best children's museums.  It is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 11am to 5pm.  Admission is $15 for adults and children age 1 and up.  Children under 1 are free. 

Location:

          Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
          4231 Avenue of the Republic
          (formerly North Concourse Drive)
          Philadelphia, PA 19131
          (215) 581-3181
          ATTN GPS USERS: Use 4231 North Concourse Drive for directions

The Please Touch Museum provided me and my family passes in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Amazon Mom

                     


Since I have been laid up with a broken foot and strict instructions not to walk on it for at least 6 weeks, my husband has taken over all the household chores.  I wish there was something more I could do to help him, but my options are limited.  The other day, we were looking at the ads and he commented that we needed Overnight diapers for Mason.  I looked at all the ads and pulled the coupons and price compared, but just couldn't find a deal I was happy with.  I remembered that I recently received an e-mail from Amazon.com about a new program, Amazon Mom.  I pulled my emails and discovered this was exactly what I needed!

Amazon Mom is a free membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers, from the prenatal days through the toddler years.  To join Amazon Mom, simply sign into your Amazon account and provide some information about whether you are a Mom, Dad, or other caregivers of a child. By providing some optional information about your family, you will help Amazon.com to personalize offers, e-mails, and product recommendations for you.  What sold me was the fact that Amazon Mom members receive benefits such as 30% off diapers and wipes, FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime, as well as exclusive offers via e-mail.   I especially hate paying for shipping, so this was perfect!

Here's what I did: I price compared the number of diaper versus cost and decided to go with the Pampers Baby Dry Overnight Extra Protection Diapers, Size 4, 27-Count (Case of 4) (108-Count).  They were $36.60 for the case of 4 packs, making it about .34 per diaper.  To receive the 30% off discount on diapers and wipes, all I had to do was select the Subscribe and Save Now button on applicable items and the 30% off was applied automatically.  This brought my total down by $10.98.  Shipping was free.  On top of that, I stacked the available $5.00 Amazon.com gift certificate I received from using Swagbucks.  My new grand total was: $20.62.  Now, I am paying about .19 per diaper.  What a difference!

According to Amazon.com, benefits that Amazon Mom members receive include exclusive discounts on a variety of products and categories. Discounts and promotions that are e-mailed to your Amazon.com e-mail account or made available on the Amazon Mom membership page.

Benefits include:

• 30% off select diapers and wipes: As an Amazon Mom, you receive an additional 15% discount on top of the standard 15% discount on Subscribe and Save when you sign up for Subscribe & Save delivery. Subscribe & Save shipping is always free, and you can change your delivery schedule or cancel at any time. No fees, no risks, no obligations.

• FREE 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime: When you join Amazon Mom, you will receive FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime for the first 3 months of your membership. For each $25 you spend within a single order in the Baby Store, we’ll grant you an additional month of Amazon Prime shipping benefits. You can earn up to one year from the date you joined Amazon Mom.

It doesn't cost anything to participate in Amazon Mom, and all parents and caregivers are eligible to join.  To sign-up, visit the Amazon Mom sign-up page.  Once you submit the sign-up form, you'll receive an e-mail confirmation.  Amazon Mom is open to anyone. If your kids are older than toddlers, you can still join the program; you just may not enjoy some of the benefits that are targeted at younger children.

This program has definitely helped to make my life a little easier and it is one less thing my husband has to do.  I feel
                                                                                  like I can contribute in helping with
                                                                                  the household and I don't even have 
                                                                                  to leave the sofa!