BBQ Grills

I am shopping around for a nice/reliable BBQ grill so I can cut down on some unnecessary heat in the house. 

My question is... 

What do you like about your grill? 

Do you have a preference in brand?

Features?

-I don't think all of the extras will be necessary for us, but I want something that will last, and something we will love using. 

Thanks for your help!!!

Groupon: Tucson now has a HOT Daily Deal Site

I have to share my new money saving website for Tucson.  Groupon just launched in Tucson in April and I have been loving all the amazing deals I have been able to get.  Groupon offers a daily deal of 50-90% off a service, restaurant, retail store, bakery, and more.  I have been able to get screaming deals for Ecomaids, birthday cakes, admission to local attractions, and restaurants. Most of the groupons give you a whole year to use them.

I took advantage of the groupon to the Arizona Inn the day it was offered.  For $30, you got $70 to the Arizona Inn.  Our anniversary was approaching and I thought it would be great to go somewhere fancy to celebrate.  Since we were celebrating our anniversary, they threw in 2 desserts for FREE. The Pomegranate Cheesecake was heavenly! We spent $20 (tip and taxes) for $106 meal.  I actually used $30 in referral groupon cash to pay for the certificate, so it literally only cost us $20.

Groupons are available for over 50 large cities across the United States.  I am always looking for deals in Salt Lake City and Phoenix that we can use when we go visit.  If you are planning a vacation, it's a huge way to save money.

I post the daily deals on mysavvysavings.com.  I hope this saves you all as much money as this has been saving me!

Boys baby clothes & stroller

Hey just wanted to let anyone know that I have 2 big gabage bags of nb-4 mths old boy clothes some of it has been through my other boys and some have hardly been worn. I also have a blue stroller too that we no longer use. So let me know if your interested..call,e-mail or text me! If I have no takers I'll just take it to the DI. Thanks!

What to Do With the Kids This Summer

Kids Bowl FREE Program

Click here for information!

 

Tower Theatres: Summer Treehouse Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah!!!  The Tower Theatres are the closest theatre to where we live.  Last year we had so much fun going to different movies each week.  Kids 10 and under are free and everyone else is $1.  It will only cost me $2 to take my 4 kids 11 and under to the movies this summer!

Click here to see the schedule!

 Oracle View Summer Movie Club

Click here to see the Schedule!

Barnes & Noble: Summer Reading Program

1. Kids read any 8 books and track them in the Passport to Summer Reading.

(DOWNOAD PASSPORT: here )

2.Bring your completed Passport to a Barnes & Noble store between May 25 and September 7, 2010.

3. Choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of your Passport. Your name will be automatically entered in the autographed book sweepstakes.

Here is the list of Free books the kids get to choose from:

• Abraham Lincoln: Lawyer, Leader, Legend Justine Korman Fontes 1-2
• Curious George Cleans Up / Jorge el curioso limpia el reguero H. A. Rey 1-2
• Frog and Toad Are Friends Arnold Lobel, 1-2
• Last One In Is a Rotten Egg Leonard Kessler 1-2
• Gorillas: Gentle Giants Of The Forest John Milton, 1-2
• Thomas Jefferson's Feast Frank Murphy 1-2
• My Trip to the Zoo Mercer Mayer 1-2
• January Joker by Ron Roy 3-4
• Goldie Ellen Miles by 3-4
• Ramona la chinche by Beverly Cleary 3-4
• Trouble at the Arcade by Franklin W. Dixon 3-4
• Sophie The Awesome by Lara Bergen 3-4
• Treasure Fever by Andy Griffiths 3-4
• Ramona's World by Beverly Cleary 3-4
• Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer 3-4
• The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden 3-4
• The Calder Game by Blue Balliett 5-6
• El Soñador by Pam Muñoz Ryan 5-6
• The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan 5-6
• The Capture by Kathryn Lasky 5-6
• Jim and Me by Dan Gutman 5-6
• The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley 5-6
• The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl 5-6
• Freckle Juice by Judy Blume 5-6
• Stolen Sapphires: A Samantha Mystery by Sarah Masters Buckey 5-6
• No Talking by Andrew Clements 5-6
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien 5-6
• My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe 5-6

*Eligible books will be listed on the coupon. Choices must be made from available stock. No special orders. Limit of one (1) form per school-age child (grades 1-6), please. Incomplete form will be ineligible for free books.

Pima County Summer Reading Program

Plus don't forget the great program offered at the Pima County Library for kids or teens! We have such a great library system here. If your local library doesn't have it, you can request it. If the county doesn't own the book and it has been out for more than a year, they will search and borrow it from another library participating in the Inter library loan program. It doesn't cost you a cent.

How to participate

Using the Gameboard

• Visit your local library and pick up a free gameboard any time between May 27 and July 24.
• Start counting the time you spend reading.
• Mark your progress on the gameboard.
• Every time you read 6 hours, bring your gameboard into any Pima County Public Library and get a prize.

You can also track all the kids progress online this year. Click here to visit their website!

5/21 FREE Admission with Can of Food to the International Wildlife Museum

Wondering what to do with your kids on their first day of Summer Break?

Celebrate Museum Day

International Museum Day has been recognized worldwide since 1977, and the International Wildlife Museum celebrates again this year by offering free admission on Friday, May 21st from 9:00am to 5:00pm with a donation of non-perishable food items for the Tucson Community Food Bank.  Explore the museum at your leisure and enjoy wildlife films every hour and the newest rotating exhibits - Desert Oasis and Sharks:  Fierce Hunters of the Sea.  Celebrate International Museum Day with a free day of fun while helping benefit the Tucson Community Food Bank.

AZ Republic: Sunday and Wednesday Papers for .75 per week

This is one of the best deals I've seen for the Republic.  They deliver to many areas in and around Tucson.

 

Choose from:

Sunday + Wednesday: First 26 weeks for $19.50 ($0.75/wk)

Sunday + Wednesday: First 52 weeks for $39.00 ($0.75/wk)

*Offers valid if you have not been a subscriber in the past 30 days.


Link to offer
Promo code: ME5

Honey Balsamic Chicken (from Kelly the Kitchen Kop)

I made the best recipe last night!

It was SO easy and SO delicious and SO good for you...according to pretty much any eating plan.

This Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe comes from Kelly the Kitchen Kop's website...and she got if from Amy D.

I'm pretty used to Kelly having great recipes...but this one will be an all-time fav!

Enjoy!

Baby Food

I have about 20 of the little plastic tubs of baby food. Most of it is good until next year, a few expire in July or August. Let me know if anyone is interested!

Anyone selling a Full/Queen Bed?

I'm looking to buy a full or queen bed (mattress, boxspring and frame if possible) in good condition for my 13 year old son. He is growing like a weed, and just tonight showed me how his feet hang off his twin bed! My husband wants to hit the garage sales, but I thought I'd try this first.
Please e-mail me at aubreysattic@hotmail.com if interesed in selling!
Thanks, Christy O.

Preschool Grduation Gowns

For any of you who had a child in the 4's class with the Marana Parks and Rec Playroom program, I have an odd request. I run a preschool from my home and I only have 5 children per class. After seeing the kids take their graduation gowns home with them today I got an idea. I was wondering if anyone of you would mind donating your child's gown to my preschool cause :) I don't want to take them if your child wants to keep theirs, but if they don't care and you don't know what to do with a random preschool graduation gown, I'll take it!! I only need five. Let me know if yours is up for the taking! Thanks,

Amber Kunz

amber_kunz24@yahoo.com

Organic Pajamas @ Costco

The NW Costco has 100% Organic Cotton Kid Pajamas (Hanna Andersson brand) without flame retardant...for $11.99!

Google wouldn't let me upload any pics...but they are great!

They are nice, sturdy cotton, without feet (Great for Tucson Summers). It looked like they go up to size 3.

There were some really cute pink ones, but alas, I opted for the less cute boy-ish ones in every size...hoping they will last through, at least, one more kid.

I noticed some organic cotton Disney clothes there, as well...in case that sparks your interest!

Need a babysitter????

If anyone needs or knows anyone who needs a sitter I am looking to watch a couple kids in my home. I currently watch a little boy part time but would like to watch 1-3 more. I will only have one at home starting next school year. I have a lot of references to give and can talk details to anyone that is interested. Thanks so much! nicole@desertbrilliance.com 578-0172

Preschool drawing class

I'm excited to sign Miles up for this class to be held later this month!

Before Hailey was born I used to teach Young Rembrandt art classes at Rattle Snake Ridge Elementary and Estes Elementary in the afternoons. Having been involved with this program I felt that the classes helped the kids enjoy art and feel good about themselves and their abilities. I taught this same preschool art class over at YMCA a couple years back and found it was even more fun to teach the preschoolers than the older kids...they were so cute and so eager to participate! 

So anyway, this class is close by and reasonably priced so I thought I'd spread the word! I have the director's contact info if you want more information about other classes.

FREE Parenting Class from Renown Psychologist at Estes Elementary TONIGHT

Parent & Teacher Night Talk 

with Dr. Carolyn Crowder, Ph.D.

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
Estes Elementary School Cafeteria

Dr. Crowder is a licensed psychologist in practice in the Tucson area for 30 years who specializes in working with parents and children.

She also has...

*    Published three parenting books: The national bestseller Backtalk (1998), Whining (2000) and Eating, Sleeping, and Getting Up (2002).

*    Appeared on national TV shows including The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline, and Lifetime Live. She has been interviewed by many magazines, newspapers, and radio/television stations including NPR.

*    Lectured in local and national professional conferences and seminars in the US and internationally.

*     Held many positions in the Tucson area including therapist for elementary school special education students with behavioral problems, psychologist and department head with the state prison, consultant with juvenile court, children’s treatment coordinator for Las Familias, and therapist at the university counseling center.

*   Teaches a parenting model that is based on the Adlerian tenets of mutual respect, consistent follow-through, social interest, modeling, and a kind but firm attitude. She also includes parent education as an alternative to prescribing medications for challenging behaviors.

Know anyone with a pickup?

Hey everyone? We are looking at getting a "big girl" bed for Marissa's room. Does anyone have a pickup they could kindly let us borrow to pick up a bed set when we find one?? Thanks... Katie

Rentals in Gladden Farms

Hi Girls,

I have a friend who is thinking of moving to Gladden Farms.  They were thinking of buying a house, but might need to rent one for awhile first.  If anyone has any tips on rentals please pass along the info!  jamieleeeast@aol.com

Free Long Stem Rose for all you MOM's!

Buck's Fuel & Service is giving a long stem rose to mom's in honor of Mother's Day this Sunday!

Stop by and be sure to thank him! He's been doing this for the past 20 years!

 (SW corner of 1st Ave and River Rd and they are open from 7am to 9pm.)

PS HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Uddercovers: Smoking Hot Deal for Nursing Moms

Uddercovers.com has a great deal going on.  

If you know someone who is expecting and planning on nursing, this is an amazing gift! 

I ordered one for my sister when they did this last year, and she loved it.

The covers normally cost $32 plus $9.95 shipping. Use Promo Code: ONEFREE

to get one for FREE. You only pay the $9.95 shipping!

 

Fun Kid sites

I have had a few people ask me about websites I let my kids go to and play (I have 4 kids, 5 and under).

My sister came over recently and was showing her 18 month old some fun music video clips that I loved. They are fun songs that get your kids moving or learning or both. Beware...they are silly, so don't be so serious. :)

His name is Eric Herman. The website is http://www.erichermanmusic.com/video.html

I haven't gone to everything on the site, but the playlist under the VIDEO button is what I have seen and like. (just click on the full screen button and let it play!) I don't know anything about costs of anything he sells, I am just letting you know about the fun FREE music video playlist he has up.

I also am a big fan of www.starfall.com. I think it helped my oldest learn to read. Although the leapfrog Letter Factory was a great start as well (I bought our DVD at Target).

Before we had cable my kids watched shows on Nickjr.com, pbskids.org and playhousedisney.com. Now they still like to but play games on there as well. I have a few other sites I let them go to, but if you want to know just ask, not sure what you are looking for!

What do you let your kids do on the computer?

seedlings

I have way too many seedlings sprouted in our little backyard garden and as the plants get bigger there just won't be room for all of them. So I need to thin things out a bit---but I don't like to kill perfectly good plants...

If anybody is interested I have some watermelon seedlings, a zucchini plant (started from a seed) with baby zucchinis already on it, and some Roma Tomato seedlings (still very small but I bet if you give them excellent soil and plenty of water they will do great).

Please let me know if you're interested!

Marana Marlins Swim Team

Summer is just around the corner, and swim team
was a life saver for our family the past 2 years!!

If you are interested in joining the Marana Marlins
Swim Team, they will be starting practices on
June 1st at the Ora Mae Harn Pool.

The cost is $50 for the first child and $40 per
additional child in the family.

Practices will be twice daily-
mornings- 6:30 a.m.-7:30a.m.
evenings - 6:15 p.m.- 7:15 p.m.

To sign up, just show up at practice, and get started!
For more information, e-mail Debbie Sullivan at
MaranaMarlins@gmail.com