BounceU

I have been contemplating taking my daughter to BounceU for several weeks now, ever since she went to a birthday party where there was a moon bounce that she absolutely loved.  Even though she bounced her little heart out at the birthday party, I was worried that a place like BounceU might be intimidating to her (and me).  Well, with summer rapidly winding down, I decided we should do something fun these last few days, so we went!

We went for a Preschool Playdate at the Horsham BounceU location, which according to the website calendar takes place every weekday morning from 9:30-11:00 (M, W, F) and from 12:30-2:30 (T, Th).  It costs $8.95 per child and includes 90 minutes of bounce time, plus a snack. You can actually purchase five sessions for $36! It is for children 7 and under. Socks are required to bounce!!

Happy bouncing girl!

Leah had the time of her life. Bouncing, hopping, jumping...her most favorite things!! Now, I have to put it out there that my daughter is not very shy and she has almost no fear!  There were a lot of people there but there is enough equipment that it never really felt too overwhelming.  Now, I did feel like some of the "older children" were a bit rougher.  There is obviously a huge difference between what a 2 year old and 7 year (or even a 4 year old) can do.  That was at times a little frustrating because these bigger kids were tackling each other and not really paying any attention to the little ones.  That's hard even at a playground, so I am used to seeing it, but still, it's always a bit unsettling for a mom to watch!

Trying to climb up for a slide!

Some of the equipment was definitely way above Leah's ability, but that didn't stop her from climbing up some of them and going down the incredibly fast slides. I was bummed that I didn't wear socks because I would have totally taken her up all of the bigger equipment. I know she would have enjoyed it, but I'll remember that for next time!

There is loud music playing the whole time but it was nothing offensive, and quite honestly, I had fun singing along to the tunes!  They played the Electric Slide, Footloose, Twist and Shout...oldies but goodies!

At the end of the bounce time, the staff members (there were a few spread out throughout the bounce areas for the entire play time) took the children to the party room, where the tables were set up for snack. I was very impressed with this!  I expected some crackers in a cup, but they gave each child an individual bag of Goldfish and an Apple and Eve juice box.  This was Leah's first experience with a juice box and with undiluted juice.  She was ecstatic!! The bag of goldfish was actually a very decent size and since it was getting late (I still needed to do my pre-hurricane shopping), we took the bag with us in the car.

Overall, I was very pleased with Bounce U.  I have been to a few different "gym type places" for kids and often leave just feeling dirty or like it wasn't really worth the huge fee.  I did not feel that way about Bounce U at all.  True, there was no "lesson" or group activities like at other places. But, it still gives children the opportunity to socialize and more importantly, take turns and share the equipment!  Although I go back to school next week and won't be free during any of the morning Preschool Playdate sessions (boo hoo for me), I do plan on keeping this in mind for whenever I have off throughout the year. It's a great way for children to be active and get their energy out, especially if you are stuck indoors!

Warning: the slides are VERY fast! :)

PS. Please try to look past the blurriness of the pictures. It is not easy capturing a quick-moving toddler! :)

Double the Rewards from Stonyfield

I am a huge fan of Stonyfield Yogurt and I think their rewards program is one of the best out there! Right now they have a special promotion going on. From August through October, all reward points from YoBaby and YoToddler products will be automatically doubled!!  If you haven't joined My Stonyfield Rewards, then now is a great time to do so!  You'll be earning FREE products in no time!

Great Fun at Merrymead

My niece is visiting with us this week and we've been trying to do some fun things with her. Tonight we took our daughter (22 months) and niece (3.5 years) to Merrymead Farm, located in Lansdale, on Valley Forge Road.  The girls had a TON of fun and didn't want to leave!!

When we first got there, we walked around to see all of the animals.  We saw a hog (the biggest hog I have ever seen), bunnies, goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, a pelican and of course lots of cows!  Except for the hog, all of the animals were up and moving around plenty for the girls to see, and we even heard lots of maas, moos and clucks!

After we walked around, we used the little washroom to clean of their hands. They have kid-sized sinks, which makes hand-washing a much more enjoyable and productive experience!  Then, we made our way into their little store, which happens to serve some of the best ice cream I've ever had.  The prices make the ice cream even better:  a "pint-sized" cup costs $1.99, and a single scoop is $2.99!  There are tons of picnic benches to eat at outside, which of course is great when you are eating with kiddos who tend to spill their food! :)  Before we left, we had to do one more round of animal-looking! On the way, I stopped to take a look at their produce- really fresh looking veggies and fruits for very reasonable prices!

This wasn't my first trip to Merrymead but it was the first time we had been there since October. Leah's enthusiasm for the animals has truly multiplied and I enjoyed our visit more than I expected.  There isn't an abundance of animals, but what they do have is great entertainment for little ones!  Definitely head there soon...you won't be disappointed!

Do you want FREE jewelry?

Some of my readers may know that I sell jewelry, mostly just as a fun little hobby!  I got involved with Premier Designs Jewelry a little over a year ago because I loved their jewelry and realized that if I sold it, I could earn free jewelry and make a little extra money (which then buys me more jewelry!!).

Premier's varied collection of high fashion jewelry makes it easy for everyone to find something they like!  Their prices are very reasonable, too!

One of the best things about Premier Designs is their hostess plan.  Hostesses who have a home show earn 30% of their retail sales in FREE jewelry, plus they can earn up to $100 more in free jewelry based on other factors such as pre-orders, number of guests, bookings made through their show and keeping their original booking date!

Home shows aren't always convenient for everyone so you can also do a catalog show.  Earn 20% of your retail sales, plus get an item at 1/2 off!  Not a bad deal for passing a catalog around your family, friends and coworkers!

Since the summer and beginning of fall is a busy time for many people with vacations and back to school, I am looking for some people to have catalog shows.  Anyone who contacts me before July 30th to hold a catalog show will receive the pair of earrings pictures below for FREE (in addition to your hostess benefits).  Catalog shows must be held before September 30th.

Contact me today if you are interested!

These earrings are go with everything. They are my go-to earrings when I want something simple yet trendy. They are as light as can be- I don't even know I am wearing them. They hang down about 1 1/2 inches. You will love them!

Potty training...is today the day??

My daughter took her diaper off this morning...and she does NOT want it back on. I'm thinking maybe I should try potty training. She's been without a diaper for about 2 hours-I am being very brave!!  She tinkled a little bit two separate times but once I realized she was going, I asked her to go on the potty.  As quick as her little legs could go, she ran to the potty and went a little more! We had one larger accident on the kitchen floor but I know that's to be expected. I have a timer set on my phone for every 15 minutes and when it goes off, she now realizes it's her signal to go to the potty (which is currently set up in the family room, right near all the toys and in direct view of the TV). Of course she gets an M&M each time she goes, too!

She's been interested in the potty and has been going a couple times a day for a few months. Since I'm home with her right now, it's probably a good time to actually be serious about this.  I am interested in other parent's experiences...did you use a timer?  Did you do the naked route?  What's your best advice?

Free sample of Diapers!!

If it's free, it's for me! :) My husband loves to say this...but in all seriousness, who doesn't love free diapers?  Get your free sample of Huggies Diapers at Target.  You have to answer a few survey questions, but truthfully, it takes less than 2 minutes to get your free sample!  Check it out today before it's too late!!

Kids Bowl Free

Just in case you missed this, I am reposting information about Kids Bowl Free. With the HOT weather we are experiencing right now, I think everyone is looking for some indoor activities to enjoy with the kiddos!

This summer, kids all around the country will have the opportunity to bowl for free!  To find a participating bowling alley near you and to learn more information visit Kids Bowl Free!  Registration is required but it's free!

Shopping Deals!!

I would be lying if I said I didn't love shopping. I've always enjoyed shopping- mostly for clothes and boy did this intensify after my daughter was born!!  I rarely look for myself anymore, most of my shopping is devoted to the baby sections. :)  Finding incredible deals makes my shopping experiences even more thrilling. I hardly ever buy anything full price for my daughter.  When she outgrows clothes in as little as 3 months, there is no justification for spending a lot on what she wears!

That's why I love shopping when stores are having incredible sales.   Right now, many stores have their current summer clothes on clearance and are also offering 40% off the sale prices!  This is happening at places such as babyGap, Crewcuts and Old Navy (Old Navy went as far as taking 75% off!!).  I found a navy blue shirt at crewcuts for only $2.99. babyGap is by far on of my favorite stores so when I found shirts for as cheap as $4.19 and adorable dresses for $8.40, I couldn't pass them up!  At Old Navy, I was able to get a skirt for as low as $3!  Now I am being smart about all of my good deals...buying sizes for next summer!  Leah has always been an average "grower" so I feel confident assuming her size for next year.  So not only am I having fun shopping, but I am really being budget-conscience and getting my daughter clothes that ordinarily I wouldn't be buying!

At what stores have you seen amazing deals?

Free $25 Gift Card

Need diapers? Well, this weekend is the perfect time to buy them! Purchase 2 value boxes of Pampers Diapers (Pampers in a bin excluded) at Babies R Us (or online) and receive a $25 gift card to the store. 

If you have any pampers coupons, you are allowed to use them on your purchase. This deal is available on July 15th and July 16th only! Happy shopping!

Summer Movie Express

While I fully believe that children should be outside enjoying their summer vacation, it is nice to have alternative activities for rainy days or for when children simply need a low-key day.  Well, this summer, select Regal Movie Theaters are offering $1 (yes, ONE DOLLAR) admission to a variety of kids movies.  Movies start at 10am and are being shown on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting June 21st and go through August 17.  A variety of movies are being shown, including Ramona and Beezus, Open Season, Charlotte's Web, How to Train Your Dragon and Karate Kid (there are lots more that I did not mention).

Participating theaters include:  Downington Cinema Stadium, Oxford Valley Theater Stadium, Edgemont Square (Newtown Square), Oaks Stadium 24, Warringon Crossing Cinema.  See which movies are playing at a theater near you at the Summer Movie Express.

Hot-Car Tragedies

Whenever I hear about a child being left in a car, I can't help but think "Gosh, how irresponsible is that parent?! How could they forget their child??"  When you have a loud child like mine, who rarely falls asleep in the car, it seems impossible to leave a child in a car.  However, when I read the article Tragedy in the Backseat: Hot-Car Deaths, I couldn't help but sympathize with the mom, Mary Parks who accidentally left her son in the car one morning.  I will say that I still do not understand how a person could leave a child in the car, but I can completely relate to that overwhelmed, stressed out feeling - the busyness that comes from working, coordinating childcare, visiting sick family members, food shopping, cooking, cleaning...the list goes on.  Managing the day-to-day (especially for working moms) can be a lot to handle!  But at the same time, it is your primary responsibility as a mom to care for your child.  So, I am not justifying how people leave children in the car- I simply understand the distractions stress and exhaustion can cause. Regardless, I have to come back to the fact that you must do everything in your power to care for your child and certainly this means making sure your child is not left in a car ever!  

Since mistakes can happen even to the most attentive parent, here are some very practical suggestions (taken from the article above) to help prevent something like this from happening to you:
- Put your cell phone, purse or something else that you will need when you get out of the car on the backseat of your car.
- Place your quieter or younger child behind the passenger's seat in the car. You are more likely to notice them there.
- Keep a stuffed animal in your child's car seat and when your child is riding in his/her seat, move the stuffed animal to the front seat. - - - The stuffed animal will be a reminder that your child is in fact in the car.
- Ask your babysitter or daycare to call you immediately if your child isn't dropped off at the normal time.
- Make a habit of always looking in the back seat and even opening the back door just to make sure no one is back there.

Unless your child is a loudmouth like mine, then perhaps these are some practical precautions you might want to take.  This is another tragedy that can easily be prevented!

Free Class at Children's Music Express

Children's Music Express is kicking off summer this week by offering FREE sample classes at their Chestnut Hill and Huntingdon Valley locations.  Visit their Children's Music and Movement classes, Music for Autism™ class, and Children's Yoga classes (see below for days/times). In addition to experiencing a great class, there will be balloons, facepainting, raffles and prizes!

RSVP now to reserve your spot by calling (215) 275-5594 or email tammy@childrensmusicexpress.com. Please provide your name, the class you’d like to attend, phone or email, and child’s name and age when you RSVP. Reservations are required so hurry to reserve your spot.

Classes at the Chestnut Hill location  (at The Cedars House 200 Northwestern Avenue Philadelphia PA 19118, Forbidden Drive at Northwestern Avenue in Fairmount Park)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Prancing Warriors™ Yoga 9:30 am / Ages 3-4

Power Warriors™ Yoga 10:30 am / Ages 5-8

Peaceful Warriors™ Yoga 11:30 am / Ages 9-12

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Music Lions™ Music and Movement 9:30 am / Ages 3-4

Music Monkeys™ Music and Movement 10:30 am / Ages Infant - 4

Music for Autism™ Music and Movement 11:30 am / Ages 3-5 

Huntingdon Valley (at The Kid Company 2381 Philmont Ave, Suite 119 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, Near the corners of Philmont Avenue and Huntingdon Pike)

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Music for Autism™  Music and Movement 6:30 pm / Ages 6-8

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Music Lions™ Music and Movement 9:30 am / Ages 3-4

Music Monkeys™ Music and Movement 10:30 am / Ages Infant - 4 

Peaceful Warriors™ Yoga 11:30 am / Ages 9-12

Power Warriors™ Yoga 4:30 pm / Ages 5-8

Music for Autism™ Music and Movement 6:30 pm / Ages 9-12 

Friday, June 10, 2011

Music for Autism™ Music and Movement 12:15 pm / Ages 3-5

Drowning Dangers

Two of my friends posted articles about drowning today and after reading both of them, I felt it was really important to share them with Mom2MomPhilly readers.  While many parents would say "oh that would never happen to me,"  the truth is, it happens more often than it should.  Drowning is the number two leading cause of death for children. Drowning also happens to be completely preventable! One article said that babies can drown in just 1 inch of water!  Water safety is important for all people but it is even more crucial if you have babies and toddlers around. After reading 18 Seconds, I was completely heartbroken for this family, whose little girl died while swimming in a crowded pool. It took just a second for the parents to lose sight of their toddler (and you know that happens to every parent at some point).

Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning is an informative article that will help you recognize when someone is drowning!  Surprisingly, drowning victims usually don't look like they are drowning.  Drowning victims do not have the ability to wave or reach out for help.  Read the article for more information.

After reading these two articles, I decided to do some more reading on this topic.  I came across Water safety: Protect your child from drowning. They offer some suggestions for helping to prevent drowning- not only in pools and oceans but in toilets and bathtubs, as well.  A couple of the suggestions I personally needed to be reminded of include: removing toys from the tub (or blow up pool in our case); Shutting toilets and install childproof toilets; shutting bathroom doors!

Don't let a preventable tragedy like drowning happen to your family. Take precautions and keep your family safe this summer!

Great Deals for Restaurants

Groupon is offering some great deals on local restaurants right now.  Allegra Grille in Maple Glen, Mile High Steak and Seafood in Glen Mills, Vintage Grille in Doylestown and Nina's Trattoria in South Philly are just some of the tasty establishments offering discounts. Check out these restaurant deals, as well as other great deals by clicking here.

The "fine print" for each deal is clearly spelled out before you even purchase, so there will be no surprises when you go to use your certificates.  50% discounts make eating out a lot more affordable!  Deals only last for a couple of days, so don't delay making your purchase!

Old Navy Groupon Deal

If you like shopping at Old Navy (who doesn't?), then you must check out this Groupon deal.  Spend $10 and you will get a $20 certificate to use at Old Navy! This deal expires June 2nd at midnight, so don't delay!

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!

Ladies Who Run

A women's running group is beginning in the Collegeville, PA area. Tomorrow, June 1st, is the first run, which happens to coincide with National Running Day!  The run will be at 9:30 a.m. at 101 New Mill Road Oaks, PA, Lower Perkiomen Valley Park (meet in the 1st parking lot on the left).  For more information, click to view their flyer and find them on facebook!




Anyone interested in running is welcome.  You do not have to be a marathon runner, nor is this group just for Moms!  More running groups/times will be added, as well!  

Summer Fun!

Who isn't excited for summer? This Memorial Day Weekend has given us all a taste of what the next 3 months will be bringing! Summer is supposed to be filled with BBQs, swimming at pools, taking beach day trips and taking your kids (or nieces and nephews) to Carnivals and Fairs!

I had fun searching for events to put on this page.  I really searched for events that offered discounts/deals on tickets for families.  I believe all families can find an event close to where they live and I don't think that these fairs and township festivals will break the bank!

In an ideal world, I'd make it to all of the fairs I have listed but I know it's not going to happen. I'd love to have Mom2MomPhilly readers share their experiences at any events they go to. Where did you find the best funnel cake?  Which place had excellent rides for toddlers or preschoolers?  Which events have fireworks at night?  So please, comment!  We truly value your feedback!

Manners and Children

I'd like to think that all parents teach their children manners and how to be respectful.  Obviously, I realize that this is not the case and it's very unfortunate. Sometimes, I think parents focus too much about the academic part of development that social skills are given the back burner.  While learning to read and having quick recall of basic math facts is really important, they aren't the only things that should be focused on when raising a child. Teaching children manners and proper etiquette should also be a major part of parenting. Modeling these behaviors to help your child know what is appropriate and in some cases, you simply need to tell them what is expected.  As a teacher, I spend a lot of time teaching and reminding my students what good manners are and how to show respect to adults and classmates. It can't be expected that children will just know how to do this.  Yes, some children might catch on a little quicker than others, but they all need to see and hear what is expected of them.


I recently came across an article, 25 manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9 (thanks for posting, Aileen). As I read through, I agreed with almost all of them and I think it's a good list for parents to read and work on with their children (and most importantly model).  I'm not saying Leah will learn all of these by nine.  Nine years old seems to be a bit young to master such a comprehensive list of manners but at least we have a goal!  


Are there any other manners you would add to this list?

Pretend Play

"Imaginative play is a precursor of conceptual thought – in which possibilities are explored upon the inner 'stage' of a child's imagination." – Erik Erikson


It is argued that developing an imagination is crucial for gaining knowledge and that children who engage in more pretend play at a younger age have a richer vocabulary, are less impulsive and turn out to be great leaders!  Furthermore, pretend play builds social and social skills, language skills and thinking skills. For a more in-depth look, read the article, How to Encourage Preschool Pretend Play. Don't be deceived by the title...pretend play usually begins around 18 months and lasts all the way through childhood! Although it is introduced during toddlerhood, older children certainly will enjoy pretend play!


Leah has recently become very interested in pretend play.  She is taking a sudden interest in baby dolls and enjoys feeding them, rocking them and putting them in the toy cradle.  Leah also enjoys playing with her dollhouse, putting the "people" in the bed (and saying shhh!), having them "ock" (rock) in the rocking chair and even letting them slide down her slide (while she yells whee)! It's fun to see imaginative play taking place and I hope that her love for this form of play continues to grow!

While many toy stores sell plenty of toys that encourage imaginative play, it is not necessary to spend a ton of money on them. Chances are you have items lying around your house that would be great props for encouraging pretend play.  For example, put no longer used clothing, hats, shoes and jewelry in a box for children to play dress up.  Do you have large boxes hanging around your house? Let your child have them...you would be surprised with what children will create with boxes!  Allow your child to play chef: all they need is some old old tupperware and utensils and empty food boxes/containers and the cooking can begin!  


At a time where technology is overtaking our lives and there is so much instant gratification because of technological advances, it is important to still give children ample opportunities to simply play, be creative with with their toys (or household items) and make up games. I know for me, some of my fondest memories as a kid are playing school, store and house with my sisters. 


What is your child's favorite pretend play activity?

Free Events on May 18th!!

Looks like the rain is going to stick around for another day or so. Thankfully there are some great indoor activities taking place in the area tomorrow. A trip to a museum is a great rainy-day activity.  A free trip is even better and that's exactly what you will find tomorrow at area museums.  Tomorrow is International Museum Day so museums throughout Philadelphia are offering free admission.  Some museums participating in this include: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Museum-administered Park Houses, Cedar Grove and Mount Pleasant, as well as the nearby Rodin Museum

The Franklin Institute is also offering free admission tomorrow between 5 and 8pm. Visit hands-on exhibits like the Giant Heart, enjoy shows in the IMAX theaters and view the amazing night sky in the observatory. Learn more here!