On Christmas Break!

I'm enjoying time with family - both my husband's side and mine!  I'll resume postings after the holidays.

Merry Christmas!

Elf Yourself & Office Max Coupon

Merry Christmas from me.  I realize these came out last year, but I forgot about them and rediscovered them last night and had a good chuckle.  My kids watched them over and over again today!  If you haven't done one for your family, it is fun & free!  And, after you create one Office Max will send you an email asking you to register - if you do, you immediately get a $10/off $30 purchase at Office Max emailed to you.  Enjoy!

Family Christmas Activity - Easy Acre Farm's "A Country Christmas"

Easy Acre Farm is having a family Christmas event this Saturday & Sunday, December 18 & 19 from 1:00-7:00pm. 

"Bundle up & come on out to the farm for another great 'photo farm' event.  See Santa with his Sleigh and live Reindeer!  Bring your camera and make some 'Merry' memories."

Sounds like fun to me!

Cost:
$7/person or $20/family (kids under 2 are free)
CASH ONLY

More info: http://easyacrefarm.homestead.com/

Address: 3347 E 50 N

Kokomo, IN 46901

Phone: (765) 419-1973

easyacrefarmer@aol.com

Old Navy Sale - $1 on Performance Fleece Scarves (12/18 Only)

Still in need of a couple stocking stuffers?  This Saturday, Dec 18 Old Navy is having a $1 sale on their performance fleece scarves for the whole family.  Maximum purchase of 5 scarves (don't be greedy now!).

Holiday Date? Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops Dec 22

So, do you have lots of family & friends around this holiday season?  Make them babysit, grab a date or a friend and head to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops for a night AWAY from all the craziness! Want to make it a really great evening?  My friend Beth recommends the restaurant"Twenty" @ Charlie Creek Inn - I haven't been there yet, but she said the food is amazing!  Sounds like a fun night to me!

Info:
Dec 22 at  or call 7:30pm in WABASH at the Honeywell Center
$15/person
(www.honeywellcenter.org or call #260-563-1102 for tickets)

12 FREE Days of Christmas in Indy!

I saw this on the news this morning - some of them sound like fun & they're free!  See  schedule below and http://www.indydt.com/12freedays.cfm for more info.  Merry Christmas!

Serving up 12 FREE Days of Christmas in Indy!
Monday, Dec. 13 – Friday, Dec. 24

Enjoy affordable fun for the family over the holidays. Each of the Indianapolis attractions listed below will offer free admission on one of 12 days leading to Christmas: The Children’s Museum, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Conner Prairie, Pres. Benjamin Harrison Home, Morris-Butler House, James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, Meredith Nicholson Home, Lilly House, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana Medical History Museum & Winter Solstice celebration, Circle of Lights and more!

Monday, Dec. 13

• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

New this year, travel west and experience the lives of four different families. Build a totem pole, climb aboard a stagecoach or shop in a Chinese emporium. Don’t miss the Eiteljorg’s brand-new holiday experience Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure. Immerse yourself as seven G gauge model trains wind past the great landmarks of Indianapolis taking you out to great places in the West—the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and Old Faithful. All of these landmarks are incredibly crafted out of natural materials (bark, twigs and nuts) in exquisite detail. The Eiteljorg is the only museum in the Midwest to offer an extensive collection of Western and Native American art and artifacts. Learn about the many indigenous tribes of North America and the diverse cultures of the West. www.eiteljorg.org

• Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481.
  

The much-loved decor includes 26 larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors surrounding the Circle, along with 26 peppermint sticks. Additionally, 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument to its base.  The scene is complete with 90,000 twinkle lights in trees that add shimmer to the area’s walkways. The holiday display remains lit through early January 2011.  www.qc-indy.com

Tuesday, Dec. 14

• James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Experience a Victorian Christmas in historic Lockerbie Square with festive Christmas greenery and wreathes. The Hoosier Poet, and author of Little Orphant Annie (Riley), spent the last 23 years of his life in the late Victorian preserved home that was built in 1872. The home itself features simple, elegant decorations and small gifts and party favors that would be typical of the period. The Christmas tree is special because it includes actual Christmas postcards that citizens from across the country sent to Riley after he was recovering from a stroke in 1911. http://www.rileykids.org/about/riley_museum/

• Meredith Nicholson House (10 a.m.-3p.m.)
  
  The Indiana Humanities Council will open its doors to the public and invite guests to tour the house of Indiana author Meredith Nicholson. The Council, which encourages Hoosiers to think, read and talk, will also host a variety of humanities-inspired programs during the day. Mr. Nicholson’s home was built in 1904 and was one of the first Georgian Colonial Revival style homes in Indy. www.IndianaHumanities.org
  
  
• Mistletoe Music Festival at the Indianapolis Artsgarden

Indianapolis area high school and grade school choirs will get you in the spirit of the season as they sing a variety of holiday tunes. www.indyarts.org/artsgarden

Wednesday, Dec. 15

• Indy Wine Trail

Enjoy free tasting at each of the wineries on Indy's Wine Trail along with a free wine glass when mentioning the promotion.

Thursday, Dec. 16

• Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens & Winter Solstice (11 a.m. - 9 p.m.)

The IMA is one of the top ten general art museums in the USA and one of the ten oldest. Oldfields, the J. K. Lilly, Jr. residence, will be decorated in the style of the 1930s and 1940s, when Christmas cheer often had to overcome Depression-era budgets or wartime shortages. And of course, it’s all topped off with ice carving, musicians playing seasonal favorites, craft activities, hot beverages and fun during the Winter Solstice celebration. www.imamuseum.org

Friday, Dec. 17

• President Benjamin Harrison Home (time 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Holiday season at the authentically-restored 1875 Italianate home of President Benjamin Harrison, our 23rd President, features Victorian holiday adornment.  The decor includes feather trees, Harrison family toys and ornaments, plus a replica of the first decorated White House Christmas tree – a tradition begun in 1889 by Harrison. "Model Trains Make Tracks" is a new special holiday exhibit of model trains, which highlights a working HO-scale model train and scenics representing the southwest portion of Benjamin Harrison's notable 10,000-mile cross-country train excursion in 1891. Also, “From Bustles to Ballots” Women’s Suffrage Exhibit is featured in the reconstructed carriage house located behind the home. www.pbhh.org

• Morris-Butler House (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

This beautifully restored 1865 home showcases the architecture, history, culture and society of Indianapolis during the 19th century. A museum property of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and accredited by the American Association of Museums, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. www.indianalandmarks.org

• Skating at the Indiana Fairgrounds (Noon – 2 p.m. & 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Enjoy a free skating session on Indy’s premiere ice surface at the historic Pepsi Coliseum, home of the United States Hockey League’s Indiana Ice.  A great family outing before the busy-ness of the holidays, the free sessions are noon to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with skate rental available in the Pro Skate Shop.  For more information, visit http://www.in.gov/statefair/fairgrounds/skating/.”

Saturday, Dec. 18

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum (9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is located inside the famed 2.5-mile IMS oval made famous by the Indy 500, which celebrates its centennial in 2011. More than 75 automobiles and motorcycles, representing a variety of races, are on display at the Hall of Fame Museum at all times. Many are shocked to learn the track itself is so large that you could fit the Roman Coliseum, Vatican City, Wimbledon Campus, Rose Bowl, Yankee Stadium and Churchill Downs inside the 2 1/2-mile oval.  Since 1911, the track has been the home of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indianapolis 500. The Brickyard 400 has quickly become one of NASCAR's most coveted races since the inaugural event in 1994. And now, fans are treated to a thrilling motorcycle race each year called the RedBull Indianapolis GP. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

• Indiana Medical History Museum (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

The nation’s oldest surviving pathology laboratory, this building originally provided physicians in the late 1800s with state-of-the-art facilities to study mental and nervous disorders. Today, the museum uses its more than 15,000 artifacts to educate visitors about the developments which made today’s advanced medical treatments possible. www.imhm.org

• Celebrities and Santa at the Indianapolis International Airport (1- 4 p.m.)

The Indianapolis International Airport will host “Celebrities and Santa” as part of the season’s 2010 Holiday Showcase.  The celebration will include a special holiday program, photo ops, visits with Santa, and an abundance of activities. Visitors will be invited to register to win opportunities for merchandise and trips.  Event parking will be free with proper validation.  www.indianapolisairport.com

Sunday, Dec. 19

• NCAA Hall of Champions (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 

The NCAA Hall of Champions will be offering special discounts for the holidays in addition to free admission on this date.  Shop like a champion while experiencing the lives of 400,000 student-athletes, 23 sports and 88 championships. Spend $35 or more and get a free NCAA Vintage Final Four poster.  There will also be complimentary hot chocolate available.  After your holiday lists are complete, come explore the 1930’s retro gymnasium, interactive sport simulators, competitive gear used by student-athletes and much more. The NCAA Hall of Champions is located in the White River State Park just north of the Indiana Convention Center. www.ncaahallofchampions.org

• Scottish Rite Cathedral tours (1 - 3 p.m.) and concert (7 p.m.)

The Scottish Rite Cathedral will offer free building tours of the beautiful architectural landmark at 1 - 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., the Indianapolis School of Ballet will present ‘The Nutcracker.’ That is a paid event for which tickets are required. Then, at 5 p.m., free building tours will resume, and continue through 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Scottish Rite will present a free Christmas Concert featuring the Scottish Rite Chorus, directed by Darrell E. Morris, Organ selections performed by Mr. Marvin Rees and the Scottish Rite Orchestra directed by maestro Jeffrey Warbinton. The Scottish Rite Carillion Bells will be ringing in the spirit of the Holiday. Mr. William Engle will be at the Carillion console. Cathedral guests will be greeted with complementary refreshments. Parking is secure and Free. Enter lot off North Street. Please enter the Cathedral using the West entrance.
www.aasr-indy.org

Monday, Dec. 20

• Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing(9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Nostalgia reigns supreme at holiday time and Celebration Crossing, the museum’s holiday exhibit, delivers on all fronts.  The annual exhibit opens on Nov.  26 with all of the much-loved traditional events, plus some new activities sure to please visitors of all ages.  Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome children of all ages, while just outside their house the L.S. Ayres Santa Claus Express train is open for business throughout the exhibit from Nov. 26 – Dec. 31. Kids love to ride it and you’ll notice a few adults too. “Note: Timed Tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition are available for an additional fee, with advance reservations recommended.”
www.indianamuseum.org

Tuesday, Dec. 21

• Conner Prairie Interactive History Park (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

The sights and sounds of holidays past come to life with family activities inside Conner Prairie’s cozy welcome center and throughout the outdoor 1836 Prairietown. In the welcome center, guests can stroll through a wonderland of icing, gumdrops and sprinkles atop remarkable gingerbread creations, visit with the Gingerbread Man and a Victorian era Santa Claus, craft a holiday decoration to take home, enjoy a theatrical presentation, play with 19th century toys and explore Discovery Station. Guests can also bundle up and stroll through the outdoor 1836 village of Prairietown, where they can help residents prepare for the holidays ahead and take care of winter tasks the 19th century way, and tour the William Conner’s home. www.connerprairie.org
Wednesday, Dec. 22

• Rhythm! Discovery Center (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
  

Indianapolis’ newest downtown attraction is a place for visitors of all ages to experience rhythm and percussion. Explore a wide variety of percussion instruments and artifacts from around the world through interactive exhibits and dynamic multi-media experiences. You will learn about rhythm, its role in society and connections to daily life. Rhythm! Discovery Center is very hands on and invites visitors to play over 150 percussion instruments, including an 8 foot gong drum! www.RhythmDiscoveryCenter.org

Thursday, Dec. 23

• Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Step back in time by walking through—and into—scenes recreated from pictures the Indiana Historical Society’s vast collections, complete with costumed interpreters in You Are There. Settings include at a WWII-era store, an automobile repair and fuel station and a violin maker’s shop with You Are There. Take a hi-tech walk through the past with Destination Indiana, which includes 188 time-travel “journeys” at touch-screen stations and several more facilitated journeys at its 22.5-by-7.5-foot cinema screen. Get a taste of how to take care of your own family treasures with the Fortune History Lab, or enjoy the live music of Hoosier legend Cole Porter. Also on display will be several holiday-related covers of the Saturday Evening Post, and all things leg lamp (a la A Christmas Story) are available in the Basile History Market. Discover the IHS’s state-of-the-art research library, publications, educational programs, special events, gift shop and café, all situated along the historic Central Canal. www.indianahistory.org

Friday, Dec. 24

• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Visit Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the world’s largest children’s museumand enjoy traditional holiday favorites such as the two-story Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear and explore “outdoor” fun at the Snow Castle and Ice Fishing holes. Warm up your imagination with lots of cookie fun in the kitchen, and help Santa’s reindeer prepare for their flight! Be sure to stop by and see Santa to get in those last minute holiday wishes. The museum is a hands-on world of discovery which is the largest of its kind in the world featuring a 4-story tall Chihuly blown glass sculpture, which towers above a suspended glass ceiling. Underneath, kids create their own sculpture with pre-formed acrylic orbs. The $25 million Dinosphere exhibit features real juvenile and family dinosaur fossils and children are even able to dig for faux fossils in the Dinosaur Dig. Other fun includes sailing a boat and exploring life under ground in ScienceWorks, or taking a ride on a real, working Carousel. www.childrensmuseum.org.

Hawkins Christmas Card 2010

Bright Splendor Christmas 5x7 folded card

Turn your unique photos into Christmas cards with Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Staples Deal - FREE batteries!

My friend Launa told me about a deal that Staples is having on batteries I wanted to share.  Thanks Launa!

Staples is having a deal on 20 packs of Duracell AAA & AA batteries - you can buy up to 2 packs per week (while supplies last) and you get 100% of the cost you spend back in Staples Rewards.  If you're not already a Staples Rewards member, you can sign up the same day you buy - it is their version of a store rewards program, and is free to join.  Within 4-6 weeks of buying your batteries, you will get your Staples Rewards bucks in the mail, and you can use them for anything at Staples.  Each pack of batteries is $12.99, but if you look in your Sunday paper (12/12) you'll see there is also a $1.50 off Duracell batteries coupon you can use, so you'll actually make money off the deal, because you'll spend $12.99 - $1.50 on the batteries and get the full $12.99 back in Staples rewards!

Stock up now BEFORE Christmas because you know if you have kiddos they will need batteries!!!

$10 from Coinstar plus NO FEES for your Exchange!

I'm pretty confident I don't have $40 in change around my house, as I usually scrounge at most $3/week for my bunko group, but if I DID have $40 in change around I would take it to Coinstar this week!  If you can scrounge up enough change, it is worth taking to Coinstar between now and the end of December (in Marion we have Coinstars at Meijer, Walmart, & both Marsh Stores).  See info below. 

Get $10 Free! Coinstar’s Giving You $10 Free When You Exchange $40 in Coins

Forty dollars in coins is a lot. But a free ten dollars to spend on holiday gifts, books, music, a night at the movies? Well that may well be worth scrounging around the house, looking for loose change. Or, better yet, getting the kids on that task…

...because right now Coinstar--those folks with the green coin redemption machine at your local grocery store--are giving you $10 back when you redeem $40 in coins. No, it's not in cash. But it is in the next best form: that of a gift card to one of your favorite retailers or e-tailers. You can choose to have your $10 sent your way in the form of a $10 gift card to Border's, Regal Entertainment, Lowe's or even ITunes. The deal runs until 12/31. Head over to coinstar.com for more details on the promotion and to find your closest Coinstar machine.

Soap.com $10 FREE for new customers! (& Free Shipping!)

I got an email about soap.com this week.  $10 off any order (no minimum purchase).  It was worth trying to me for a coupon like that - I just placed my first order!  I like that they have kid-friendly non-toxic/eco-friendly products like the full line of products of Method & Seventh Generation that are tough to find in the stores around here.  Just enter 10BUCKSFREE under the promo codes when you check out.  And, if you spend $25 or more (before the discount), you also get free 2-day shipping!   Note: this is only good for first time orders.  See info below.

Enjoy $10 to spend on everyday essentials at Soap.com. No strings. No Kidding.

Meet Soap.com. Just as Diapers.com changed the way you bought for your baby, Soap.com is changing the way people shop for their everyday essentials.

With over 25,000 health, beauty and household products, Soap.com has what you need, all in one place. No lines. No heavy bags. No driving. Just your favorite must-have brands shipped to your door in as little as one day. From laundry detergent to lipstick, vitamins to energy bars, flat irons to electric razors, we carry it all so you don't have to.

And here's the best part: get FREE 1-2 day delivery on orders over $25. Try today and get $10 off your first order with code 10BUCKSFREE.

Darlington Farms Holiday Warehouse

My friend Trish told me about this place in Fort Wayne - I haven't been there yet, but am curious and think I'm going to try it this weekend. 

Darlington Farms Holiday Warehouse is in Fort Wayne - according to my friend Trish, it is an insanely huge warehouse full of Christmas items (scrapbook stuff, decorations, tree stuff, gifts, wrapping paper, craft stuff, food, etc.) all for one low price - each item is $1.49.  They're only open for 2 months a year, and close after Christmas until next holiday season.

A few bonuses - they give away one $1000 drawing DAILY, and Fridays are free food days (hot dogs, chips & water from 10am - 1pm)!  Check website for more details & see open hours below.  

Our Hours:
9-6, Monday - Thursday, 9-8 Friday
9-6 Saturday, 12-5 Sunday

Have you been to this place?  What are the "must see" spots or "must have" deals you've found?

Works Cited Used Book Sale - Now through 12/18!

I posted this sale right before Thanksgiving, but want to re-post, as I found out that the new bookstore/cafe downtown, Works Cited is continuing their book sale thru 12/18.  Take your own box or bag and fill it with as many books as you can, for only $10!!  This sale is good for all USED books in the store (adult, youth & kids books).  I did this and had books crammed in my box, and it was a well-spent $10!  I got a TON of kids & adult books! 

This sale is thru 12/18, at which point they'll be closing over the holiday to finish their renovations & reopen for their grand opening 1/14.  Go, take a big box or bag, grab a cup of coffee (they serve Midwest Coffee Roasters), drop your kids in the Kids Room to read/play, and go to town!  $10 of books can make a lot of Christmas gifts... or donations to your school... the possibilities are endless!

Location:  215 S. Adams St.,Marion, IN, 46952

Hours:    Mon - Sat:  7:00 am - 9:00 pm

              Sun:  12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Crazy Magazine Deals - 1 year SHAPE for $1.99, Parents for $4.99 and Golf Digest for $2.99!

I learned about these deals thru a blog I follow - coupondivas.com.  Price listed below is for a year subscription & includes shipping! Prices are good only thru Wednesday, 12/8.  May make a great gift for someone on your list this year? 

Shape Magazine $1.99 with Coupon Code SHAPE Use Coupon Code: SHAPE. Offer Expires 12/8


Golf Digest Magazine $2.99 Use Coupon Code: GOLF. Offer Expires 12/8


Parents Magazine $4.99 Use Coupon Code: PARENTS. Offer Expires 12/8

SwapaDVD

Have you heard about SwapaDVD?  Someone told me about it a few months ago, and it seemed gimicky to me and a little suspect, but I signed up and now I'm a believer!

SwapaDVD is a service where you sign up (for free), and when you sign up you list at least 10 DVDs that you're willing to "swap" with other members, meaning that if a member clicks on your DVD indicating they want it, then you send it to them.  When you send one DVD, you get a credit in your account that you can then select any DVD in the whole system with.  You use your credit to order a DVD, and the DVD is YOURS to keep.  So, it  isn't an exact trade, but a system based on credits. 

Just for listing your 10 DVDs when you sign up, you get 1 credit to use right off the bat.  When you select a DVD to be shipped to you, you pay nothing, but when someone selects one of your DVDs you pay the shipping to ship to them (4 stamps).  You don't have to go to the post office, you can just print out their label, stick on 4 stamps, and put it in your mail box.  When someone gets your DVD, they'll mark "received" and you get a credit to use!  I may be making it more convoluted than it actually is - it is really pretty simple.  Both swapped and gotten about 8 DVDs now, and it has worked great every time!  (Note: you have to have the case for the DVD to use this system)

When I signed up a few months ago, I listed DVDs people gave us years ago and we don't watch, as well as DVDs my kids are "over" at this point.  I was shocked how many of mine folks have requested!  It has been great, because I've been able to get a handful of new DVDs for my kids, who are currently obsessed with Dora.  :)

I recommend checking it out - 4 stamps is worth a new DVD to pass hours in the car on our way to see family at Christmas!  Check it out today - I bet you won't miss those old DVDs, and maybe you can get some new ones to give as Christmas gifts!

Mamapedia Sweet Deals (like Groupon for Moms!)

Have you  heard of Mamapedia Sweet Deals?  It is exactly like Groupon and offers you incredible deals on things in our area or online, but for MOMS as they specialize in family-oriented deals.  A huge bonus is that 5% of your purchases go to a school in your area of your choice!  I selected Francis Slocum in Marion, but you can select any school of your choice in any state.  It is SO cool.  Click the link below to sign up - you get $5 credit just for signing up (with no obligation to buy)!

Check out Mamapedia Sweet Deals here:
https://deals.mamapedia.com/?ref_id=101163&utm_source=invite_earn_10_share_popup&utm_medium=email&utm_term=101163&utm_content=gmail

FAQ

What are Mamapedia Sweet Deals?

On a regular basis, Mamapedia posts a special deal especially for busy moms and their families — for family-friendly restaurants, family entertainment, kids activities, fun places for a Mom’s Night Out, and much more. Offers are tailored to your geographical region, so you’ll benefit from great local deals that you can really use. Once the minimum number of customers have purchased a Sweet Deal, everyone receives the deal through an email pointing to a printable voucher.

Why do a certain number of people have to buy before the deal is on?

We’ve partnered with some of the area’s top businesses and providers to offer fun, family-friendly products and services. By guaranteeing a minimum number of purchases for our partner businesses, we’re able to get the best possible deals that are much lower than any other you might find elsewhere.

How do I claim the Sweet Deal of the day?

It couldn’t be easier—simply click the "Buy Now" button before the deal ends or sells out. If the minimum number of customers have also purchased the deal, within in 24 hours of the deal activating, you’ll receive an email pointing to your printable voucher. Print the voucher and you're set!

What happens if the minimum number of people don’t purchase the deal?

Simply stated, nothing—the deal isn’t activated, your credit card will not be charged, and sadly, your school doesn't get the donation. To avoid this, be sure to spread the word about Sweet Deals so you, and your school, don’t miss out.

How much time do I have to redeem my Sweet Deal?

Duration of validity will vary per offer. Some Sweet Deals will be active indefinitely, while others may have an expiration date. Be sure to check the fine print for details.

What happens after I purchase?

Once the deal tips, your credit card will be charged and within 24 hours, you will receive an email invoice with links to your Sweet Deals Voucher. That Voucher will detail all the information you need to know to redeem it. If you think you might have missed this email, you can check back at the site under "My Sweet Deals" where your vouchers will be linked once they've been processed.
If the deal doesn't tip before the time runs out, we'll let you know via email. Your card won't be charged and no one gets the deal.

Where are my vouchers?

Within 24 hours of the deal "tipping", you will receive an email containing links pointing you to your vouchers. Check your Junk/Spam folder if you haven't seen the email. Your vouchers are also accessible directly from the "My Purchases" tab of your Mamapedia Sweet Deals account. Ensure all of your important notification emails get to the right place by adding deals@mamapedia.com to your email account address book.

How do I use a Sweet Deal I’ve purchased?

Once the deal has tipped (when the minimum number of customers purchases it), the deal is on. Within 24 hours of the deal tipping, you’ll receive an email with a link to the printable voucher. Most will include detailed instructions and driving directions. Print your voucher and you are all set!

Can I give a Sweet Deal as a gift to someone else?

Yes. Unless the individual business or provider has stated otherwise, Sweet Deals can be transferred to other people.

Can I get a refund?

If you buy a deal and realize it doesn’t work for your family – for any reason – we’ll give you a credit or your money back, no questions asked. This is our Stress-Free Promise^tm.

Free Christmas Song Downloads from Amazon!

Amazon is offering a free Christmas song for download every day in Dec!  No strings attached - click link below to see today's, and keep checking back each day to get one a day!

They also have $5 holiday albums for download if you need to update your Christmas music list... something I need to do!  Happy holidays!

LOWES FREE Kids Clinic - Train Caboose & Passenger Car - Sat 12/4 & 12/11

I just learned about these FREE kids clinics (recommended 1st - 5th grade kids, but my 3 year old went with my husband and they let him!) at Lowes on Saturday morning.  Tomorrow, 12/3 they are doing a build-you-own train caboose, and next week 12/11 is build your own passenger car.

For more info and to register, see www.lowesbuildandgrow.com
Note: They only take the first 50 kids, so register asap!  

Area Volunteering & Donating - St. Martin's Community Center & the Grant County Rescue Mission

Matthew 25:35-36

For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.

What are you doing this holiday season to keep perspective on what Christmas is really all about?  Are you involved in your community?  The St. Martin's Community Center is always looking for volunteers.  Time commitment is up to you and your schedule - see some options below.  

 If you can't serve, maybe you can donate?  The Rescue Mission's men's and women's shelters are in need of everything from toilet paper to toiletries (see list below).  Donating needed items can be a fantastic lesson for showing your kids that Christ uses us to show his love to others & also a lesson in showing them HOW BLESSED we each are in how God provides for our needs.  My 3 year old, who is FULL of "why" questions these days, went with me to donate a turkey to the Rescue Mission at Thanksgiving.  Answering his questions about "why" we were taking a turkey was a good exercise for me to articulate myself & my heart to him, and (I think & hope) a good learning experience for him.  This month we're going to take toiletries over to the Rescue Mission, and I'll again be forced to articulate to him the "'why" of God's gift to us and our response to His gift.  Will you join me in this lesson with your kids? 

St. Martin's Volunteer Opportunities: Call 651-9324  

www.stmartincenter.com

St. Martin Community Center
901 Branson Street, Marion, IN 46953
Phone: (765) 651-9324

E-mail: stmartincenter@hotmail.com

Food Pantry Volunteer:

         Positions: In-Take, Check Out and Stocking of food

         Description: Processing clients, sacking their

                           groceries and/or replenishing the shelves.

        Time Commitment: one to three hours per week.

        Days and Times: Mon. - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am  -1:00pm; Wednesday 
                                     9:00am to 4:00pm

Kay's Kitchen Volunteer:

          Positions: Serve food

          Description: Assist in preparing and serving our free meals

          Time Commitment: one to three hours per week

          Days and Times: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm

          We also serve Saturday meals from 10:30 - 11:30.

          Families, church groups, civic organizations etc. are needed to cook or serve meals on Saturdays

Kids Cafe Volunteer: Boys and Girls Club

          Positions: Cook for, tutor and mentor children

          Description: Assist children with their homework, prepare the

                            food for the children, mentor a child

          Time Commitment: 1-3 hours per week

          Days and Times: Mon.-F ri. 4:30-5:30

Thrift Store Volunteer

          Positions: Receiving, processing, and stocking merchandise

          Description: Help stock clothing, replenish and maintaining the

                            appearance the thrift store.

          Time Commitment: 1-8 hours per week

          Days and Times: Mon - Fri. 9:00 - 5:00pm; Sat. 9:00am - 1:00pm

Computer Lab Volunteer

         Positions: Instructor

          Description: Instruct and conduct free computer workshops.                

          Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Garden Volunteer:

          Positions: Instructor, planter, harvester

          Description: Teach individuals how to grow and maintain

                            their personal garden.  Grow food for St. Martin.

         Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Summer Food Program :

          Positions: Serve food, be an on call Server

          Description: Assist in preparing and serving our free meals

          Time Commitment: one to three hours per week

          Please contact St. Martin Center for more information on locations.

Special Event Volunteer:

          St. Martin Community Center holds various events throughout the year including:

•    Coats for Kids,
•    Postal Food Drive,
•    Easter and Christmas celebrations, etc.
•    Time commitments are flexible

Area Activities - First Week of Dec

There are a handful of affordable family activities going on this week!  Here's a list I've compiled  for the first week of December that I know about - what do you know that is going on?  Add your activity in the comments section below!

Breakfast with Santa - Fairmount Methodist Church 8am - 10am
Hosted by the Girl Scouts, this breakfast features pancakes from Bob Evans, biscuits and gravy from Cracker Barrell, Starbucks coffee and McDonald's orange drink.  Bring your camera and make a freewill donation for breakfast.  Sounds yummy (other than the McDonald's drink... what exactly that stuff is I don't want to know!)!

Santa Breakfast - Gas City Fire Station (111 S. 3rd St.) - 8am - 11am
$5.50 Adults, $3 Children (ages 2-10)
$3 for pictures with Santa

Breakfast with Santa - Sponsored by the YMCA & Applebees
Adult $9/Children $6 - includes breakfast at Applebees, photo session with Santa & goodie bag.

 Toys, Tales & Treats Day - Van Buren Lions Club - 9am - 1pm
Hosted by Girl Scouts & Cub Scouts - gently used toys & books available for purchase, bake sale items too!  Funds raised used for Toys for Tots program.  More info, contact Stacy Clupper 934-2840 or ssclupper@hotmail.com.  

Christmas in Fairmount - 10am - 2pm
Christmas in Our Town Folk Art Show at the old library annex.  Merchants, window decorating contest, carolers strolling around town, raffles & door prizes. 

TOYLAND - A Family Holiday Festival
Saturday, Dec 4 from 1pm - 3pm
Honeywell Center in Wabash (www.honeywellcenter.org or #260-563-1102)
Activities include: Make & take crafts, trail mix with Wabash extension, story corner & treats, pictures with Santa, Wabash community band - all FREE!


Countryside Crafts Holiday Open House - 10am - 4pm
(1403 W 4th St.)
Holiday decor, candles, figurines, unique gift items.  Refreshments & door prize drawing.

Marion Public Library - Movie: A Christmas Carol - 2pm OR Crafts with Mrs. Claire (children) at 2pm
FREE!  Registration required at the Children's dept for the craft. 

Christmas in the Park - Hontz Hall and Gas City Park - 4pm - 9pm
Sponsored by Gas City Historical Society
Craft show, carriage rides, $2 soup, hot dogs, hot chocolate & crafts

Christmas City USA - Matter Park - 6pm - 10pm
Drive the Walkway of Lights for some Christmas cheer!
$5/car for the season (runs thru Dec. 31)

A Carol for Tiny Tim - 7:30pm
Marion Civic Theatre (505 S. Washington)
Tickets $11 - www.marioncivic.com or call 668-7800 for purchase info

Handel with Care: A Messiah Christmas - Marion Philharmonic with Taylor Univ - 7:30
Rediger Chapel Auditorium, Taylor Univ, Updland
$12 adults, $5 students
More info & tickets - Judy Kirkwood #998.5289
What else do you know about that is going on this weekend?