Friday, March 30, 2012

Marion Easter Pageant - YMCA (4/3/12)

Grant County Moms...
The Star Financial YMCA is hosting their annual Marion Easter Pageant this Tues, 4/3/12 at 7:00pm.  The event is FREE, but you MUST pick up tickets ahead of time.  As of today, they still have a few left, so head over to the YMCA asap to pick yours up!

I've never been to this event, but have heard it is really wonderful - a true community event.  I'll be there this Tuesday... will you?

Questions?  Call the YMCA at #664-0544

Thursday, March 29, 2012

InkGarden.com - FREE Customizable Placemats (just pay shipping!)

Sorry for the delay in posting - I was on Spring Break enjoying some time with my kiddos (and being worn out by them!). 

I found this deal from coupondiva.com (a mom coupon/deal blog I follow), and thought it would make a neat gift for my kiddos as they LOVE pictures of themselves and also seeing their name in print, so I thought I'd share.

I've never ordered from this site, but think this deal is worth trying.  Get a free personalized placemat (upload pictures, etc.), and just pay shipping ($3.99) at InkGarden.com.  Make sure to enter coupon code PLACEFREE.  These normally start at $8.99 each, so it is a great savings - I think these would make neat bday gifts for family/friends as well.... hmmm... (offer is good thru 4/30)

This site is really neat, and also has some other customizable products (including cute plates!) I haven't seen other places - it is worth checking out with Mother's Day & Father's Day coming up! 

Monday, March 19, 2012

5K Race for Grace & Fun Run/Walk - Sat, April 21, 2012

5K Race for Grace & Fun Run/Walk

Saturday, April 21, 2012
Matter Park , Marion IN
Race Begins At 9:00AM – Rain or Shine!
Early Registration Fee:
$25 Extended to April 10th! T-Shirt Included

Day-Of Race Registration:
$25, Does Not Include T-Shirt
Couch Potato Fee - $25.00

Pre-registered participants will pick up t-shirt & packet on race day
For a race registration form, email:  gracehousefr@sbcglobal.net


WHAT IS GRACE HOUSE?
Serving Men who are motivated toward substance abuse recovery in an encouraging environment focused on holistic healing.

VISIT US:
http://www.gracehouse-marion.org/

PROCEEDS:
All proceeds to to the Grace House.  The Grace House exists today as a non-profit organization that relies primarily upon the goodwill and donations of local churches, businesses, and individuals.

DONATE:
Contributions can be sent to:
Grace House for Transition & Recovery
2219 South Washington St
Marion, IN 46953

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

March is National Nutrition Month! Can you make one change for the health of your family?

So, we all know we should be eating nutritiously... but are we?  I was just commenting to my husband a few days ago about things I swore I'd never do as a mom I've slacked on SIGNIFICANTLY.  I think I need to use March's National Nutrition Month to get back on track!  Even just at a quick glace below at the AMA's recommendations, I can see I'm falling short (e.g. only 2 processed servings of meat per week... my kids LOVE processed meat; 2 servings of fish per week... we're lucky if I serve 2 per month, and the list goes on).  It was a lot easier when my kids were babies and ate everything I put in front of them... now that they're in the picky toddler stage giving them healthy choices they'll eat is a lot more difficult.  Summertime is a bit easier with so many fresh fruits & veggies around, but this past winter I've gotten LAZY, and it needs to stop! 

Is there one change you can make this month for the health of your family?  As referenced below, 83% of coronary events can be elminated with good nutrition, exercise and not smoking.  83%!!! 


The following is from the American Heart Association.

March is National Nutrition Month!


National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign held annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The American Heart Association encourages making heart-smart choices during Nutrition Month – and every month! At the heart of health is good nutrition.

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons in the fight against heart disease - the No. 1 killer of Americans. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. One study (NEJM 2000) found that by adhering to five lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise, and non-smoking, 83% of coronary events may be prevented.

When it comes to diet, making smart choices will benefit heart health and overall health. Incorporating even simple, small changes can make a big difference in living a healthier life and can help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods daily.

The American Heart Association recommends:

• Fruits and vegetables: At least 4.5 cups a day

• Fish (preferably oily fish): At least two 3.5-ounce servings a week

• Fiber-rich whole grains: At least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings a day

• Sodium: Less than 1,500 mg a day

• Sugar-sweetened beverages: No more than 450 calories (36 ounces) a week



Other Dietary Measures:

• Nuts, legumes and seeds: At least 4 servings a week

• Processed meats: No more than 2 servings a week

• Saturated fat: Less than 7% of total energy intake

Saturday, March 10, 2012

KIDSIGNMENTS Sale - April 13 & 14 at Grant County Fairgrounds

If you live in Grant County and you haven't heard... the next Kidsignments Sale is coming up April 13 & 14!  

For those of you who have been to this sale, you know what this means.... time to start going through and organizing the stuff you kids don't need/want/fit into any more.  Go to the Kidsignments website ASAP to check out the requirements for electronic tagging.  Note:  ALL items will have to be electronically tagged this sale, so start organizing and entering your items SOON so you don't run out of time! 

For those of you who haven't been to this sale... YOU ARE MISSING OUT!  This is the greatest kids sale - a chance for moms to get rid of what they don't need anymore and to get new kids clothes/toys/furniture/books/maternity clothes/anything related to kids for GREAT prices!  Essentially, this is an extremely organized, well thought out garage sale (with all kids stuff) with all items in good condition.  


I LOVE THIS SALE!  It is twice a year, in the fall and in the spring, and gives me a chance to get organized & purge.  Actually, my kids love this sale too, as I've convinced them that if they help me find things we don't use/need anymore they can get NEW things... they love that (and I love decluttering my house!)!


I've spent the last two weekends going through my house, my attic, and my kids' room to collect what we can sell, and have used this as an opportunity for some spring cleaning.  Remember, while you're at it, make sure to find out what they need for the summer and in what sizes, so you're ready & armed when you hit the sale!


Hope to see you there!

Kidsignments - Next Sale: April 13th & 14th, 2012
The children's consignment sale is an organized and advertised large group sale, in order to sell gently used children's items: including clothing from newborn to pre-teen, maternity clothing, toys, baby equipment, books, videos, outdoor play equipment. Prices are reasonable but higher than garage sales.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

In the mood to paint? FREE Valspar sample kit and $5 off coupon!

Spring is the perfect time to transform your home. And Valspar® is helping by giving away up to
750 free paint kits every day during March.

Simply 'like" the Valspar Facebook page to receive a "Connect to the Power in Color Starter Kit," with your choice of any Valspar paint color. If you're already a fan, simply visit our Facebook page and click on the link to the Connect to the Power in Color giveaway.

Your free kit, normally $5.95 + shipping, contains:

- One 8 oz. paint sample, in your choice of Valspar color
- A single-use paint roller
- Paint tray
- Coordinating paint chips, to help you choose complementary colors

You also receive a coupon for $5 off a gallon of Valspar paint at Lowe's®.

There's no better time to experience fresh color in your home, and painting a sample on the wall is the best way to give new colors a try. But hurry – the sample store opens at 10:00 am EST every morning, and the kits are free to only the first 750 orders. If you aren't one of the first 750 lucky recipients today. try again tomorrow. This giveaway continues through March 31, 2012. Limit one kit per household.

Colorfully Yours,
The Valspar Team