Oh I am SO excited! Later this summer I am planning a trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas with my girls! I can not wait to watch them laugh and play! And though they are too young for the NEW Attraction, Iron Rattler, they will still have plenty to do! [Read more...]
TAKE AN AFRICAN FOREST SAFARI DURING PHOTO DAY AT THE HOUSTON ZOO **May 11, 2013**
TAKE AN AFRICAN FOREST SAFARI DURING
PHOTO DAY AT THE HOUSTON ZOO
Saturday, May 11, 2013
7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
(HOUSTON) May 1, 2013 … Giraffes, rhinos and chimps are in focus for an African Forest safari during Photo Day at the Houston from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2013.
Whether you’re an established photographer or looking to try a Zoo experience like no other, this is one event you don’t want to miss. Many of our animals are most active in the cooler early morning hours. During Photo Day at the Houston Zoo these once-in-a-lifetime moments will be yours to capture.
Photo Day Ticket holders are treated to a continental breakfast, animal enrichment photo opportunities at giraffes, rhinos and chimps, and an opportunity to take photographs of the Zoo’s grounds and animal exhibits in the morning light before the Zoo opens to the public for the day.
Purchase tickets online. Walk-up registration is also available at 7 a.m. on the day of the event. Photo Day is a rain or shine event.
Photo Day Facts
Gates open at 7 a.m. exclusively for Photo Day participants.
Register and purchase tickets online at http://www.houstonzoo.org/
Walk-up registration available at 7 a.m. the morning of the event.
Photo Day Schedule 
7:30 – Giraffes 8:00 – Rhinos 8:30 – Chimps
Ticket Prices
(Register early and receive a $5 discount from day-of-event pricing)
Early Registration (Valid through May 10)
Member: $30
Non-Member: $40
General Registration (Day of event May 11)
Member: $35
Non-Member: $45
Children under 2 years of age FREE
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TEXAS: 5 Will WIN the Texas Music Festival Giveaway – The Grand Prize is a 3 Day Getaway to the Festival
There are some really awesome things to do in Texas! One of the most fun is to attend the Texas Music Festival in League City Texas May 3 – 5, 2013!
WALTER HALL PARK 807 HIGHWAY 3 NORTH LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573
Family and friends will enjoy the competition of a Chili Cook-Off and singing for their supper as performers compete in the Annual Karaoke Contest. The winner of the karaoke contest receives air/ hotel for 2 to American Idol Season 13 tryouts! But it’s important to register online because only the first 50 applicants get to perform and registration is FREE!
How cool is that? And if you are into extreme obstacle fun run’s, you can register for the Three Mile Extreme Obstacle Course!
Conquer every obstacle on Saturday, May 4, at the Safari Club Obstacle Course Run, where individuals and teams of up to four people compete to show their fitness and agility. But advance registration is required so be sure to a head start towards the finish line.
The Kids Zone is home to over 30 carnival rides and attractions and you can test your skill to win a special someone a something special at some of your favorite carnival games. Spin yourself silly on the Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, Tea Cups, and speed through the day on the Zipper, Kamikaze and Force 10.
Of course a festival is no fun without some of your favorite carnival foods and the Texas Music Festival will have some you won’t want to shake a stick at!
Festival Hours: Friday 4p–12a | Saturday 9a–1a | Sunday 10a–6p
Ticket prices are: Friday May 3rd $10 ( 4pm – 12am ), Saturday May 4th $5 ( 9am – 5pm ); $15 (after
5pm); and Sunday May 5th $5 ( 10am – 7pm ). A three day pass can be purchased for just $20!
Tickets are available online and children 12 and under are free!
If this weren’t enough to convince you, did you know that the proceeds of these events are all going to some amazing charitable organizations like Leader Dogs for the Blind, SightFirst, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts and many more!
Would you like to attend? Here’s your chance! We bring to you this amazing giveaway!
Five lucky readers will be the winner of:
The Grand Prize: One (1) Winner of a 3 Day Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Texas Music Festival (value $80) and hotel vouchers for two nights in the amount of $258.00. Total package value almost $340!
Second Place Prize: Two (2) winners will be chosen to enjoy the weekend at the Texas Music Festival with Two 3-Day Ticket to the Festival (value $40) and hotel vouchers for two nights in the amount of $258.00. Total package value $298.00
Third Place Prize: Two (2) winners will be chosen for this Friends and Family Fitness Package! You win paid registration to the Safari Club Run (value $40), Two Tickets to the Music Festival (Value $40) and a hotel voucher for one night in the amount of $129.00. Total Value $209.
Giveaway terms and conditions:
~ This GIVEAWAY ENDS ON 05/02/13 (@ 12 AM CST)
~ Winners will be drawn using Rafflecopter & will be announced using the same as well as emailed so be sure
to add lomargie@gmail.com to your safe list.
~ Winner will be contacted via email after giveaway has ended and he/she will have just 48 hours to reply to
their winning notification or winner forfeits the prize and another winner will be drawn.
~ This giveaway is opened to US Residents ONLY, 18 years old or older
~ Entering this giveaway means that you accept both my rules & disclosure.
Tickets will be held at the WILL CALL Ticket Booth at the festival and proper I.D. will be required. You will
contact our sponsor League City by email at website@leaguecity.com to make your hotel reservations.
Reservations will be made using vouchers at a selection of area hotels including:
Association of Zoos and Aquariums Grants Accreditation to the Houston Zoo
(HOUSTON) April 23, 2013 … The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Houston Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.
“The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits only those zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. As a proven leader in in the care and conservation of wildlife and education outreach, the Houston Zoo is ranked among the best zoos and aquariums in the world.”
“The Houston Zoo has been accredited by the AZA since 1989,” said Houston Zoo President and CEO Deborah Cannon. “AZA accreditation acknowledges the dedication and hard work of every Houston Zoo employee to provide not only excellent care for our animals but a superior guest experience for everyone who visits the Houston Zoo,” Cannon added.
In granting accreditation, the AZA acknowledged the Houston Zoo’s elephant program and staff funded conservation program as model programs; recognized the Zoo’s guest service training program as demonstrating excellence in staff/guest interactions; recorded Zoo staff morale as very positive in departments throughout the Zoo; and identified the Zoo’s digital format graphics in the Kipp Aquarium and the Reptile House as effective and impressive.
In addition, the AZA noted that new and renovated animal exhibits including The African Forest, jaguar, cougar, flamingo and hoofed stock habitats have enhanced the guest experience and animal welfare and recognized the Education Department’s distance learning program for its broad reach in the community.
About AZA Accreditation
To be accredited, the Houston Zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.
The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.
About the Houston Zoo 
: Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes. Travel to Africa. No Passport Required.
General Admission
Children Under 2 – FREE
Children 2-11 – $10
Adults 12-64 – $14
Senior 65+ – $7.50
Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $12 and a child Zoo admission for $9. Zoo memberships start at only $65.
For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member
The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time(last admission at 5 p.m.)
9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.).
Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.
The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.
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Sad news at the Houston Zoo: Masai Giraffe Calf “Yao” Loses Valiant Battle Against Bone Infection
(HOUSTON) April 19, 2013 … Following an aggressive course of treatment since mid-March, it is with a deep sense of loss and profound sadness that the Houston Zoo reports that Yao, a 7 week old Masai giraffe calf has lost a valiant battle against a life threatening bone infection.
Yao was sedated and Dr. Wyatt Winchell, an equine orthopedic specialist who has treated Yao since diagnosing the bone infection, and the Zoo hospital staff x-rayed his right shoulder and left hip. “The x-rays indicated Yao’s right shoulder had stabilized,” said Dr. Winchell. “However, the images also indicated degenerative joint disease and cartilage loss around the area of the hip joint, a secondary effect of the original bacterial infection which had shown indications of being resolved,” Dr. Winchell added.
“The antibiotics had performed as expected to control the bacterial infection,” said Houston Zoo Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Joe Flanagan. “In consultation with Dr. Winchell, we determined the resulting degenerative joint disease and cartilage loss in the left hip would mean a reduced quality of life for Yao marked by life-long chronic pain,” Said Dr. Flanagan.
After consultation between Dr. Winchell, Zoo veterinarians, John Register and the giraffe keepers, Yao was humanely euthanized this morning.
One week after his birth on February 25, Houston Zoo giraffe keepers and Zoo veterinarians noticed Yao was favoring his left rear leg. Yao and his mother Neema were kept in a separate stall for observation. When the limp gradually became worse, the Zoo veterinary staff x-rayed the leg, found no evidence of bone damage, and placed Yao on antibiotics and other medication including anti-inflammatory analgesics.
When Yao was observed limping on his right front leg, the Zoo brought in equine orthopedic specialist Dr. Wyatt Winchell of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital who determined that Yao had developed a bone infection in his right shoulder. Immediately an aggressive treatment regime began that included stronger antibiotics, arthroscopic surgery to remove infected bone, regular saline flushes of the joint and twice daily physical therapy.
Since mid-March, Yao’s course of treatment included analgesics, twice daily antibiotic treatments, regular saline flushes to remove infected fluid from his right front shoulder, and twice daily physical therapy – walks in an outdoor paddock next to the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit giraffe barn with the giraffe keepers.
“Yao was always very calm and cooperative during the procedures,” said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor John Register. “We couldn’t have asked for a better patient,” said Register. “They were performed in the giraffe barn where his mother Neema could watch from an adjacent ‘bedroom’ and she would occasionally bend her head down and lick his face during the procedures,” added Register.
“Neema was a first time mother,” said Register. “But if there was one good thing that came out of all this it was that Neema was a wonderful, caring and loving mother to Yao. We’re certain she will demonstrate the same qualities with her future calves,” he added.
About the Houston Zoo
Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.
Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.
The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.
OUR LOCATION
The Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 533-6500
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Tax Preparation is Made Easy with relax4tax + Get 37% Off Tax Prep With Mention of this Post
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This year is a new beginning for me. As a new single mom, and proud of it, I am learning all about what financial needs I should prepare for, how to manage a super demanding, non stop schedule and how to fit it all in without going crazy.
But I am also learning that outsourcing can be a valuable tool not only for my time management, but also for expert advice that I just need in order to function. As a small business owner – yes, this blog is a small business, I am happy to report – I need all of the help I can get. And especially this year, I simply don’t have time to stop and research every question I have on taxes, business management and important financial decisions on my own time.
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The first thing I needed from him was Tax Preparation. In the past my CPA has done my taxes. He is also my Uncle. And though I love him, his office is a drive for me and we always struggle every year to meet up and get things done. Mostly because I procrastinate like crazy!
So, this year, I decided to make a change and use relax4tax. His office is not far from me at 290/ Huffmeister in Houston, TX and he impressed me so much with his small business knowledge in our short meeting that it was an easy decision.
I walked into his small, private office tucked in an easy to find strip center and was greeted with his brilliant smile. We sat down and less than 30 minutes later, with me just answering questions and providing very little paperwork compared to the huge binder I went in with, we were done with my taxes. Skeptical with accuracy versus speed, Wagner spent the next 30 minutes answering my questions with ease, professionalism and a vast knowledge of tax law, the IRS and how to explain it all in layman’s terms. It really is quite impressive, I have to admit.
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When you hire a professional to take the burden off of you, they should be able to answer every question you have – no matter how small or big – with true intelligence and in a way you can understand. Wagner Grams with relax4tax does just that. And I am going to continue to seek him out for Financial Management and Small Business advice throughout the year.
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Smoldering Anger: The Home Daycare Fire that Killed 4 Children
* I have been asked by so many to give an update on this tragic story so here is the latest that I know:
11/20/2012: UPDATE!! Raise your hands to the Lord above and thank him for entering the Jurors hearts and minds. Jessica Tata received 80 years with no chance of parole this morning!!! Basically, LIFE IN PRISON!!! Those babies will never come back but at least she will PAY!
No, I am not kidding. I get more and more sick the more I learn. PLEASE make sure you check on your child care provider. These 4 babies died for NO REASON. There were so many failures on so many levels.
11/12/2012: Thank the Good Lord above, Jessica Tata, the woman who left 7 children under the age of 4 alone in her home day care while she went shopping at Target and to Starbucks, was found GUILTY of Felony Murder on one of the deaths!
I have watched this case very closely, still stunned that a woman caring for children would leave them alone in a house. Not only that, she would do so leaving a pot of hot oil on a stove that was on. The case brings tears to my eyes as I think of those seven little babies struggling to breath while she was out and about. The Good Lord answered the prayers of her being charged with Murder as opposed to a lesser charge of child neglect. More on the case is below.
Original Post
Yesterday was a big news day in Houston. Discovery made its final, historic lift off to space, a police officer was shot while serving a warrant, and the weather was perfect.
And, breaking news at 2pm CST, a home daycare center was on fire and children were dead. Details were sketchy but by the time I could sit down, with none of my own children around to listen, more were filling in.
3 babies were dead. 4 babies rushed to the hospital in critical condition. **Update – a 4th baby has died as a result of the injuries sustained in this fire – 2/27/2011**
As I watched the devastation, I automatically started questioning the fire and the woman in charge of 7 children, ages 15 months to 3 years old.
She was shown by the news cameras, talking to neighbors, seeming calm and collected, like someone who was simply discussing the details of a house fire, glad to have escaped with her life, not mourning 3 children who had died in her home. And as I listened to her story, relayed by the newscaster, that she had come out of a bedroom to see her home on fire and dashed to the door, unable to see any of the 7 children to save them, I immediately had doubts.
As the camera panned out and I saw the firefighters on the roof, cutting holes to let out the smoke, and emergency personnel obviously fighting to hold it together after what they had seen, I wondered how the fire had gotten so intense so fast. And I wondered, if she were right there with those children, or just one room away while they napped, why didn’t she smell smoke before it engulfed the house? And then it hit me – right in the gut… she was not home!
It explained everything. How, even though she should know where the 7 children were, she managed to grab not one single one on her way out, or bust a window and start throwing children from the house, knowing a parent would want a child with a broken bone more than not one at all. And it explained how she was standing in the street, chatting up neighbors, while emergency crews were performing CPR on her front lawn to lifeless, smoke residue covered children, and her vibrant, red shirt did not have a spot on it.
And the anger started. Building from my womb that had born three and rising to my brain who knew things were suspicious and just not right. It passed my heart, bleeding tears for the scared, screaming babies, stuck in that house, and wiped away my tears that were falling freely.
And with every report, update, and mention of this story, I felt it grow, fueling my need to know more.
When the news reported today that there were eyewitness reports from neighbors that they saw the daycare provider pull into her driveway, hands full of groceries, minutes before coming out screaming, “My babies! My babies! Somebody save my babies!”, I knew my suspicions were right.
And then I was really angry.
When I found out that one of the dead children was on day 2 at that daycare, I was angrier. And when the news interviewed one of the neighbors, who had broken a window and tried to save a little boy he saw, arms outstretched, crying for his mother, but was too overcome by smoke and could not see him to grab him, I was seriously mad. Because that meant the fire had been going for a while… and no one was there to get them out when they could have.
I know bad things happen. Children are killed, murdered, and abused every single day. But for some reason, I can not let the anger of this one go. I want to go find the irresponsible woman who decided that heading to the grocery store and leaving 7 children, ages 15 months to 3 years old to tend to themselves, was a perfectly good childcare practice, and shake her until my rage is gone.
I think this one is too much. Too close to home. Too unnecessary. Too scary.
Katie was in a home childcare center her first year and though I knew the woman who was watching her, I prayed that this kind of thing did not happen every single time I dropped her off. And I know these mothers did too.
Whether we stay home with our kids or we trudge off to work everyday, all parents have to leave their precious children with someone else at times. We can not be with them 24 hours a day. We do it every day when they go to school, a friend’s house to play, or Grandma’s for a sleepover. We all do so with an understanding that we will pick them up when we want them back. And that they will be as healthy as when we left them.
None of us expects a phone call screaming at us to get there as soon as possible – something horrible has happened. And if we get one, we don’t expect for our child to be dead. Especially not at the hands of the one we pay to take care of them. I do consider this murder if it is proven that the “caregiver” was not home.
So here I sit, typing out this post, my fingers flying on the keyboard, only stopping to wipe my damp eyes, wondering if I should even post it. Is my anger for a woman I do not know, my mourning for children I don’t know, and my heartache for the parents whose lives have been altered permanently even justified? Or am I being selfish and internalizing this tragedy too much.
Or is this all I can do. Just write about it. Hope that it resonates with people and that they take it in and use it as an opportunity to really, seriously, diligently check out their childcare provider. Do drop ins and spot checks like I used to, without warning, and at odd times, just to make sure everything is on the up and up. And pray that if every one does it, these deaths, in the home of an apparently negligent woman, were not for naught.
Or maybe I am just looking to find a place to transfer my smoldering anger.
Link Update – She has fled to Nigeria!!!! A burner was left on with a pot of oil on the stove while she grocery shopped!
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7985674
3/30/2011: YES! The daycare owner has been charged with 4 counts of Murder – along with her other charges!
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8044392
3/20/2011 – FINALLY!!! The daycare operator is currently on her way back to Houston to face her crime!!
- The daycare owner fled the country the Friday after the fire. She is in Nigeria. The Houston Fire Department asked 6 times to have her secured because they believed her a flight risk, and all 6 times, the DA said no. She is now on the US Marshall’s Most Wanted list.
- Funerals for 4 babies were held this week. The most devastating account I heard – and this will break your heart so be warned – a 3 year old boy that died was one of 2 siblings at the daycare. His 2 year old sister survived with burns on the lower part of her body. They say that the 3 year old boy laid over his sister during the fire. He was burned beyond identification.
- There is video of the woman shopping at Target while the fire was happening and she was charged 2 times as a juvenile for arson.
There are more details here: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7996338
*Expired* HOUSTON: WIN 4 Tickets to Disney on Ice ‘Treasure Trove’ November 11, 2012
I am SO excited to join this awesome giveaway for Disney on Ice!! I can not wait to take my girls so maybe I’ll see you there!
****************************************
c 2012 Money Saving Parent/Lisa Carey – used by permission
Disney on Ice is one of my daughter’s favorite shows “EVER!” (As they say). We look forward to it eagerly each year and especially enjoy that it happens right around my youngest daughter’s birthday each year. This year is no different with Disney on Ice Treasure Trove making its way to Houston’s Reliant Stadium Nov. 7-11, 2012.
Want to know who you can plan on seeing take to the ice? Well I can tell you that it is a “Treasure Trove” of your favorite Disney characters! Find out exactly who you can plan on seeing here in my Houston Family Examiner article.
Your hosts, Money Saving Parent and Houston Family Examiner are excited to offer you the opportunity to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to the Sun. Nov. 11, 2012 1:30 p.m. performance of “Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove” courtesy of Feld Entertainment!
TO ENTER:
Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below and be sure to leave a comment – because those comments add up to 10 entries! We wanted to give you lots of chances to win so be sure to visit our blogger buddies joining us in this giveaway and leave a comment on their blogs too!
A Day in Motherhood
And they call me Mommy
Tickets will be available at the Reliant Stadium Will Call Center for your pick up. Be sure to bring your ID to claim your family four pack. See terms and conditions for more information.
This giveaway is gone in a flash! It ends Nov. 5 at 12:01 AM – so FREEZE right now and enter. Be sure to watch the Money Saving Parent Facebook Page and your email to announce our winner. [Read more...]
HOUSTON: Enter to WIN THE HUNGER GAMES – 5 Winners **Must Pick Up DVD at The Hunger Games Release Party**
Were you a part of The Hunger Games phenomenon? Did you camp outside the theater to get in and catch the movie of the year? Well, now, not only can you – HOUSTON – win a copy of the DVD, but you can attend the Blockbuster release party for the DVD too!
**FIND YOUR LOCAL BLOCKBUSTER STORE**
You can stop by any Blockbuster store and pre-order your The Hunger Games DVD to pick up on August 17, 2012 at the Release Party!
The Release Party where the winning DVD’s will be is going to be at the Blockbuster on Post Oak and West Belfort in Houston, TX
10275 S Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77096-4306
(713) 728-2474
Plan to attend the Release Party and pick up your The Hunger Games DVD is FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012 at MIDNIGHT.
Thanks to BLOCKBUSTER you can enter to win THE HUNGER GAMES on DVD! You can also visit your local Blockbuster store right now to reserve your copy and you will get an exclusive poster!
FIVE (5) of my HOUSTON readers can enter to WIN The Hunger Games on DVD! You MUST PICK UP YOUR WINNING DVD AT THE LAUNCH PARTY August 17, 2012 at midnight!
Just fill out the super easy Rafflecopter form below and GOOD LUCK! Winner will be drawn August 15, 2012 and midnight and notified August 16, 2012. You must accept the prize by midnight August 16, 2012 in order for me to get your information to the release company so your copy will be at the store!
**I am posting this as a service to my readers. No compensation or product was exchanged.** [Read more...]
HOUSTON: See the Preview of “What to Expect When Your Expecting” on May 15, 2012
I am really looking forward to the new movie, What to Expect When Your Expecting, a new film with a great ensemble cast that features Jennifer Lopez, Brooklyn Decker, and Elizabeth Banks, among others. The months leading up to childbirth can be challenging, but with this new film, expecting parents get a dose of what they can expect by seeing it on the big screen with some of today’s biggest actors! (More information below.)
**Our promo screening will be Tuesday, May 15th, at 7pm at Edwards Greenway Grand Palace.**
Use CODE DIMHMMT7 at GoFoBo.com.
The first 100 that enter the pro code and get a confirming email are in!
A kaleidoscopic comedy as universal as it is unpredictable, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Ben Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Joe Manganiello, Rob Huebel, Tom Lennon and Amir Talai. The film is directed by Kirk Jones, written by Shauna Cross and Heather Hach and inspired by the book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff. Lionsgate presents in association with Alcon Entertainment, a Phoenix Pictures production / a Lionsgate production of a Kirk Jones film.
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Jog the Journey: A Challenge for Charity Fun Run March 31, 2012 {Houston/Crosby}
“The Children’s Assessment Center (CAC), Houston’s center for child victims of sexual abuse, is kicking off the awareness month on Saturday, March 31 at the Crosby fairgrounds with the Inaugural Jog the Journey, A Challenge for Charity, Fun Run and Walk. The first year event will benefit the CAC as they continue to raise awareness for child abuse prevention and continue to aid the families who have fallen victim to child abuse in Harris County.
Unlike other fun runs, this 5k and 10k event for everyone comes with a twist, it is all 1980s themed! Not only is 1980s attire recommended for all ages, but also a DJ will be at the race start and finish line playing 1980s music throughout the event. After the race, participants can continue to enjoy the festivities as race trophies and raffle prizes are awarded all while accompanied by their choice of various St. Arnold’s, Red Stripe, Miller Light, and Bud Light beverages.”
The Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) provides a safe place for children who are sexually abused and their families. Their goal is to promote the complete healing of the victims as well as those around them. With 1 in 6 children reporting sexual abuse before the age of 18 and the median age of abuse reported being 9, this organization is needed more than ever! Participating in fund raising events like this that are also great for your family is an easy way to help out!
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month! So Houston and surrounding areas, lace on your sneakers and head out to the Crosby Fairgrounds to help the CAC kick it off!
Here are some more details to get you started!
- Who: All ages of Houstonians. Participants must be of age to enjoy the post-race beverages provided by St. Arnold’s, Red Stripe, Miller Light and Bud Light. Everyone is encouraged to participate in dressing in his or her best 1980s attire and enjoy the decade’s greatest music throughout the race.
- What: Jog the Journey, A Challenge for Charity, Fun Run and Walk, benefitting the Children’sAssessment Center of Houston.
- Where: Crosby Fairgrounds, 14920 FM 2100, Crosby, TX 77532
- When: Saturday, March 31, 2012, 8 a.m.
Have fun and let me know how you did!
Images borrowed from the CAC with permission.
Kids Eat FREE at Chili’s March 5 – 7
Head into Chili’s March 5 – 7 and get two free kids meals for every one adult entree! I love kids eat free days at Chili’s and save so much as a result!
Like A Day in Motherhood on Facebook and Subscribe to A Day in Motherhood. Images borrowed from Chili’s
Come Out to Houston Aeros on March 11 & Help Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer
My family and I are headed to the Houston Aeros Hockey game Sunday, March 11, 2012! We can’t wait to see our hometown team kick some ice and show our girls what a hockey game is like!
It is a special night because it is also the Breast Cancer Awareness game! Check out the attached flyer, print it out and remember to purchase tickets! USE CODE PINK12 to purchase discount tickets through me!
In addition, there will be a silent auction held in the concourse of the stadium starting at 5:05pm CST. Plus, everyone who comes to the game will get a pair of pink gloves, courtesy of Loco Concepts, in order to try and set the record for the world’s largest indoor pink glove dance!
I’ll see you there – I can not wait!
Like A Day in Motherhood on Facebook and Subscribe to A Day in Motherhood. Images borrowed from the Houston Aeros.
Texans: Win a $50 Visa Gift Card Just for Taking a Simple Survey About Your Use of ‘Rewards’
*Leave your email address spelled out – lomargie at gmail dot com – or Tweet to hashtag #TXUMom so that we may track your entry for the drawing for the winner!*
Hi fellow Texans! TXU Energy approached me to see if you would take a simple survey about your use of ‘rewards’ you get from companies! In exchange, one of the survey participants would get a $50 Prepaid Visa Gift Card! Well, you know I love to give you stuff so here we go!
And then keep reading for a shot at $10,000!
A little background!
- TXU Energy is celebrating five years of giving our customers cash back through the TXU Energy Cash Back Loyalty Reward program.
- · Basically, participating customers earn up to 3% or more cash back on their annual electricity purchases, and they receive it via a Visa prepaid card!
- · As of this year’s distribution, we have given more than $100 million back to our customers in cash back.
- · This year, alone, we have sent hundreds of thousands of customers a total of more than $36 million.
Our research shows that people here in Texas really do put those reward dollars to good use! Click here for the infographic that shows you how/where they spent most of it last year!
So, the question came to us: How much do families today use rewards (cash back, airline points, “dollars” earned at drug stores, etc.), coupons, or both to support their household budgets?
And why not give you a shot at a reward for your valuable time to take this survey?
Do you want a shot at $10,000 too? Help TXU celebrate their 5 year, 100,000 Cash Back Loyalty Reward program. It’s open to anyone 18 or older who’s living in a competitive electricity market and runs through March 31.
All you have to do to enter is:
- · Go to our Facebook Page
- · Click on the “Cash Rewards” link (see below)
- · Once you’re on the contest page, click “Like” and share how you would spend/use $10K in extra cash
That’s it! Two great ways to win some cash!
**I was not compensated for bringing this sweepstakes to you.**
HOUSTON: Get ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ Passes FREE
If you live in Houston and surrounding areas and you want to go see Journey 2: The Mysterious Island FREE before anyone else then keep reading!!
See the movie in Preview, 4 days before your friends!
February 6, 2012 at 7pm at the Edwards Grande Palace 24!
Tickets are limited so get your passes NOW!
TO ATTEND, PLEASE LOG ON TO GOFOBO.COM , CLICK ‘SCREENINGS’ AND ENTER THE FOLLOWING CODE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR TICKETS:
MOMSBWQC
Rated PG for “some adventure action and brief, mild language”
Arrive early! Seating is first come, first serve, except for members of the reviewing press. This ticket does not guarantee you a seat. Theatre is overbooked to ensure a full house. Theatre is not responsible for overbooking. Very young children/infants are strongly discouraged. No admittance once screening has begun. This pass is the property of Warner Bros. Pictures who reserves the right to admit or refuse access to the theatre at the discretion of an authorized studio and/or theatre representative. This ticket is not for resale. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device, including cell phones into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in your immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture of the device, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all non essential bags at home or in your vehicle. Warner Bros. thanks you for your cooperation.
Opens in theaters Friday, February 10, 2012
Like A Day in Motherhood on Facebook and Subscribe to A Day in Motherhood. *Affiliate links included. Images borrowed from Pr Company.
We Went to the Fuel Up To Play 60 Event & Learned How to Get $4,000 for Our School {Houston}
A few weeks ago I was deeply honored to have been invited to the FuelUptoPlay60.com event with the Houston Texans football players and Cheerleaders sponsored by Borden, Kroger and dairy MAX! The program partners the National Dairy Council, local Dairy Councils and the NFL and is aimed at showing how eating well and exercise can help kids learn even more in school! It was such an awesome opportunity to meet and greet the team and learn all about nutrition and get educated about the program that my husband took off work and we took the girls out of school early!
The event marked the kick off of the $200,000 grant that Borden Dairy, Houston Area Kroger Stores, Dairy MAX and the Houston Texans are rewarding Houston Area Schools in an effort to make breakfasts at school more nutritious! Schools can apply to get a $4,000 Grant to aid in a healthier breakfast for their students!
Check us out at the event below:
As we toured Reliant Stadium, took photos with Toro – the Houston Texans Mascot – worked out with some of the team members, had healthy snacks in the Houston Texans cafeteria, and watched the kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America enjoying it all, I was excited that programs like FuelUptoPlay60.com are available because they are so desperately needed in today’s schools!
I know that the few times I have been to my daughters elementary school to have lunch with her, I have been surprised that there are not more options like veggie plates and such! Usually its a burger or chicken sandwich with some chips. Fine but we can do better!
But even with all of the information about healthy food choices and how easy it is to incorporate them into our kids diets, schools still need funding and help in getting them on their menu options every day! Hence the need for the very generous $200,000 in grants available to our schools here in Houston and the surrounding areas!
The first step is to SIGN UP with FuelUptoPlay60.com!
As a student or school participant, FuelUptoPlay60.com helps kids participate in Fuel Up to Play 60 Challenges and Plays, earn great rewards and prizes for their school and make a HUGE difference in their school!
Here are some of the basics I picked up from my conversations with Lana Frantzen with Dairy MAX:
- You can check out the Quick Start Guides to see how to get your school involved in making school meals healthier;
- Being a parent advocate to help your school get its paperwork in for the $4,000 grant and making sure that your school is utilizing the grant to the max is key to a success story;
- the Grant allows your school to host “Taste Test Days”, have a Nutritionist and Dietitian come in and talk to the students and so much MORE – request it and they will help you try to get it done,
- the program gets the kids and the staff and the parents involved in fun challenges that teach the student body to get active and get healthy
Check out this great video on how to apply to get funding, follow the Six Steps to Get Started and then spend some time looking at all of the great information on nutrition, exercise, community involvement and more on the Fuel Up to Play 60 website!!
Once you are registered in the program, check out The YOU COOK UP A STORM Contest where, among other great prizes, you can WIN a visit to your school from an NFL Player! And you get a cap just for entering (ends January 2, 2012).
There is so much more about the program and how to best utilize it for students, staff, parents, administrators and even the community! But the bottom line is that you can make a difference in your child’s school just by signing up and getting started! I did it as a member of the PTO at my school and can not wait to tell everyone all about it!
**I was an invited guest at this event. No compensation has been received for attending or sharing my views of this event.**
