You know why I like taking the kids to hockey games?

Because it's SOO loud in there, it matters not how boisterously they screech. And now, it's even cheaper to take the whole family to see some great ice hockey and eat some yummy concessions. It's the Norfolk Admirals Family Fun Packs!
Admirals Family Fun Packs include four Red Level tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns and four sodas for only $48. That is a savings of $37! This great deal is offered for all Wednesday and Thursday night home games at Norfolk Scope. Get your tickets and Family Fun Packs at the Scope Box office or at Ticketmaster locations.

Put 'em to work!

My kids absolutely love this.... it's the Home Depot Kids Workshop! 

Just stop by any Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month, between the hours of 9am and noon for a FREE clinic and craft!  We've made toolboxes, mail organizers, flower pots, birdhouses, picture frames and so much more ~ many of them perfect for gifts!  In addition to the project kid, each child receives a certificate, achievement pin, and kid-sized orange apron!  

Did you know?

From Good Housekeeping Magazine:
CFL bulbs work best in rooms where they'll be left on for at least 15 minutes. Frequent on-and-off (say, in a closet, bathroom, or pantry) can shorten bulb life, so the replacement cost can outweigh energy savings.

Also, here's a link to an article about recycling those CFL's locally....

Go for a lighted walk!

Put on your walking shoes and see McDonald's Holiday Lights at the Beach!
For one night only on Thursday, November 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m. you can walk through the lights at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Families can make a $5 donation benefiting Ronald McDonald House. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!
The walk is a little over two miles. Park at 2nd Street (the very end of Atlantic Avenue) and walk to 33rd Street. They'll have a bus at the end to take you back to your car. Ronald McDonald will even be there to meet and greet your family!

The drive-thru opening of Holiday Lights at the Beach is Friday, Nov. 21.

They'll clean up the mess FOR YOU!!!

Paint Days at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News
Date? Tuesday and Thursdays, 10am - 4pm
Cost? Always free to Pfac Members, included with Pfac admission for non-members
What? Paints, easels, paper and smocks provided. Let the kids get creative and we'll clean up the mess.
More info? 596-8175

Dump?

Because I got so many questions about this, from listeners to FaceBook friends... here it is:
Pumpkin Dump Cake

1 can pumpkin pie filling

4 eggs

1 c. sugar

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice OR 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. cloves

1 can evaporated milk

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick butter, melted

Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spice, and milk in large bowl. Pour batter into greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle the yellow cake mix on top. Melt butter and pour over dry cake mix. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serve (warm!) plain or topped with whipped cream, or even crushed pecans….

Thanks to Julie for passing it on, and to Google Images for the photo!

a Thanksgiving craft and bonus coupon!

This is a craft we did with both kids last year; I think it was actually at Carly's birthday party... we just traced around their hands onto scrapbooking paper (which, by the way, are on sale at Michael's now: 4 for $1) or construction paper in fall-ish colors.  Then just fan them out (we put little Nicholas' on top, since his are obviously smaller) and glue them on a piece of cardboard cut into a donut-shape.  Add a ribbon for the bottom and one at the top for a hanger and you're done! So cute to hang on a doorknob, or somewhere in the kitchen, maybe to remind you to 'give thanks' for all our blessings.  

Oh, AND, if you're interested.... The Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy are having their Friends and Family Event Nov. 13th to Nov. 16th.  I have the 30% off coupon if you're interested.... I can email it to you!  Some restrictions apply; also... for every purchase you make, they'll donate 5% of the amount to charity.  

Safety First

Representatives from the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office will be at the library to issue free identification cards for children on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Ages: birth- 18 years 

10am -Noon at the South Rosemont Library 

1503 Competitor Court, Virginia Beach  385-2650 

more free chicken nuggets and fries!

My kids love weird stuff like actual veggies and sushi... but if you've got kids that love those kid's meals... here's one for you: Come in to any Atlas Grill and Bar on Wednesdays, and get a free kids meal for every adult entree purchased!

Shop AND save!

This holiday season Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads is partnering with Lynnhaven Mall to bring you exclusive savings from your favorite retailers; just in time for holiday shopping!

1) Visit www.thegivingspree.comand find your local mall and select Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. 2) Make a secure online donation of at least $5.00 by November 14, 2008. Each donation is 100% tax deductible and 100% of your donation benefits Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads3) Receive a list of exclusive offers from your favorite retailers that are only available on a special shopping day; November 15th, 2008 at Lynnhaven Mall.

And there's more at www.thegivingspree.com, you can get gift giving advice, sign up for an online holiday organization tool and even send hints to others about what you would like to receive this year!

Remember, the more, the merrier! Pass this information about www.thegivingspree.com to your friends and family.

Easy and quick... I like!

Here's a meal that's become a favorite in our household... I can literally make it in about 3 minutes, pop it in the oven and DONE! 

Toss some frozen peas or green beans in the microwave and it's a great meal!! 

Pork Chops with apples and stuffing 

1 pkg. (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing 

1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling

6 boneless pork loin chops (1 1/2 lb) 

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Prepare stuffing as directed on package. 

Spread pie filling onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed wtih cooking spray; top with chops and stuffing.  Cover with foil. 

Bake 30 minutes; uncover.  Bake an additional 10 min. or until chops are cooked through (160 degrees). 

Now, I personally used the "low sugar" can of apple filling (mainly to try and make up for all the Halloween candy the kids are still devouring) and it was great; plenty sweet and you don't need to add any other seasonings or anything because the stuffing is just jam-packed with delicious flavor.....  I'd use Stove Top at every meal if I could.  It's just fluffy perfection.... 

FARM FRESH® GIVING AWAY FREE GAS FOR A YEAR TO 10 LUCKY WINNERS THIS SATURDAY
Who: Ten lucky FARM FRESH® customers will win FREE gas for a year!
What: Free GAS Giveaway - FARM FRESH will be giving away 10 gallons of gas per week for 52 weeks to 10 lucky customers.
When: Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 10:00AM
Where: FARM FRESH Store #911
2058 S. Independence Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Why: FARM FRESH understands the strain high gas prices have had on our customers; this is a great way to thank our loyal customers who continue to choose FARM FRESH as their supermarket and fuel center of choice.
And: Winners do not need to be present to win. All winners will be notified by a FARM FRESH representative.

Let them express themselves on something other than the good furniture!

This is something I used to do with my kids every month; it's fun and educational for both kids AND parents, they get a story, gallery tour, creative movement exercise, and they make the cutest little creations to take home.

Pre-K Art Days at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia ~ for ages 3-5
220 Parks Ave, Va Beach, VA 23451 425-0000 x 23
(registration required ahead of time)

Third Thursday of each month 10am-11am
$5 for CAC members, $7 for non-members

What's better than going out to eat and NOT paying for the kiddos? I know, it would be better if they would actually behave and not throw food, or cause a scene when told they can't have dessert, right? Well, here's a deal. Family-friendly Friendly's restaurants offers "Kids Eat Free" Tuesdays, every Tuesday after 4pm. That means one free kids meal for every adult entree purchased. AND if they're good? Maybe we could let 'em have a sundae just this once.... There are plenty of "Kids Eat Free" deals out there; I'll be posting them in the coming days and weeks. If YOU see one advertised, let me know!

While I'm at it....here's a link to a $20 Office Depot coupon, valid if you spend $75... the only thing is there's a laundry list of exclusions; #4 I really take exception to, but anyway. I have managed to come up with something I need for a Christmas gift that seems to fall outside all those limitations. It expires on Nov. 15th... enjoy!

Tacky the Penguin!

Here's something fun!  My kids love Tacky the Penguin...he's an "odd bird who marches to the beat of his own drum", a lovable character created by author Helen Lester and she's bringing all the fun to Norfolk Public Libraries through November 8th. Bring your camera and enjoy the storytimes!  Here's a link to the dates, times and locations.... 

Under $2 bucks!

Over the weekend we saw several gas stations around selling regular for $1.99.... and the minivan needs a fill up!  So this morning I went to a handy little website where you can enter your zip code and find the cheapest gas prices around.  How handy!  Bookmark it and never wonder if you're getting the best deal... even when you're traveling!!

We're up and running!  Wave Savers is the spot to bookmark for your (hopefully) daily ideas for saving time and money.... We'd love to hear from you, too; so just send your comments along with ideas and tips from your family!  

So, that being said... what better way to start than to post an event coming up that I'm sure all young kids will love.... The Wiggles!!  

Yep, Murray, Jeff, Sam, and Anthony are coming to town! They'll be at the Hampton Colisuem on Thursday, Nov. 6th at 6:30pm.  Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, or you can win great tickets this week on the Morning Wave!