Archives for November 2013

Are you ready for our second holiday experience giveaway?

I’ve got admission for two to the Mary Bridge Festival of Trees in Tacoma.

I’ve honestly never been to this, but I know many readers have gone and enjoyed it. You’ll see  close to 70 amazingly decorated trees, enjoy live entertainment, and more. There are also Lots of great photo ops!

This year’s public days are December 7th and 8th, with Hello Kitty! making an appearance on the 7th (kids’ day).

This giveaway is for one  pass that will admit two adults for Free! Kids 12 and under are always free, and students 13-18 are just 2.00, so this will make for an inexpensive day of fun! It is a fundraiser for Mary Bridge, so if you do have the means to donate a little something while you’re there, it’s a nice idea.

We’re going to keep this one quick and simple because I have bunches more great giveaways to fit in. It’s getting fun around here, isn’t it?

Ready to enter?

Just leave a comment here and let me know!

For a second, optional entry, subscribe to my emails. Note that after you get the first one, you need to verify you want to receive them to actually become a subscriber. They’re just a once-a-day digest of the day’s posts. If you already get ’em, just say so!

Do remember to leave each comment as a separate entry, and remember that only comments left on this site count as entries. Good Luck! I’m choosing a winner for this one Sunday nigh! Remember to leave an email you check regularly!

Headed to Fantasy Lights?

Here’s a 3.00 off coupon. Note that you have to print out the coupon and redeem it at the gate-you can’t show them your smartphone.

With the coupon, it will be 10.00 for your carload. I think they make this sucker kind of challenging to find, so I thought I’d give you the hook up!

For more information on Fantasy Lights, Just head here!

Need something to do around the South Sound this  weekend? Here’s a list of events and activities with lots for your family to choose from!

For Seattle or Portland area fun you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by the newest member of their frugal finding team, Annaliese of Grays Harbor Deals!

Ongoing

Head to my holiday events guide and scroll down, for holiday performances running through out the season.

Here is a list of Nutcrackers

 Saturday

All Over

 Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo  Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2  ****You can still look at the critters in the tanks, but you cannot touch them currently because of concerns over a disease that has been affecting the sea stars.

Lacey/Olympia

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Holiday Bazaar at the Thurston County Fairgrounds

Olympia Family Theater presents Lyle the Crocodile (ongoing)

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Free Kids’ admission to the Harbor History Museum when you bring a canned food donation

2.00 movie at the Galaxy in Gig Harbor  A fundraiser for the Jacox benevolence fund. Doors open at 9:30   Madagascar 3

Indoor fall farmer’s market  (old Peninsula Gardens site)

Open Play at Discovery Village (admission charged) There is also a special holiday craft/cooking class for kids 4-7 from 10AM-1PM. It’s 25.00, and I assume you need to register. I don’t know anything about it, but I frequently get questions about kids’ cooking classes, so there you go!

Winterfest at Peninsula High School  Arts and Crafts fair; also Sunday

Wizard of Oz at Paradise theater

Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Sunday

Spirit of Christmas at Auburn First United Methodist church

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know! Don’t forget you can find rainy day play options up in the menu bar! You know-just in case!

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to my emails so you don’t miss a thing!

Wondering what time the Old Cannery Bridge lighting is? Where to park, what activities are going on,  or where Santa will be hanging out? Here’s all your scoop!

Old Cannery Bridge Lighting Events Schedule Today-Friday, November 29th, 2013

11AM-3:30 visit with Santa at the Old Cannery

2PM-Vendor marketplace

4PM Santa heads to the bridge lighting.

• DJ show with Brant Benson
• hula hoop contest
• holiday costume characters

Bridge closed from 4:30-6. Get to your spot ahead of time!

4:45 speech by Santa and the mayor

4:49 countdown to the bridge lighting

5:00 bridge lighting followed by fireworks!

You can get free cocoa for the kids from Homebrew Coffee in the McClendon’s Parking Lot.

Facebook readers suggest parking at the library and walking across the bridge. I think the train station might  be a good option on a holiday. Readers recommend getting close but not so close that you’ll be in the path of fireworks sparks.

I’d suggest you go plenty early to find parking and dress warmly. Keep in mind that the bridge lighting starts at 5PM sharp-if you’re late, you’ll miss it!

Got other great tips for enjoying this event? Feel free to leave a comment! It’s also tree lighting night in Edgewood, the start of Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo, and the 2nd night of Fantasy Lights in Spanaway. Information on those events and more, is in my weekend list!

For more on the Bridge Lighting event, you can also check The Old Cannery Facebook page.

UPDATE: This contest is now over. Congratulations to winner, Laurielyn, whose comment was selected by the random number generator. If  you didn’t win, I hope you’ll consider attending this fun event anyway. I think the admission is very reasonable, and it’s all going to a good cause! You may also want to keep up with the farm on Facebook as they do have once a month open farm days in the warmer months.

Oh, and speaking of keeping up……I have our next giveaway is about to go live, and it’s the first of many this month. Woot!!

It’s the Holiday Festival at Nature Nurtures Farm, a very special place that, “…brings young people and animals together to build empathy, teach responsibility, and inspire hope.”

Periodically their farm is also open to the public, including December 7th for their super cute holiday festival. The event is a fundraiser for their ongoing programs where at risk kids are paired with animals to develop a wide array of positive behaviors.

At the festival your kiddos can meet and pet bunnies and chickens, groom  the horses, make a card at the craft table, and much more.

There will also be photos with Santa available for purchase, plus hot beverages and bake sale goodies.

Regular admission is 10.00. Kiddos under 4 are free, and so is parking. You’ll want to bring cash for photos and bake sale items (there is also a raffle with some great prizes). All the proceeds go towards their innovative programs for at risk youth, so you’ll know your afternoon of holiday cheer is helping kids who need a hand year round. Pretty cool, right?  Do dress to be outdoors and in a barn-think boots, coats, and umbrellas, and bring cash-they can’t take any other kind of payment!

The event is December 7th from 10AM-3PM-a perfect kick off to your family’s holiday season.

*I also have a family 4 pack of tickets to the festival to give away thanks to the generosity of the Nature Nurtures Farm team. Woot!*

Before you enter, do check your calendar to make sure the date and time work for you. Also, be sure to leave an email you check. I don’t share these or use them in any other way, but I need to hear from you if you win!

Ready to enter? Here’s how:

• For a first, required entry, “Like,” Nature Nurtures Farm on Facebook or check out their website. Come back and tell me what you did in a comment! Feel free to leave ’em a shout-out on their fb page, but remember you have to leave the comment on this post to be entered.
• For a second, optional entry, share this contest in some way-Facebook it, email it your mom’s group, tell the crowd at school pick-up….whatever. Then leave a comment and tell me what you did!

I’m closing this contest Saturday morning, so enter now while you’re thinking about it. I’ll need to hear from my winner within 24 hours.  Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry, and remember that only comments left on this post will count as valid entries. Good Luck!!

Disclosure: I was provided tickets to use for this contest. I was not compensated in any other way, and the opinions are my own (though, I bet you’ll agree with me that this is one cool group)!

The giveaways are coming! The giveaways are coming!

Yes, I’m pretty excited, and no, I haven’t spiked the eggnog! Just a quick heads-up that beginning tomorrow I have a terrific series of giveaways for Sounds Fun Mom readers. In keeping with the spirit of the site, I’ll be giving away Experiences-not stuff (o.k. there might be a little stuff…). You can look forward to all kinds of tickets to some of the South Sound area’s most fun holiday happenings. I’m also really looking forward to highlighting some groups and events you may not know about.  I know you have lots to plan around this season, and the organizations I’m working with need to plan to0-which means these contests are going to be coming fast and furious!

What’s the point of this post besides teasing you? Well, I want you to be ready! So, if you haven’t already done so, I’m going to strongly suggest you sign up for my emails. You get just one a day, and I don’t use them to spam you or for any other marketing. They’re just a digest of the day’s post-a great way to make sure you haven’t missed one! Do note that to get the emails, you’ll have to confirm the first one that shows up in your inbox.

You can also use the buttons up above to follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or get a feed of the site in your reader. But, yeah-the emails are the best way to guarantee you’re not missing anything (that or checking the site multiple times a day, which obviously I’d love, too. Really, no eggnog-I swear).

See you tomorrow!

Homework doesn’t have to make everyone feel like this!

I must admit I wasn’t totally surprised by his reaction as it’s not the first time I’ve had this conversation with a student. As a Learning Specialist in a middle school, I work with teens and tweens on a daily basis. As you can imagine, sometimes when a student is frustrated, they have uttered something along these lines.

One of my priorities is to help the students learn how to work smarter, not necessarily harder. Listed below are 10 Smart Homework Strategies that will help you complete homework assignments more efficiently. These strategies should empower students to be responsible and accountable for their own learning!

Establish a homework location– Create a distraction-free homework space. Follow my advice and you should be able to avoid wasting precious time looking for the stapler, tape or a pencil sharpener. Or even having to make a pull an all-nighter trying to complete a project or prepping for an exam. First, establish a workspace. I encourage my students to use the following guidelines when setting up their own homework space:

• The computer should only be accessible if it is needed for a particular assignment.
• No. The T.V. should not be on (even if it’s on mute). 
• Put away your phone while studying. Constant beeps, tweets, status updates, and IMs can derail even the most disciplined student. 
• Music? Only if it’s quiet. 
• Good lighting is an absolute must. 
• Ask your folks to help you organize the space so it’s quiet, comfortable, and has all necessary supplies. 
• Get in the habit of working at the same space each day.

Use a Planner – Now it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Ideally it’s just something you can keep in your backpack and take to school every day. Some schools provide student planners. If your school doesn’t offer one, there are loads of calendar apps you can download. Or just use a basic MS Office® or Google® calendar system on your PC or laptop. The point is that you need a method to record all homework assignments. Once you’ve got your calendar, be sure to list any assignments and include all due dates. When planning for lengthy assignments, be sure to indicate the due date and build in midpoint ‘benchmarks.’ I’ve found it’s best not to procrastinate on lengthy homework or projects. Stay ahead! Highlight or cross out homework assignments as you complete the work.

Schedule Time for Homework – I usually recommend students complete their homework at approximately the same time each day. Eventually it will become second nature to you and your family. You may already have an idea of what time works best for you. (Tip: Try to avoid leaving study time or homework until just before bed.) Some other things to consider when scheduling your day and week:

• Mental Breaks- After 20-30 minutes of consistent focus on a particular homework task, take a five minute break to refresh yourself. Eat a healthy snack and do a simple stretching exercise. Then get back to work immediately.
• Prioritize- Good time management is an important life skill and you are never too young to get in the habit of it. Make a note of how much time you anticipate needing to complete an assignment. You may find you have to adjust your time depending on the task at hand. Work on lengthy projects a little at a time. Set aside time to review class notes each day. Even if you don’t have something due the next day, it’s a good idea to check your planner each day to review your schedule and what upcoming assignments are coming due. Again, stay ahead by planning ahead.
  

If all this sounds great, but you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed, be sure to come back tomorrow, when we’ll have Lisa’s foolproof system. It’s a step by step game plan you can start implementing with your students right away!

Disclosure: This is provided content from our sponsors at Charles Wright Academy.  At Charles Wright you can expect your college bound student to receive the very best teaching from preschool-high school. Find out more or request more information, at their website.

The priority application deadline for next year’s jr. kindergarten and kindergarten classes is coming up December 16th!

Photo credit: LifeMentalHealth at Flickr  Used under a Creative Commons License

Have you ever wanted to eavesdrop on what your kids are saying to Santa?  Do you have a grandma or grandpa that would love to experience the innocence and joy of Santa’s visit? The Santa Portraits team at the South Hill Mall  is proud to offer a new twist to enhance your Santa Experience-and is it ever a cute one! You’ll be able to listen in on  a live audio feed from Santa’s chair. You will be able to hear the lists, stories, and funny things that are said. It’s free to listen to the audio during your visit.  Recordings of the visits are offered on CD, and are available for purchase. Do make sure to tell his photo elves you want to go home with one of these special keepsakes so they know to record!

Update! Steve James (Santa’s photographer friend)  also asked me to remind you that the special audio recordings will only be available until December 17th. After that, Santa just gets too busy for chatting much. And, they’ve also asked me to tell you about a very special offer….if you have a deployed spouse, or an active duty spouse unable to attend the photo session for other reasons, you can get the audio recording for Free! How great is that?  I actually just took the boys for their pics today, and when I have a chance I’ll do a post where you can hear their audio. It’s pretty hilarious. For now, enjoy samples of this new feature here

You can also hear examples of the new audio feature, and get tons more information (they even have charts showing the best times to go!) over at the Santa Portraits Facebook page.

You can see more examples of Steve’s amazing work at their website. Try not to spend all morning oggling the cuteness-if you can! I do suggest you plan your Santa visit soon. Lines get longer as it gets closer to Christmas, and earlier visitors will have shorter waits and longer conversations! Santa is there daily from 11AM-7PM (closed Thanksgiving) until the 27th of November, and then from 10AM-8PM through December 20th, and from 8AM-9PM through the 23rd. He typically takes a reindeer feeding back from 2:45-3:15. He’ll also be in from 8AM-5PM Christmas Eve, but really-go sooner! You’ll be glad you did!

Disclosure: Sounds Fun Mom is proudly sponsored by Santa Portraits. The opinions are my own. I’d love for you to let Steve and his team know that you’re a Sounds Fun Mom reader. Thanks for doing that!

Updated for 2014

Here is my round up of South Sound Nutcracker Performances for 2013. I will have at least one Nutcracker giveaway later in the season, and we may see more performances pop up on daily deal sites. I’ll leave it up to you as to whether you want to wait and take your chances or make plans with your sugar plums now! This is a complete list, whether you’re looking for a fancy, big city production, or a more affordable show.

Feel free to forward this list to little ballet lovers you know, and do let me know if you hear of a show you missed, or want to weigh in on your fav!

First, A Few Words on The Big One in Seattle:

The most recognized area Nutcracker is the production put on by the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. It features gorgeous Maurice Sendak sets, and the dancing of nationally recognized ballerinas. I’m not going to dance around it:  This is one spendy show. However, I know many moms who will say it’s worth it. Here’s my sister in law, Cindy, on the subject:

“Even though Pacific Northwest Ballet production is spendy, I think it is worth it. I have seen several lower cost productions in the area over the years. The exta bonuses you get with PNB 1) they have booster seats so you little ones can actually see the stage. They were nice, clean and cozy last time we needed one. 2) They have lovey props in the lobby. Large nutcracker and toy soldier statues and a stage replica. These are great for killing time before the show or great backdrops for your Christmas or Holiday cards. My girls loved dancing on the stage. 3) You can preoreder your cookie treat for intermission. No standing in line. Who wants that with kids. Some ticket packages come with cookies too. 4) The Sendak backdrops will remind you and your kids of their favorite stories and you can recall those fun memories when you read together later. 5) You can’t beat the special effects at PNB. No one has the awe of the growing tree and the lighting and the spectacular costumes. 6) It is more money but way more magic.”

You should also know that this is the last year they’re going to be putting on The Nutcracker at the PNB, so if it’s one of those things you’ve always wanted to do…..this is your year.

If you’re not sold on PNB, or you just don’t have that much jingle in your wallet, there are many fabulous, South Sound performances to choose from.

South Puget Sound Nutcracker Performances 2014

Auburn/Renton-Evergreen City Ballet  Performances at Renton Ikea Center the 20th and 21st.  Tickets are 15.00-34.00.  My friend Christy went to this one last year and raved about it. She thought the sets and performers were very professional, and the ballerinas came out after the show to mingle and pose for pictures.. Last year, we also saw this one on Groupon.  and, YES, I will be hosting a giveaway to this one again this year. Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

Enumclaw–Plauteau Ballet Repretory Theater/The Dance Workshop Presents The Nutcracker December 12th-21st Tickets are 10.00 for seniors. 12.00 for children, and 14.00 for adults   Matinee and evening shows, performances at the high school

Fife  Auburn Children’s Dance Theater will present a performance in Fife Tickets can be purchased online here 13.00 in advance or 17.00 at the door. December 19th at 7PM and December 2oth at 2PM and 7″30. The afternoon show on Saturday has an arts and crafts time. Bring cameras for photo ops. with the dancers.

Tacoma-Tacoma City Ballet  Performances at the Pantages weekends beginning December 13th and running through the 23rd Tickets are 20.00-69.00. This year’s production is the world premiere of the whole story, “The Nutcracker and the Tale of the Hard Nut.”   If you haven’t been, the Pantages is beautiful. Leah Taff, of TCB wrote in with this plug last year.  “Our Nutcracker is the only one in the area to be performed in a performing arts theater to live orchestral music”

Tacoma– Tacoma Performing Dance Company  and the Jo Emery Ballet School  performs at Stadium High School Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd 18.00 children/22.00 adults

Tacoma Dance Theater Northwest performs in the Mt Tahoma Auditorium December 20th and 21st Tickets and 20.00 and 25.00 Call for tickets. There were discounts available last year; I don’t see them this year, but ask when you call.

Tacoma Washington Contemporary Ballet  presents the Nutcracker in the auditorium at Mt Tahoma Tickets 15.00-18.00 December 22nd and 23rd  I can’t find any current info. on this one. I’ll let you know if I do.

Olympia–Ballet Northwest performs at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts Shows the 12th-21st. Ticket prices range depending on seats. Note that the site also has ticket sales for different performances by Studio West (below). Make sure you’re selecting the one you want if you purchase online.

Bremerton–Peninsula Dance Theater performs The Nutcracker December 5th-7th at the high school performing arts center. Tickets are 14.00-27.00.  The show on the 7th includes a special Nutcracker tea. 42.00 includes the tea and a show ticket.

If you decide to take in a performance, you should definitely find a book version of the story first. Children will be so much more engaged if they understand what is happening.

If your kiddos are way too wiggly to even consider a ballet outing, but you’d still like that fancy dress-up photo, you might try the Seymour Conservatory which makes for a festive and ornate looking pic. this time of year.

Know a great show I missed? Think my post wasn’t on pointe? Let me know! Keep in mind that this list Only includes Nutcracker. There are many other holiday performances, plus tons of other holiday events. You’ll find a complete list in my South Sound holiday events guide.

If you’ve just stumbled  on this little site, I hope you’ll be back! I write just for South Sound families. While you’re here, why not like SFM on Facebook, or subscribe to my feed or reader, so you don’t miss a think!

Photo Credit: gabrielsaldana at Flickr Used Under a Creative Commons License

Need something to do around the South Sound this  weekend? Here’s a list of events and activities with lots for your family to choose from!

For Seattle or Portland area fun you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by the newest member of their frugal finding team, Annaliese of Grays Harbor Deals!

 Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00 per child for a 30 minute session. Sessions begin on the half hour starting at 10AM  It’s a felt stocking craft today.

Ultimate Wish Saturday at Toys R Us Stores   Activities and giveaways every Saturday through 11/23 from 10AM-2. I have no idea whether this will actually turn out to be an event, or just a, “Toy push.” If you go, let me know whether it’s worth including on the list. There is also a Power Disc trade event today-I have no clue what that is! Let me know if you do!

Elf on the Shelf events at Barnes and Noble stores. If you’re near a Barnes and Noble, call and see if they’re participating. I’ve heard good things about the Kitsap store, but readers have been disappointed with the, “non-events,” at others.

Kids can get a free book if they go to storytime at Half Price Books.  I love Half Price Books, but I’ve never been to an event here. If you go, let me know how it is! It does say the books are preselected. 1PM

 Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo  Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2  Kids can touch a variety of sea critters

Festival of Crafts and gifts in Enumclaw all weekend; free admission for kids 12 and under; Santa on hand and crafts for kids

 Tree Lighting event at the landing in Renton

Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium2PM children’s show on Pluto; 3:15 all ages show: Dynamic Earth

Thanksgiving Fun at the Tillicum Library 2PM  games, crafts, treats, and more fun for the whole family

Aylen Junior High in Puyallup puts on their last show of Annie Junior

Lacey/Olympia

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center  Free and open every weekend  with special projects; link opens lengthy pdf; It’s a tree theme today, with slide show and crafts through out the day

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Birthday Party at the Harbor History Museum   free admission from 10AM-5PM  Special activities to celebrate the birthday of the Midway School.

Indoor fall farmer’s market  (old Peninsula Gardens site)

Open Play at Discovery Village (admission charged)

Wizard of Oz at Paradise theater

Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Sunday

Kids’ Skating party at the Fransiscan Polar Plaza with the Children’s Museum. 4.00 session includes admission and skates-you do need to register.

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Fantasy Lights Walk 5-7PM  one night only option to walk around the light displays before it opens as a drive-thru. Be sure to read all the reminders.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know! Don’t forget you can find rainy day play options up in the menu bar! You know-just in case!

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