Mary Helen’s Magnificent Mustard Sauce
We take St. Patrick’s Day seriously at our house. I mean, really seriously. The Todd and I are both Old School Scots–down to the authentic dishes, the bagpiper playing down our street to meet for dinner and insisting on kilts and Sporran for everyone. The Todd is gearing up his culinary skills–for those new to the That Went Well community–I’m not even sure where our kitchen is. The Todd does (and even enjoys) all the cooking in our family. SCORE! So, this is from my lovely and talented husband…
Todd here. If I have done anything for you over the years this one thing is what you will remember me for. St Patrick’s Day is coming, and if you are doing the whole corned beef and cabbage deal as we do here it is: Mary Helen’s (Erin’s mom) Magnificent Mustard Custard Sauce. I swear I could bathe in this. (Make triple this recipe–you are going to need it)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp plain yellow mustard
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
6 tbsp white vinager
4 tbsp water
Low heat stir till thickened. Next time you see me I expect a hug, but don’t make it weird.
So, Your Kid’s Been Diagnosed With Autism, Now What?
I still remember when one of my most beloved girlies called me with her son’s diagnosis of Autism. It was only 8 years ago, but when she asked the doctor what to do next, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “uh, sometimes speech therapy helps.” For any other medical diagnosis, there’s an entire protocol ready for parents. Most Autism moms had to struggle to find connections and information.
Since early intervention is key to helping and often even recovering a child from a diagnosis of Autism, the Autism Speaks community’s created a free-bee “100 Day Kit,” which tells parents what to do, where to go, and most importantly helps them find their community so that they’re not alone. You’re not alone! Go here for the kit and more information.
Your Free-Bee Shot At Disneyland Is Nearly Over…
The “Jamitors” and my beloved girlie Lisa showed up in the studio this morning as part of Disney’s national tour to promote volunteerism….and with a warning. Disneyland and Disney World are offering a free-bee day at the park in exchange for a day of service in your community. There’s everything from helping at a Foodbank to walking doggies at the local Humane Society. Here’s the warning part: they’ve nearly given out all of the one million park passes they’ve promised. If you want to sign up your family for this offer, you need to do it TODAY. Seriously. Want you to have fun. I care about you. Go here for info and get started!
Free-Bee Kid’s Crafts This Weekend
Over at Lakeshore Learning this Saturday (3.6.10), your little folks can create this cute kaleidoscope from 11a-3p. Go here to find your closest location.
Home Depot’s free-bee workshop this Saturday is a little wooden rain gauge. (Editor’s note: given the level of precipitation we’re suffering through, the gauge would overflow before we opened the door to put it outside. Bleh.) The workshop starts at 10am, go here to find your location and to register.
Free-Bee Kid’s Short Film Festival This Weekend…
Hey locals, get a look at this:
There’s a free-bee hourlong presentation of short films Saturday (3.6.10) that’s perfect for your little people. Go here for more information about the event, hosted by the SLC Film Center. Note: Seating is first-come, first-served! The scene pictured above is from “The Mantis Parable,” a story about a caterpillar trapped in a bug collector’s jar.
Thanks, One Cheap Chick!
Free-Bee Photo Book!
It’s never too early start sucking up to the Nanas for Mother’s day: pick up a free-bee Large Classic or Classic Custom 20 page photo book from Picaboo & pay shipping for $8.99. These photo books are valued up to $39.99!
To begin: go HERE to sign up & receive an email with more details. Then, you’ll need to create your book & at checkout use the code: AFFLGB. Once again, they’ll only charge you shipping. This offer is only for new customers and the coupon code expires 3.31.10.
Sneaky inside tip: I kept up the twin’s scrapbooks for about 18 months…and then everything dwindled off. Photobooks are a gorgeous, better-wearing option. Picaboo is good, because there’s more options to add extra bits, journal entries, icons, etc.
Thanks, Thrifty Northwest Mom!
Read Across America Events Today…
…you can celebrate Dr. Seuss and his wonderful books today with a free-bee event from “Read Across America.” Libraries, schools, bookstores are all reading “Green Eggs and Ham” today with all kinds of different celebrations. To find one near you–and a HUGE list of activities to do–go here.
Sneaky inside trivia: this comes from my girlie Jennie Tueller…
This year marks the 50th anniversary/birthday of Green Eggs and Ham.
Dr. Seuss was challenged by a bet (offered $50) that he couldn’t write a
book with only 50 different words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham. Yes,
it only has 50 different words! They are repeated, but there are only 50
different words used.
Gerber Safety ID Kit–Free!
I’ve done everything to tag the twins from foot and fingerprints to rigorously updated photos to (I’m not kidding here) cheek swabs and hair follicles. A somewhat less creepy option might be the Gerber Safety ID Kit–a handy way to gather whatever’s needed to quickly find your little person. Call it peace of mind. You can order it free from here.
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Free-Bee Family Fun This Week…
…hey, locals, get a look at this:
Utah Museum of Natural History offers free-bee admission today. My Zachie and MacLean looove the big, scary dinosaur skeletons. Your junior paleontologists can watch the grownup version work with real fossils! The Museum’s open 9:30-8pm today. You can find more info here:
And on Wednesday, (3.3.10) the Utah Museum of Fine Arts opens it’s doors for free. Be sure to check out one of the cute kid’s backpacks at the front desk–it’s full of activities and adventures to do around the Museum. This isn’t a stuffy place–there’s lots of things to interest and excite little people. I’ve taken Z&M through several times without knocking over a single statue or setting anything on fire. You can get more info here. The Museum’s open Wednesday 10am-8pm.
Free-bee Family Activities This Weekend
At Lakeshore Learning, your little people can create this cute bookmark from 11a-3p. It’s always free at Lakeshore–you can find your closest location here.
At Michael’s, they’re focusing on science this weekend with a free-bee activity:
Join us for Science Fair fun! Come and watch a demo of projects available from Scientific Explorer. Then you can make a FREE Molecule project using Crayola® Model Magic™. While supplies last. The event runs 10a-1p. You can find out more info here.
At Lowe’s Build and Grow event, your little fellas can make this entertaining “Lowe-Bot” (like Transformers, I’m guessing?) The Lowe’s events are always excellent, well-made wooden toys, good instruction. The building begins at 10am, I’d sign up TODAY to avoid the workshop filling up on you.
Baby’s First Circus…
…frankly, I figured just having the twins was a circus, but Ringling Brothers & Barnum-Bailey Circus has an interesting offer. Sign up your new arrival and here’s what they’ll send:
A ticket voucher, which will arrive by mail, that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance, anytime, anywhere. No expiration date!
You’ll also be able to print a very special commemerative certificate, that you can personalize with your child’s name! I also like this: so your older ones don’t feel left out, they’ll get a commerative certificate too. (Editor’s note: though sadly, not a free ticket!)
Go here to sign up!
Thanks, the ever-so fabulous Shanna B.!
Dr. Seuss Festival At Target Saturday
How can you not love “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” Here’s your chance to celebrate the general wonderfulness of the book and Dr. Seuss. Target is hosting a free Dr. Seuss-themed event this Saturday, (2.27) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be a reading of the classic Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, as well as free Dr. Seuss-inspired games and activities and giveaways at Target stores nationwide.
Free-Bee Hogle Zoo Visit Wednesday
Hey, locals take a look at this: Utah’s Hogle Zoo is offering free-bee admission tomorrow (2.24.10) from 9am-4pm. Be sure to take the little ones up to the Highlands to see the tigers–they’re really active this time of year. Zuri, the new baby elephant is to DIE for! The train is asleep (thanks, Joanna! 
) for the winter, but you can still ride the Conservation Carousel. Dress warmly! You can get more information here.
Free-Bee Pancakes Tuesday!
Do some deep knee bends and prepare to carbo load, my friend. It’s Free Short Stack Day at the International House of Pancakes tomorrow 7am to 10pm (2.23.10.) They’re asking you to consider making a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network or a local charity. Find your closest location here.
Click To Give
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Free-Bee Crafts At Lakeshore Learning Saturday
Your little people can make this free-bee puzzle frame this Saturday (2.20) at Lakeshore Learning from 11-3p. Find your closest location here.
Free-Bee Admission to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts This Saturday
Hey, locals, get a look at this: every third Saturday of the month, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts has a free art program for children. Your little people will join in on the Chinese New Year celebration and make paper lanterns from 2-4 p.m. Admission to the entire museum is a free-bee the entire day.
Thanks, One Cheap Chick!
Got A Meijer Nearby?
Then, it’s movie night, baby! Get a free Redbox rental at Meijer stores when you use the code SMRTRY3. The code is good through Friday, 2.19. Sneaky inside tip: the codes work once per credit card, soooo…if you’ve got more than one credit card, you’ve got more than one movie! Just be sure to return it within 24 hours to avoid a charge.
Thanks, The Freebie Blogger!
Free-Bee Camping
KOA Campgrounds are offering BOGO free camping in May (14-15) to get you in the mood for summer. KOA’s located all over by wonderful spots, like Yellowstone. For a complete listing of KOA locations go here.
50 Free-Bee Disney Points
C’mon, every one of us buys Disney movies, but do you buy them with Disney Movie Rewards points? I always ignored the code for Disney’s Movie Rewards…but’s it is so easy to use. Just create an account, and type in the code from the movie. If you are interested you can sign up here.
Once you’re a member, type in the code 9FTMRYWEK to get 50 free points.
Thanks, “Deal” lightfully Frugal!
Free-Bee Redbox Code!
Here’s a new free-rental code to try at Redbox machines this weekend– 2DGTAL22. Sneaky inside tip: you will till be asked for a credit card. You will not be charged if you return the dvd on time. Just a thought…this code is good once per credit card. You’ve got more than one card, you’ve got more than one rental!
Thanks, One Cheap Chick!
Free-Bee Rides Friday!
Hey locals, get a look at this: ride a bus, light rail or a high-speed FrontRunner train for free on Friday, (tomorrow, 2.12) All Utah Transit Authority services — except for ski bus service — will operate for free. You can get details here.
By the way, four people can ride round-trip on FrontRunner, TRAX and local buses on one pass for $12. For information about UTA’s group pass promotion and other ride passes, go here.
Thanks, One Cheap Chick!
60% off at Michael’s!
Michael’s has a cute make and take this Saturday–buy a frame and decorate it for free as a Valentine gifty. Here’s a 60% off one item coupon to make this nearly a free-bee. You can find your closest location here, the event runs 10a-1p.
Free-Bee Valentine’s Fun This Weekend
Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops will make this free-bee heart “jewelry organizer” this Saturday, 2.13. I always promote Lowe’s well in advance because they fill up so quickly. You can sign up and find your store here. This would be a cute daddy/kiddo outing to make a present for mom.
Your little people can make this cute “Presidential” tie for free, 11-3p at Lakeshore Learning Saturday. More info and locations here.
Free-Bee Crafts This Weekend…
Over at Lakeshore Learning, your little people can make this cute magnetic Valentine, 11a-3p. It’s a free-bee, one of the reasons I love Lakeshore! Get more info here.
And at Michael’s Arts and Crafts: Join us for a FREE Valentine’s Day Card Make It Take It. Purchase a Valentine’s Foam Mailbox and Michaels will provide supplies to decorate it. While supplies last. You can find your location here.
At the Home Depot, the free-bee kid’s workshop Saturday (between 9am and noon) makes this little wooden car display. (Someone at HD is a massive NASCAR fiend, seriously.) You can sign up for your closest location here.
Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops will make this free-bee heart “jewelry organizer” NEXT Saturday, 2.13. I always promote Lowe’s well in advance because they fill up so quickly. You can sign up and find your store here.
Free-Bee Jumpstart Learning Software!
Costco.com occasionally pops up with some killer offer for members, got a toddler? Take note: today ONLY (2.3.10) you can purchase a FREE (after rebate) Jump Start Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Software program. It is priced at $17.99 – however, today only there is a rebate for $17.99!! The rebate is valid only on your purchase of this software dated Wed Feb 3rd (& only one rebate per household). Shipping is FREE , so all you’ll have to end up paying is tax (if applicable).
Here’s how it works:
- Go to Costco.com and buy the Jumpstart Preschool/Kindergarten Learning Software for $17.99
- Once you have received your confirmation email that the software has shipped, you can go to the Costco’s Online Rebate site and submit your rebate online! You can also print off the Rebate Submission Form & submit by mail. You can call the Costco Rebate Customer Service for more details & restrictions at 1-866-355-3137.
- Remember, this rebate is only valid on your purchase of the Jumpstart software purchased on Wednesday, February 3rd!
Thanks for the heads-up, Thrifty Northwest Mom!
Game Day Appetizers
It’s entertaining that the carefully titled “Game Day” Appetizers cookbook popped up today. We were just given a memo from our corporate lawyers at B 98.7fm about what we’re legally allowed to say on air regarding the Super–ah–I mean, the “game that two teams of a professional nature will be playing on Sunday, February 7. This game may or may not involve a football. I don’t know because I might get sued by an organization whose initials are N, F, and L.”
Seriously. They can sue us.
Sooo, let’s just go with a lovely downloadable cookbook chock full of appetizers that you might enjoy during a party this Sunday that might possibly revolve around some sort of game showing on television. Have fun! Don’t get sued! You can download the free-bee cookbook here.
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Free-Bee Valentine Downloads From “Parenting.com”
This will keep the kids busy this weekend while you’re trying to get something done. Download these cute Valentines for the kids to cut and color free from “Parenting.com” here.
Wear Red For 20% Off At Macy’s
Macy’s stores will be offering a 20% discount both in stores and online from Wednesday February 3rd – Sunday February 7th for any customer who wears red into one of their stores as part of their “Wear Red Sale”. The 20% discount will be on select regular priced, sale, & clearance items. Sneaky inside tip: If you forget to wear red, you can purchase a “Red Dress Pin” for $2.00 for the same savings – all proceeds of the pin will go towards the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement.
Sneaky inside tip #2: the same offer applies online for fashion and home purchases, use the code WEARRED to get your 20% discount at checkout. (Editor’s note: this is a cause near and dear to my heart–get it? Heart! Hah!–because of a heart condition I developed during my pregnancy with the twins. You’d be surprised at how common it is.)
Thanks, my beloved Thrifty Northwest Mom!
Have A Little Sweetie With Autism? Here’s A Wonderful, Free-Bee Resource
Hey locals, take a look at this:
Sketching up autism: Google workshop helps parents and teachers of children with autism. The University of Utah, Google and Universal Studios Creative will host a free workshop and tutorial on the SketchUp software for parents and teachers of children with autistic characteristics. The SketchUp workshop will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon in 320 Alfred Emery Building, 225 S. 1400 East in President’s Circle. The event is free and open to the public. For more information click here.
Sneaky inside tip: if this is something you’d like to bring into your local Autism community, Project Spectrum (http://sketchup.google.com/spectrum),is a partnership between SketchUp and educational outlets, designed to get the software into the hands of kids and teens with autism for free.
Free-Bee Admission To The Utah Museum of Natural History!
Hey, locals: don’t forget that tomorrow (2.1.10) is free-bee admission day at the Utah Museum of Natural History–my twins looove the big dinosaur skeletons. Be sure to check out the cute “Toadlly Frogs” Exhibit as well. For more info, location and time, go here.
Free-Bee Lego Fun Tuesday!
The press release enthusiastically says this is a “Groundhog.” Okay. Whatever, your kids can build it and take their clever creation home, all for free! Times seem to vary by store, but it looks like plastic Mr. Groundhog will be waiting for you, starting at 5pm while supplies last on Tuesday, February 2nd. Go here to find your closest location.
Free-Bee Family Stuff This Weekend…
…at Michael’s, your little ones can buy and decorate a frame for free with craft supplies this Saturday (1.30.10) from 10a-1p. (Editor’s note: I usually only include completely free events, but frames start there for .50 cents, so…we’ll let this one pass.) More info here.
Over at Lakeshore Learning, kids will make a free-bee holder for their house key. The event runs 11a-3p, you can find your closest location here.
No free-bee craft event at Robert’s, but they are giving away a chance to win these pretty charm bracelets by following them on Facebook. You can get more info here.
80% off at Restaurant.com is back…
I was browsing through their new listings at www.restaurant.com to see if there’s something fun for Valentine’s Day. It kills me that you can visit a 5 star restaurant, pay $2.00 for a $25.00 gift certificate, and it works! Mind you, each restaurant has it’s own requirements, so read the fine print. But this is a wonderful way to try out a new place without much risk. Sneaky inside tip: be sure to enter the code BONUS at checkout and hit apply to get your discount.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a free-bee tomorrow!
Don’t tick off Mr. Monkey! Go to the Zoo tomorrow!
Hey, locals: wedge the kids into their snow pants and drag ‘em up to Utah’s Hogle Zoo on Wednesday (1.27.10.) It’s free-bee admission all day, thanks to Salt Lake’s ZAP tax. The train is put away for the winter, but the Conservation Carousel should still be operating. Our twins almost prefer winter at the Zoo, since many of the animals are more active. Be sure to visit the big cats–they’re incredible this time of year! Go here for times and directions.
Why We’re Fundraising For Haiti
Look at this amazing little man–Kiki was buried in the rubble in Port Au Prince for seven and a half days. He’s a little skeleton, but look at that smile! There’s so much hope here… Go find some tissues before you see this CNN video. It’s going to make your day.
Free-Bee Baby Mozart Downloads!
My Zachie was so in love with Baby Einstein that I ended up buying nearly every one of them–there goes your college education, kiddo! So, it’s nice to see an affordable option:
Two free Baby Mozart downloads HERE and HERE!
Thanks, Moms By Heart!
Ski or Snowboard on the Cheap!
Hey, locals, there’s all kinds of $13.00 deals this month at all Utah ski resorts. Everyone’s trying to make it a little more affordable to come and play. Some resorts are offering $13 lessons, $13 lift tickets and $13 equipment rentals as part of the “Lucky 13″ promotion. Check out what each resort is offering here.
Thanks for the reminder, One Cheap Chick!
And another great suggestion from Jennifer: ” Another local ski/snowboard tip: if you’ve never tried to ski or snowboard before, Park City Mountain Resort has a GREAT deal for beginners called “StartNOW”: $25 which includes a special group lesson for never-ever beginners, lift ticket and rental equipment. And then you can come back 4 more times at the same price with the same deal (group lesson, lift ticket and equipment) – You can use one or all of that. (ie just come back and ski, or come back and take a lesson – whatever).”
50% off at JoAnn’s!
If you’re thinking about creating Valentine’s gifts and cards this year instead of buying them, this is a good time to get started. (Editor’s note: well, at least if you’re a slacker like me, this is a good time to get started–if you actually want to hand them out by Arbor Day. )
There’s a couple of excellent resources that you can download for free: The E Book on “Knitting Crafts” has several patterns for really cute Sock Monkeys and other sweet little creatures. Download that here.
There’s also a “Kichen Crafts” E Book that has simple patterns and crafts you can create with your little ones, and there’s some clever ideas there for gifts that wouldn’t take too long to make. I liked the painting projects, and there’s some really cute kitchen gifties my twins are making for their teacher. Download that here.
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Sneaky inside tip: if you need some materials for the project, here’s a little help from JoAnn’s:
Print a coupon here for 50% off any one regularly-priced item at Joann’s Fabric Store. This bad boy expires this Saturday, (1.23) but it can be used online or in-store.
Thanks, Money Saving Mom!
Ski Snowbird–Help the Enviornment!
Hey, locals, take a look at this: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort has a new “Red Air Days” promotion. The resort will offer a $20 discount off adult tram and chair tickets on any “red” air quality day in Salt Lake County as designated by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. You must request the “Red Air Days” discount when purchasing tram or chairs-only tickets at Snowbird ticket offices. The promotion is not valid Feb. 12-15. Go here for more information.
Sneaky inside tip: Snowbird also has a $39 ski instruction/lift ticket/rental package this month. Go here for details about that offer. Snowbird’s justly famous for their special needs ski program. Specially-trained ski instructors work with little ones with all kinds of challenges, physical, autism, etc. with love and patience. It’s a joy to see these kids go tearing down the hill!
Thanks, One Cheap Chick!
Sneaky inside tip #2: Interested in more deals? Go to SkiUtah.com and click on “Hot Deals.”
Sneaky inside tip #3: If you have a child or young adult with special needs, the jewel of the entire special needs community is the National Ability Center. Based out of Park City, Utah, it offers everything from skiing to rock-climbing to horseback riding at ridiculously low rates, since parents of children with special needs are usually out of money after all the expenses. People fly in from all around the world for their adaptive programs. You can learn more here.
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