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Nickel City, Orem

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I recently went to Nickel City with a bunch of adults and youth for the 4-H Mentoring program.  We played laser tag and had a bunch of nickels to play some games.  I was a little worried that I would be bored and it was going to be too kiddy but I was wrong!  It was so much fun!  The kids loved it and I enjoyed the games.

Laser tag was a pretty simple game compared to some other places I’ve played at but it was pretty fun.  The first game is $4 and every game after that is $3.  The arcade games were mostly good too.  It was actually a clean playing area and most of the games were in working order. All games run on nickels.

I would recommend this place for kids and families of all ages.  You can enjoy some pizza and dippin’ dots, play arcade games, and play laser tag.

Nickel City is located at 1515 S. State Street in Orem.

Mon-Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: closed

Lack of Sleep, a day in the life of a mom

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My husband claims it’s because of teething.  I think she just hates me that much.  Okay, not hates … just feels like I actually like to get up every morning before 6 am.  And for the record, I don’t.

Our baby started sleeping 8 hours a night around 5 weeks old.  It was amazing.  After 5 weeks of not even remembering what it felt like to be able to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time, it was pure bliss.  A couple of weeks later, she started sleeping for 10 hours and worked her way up to 11-12 hours a night.  I absolutely loved it.

I was really excited for Daylight Savings to come around in March because that would mean she would go to bed around 8 pm and wake up around 7:30 am.  It worked for a couple of days and then all of the sudden, she started waking up at 5:30 am and not going to sleep until 9 pm despite us putting her down at 8 pm.   Then a tooth came in so it made sense and she let herself sleep another extra hour.  But now we’re back to her not falling asleep until 9 pm or later even though she goes to bed at 8 pm and it’s not unusual for her to wake up at 5 am thinking it’s time to wake up.

This morning was one of those mornings and boy was I upset.  We had gone to bed slightly late in an effort to get a few things done and I was in no mood to wake up at 5 am.  So my husband got up.  I felt really bad since he’s the one that works 9 hours a day so I got up with her and my wonderful husband voluntarily stayed up with me.

I won’t continue with how much sleep I’m starting to miss out on because of the little babe who doesn’t seem to need as much sleep these days, but I really hope she starts changing her mind.  I like to get up early and get things done but getting up at 5 am is not my idea of a good start to the morning.  I really hope it is the teething thing and it will go away eventually but I can foresee many grumpy days in the future if she doesn’t start sleeping more.

Jam the River

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The Shops at Riverwoods is hosting an awesome Music Festival this weekend called Jam the River!  They have some of the best artists around including Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band tonight and Sugar Ray tomorrow night!  This is a free event so head over to the Riverwoods, check out the artists and visit the new shops and restaurants that have opened.  They have put a lot of work into making the Shops at Riverwoods look nice and they have done an amazing job!

AMF, Free Bowling

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I used to love to bowl.  It is so fun.  It’s a good social activity and I usually wake up the next morning to a pretty sore arm which must mean that it was doing my body some good.

This summer at any participating AMF Lanes, kids bowl free!  By signing up with AMF, you will receive an email for two free games per child per day between May 30 and September 5, 2011.  Adults with registered children can buy a pass for $29.95 for two games of bowling per day for the summer.

Unfortunately for those of us here in Utah County, the closest participating lanes is in Salt Lake at AMF Ritz Classic Lanes (2265 South State St.).  But it may be worth the drive occasionally for this awesome deal!

Sign up!

Running in Place

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A few months ago, my husband and I were once again into the Wii Fit – playing all the time and getting a good workout.  My husband started doing this one exercise where you run in place and you can change your television to watch something else while the Wii keeps track of all your steps.  I thought it was a great idea until it hit me – why was I limiting myself to just the Wii when really I could be running anywhere in the house and get the same benefits?

So now I run in the bedroom, in the living room, in the kitchen – wherever there is a computer and internet (to watch Hulu), I’m there running – but of course, only during my exercise time.  Can you even imagine if I was always running under those conditions?  I would probably be pretty fit.

Running in place definitely is not the same as running outside or on a track or even on a treadmill.  It’s a lot less impact and I definitely don’t run at the same intensity.  But it’s working.  I am currently 7 pounds lighter than I was pre-pregnancy (had my baby 9 months ago).  And I love it.

For those of you who don’t have the money for a Wii, Xbox Kinect, workout DVDs, or a gym membership, this is definitely the way to go.

Just Dance 2

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Two Christmases ago, my husband got to choose anything he wanted under a certain amount and his boss would buy it for him.  His coworker was getting a Wii and I loved that idea so we ended up getting one too.  Unfortunately, because we love to save money, we don’t buy many games for it so we quickly get sick of the games we have.

Last month, however, I made a Wii game purchase.  I had heard some good things about the game so since it was on sale on Amazon, I decided to go for it.  After a lot of research and thinking, I bought the game, Just Dance 2.  And I loved it!  It currently is on sale again on Amazon for even a cheaper price than I bought it for so now is the time to buy it if you were thinking about it!

I have now played both the original Just Dance and Just Dance 2.  In my opinion, Just Dance 2 is better.  It has more song choices, the graphics are better, the sensors for the game are better, and it was just overall improved over the original game.  However, there are a lot of people who like the original Just Dance too.

Walk With Angels, United Angels Foundation

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There is no one group of people that I love more than the Special Needs people.  They are so special and precious.  An organization called United Angels Foundation focuses on helping and supporting parents with special needs children.

I love this idea because as I have found out, having just one “average” child is very hard.  It is time consuming.  It is exhausting.  Adjusting to a new babe in the house was the change of a life time.  I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to have a child with special needs.

Next month they are hosting a walk to raise money.  It will be held at Wines Park in Lehi located at 500 North Center Street.  Registration begins at 9:30 am with the actual walk beginning at 11 am.  They will have bounce houses, raffles, games, and music.  This money will go to expanding the outreach and support of families within our community who have an “angel” in their family.  My family is all signed up to attend.  Is yours?

4-H Mentoring, Utah County

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4-H Mentoring is a program for youth and their families.  Volunteer mentors are also a part of the program and help the youth with academics and socially – they give them a good role model and a big brother/sister.

I have had the great opportunity to be a part of this program since 2008.  This program continually amazes me.  The families in this program are ones who truly want to improve their family relations and the mentors are one-of-a-kind.

4-H Mentoring serves youth between the ages of 10-14 years.  Mentors are at least 18 years old.

Each month, 4-H Mentoring hosts two activities – one for the families and mentors and one just for the youth in the program and their mentors.  There is also an after-school club for each youth to attend that teaches various skills and subjects.  Every activity within this program is free to registered families and mentors.

If you are a parent/guardian who is looking for a fun program for your family to be involved in or if you are an adult who is looking for a great service opportunity, 4-H Mentoring is it!  I am definitely looking forward to when my children are older and can participate in this program!

Another Pass of All Passes Deal

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4/5/12 UPDATE:  Looking for the Pass of All Passes?  Must Have Giveaways will be giving away FOUR Pass of All Passes away on 4/19.  The giveaway will run between 4/9 until 4/19.  And currently they are giving away gift cards to Cafe Zupas!

 

August 2011: $29.95 for a Pass of All Passes until Labor Day, September 5. Look at the FAQ to find out how to get this deal!

May 13, 2011:  Screamin’ Deals is offering a Pass of All Passes for $39.95.

March 28, 2011:  Groupon has done it again.  $39 for a Pass of All Passes!

*If this deal has ended, see a different post to purchase a Pass of All Passes at its regular price.

Coloring Pages

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I don’t know about you but with all these Utah weather changes, it’s hard to consistently find something to do.  However, Disney’s Family Fun page has a lot of pages you can print off and make into whatever you’d like!

Free Meals for Birthdays, Utah

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(updated 2015)

March is our birthday month here in our household – both mine and my husband’s birthdays are this month, in fact, just as my birthday is ending, his is beginning.  It’s a lot of fun to have someone to share birthdays with but the free food we get is even better.  Besides all of the family meals we get to enjoy together, we also enjoy eating at some of our favorite restaurants and only paying a portion of the full cost.  Here’s our small list of free birthday food restaurants:

  • Honey Baked Ham – Free ham sandwich by signing up for their email list.
  • Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill – Sandy – Free personal pizza or any pasta entree.
  • Pizza Studio – One free pizza
  • Red Robin – One free gourmet burger
  • Tucanos – 4801 North University Avenue, Provo – Churrasco-style eating.  We usually just get the full  Churrasco Lunch (going for dinner is just a little too expensive for us) but I’ve heard that some of the extras you can add are delicious.  Maybe one day we’ll try them.  Signing up for their Birthday Card gets you one free meal with the purchase of another meal.  Plus kids under 7 years eat free there so it can become a pretty inexpensive meal!
  • Happy Sumo – 4801 North University Avenue, Provo (right next to Tucanos) – We received $15 for my birthday to go towards a purchase.   You can also read about one experience we had, as well as check out this month’s VIP menu.
  • Texas Roadhouse – 1265 South State Street, Orem – Free appetizer or sidekick of ribs
  • Rodizio Grill – 749 West 100 North, American Fork – Churrasco-style eating.  This restaurant also offers a buy one meal, get one free meal deal.  We have never been to Rodizio but have heard it is pretty good.
  • Texas de Brazil – $25 towards one regular dinner
  • Baskin-Robbins – One free scoop of ice cream!  Also, by signing up, you can get a discount on a birthday cake.
  • Cold Stone – A free creation with the purchase of another creation.
  • Benihana’s – 165 South West Temple, Salt Lake – Signing up gets you $30 towards your food for the month.
  • Famous Dave’s – 1166 East Fort Union Boulevard or 7273 South Plaza Center Drive, West Jordan – A free dessert with the purchase of an entree.
  • Sonic – Free regular cream slush, free medium tater tots, or a free medium drink.
  • Buca di Beppo – 935 East Fort Union Boulevard, Midvale or 202 West 300 South, Salt Lake – A free appetizer on your birthday (plus a free dessert just for signing up and a special offer on your anniversary).
  • LongHorn Steakhouse – Free dessert with the purchase of 1 adult dinner entree
  • Mimi’s – $10 off after spending $20
  • IHOP – One free meal after signing up to join their “Pancake Revolution.”
  • Einstein Bros. – Sign up to join their club and you’ll probably get a free bagel (not sure, never signed up for their club).
  • Del Taco – A free premium shake on your birthday.
  • Fuddruckers – A free 1/3 pound burger for your birthday.
  • Joe’s Crab Shack – 7277 South Plaza Center Drive, West Jordan or 65 East 9400 South, Sandy – One free appetizer.
  • T.G.I. Friday’s –  A free dessert with the purchase of an entree.
  • Wendy’s – A free kid’s meal for children or $1 off of a combo.
  • Arby’s – A free 12-oz shake with any purchase excluding snack menu items
  • Firehouse Subs – Show them your ID on your birthday and receive a free medium sub
  • Rubio’s – Free entree
  • Noodles & Co – Coupon for birthday, must have signed up 60 days prior, for free bowl
  • Union Grill – 2501 Wall Ave. Historic Union Station, Ogden, $15 for your meal after joining email list
  • Red Lobster – $5 off two adult entrees
  • Yogurtland – Special birthday coupon
  • Rita’s Ice – Use their app and get a special treat for your birthday
  • Smoky Mountain PIzzeria Grill – Personal 8″ pizza or pasta entree for free, need ID

Know of any other free food deals for birthdays?  Please share!

Click here to see a completely free birthday day!

BIRTHDAY FOODS

Family Night: Cabela’s

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For our Family Night Out last week, we took a short trip to Cabela’s.  Surprisingly, there was a lot more to see than I expected.  There were lots of animals, all dead and stuffed of course, there was a little aquarium, and a place to get food!  We didn’t try the food since the pizza that was sitting out looked a little old and the prices were pretty expensive but if we ever go again on a Saturday when the food is much more likely to be replaced and made frequently, I’d love to try it.

Cabela’s in Lehi is located at 2502 W Grand Terrace Pky.  Take the 284 exit, turn east, take the first left at the next light and turn up towards Cabela’s.

Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Dropping Naps

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My babe has decided she doesn’t want to sleep anymore.  I’m not sure why but she won’t take naps anymore.  Her average is about an hour a day worth of naps.

And what I’ve realized is that I have a lot less free time to do whatever I’d like.  While she’s awake, I can still let her play but she’s so tired that she wants someone to play with her.

So goodbye time to work, hello to lots of play time with the kiddo.

Five Star BBQ Company, Orem Restaurant

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There is a new restaurant that has been started on Geneva Road in Orem. It’s called Five Star BBQ Company and it is my favorite BBQ food for a restaurant by a long shot.

It is located at 70 N. Geneva Road .  The prices are great – we usually eat for about $12 (for two) which is great when we want some great food that doesn’t cost much.  The portions are a good, average portion so I never leave too full but I do usually leave hungry for more because it’s so good.  Five Star is open on weekday afternoons and Friday and Saturday evening.  The afternoon hours are great for a quick lunch.  It’s set up more like a Cafe Rio style of getting food so although there are no waiters, it’s possible to get your food quickly and go.

They offer some yummy, juicy meats, great sides, and delicious desserts.  Unfortunately, however, when we tried the ribs, they were a bit dry but I think it’s just because they were sitting, trying to stay warm for a while.  Otherwise the flavor was amazing.

Join them on Facebook too for a chance to win a free item each weekday.  Last week I won a free pulled pork sandwich and mmm, it is my favorite.  I’ve heard that all the food is really good but every time I go, I always get a pulled pork sandwich with mashed potatoes.

Five Star also does catering.  I’ve been trying to get a chance to use them for my work but it hasn’t worked out so far … I’m hoping sometime this year I’ll get a big enough budget to use them!  The food is just too good not to share my knowledge of this place!

*As always, this is a non-paid review.
Image courtesy Five Star BBQ Company

Leaks with Kawaii Diapers

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Update:  No more leaks

I have had my Kawaii Diapers for quite a while now and I had no problems with them the first 2 weeks that I had them. Then suddenly, I started having leaks all the time! But not just with those diapers but with other ones as well. And today, I think I finally figured out the problem.

My little 7-month old has very chubby, yet skinny legs and a very small waist. In general she is pretty small (about 14 pounds). I realized today that we simply are not putting them on tight enough. We have become so relaxed with cloth diapering that we are not as careful as we once were.

I love the snaps on diapers because they allow for so many different sizes and settings which is great. So for now, we have the diapers on her as tight as they will go and it’s working great. We also make sure that they are pulled up as high as it will go so that pooling won’t happen at the bottom of her diaper. Adding an extra pad in there too can also help with leaks.

In general, I still love my Kawaii Diapers. They fit her great (now) and they are so adjustable. We also have Tiny Tots, Fuzzibunz, and BumGenius 3.0 diapers. They are all great but Kawaiis are a great price and work just as well as all the other ones.

*This is a non-paid review.

Tangled in Utah County

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As part of my job, I help plan activities for families and volunteers. My main location is in Spanish Fork. I pass Movies 8 almost every single time I go down there but probably because I pass it during the middle of the day, I have just assumed it is closed!

Little did I know, it is actually still open! And it’s playing the movie “Tangled!” But so are many other Cinemark Movie Theaters. If you know of any specifically, please let us know! It’s such a great movie for kids.

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