If your child has allergies you may need to stick to a detergent that is free of all dyes and fragrance. Ultra Purex Baby is free of dyes, but it is scented.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Baby Laundry Detergent
Are you a momma on a budget??? Me too. Especially with three kiddos who make LOTS of messes. That's why I am always looking for off-brands that work as well as the preferred brands, but usually the brands I am used to just work plain better.
One MAJOR exception. I was sold on Dreft baby detergent like 98% of America. My kids have sensitive skin, and I was a sucker for the smell. It also worked pretty darn well. Then, I stumbled upon Ultra Purex Baby. Based on Wal-Mart pricing, a 50oz. bottle of Purex is only $2.97 as opposed to Dreft, which costs a whopping $9.97 for a 50oz. bottle. In my experience, it works just as well as the Dreft AND has that yummy baby smell. Give it a try...I am sure you will be sold!
If your child has allergies you may need to stick to a detergent that is free of all dyes and fragrance. Ultra Purex Baby is free of dyes, but it is scented.
If your child has allergies you may need to stick to a detergent that is free of all dyes and fragrance. Ultra Purex Baby is free of dyes, but it is scented.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Bullseye!
~Kathy
"Brave"
Continuing with the Disney tradition, "Brave" doesn't disappoint. Will it be a movie our children are grandchildren will watch, probably not. But, it does offer fabulous summertime entertainment for the entire family. You can probably gather from the previews that this tale is going to appeal more to the little girl population, but it has elements that little boys can appreciate too. We didn't opt to see the 3-D version, but we still REALLY enjoyed the movie.
If you're planning to go, don't worry if you're running a little behind that day. The previews are exceptionally long for this movie for some reason. Also, if you live in the Irmo/Chapin area I would like to suggest you drive right past Carmike to the AMC Dutch Square Cinemas. The theater is MUCH cleaner and up to date, and you won't feel like you need a shower when you get home to get all the cooties off. Also, the wait times are usually shorter.
Grab the family and go see Disney's new movie, "Brave." It's a must see!
http://www.tributemovies.com/cinema/South%20Carolina/Columbia/
If you're planning to go, don't worry if you're running a little behind that day. The previews are exceptionally long for this movie for some reason. Also, if you live in the Irmo/Chapin area I would like to suggest you drive right past Carmike to the AMC Dutch Square Cinemas. The theater is MUCH cleaner and up to date, and you won't feel like you need a shower when you get home to get all the cooties off. Also, the wait times are usually shorter.
Grab the family and go see Disney's new movie, "Brave." It's a must see!
http://www.tributemovies.com/cinema/South%20Carolina/Columbia/
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
#boys
 |
| The unsuspecting victim |
The other day, Goose, was in time out, and with a minute (of his 3 minutes) left, I hear a very strange water hitting metal sound coming from the laundry room. I was certain there was a leak somewhere. To say I was surprised when I saw my son urinating in the dog's water bowl would be a gross understatement. #boys.
~Kathy
Monday, June 25, 2012
Fine Dining ... with 2 Children under 4
This past weekend my husband's brother and wife came into town. We were planning to go to dinner at Terra on State St. in West Columbia on Friday night ... but both baby sitters were busy. The hubster was convinced we should just cut our losses and stay home or find something a bit less fine dining and bit more it's-6-and-both-kids-are-hungry-and-sleepy-we-have-to-eat-fast dining. With much convincing and a phone call to Terra, who assured us children are welcome, we took the plunge.
Let. Me. Tell. You. They were SO accommodating and kind and patient and the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong, you can't just let your children run buck wild and I would obviously recommend you come armed with an arsenal of crayons, stickers and paper, but the experience was... delightful! Our waitress - how I wish I could remember her name - was one of the best we've had. Get on over there and enjoy! The scallops are delicious! Bon Appetit!
~Kathy
Let. Me. Tell. You. They were SO accommodating and kind and patient and the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong, you can't just let your children run buck wild and I would obviously recommend you come armed with an arsenal of crayons, stickers and paper, but the experience was... delightful! Our waitress - how I wish I could remember her name - was one of the best we've had. Get on over there and enjoy! The scallops are delicious! Bon Appetit!
~Kathy
Garden Fairies
I love the zoo...don't you??? Honestly, who doesn't. That's why Riverbanks zoo is PACKED by 9:30am on any given day, even when it's 110 degrees outside. That's why I decided to put our (then) four year old daughter in a Garden Program at Riverbanks Zoo. Designed for 3-4 year olds, the 45min class includes a lesson, craft, and story. And it's only $9. It does require that an adult be present with the child, but I decided it would be a good mother/daughter bonding experience.
The class was scheduled to begin at 10:00am so we arrived a little early to make sure we had a good seat for the class. When we arrived to the visitor center in the middle of the Botanical Gardens, the lights were off and not a soul was around. I still wasn't worried, we were about 10min early. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally a janitor came by and I immediately grabbed her to find out what was going on and she kindly went to go find someone who could help me. We are now actually 5 minutes past time for the class to start. I begin to panic because my daugher knows something isn't right. She begins to whine. She is hungry. She has to go to the bathroom. And all the time I just want to ask someone if I am in the right place because I am the ONLY person in the building. Even the janitor is no where to be found anymore. Finally another mother/daughter team come meandering into the building looking just as lost as I feel. I basically tackle them and ask them why they're there. Lucky for me, they're here for the same class as us. Unlucky for us both, there's still no lights on and no one around.
Finally, 15 minutes after the class was supposed to start the janitor returns to tell me that someone would be there to start the class shortly. At least now I know I am in the right place, but now I am HIGHLY annoyed at the disorganization of the Garden Fairies class. A few moments later a young woman rushes by, turns on the lights, and shows us into a small classroom. She tells us a story, we walk through the Botanical Garden looking for "fairies," (dolls the instructor had hidden in the flowers) and my completely unimpressed 4 year old and I then headed back to the clasroom to make a fairy doll of our own. This was the highlight. The doll was cute, but not really worth what became an hour of our time. Especially when I was paying for childcare for my then 2 year old son.
To be fair, my oldest daughter is VERY hard to impress, but the Botanical Gardens could have put a little bit more thought into the organization of this class. Because of this experience I can't recommend the Garden Programs for 3-4 year olds at Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens. I do, however hope that this is just an isolated experience, because like you, I heart Riverbanks Zoo.
http://www.riverbanks.org/education/garden.shtml
~Tyson
The class was scheduled to begin at 10:00am so we arrived a little early to make sure we had a good seat for the class. When we arrived to the visitor center in the middle of the Botanical Gardens, the lights were off and not a soul was around. I still wasn't worried, we were about 10min early. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally a janitor came by and I immediately grabbed her to find out what was going on and she kindly went to go find someone who could help me. We are now actually 5 minutes past time for the class to start. I begin to panic because my daugher knows something isn't right. She begins to whine. She is hungry. She has to go to the bathroom. And all the time I just want to ask someone if I am in the right place because I am the ONLY person in the building. Even the janitor is no where to be found anymore. Finally another mother/daughter team come meandering into the building looking just as lost as I feel. I basically tackle them and ask them why they're there. Lucky for me, they're here for the same class as us. Unlucky for us both, there's still no lights on and no one around.
Finally, 15 minutes after the class was supposed to start the janitor returns to tell me that someone would be there to start the class shortly. At least now I know I am in the right place, but now I am HIGHLY annoyed at the disorganization of the Garden Fairies class. A few moments later a young woman rushes by, turns on the lights, and shows us into a small classroom. She tells us a story, we walk through the Botanical Garden looking for "fairies," (dolls the instructor had hidden in the flowers) and my completely unimpressed 4 year old and I then headed back to the clasroom to make a fairy doll of our own. This was the highlight. The doll was cute, but not really worth what became an hour of our time. Especially when I was paying for childcare for my then 2 year old son.
To be fair, my oldest daughter is VERY hard to impress, but the Botanical Gardens could have put a little bit more thought into the organization of this class. Because of this experience I can't recommend the Garden Programs for 3-4 year olds at Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens. I do, however hope that this is just an isolated experience, because like you, I heart Riverbanks Zoo.
http://www.riverbanks.org/education/garden.shtml
~Tyson
Bye, Bye Tonsils
Since my kids have always been ridiculousy healthy, I never really considered that one of them would ever need an ENT. This would be the 25,097th time I have miscalculated my judement as a parent. I can count on one hand the number of ear infections we've endured between the THREE of them. None of them have ever even had a positive strep test by some miracle from Heaven. Why would we need an ENT??? Because Charlie started waking up in the middle of the night screaming.
We went through the process of waking him up an hour after he went to sleep in order to help with night terrors. Then we started the process of treating him for acid reflux. Then, we continued the process of treating him for acid reflux. Next, we became frustrated with the reflux treatments and the brush off from the pediatrician, so we simpy found a new pediatrician. After that things moved along rather quickly. Our new pediatrician, Dr. William (Brad) Painter at Palmetto Pediatrics (I heart this man) http://palmettopediatric.com/ took one look in the little man's throat and sent us to an ENT. Seems his tonsils are just naturally GINORMOUS.
I was hesitant about this ENT, Dr. Macy Vidrine at SC ENT, because none of my mom friends had heard of him. That started the google stalking so that I could learn everything there is possibly know about this man, right down to whether he wears boxers or briefs. After a few hours on the internet and a few phone calls to nurse friends I decided this guy was at least worth our time for a consult. http://southcarolinaent.com/south_carolina_physicians/dr_vidrine.shtml Best. Decision. Ever. Turns out the office isn't huge and we didn't have to wait months for an appointment. The wait time was minimal (less than 15 minutes) and I could go online and print off all new patient forms to have them ready to go when I arrived. I have honestly never been able to figure out how Dr.'s offices expect you to fill out novels of paperwork while simultaneously sifting through your wallet for insurance cards, tinkering with your cell to find your cousin's, brother's, ex-wife's contact number, and balancing a sick, whiney child on your lap, who, as soon as you begin filling everything out WILL have to go to the bathroom.
The staff was all very polite, nice and helpful. Dr. Vidrine himself was not the kind to walk in and tell me that Jr. is the cutest wutest wittle buoy in the whole big wide world and hold my hand to reassure me that it's all going to be OK, but he did offer a smile, was very direct and to the point, and didn't treat me like a moron when I asked stupid, redundant questions. And my three year old son liked him. That's all I need in life.
Long story short, the little man had his tonsils and adenoids taken out because he had suspected sleep apnea and he wasn't breathing as well as he should because of an obstructed airway. SC ENT performs all of their surgeries at Richland Children's Hospital instead of an in-office outpatient facility, which made me feel much more confortable with the entire process. Richland Children's Hospital does an amazing job which added to the fantastic experience of visiting, and having a procedure performed by SC ENT. I highly recommend Dr. Macy Vidrine and the entire staff of SC ENT.
http://www.southcarolinaent.com/
~Tyson
We went through the process of waking him up an hour after he went to sleep in order to help with night terrors. Then we started the process of treating him for acid reflux. Then, we continued the process of treating him for acid reflux. Next, we became frustrated with the reflux treatments and the brush off from the pediatrician, so we simpy found a new pediatrician. After that things moved along rather quickly. Our new pediatrician, Dr. William (Brad) Painter at Palmetto Pediatrics (I heart this man) http://palmettopediatric.com/ took one look in the little man's throat and sent us to an ENT. Seems his tonsils are just naturally GINORMOUS.
I was hesitant about this ENT, Dr. Macy Vidrine at SC ENT, because none of my mom friends had heard of him. That started the google stalking so that I could learn everything there is possibly know about this man, right down to whether he wears boxers or briefs. After a few hours on the internet and a few phone calls to nurse friends I decided this guy was at least worth our time for a consult. http://southcarolinaent.com/south_carolina_physicians/dr_vidrine.shtml Best. Decision. Ever. Turns out the office isn't huge and we didn't have to wait months for an appointment. The wait time was minimal (less than 15 minutes) and I could go online and print off all new patient forms to have them ready to go when I arrived. I have honestly never been able to figure out how Dr.'s offices expect you to fill out novels of paperwork while simultaneously sifting through your wallet for insurance cards, tinkering with your cell to find your cousin's, brother's, ex-wife's contact number, and balancing a sick, whiney child on your lap, who, as soon as you begin filling everything out WILL have to go to the bathroom.
The staff was all very polite, nice and helpful. Dr. Vidrine himself was not the kind to walk in and tell me that Jr. is the cutest wutest wittle buoy in the whole big wide world and hold my hand to reassure me that it's all going to be OK, but he did offer a smile, was very direct and to the point, and didn't treat me like a moron when I asked stupid, redundant questions. And my three year old son liked him. That's all I need in life.
Long story short, the little man had his tonsils and adenoids taken out because he had suspected sleep apnea and he wasn't breathing as well as he should because of an obstructed airway. SC ENT performs all of their surgeries at Richland Children's Hospital instead of an in-office outpatient facility, which made me feel much more confortable with the entire process. Richland Children's Hospital does an amazing job which added to the fantastic experience of visiting, and having a procedure performed by SC ENT. I highly recommend Dr. Macy Vidrine and the entire staff of SC ENT.
http://www.southcarolinaent.com/
~Tyson
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Events
Tuesday, June 26
10:00am Regal Summer Movie Express
Columbia Cinema 7 Sandhill Stadium 16
3400 Forest Drive Ste 3000 450 Town Center Place
Columbiana Grande Stadium 14 Pastime Pavilion 8
1250 Bower Parkway 929 Northlake Drive (Lexington)
See Dates and Movies (all are G or PG rated) for each Columbia location listed above at the Regal Entertainment Group website. Admission is $1.00!
10:30am Grey Seal Puppets at Northeast Regional Branch of RCPL
7490 Parklane Road, Columbia
2:30pm Grey Seal Puppets at Southeast Regional Branch of RCPL
7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia
From the Richland County Public Library website: The Grey Seal Puppets, a professional group that has performed nationally for 30 years, will present a Tangle of Tales. Three favorite folk tales from around the world will come to life for kids of all ages.
Wednesday, June 27
10:00am Regal Summer Movie Express
Columbia Cinema 7 Sandhill Stadium 16
3400 Forest Drive Ste 3000 450 Town Center Place
Columbiana Grande Stadium 14 Pastime Pavilion 8
1250 Bower Parkway 929 Northlake Drive (Lexington)
See Dates and Movies (all are G or PG rated) for each Columbia location listed above at the Regal Entertainment Group website. Admission is $1.00!
10:30-11:30am Sandhill Story Time & Craft at Learning Express Toys of Columbia
Village at Sandhill, Columbia
In Learning Express' own words: Join the fun every Wednesday from 10:30 -11:30. We will be reading a new featured story every week with a free craft immediately following! This is a great opportunity to shop in the store while your kids are entertained.
Thursday, June 28
10:30am "The Commedia Pinocchio" at Columbia Children's Theatre
3400 Forest Drive, Columbia
2nd Level of Richland Mall
11:00am Tales for Tots at EdVenture Children's Museum
211 Gervais Street
In EdVenture's own words: Experience Tales for Tots at EdVenture – a fun and educational series that features a read-to-me time followed by a character appearance that is sure to make stories come alive! Especially for young children ages 0-4 years. Free with museum admission.
5:00pm Teen Time: Hunger Games Night at Cayce/West Columbia Branch of LCPL
1500 Augusta Road, West Columbia
Meeting Room
Grades 6-12 will love this fun event for fans of the Hunger Games. Registration is required. Call Youth Services at (803) 794-6791 ext. 5.
Saturday, June 30
1:30pm Museum and a Movie at the SC State Museum
301 Gervais Street, Columbia
Enjoy a one-hour movie in conjuncture with the blockbuster movie exhibit.
Sunday, July 1
***$1.00 General Admission to the South Carolina State Museum on the first Sunday of each month.
1:30pm Museum and a Movie at the SC State Museum
301 Gervais Street, Columbia
Enjoy a one-hour movie in conjuncture with the blockbuster movie exhibit.
Content for this post was found at:
www.midlandskids.com
www.museum.state.sc.us/
www.learningexpress.com
Restaurant Guide
Every Day
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
-378 Columbiana Drive #A (803) 407-5904
Kids under 40" receive a special mini-scoop of ice cream free with an adult purchase.
CiCi's Pizza
-715 Fashion Drive, Suite 4 (803) 419-8982
-141-A Pelham Drive (803) 776-8900
-6120 St. Andrews Road (803) 750-5900
Kids 3 and under eat free from the buffet. Limit one chld per paying adult.
IHOP
-779 Two Notch Road (803) 788-5101
-813 St. Andrews Road (803) 731-2136
Kids eat free from 4:00-10:00pm. Every day at St. Andrews location, and Monday-Friday only at Two Notch location. One free meal per adult meal purchased.
Ryan's
-1707 Charleston Hwy (803) 796-2728
-1303 Bower Pkwy (803) 732-3606
-5579 Sunset Blvd (803) 996-1442
-10052 Two Notch Road (803) 462-0247
Kids under 2 eat free from the buffet all day. Kids 2-3 eat for $0.99. Special prices for older kids, too. Includes drink.
Shoney's
-7335 Garners Ferry Road (803) 776-3700
-600 Bush River Road (803) 772-3174
Kids 4 and under eat free from the buffet every day with purchase of an adult meal.
Sunday
El Chico Cafe
-1728 Bush River Road (803) 772-0770
One child eats for $0.99 per adult meal purchased. Valid all day.
McAlister's Deli
-119 Sparkleberry Lane (803) 788-7600
Up to 2 kids per adult eat free from 5:00pm until close. Dine in only.
Qdoba
-2006 Devine Street (803) 779-1950
Kids eat for $0.99 all day. One kids meal discounted per adult entree purchased.
Monday
Chick-fil-A
-10136 Two Notch Road (803) 865-9890
One child receives free 4ct. chicken nuggets meal from 5:00-8:00pm with purchase of adult combo.
El Burrito
-934 Harden Street (803) 765-2188
Up to 2 kids eat free per adult. Offer is valid from 4:00pm until close.
Gilligan's Steamer and Raw Bar
-938 N. Lake Drive (803) 808-2244
One child under 10 eats free with each adult entree purchased. Offer valid after 4:00pm.
McAlister's Deli
-5175 Sunset Blvd #16 (803) 951-3332
Up to 2 kids eat free with adult meal purchase after 5:00pm. Dine in only.
Red Bowl Asian Bistro
-481 Town Center Place #11 (803) 462-9911
Kids eat for $0.99 with adult meal. Dine in only.
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina
-916 Gervais Street (803) 317-2244
-5135 Sunset Blvd #H (803) 957-7482
Kids eat free between 6:00-8:00pm and Balloonopolis will be there. One free kid's meal per paying adult.
Texas Roadhouse
-8304 Two Notch Road (803) 788-5384
Kids eat for $1.99 with adult purhase after 5:00pm. Drink included.
Tio's Mexican Restaurant
-921 Sumter Street (803) 252-7229
Kids 12 and under eat free from 4:00-9:00pm.
UNO Chicago Grill
-5304 Sunset Blvd (803) 359-3888
Kids eat free ater 3:00pm. One per adult meal purchased.
Wild Wing Cafe
-480 Town Center Place (803) 865-3365
MOMS eat free!!! Up to a $10.00 entree with purchase of a kids meal for child 12 and under.
Zaxby's
-5400 Sunset Blvd. (803) 356-2901
One free kids meal per adult purchase. Valid from 5:00-9:00pm. Dine in only.
Tuesday
Applebee's
-All midlands locations
Kids under 12 eat for $0.99 after 4:00pm. Some locations allow 1 special per paying adult, some allow 2.
Atlanta Bread
-108 Sunset Court (803) 791-1150
One free kids meal per adult meal. Valid after 4:00pm.
Beef O'Brady's
-2742 North Lake Drive #104 (803) 781-5656
-4561 Hard Scrabble Road #B (803) 699-2525
Kids eat free with adult purchase. All day at North Lake location, 4:00-8:00pm at hard Scrabble location.
Carolina Ale House
-227 Columbiana Drive (803) 407-6996
-708 Lady Street (803) 22-7150
Kids eat for $0.99 all day with each adult entree purchased. Valid after 4:00pm.
Carolina Wings and Rib House
-All Midlands Locations
Kids 12 and under eat for $1.99 after 4:00pm.
Cupcake
-1213 lincoln Street (803) 212-4949
Kid's night from 5:00-7:00pm. Child receives a free cupcake with the adult purchase of a cupcake. One free per purchase. Child must be present.
McAlisters Deli
-5175 Sunset Blvd. (803) 951-3332
-4710-A Forest Drive (803) 790-5995
-300 Columbiana Drive (803) 781-4550
-119 Sparkleberry Lane (803) 788-7600
Up to 2 kids eat free with adult meal purchase after 5:00pm. Dine in only.
Moe's Southwest Grill
-All Midlands Locations
One child 12 and under eats free with adult entree purchase of $5.00 or more. Valid all day.
Tio's Mexican Restaurant
-921 Sumter Street (803) 252-7229
Kids 12 and under eat free from 4:00-9:00pm.
UNO Chicago Grill
-5304 Sunset Blvd (803) 359-3888
Kids eat free ater 3:00pm. One per adult meal purchased.
Zaxby's
-9840 Two Notch Road (803) 462-0013
One free kids meal per adult meal purchase. Valid 5:00-9:00pm. Dine in only.
Wednesday
El Burrito
-934 Harden Street (803) 765-2188
Up to 2 kids eat free per adult. Offer is valid from 4:00pm until close.
Firehouse Subs
-109 Old Chapin Road (803) 957-1100
-150-A Harbison Blvd. (803) 749-5535
-7467 St. Andrews Road (803) 407 8548
Up to 2 kids eat free per adult combo meal purchased. Valid all day. Dine in only.
McAlisters Deli
-5175 Sunset Blvd. (803) 951-3332
Up to 2 kids eat free with adult meal purchase after 5:00pm. dine in only.
Schlotzsky's Deli
-529 Bush River Road (803) 798-1775
-5166 Sunset Blvd. (803) 359-2869
One child eats free per paying adult.
Which Wich
-1230 Bower Pkwy #B1 (803) 407-4222
-494-1 Town Center Place (803) 227-2782
1 child 12 and under eats free with purchase of an adult meal. Dine in only.
Zaxby's
-650 St. Andrews Road (803)772-8253
-1042 Lake Murray Blvd (803) 732-0011
Kids eat for $1.00 at the St. Andrews Road location. Up to 2 kids per paying adult. At the Lake Murray Blvd. location one child eats free per paying adult. Valild 5:00-9:00pm. Dine in only.
Thursday
Backyard Diner and Grille
-300 Long Pointe Lane, suite 110 (803) 708-6122
One child eats free with each adult ocmbo purchased from 5:00-7:00pm.
Captain D's
-7331 Garners Ferry Road (803) 783-4151
Up to 2 free kids meals per adult meal purchased. Offer valid all day. Dine in only.
Earth Fare
-3312-B Devine Street (803) 799-0048
Up to 6 kids eat free with purchase of a $5.00 or higher meal from the deli. Valid from 4:00-8:00pm
Fuddruckers
-1801 Bush River Road (803) 798-3775
One free kids meal per adult meal purchased after 4:00pm.
Pie-Tanza
-843 Polo Road (803) 865-2223
Kids eat free after 4:00pm One per paying adult.
Saturday
El Burrito
-934 Harden Street (803) 765-2188
Up to 2 kids eat free per adult. Offer is valid from 4:00pm until close.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
-2006 Devine Street (803) 799-1950
Kids eat for $0.99 all day. One kids meal discounted per adult entree purchased.
*Please call the location to ensure that the offer is still valid. Offers are only valid at the locations listed.
Content for this post was found at www.midlandskids.com
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