Have a Great Weekend!

It's been a while and I'm still working on redesigning the website, not to mention that I've been sick all month long (not an exaggeration). In the meantime, here are some links for your weekend...

Meet Piper, the dog who works at the Traverse City airport, on YouTube and Instagram. Total hero in our Border Collie household.

The newest American Girl doll, Melody, will be from Detroit during the Civil Rights era! (I love American Girl and have to say that this is long overdue and very welcome.)

Have you seen the blue ice stacking up near Mackinac Bridge?

How to give your kids allowance the right way. Great information on teaching your kids financial literacy.

A very Michigan marriage proposal...

...and why women proposing is still so rare.

A throwback to a time when breastfeeding was actually accepted and discussed on children's television.

Moving is linked to losing friendships - especially hits home for military families.

What it's really like to work in Hollywood, if you're not a straight, white man. (Reminded me of this piece from the fall about how women have to talk in meetings.)

Love this girls' dress from Tea.

(Photo via airportk9)


This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small percentage if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Good Idea Mom possible!

Date Night at Aventura

The stars aligned this weekend. My in-laws are visiting and it was Valentine's Day, so I got everything I wanted: A dozen red roses, free babysitting, a love letter, and a perfect romantic date with Juan at Aventura.

We chose the Valentine's Day five course menu and loved every bite. I forgot to take a picture of the first course because we dove right in! For the fourth course, below, I chose a caramelized onion tartelet and Juan chose lamb sweet bread. I also snapped a picture of our desserts, ricotta cheesecake and a potato nut spice cake - both fabulous.

The ambience at Aventura is really special, which you already know if you've been. It was so nice to go to the kind of restaurant we used to go to and talk, just the two of us, with a glass of latúe that a certain little person isn't begging to taste. I was also excited to wear normal clothes and feel like myself, not just Mama. I wore my Madewell Skinny Skinny jeans that fit perfectly, a silk Tucker blouse, my gold monogram necklace, and a Tory Burch handbag I bought a few years ago when such splurges made sense in my life. It was a refreshing change from my mom uniform of yoga pants, no jewelry for little hands to pull, and a diaper bag.

This year the Valentine's Day menu was $50 per person including tax and gratuity. I consider that a good deal for five courses (tapas add up quickly), and we left full and happy. Wine tasting with each course was optional at $25 per person.

How did you celebrate Valentine's Day? Did you dine out or prepare something special at home? I'd love to hear!

Have a Great Long Weekend!

What are your plans this Valentine's Day/Presidents' Day weekend? Today is Buster's (our dog's) fifth birthday and he's in for a peanut butter surprise tonight. My in-laws are coming tomorrow, so Juan and I are going on a Valentine's Day date downtown this weekend (free babysitting!). We're also going to a baby shower and the present I bought is giving me baby fever. Luisa and I are still recovering from a bad cold (and her first ear infection) and I'm hoping to go on another run by Monday.

Plus, I finally got a new laptop, so I have some behind-the-scenes blog work and general file transferring to catch up on. Here are a few interesting links in the meantime...

Ideas for what to cook when you don't feel like cooking. (I don't feel like cooking lately.)

Why you shouldn't break long pasta before cooking it.

A fun newsreel from the 1930's about winter in Michigan.

This could make grocery shopping more enjoyable.

Did you know that a giant crack appeared in the U.P. five years ago? Fun article to show your kids.

Start planning your warm weather trips now: 7 Michigan travel destinations for 2016.

The important of play-based learning (and the drama around culturally-insensitive Halloween costumes at Yale last fall).

Where U of M furniture goes to find a new life.

Have you spotted a black squirrel yet?

Don't forget to stock up on new arrivals from Tea Collection this weekend! Code AMORE gets you 15% off three items, 20% off four, or 25% off five or more. Psst, this is the most amazingly thick, soft dress and I can't rave about it enough. (Promotion ends Monday, 2/15.)

Get 40% off your first month at Kiwi Crate with code KIWILOVE. (Promotion ends Monday, 2/15.)

(Photo of baby Luisa at a lantern festival in Seoul.)

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This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small percentage if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Good Idea Mom possible!

Backyard Sledding

Sledding doesn't always have to be down a hill. Nor does it have to be in a lot of snow. Sometimes the very best thing is to go outside with your kids anyway. Backyard sledding is perfect for babies and small toddlers (and lazy parents). Luisa and I are sick, so instead of finding a good sledding hill this afternoon, Juan and I pulled her around the backyard in a sled.

As you can tell from the pictures, she tolerated it. She probably would have loved it if she weren't sick. At least she didn't protest, and the rest of us had fun, dogs included.

Did anyone else play in the snow this afternoon? Our yard seemed like more dirt than snow after the dogs ran around a few times. It seems like we'll never get another good snowfall this winter, and we were tired of waiting.

P.S. Happy Paczki Day! My friend Pooja brought me my first ever paczki, a delicious one from Crust, purchased at Argus Farm Stop. It lasted about a minute and a half.

Usborne Books Giveaway

Candice Currie of Usborne Books is offering a special giveaway to members of my Facebook group this week. That's Not My Bunny is a classic from the That's Not My... series, one of almost 40 different titles. The bright pictures and patches of different textures are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. This book is perfect for your littlest ones. Both babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and the touchy-feely patches. These fun books foster an early love of books and reading.

This book would be perfect in your little one's Easter basket, or would make a great baby shower gift along with a sweet bunny stuffed animal. Check out my Facebook group for ideas!

Be sure to check out the post in my Facebook group to enter the giveaway, and invite your friends to the group so that they have a chance! The giveaway closes on Thursday, February 11, at 8:00 p.m. Thank you, Candice!

Toddler's Day Out: My Urban Toddler

Luisa and I spent yesterday morning at My Urban Toddler's indoor playground in Saline and had such a blast. The play area is designed as a miniature city for your little one to explore. There are two different cafe seating areas for parents to relax and talk. Toddlers can play in the fire station, schoolhouse, play kitchen, dress-up area, and grocery market, or sit for a while in the library with tons of puzzles. There's also a special "park" in the middle for pre-walking babies with soft toys and mats to crawl on.

Luisa especially loved the play kitchen and grocery store. She probably spent an hour loading groceries in to her shopping cart and proudly pushing it around the entire city. :) She was also thrilled by the fish in the aquarium near the front. When it was finally time to leave, it took quite a lot of convincing for Luisa to come with me. She could have stayed forever!

I was glad for the chance to hang out with my friends and get to know other parents in the area. It can be difficult to meet people at other venues, but the infant park and cafe seating made it easier to strike up a conversation. If you are a breastfeeding mama with an extremely distractible baby (as Luisa was from 3-14 months), there is a dark privacy room with a comfy armchair, lamp, and changing table so that you can nurse your child in peace.

Play area admission is just $5 per child on Fridays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. On other days, admission is $10 for your first child and $7.50 for each additional sibling. Infants up to 6 months old are always free. Be sure to bring your socks! I forgot mine and had to purchase a pair for $2.65.

I highly recommend My Urban Toddler on rainy days, extra cold days, and any Friday. Have fun!

Raising Kids and High-Energy Dogs

Once upon a time, our family was just me, Juan, Buster, and Ziggy Stardust. Juan and I always knew we wanted dogs first and kids eventually. We're pretty high-energy people ourselves (well, me less so since we had a baby), and we chose Border Collies. Okay, I chose Border Collies and I talked Juan into it. To be fair, he didn't put up much resistance.

Humblebrag: We're pretty good dog parents. I took Buster to a Border Collie training expert for classes and individual training sessions as a puppy. We have always run with the dogs regularly, we never leave them outside unsupervised, and we take them with us whenever we can: Hiking and to restaurants with outdoor seating in the warmer months. (We've even taken them out to eat with us in the winter when it was below freezing with our heavy coats on, because we're kind of crazy like that.) On a vacation to the mountains when we had to leave the dogs at home, we visited multiple pet stores to buy presents for them because we felt so guilty without them. We're so obsessed with our dogs, I commissioned a watercolor painting of Buster and Ziggy three years ago as Juan's Christmas present. It perfectly captures their insanity personalities:

And they are kind of insane. This isn't a criticism, it's just a fact. Border Collies were bred to be maniacs. Look at this face:

That is a face of a dog who has broken out of his crate without opening the door on more than one occasion. He is a magician, or maybe he made a deal with the devil. Despite the insanity, when we decided to have a baby, we weren't worried about raising a baby with Border Collies. This isn't to say that it's easy to raise kids and high-energy dogs, but rather that we had prepared our dogs and ourselves and managed our expectations. Here's what we did, after the jump...

How to Help: Flint Water Crisis

The Flint water crisis weighs heavy on my heart, as it does on all of yours. As Michigan readers are certainly aware by now, children under the age of six will be the most horribly affected by lead exposure; babies fed formula mixed with tap water will suffer the most. It is so painful even to think about, and everyone wants to help out in some way.

I've seen a lot of information about bottled water drives being shared on Facebook, but monetary donations will make long-lasting change possible. Early intervention for developmental issues, access to healthy food, and early childhood education are all crucial to minimize the impact of lead exposure. Please consider a contribution to the Child Health and Development fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

Here are a few links on the topic:

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician who brought the lead poisoning to public attention, regularly updates her Twitter.

My friend Nonie wrote a great reflection on a talk by Dr. Hanna-Attisha at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

A fantastic Q&A with Dr. Hanna-Attisha about how parents can help their kids exposed to lead.

Dr. Paula Schreck and the Michigan Breastfeeding Network recommend for breastfeeding mothers to keep breastfeeding.

Like Michael Moore or not, he's from Flint and in a unique position to advocate for the community.

How the mother of three children with lead poisoning became an advocate for lead-awareness.

Hug your babies tight. Xoxo, Sarah

(Photo of Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha via Detroit Free Press)

A2 Park Passport

Have you heard about the new A2 Park Passport initiative? You can get a FREE pass to golf, boat, swim, and ice skate at a City of Ann Arbor park facility - plus a map of some of Ann Arbor's best hiking trails.

This is a great way to discover outdoor activities with your family that you might not have otherwise tried. Your kids will be thrilled to try something new...and to see their parents try something new! It's an opportunity to show your kids the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone, staying fit, and spending time outdoors.

After completing all four free activities, participants will receive a prize and entry into the grand prize drawing: A 2017 season pass to the city park facility of your choice. (I would love a season pass to the pool!)

Only 700 Park Passports are available as of last month until October 2016. You can pick up your Park Passport at any city park facility during open hours, or attend a Saturday kick-off event, always at 2-4 p.m.: Feb. 6 at Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena, March 19 at Mack Indoor Pool, May 7 at Huron Hills Golf Course, and June 4 at Gallup Park Canoe Livery.

Thanks, Alex, for the heads up!

(Photo of Gallup Canoe Livery via City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation)

On-the-Go Toy Kit

Our next door neighbor and Luisa's best friend recently celebrated his second birthday. It was so nice to hang out with friends, eat good food, and watch the little ones play. This will sound funny to you Michiganders, but I'd never been to a basement party before and I thought it was brilliant. Most houses don't have basements where I'm from in North Carolina! The party vibes were so nice and casual, and it was easy to keep the kids contained in one room in the basement. Juan and I dream about a finished room in our basement one day.

My friend Caroline had a genius idea: Every child left the party with a goodie bag filled with perfect on-the-go toys. Think tiny containers of Play Doh, a small Slinky, miniature bubble wands, tiny balls and plastic animals... Caroline told me that the toys are perfect to keep in a lunchbox to take with you on a trip or even just to a restaurant. That way your child has a kit ready with special toys that they don't see every day to entertain themselves. I love the idea, and can't wait to try it out tomorrow at dinner with my in-laws. :)

For every day, I keep a small set of Tegu blocks in my purse for Luisa. It's just the right size and has saved the day a few times already. She loves it, and it also makes a great birthday gift. If you'd like, join my Facebook group - I always post when Tegu pocket pouches go on sale.

(Photo from Luisa's first birthday party)

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A2KidsStealsandDeals.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Valentine's Gifts for the One You Love

I love to give art as gifts to friends, family, and especially to Juan, my husband. On occasion, I've even given my own drawings and paintings. There's something so special about receiving a lovely work of art to hang in your home. For those of us on a budget and with limited time on our hands, art prints are a perfect, meaningful gift. With Valentine's Day just two weeks away, I'd love to share a few beautiful art gifts from Minted for your love.

A foil-stamped Michigan map really makes a statement. (See all foil-stamped art here.)

Light in Dark by Jihye Back Kim has such a strong focal point and gorgeous colors.

Far Far Away by Andrew McClintock. Read the artist's statement, it's not what you think it is... ;)

Minted has a great selection of limited edition art prints, photo gifts, and custom gifts. Plus, enjoy 15% off all art gifts at Minted with code VALENTINE16 through this Sunday, 1/31. Thanks, Minted!

P.S. Be sure to join my Facebook group for deals on Valentine's Day gifts and more!

(Top photo of Shannon Althin's living room via Cup of Jo)

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This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small percentage if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Ann Arbor Kids Steals and Deals possible!

What's Your Parenting Motto?

I tend towards high strung, so during my pregnancy with Luisa, I focused on positive thinking...not just for the birth, but for parenting later on. I could imagine how easy it would be to get caught up in a whirlwind of anxious thoughts: What's wrong? Is it because she didn't nap long enough? Is it because she's teething? Is it because that 1/8 teaspoon of avocado that actually made it down her esophagus is giving her indigestion?

So, I came up with a phrase I could say to myself over and over, my baby motto: Babies be babies. Sometimes they cry for no reason, or they need to nurse all day long, or they won't sleep, or in newborn Luisa's case, they sleep all the time (don't be too jealous, it created other problems). Whenever I was struggling as a new mom, I said to myself, "Babies be babies," and didn't overthink it. It allowed me to do what I had to do to meet her needs without worrying. Who cares if she's teething or not? Being a baby is reason enough for behavior that doesn't make sense, because babies don't make sense.

In the last couple of weeks, Luisa has become a full-on toddler. I still tell her she's my baby, but she sure acts like a two-year-old all of a sudden (her birthday is coming up). I have a toddler motto now: She's struggling more than I am. When she's crying because she wants to undo her own buttons, yet can't figure it out herself, and won't let me help because that would be the worst thing ever... When she refuses to put on her mittens to play in the snow, and cries because we're leaving as a consequence... When she wants something else to eat, yet can't figure out what... She's more frustrated than I am.

I haven't quite found my peace with this new phase, but it helps to turn on teacher mode (I was a teacher and then a counselor in what seems like a past life). I'm a bit rusty after mothering a baby. Babies' wants ARE their needs, and you never need to be in teacher mode; you exist in mama mode 24/7, seemingly forever. Teacher mode is sort of like channeling an alpha dog's or a CEO's energy: calm, quiet, and in charge, with a commanding presence. I'm sure parenting a toddler will put me back into practice in no time. :)

What's your parenting motto? If your kids are older, how many parenting mottos have you had as they change? ;) I'd love to hear your thoughts!

BST to Save Money

The best way to afford the adorable, high-end children's clothes you love is to BST (buy, sell, trade). You can save money by buying used clothes from other parents, or by buying the clothes you want new and then selling when your children have outgrown them.

BST groups abound on Facebook and can be location-specific (like Ann Arbor High-End Kids Clothes BST) or brand-specific (Hanna Andersson, Tea Collection, Mini Boden, Matilda Jane, Janie and Jack, and many more). BST can seem like a hassle at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy and addictive. 

To keep the resale value of your kids' clothes high, it's important to keep them nice. In our house, Luisa has to earn the privilege of wearing clothes during meals. I find it way less of a hassle to undress her before meals than to treat laundry stains. If you do have to treat stains from playing outside or eating, Resolve Max Power gel will save the day. Wash the clothes inside out in cold water and consider hanging to dry. 

Once you're ready to post the clothes for sale, be sure to read the BST group's rules (usually in the pinned post of the Facebook group). This will make it easier for you and ensure that your post won't get deleted because you inadvertently didn't follow the rules. Iron the clothes just a little, if needed, and take good pictures with your phone (or DSLR, if you're feeling ambitious). Honestly describe the condition of the clothing and price it fairly. Remember, you'll make more money by selling for a fair price than you will by pricing it so high that no one wants to buy it. 

Here's an example listing that I recently sold on a Tea Collection BST group: "VGUC 3-6 months romper from Morocco. No signs of wash wear or fading; would say EUC, but VGUC to be safe. $15 shipped." You can describe clothing as NWT (new with tags), NWOT (new without tags), EUC (excellent used condition, practically new), VGUC (very good used condition, possible slight wash wear), GUC (good used condition, more wash wear and fading), or play condition (stains, small holes, or other damage). It's better to underestimate the condition of the clothing than to risk overstating its condition. 

Once someone has decided to buy your clothes, send them an invoice via PayPal. After they've paid, weigh the clothing and packaging together with a kitchen scale. You can enter the weight of the package and print a shipping label on PayPal, tape it to the poly mailer, and leave it in your mailbox with the flag up. (Poly mailers are the cheapest packaging for just 1-3 items of clothing; more than that, your best bet is a USPS Priority Flat Rate padded envelope.) So easy - you don't even have to go to the post office!

On local BST groups, on the other hand, you'll usually meet with a buyer in a public parking lot or just leave the clothing in a bag on your porch with a jar for cash (ppu, or porch pick up).

Have you tried BST? What are your favorite kids' clothing brands? I'd love to hear!

P.S. Buying clothes in advance and stashing is another great way to save money on adorable kids' clothes, if you buy during end-of-season sales. (What you wanted to buy may be sold out by then, though.) If you buy clothes on sale and resell later, you can really save money!

(Top photo by me of Luisa in our all-time favorite outfit: the Tea Collection Matisse dress from Morocco, spring/summer 2014.)

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A2KidsStealsandDeals.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Toddler's Day Out: Preschool Playtime at Gym America

Have you heard of Preschool Playtime at Gym America? My friend Pooja invited me to join her there this morning and I am so glad we went. Luisa had such a blast exploring the balance beam, trampoline, soft gymnastics floors, climbing bars, play equipment, and more.

You can go to Preschool Playtime every Monday and Friday, 9:45 to 10:45 am, until June 11. The cost per session is only $5 per child! Children who are walking up to five years old are welcome, and parents can wear or carry non-walking babies. Certified staff supervise the entire play session (and help the kids take turns on the trampolines :), but parents must stay with their children at all times. You can leave your things in cubbies in the locker room during the play session.

Luisa was so thrilled to try new things and see what she could do! I was impressed by how brave she was, climbing up high and jumping into the ball pit. I can't wait to see her try the swinging rope one day when she's a little bigger. I highly recommend Preschool Playtime, and can't wait to go to Gym America again before the season closes.

Shutterfly Sale - Now through 1/27

Great news for those of you who are on the hunt for meaningful Valentine's Day gifts. EVERYTHING is on sale at Shutterfly now through Wednesday, January 27! Get up to 50% off hard cover photo books, 40% off photo gifts and home decor, and 30% off everything else with code LOVEGIFTS.

There are tons of great options for mounted wall art. My pick would be a single mounted photo, as shown above.

Photo mugs would make a great gift from your kids; doesn't it remind you of your own childhood? (You can buy the one shown above here.)

This notepad would make a sweet gift for yourself or a grandparent. You can see all notepads here.

Thanks, Shutterfly!

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This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small percentage if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Ann Arbor Kids Steals and Deals possible!

New Ice Skating Rinks in Ann Arbor

One of my very first posts was about ice skating in Ann Arbor, and I'm excited to share some news. Starting today, three more Ann Arbor parks have natural, outdoor ice skating rinks: Burns, Allmendinger, and Northside. There is no cost to skate and the rinks are open during normal park hours, 6 am to 10 pm. Just bring your own skates, since there are no skate rentals at these locations, and look out for signs indicating whether the rink is open or closed. The rinks will be maintained daily while they're open.

(Photo of the Buhr Park outdoor skating rink via MLive; information via Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation)

Grown-up Evenings

Confession: We didn't sleep train Luisa until she was nearly a year and a half old, late last summer. We might have done it a few months sooner, but we spent several months traveling during our long, drawn-out move from Korea to Ann Arbor, and it was too much upheaval in her little life as it was. Truthfully, even I didn't feel ready until last summer. I needed to have her close to me for breastfeeding and comfort, which I think is a normal - and fleeting! - part of motherhood. It was so sweet to hold her in her sleep and kiss her fat baby cheeks.

Since Luisa started sleeping in her own room, I have so much free time in the evenings to hang out and have my own life again (within range of the video monitor). This fall, Juan and I loved lighting a fire in the fire pit in our backyard and enjoying beer and s'mores with our neighbors and friends, or even just with each other. Now that it's winter, I like to make a cup of tea and cozy up with Juan on the couch. Sometimes we sit next to each other while we work, and on good nights, we watch a TV show together (House of Cards, right now). I plan to enjoy my evenings with a glass of rosé on our screened-in porch in the summer.

Much like enjoying all four seasons in Michigan, I'm enjoying all these phases of life. It's so satisfying to mother an infant in the way that comes most naturally to both of you, and then for both you and your baby to slowly gain independence from one another.

When did your kids start sleeping in their own rooms? What are your favorite evening rituals once they're in bed? Spill it in the comments!

Guide to Cold Weather Running Gear

Juan, our friend Oakley, and I (and Buster and Ziggy) went for a frigid run along the Huron River on Sunday morning. It was 17º, snowing just a little, and it was beautiful. I've always enjoyed running in the cold, but this was the first time I'd run in sub-20º temperatures. Aside from having to carefully walk over patches of black ice, I loved it! We had the trail practically to ourselves, the ground was still covered in a thin layer of snow, and everything was perfectly peaceful.

Juan has always told me to dress for the temperature plus 20º when running. When I checked the weather Sunday morning, it was 17º, so I dressed for 37º: wool trail socks, wool long johns, running tights, an extra shirt on top of my wool undershirt, a fleece jacket, running gloves, an ear-warming headband, and a scarf (mainly to warm the air before breathing it into my lungs). Some of this gear I accumulated randomly over the years (like the cheap scarf I got from a discount department store in Germany when I was 19!), and others I have bought since moving to pure, frigid Michigan.

My best source for wool trail socks and long johns on a budget is Costco. You can't beat $12.99 for four pairs of merino wool socks. Unfortunately, they're not available on the website and are a seasonal fall item, but the Kirkland Signature merino wool trail socks are still available in stores; look for Paradox merino wool underlayers in stores next fall. SmartWool is another great, but pricier, option for wool socks and long johns. You can find SmartWool on Amazon and occasionally in a flash sale on Zulily. Luisa has SmartWool socks and I'd highly recommend them.

This Under Armour ColdGear half-zip is an excellent mid-layer between your wool undershirt and your jacket. It's so comfortable and cozy, you won't want to take it off. You'll mostly wear it as a top layer while running in slightly balmier temperatures (ha) in the 30s. Or to wear around the house, until you realize that your toddler is dressed better than you are. :) Really, any thin mid-layer will do; even a long-sleeved t-shirt will work in a pinch, as long as you have wool underneath and a jacket on top.

You can wear any fleece jacket that you don't mind getting dirty as your top layer. I have a Columbia Sportswear half-zip fleece jacket with thumbholes that I love. Amazon has similar jackets here and here, and is also a good source for running gloves and thermal headbands at all price points.

Do you have any favorite, budget-friendly items for cold running gear? Share in the comments!

(Image via MLive)

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A2KidsStealsandDeals.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

40% Off First Subscription at Kiwi Crate

Have you heard of Kiwi Crate? Kiwi Crate is a fun subscription service that mails a box with two hands-on projects right to your door each month. Each box follows a certain theme, such as flight or glowing animals, to get your kids thinking creatively in art, science, and engineering. Kiwi Crate boxes are especially great this time of year when some days are too cold to play outside and cabin fever sets in. 

Subscriptions start at just $16.95 per month, and Kiwi Crate is offering 40% off your first subscription with code SNOW40. This promo ends January 29, so hurry! Thanks, Kiwi Crate!

(Image of sample box from Kiwi Crate)

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This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small percentage if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Ann Arbor Kids Steals and Deals possible!

Amazon Prime $73 This Weekend Only!

This weekend only, you can sign up for Amazon Prime for only $73! If you aren't already a Prime member, this is a great deal. Even at full price ($99), Prime will more than pay for itself. You will save so much money, time, and gas.

The best thing about Amazon Prime is Subscribe & Save. If you have at least five Subscribe & Save items every month, you get 15% off everything. Amazon usually has the lowest prices in the first place, so the savings really add up. Plus, if you have Amazon Family (which is free with Prime), you get 20% off diapers and extra coupons on lots of great items and brands. This is the cheapest way I have found to get diapers.

Prime Video is another great benefit to Amazon Prime. Tons of movies and TV shows are free to stream with Prime. Amazon even produces some impressive original series, such as Mozart in the Jungle, which won two Golden Globes.

Especially if you're in my Facebook group and I'm doing the work of finding the deals for you, you should have Prime! Check out the group for ideas on Subscribe & Save items, more information on how Subscribe & Save works, and my best-find deals from all the best places to shop. 

P.S. If you're a student, use your .edu email address to sign up for Amazon Student. You start with a free 6-month trial and can continue with Prime membership at 50% off afterwards. However, if you have kids, it's worth it to have a regular Prime membership, as Amazon Student does not offer 20% off diapers.

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A2KidsStealsandDeals.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Ann Arbor Kids Steals and Deals possible.

Juan's Top Board Game Picks

I recently wrote about my favorite board games for game night, but it's Juan, my husband, who's really into board games. He loves to look up recent winners of Germany's Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) contest, read reviews, and pick a new board game for us to play. Here are his favorite games, which unlike mine, may require a certain degree of sobriety.

Settlers of Catan, the classic, allows for three to four players. You'll need the extension if you have five or six players. Rocks for sheep, anyone? Ask any gamer: This is the ultimate strategy and resources game. If you're a fellow Trekkie, we think this version is pretty fantastic.

Pandemic is so much fun for up to four players. Instead of playing against one another, you all work together as a team to eradicate viral epidemics across the globe. Each player has a different role card, which gives them a special power to problem-solve and help eradicate disease. Juan is in medical school, so this is our go-to when we have his classmates over.

Seven Wonders is really flexible: three to seven players can play, and the game only lasts about 30 minutes once you've learned the rules. The first round is easy, but stay on your toes - it requires a lot of strategizing and it takes a few games to get the hang of it. I love the theme of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the game art, especially the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. :)

What are your favorite strategy games? We'd love recommendations!

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Ann Arbor Restaurant Week on a Budget

Ann Arbor foodies rejoice: Restaurant Week starts this Sunday, January 17, and lasts through Friday, January 22, 2016. But if you don't eat out to save money, like us, you might not be as thrilled. No worries - you can still enjoy Restaurant Week on a budget. Here's how:

First, limit yourself to lunch. Lunch is just $15, whereas dinner is $28 during Restaurant Week. Just like any other week, lunch won't break the bank as much as dinner will.

Second, choose a restaurant that offers 2-for-1 pricing. This means that you and your partner or a friend can both eat for $15 total. (On the website, you can filter by restaurants that offer 2-for-1 pricing, lunch, or vegan/vegetarian options.)

Finally, make your reservations as soon as possible (right now) because reservations fill up fast.

Enjoy, and let me know in the comments where you go so that I can live vicariously!

(Photo via MLive)

Best Indoor Activities for the Winter

Cold, gray winter days have finally arrived. After you've played in the snow, cabin fever can set in quickly. Here are some great ideas to entertain your toddlers indoors without everyone going nuts.

Cut up straws into one-inch-long pieces and let your kids string yarn through them (tip: wrap a little tape around the ends of the yarn). This is great for developing your children's fine motor skills, which will help with writing in a few years. Alternately, a set of lacing beads is a great toy to have on hand.

Punch holes in the lid of an old Pringles container and let your kids guide pipe cleaners through the holes. This is another good activity for their fine motor skills.

Road tape! Just think, this is two activities in one: Laying out the road, then playing with their toy cars.

Show your kids pictures of themselves. Seriously, they love it. After all, they are the center of their universe. :)

Luisa can play with this Hape marble run for what seems like forever. Hape Quadrilla marble railways are a great option for bigger kids.

Skype with the grandparents! This always cheers up my toddler in the whiny hours of the late afternoon. I wait to Skype until Luisa asks me to read the same book for the billionth time and I just can't anymore. ;)

Haba Sticky Bricks are a great set of first blocks. Toddlers love them and there aren't too many pieces to lose. Luisa, my husband, and I all love these blocks.

Dip Caran d'Ache water-soluble pastels in water and let your kids draw on themselves. It wipes right off for easy clean-up.

Make hot chocolate! Kids love traditions, and sipping hot chocolate together makes for such sweet memories of these cold, cozy winter days. My mom recently sent me Silly Cow Farms hot chocolate mix, which makes a great gift for anyone this winter.

And if all else fails and your living room is big enough, this inflatable bouncer is a slam dunk win. Think of it as an investment in your sanity.

What are your go-to indoor activities this winter? I'd love to hear!

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A2KidsStealsandDeals.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.