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!

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!

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)

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!

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!

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.

Stashing to Save

I have a problem: I like nice things (I mean really nice), but I'm on a strict budget. What's a mom to do? Scour the Internet, of course, to find the items with the best reviews and find the best prices on them.

Amazon Prime is a great way to save money. The Prime subscription more than pays for itself in free 2-day shipping and savings on Subscribe & Save items. I love comparing reviews for similar products to make an informed decision on my purchases - money is precious and limited, after all. I don't want to have to replace something later because it didn't hold up (bonus: less is going to landfills, so this is greener). But my best tip for saving money on the things you want to buy is to wait for a sale (promo code, Lightning Deal, or Deal of the Day) and then jump on it. I do this for toys, clothes, toiletries, and even household and cleaning supplies. You can stash toys away for birthdays and clothing for when your child grows into that size. (I know I'm not the only crazy person with a bin for future clothes!)

If you haven't already liked my Facebook page and joined my Facebook group, I encourage you to do so! This is where I share my best-find deals to help you buy the things you want for a steal. See you there! Xoxo, Sarah

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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.