Is it lonely in your neighborhood?

Delano was in the spotlight yesterday in this news story on MPR.  Feeling lonely in your half-finished development?  I guess you aren't alone.

A Little West Metro Link Love

Here are some things that I am reading and loving around the internet that pertain to the West Metro.  Well, to be specific - West-ish Metro.  I have yet to find any bloggers out here!  If you are one, let me know!

Awesome bloggers

• Jennifer Emmert of Minneapolis talks candidly about being a Priorfatgirl.  Her journey started in 2007, and now she is rocking her hot new look and lifestyle!  She lets us peek into her life and offers resources for cooking and healthy eating (50 recipes for $5!), motivation, and working out and exercising.  
• Micaela is a Mindful Momma who is a stay-at-home mom living in Minneapolis.  She is feeding my green side with practical ideas and local resources.    

Awesome resources

• When I get the time I look around Twin Cities MomsLikeMe.  The discussion forums are very active. 
• Rick Kupchella's BringMeTheNews offers a fresh idea for keeping up on local news.  It brings together the most relevant local news stories around a particular topic including nontraditional news sources like industry reports, experts and blogs.  For example, on the front page today are stories related to the rain (you still dry??) from two community newspapers, the Star Tribune, KSTP/Channel 5, the DOT, and the National Weather Service.  
• PocketYourDollars is run by money-saving genius Carrie Rocha, who lives in Minneapolis.  She made a commitment with her husband in 2006 to be debt-free (digging out of debt, then living cash-only going forward), and learned alot along the journey that she now shares with others through her daily blog and website.  She is also a speaker and appears on local TV stations.

What bloggers do you follow?  What do you read to stay up to date on news and events?

Arc's Boo-tique opens September 23rd in New Hope!

Halloween is getting to be quite the expensive event in our house with three kids, so I am excited for this option!  Better go soon to get the best selection.  Be green this year and support Arc at the same time!


Arc's Value Village's nearest location:
2751 Winnetka Avenue North
New Hope, MN 55427
(763) 544-0006

Delano parents missed an opportunity, big time!

Where were you, Delano parents?

Remember my excitement from yesterday?  I timed our family dinner perfectly, patted each kid on the head good-night, and rushed out the door to hear Erin Walsh, daughter of nationally-recognized Dr. David Walsh, speak tonight at the kick-off event to "Unplugged Week" for Delano's elementary school.  I hoped I would still be early enough to get a good seat!

Well, there were plenty of seats left.  Most, to be exact.  About 15 of us were in the auditorium.  We could have fit in a classroom....or the storage closet!  Erin Walsh is a big deal, people.  She is entertaining, funny, engaging, and insightful.  Together with her family, she is doing important work to support parents in raising balanced, successful children.  Apparently that is not of interest to more than a handful of us?

Where were you, parents?  Where were you, teachers?  I am scared to see what turnout the rest of the week brings.

Buh-bye, TV!

This week is "Unplugged Week" at our elementary school.  (Yikes!)  We have committed as a family to a week of no TV, and *limited access* as parents to our phones and computers (life has to go on in some form, you know).  I am looking forward to the challenge, and welcoming more and focused time with my kids and with other priorities.  Yes, I know, that is what I am saying on Sunday night.

And YES, around here on occasion SpongeBob has been on for hours at a time - I admit it!  That being said, I don't think our family has too big of a problem with screen time.  I do think we could be more intentional about our approach.  That is why I am looking forward to hearing Erin Walsh speak to parents at the kick-off event.  Erin Walsh is the daughter of Dr. David Walsh, founder of National Institute on Media and the Family - which is now a part of Search Institute (located right in our backyard, Minneapolis).  Her discussion will be on setting up a balanced media diet for your child, based on the book written by Dr. Walsh No: Why Kids-of All Ages-Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It.  His book is a must-read for all parents.  As in, you should be quizzed on it after leaving the hospital.  Dr. Walsh focuses on the qualities we all want our kids to have - patience, commitment, and perserverence - and offers age-specific advice on how using "no" will help them achieve that, in spite of our instant-gratification, what-you-want-when-you-want-it culture.  I do not believe that TV, computers, or games are inherently evil, but I do believe too much simply crowds out the time and space our kids need to relax, be kids, read, play outside, be creative, be BORED.  And yes, I suppose that applies to adults, too.

So, what will I miss?  A few TV premiers, my news fix, and my Facebook updates.  Oh, and checking my phone every time it tells me I have a new email.  What will I gain?  I will let you know!

Have you tried to be "Unplugged?"  How long?  What did you learn from it?

Free Friday: Weekend of September 17-19

Here are some fabulous ideas for what is free or cheap family fun this weekend!

Friday, September 17th, 2010

• Free movie (Kung Fu Panda) and popcorn at Sturges Park, Buffalo.  MEADA is the sponsor.  Starts at 7:30pm.  

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

• Saturday Mornings on the Farm, Gale Woods Farm.  9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.  Ages 2+ $4.
• Loretto Fun Fest at the ball fields in Loretto from 2:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.  Activities include a rock climbing wall, inflatables, kiddie train, Pair-A-Dice Cruisers Car Club display, clowns, face painting, kids' games, bingo, softball challenge, K-9 demonstration, and concessions from Bistro 11 and Choo Choo Bar and Restaurant. Fireworks at 8:00p.m!

Do you know of something that is not on this list?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Thirsty Thursday kid-style

When our youngest boy turned two, we quickly realized that going out to eat as a family of five had become an expensive prospect.  Not that we eat out often (because it is painful, honestly), but if we would like to do so we are going to have to make some changes.  So....we are hitting the "Kids Eat Free" circuit!  Which prompted my new Kids Eat Free page on this site, specific to the western suburbs of the Twin Cities.  Where do you like to eat out as a family?