Smarty Approved Day Cares

By Katie M

Once again, we couldn’t create a list like this without your support! We recently did a call-out to readers to submit their favorite day care facilities and to tell us why they love them. We had a great response, and we are still taking submissions! If you know of a wonderful day care you’d like to see added to this list, email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com and we’ll get it added. Be sure to send the name of the facility, address, phone number, web site (if applicable) and a short paragraph stating why you think your facility is “smarty-approved.” This list of day care facilities will be archived on our site indefinitely under the category title “Day Care” on the left-side of our page and under our Local Resources Button.

If you are a parent looking for a trust-worthy day care facility in the Triad, be sure to check this list first. All the submissions below are considered “smarty-approved” and comes with high ranks from our readers. So, in no particular order, the nominations for "smarty-approved" day care facilities are...

Greensboro

College Hill Childcare Cooperative
2300 Spring Garden St.
Greensboro, NC
(336) 323-1001

Primrose Schools
Primrose School Of Brassfield
3105 Brassfield Road
Greensboro,NC 27410
336-286-0500

Primrose School Of New Irving Park
4 North Pointe Court
Greensboro,NC 27408
336 286-8889

UNCG Child Care Education Program
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
School of Human Environmental Sciences
P.O. Box 26170 Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
Phone: (336) 334-5810 Fax (336) 334-5076

Little Mouse Playhouse
2903 Lawndale Drive
Greensboro, NC 27408-4121
(336) 282-2758

Our Childrens House
1105 Magnolia Street
Greensboro, NC 27401-1425
(336) 272-8882

The First School
617 N. Elm St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 373-0445

The above listings were submitted by our own TSP team member, Susan D. She personally checked out each facility when she was heading back to work after her daughter was born.

Village Kids
8100 Industrial Village Road
Greensboro, NC 27409
336-662-0160
I love this daycare. The atmosphere is great. There are three villages depending on age and 2 or three play grounds. The Kids eat breakfast, lunch and snack in a cafeteria which I think is nice b/c it gets them out of the room. The play ground for the kids is the best that I have seen around. My son has learned so much here! This daycare is a 5 Star. – Emily E

Village Kids is an incredible daycare where my son, Aaron, has gone since he was 4 months old. He had some trouble when he was around 2 1/2 - 3 years old keeping up with the other children with naming his colors and some talking - his teachers spent individualized time with him to make sure he wasn't being left behind. Another reason we chose (and have stayed with them) is because they do not require that your child be potty trained (or any other kind of physical step they may not be ready for) to move onto the next class. The kids stay together and stay with the same teachers for 2 years (if at all possible - unforeseen circumstance such as teachers moving/leaving, etc). I recommend this daycare to everyone I know that is looking for a great daycare where they know their most prized possession is being handled with care...and having fun! They also bring in other activities (so they can do the extra curricular while in school and not after school when you want to spend time with them) and they have a Summer Camp like program for them during the summer months where they do water play and hiking activities. PLUS they have fabulous playgrounds and well balanced meals and snacks. Oh and they're rated with 5 stars as well! – Alison N

Creative World
111 Muirs Chapel Road
Greensboro, NC 27410-6112
(336) 852-0240
I cannot say enough good things about Creative World in Greensboro! I have been full-time working Mom for most of my 8 years as a parent. We found CW when my oldest was 12 months old and they have had our hearts since then! Carolyn Pryor, Director, has been there for many, many years (20?) and Asst. Dir, Daria Joyce has also been there a good while (10 years?). Both are experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy. About half of the staff are professional, career-child-care-givers (think - loving, attentive adult women who love the kids!) who have been there for many years and the other half of the staff is made up of college students (mostly UNCG) studying childhood development or similar majors. The entire staff is committed to the nurturing of each child, while also giving them a good preschool foundation to ready them for kindergarten and beyond. The CW staff is one big "family" and that atmosphere passes on to the children and parents. My oldest transitioned from CW to kindergarten amazingly well, which made me very grateful for our family experience there. My youngest will start kindergarten in fall 2010 and although we will greatly miss our Creative World family, I know he will be ready for kindergarten & beyond! – Stephanie C

High Point

Y's Angels
1552 Skeet Club Road
High Point, NC 27265
(336) 885-4759
I LOVE Y's Angels. I cannot say enough about them. We have not actually used them in over a year but we still pop in from time to time to say hi and so the boys are familiar for those just in case days. When shopping for a daycare I would leave and cry (as I was not a child that had been raised in daycare). I felt that most were dirty and a meet market. When we left Y's I knew right then, that is where my twins would go. It was wonderful to visit and actually smell how clean it was and be able to see the difference between those that cared and those that just got by. ALL the workers there take the time to get to know your child. I know without a shadow of a doubt that if we ever had to put our children back into daycare that is where they will go. - Tina

Laurel Oak Children's Center
1004 Old Plank Rd
High Point, NC 27265-9247
(336) 885-5622
A wonderful daycare center that our son began attending when he was just 4 months old. It is a local family run center, and they also do an afterschool program at a neighboring church. We were happy with the childcare and the center has installed webcams you can access from your computer at work!!! I loved it! - Jayna P

Wesleyan Christian Academy
1917 North Centennial Street
High Point, NC 27262
336-884-3333
I have heard great things about this daycare from many of my friends. It has been around since my husband was a child and continues to be one of the top daycares in High Point. - Jayna P


Winston-Salem

A Child's World
2005 Lewisville-Clemmons Road
Clemmons, NC 27012
Phone: 336-766-8222
Fax: 336-766-5156
My two children attend A Child's World Learning Center in Clemmons. There are also two locations in WS and one in Advance. In the past, we had always used 1/2 day church programs and in-home care. We were leery of a full-time daycare situation. However, from the first day I visited I was impressed with the friendly staff and the attention given to each child. We are greeted every morning and wished a great day as we leave! My "just turned" five year old has gained a real excitement about books and reading - they have prepared him well to begin kindergarten. We have been very happy there are would recommend it highly! - Janet F


Clemmons Moravian Church
3560 Spangenberg Ave
Clemmons, NC 27012
(336) 766-6273
The wait list was really long, which shows it is a great place. This is where I went to preschool. They have great teachers, and a warm feel. - Megan B

Country Club Learning & Development Center
3842 Country Club Rd
Winston Salem, NC 27104
336-765-0335
I have used this center for my two youngest children. They are a very small center and the atmosphere is very caring and loving. I liken it to having a babysitter. They only have 4 babies at a time, so I like the one-on-one care received at this tender age. I love the director!! - Tina K

Epiphany Early Childhood Center @ Lutheran Church of the Epiphany
5220 Silas Creek Pkwy
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
336-765-6221
My children have attended EECC. Recently they've gone through national certification process which is a major deal with lots of hoops to jump through in order to earn the title nationally certified. So now they hold both the state and national certification. I certainly feel they belong on your list. - Martha B

My children both went here, as did many friends of ours. Penny Latham is the director and does a phenomenal job hiring wonderful staff! - Sarah D

Great for older kids, great structure and curriculum, teachers are fabulous, all day program, program director started program and is past teacher - Megan B

This center has a more pre-school type atmosphere. All four of my kids went here as soon as they were toddlers. The director sets a wonderful tone! The price may be a little higher, but the teachers are all degreed and they provide health insurance to the staff which helps with turnover. You pack a lunch for your child every day, but the Center is very particular about what you send. My kids learned a lot about healthy eating while young with Epiphany’s help! We have always had a great experience at Epiphany! - Tina K

First Baptist Church Children’s Center
501 W. 5th Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336.723.7071
My daughter has been at First Baptist since she was 5 months old and she just turned 5 years old. Her attendance at FBCCC has been the best experience for all of us. The teachers and staff are nurturing, caring, attentive and highly trained.
First Baptist provides a wonderful learning experience in each classroom with weekly trips to the library and farmers market and music class and Chapel once a week. In addition they have lots of field trips to the Children’s Theatre, Stevens Center, Pumpkin Patch, Dixie Classic Fair to name a few. We will truly miss going there each day when our daughter leaves there in August to begin Kindergarten but we will definitely be back to visit on a regular basis. FBCCC is the best! – Cathy L

My son has been at First Baptist for about 4 1/2 years now and I cannot say enough great things about it! He will start Kindergarten in the Fall and I attribute much of his readiness for that big transition to First Baptist. The curriculum is focused and thorough. While every daycare has it's issues, they are addressed and resolved very quickly. GREAT STAFF!! - Carrie K

My kids have been at First Baptist Church Children’s Center since they were babies and we have been very happy there. - Julee N

One more plug for First Baptist - the gym is a huge plus! Even when it rains or is
super cold or super hot, the kids run and play, ride tricycles, and roller
skate indoors! Plus, there is a new computer lab for Pre-K kids! - Betsy K

Other

Country Adventure and Child Development
5726 North Carolina 66 Hwy S
King, NC 27021-8332
(336) 983-5550
I highly recommend Country Adventure. The staff is great, my 10 month
old son gets so excited when i drop him off in the morning, which is
the biggest sign that they are doing a great job. they really love
each child they care for, and take the time to develop relationships
with the parents as well. the classes are small which gives each child
more individual attention (which is especially good for the really
little ones). they have a food program, offer part time, and are very
reasonably priced. i could not ask for a better day care for my son. - Natalie K

What day cares do you want to add to this list? Email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com and tell us why!

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Do You Deserve a Push Present?

By Rachel H

A few weeks ago, a group of my girlfriends got into a discussion about "push presents." If you have never heard this term before, it refers to a gift given to a mom (usually by the dad) after giving birth to a child. These presents are traditionally jewelry or a trip.

Well, the discussion got very heated with many different opinions and I could not believe how passionate some people were about this topic! Wow! We had one end of the spectrum with mothers who felt that the gift was well-deserved after nine months of carrying the baby and hours of delivery. They felt that the gift was not only deserved, but expected.

Then we had a group who thought the push present was the most ridiculous thing they had ever heard of and that the child should be present enough. This group also felt that the final "gift" of pregnancy was something that was deserved by both parents, and that a healthy child was a perfect gift.

But what about the people who tried umpteen times to have a baby and went through years and years of heartache? Another group of my girlfriends thought this group deserved a present.

Then there was my friend who said the husband was the one who deserved a gift for putting up with her crankiness for nine months!

Needless to say, I thought this would be a perfect hot topic for today. I would love to hear what you all think about a push present. Have you heard of this before? Or better yet, had your husband heard of this before? Did you get one? If so, what was it? It you didn't get one, were you disappointed?

Chime in below and if you are unsure of how to leave your comment, click here to find out how. And PLEASE remember to treat others' comments with respect! Remember ... to each his own!

Tomorrow is your last chance to register for our bonus giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. Click here for all the details.

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Family Events - May Calendar

By Katie M

Triad Smarty Pants and Prudential Carolinas Realty hope you and your family enjoy a full month of family events this May! Now get out and play :)

And we can always add events to our calendar at any time. Just email us your information to triadsmartypants@gmail.com and we'll get it added! Please try to send us information in an email or Word document only (no PDFs or JPGs), and be sure to include name of event, date, time, location (including street address), web site link, phone and/or email if applicable, and short description. Or, add your event as a comment at the end of this blog!

So here's the smarty scoop...

Saturday, May 1

Chapel Hill Whimsical Women Art Show
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm
Location: Rock Quarry Farm
Worth the trip!

Hope du Jour
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 6am
Participating Forsyth County Restaurants , Winston Salem
Note 20th Anniversary of Hope du Jour! Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at participating Hope du Jour restaurants that will donate 10% of their sales on May 4 to Crisis Control Ministry.

If You Give a Pig A Pancake And Other Story Books
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 11am
Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem
610 Coliseum Drive • Winston-Salem
Note A bright and bouncy new musical revue based on the books Diary of a Worm, Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores, How I Became A Pirate, If You Give A Pig A Pancake, Lilly’s Big Day, Paperbag Princess and more! General Admission- $8 Premium Ticket- $12
-Pre-K- 4th Grade-

Daniel Boone Festival
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 10am – 8pm
Historic Downtown Mocksville
Junker's Mill
Mocksville, NC 27028
Note Davie County is proud to celebrate our fourth annual Daniel Boone Family Festival. The celebration is taking place on Saturday, May 1, 2010 in Historic Downtown Mocksville - Junker’s Mill. The Saturday festival includes re-enactments from the Daniel Boone era, bluegrass music, heritage craft demonstrations, food, games, tours of historic sites and music. Vendor applications are available on our website.

Picture This! Photography Camp
Saturday, May 1st, 9am-12noon / Ages 6-9 years
Greensboro Childrens Museum
This half-day camp will introduce children to the exciting world of digital photography. Participants will learn how to use a digital camera to create great pictures and learn how to focus, zoom, use a flash and learn about exposure settings. We will take photos inside the Museum and outside in the sprouting Edible Schoolyard that they can download, print and take home. Cameras and a morning snack will be provided. Please bring a non-refrigerated lunch. Campers can become a member of GCM’s Jr. Media Crew and will be invited to take pictures at the Edible Schoolyard Grand Opening event on May 22. Call Melissa Matson at 574-2898 x318 to register or for more info. 20 children limit. $35 Members / $40 Non-members

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
Saturday, May 1, 10 am to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Sunday, May 2

Cycling Sunday
May 2nd - 2-5pm
Downtown W-S
Streets will be closed for car-free cycling. Enjoy food and refreshments at downtown restaurants. Free family activites. Walkers, skateboards, scooters and rollerskates are welcome, too. Prizes and family fun!Check in at the Central Library and register to win prizes. Helmets required.

Arts On Sunday
The AFAS (Arts of Art's Sake) nonprofit group of Winston-Salem is once again sponsoring its Arts on Sunday May series every Sunday in May from 1-5. This FREE for the artists and FREE for the public series is a family friendly event with artists, entertainment and a FREE Kids Corner where kids do craft projects for FREE that they get to take home. Click the link above to get all the details.

Our Musical Town
Sunday, May 2nd, 3pm
Greensboro Children's Museum
UNCG School of Music students will lead children on a musical journey through Our Town exploring musical instruments, rhythms and different types of musical genres.

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
Sunday, May 2, 1 pm to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Monday, May 3

Hive Time
Monday, May 3, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

Tuesday, May 4

Soil Stories
Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 3:30 – 4pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Come explore the richness of African American Culture through indoor garden activities. We will make crafts with cotton, okra, and other vegetables, read stories, and design our own gardens every Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 5

Thursday, May 6

Simply Story Time
Thursday, May 6, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater.
Free with admission/membership.

Reynolda After Hours: Barbecue, Brews, and Blues
Thursday, May 6, 2010, 6pm
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem
William Christenberry's Alabama, with its juke joints, honky tonks, and country churches, "ain't nothing but the blues." Join Reynolda After Hours for a night of barbeque and blues and view the exhibition William Christenberry: Photographs, 1961�2005.
Cost: Members/students $5, non-members $8

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, May 6, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! Location: Clemmons Auditorium. Phone #: 336-703-2920

Friday, May 7

First Friday in Downtown Greensboro
Friday, May 7, 2010, 6 – 9pm
Downtown Greensboro, Outdoor, Elm Street Greensboro
First Friday is a free, self-guided tour of Downtown Greensboro’s shops, galleries and alternative arts venues that participate with specially programmed events and extended hours (until 9pm) on the first Friday of every month. The event is an opportunity to explore the center city’s local artistic community and encourages commerce and support of locally-owned, independent businesses located in Downtown. First Friday is promoted through a partnership between Downtown Greensboro Inc. and the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. Check for future updates and a downloadable map/guide on the link above.

First Friday Gallery Hop
Friday, May 7, 2010, 6:30pm
Arts District, 6th and Trade Street, Winston-Salem
Show your love of the ARTS! Meet artists and craftsmen at gallery receptions. There are always special events to enjoy drums, live music, art exhibits, shop, have dinner and explore the arts in the City of the Arts along with the downtown community! Free

Spring Folly
Friday, May 7, 2010, 6 – 10pm
Kernersville, NC
Spring Folly is Kernersville's largest and most comprehensive music festival. Held annually the first full weekend of May the festival attracts 20,000-25,000 people to downtown Kernersville for a weekend of wholesome family entertainment

“Kid Fit” Workout Program
Friday, May 7th, 6-7pm
Greensboro Children's Museum
Designed for children ranging from ages 3-12, kids get to do everything from balance to stretching to movement and core stability in this program.

Saturday, May 8

The Tanglewood Cup Steeplechase Race
The Tanglewood Cup Steeplechase Race will provide world-class Steeplechase racing as well as a full day of family-oriented activities.

Mother's Day Bring the Kids Home Fun Run
May 8, 9:00am
Fleet Feet Winston Salem
Come out and celebrate Mom and help a local family experience the blessing of adoption.* FREE Family Friendly Fun Run! * 3 and 1 mile routes available* Run, walk, or stroll* Party Stops along course : time to celebrate Mom!* Door prizes* Delicious post-run sweets provided by River Birch Lodge Restaurant* Donations accepted to benefit a local family’s Rwandan adoption mission. RSVP and be entered to win a very cool door prize at www.fleetfeetwinston-salem.com.

High Point Firefighters Association 5K Charity Run
1 Mile Fun Run Start time at 08:00 am
5K Run Start time at 8:30 am - Rain or Shine!
The purpose of the High Point Firefighters Association Charity Run is to assist those who give of themselves selflessly. This is a way to support the people who put our lives before their own each and every day. We would love for you to visit this website to learn more about this event, take part in it, donate, or simply spread the word. This first year, they are supporting two different charities, the fire department and the police department. Both are all donation charities and both are tax deductible! Entry Fee: $10.00, Day of the race $25.00.

Stenciling in the Historical Park
Saturday, May 8, 10 am to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Stenciling has long been a popular method of decorative painting. Come try your hand painting a keepsake box with stencils. All ages welcome. Cost: $1 per box. Free for members. Drop-in.

Sunday, May 9

The First Ever Williams Syndrome Awareness Week
May 9 - May 15
The Williams Syndrome Association (WSA) is a volunteer organization formed in 1982 by family members of people living with the disorder. In an economy where many non-profit organizations are struggling, the Williams Syndrome Association is growing. The organization is the most comprehensive resource for people and families living with Williams Syndrome as well as doctors, researchers and educators. The Williams Syndrome Association encourages donations on its website. Money raised goes to fund critical programs that can lead to new insights about the disorder and workings of the brain- particularly in language and spatial processing and may also contribute to greater understanding of common problems such as hypertension and anxiety, which affect millions of Americans. Please visit www.williams-syndrome.org to donate.

Stenciling in the Historical Park
Sunday, May 9, 10 am to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Stenciling has long been a popular method of decorative painting. Come try your hand painting a keepsake box with stencils. All ages welcome. Cost: $1 per box. Free for members. Drop-in.

Arts On Sunday
The AFAS (Arts of Art's Sake) nonprofit group of Winston-Salem is once again sponsoring its Arts on Sunday May series every Sunday in May from 1-5. This FREE for the artists and FREE for the public series is a family friendly event with artists, entertainment and a FREE Kids Corner where kids do craft projects for FREE that they get to take home. Click the link above to get all the details.

Monday, May 10

Hive Time
Monday, May 10, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

Tuesday, May 11

Soil Stories
Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 3:30 – 4pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Come explore the richness of African American Culture through indoor garden activities. We will make crafts with cotton, okra, and other vegetables, read stories, and design our own gardens every Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 12

Pure & Honest Kids Warehouse Sale
May 12-15
277 North Main Street
Mocksville, NC
(lower level beside 1st Methodist Church)
336-753-1126
Spring and Summer Styles up to 75% off!
Wed-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-1pm
Cash and credit only.

Thursday, May 13

Simply Story Time
Thursday, May 13, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, Join us for story time in the theater.
Free with admission/membership.

Sara Lee Center for Women's Health Presents Storytime
Thurs, May 13 from 10 - 10:30 am, and from 4 - 4:30 pm
Hanesbrands Health Learning Center, Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem
(Located in lobby right after you enter hospital from parking garage)
We will be reading about our senses - what they do and how they work
Call 277-3934 or email healthlearningcenter@novanthealth.org for more information.

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, May 13, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! Location: Clemmons Auditorium. Phone #: 336-703-2920

Pure & Honest Kids Warehouse Sale
May 12-15
277 North Main Street
Mocksville, NC
(lower level beside 1st Methodist Church)
336-753-1126
Spring and Summer Styles up to 75% off!
Wed-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-1pm
Cash and credit only.

Friday, May 14

14th Annual Summerfield Founders' Day Festival
Friday May 14
Summerfield Elementary School and Community Park, 7501 Summerfield Road, Summerfield
The Theme of this years' celebration is "Take Me Out to the Ball Field" in honor of the 50th anniversary of the elementary school ball fields and the opening of the Summerfield Athletic Park in September 2010

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Greek Fest Winston-Salem

Pure & Honest Kids Warehouse Sale
May 12-15
277 North Main Street
Mocksville, NC
(lower level beside 1st Methodist Church)
336-753-1126
Spring and Summer Styles up to 75% off!
Wed-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-1pm
Cash and credit only.

Saturday, May 15

“Woofstock...A Music Festival”
Saturday, May 15 from 1 pm to 10:30 pm
Tanglewood Park’s Amphitheatre, Clemmons
Forsyth Humane Society presents its Second Annual “Woofstock,” a fundraising celebration for families and the canine-loving public. The cost is $5 for children aged 4-10 and under 4 is free, and $10 advance price for adults and $15.00 at the gate. Woofstock will feature family-friendly fun such as face painting and pet themed activities, as well as food, beer and wine from local vendors. And, amid the sounds of beach, rock, country and jazz from local bands, expect to hear some barking: Dog owners are encouraged to bring their well-behaved pets. Of course, those without pets are equally welcome to come by and show support for Forsyth Humane Society, (a no-kill adoption center,) which for 65 years has cared for and found loving homes for cats and dogs in Forsyth County and surrounding areas. Parking for Woofstock is not included in the ticket price.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Culture of Color
Saturday, May 15th
Greensboro Children's Museum
Learn about our friends and neighbors from the mountains of Vietnam! Montagnard (Mohn-tan-yard) people are refugees in the U.S.. 5,000 Montagnard people live in Guilford County and have many things to share with the guests of the Greensboro Children's Museum. Learn about traditional weaving, food, and gardening from the Montagnard people of your community.

Greek Fest Winston-Salem

Music and Magic!
Saturday, May 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Childrens Museum of Winston-Salem
This special event for mothers and their sons is sure to be a magical one! You will begin the evening with a yummy pizza dinner, you will also be visited at your table by a magician who will be making balloon animals and performing magic tricks!You and your little ones will create a mysterious craft, watch a magic show, and boogie to some music. We will also have a photographer who will take pictures of just you and your men so the special moments you create that night will last a lifetime! $12/member, $15/non-member. Pre-registration is required for this event!

Pure & Honest Kids Warehouse Sale
May 12-15
277 North Main Street
Mocksville, NC
(lower level beside 1st Methodist Church)
336-753-1126
Spring and Summer Styles up to 75% off!
Wed-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-1pm
Cash and credit only.

Sunday, May 16

Arts On Sunday
The AFAS (Arts of Art's Sake) nonprofit group of Winston-Salem is once again sponsoring its Arts on Sunday May series every Sunday in May from 1-5. This FREE for the artists and FREE for the public series is a family friendly event with artists, entertainment and a FREE Kids Corner where kids do craft projects for FREE that they get to take home. Click the link above to get all the details.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Greek Fest Winston-Salem

Monday, May 17

Hive Time
Monday, May 17, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Tuesday, May 18

Soil Stories
Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 3:30 – 4pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Come explore the richness of African American Culture through indoor garden activities. We will make crafts with cotton, okra, and other vegetables, read stories, and design our own gardens every Tuesday.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Wednesday, May 19

Register for Tea with Cinderella
Register by 5/19
See event listings on 5/22 and 5/29 for more info.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Thursday, May 20

Simply Story Time
Thursday, May 20, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater.
Free with admission/membership.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, May 20, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! Location: Clemmons Auditorium. Phone #: 336-703-2920

Friday, May 21

Green Acres Gala
Friday, May 21st, 7:30-11pm
Greensboro Children's Museum
Greensboro Children’s Museum’s Green Acres Gala is a Black Tie and Blue Jeans Fundraiser for a Green Cause. The event will be held on Friday evening, May 21st and proceeds will be used to support the Museum’s new Edible Schoolyard and educational programs at the Museum. This unique Gala will be a fun night to celebrate the opening of the garden with live music from the local band Walrus and delicious tastings from Printworks Bistro, Green Valley Grill and Lucky 32. Participants will get a sneak peek of the Edible Schoolyard, opening the next day. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling Suzanne Fulcher at 336-574-2898 x303. Visit www.gcmuseum.com for more information. for details.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Big Bang Boom CD Release Party!
Friday, May 21, 12:30 p.m.
Childrens Museum of Winston-Salem
Big Bang Boom performs some classics, but introduces us to new songs from their new CD! Copies of their new CD will be on hand and a food vendor will be available with yummy lunch options for all of those coming straight from preschool to see them! Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Designer Finds Occasional Sale
Friday, May 21 at 1 pm
Towers Shopping Center, 205 South Stratford Road, Winston Salem
Please join us to shop for a cause for unique and one of a kind designer finds.
Handmade and handpicked furniture, decor, gifts and more by local artists and designers. We have an eclectic mix of old and new. Hosted by Addressing Spaces, Color & Design Solutions, Fine Things Designs, Cherry Street Designs, Melissa Maltzan, Patti Purnell, Lucia Foley & Special Guest Charity Chicks. We believe in giving back to the local community. A portion of our profits will be donated to Charity Chicks. For more information visit www.charitychicksnc.com.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Crazy 8 Grand Opening Event
May 21-23rd
Hanes Mall
Store is located across from the food court on the upper level
This new store will be giving away Crazy Cards that offer customers $10 off a $30 purchase or more. They will have hourly drawings offering customers a chance to win an $88 gift card, iPod Shuffle OR the grand prize of an $888 gift card starting at 11:08 on Friday!!

Saturday, May 22

Tea with Cinderella
May 22 and May 29 from 10 - 12 and 1 - 3 pm
All Princesses and Princes are Invited. Come meet Cinderella in a fairytale setting to share some tea and cookies. Hear songs from the show and take home your very own photo with Cinderella and her husband, Prince Charming. Costumed guests welcome. $10 per child per session. Preregistration and prepayment required by 5/19. Register through web link above.

Wag & Walk
Saturday, May 22 beginning at 9 am
Washington Park (dog park), Winston-Salem
Dog owners can enjoy trail time with their pets and demonstrate support for other four-legged friends on Saturday, May 22, at Washington Park when the Winston-Salem Jaycees presents "Wag & Walk," a fun walk and silent auction to benefit Forsyth Humane Society. The event, presented in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department, will begin at 9 a.m., with registration at 8:15 a.m. The cost to walk the one-mile trail at Washington Park is $20 a person, and each participant will receive a T-shirt and bottle of water. A silent auction will be held immediately following the walk. A representative from the Recreation and Parks Department will be on hand at the event to promote the city's "Scoop the Poop" campaign, providing free poop bag holders to those who sign a pledge to "scoop!" Those planning to join this fun walk are encouraged to register online at www.wsjaycees.org.

Strawberry Picking
May 22 from 10 am to 12 pm
R & M Strawberry Farm
The Sara Lee Center is excited to announce a KidSmart family fun day on May 22 from 10 AM to 12 PM! The cost is $20 for a child and an adult. We will be meeting at R & M Strawberry Farm where we will learn about the health benefits of fruits and then pick a large bucket of strawberries to take home! After strawberry picking there is a playground where you can relax and eat lunch. To register please call 718-7000!

Casanova’s Coffee & Fudge's 10th Anniversary
Saturday, May 22 beginning at 9 am
Casanova's Coffee, Lewisville
Activities begin at 9am with the Farmer’s Market on their front porch. Other fun activities between 1-5pm include:
Coffee tastings and half-price fudge
Wine samplings
Musical performances from West Side Civic Theatre's "Cinderella"
A rockin' band
Jewelry by Lia Sophia www.liasophia.com/corporate/corporateCatalog.ls
Reagan High Art Show
Silent auction of great gifts from local vendors; proceeds benefit the Lewisville Historical Society to renovate the Nissen House. (To contribute an auction item from your business, please email Adele at sales@casanovascoffees.com.)
Things wrap up around 5pm.
Directions on web site, 946-2407

Lemon-aid Stand
Lemon-Aid is inspired by one Greensboro boy who helped another Greensboro boy by having a lemonade stand to raise money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.
On the weekend of May 22-23, kids all over Greensboro will hold lemonade stands to raise money for DMD research. All proceeds will benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
Register your child's stand today at www.Lemon-AidStand.com today and find out how to get a Lemon-Aid Stand kit to get started!

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Korner's Folly Family Revue
Saturday, May 22, 2010, 10am
Cupid's Park at the Folly
Don't miss the fantastic puppet show in Cupid's Park at the Folly. For only $5 per person, learn about the Folly's history while being entertained.

Running of the Green 5k Run/Walk
Saturday, May 22nd, Registration 7am-8am, 5K Race/Walk 8:30am
Greensboro Children's Museum
1 mile Fun Run 9am, Kid’s Dash 9:30am
Come run, walk or push a stroller in the Museum's 2nd annual 5K race taking place on May 22. Adults and children of all ages are invited to participate in this kickoff event for the grand opening of the Greensboro Children's Museum's new Edible Schoolyard. Race starts and ends at the Museum and a 1 mile fun run and a free Kid’s Dash are also available. Entertainment provided by the local band, Big Bang Boom, and there will be a special appearance by Guilford the Grasshopper. Pre-register on www.active.com.

Edible Schoolyard Grand Opening Celebration (Special Event)
Saturday, May 22nd, 10:30am-3:30pm
The Greensboro Children's Museum
Edible Schoolyard Opening Ceremony 10:30am
Children's activities and garden explorations 10:30am-3:30pm
The Greensboro Children’s Museum will celebrate the grand opening of the first Edible Schoolyard at a museum on Saturday, May 22nd. The organic teaching garden and kitchen will provide “seed to the table” activities, workshops and camps for children and families throughout the year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10:30 am, followed by hands-on activities where children can help plant seeds and transplant seedlings for their home gardens, learn about baby chicks, enjoy fresh food tastings and participate in several garden crafts. Guided tours of the garden and kitchen will be offered on the half hour. Bag lunches will be offered for sale. Admission is $7 for the general public and $5 for members. 5K race participants have free entry until 12 noon. Visit www.gcmuseum.com for more info.

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
Saturday, May 22, 10 am to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Designer Finds Occasional Sale
Saturday, May 22 at 5 pm
Towers Shopping Center, 205 South Stratford Road, Winston Salem
Please join us to shop for a cause for unique and one of a kind designer finds.
Handmade and handpicked furniture, decor, gifts and more by local artists and designers. We have an eclectic mix of old and new. Hosted by Addressing Spaces, Color & Design Solutions, Fine Things Designs, Cherry Street Designs, Melissa Maltzan, Patti Purnell, Lucia Foley & Special Guest Charity Chicks. We believe in giving back to the local community. A portion of our profits will be donated to Charity Chicks. For more information visit www.charitychicksnc.com.

Crazy 8 Grand Opening Event
May 21-23rd
Hanes Mall
Store is located across from the food court on the upper level
This new store will be giving away Crazy Cards that offer customers $10 off a $30 purchase or more. They will have hourly drawings offering customers a chance to win an $88 gift card, iPod Shuffle OR the grand prize of an $888 gift card starting at 11:08 on Friday!!

Sunday, May 23

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Arts On Sunday
The AFAS (Arts of Art's Sake) nonprofit group of Winston-Salem is once again sponsoring its Arts on Sunday May series every Sunday in May from 1-5. This FREE for the artists and FREE for the public series is a family friendly event with artists, entertainment and a FREE Kids Corner where kids do craft projects for FREE that they get to take home. Click the link above to get all the details.

Lemon-aid Stand
Lemon-Aid is inspired by one Greensboro boy who helped another Greensboro boy by having a lemonade stand to raise money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.
On the weekend of May 22-23, kids all over Greensboro will hold lemonade stands to raise money for DMD research. All proceeds will benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
Register your child's stand today at www.Lemon-AidStand.com today and find out how to get a Lemon-Aid Stand kit to get started!

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
Sunday, May 23, 1 pm to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Crazy 8 Grand Opening Event
May 21-23rd
Hanes Mall
Store is located across from the food court on the upper level
This new store will be giving away Crazy Cards that offer customers $10 off a $30 purchase or more. They will have hourly drawings offering customers a chance to win an $88 gift card, iPod Shuffle OR the grand prize of an $888 gift card starting at 11:08 on Friday!!

Monday, May 24

"Protect Your Kids on Facebook"
Date: Monday May 24th
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: The River Church
Cost: $10 tickets (at the door $45)
The event is $10 for tickets and $15 at the door. If people Blog or Share this event on Facebook and tell us that they did by emailing us at "info@140ology.com" we'll send them a $2 onetime discount code.

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Hive Time
Monday, May 24, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

Tuesday, May 25

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Soil Stories
Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 3:30 – 4pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Come explore the richness of African American Culture through indoor garden activities. We will make crafts with cotton, okra, and other vegetables, read stories, and design our own gardens every Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 26

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Thursday, May 27

BABIES
Friday, May 14 through Thursday, May 27
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, W-S
A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo.

Simply Story Time
Thursday, May 27, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater.
Free with admission/membership.

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, May 27, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! Location: Clemmons Auditorium. Phone#: 336-703-2920

Friday, May 28

Bring Dad to Play Day
Fourth Friday night of each month
Friday, May 28th, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Greensboro Children's Museum
Calling all daddies, grandpas, uncles, and friends…visit GCM for activities picked especially for dads & kids! Admission only $3. Free for members.

Saturday, May 29


Tea with Cinderella
May 22 and May 29 from 10 - 12 and 1 - 3 pm
All Princesses and Princes are Invited. Come meet Cinderella in a fairytale setting to share some tea and cookies. Hear songs from the show and take home your very own photo with Cinderella and her husband, Prince Charming. Costumed guests welcome. $10 per child per session. Preregistration and prepayment required by 5/19. Register through web link above.

5th Annual Drake Naylor Invitational

Books Alive Lazy Day Charades
Saturday, May 29, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30am
Lewisville Library Auditorium, 6490 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville
Books come alive at the Lewisville Library the last Saturday of every month. Every session starts at 10:30 a.m. with a two minute “actor's warm-up”, followed by reading the selected book of the month, and then kids get on their feet and learn by doing. K - 3rd graders will enjoy this interactive program.

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
Saturday, May 29, 10 am to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Sunday, May 30

Sundays in the Park
Sunday, May 30, 2010, 2 – 5pm
Center City Park, Elm Street and Friendly Avenue, Greensboro
Sundays in the Park are held from 2 -5pm on the last Sunday of each month from May through October. In addition to bands, crafts, and children's activities, the 2009 Sundays in the Park at Center City Park will spotlight selected community resources - bringing a new dimension to the family-friendly events. Visit our website for more information!

Arts On Sunday
The AFAS (Arts of Art's Sake) nonprofit group of Winston-Salem is once again sponsoring its Arts on Sunday May series every Sunday in May from 1-5. This FREE for the artists and FREE for the public series is a family friendly event with artists, entertainment and a FREE Kids Corner where kids do craft projects for FREE that they get to take home. Click the link above to get all the details.

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
Sunday, May 30, 1 pm to 4 pm
High Point Museum
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Monday, May 31

Hive Time
Monday, May 31, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

KPRD/YMCA Kick Off Party 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010, 11am – 1pm
Kernersville Community Pool and Water Park
It's opening day a the Kernersville Community pool and Water Park and KPRD will be passing out free pizza, while supplies last. YMCA fees do apply.

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New Balance Kids Shoe of Month

By Rachel H

In case you missed our blog about our Triad Smarty Pants/New Balance Kids Club, click here, to read about the great discounts available to TSP readers. We have a fabulous discount card that gives our TSP readers 15%-30% off children’s shoes AND adult shoes purchased at this Thruway Shopping Center location...

All you need to do is stop by the store and ask for your Triad Smarty Pants/New Balance Kids Club card. They will give you a card, and when you buy your first pair of shoes, you will not only receive 20% off, but will also receive a free three-pack of socks to go along with your purchase!

You may use your Kids Club card for ANY pair of kids’ or adult shoes. We will also feature a shoe on our website each month that might strike you as one that your kids might love! The shoe above is style KL525GG which is a great suede/mesh shoe, perfect for summer and ideal for both boys and girls. It is part of the New Balance Heritage collection. I bought a style similar to this for my daughter and she has worn them like crazy. They match with everything and are so durable!

Stop by 202 S. Stratford Road in Winston-Salem to purchase this shoe, or any of the other quality shoes available, and don't forget to use your TSP/NB card!

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All About Scouts

By Guest Blogger, James Green

Sports like baseball or soccer are great. They teach kids teamwork and physical skills and can give them a sense of accomplishment. However, to help your child become truly well-rounded you should consider Scouting as well. Whether it’s Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, scouting provides many benefits that are different from sports.

Scouting builds self-confidence, provides a strong sense of achievement, encourages your child to learn new skills, helps them learn citizenship and community involvement, provides opportunities for them to learn from older boys and girls who are good role models and is above all –fun! However, with all of the demands of school and other activities many parents ask, do we have time for scouting? How much “at home” work is required? Our family is new to scouting this year. Our 7 year old joined the Cub Scouts this year and I volunteered to be the Den Leader for his Tiger den. As a new scouting family and a Den Leader I can help shed some light on what is required for scouting.

Our Cub Scout pack typically meets a few times per month. We have at least one den (in Cub Scouts, dens are organized by grades) meeting per month, which lasts approximately one hour, and one pack meeting per month. Cub Scout pack meetings, which include all dens, are often field trips or other group outings. The meeting structure varies somewhat between Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, but the time commitment is about the same.

There are numerous other pack or troop events like camping trips, community service days, overnight trips to SciWorks or the zoo and trips to ride the Virginia Creeper trail or visit the Yorktown battleship. These are a lot of fun, but not required. They are usually scheduled for the weekend. Often these outings welcome the entire family to join in on the fun. While it is definitely important to have time in your schedule for your child to attend meetings and outings, none of the meetings or outings are required. If you miss a meeting you can usually make up anything you missed or fulfill a missed requirement on your own.

Because of the monthly meetings, one way to choose a pack or troop is to find one that meets at a convenient time for your schedule. The pack my son and I are in, Pack 910, meets at 4:00 on Sunday afternoons at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Other troops and packs meet at other times during the week or on the weekend.

Today’s scouting programs are designed to be flexible allowing requirements to be fulfilled at organized meetings or on your own. This allows you to miss a few meetings if necessary, yet still keep up. While many packs and troops meet at and are sponsored by churches you do not have to attend that church to join the pack or troop.

Home activities are not overly burdensome. Many rank requirements or awards involve parents, and, unlike homework, are a fun way to bond with your child. A typical scout spends a few hours a month outside of meetings completing “at home” requirements. Many of the rank requirements, awards or merit badges correspond with activities your son or daughter is probably already doing. There are awards for everything including: art, baseball, soccer, science, foreign languages, caring for children, the environment, archery and even computers and video games. At home activities can include practicing a fire drill with your family or learning about personal financial management. One of the best things about scouting is that there is something for everyone and room for varying levels of commitment. Whether you want to work with your child to earn every merit badge available, or take a more relaxed approach to advancement, there’s room for both.

Joining Scouts is easy. You can join at any time although sign up is typically in the fall and corresponds with the start of the new school year. There are usually some inexpensive fees associated with joining and registering that help cover the costs of outings, handbooks and other expenses. These are different for each pack or troop.

For those facing financial challenges, troops or packs often can provide financial assistance to those who need it. Most packs and troops also hold fundraising campaigns to help offset the cost of activities. Everyone is familiar with the Girl Scouts’ fundraising efforts – selling cookies. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts sell popcorn. Some packs and troops are very dependent on these sales and others put less emphasis on fundraising campaigns.

Your child will probably get information about scouting from their school. For more information, visit the Old Hickory Council website for the Winston-Salem area or the Old North State Council website for the Greensboro area. This is a great place to learn about Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. For Girl Scouts, the Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Council is the best place to start. You can also visit the Pack 910 website, http://www.cubpack910.com/, to learn more about my pack. Feel free to send me an email (jgreen100@yahoo.com) and I’ll be happy to answer any additional questions if I can or at least try to steer you in the right direction.

As a new scouting family, we have really enjoyed being a part of Cub Scouts this year. Our son, Jackson, has made a lot of new friends and we have done more fun things in one year than I could have imagined. However, as a parent perhaps the most rewarding thing about scouting is watching your child grow and learn before your eyes.

Smarties, don't forget to register for our Bonus Giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. This free offer ends Friday, April 30. Click here for all the details.

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Smarty Find: momAgenda.com

If you're looking for a unique Mother's Day gift, or a hint to offer your husband, be sure to check out this recent Smarty Find by TSP loyal reader Ryan Leigh Runyon:

I’m a pen-and-paper girl when it comes to my calendar. I’ve spent many years calendar-hopping, rarely using any type of calendar more than once. I been using a momAgenda for nine months now, and I’m ready to order my next one for 2010-2011. I have the Desktop style, a 17-month calendar that runs August-December, and I’ve added a momAgenda pocket inside the front cover to hold tickets, invitations, blank note cards, and stamps. It has plenty of room for all of my “to-dos” and appointments, the details of my kids’ school events and activities, and my husband’s work and on-call schedule – without looking cluttered. Just one more of the many reasons I love my momAgenda - it still looks nearly as good as the day I bought it! There are no bent corners, no stains from spilled drinks, and no torn-out pages. It’s sturdy, functional, and wrapped in a pretty package. I think I’ll get turquoise next! - RLR

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Stressed-Out Parenting

By Guest Blogger, Heather Bjork

As parents, we all want the best for our children. We strive to make decisions that will keep our children’s options open and not limit the choices available to them. This way we hope that they will have the opportunity to choose their own path and future. To that end, we place a ridiculous amount of pressure on ourselves, as parents, to make the BEST decisions at all times, fearing that if we don’t, our child’s future will be negatively impacted.

So begins the feeling of being in a pressure cooker as we strive to figure out which preschool our child should attend, what enrichment activities to sign our child up for, what elementary school is rated the highest, what friends to encourage our children to spend time with ... the list goes on. I am not arguing that wanting to do the best for your child is wrong. Where it becomes unhealthy or stops being a “good thing” is when we assign too much importance to every parenting decision we make, as if one small misstep will have a huge negative impact on our child’s well-being and future.

I was talking with one of my best friends recently who is facing one of the big decisions of parenting – which school to enroll her son, who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. We spent an hour going over the different schools she and her husband had identified after several hours of talking, researching the schools and touring the schools. I helped her with a framework to create a weighted average to choose between the final three schools as she was having a really hard time shortening the list.

A week later we spoke again and I could hear the fatigue and stress in her voice as she didn’t know which school was the BEST. I then played the role of devil’s advocate and asked her to be 100% honest and share what would happen if she didn’t make the BEST choice between the two schools. We began talking through what that might look like and how it might impact her son. Then I said, “I know that you have done an amazing job shortening this list to the top two schools based on what you and your husband value. Isn’t it possible that either school is right and your son could thrive in either environment, even though the environments are different?” This stopped her in her tracks and she let out a huge exhale and said, “I have become so focused on making the BEST choice that it didn’t even dawn on me that there could be two right choices."

Some of my best lessons in life have come from “imperfect situations”. We live in an imperfect world with lots of variables and moving pieces. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received as a new parent was to “remember that children are resilient." It is just a simple reminder that children aren’t fragile and won’t be scarred for each misstep we might make while being a parent. Sometimes life’s best lessons come from mistakes.

So next time you begin feeling as if the weight of the world & your child’s future rests on making the BEST choice, step back and broaden your perspective that there are many good choices. Additionally you don’t want to model an unhealthy style of parenting to your children. Cut yourself some slack and work hard to keep things in perspective by asking yourself, “What if I don’t make the BEST decision? What is most likely to occur?” Realistically, the consequences are much smaller and less impactful than you might believe.

Submitted by Heather Bjork, imperfect parent to two wonderful children – Kieran & Kendra (and someone who doesn’t always make the BEST decision).


Smarties, don't forget to register for our Bonus Giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. This free offer ends Friday, April 30. Click here for all the details.

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Smarty Tips to Save Money

By Jen P, Charlotte Smarty Pants

It seems like everyone is in a panic over the economic conditions we are facing today, and rightfully so. My family included. Not too long ago, I was pretty much fired from one of my primary job responsibilities as a mother, grocery shopping and Target shopping for my family. This was a complete knee-jerk reaction by my hubby. But I'm not angry with him, I'm actually breathing a sigh of relief.

I'm not proud of the fact that I spend most of our hard-earned $ at two of my least favorite places to frequent: Harris Teeter and Target. My husband has known for a long time that I'm not the most efficient when it comes to grocery shopping. I never go in with a list because it's usually a last minute trip like "oh no, we're out of milk and bread" and then I come out $150 later. It's not like I buy things that will go bad. We actually throw out very little. But it's the little extras that go in my cart that have really been adding up lately.

You see, I am flawed by design with regard to grocery shopping. I'm a go-down-every-single-aisle kind of gal, just in case I miss something that I absolutely cannot live without. And that's the problem. You need to go in with a list and get in and out of there or you're toast. You should also shop the perimeter. You'll spend WAY less, not to mention it's much healthier since that's where all the fresh stuff is kept.

So my husband, Randy, recognized my weakness and stepped up to the plate. I know, he's a gem, isn't he?! He now grocery shops every Wednesday when the new e-Vic specials come out as well as double-coupon days (I'm not a coupon girl only for lack of time, but I'm changing my ways!). We have on our to-do list to do online grocery shopping, but we're never organized enough to take that initial step. Someday we'll make it happen!

I have also been banned from Target. This is actually something I have wanted to do for a long time anyway. I'm not a fan of their return policy plus I think Target just makes you feel like you're getting a good deal. When in reality, their prices are just as high as Walgreens, CVS or even, Harris Teeter. And if you get me in Target, I'll always pick up an extra pair of jammies, or Halloween decorations or something. These items are not necessities, so I have stayed away for a month and a half or so with a few "cheats" here and there.

I have to say, this system is working for us. Monday and Tuesday meal menus are pretty lame in our house, but we're surviving just fine. And I'm happy to report that we've saved at least $150 a month on groceries. I have been defeated, but am willing to take a hit for the team since it means we're saving some serious $$!

My other tips:
* For me personally, I have stopped using credit cards. If I can't pay for it with cash, then I don't really need it.
* Play Wii or rent movies for date night.
* Carpool when you can - saves a ton on gas.
* Go out to lunch and dinner less often. You'd be surprised at how much lunch in particular costs and can accumulate fast.
* Shop local when you can - we cannot afford to have our local economy shut down. This will exacerbate the problem.

I also turned to our Charlotte Smarty Pants team to give us some of their tips on saving money and I encourage you to do the same at the end of the blog!

First up is Tracy, our Smartiest saver of all...
"I am a retail store discount junkie! I actually make a game out of how much money I can save when I go shopping. I'm talking about those little deals that come in the mail where you get 20% off your entire purchase during a certain time or save $25 if you spend a certain amount. And my favorite is when stores like Gymboree or the Loft give you "bucks back" for a future purchase based off what you are buying today. Usually this ends up being half off your future purchase, even after sale prices!!

The best way to get these deals is to sign up for that stores credit card. Now, I hesitate to encourage anyone to sign up for another credit card and risk putting yourself in debt during times like these - you MUST be diligent about paying off your bill when it comes or you negate any savings you rack up in interest charges! BUT - if you do it right, you really can save a lot!

For example, I have an Old Navy card which is good at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Piperlime (shoes) and the deals are usually good at all 4 stores as well. Every time I use my card at one of those stores, I earn points toward $10 Bucks Back coupons. Plus they send me extra coupons in the mail and often you can get free or discounted shipping for online purchases! Ann Taylor is another card I have that frequently sends coupons for 20% off or $$ discounts. Plus they also just added a points program to reward you for your purchases.

A couple other tips ...
* Those Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons never expire! Hold on to them and use a bunch at one time.
* Many stores will honor competitors coupons, just ask!
* When shopping online, Google that store and add the word "coupon" at the end and you'll be amazed at the deals you can find that way.
* And finally, to keep all these great deals organized so you don't forget about them or lose them in the bottom of your purse (happens to me all the time), get a cheap little photo album that you can slip your coupons in and easily flip through your deals at any given time. I just keep that in my purse so if I'm ever out and about, I'll have all my deals with me!"

Next up is Dana, our green Smarty saver...
"I am trying to cut back this fall especially with the recent state of the economy. Here are some examples we try to follow in our household:
* Shop consignment stores.
* Rent movies on demand for "date night" instead of going out.
* Cook much more at home, less take out.
* We use reusable towels/cloth napkins versus paper towels to save money and trees.
* Use cloth diapers, I spend less on disposable diapers.
* Try to consolidate shopping trips = less pollution, less gas.
* I actually dropped our gym membership because we never go. We have been exercising outside, especially with this incredible weather.
* We are going to make a lot of our Christmas gifts this year and/or pick names. Keeping it simple!
* Reduce consumption of goods= less waste. Ask yourself, do you really need this?
* Shop the farmer's markets.
* Less traveling overall."

Here is Jenny, keeping it simple ...
"I go to Costco with a strict list and do not deviate. I only buy the things that I would buy if I was in Harris Teeter. Otherwise I get spend too much on things I don't need. My list includes baby wipes, Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Waffles, Cereal, Pretzels, Cereal Bars. This way, when I go to grocery store, I just buy fresh foods like meat, fruit and vegetables for the week. It is much less waste and buying things in bulk that are not perishable, allows me to keep my weekly bills down."

Share your Smarty tips! We could all use a little help:-)

Smarties, don't forget to register for our Bonus Giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. This free offer ends Friday, April 30. Click here for all the details.

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Smarty Mom: Lori Clark

By Katie M

Today I introduce someone who has been a long-time loyal reader of Triad Smarty Pants: Lori Clark. Some of you may already know her because she’s lived in the Triad (Greensboro, Kernersville and now Lewisville) pretty much all her life. And some of you might recognize her because she is currently running as an at-large candidate for the Winston-Salem Board of Education (more on that below). Either way, she’s given us a great interview and I’ve enjoyed getting to know Lori better as I’m sure you will too.

Lori and her husband, Dale, have a six-year-old son Cameron. Since Cameron’s birth, Lori has held some type of part-time position, and is currently a substitute teacher and member of the Chick-fil-A marketing team (for the Peacehaven Road, W-S restaurant). She is also a very involved classroom and parent volunteer at her son’s school and will serve as PTA vice president next year. Lori and her husband (who met while participating with a traveling Triad Christian singing group) are both active with their church’s worship/music ministry, participate in the church missions ministry, and serve as adult sponsors for the church high school youth choir. And occasionally, one or both of them will sing at weddings!

So let’s chat with Lori.

First off, we have to ask about your recent decision to run for elected office. What a huge, and notable, undertaking! What inspired you to do this?
The decision to run for the School Board is the biggest decision I have made in many years. When you serve as an elected official, you really are a "public servant." I see it as a natural follow-on to my many years of volunteer work - which has also been in public service. I am running because I believe that I received a great education in our public schools here in Forsyth County, and now that my son has entered the system, I desire the same for him. We live in a great country that gives us free education and I want the educational standards to be and remain high - higher for him than they were for me! I also believe that more people my age should become involved in public service! I've simply answered a call that I felt in my heart.

When is the election, and how can readers find out more about you as a candidate?
The primary vote (and first hurdle) is May 4th. I have to be one of the Top 6 vote-getters in my AT LARGE District to move on to the November general election (where I would then need to be in the Top 3). My website is http://www.goinsclark.com/ and I also have a fan page on Facebook. Just search the whole name - Lori Goins Clark – and it should come up!

How do you balance being a mom with all the demands of your campaign and your part-time jobs?
Funny that you ask that. One day recently both my husband and my son claimed to be worn out with all of the "running around" I am doing! My husband said: "If this is what it will be like if you are elected, whew.....!" My son said: "Aw Mom, I'm tired of putting up signs!!" I know that this is a season, and soon another one may come that may be more or less busy, so I have to take one day at a time and remember my priorities (faith and family first)! I need to remember to take my quiet time for me and that I need exercise, too. I like being busy and juggling it all, but I also love being at home with the family. We cherish our dinners together and enjoy when we have a night where we have no place to be! As well, I need to remember that currently we are out of milk and to get by the store!

What advice can you offer other moms considering a volunteer stint with their PTA, or to those who plan to run for elected office?
I would absolutely encourage all moms to be PTA members and to give as much time as they sensibly can to that organization and to the schools where their children are. PTAs are so important to a school's success, and involved parents are the key to an individual child's success. The more you can know about your child's education, etc., the better! The PTA always needs more enthusiastic parents and there will always be a place for you to use your gifts at your child's school - and dad's, too! Regarding a run for local office - I am learning that if you put yourself out there, you have to 1) have some thick skin, 2) realize you can't please everyone (hard for me since I am a "pleaser") and 3) remember to give your best and stay true to your convictions!

What smarty tips do you have for other busy moms?
Say NO as often as you say yes to invitations and opportunities, to make sure that you schedule date nights with your husband (for the sake of your marriage and your children), try hard to make your home a haven and refuge for your family, and cherish friends and family and spend time nourishing those relationships!

Ok, now on to the fun (and easier) questions!

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
Thank the Lord I have several friends who share their boy clothes with me (I am so thankful for hand-me-downs) BUT I also shop at the Spring and Fall consignment sales around the Triad, and look for the RED tag kids clothes deals at TARGET (love Target)! My favorite consignment sale is the New Philadelphia Moravian Church (on Country Club Road in W-S) Clothing Sale.

Favorite place to splurge on kids clothes?
The Children's Place is my favorite store to shop new! I am especially in love with all of their v-necked boy sweaters!

What's your favorite shop or boutique in the Triad?
ETC. Consignment on Jonestown Road in Winston-Salem. I don't have too much time to shop (wish I did because I am your typical woman who loves to shop!) - but they have GREAT stuff there at great prices!!!

What is your favorite family activity?
A beach vacation. We always go for a week - but a week is not enough - so I wish for two - maybe someday!

Favorite “mommy-time” activity?
I am a coffee-lover, so meeting so-and-so for coffee either at a coffee place or at their (or my) house for the sole purpose of chatting is a FABULOUS treat! Any time that I can sit with a cup of coffee and read all alone is pure bliss as well!

Best place to eat lunch and/or dinner with the kids?
There is NO BETTER place than Chick-fil-A (Peacehaven is the favorite, of course). My little fella loves the playroom because, though he is an only child, there is always someone there with whom he can play! That allows me time to catch up with my hubby or a friend - whichever the case may be! They have Family nights on Tuesdays and the kids eat really cheap!

Favorite date place?
My husband and I love to go to Bonefish and have the BANG-BANG shrimp! It is an appetizer, but it is just enough, and then we usually split a dessert, too!

Funniest thing Cameron has ever said?
"I'm already smart - I'm just trying to get smarter!" AND…recently, upon hearing that I was “running” for the School Board, he asked “….can Daddy run for President?”! That says what he thinks of his dad!!

Favorite park in the Triad?
Joanie Moser (shaded) or Triad Park. We also love Shallowford Square (in Lewisville) because it is big and pretty!

Mini-van or SUV?
How about a 2002 GMC Sierra extended cab TRUCK!?? Every man needs a good truck - I just happen to get to drive ours (which saddens Dale immensely, I might add)!

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
For us, it is that family is near - both of ours. The Triad itself is not too big and not too small, but has just enough of the "big" city stuff, and just the right amount quaint small-town qualities. Another great thing - it is right smack in the middle of the mountains and the beach!

Best kept secret in the Triad?
Again, I would say ETC. Consignment Shop and ALDI grocery store (there are 2 in Winston)! I wish someone had told me long ago about ALDI - GREAT prices on many staple items, clean, fast, and GREAT FRUIT and vegetables! You have to use debit card or cash, though! Helps you to be ready and frugal!

Who is your greatest hero or mentor?
My parents. Both taught me a strong work ethic, what it means to have integrity and personal responsibility, gave me unconditional love, and pointed me to Christ.

Best secret YOUR mom has shared with you?
Two of her favorite quotes are: "This, too, shall pass" (which has always helped me to remember that whatever the current trial is, it will end) AND....."Service is the rent we pay for living..." (which she did not originate....but it is so true). She has modeled both of those before me.

Best birthday party you have attended?
Our son had a DART GUN themed party this year, and he said it was "wonderful"! That one was a definite success (an idea for all of the Smarty Moms)!

Best book you’ve ever read?
Too many to name! As a youngster, I remember Christy and The Incident at Hawk’s Hill (which we just read with our son) and Gone with the Wind (the book is so much better than the original TV movie)! More recently, Same Kind of Different as Me, Death of a President, Love and Respect, and Your Boy.

What’s your favorite blog on Triad Smarty Pants?
They are all are SO informative...the one of late that comes to mind is the whole debate of where to take your little boy to the bathroom (WOMEN or MEN's room??) ! UGH!!!! I have a few funny stories about that - and my decision is still to opt for the Women's - 'til I don't know WHEN!

I could not live without my...first cup of freshly-ground coffee in the morning! It makes me want to shout "Hallelujah"!

I wish someone had told me sooner about…the joy of a flower garden (I came into it just recently)!

Thanks, Lori, for all of your smarty answers! And while we at Triad Smarty Pants cannot officially endorse or oppose you, we certainly wish you the best of luck with your campaign.

Smarties, don't forget to register for our Bonus Giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. This free offer ends Friday, April 30. Click here for all the details.

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