July Family Events

By Katie M

Triad Smarty Pants and Prudential Carolinas Realty are wishing you and your family a fun-filled and safe summer! We're excited to share all of these July family-friendly events with you. Be sure to check this event calendar often, as we are continuously adding new events!

Have an event to publicize? 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!

Keep reading to get the summer scoop...

In addition to our July calendar, don't forget:

Our Kids Eat Free blog is updated as we hear of new deals, and some Triad restaurants are offering some sweet summer savings.

Speaking of good eats, Chick-fil-A hosts Family Nights at its restaurants every Tuesday night. Not only do they have fun activities for you and your children, but your child will also receive a free Kids Meal with the purchase of an adult meal. For a complete list of events happening at Triad Chick-fil-As, click here.

Keeping the kids reading can be an event itself in the summer, but we have a great list of places helping to make it easier with free storytimes and other fun reading programs!

Beat the summer heat with a movie matinee! The Grand Theatre in Winston-Salem (5601 University Parkway) has a Summer Kids Flicks series every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am for just $3 (includes a free box of popcorn and a kid-size soda) from now until August 18.

Our friends at the Community Theatre in Greensboro are running Willy Wonka this July, and our friends at Eastern Music Festival have a great summer line-up too.

And don't forget you have until July 15 to mail in your form for discounted tix at the TSP & GSO MOPS night at the Greensboro Grasshoppers game on Sunday, July 18 at 4 pm!

Thursday, July 1

Preschool Storytime
Every Thursday, July 1, 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

Simply Story Time
Every Thursday, July 1, 2010, 3:30pmGreensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Bubbleration
Thursday, July 1, 2010, 12:30 – 1:30pm
Downtown, Civic Plaza park area (lawn next to One Park Vista), 188 W 4th Street , Winston-Salem NC 27101
Come stop by around lunchtime to enjoy some bubble-blowing fun in downtown Winston-Salem. This event is FREE and EVERYONE is invited--- so tell your friends, families, and coworkers to come take a break and have some fun!

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Alive After Five
Thursday, July 1, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!
Possum Jenkins w/ Wyndy Trail Travelers

Red, White, and Blue Parade
Thursday, July 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem
(Parade begins at 11 am). Show your patriotism as you make some festive signs out of Flag shaped poster board for our parade (which will begin outside in the front circle at 11 a.m.). Then, the parade will continue all around our downstairs as we weave in and out to festive music and end with a yummy Thirsty Thursday treat: smoothies from Ben & Jerry’s! Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Friday, July 2

Hoola Hooping Fitness Class
Every Friday from 11:15 - 11:45, following the 10:45 Hoopdio (hooping + cardio) class
Robinhood Family YMCA, 3474 Robinhood Rd, WS 27106
Family hula hoop fitness class with Monkey Hooper. Helping you teach your kids that exercise should be fun!
Special custom made hoops are provided in class and also available for purchase. First class free for non-YMCA members; $10/visit after that.

First Friday in Downtown Greensboro
Friday, July 2, 2010, 6 – 9pm
Downtown Greensboro, 122 N. Elm Street, Suite 609, Greensboro NC 27401
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 at the First Friday Web site, www.downtownfridays.com.

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Downtown Jazz
Friday, July 2, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
Downtown Winston-Salem Summer Music Series
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!
Terence Young

Fun Fourth Kick-off Block Party
Friday, July 2, 2010, 7 pm - 11 pm
Downtown Greensboro, 122 N. Elm Street, Suite 609
Over 90,000 people will attend Fun Fourth events this year, including the Kickoff Block Party, the Parade and the 36th Street Festival, as well as the Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular. Fun Fourth maintains all the favorite American Independence Day traditions and offers great entertainment and exhibits free. Put on your red, white and blue and come downtown to celebrate!

Saturday, July 3

Fun Fourth Parade & Street Festival
Saturday, July 3 from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Downtown Greensboro, 122 N. Elm Street, Suite 609, Greensboro NC 27401
Over 90,000 people will attend Fun Fourth events this year, including the Kickoff Block Party, the Parade and the 36th Street Festival, as well as the Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular. Fun Fourth maintains all the favorite American Independence Day traditions and offers great entertainment and exhibits free. Put on your red, white and blue and come downtown to celebrate!

Summer on Trade
Saturday, July 3, 2010, 7 – 10pm
6th & Trade Streets in the Arts District, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!
West End Mambo

KIRKSTOCK!
Saturday, July 3rd
Bring the family and a blanket
1500 Independence Road
7 - 11 pm Dance the night away to the sounds of Wishful Thinking
BYO Beverage
Please bring side items for your family
** Trash cans and port-a-potty available


Sunday, July 4

Fun Fourth Pops Concert & Fireworks
Saturday, July 3 from 7:30 pm - 10 pm
Downtown Greensboro, 122 N. Elm Street, Suite 609, Greensboro NC 27401
Over 90,000 people will attend Fun Fourth events this year, including the Kickoff Block Party, the Parade and the 36th Street Festival, as well as the Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular. Fun Fourth maintains all the favorite American Independence Day traditions and offers great entertainment and exhibits free. Put on your red, white and blue and come downtown to celebrate!

July 4th Celebration - Lewisville
Sunday, July 04, from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Each year the Town of Lewisville hosts to one of the largest July 4th celebrations in the Triad. Festivities begin at 6 p.m at Shallowford Square and include musical entertainment and fireworks at dark.

Splash B4 the Blast and the Kernersville Fireworks
Sunday, July 4, 2010, 1 – 4pm
Kernersville Community pool
Join us on the 4th of July at the Kernersville Community pool from 1-4 p.m. for door prizes, hot dogs & fun in the sun. Enjoy a free concert on the Kernersville Elementary football field at 7 p.m. before the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Kirkwood Parade
Greensboro
9 am Cheer on the Fire Fighters from Station 5 and the ladder truck as they hang the official Kirkwood Flag
Then hurry home, decorate your bike, stroller, wagon, or automobile for the parade.
4:45 pm line up for the parade with a 5 pm start beginning on Independence Road near the Princess Ann intersection.
Parade will travel down Independence- then back around Colonial
Following the police officer on the motorcycle will be bike riders, automobiles and then strollers and walkers.

Kernersville Fourth of July Fireworks Show
Sunday, July 4, 2010, 7pm
Kernersville Elementary School
Music by Sound Express which starts at 7 PM with fireworks at 9 PM. Free admission. Bring a lawn chair.

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Monday, July 5

Greensboro Grasshoppers
12:30 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Tuesday, July 6

Krankies Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 10am – 1pm
Krankies Coffee, 211 E. Third St., Winston-Salem, NC, 27101
Krankies Farmers Market is located outside Krankies Coffee, on Patterson Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets in downtown Winston-Salem. The market is open every Tuesday, 10am-1pm. It is an all-local, producers-only market that seeks to bring a wide variety of fresh foods to downtown Winston-Salem. Vendors are selected on the basis of their healthy, sustainable, and humane practices. The market is a joint effort between Triad Buying Co-op Inc., Krankies Coffee, and Piedmont Triad Research Park.

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Wednesday, July 7

Greensboro Grasshoppers
12:30 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Thursday, July 8

Preschool Storytime
Every Thursday, July 8, 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

Simply Story Time
Every Thursday, July 1, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Alive After Five
Thursday, July 8, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
Downtown Winston-Salem Summer Music Series
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Friday, July 9


Hoola Hooping Fitness Class
Every Friday from 11:15 - 11:45, following the 10:45 Hoopdio (hooping + cardio) class
Robinhood Family YMCA, 3474 Robinhood Rd, WS 27106
Family hula hoop fitness class with Monkey Hooper. Helping you teach your kids that exercise should be fun!
Special custom made hoops are provided in class and also available for purchase. First class free for non-YMCA members; $10/visit after that.

Downtown Jazz
Friday, July 9, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Saturday, July 10

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Antiques and Yard Sale
July 10 -July 11, 2010
Julian Road, Salisbury, NC
350 booths selling items consisting of yard sale items to vintage antiques.Phone: 704-425-9838

Build with W-S Dash, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s
Saturday, July 10 from 8 am to 1 pm
Habitat for Humanity ReStore Warehouse, 341 Witt Street, W-S
The Winston-Salem Dash, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County and Lowe’s employees will pick up their hammers and pre-build wall frames. In conjunction with the wall build, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Winston-Salem Dash home game against Lynchburg Hillcats Saturday night. Habitat for Humanity is also purchasing tickets for 300 of its homeowners to attend the game, and fans will sing “Happy Birthday” to Habitat for Humanity during the seventh-inning stretch. Please call Habitat of Humanity of Forsyth County at (336) 765-8854 if you are interested in participating.

Summer on Trade
Saturday, July 10, 2010, 7 – 10pm
6th & Trade Streets in the Arts District, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Sunday, July 11

Antiques and Yard Sale
July 10 -July 11, 2010
Julian Road, Salisbury, NC
350 booths selling items consisting of yard sale items to vintage antiques.Phone: 704-425-9838

Winston-Salem Dash
2 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Arts Splash Concert in the Historical Park
Sunday, July 11, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Enjoy the bluegrass music of the Jeff Little Band while relaxing in the Historical Park! Brought to you by the High Point Area Arts Council and the High Point Museum. FREE. Drop-in. For more information on these events or exhibits call 885-1859 or visit www.highpointmuseum.org.

Monday, July 12

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Tuesday, July 13

Krankies Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 10am – 1pm
Krankies Coffee, 211 E. Third St., Winston-Salem, NC, 27101
Krankies Farmers Market is located outside Krankies Coffee, on Patterson Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets in downtown Winston-Salem. The market is open every Tuesday, 10am-1pm. It is an all-local, producers-only market that seeks to bring a wide variety of fresh foods to downtown Winston-Salem. Vendors are selected on the basis of their healthy, sustainable, and humane practices. The market is a joint effort between Triad Buying Co-op Inc., Krankies Coffee, and Piedmont Triad Research Park.

Wednesday, July 14

Summer Yoga
Wednesday, July 14, 11 a.m.
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem
Join Christi Eley, Founder of Angel Bear Yoga, for beach and sea animal themed yoga adventures. She reads a story and then with your body you become the things you see in the story. Do you want to make your body look like a boat? Christi will show you this and more in her bendy fun storytimes. Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Thursday, July 15

SECCA’s Grand ReOpening
Thursday, July 15 from 7 to 10 pm
SECCA, 750 Marguerite Drive, WS
FREE and Open to the public. Come and celebrate with music by Turbo Pro Project, Hors d’Oeuvres and Cash bar. Featuring two outstanding exhibitions: GlassWear and Look Again, which are sure to inspire awe and wonder. The festivities incude a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 pm, guest reception with the artists, live entertainment and lots of surprises!

Preschool Storytime
Every Thursday, July 15, 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

Simply Story Time
Every Thursday, July 1, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.
LINK

Alive After Five
Thursday, July 15, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Music in the Courtyard
Thursday 7-9pm
South Stratford Road
Stratford Village Shopping Center
In the courtyard by Big Shotz and Blue Ridge Ice Cream
Performing: Rain Check - combination of bluegrass, urban, rural and rock!

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Friday, July 16

Hoola Hooping Fitness Class
Every Friday from 11:15 - 11:45, following the 10:45 Hoopdio (hooping + cardio) class
Robinhood Family YMCA, 3474 Robinhood Rd, WS 27106
Family hula hoop fitness class with Monkey Hooper. Helping you teach your kids that exercise should be fun!
Special custom made hoops are provided in class and also available for purchase. First class free for non-YMCA members; $10/visit after that.

Starlight Movie Nite at Shallowford Square in Lewisville
Friday, July 16 at 8:30 PM
The movie will be "Daddy Day Care." Concessions are available and the movie begins at dark.

Downtown Jazz
Friday, July 16, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Saturday, July 17

Nicole Nelson Photography Endless Summer Mini-Sessions
July 17 at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons
Only $150! Includes session fee, mounted 10 x 20 custom storyboard, two 5 x 7 prints and two digital files! Plus, you can take 15% off additional print products! Click link above for details.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 3 – 5pm
Childrens Museum of W/S, 390 South Liberty St, Winston Salem
Bonjour everyone (that’s French for Hello)! As Fancy Nancy says whenever you feel like celebrating, that’s the perfect time for a tea party, so we’ve decided to celebrate! $15/member child, $20/non-member child (one adult free/child).

Summer on Trade
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 7 – 10pm
6th & Trade Streets in the Arts District, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Sunday, July 18

Day Out at the Ballpark!
Sunday, July 18 at 4pm
Greensboro Grasshoppers Game
Triad Smarty Pants readers and members of GSO MOPS chapters will meet for a night out at the ballgame. Discounted tickets selling in advance.

Monday, July 19

Tuesday, July 20

Krankies Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 10am – 1pm
Krankies Coffee, 211 E. Third St., Winston-Salem, NC, 27101
Krankies Farmers Market is located outside Krankies Coffee, on Patterson Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets in downtown Winston-Salem. The market is open every Tuesday, 10am-1pm. It is an all-local, producers-only market that seeks to bring a wide variety of fresh foods to downtown Winston-Salem. Vendors are selected on the basis of their healthy, sustainable, and humane practices. The market is a joint effort between Triad Buying Co-op Inc., Krankies Coffee, and Piedmont Triad Research Park.

Wednesday, July 21

Thursday, July 22

Preschool Storytime
Every Thursday, July 22, 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

Simply Story Time
Every Thursday, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum , 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Music at Twilight Summer Concert Series
Thursday, July 22, 2010, 6pm
Town Hall Courtyard, Kernersville
Bluegrass music provided by String Fever. Gold Wing motorcycle display & hayrides. Snacks available for purchase.

Alive after Five
Thursday, July 22, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!
Possum Jenkins w/ Wyndy Trail Travelers

Music in the Courtyard
Thursday 7-9pm
South Stratford Road
Stratford Village Shopping Center
In the courtyard by Big Shotz and Blue Ridge Ice Cream
Open mic night!

Friday, July 23

Hoola Hooping Fitness Class
Every Friday from 11:15 - 11:45, following the 10:45 Hoopdio (hooping + cardio) class
Robinhood Family YMCA, 3474 Robinhood Rd, WS 27106
Family hula hoop fitness class with Monkey Hooper. Helping you teach your kids that exercise should be fun!
Special custom made hoops are provided in class and also available for purchase. First class free for non-YMCA members; $10/visit after that.

Downtown Jazz
Friday, July 23, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Saturday, July 24

Let’s Play! Early American Games in the Historical Park
Saturday, July 24, 10 am to 4 pm
Try out the rolling hoops, stilts, races and other games played by early American children. Our costumed interpreters will show you how. FREE. All ages welcome. Drop-in. For more information on these events or exhibits call 885-1859 or visit www.highpointmuseum.org

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Korner's Folly Family Revue
Saturday, July 24, 2010, 10 am
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.

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Summer on Trade
Saturday, July 24, 2010, 7 – 10pm
6th & Trade Streets in the Arts District, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Sunday, July 25

Let’s Play! Early American Games in the Historical Park
Sunday, July 25, 1 pm to 4 pm
Try out the rolling hoops, stilts, races and other games played by early American children. Our costumed interpreters will show you how. FREE. All ages welcome. Drop-in. For more information on these events or exhibits call 885-1859 or visit www.highpointmuseum.org

Greensboro Grasshoppers
4 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Winston-Salem Dash
2 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Beat the Heat Tours
Sundays, July 25 and August 8, 2–4 p.m.
Reynolda House and Garden, Winston-Salem
Members/students $10, non-members $15
This behind-the-scenes tour of Reynolda House allows visitors to investigate areas normally closed to the general public. Guests will explore the kitchens, laundry and mechanical rooms, ice-block air conditioning rooms, the squash court, and areas below the swimming pool, as well as enjoy the view across the lawn from the former roof garden.

Sundays in the Park
Sunday, July 25, 2010, 2 – 5pm
Center City Park, Elm Street and Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401
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!

Monday, July 26

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Tuesday, July 27

Krankies Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 10am – 1pm
Krankies Coffee, 211 E. Third St., Winston-Salem, NC, 27101
Krankies Farmers Market is located outside Krankies Coffee, on Patterson Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets in downtown Winston-Salem. The market is open every Tuesday, 10am-1pm. It is an all-local, producers-only market that seeks to bring a wide variety of fresh foods to downtown Winston-Salem. Vendors are selected on the basis of their healthy, sustainable, and humane practices. The market is a joint effort between Triad Buying Co-op Inc., Krankies Coffee, and Piedmont Triad Research Park.

Winston-Salem Dash
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Greensboro Grasshoppers
12:30 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Wednesday, July 28

Winston-Salem Dash
12 pm Home Game. See web site for details

Thursday, July 29

Preschool Storytime
Every Thursday, July 29, 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

Simply Story Time
Every Thursday, July 1, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Alive After Five
Thursday, July 29, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

Music in the Courtyard
Thursday 7-9pm
South Stratford Road
Stratford Village Shopping Center
In the courtyard by Big Shotz and Blue Ridge Ice Cream
Performing: Warren, Bodle, and Allen - combination of bluegrass and contemporary folk/country-rock

Friday, July 30

Sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale
Friday, July 30 from 9 am to 4 pm
Invitations Only, 3301 Healy Drive, Winston-Salem
Buy one, get one - plus clearance items (25% - 75% off)).

KidShare - A Children's Consigment Fair
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12 – 4pm
Neil Bolton Home and Garden Building, LJVM Coliseum, 421 W. 27th St., Winston-Salem, Large consignment sale offering children's fall/winter clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, maternity clothing and other items. Free admission. Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Hoola Hooping Fitness Class
Every Friday from 11:15 - 11:45, following the 10:45 Hoopdio (hooping + cardio) class
Robinhood Family YMCA, 3474 Robinhood Rd, WS 27106
Family hula hoop fitness class with Monkey Hooper. Helping you teach your kids that exercise should be fun!
Special custom made hoops are provided in class and also available for purchase. First class free for non-YMCA members; $10/visit after that.

Downtown Jazz
Friday, July 30, 2010, 5 – 8:30pm
Corpening Plaza, Winston/Salem
We are excited about the 2010 Summer Music Series in downtown Winston-Salem! This summer will be our 13th year of the Summer Music Series. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make this 2010 season one of our best ones yet!

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

The Children's Theatre Youth 'Playhouse' presents ALADDIN, Jr.
Arts Council Theatre
610 Coliseum Dr., WS
Friday, July 30 @ 7pm
Saturday, July 31 @ 2 & 7pm
The classic Disney musical film is brought to life on stage! All of your favorite characters are here including Jasmine, Aladdin, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem and magic carpet rides, your spirits will soar with excitment!
Recommended for PreK- 8th Grade.
Tickets are $5 at the door
For more information, please call 725-4531 or visit www.childrenstheatrews.org.

Saturday, July 31

KidShare - A Children's Consigment Fair
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12 – 4pm
Neil Bolton Home and Garden Building, LJVM Coliseum, 421 W. 27th St., Winston-Salem, Large consignment sale offering children's fall/winter clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, maternity clothing and other items. Free admission. Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Harry Potter Day: Hogwarts School in Session!
Saturday, July 31, 2010, 10am – 2pm
Children's Museum of W/S
Calling all Muggles to Hogwarts! This is your day to experience a day in life at Hogwarts School! Classes and initiation begins at 10 am and continues with a full day of classes such as Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, and Transfiguration.
Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

The Children's Theatre Youth 'Playhouse' presents ALADDIN, Jr.
Arts Council Theatre
610 Coliseum Dr., WS
Friday, July 30 @ 7pm
Saturday, July 31 @ 2 & 7pm
The classic Disney musical film is brought to life on stage! All of your favorite characters are here including Jasmine, Aladdin, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem and magic carpet rides, your spirits will soar with excitment!
Recommended for PreK- 8th Grade.
Tickets are $5 at the door
For more information, please call 725-4531 or visit www.childrenstheatrews.org.

Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 pm Home Game. See web site for details.

What did we forget? Add your event below in the comment section, or email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com.

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Smarty Day Trip Series: Our Own High Point!

By Rachel H and Guest Blogger, Alison Nolan

Thus far, we have run numerous Day Trips about exciting, educational, and adventurous places to take your family outside of the Triad area. For the next few weeks, we are focusing on activities right here in our own Triad area!

This week, we will start with a blog written by Alison Nolan. She has highlighted some of her favorite family spots in the High Point area. We hope you'll make a day out of it and visit some of these places. At the end of the blog, be sure to add any other family-friendly venues in High Point that you think our readers would enjoy! Then stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as we hit other Triad cities! ... Rachel H

You may think of High Point as that little town that has Furniture Market – but there are also plenty of really fun things to do here! I have listed a few below that maybe you’ll look into because you just didn’t know about it before!

One of our most favorite parks in which to play is High Point City Lake Park – mailing address is in Jamestown but the name is High Point so we can claim it! (The link for the park is currently not connecting, but I am in hopes it will be fixed by the time this blog runs!) This park has so much for kids of all ages to enjoy. Want to wear the kiddos out? Bring them here and enjoy a very large playground area for big and little kids, amusement rides (a carousel!!), a fun train ride and more. The pool and waterslide opened for the weekends on May 29th and will open daily on June 14, 2010. There are fees, which are noted on the park website.

Park Description: 340 acre lake with boating, fishing, paddle boats, picnic areas with shelters, fishing boat and canoe rentals, amusement rides, train, waterslide, largest outdoor swimming pool in the state, miniature golf, gymnasium, playground and excursion boat.
602 West Main Street
Jamestown
336.883.3498 and Pool Phone 336.883.3501

Another great park in the area, which is a little smaller, is Gibson Park which is right off of Wendover. They have a small playground and some great walking/hiking trails. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes because you’re in for quite a hike. Warning - if you take your little ones and walk too far, you may be carrying them back! My little (Aaron) looked up at me and asked if I could carry him back because he was too tired which was about ½ a mile – there was a lot of whining on the way back…by both of us. There are also two baseball fields if you’re in for a friendly game or just a little practice.
5207 West Wendover Avenue
336.454.0259

There is also a campground in our area, Oak Hollow Campground, if you’re looking for a short and not too distant camping trip. I have to say I’m not much of the “camping type” but I hear it is very nice. It’s also close to the Reitzel Tennis Center if you want to walk just a short way to play a game. They even have “some sections with cable TV” in their description – I guess you can “rough it” and watch The Backyardigans, too?
Over 100 full service campsites along Oak Hollow Lake, featuring modern bathhouse, showers, play area, pool, some sections with cable TV.
3415 N. Centennial Street
336.883.3492


Do you have kids that are nature and animal lovers? Then you’ll want to check out the Piedmont Environmental Center. They have classes, camps, walking trails (on over 376 acres that have been preserved and protected) and more activities going on throughout the summer. I called and spoke to the Director, Dick Thomas, and he told me that they have been holding their summer camps since 1975 and shared that they have some of the best (if not THE best) camps in the state. The membership costs are fairly low and give a big discount to their programs and camps. There is NO FEE to walk through their building, which is made of 60% recycled materials, or to walk the trails and explore.
Center Open: Monday - Friday 9-5.
Building closed Sat. & Sun. but trails remain open.
1220 Penny Road
336.883.8531


All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm is a cool place where kids learn about all of the stages of the butterfly’s life cycle. Girls AND Boys of all ages will be in awe of how they change from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. The farm gives them the opportunity to have the butterfly placed on their hands or clothing and then they fly away, the butterflies not the kids! The program is interactive and fun for kids of all ages! You can read Katie's Day Trip Blog about All-A-Flutter by clicking here.

Open April through October 9th for Family Days on Saturdays from 10-11am and 3-4pm and Sundays from 2-3pm (just show up about 10 minutes early). Admission fee is $6 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors 65+. If it’s raining at 8am you’ll want to call before heading over there. There are times available during the week, but are for groups only.
7850 Clinard Farms Road
336.454.5651

Thank you for these fun ideas, Alison! I also have to throw in the fact that High Point has some great shopping, so if your children can hang for some extra "mommy-time" I highly suggest checking out some local businesses including Poshh Boutique (You can get 20% off any one item by mentioning Smarty Pants!), The Gilded Lily by Patra, Kits Company, and Hang-Ups. There are also some fabulous places to shop for furniture (of course!) and fabric. We have quite a few listed on our Best Kept Secrets blog for great deals in the High Point area. You can also check out our blog on the High Point Museum here. We would love for you to share more of your favorite spots below!

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It's Time for a Bra that Fits Right!

By Rachel H

On Tuesday, June 29, we invite you to come out to the Hanesbrands Outlet Store at Thruway Shopping Center and preview Barely There's new revolutionary sizing system with "shape to fit" technology!

Nationally known author, TV host and simple living expert Wanda Urbanska will be there to discuss the importance of simplifying the shopping experience and sign copies of her newest book The Heart of Simple Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life. You can be one of the first to experience the simplicity of the new Barely There® CustomFlex Fit™ collection with Smart Sizes!

On the day of the event, there will be special promotions, bra fittings, prizes, refreshments and book signings during the hours of 11 am - 1 pm and 5 pm - 7 pm.

The new Barely There CustomFlex Fit collection features Smart Sizes, is a new bra sizing system that simplifies and streamlines the traditional bra sizing configuration from 16 sizes to just 5 sizes with innovative, “shape to fit” technology. The sizing innovation comes from the fit flexibility of Smart Sizes that provide two traditional band sizes and two traditional cup sizes in one Smart Size.

With the flexible fit properties of Smart Sizes, women can find a bra that literally forms to their individual shape, providing a custom fit. At the core of Smart Sizes are flexible frames that allow the bras to mold themselves to the shapes of the wearers.

The new Barely There CustomFlex Fit Collection features seven styles including underwire, wirefree and a new Bandini silhouette in a wide range of colors. The unlined bra styles retail for $24, the foam bra styles sell for $30 and the new Bandini silhouette comes packaged two for $24. The CustomFlex Fit collection offers five Smart Sizes (XS-XL) that cover the complete range of sizes from 32A to 42C. This is a fantastic price for a quality bra.

Details for the event:
Tuesday, June 29
Hanesbrands Outlet Store at Thruway Shopping Center
Winston-Salem, NC
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5:00pm – 7:00 pm

We hope to see you tomorrow, ladies!

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Meet Our Recent Winners!

By Katie M

Whitney Frack and Erin Segers are the winners of our Orthaheel Flip Flop giveaway, compliments of Fleet Feet of Winston-Salem. Congrats, ladies! We look forward to seeing you sport these super comfy sandals around the Triad.

A very special thank you to Fleet Feet of Winston-Salem for this generous give-away prize! If you haven't been to their store recently, please stop in and visit our Smarty Sponsor located at 1204-A Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem. You'll be glad you did!


Whitney says she is super excited to win the Orthaheel contest. "I have been admiring these shoes for awhile and I can't believe I won!" She and her husband, Seth, do not have children, but their black lab Bella is their "baby." She is also an elementary school counselor who spends a lot of time with her niece and nephew. "I heard about TSP through my niece and nephew's mom and loyal TSP reader, Courtney Tucker. I love TSP and how frequently it is updated! I love finding fun activities for my kids at school, the kids I babysit and for my niece and nephew. TSP gives me the scoop on all sorts of things to do!," Whitney adds.


Erin Segers is our other winner, and she and her husband Dustin have three daughters: Elissabeth (6), Emma (2) and Evyn (6 weeks). She found out about TSP from a friend's post on Facebook. "My favorite things about TSP include local reviews, giveaways, and 'meeting' other smarty moms," Erin adds.

Congrats and enjoy!

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Mommy Guilt

By Tracy S, Charlotte Smarty Pants

It is Thursday and I am sitting on a plane headed home from a work trip as I type this post. I’ve been gone since Tuesday and I’m so anxious to see my family. The morning before I left, Jake sat in the bathroom with me while I got ready and told me how much he was going to “miss all the cuddling that we do” and that he would “make sure Daddy didn’t get Ryanne’s ears pierced while I was gone!” (Matt was totally joking about it a few days earlier when I said she wasn’t allowed to get her ears pierced until she was at least 5 .. she’s only 1-1/2 now!). So sweet but made me miss him terribly before I even left! When I called home Tuesday night, I found out that Ryanne was running a slight fever and was sent home early from daycare … and had to remain out on Wednesday. Matt had a big meeting on Wednesday he would have to miss. While there was absolutely nothing I could do about it, the guilt of being gone immediately set in. Matt, of course, was super supportive and laughed it off as Murphy’s Law.

I’ve been a working mom since my son was only 3 months old. While it has constantly been a balancing act (as so many things we moms juggle are), I’ve never regretted my choice to work full time and raise a family. But lately, I have been struggling more and more with finding the right balance. I think a lot of it started when Jake started Kindergarten this fall. Because of his school hours, he has to go to the Before and After School programs. For the first time, he felt “different” than his friends. “Mommy, why can’t I be a bus rider or car rider like all of my friends? Why do I have to stay and go to After School?” It absolutely broke my heart to have to say “because mommy has to work.”

Now – I know what many of you are going to say – that I have a choice … that if I really wanted to stay at home, I could find a way to make it work. You’re right – I do have a choice. I want to provide things to my children that I was not afforded growing up. To quit my job would mean a significant sacrifice for my entire family … and I don’t think that’s fair either. And for the most part, I enjoy my job and I am afforded a great deal of flexibility to work from home when I need to or to take off in the middle of the day to volunteer at the kids’ schools. Not to mention the benefits my company offers for myself and my kids that we would not have available through my husband’s job. And for many women, they do not have a choice, for whatever reason, so please don’t judge or “bash” those of us that work vs stay home with our children. It is a personal choice and one that should be respected – this post is not meant to be a debate on WM vs SAHM and who has it harder. I have SAHM friends who struggle with it as well and I completely respect the amount of work that goes into staying at home with your children. We all have it, so PLEASE don’t even go there!

Which I guess brings me to my point. Mommy guilt. It is hard being a mom no matter what. I am sure I speak for every single one of you reading this when I say our mission in life is to love, care for, provide for, and make everything all right for our precious little children. We try to make the best decisions along the way – some easier than others – in the hopes that our children look back one day and cherish their childhood and think “Wow, my mom was the best mom she could be!” Mommy guilt can range from spending time away from your kids, getting frustrated with them, to not wanting to play one more game of "find the dinosaur" or turning on the TV so you can get some stuff done. I found this article that I thought I would share: Kiss Mommy Guilt Goodbye. It gives some good perspective on some common guilt traps and reminders on how to give ourselves a break.

I often think a lot of the guilt I feel is completely self imposed. Matt reminds me all the time to “not worry about it” - what ever the “it” is at the time. So maybe its time we all take a moment and pat ourselves on the back for all the things we do RIGHT!

So tonight, as soon as my plane landed, I went straight to pick my kids up from school, picked up a special dinner and spent the whole night cuddling up with them talking about all the fun stuff they did with Daddy when I was gone. And you know what the very first thing Jake told me? “Mommy, I did NOT let Daddy get Ryanne’s ears pierced!” At that moment, the biggest smile spread across my face, knowing that we have raised such an amazing little boy that will stop at nothing to take care of his little sister and keep Daddy in line when Mom is away! :)

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Smarty Mom: Meredith Wilkerson

By Rachel H

I am so happy to present Meredith to you today as this week’s Triad Smarty Mom! Meredith was nominated by Susan Davis, who says that Meredith encompasses all things “smarty” throughout her daily life. Meredith and her husband, Jason, have two children, John Merritt (four) and Samuel (one). They have lived in the Triad for two years after moving here from Maggie Valley, NC.

Meredith is a stay-at-home mom whose most recent hobby is baking cakes and cookies for people. (Seems like Meredith would be a great friend to have, huh?) She was also a mural artist before moving to the area, and says that cakes have now become her art.

Let’s hear more about this week’s Smarty Mom …

Tell us how you got started with your new endeavor of baking cakes and cookies!
It is only recently that I began baking. I’ve always loved to cook and bake, but nothing like the goodies I’m baking up now. Before we moved to the area, I was a mural artist and stayed quite busy. It wasn’t long after we moved that we were blessed with a second pregnancy and I knew my days of long hours on a ladder were over. As a creative person, I needed another outlet for my artsy side and baking beautiful things fit the bill. It’s inexpensive and it makes others happy! What better medium for creating! For me, creating is a way I can glorify God. He gives me the ability, so He gets the glory. I try to keep that focus and He just continues to bless me with new ideas to make special things for other people. Baked goods come in handy, too, when your husband is a pastor. He’s always taking goodies along when he goes visiting.


How can others find out more about your cakes or order for themselves?
I stay pretty busy as I can only do a few things a week. I only bake when my boys are asleep, so that limits what I can do. If anyone is interested, I’m on facebook and my email is meredithwilkerson@hotmail.com. It’s best to contact me months in advance for cakes. Even if I’m busy, I have lots of caker friends in the area that do amazing work. Cookies I can do on shorter notice.


You mentioned to me that you had a difficult time overcoming OCD after your first child was born. Please share more about this with us.
OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder. You can google OCD and read pages and pages of information on the disorder. I think it’s a fairly common disorder and it has many different faces. Looking back, I know I’ve always had it and probably always will and I’m OK with that. When you hear OCD, you probably think of those that have to wash their hands multiple times, or who have to turn the light switch on and off over and over to make sure the light is off. That is NOT the side of OCD I struggle with. I joke with my husband that it would be great sometimes if I did obsess about being neat and clean. Just visit my house in the middle of a cake or just dinner for that matter, and you will see that is not my problem! My struggle with OCD is all about my thought life. I’ll have a thought, and it will turn into a visual image that, if not kept in check, will bring me to tears and anxiety. What I’m going to share with you might scare some people, but I’m not afraid to talk about it as I’m sure there are others out there who have faced the same thing. My OCD flares up whenever there is a big emotional, stressful event like getting married or having a baby.

When I had my first child, it was so bad, I had to seek help, and that is when I was officially diagnosed. It started in the hospital when I was alone with my baby. I would have the thought “I have to make sure I don’t fall asleep while holding him.” Everyone has those thoughts, right? Well mine goes from that to “what if I drop him? What if he falls off the bed? To (the scariest of all) What if I throw him off the bed?” Talk about being shaken to your core! I’ve just given birth to a precious baby boy that we have prayed and prayed for, and now I have a thought like this? Not just a thought, but a visual image of me throwing him off the bed and him dying, to me in jail 10 years later, to what would my husband do, and on and on it goes. Hysterical is how I ended up; hysterical and unable to be alone much less alone with my baby.

So, with much love and prayer, my family found me help and then together we began to unwind this crazy thing called OCD. My doctor said “textbook OCD.” What? I don’t obsess about being clean and neat? It’s then I learned about the other side. The side where you have bizarre thoughts and they get “stuck” in your brain and you can’t dismiss them which leads to a non-functioning person. That was me and I wanted it to go away! But it didn’t. I pleaded with God, but it was still there. After hours and hours of prayer and scripture study, and a low dose of medicine, I began to function without the help of family. I still had the thoughts, but I was learning how to put them aside. Still, I prayed for God to take it away completely. He didn’t, and I’m thankful for that. I took medicine for one year after I was diagnosed. After that time I was able to manage the disorder without meds. As long as I was in the Word and connected to my heavenly Father, I was ok. If I neglected Him, my symptoms would flare up. I’ve come to be thankful for my OCD as it keeps me walking closely with Jesus. Pride can so easily sneak into one’s life, and I think God uses my OCD to keep me humble.

Daily I have to tell myself that God is sovereign and He has a plan for me. If I couldn’t rest daily on that promise, I don’t think I would ever leave my house. So I like to say I have “victory” over my OCD, but only through my Savior Jesus. He has a divine plan for my life, and as long as I’m seeking Him daily, He will direct my path. You know that song “He’s got the whole world in His hands?” I sing that one quite often.

Do you have any advice for others who may be struggling with a similar issue? My advice would be to run as fast as you can to Jesus. If you need help finding the way you can email me and I’ll give you directions.

What is a fun fact that people would be surprised to find out about you?
I have a degree in agriculture from Auburn University and I goat tied on the Auburn rodeo team.

What is the smartiest way you save money?
Consignment stores and workin’ those coupons at the grocery store!

What is your favorite family activity?
Just playing at home together.

Favorite “me-time” activity?
Creating in the kitchen!

Favorite place to eat dinner as a family?
Reno’s Pizza in Gibsonville

Favorite date night spot?
My house! Sunday nights after the boys are in bed, my husband and I make pizza and watch an old movie together. We don’t watch any tv other than that. We don’t even get any channels!

Favorite book you have read?
The Bible

Best place to eat lunch with the kids?
Wendy’s!

Minivan or SUV?
Minivan, 97 honda odyssey

Favorite place to shop for children’s clothes?
Little Blessings and Mrs. Tiggywinkles in Graham

What is your favorite mom’s must have item for around the house?
My Kitchen Aid stand mixer. A must have for avid bakers.

Favorite park in the Triad?
Northeast Park. Love the water park!

Favorite or most helpful blog you have read on Triad Smarty Pants thus far?
I love all the ones about saving money and neat ideas for family activities.

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
I love being able to live in the country, but town is only 15 minutes away.

Meredith, thank you for not only sharing so much about yourself with us today, but for being so open and honest. We always feel that if our blogs can help just one person or make just one person smile, it makes our job worthwhile! I hope that the details you shared about your experience with OCD can touch someone else's life today!

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Shop 'Til You Drop at Evy's Gifts

By Rachel H

If you've got an itch to shop, now is the perfect time to drop by Evy's Gifts! Not only is everything in the store 20% off, but in addition, Evy's will feature one collection each week at 40% off! Sign up to be a Facebook Fan here by clicking "like" on the Evy's Gifts page, and you will receive a post each week stating the new 40% off category sale!

The best part of having Evy's as one of our Smarty Sponsors is that they have two convenient locations for all our shoppers in the Triad. One store is on Main Street in Kernersville, which is an easy drive from High Point, and only fifteen minutes from downtown Winston-Salem. Their second location is on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, so it is a quick stop for all our Burlington and Greensboro friends.

I stopped in Evy's this past week and could not help but take advantage of the 20% off storewide sale. I bought a few gifts, as well as some items for myself! I also chose a handful of items to highlight on Triad Smarty Pants today. I thought these items were very unique and would be great gift items for so many women!


Shown above is just one style of the Two's Company Reusable bags sold at Evy's. These are only $7.50 regularly, which is already a great deal, but even better if you stop in during the 20% sale! I thought these were affordable enough to buy for yourself or as a small gift item for a friend.


Are these button rings not the cutest things you have ever seen? I snatched one of these up as part of a gift for a special teen. There were so many bright colors and designs from which to choose. These are made by Refashioned - Renewed, Recycled, Remade Vintage & Recycled Buttons. Are you ready for the best part? The regular price of one of these rings is only $4.50! Can you say, "Give me ten?" Earrings and bracelets are also available.


The plates shown above are just a small sample of the beautiful Maggie Weldon Collection. Maggie is a local potter who calls her collection "Lace Pottery." Photos do not do justice to her pieces. The design and color on each piece is gorgeous. I thought her pottery would be beautiful on the walls, as serving pieces, candle dishes, etc. Her prices vary, but are very affordable.



The photos above are bags that are handmade out of candy wrappers and newspapers. The brand name is Nahui Ollin, and I thought these were a perfect gift idea for the woman who already has it all! I bought one of these as a gift for a teen as well. They range in price from $25-$55, but again, you can save 20% on these right now!




Last, but not least, I spotted this jewelry under the counter at Evy's and thought it was all so much fun! The leather flower bracelets are made by Two's Company and retail for only $18.75. The silver bracelets not only make a bold statement, but most of the ones shown above are only $11.25. How fun would it be to throw one of these on to jazz up a summer sundress?

Keep your eyes open for more fabulous finds from our Smarty Sponsor, Evy's Gifts. Be sure to stop by soon to take advantage of the 20% off storewide sale! When you checkout, you will receive a fun reusable Evy's Gifts bag as well!

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Smarty Beach Book Picks

By Ashley H, Charlotte Smarty Pants

With the popularity of last year's beach book suggested reading list, and vacation travel already in the works, I thought it was high time to bring this beauty of this blog back!

Last summer was my season of Twilight, I read the entire series of all 4 books in one month and was forever changed (my husband even surprised me with a trip out to Forks this past December, but that's possibly a whole 'nother blog in itself). Love it or hate it, the Twilight saga has taken the world by storm. But there are so many other GREAT books out there and many of you had some stellar suggestions last year. So, for our 2010 reads, I've compiled the list from last year so we can keep this as a resource, these are somewhat catagorized and in no particular order. I still use this when seeking new titles and love working my way thru so many of your suggestions, keep em coming!

Here we go...
Ashley's Top Titles
Are you there Vodka, It's Me Chelsea (Chelsea Handler. Absolutely hysterical read, it takes a lot to make me LOL and this book kept me in stitches...the title alone is a riot. I finished it in one weekend so an easy one to get thru)
Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn- Stephanie Meyer
Memoirs of a Geisha
Lords of Discipline (Pat Conroy, one of my all time fav authors)
The Great Santini (Pat Conroy)
The Horse Whisperer
My Sister's Keeper (Jodi Picoult, get the tissues ready for this one)
The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
Blackbird (Jennifer Lauck)
Still Waters (Jennifer Lauck, these two memoirs from Jennifer about her unbelievable life still haunt me years later)

Jen P's (of CSP) favs....
The Red Tent - Anita Diamant
The Other Boleyn Girl - Phillipa Gregory
The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters - Elisabeth Robinson
The Shack - William Young (middle drags out some, but really gets you thinking about God)
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
The Lovely Bones- Alice Seabold
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl who Played with Fire - Stieg Larsson
The Middle Place and Lift - Kelly Corrigan
Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson

Smarty Reader suggestions (in no particular order)…
The Time Traveler’s Wife
The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie & Literary Society
The Art of Racing in the Rain (reader reco though I also have this one and haven’t gotten around to reading it yet but heard it’s a great dog lovers book)
The Soloist
Firefly Lane- Kristin Hannah
Friday Night Knitting Club and its sequel, Knit 2
The Pact, Nineteen Minutes, Change of Heart- Jodi Piccoult
The History of Love - Nicole Krauss
The Namesake - Jumpha Lahiri
A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson (totally hilarious, I read this years ago and it is well worth a read!)
Persuasion - Jane Austen (this is short)
The Help
The King of Lies
Same Kind of Different as Me- Ron Hall
The Glass Castle (Katie from TSP highly recommended this as well, unbelievable autobiographical read)
Fault Lines- Nancy Huston
Leaving Maggie Hope- Anthony Abbott (Davidson author)
Middlesex- Jeffrey Eugenides
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
Riding Lessons - Sara Gruen
Blossom Street Series - Debbie Macomber
Daughter's Keeper- Ayelet Waldman
Bad Mother- Ayelet Waldman
It Happens Every Day- Isabel Gillies
Cooking For Mr. Latte- Amanda Hesser
The Senator's Wife- Sue Miller
Certain Girls- Jennifer Weiner
American Wife, Prep- Curtis Sittenfeld
Water for Elephants (being made into a movie this summer starring Robert Pattinson)
1000 White Women
A Fine Balance
Kaffir Boy
Angela's Ashes
Hidden Diaries of Marie Antoinette
Girl With the Pearl Earring
Pocketfull of Names
A Thousand Splendid Suns (for those of you who liked The Kite Runner you’ll love this one by same author)
Midwives- Chris Bohjalian
A Reliable Wife - Robert Goolrick

Author recommended reads (anything by…)
Anne Tyler
Emily Giffin
Jodi Piccoult
David Sedaris
Most books by Augusten Burroughs
Anne Lamott books (especially Operating Instructions)
Nick Hornby
All 3 books by Wally Lamb
Jane Green

Christian reads…
Karen Kingsbury Redemption series
Yada Yada Prayer Group- Neta Jackson

Historical reads…
Outlander series- Diana Gabaldon
The Burning Shore- Wilbur Smith
Memoirs of Cleopatra- Margaret George (anything by her really)
Pillars of the Earth- Ken Follet
Princes of Ireland- Edward Rutherford

Suggested FUN reads…
Jen Lancaster books - Bitter is the New Black and the rest
Emily Giffin books
A Prayer for Owen Meany (very funny)

Your word is golden, Smarties, give us your scoop on your favorite titles we should all check out this summer and thanks in advance for some brilliant and fun reads!

Don't forget TOMORROW is the last day to register to win a pair of Orthaheel flip flops - a generous offer from Fleet Feet of Winston-Salem. You must be a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber to be eligible to win. This promotion ends Friday, June 25 and TWO winners will be announced shortly afterwards - just in time for you to sport these sandals at the pool!

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Keep Your Children Writing This Summer, Too!

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Lockert, Assistant Director and Teacher, Reynolda Preschool and Kindergarten

Summer has arrived! Swimming, popsicles, travel, and camps are all on the agenda. We know that leisure time is a desired and necessary plan for our young learners. But parents and teachers also agree that bridging the summer months with fun and meaningful literacy activities provides enjoyment and the necessary practice to keep school skills fresh for when they return in the fall. So, just like incorporating reading into your summer bliss, make a plan for entertaining writing activities, too.

For preschool-aged children it always begins with play. Through play you can promote the two goals of writing at this stage: fine motor skills (so they can produce writing) and language development and thinking skills (so they have something to write about).

Strengthening fine motor skills can be a lot of fun if you are creative. Some preschool-aged children are adept with their small hands and fingers and enjoy coloring or printing small words, while others find the idea of holding a pencil a chore. Children at this age need lots of experience experimenting with many types of materials that help refine hand skills necessary for paper/pencil tasks offered in school. Put together a box of materials that can be utilized often – crayons, pencils, paint, paper, old magazines, staplers, rulers, tape, glue, finger paint, play dough, rollers, cookie cutters, cotton balls, Q-tips, glitter, popsicle sticks – the list is endless. Your child may create a puppet or a recipe or even a self-portrait. Remember, it's all about the experience and the effort at this age. Keep corrections and perfectionism at bay.

You may be asking, "Can my preschooler actually write?" The answer is yes, with your help! Be creative and design open-ended projects that will inspire them to practice writing. Add a pen and paper to play areas so she can take orders at her pretend restaurant or teach school to her stuffed animals. Encourage your youngsters to make birthday cards for family members, presents for neighbors, or keep a scrapbook of summer fun. Delegate the grocery list to your child by having them pretend to write out items or guess letters in food words. Write down a story that your child dictates to you so he has a chance to "write" without writing. Creating purpose behind the project makes it that much more meaningful.


As youngsters get older and have more practice with writing, the challenge is to continue to provide inspiration for writing projects, but to also take the time to practice writing for many different purposes. Like reading, the more your child practices writing, the better writer your child becomes. But school is out, so focus on activities that are more reflective of your child's interests and personal strengths to increase motivation.

Summer writing ideas for elementary-aged children are plentiful: writing postcards to friends and family, keeping a private or shared journal of summer thoughts and happenings, creating a summer memory scrapbook, writing e-mails or handwritten letters, or penning a poem about nature or friendship. Encourage illustrations and photos to accompany and reinforce the purpose of the writing. A little motivation and inspiration go a long way – there is a big difference between mom and dad assigning a child to write a letter to someone they know and working together to design a letter to a local politician requesting a new bench at your favorite park. Remember, it's alright to help them with ideas and editing, but too much parental input may squash the writing process. Let them focus more on producing writing projects than perfecting them.

Some children are reluctant writers. They often feel that they have nothing to write about or they get so caught up in their handwriting or spelling that they struggle getting all their ideas on paper. You can assist your child by engaging in writing projects with her, modeling the enjoyment one gets from writing. For example, keep a travel journal when on a trip and have your child do the same. Share your entries and add events, thoughts, feelings, and opinions. You can also play writing games together. You start a story and have your child finish it or try to out-do one another by creating outlandish characters and plot lines. You could even do the printing or the typing for your child so he can focus on the story creation and not the mechanics.

By investing a bit of time in planning individualized and motivating summer writing projects for your child, you are on your way to a more literate holiday. Perhaps your youngster will be the next best-selling author. A fun-filled, creative time awaits!

Jennifer recently contributed a great blog on how to keep your children reading this summer. If you missed it, here's the link.

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