“National Pancake Day” provides yummy pancakes for a good cause
IHOP offers free shortstack of pancakes and encourages guests to donate to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Fluffy, steaming hot, melted butter, warm syrup … ahhhhh, Pancakes!
Whether you enjoy them in the morning, at noon or at night, this delicious “breakfast” meal can satisfy any time of day. And, you soon will have a chance to fill your stomach and warm your heart at the same time.
Participating IHOP restaurants will be offering a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 5.
Instead of charging customers for the flapjacks, IHOP is asking patrons to leave a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals programs at Children’s Hospital Foundation.
To learn more about “National Pancake Day,” find a participating IHOP or to donate online, visit http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/.
– Linda Lynn
LLynn@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
GIVEAWAY! Free money-saving Chick-fil-a calendars
GIVEAWAY: Old-fashioned doll will inspire creativity
I am honored to partner with Once Upon A Treehouse to give away a doll to one of my lucky blog readers.
The little ballerina doll arrived in a sheer pink drawstring bag. So cute!
With a hand-painted face and standing at about 4 inches tall, “Buttercup” was adorable. A tiny bow attached to a rick-a-rack headband nestled in her blond hair, pink Mary Jane shoes, white leggings, a pink dance dress secured with a pink ribbon … ready for little hands to begin playing and imagining a world of tutus.
Once Upon A Treehouse includes handmade traditional wooden dolls and accessories. Sisters, “Mommies” and business owners Lori Schoeneman and Tara Schoeneman-Brown use natural materials – wool, cotton and wood – to create these charming character dolls as well as dollhouses, furniture, clothing and accessories.
When the sisters were young, they played with a wooden dollhouse built by their grandfather. As they had their own families, they wanted to start a company that would provide the same inspiration for imagination they had been given as children.
So, Once Upon A Treehouse was born in 2011 with a variety of doll-related products.
But, it’s not just the gift you give your child that can make you feel good about buying a doll from Once Upon A Treehouse.
Through their “Fairy DollMother Program,” for every doll bought, another doll is given to a child in need. Go here to read more about this program.
If you would like to win “Buttercup” for your child, grandchild or another child in your life, simply email me at LLynn@opubco.com with the name of your favorite doll or toy from your childhood. Please provide your name, contact information and your mailing address. The winner will be selected randomly, so it doesn’t matter which toy was your favorite. Deadline for entry is Oct. 22, 2012.
I had many dolls I liked – Thumbelina, Skipper, Barbie — but one of my most favorite was my Raggedy Ann doll handmade by my older sister, Betty. Raggedy Ann and I enjoyed many adventures through the years.
Your child might be able to enjoy the Once Upon A Treehouse doll soon and start their own adventures in make-believe.
– Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
GIVEAWAY!! Summer Movie Fun!
If you’re looking for a way to make your kids smile this summer, just tell them you’re taking them to the movies.
Children can go to the movies for less than $1 per movie during Harkins Summer Movie Fun program, which begins the week of June 4.
Harkins Theatres in Bricktown is offering a different movie each week for 10 weeks, and each movie is less than $1 if a season pass is bought for $5.
The following movies will be shown at 9:45 a.m. during the 10-week event:
Happy Feet Two
Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked
Rio
Kung Fu Panda 2
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Puss in Boots
The Smurfs
Arthur Christmas
Hotel for Dogs
Locally, two lucky families also have a chance to win four vouchers that will get them into the movies once a week for free throughout the summer program.
So, if you live near Oklahoma City, send an email to LLYNN@OPUBCO.COM and place SUMMER MOVIE FUN in the subject line. Please include your name, contact information and mailing address.
Two winners will be chosen soon, so enter now!
Families will need to select a specific day of the week to attend the movies when they go to redeem their vouchers.
If you don’t win, you can still buy tickets at Harkins Theatre in Bricktown. Summer Movie Fun season passes are $5 per person or $2 per individual ticket.
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Giveaway: Crabtree & Evelyn spa gift set!
Because you deserve it, Moms!
Crabtree & Evelyn is partnering with The Oklahoman’s Hiccups parenting blog to give away a vanity case filled with products that will pamper one lucky mom.
To enter, simply send me an email about why a special mom …. or you … deserves to enjoy this beautiful giftset.
Place Mother’s Day in the subject line, and please include your contact information and mailing address.
Here’s more information about the gift, the La Source Vanity Case, described by promoters of this product:
This double-zippered case features an ocean blue print and opens to reveal five La Source favourites for velvety soft skin. Our revitalising La Source therapies for the body and hands are blended with restorative mineral salts and nutrient-rich seaweeds. Fragranced with a crisp, clean scent reminiscent of fresh sea air.
La Source Vanity Case Contains:
- La Source Relaxing Body Wash (250mL)
- La Source Triple-Milled Soap (100g)
- La Source Relaxing Body Lotion (250 mL)
- La Source Hand Recovery (100g)
- La Source Hand Therapy (100g)
Mother’s Day is only a few days away, so enter today!
For more information about Crabtree & Evelyn products visit this website.
~Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
GIVEAWAY — Help toddlers form healthy teeth habits with free gift
It’s one of those ongoing battles that I intend to win.
My young son resists every time I try to get him to brush his teeth.
Depending on who has the greatest will, one of us eventually gives in.
I’ve tried to instill this as a habit, but we’re just not there yet.
If you’re waging a similar battle or you have little ones you can assist with the care of their teeth, then I have a great opportunity for you!
Spiffies Cleaning and Teething Wipes are individually wrapped towelettes you can wipe on your child’s teeth, lowering the bacteria and helping to prevent cavities.
If you would like an opportunity to win a free gift of Spiffies products, send me an email at LLynn@opubco.com by March 28. Be sure to place SPIFFIES in the subject line of your email and I will randomly select a winner.
Good luck!
To read more about Spiffies products, go to http://www.spiffies.com/category-s/81.htm or http://www.spiffies.com/Toddlers-s/4.htm
–Linda Lynn
Verizon store is hosting Kids’ Day at Quail Springs
Tomorrow and Saturday (March 11-12), Verizon Wireless will celebrate the opening of a new store at Quail Springs Mall with events for kids and adults alike.
According to a news release, the fun will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, during which the company will present a $1,000 check to YWCA of Oklahoma City. And for all us techie parents, at 5 p.m., the store will unveil the new iPad 2.
Festivities will continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the store’s Kids’ Day, with FREE family activities, such as face-painting, a moon bounce, complimentary tacos from Big Truck Tacos (YUM!!) and prize giveaways.
“The focus is around family and getting the children involved,” said Michael Perry, Quail Springs store manager.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
Bass Pro Shops offers FREE Christmas fun
As you might know, I’m a big fan of Bass Pro Shops. They always have something fun and FREE going on for the kids and I always take full advantage.
My favorite is their Christmas Wonderland. They pack December full of free crafts, fun displays, games and a FREE studio-quality 4 X 6 photo with Santa. So skip the expensive mall Santa photos and head down to Bass Pro.
Crafts are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. (while supplies last) and include:
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 4 & 5: Snowman Suncatcher ornament
Dec. 7 – 9, 11 & 12: Wooden ornaments
Dec. 14 – 16, 18 & 19: Reindeer ornaments
Dec. 21-23: Cookie decorating
From now through Dec. 12, Santa photos are 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
From Dec. 13 to Dec. 24, photo hours are extended to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays and Christmas Eve.
All games and activities are available during store hours. These include toy trains, slot car racing, laser and soft gun arcades, remote control trucks and video games.
Also, this year, Bass Pro is giving away free “Santa Bandz” to the first 150 children on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Bandz are different each week.
For more information about Santa’s Wonderland, click here.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
Child Guidance Services plans fall/winter workshops
Child Guidance Services of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department has some great workshops still available through the end of the year. All workshops are for parents and caregivers of young children unless otherwise specified. Pre-registration is required for all programs by calling 425-4412. All programs are FREE.
Workshops include:
Enhancing Language and Literacy Skills in Young Children
(for parents, caregivers of children from birth to age 5)
All three workshops are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 16 – Midwest City Library
Nov. 23 – Village Library
Nov. 30 – Choctaw Library
Temper, Temper! Handling Tantrums
Both workshops are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 9 – Midwest City Library
Nov. 16 – Village Library
Mealtime Hassles
Both workshops are 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Nov. 9 – Warr Acres Library
Nov. 17 – Edmond Library
Lullaby & Goodnight
10:30 a.m. to noon on Dec. 3 – Warr Acres Library
3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 15 – Edmond Library
Boosting Your Child’s Brain Power
3:30 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 – Ralph Ellison Library
Child Guidance Services also offers screenings in speech, language, development and health. Call 425-4412 to schedule a screening. For more information go to www.occhd.org.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
‘Thank yous’ count at Cici’s Pizza
Photo provided by Cici's Pizza
Need a neat way to encourage your children to be polite? How about free pizza?
From now until Nov. 31, Cici’s Pizza restaurants will be stocked with “Thank you” trackers for parents to take home (see below). They can note each time their child says “thank you” without being prodded. Once they get 10 thank yous, you can bring the card in for a FREE buffet for children age 10 and younger (with the purchase of an adult buffet). And what kid doesn’t like pizza buffets?
Cici’s fans also can send their own thank you note on Cici’s Pizza’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cicis and the recipient will receive a “Two can dine for $9.99″ deal, including buffet and drinks. Recipients can be anyone – teachers, military personnel, friends, etc.
“At Cici’s, we believe an environment that fosters kindness and appreciation is as essential to our success as our hot, fresh buffet,” CEO Mike Shumsky said in a news release. “… it’s why we created the ‘Thank yous Count’ campaign.”
Some locations may even have giant thank you cards or posters for patrons to sign. These cards will be delivered along with dinners to community groups throughout November.
And with your kids earning a free meal, you may just end up telling them ‘Thank you’ for being so polite.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
