Posts filed under 'family activities'
E-I-E-I-O!
We love anything sustainable, and are looking forward to visiting Jordandal Farms—which practices sustainably in Argyle, WI—for this year’s “A Day on the Farm.”
It’s sponsored by REAP Food Group—Research, Education, Action and Policy on Food Group, focused on building a regional food system that is healthful, just, and both environmentally and economically sustainable.
The day features a farm tour, kids activities, oohing over baby farm animals, and getting up to speed about Jordandal’s sustainable practices with the farm’s owners. A farm-fresh picnic-style meal will be served up by some of Madison’s finest chefs Madison Club, Restaurant Magnus, Dayton Street Grill, and Tornado Steak House.
Here’s what else you should know about REAP: The organization is all about making local farm-to-table connections easy, supports small family farms, and also organizes the Farms to Schools program (YAY! Keeping it fresh by connecting our local farmers with our schools’ food needs), and the excellent “Food for Thought Festival,” Burgers and Brew, and Pie Palooza, among other events, in Madison each year. Check those out — and don’t miss the organization’s local coupon book.
Date: Sunday, July 18
Time: 11am-3pm
Advance tickets (recommended!): Adults, $20; kids 12 & under, $12; kids 3 and under, free.
For more details and to order tickets, visit REAP’s site, or call 608.310.7836.
—Mama Kate
June 26th, 2010
Come to the Capital Brewery on Sunday, June 6th from 2p-6pm to enjoy great music by Natty Nation, Capital Brewery’s brews, fun kid’s activities and amazing Ethiopian food —all while supporting Clinic at a Time, a wonderful grassroots organization that helps the people of Ethiopia!
“The goal of the organization is to improve the quality of health care for the poor and the underprivileged communities in the Province of Gojjam, located in northwestern Ethiopia. They do this by collecting and providing medical supplies; helping to improve existing public health care facilities; 
helping to build new facilities; and providing health care-related information and education to health care workers and the community.Working from her home – with no paid staff and virtually no “overhead” costs – Mulu is able to commit 100 percent of the donations collected for CAAT toward improving health conditions in Gojjam.
Everyone working with CAAT is doing so on a volunteer basis. And because of her lifelong ties to the community, Mulu can work directly with regional government authorities, civic organizations and community volunteers there.”
“CAAT is truly a unique organization. Because of Mulu’s personal connections to people in the region – and because of CAAT’s lack of “bureaucratic red tape” and expenses for office space and employees that that larger organizations must cover – donations to CAAT will have an immediate and direct impact on the health care needs of the region.”
*If you cannot make it to the event, but want to make a donation, please visit Clinic At a Time. There is such a great need…
June 4th, 2010
Tot rock hits the High Noon Saloon this weekend!
Little Miss Ann and her Chicago band make their Madison debut. She’s 5′2″ (hence the name) and tall on fun. My kids are groupies — they love her latest CD, “Clap for Love.” Her style: overall fun and engaging, a little bit folk infused with some lilting melodies, rocking-out songs, world tunes, and even indie aspects, too, for parents to love. You can listen to some of her tunes on Land of Nod’s web site. To learn more about Little Miss Ann, check out our September 2009 blog (or search for Little Miss Ann). Or visit Little Miss Ann’s web site.
The cool thing about these daytime shows at the High Noon is that:
A) Thus, because it’s really a kid gig, you don’t need a babysitter,
B) We parents actually feel like we’re hitting the town, in part because
C) The gig is at a bar, and the bar is open — hello Bloody Marys!
D) It’s a blast to watch a whole gaggle of kids get down to some great music.
Showtime is 11 am. Cover: $10 grownups, $5 kids.
See you there!
— Mama Kate
May 18th, 2010
Come to the Capital Brewery on Sunday, June 6th from 2p-6pm to enjoy great music by Natty Nation, Capital Brewery’s brews, fun kid’s activities and amazing Ethiopian food —all while supporting Clinic at a Time, a wonderful grassroots organization that helps the people of Ethiopia!
“The goal of the organization is to improve the quality of health care for the poor and the underprivileged communities in the Province of Gojjam, located in northwestern Ethiopia. They do this by collecting and providing medical supplies; helping to improve existing public health care facilities; helping to build new facilities; and providing health care-related information and education to health care workers and the community.Working from her home – with no paid staff and virtually no “overhead” costs – Mulu is able to commit 100 percent of the donations collected for CAAT toward improving health conditions in Gojjam.
Everyone working with CAAT is doing so on a volunteer basis. And because of her lifelong ties to the community, Mulu can work directly with regional government authorities, civic organizations and community volunteers there.”
“CAAT is truly a unique organization. Because of Mulu’s personal connections to people in the region – and because of CAAT’s lack of “bureaucratic red tape” and expenses for office space and employees that that larger organizations must cover – donations to CAAT will have an immediate and direct impact on the health care needs of the region.”
I will post a reminder about this great event and will see you there!!! *If you cannot make it to the event, but want to make a donation, please visit Clinic At a Time. There is such a great need…I have seen it firsthand…
On a side note, Mama Jen is taking a break from MomAppeal for awhile because I find myself wanting the extra family time… I struggled with this decision, but it is the best thing for me right now…The fabulous Mama Kate plans to keep things going and would love to hear from you if you have a fab find or important event that you want people to know about!
Thank you for being wonderful, loyal readers!!!
Mama Jen
May 10th, 2010
Families!
Get your taste buds out and get ready for some good eats—and play a little game in the process. Bean Sprouts Cafe is looking for VIPea Taste Testers to test out the online recipes that with the cafe’s Bean-GO game!
This healthy twist on Bingo is a great way to get kids to try to new taste (read: fruits and veggies). To play, get out your Bean-go card and let the kids pick a food to try. Together with your kids, follow the provided recipe to make the delicious eats. Cross off each new food after your kids try it, until they get five in a row. Or, play “blackout,” in which each square must get crossed off. Winner gets a reward! (Perfect reward: Make an entire meal or snack of their favorite tastes or recipes! I think my kids will get an extra few Ring-a-Bing-Bing Cherry + Chocolate Chip Cookies washed down with a double-sized Super Star Fruit Smoothie!)
A Bean-go card activated with a recipe for each taste is available on the Bean Sprouts web site. Be sure to rate the recipes—you and your bitty bakers can pass along your expert taste bud and prep chef advice for Bean Sprouts’ new book “Bean Appetit: Hip & Healthy Ways to Have Fun With Food.”
Food IS fun!
—Mama Kate
February 10th, 2010
For years I’ve struggled to put my diaper bag into the basket of strollers, and I have had no idea that there was a solution out there… I bet you have found yourself in the same position!!
Leave it to Skip Hop, a company that makes hip and stylish diaper bags to have a bag, called The Saddlebag which attaches to your stroller frame for hands-free stroller time—like blue-tooth technology for your diaper-bag! Fantastic!!!
I adore mine and got it at 
, a site that will have you drooling all over the place…great stuff there!!! Mama Jen
November 3rd, 2009
The fabulous designer at Amuse Me that makes those great nursing covers with ribbons inside for your baby to play with, has launched adorable Mommy and Toddler aprons in some gorgeous fabrics.
These aprons are totally reversible, chic and whimsical! What little girl doesn’t want everything that mommy has? And what mommy doesn’t want to rock some serious style while in the kitchen or garden?
I absolutely adore these aprons and so does my daughter! You’ll want these aprons hanging in a prominent place in your kitchen. They are a decoration in themselves…
Mama Jen
September 3rd, 2009
I’ve been riding the same bike for 18 years. It’s an “urban mountain” bike, and it weighs a ton. But, it’s not even close to worn out because I simply don’t ride much. But, just the same, inspired by Madison’s “Ride the Drive” today, I thought I’d take a look at what’s out there in stylish-yet-can-haul-kids category. It may finally be time for me to update.
Friends rave about their Madsen “Precious Cargo Bike.” The kids sit in a bucket right behind you, and over the back tire. That way, they’re not way off back yonder enclosed in the chariot (as we call it) and you feel like a singular unit. It feels like you’re keeping them a little tighter to your chest—a good thing especially when riding roadside. And, when there are no kids, you can haul stuff. Very utilitarian. I’m ruining my own chances by telling you this…but you could WIN a FREE bike from Madsen. The company gives one away each week. My friends purchased their new ride at Williamson Bicycle Works, here in Madison, WI.
I also like the looks of WorkCycles bikes, a company known for making “Dutch city bikes.” They’re made in Amsterdam, but there are a few dealers stateside. Dig the Fr8Family bike, with the seat tucked snugly between you and the handlebars. This model can be fitted to carry up to three kids. Rear seat options available, too. Also like the looks of the Onderwater Family Tandem (pic of dad + 2 tinies). Please, let me not have the need for the company’s 12-seater extralong cargo bike.
WorkCycles has other cool child transport bikes, too. And just cool-looking bikes in general. Maybe it’s just that anything Euro or Scandinavian (except the pop music) appeals to this modernist mama.Like this one, the Secret Service ladies bike. 
Wow, and look. I can look ultra stylish on any of the bikes, sporting a skirt instead of something to sweat in. This makes me want to trade in my yoga pants for a wardrobe from Boden, complete with hip trench coat, don some Dansko clogs, and decorate my home with Marimekko patterns.
— Mama Kate
August 30th, 2009
Not sure what to do this weekend? Problem solved. Head to Madison this Sunday, August 30, 8am - 2pm, for Ride the Drive, a family-friendly event celebrating the city’s commitment to healthy living. A 6-mile loop from John Nolan Drive to East Washington will wrap around Capitol Square, and you can hop in at any point—on foot, bike, or skates—on the “car-free care free city streets.” Along the way you’ll find great events: kids’ bike rodeo, bike/stroller decorating and parade, art cart and obstacle course; adult group exercise classes; tunes in the tunnel underneath Monona Terrace; a block-long picnic; demonstrations; bike tune-ups; workshops with Suzy Favor Hamilton—and too much more to list here. Check out the Ride the Drive site for complete details.
— Mama Kate
August 26th, 2009
Huge sale at GagaGoods that has brought you wonderful, mom-made and mom-approved designs by Madison mom Kathryn Adler. This wonderful company that donates 5% of your purchases to a children’s charity is full of wonderful gifts and items that you and your kids will love. This companies goodies were noted in Life & Style Weeklyas having the perfect tee for Suri Cruise when she was born—the Fairy Princess Snuggly. Info below:
What’s the deal? 50% off EVERYTHINGon GagaGoods.com!
Here’s your chance to snap up some great HALF PRICE gifts for the holidays — or any day! We have a lot of fun games by eeBoo, cute puzzles by Crocodile Creek and Mudpuppy, plush items by Rich Frog, board books by Simon & Schuster and Chronicle, and more. There’s a few fun Mom gifts left too, like notepads, stationery, books, and a couple mugs by Our Name Is Mud.
Don’t forget about our wonderful Gaga Goods clothing line too! Our onesies, tees and bibs are made in the USA from super soft 100% combed cotton and celebrate the new arrival, big brother or sister, birthday kid, and more. Our sizes range from 0-6 and are a great deal starting at just $7!
Why are we doing this? After five years of love and energy focused on GagaGoods.com, I’m ready to move on to new horizons. That means EVERYTHING must go! Please help me clear my storage shelves — and score a great deal for yourself! If anyone is interested in taking over as the new Chief Smile Spreader, let me know that too. I can forward you a business prospectus.
How long do you have? Even though summer is over, our coupon code: summersmiles will still give you 50% off EVERYTHING on our website while supplies last. Any orders totalling over $40 after discount will also receive a free set of Nifty Gifty Notecards too! But remember, when the goods are gone, they’re gone, baby!
October 28th, 2008
Previous Posts
