The 413 Mom

Simple DIY New Year's Eve Party for Kids

Without the usual community New Years celebrations for kids this year, it can be hard to make the day special for the little ones. Here are some super simple ideas to make NYE memorable for the kiddos using only materials you can find around the house to create their very own DIY New Years Party they'll never forget. 

DIY New Year Noise Maker -- Required Materials: paper plate, stapler, beans, rice or beads, ribbon, bows or tinsel. Fold the paper plate in half and scatter the beans, rice or beads (anything that will make a shaky noise) along the crease. Staple the paper plate closed. Decorate by coloring, adding stickers or use some leftover holiday bows or tinsel. 

DIY New Year Party Hat -- Required Materials: paper plate, scissors, markers, tinsel or bows. Cut along the rim of the paper plate about 3/4 of the way around so there is about 1-2 inches left uncut. Fold the cut circle along this uncut portion to create a stand up flap. Have the kids decorate this flap with a new year message. Glue some ribbon, tinsel or glitter around the rim. 

DIY Confetti Popper -- Required Materials: paper cup, scissors, balloon, confetti. Cut the bottom off of the paper cup. Tie off the end of the balloon. Cut off the rounded edge of the balloon. Wrap the tied balloon end onto the small end of the paper cup. Add some glitter (or make your own with cup up pieces of paper or ribbon) to the cup. Pull on the balloon end and let the glitter fly! See instructions for similar craft here. 

Fireworks Painting -- Required Materials: black paper, liquid glue, glitter. This looks best on thick, black construction paper but any dark color really makes the fireworks pop (this art even looks awesome on plain white paper too). You could even upcycle a holiday gift box or cut up a stiff paper bag. "Draw" the fireworks shapes with liquid glue and cover the glue with glitter. Shake off excess. Voila. Your very own DIY fireworks display. 

Fireworks Ring -- Required Materials: pipe cleaners. Find instructions here from fantasticfunandlearning

New Years Countdowns: nearly all of the streaming services have New Years Countdowns available with many of the kids' favorite characters -- Netflix alone has 13 different ones to chose from. 

Dress Up: everyone loves dress up even if you're not going anywhere. Let the kids drag out allll the costumes and let them pick something out for you too. They'll always remember the New Years party when they got to choose the outfits for the grownups. 

Build a LEGO New Years Ball Drop: love this idea from frugalfun4boys -- so simple and no special bricks required. 

Happy New Year! I hope your celebration is full of hope and promise for 2021. #craftingwithkids #readyfor2021

10 Simple, Socially-Distanced activities to count down to Christmas

This is going to be a lonnnnggg week for the kiddos trying to patiently wait for Christmas to arrive on Friday without any of our usual social distractions. This is going to be a lonnngggg week for us caregivers trying to patiently observe our anxious children trying to patiently wait for Christmas when we are all already completely maxed out. 

Here's a list of LOW EFFORT and LOW MESS activity ideas to help conquer these last few days before Christmas.

1. Take a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt Walk -- use this picture checklist from suchatimeasthis to keep track of items to find. You don't even have to print it out -- you can just pull it up on your phone. Once you find everything on the list head home for powdered hot cocoa and all those broken candy canes the kids won't let you throw away. Or stale Oreos and milk. Or whatever you have on hand that the kids will think is fun. 

2. Make Homemade Play Dough -- This recipe requires only a few pantry staples and I promise it is not even that messy. If you feel really ambitious you can add in a holiday scent like peppermint extract and a little bit of red or green food coloring. But even a plain glob of warm homemade play dough is a sensory delight -- no extras required. 

3. Gather some old toys for the elves -- this one is a little conniving, but read the kids this story from slightlysquirrely about how Santa needs old toys to refurbish at the North Pole and invite them to be generous and collect some well-used items to donate to his project. Maybe find an old Christmas gift bag for them to fill up for Santa and leave it by the door. Your house gets a tiny bit more breathing space. This does require an immediate action on your part though to either bring the bag to the donation center right away, transfer the toys to an inconspicuous bag where they can sit in your trunk for a few months until you get to the donation center, or for Santa's gift bag to hit the trashcan before anyone notices. If the kids find Santa's gift bag after he's supposed to have picked it up, the whole gig is up. 

4. Build Christmas LEGO Scenes -- use this simple tutorial from brainpowerfamily to create some Christmas-themed LEGO builds from standard bricks. No special blocks required. 

5. Make a Paper Chain -- Creating a simple paper chain is so satisfying as you watch the links add up. Maybe you want to create enough links to count down to something special that will happen after Christmas. Or maybe you want to create a paper chain of all of the activities you family wants to enjoy once we can return to normal. Hang it somewhere in the house as a decoration and a reminder that there are still things to look forward to after the holidays. 

6. DIY Giftwrap -- OK, this one is a little messy, but it will keep the kids entertained for a while. Let them use the Christmas cookie cutters to make some DIY printed giftwrap as shown here from thingstoshareandremember. This works great on old newspapers or the paper packaging wrap from Christmas deliveries.

7. Sleep Under the Christmas Tree -- a family campout in the living with only the Christmas tree for lighting is always a magical experience and something they will remember forever. 

8. Christmas Mad Libs -- fill-in-the-blank stories are a hit for all ages and are good for some easy laughs. Check out these printables from woojr. 

9. Snowball Surprise -- use some of that stockpiled toilet paper to wrap a small trinket or treat (maybe a stocking stuffer you already have on hand or some candies) in layers of toilet paper and squish into a ball shape. You'll need some tape to make sure it doesn't come unraveled. Unveil the snowballs and let the kids have an indoor snowball fight. Then let them open them up to find the treasures inside. Check out this tutorial from 3LittleGreenwoods. 

10. Paper Snowflakes -- I feel like sometimes we overlook the simple, joyful activities. There's no easier seasonal craft than paper snowflakes. Create a bunch and display them in a window to share your artwork with the neighbors. You can keep it super simple but thethingswellmake has some tutorials if you want to get competitive. 

Hope some of these activities help you make this week memorable with minimal stress! Merry Christmas Countdown!

Veterans Day Deals, FREE Meals, and Events

Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to all who serve. Below is a list of special deals and freebies you can take advantage of in honor of your service to our country. Please share and tag a veteran! 

413 Veterans Day Parades:

November 11: Greenfield Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m. steps off from the middle school and proceeds down Federal Street and Main Street to the Veteran's Mall. 

November 11: Pittsfield Veterans Day Parade, 10 a.m., steps off from City Hall and ends at Veteran's Memorial. 

November 11: Springfield Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m., steps off from STCC, 1 Federal St. and ending at Court Square. 

November 11: West Springfield Veterans Day Parade, noon, steps off from Kings Highway, continues to Town Green. FREE food, beverages, live music and kids activities for military families on the Town Green beginning at 1 p.m.

413 Deals for Veterans & Active Duty Military: 

• Applebee's: FREE meal for all active military and veterans from open to close, November 11. 
• Bed, Bath & Beyond: 25% off entire purchase (in store only) for veterans, active miliary and their spouses through November 11.
• Chili's Grill & Bar: FREE meal for all veterans and active duty military on November 11. 
• Christmas Tree Shops: 25% off entire purchase for veterans, active military and their spouses through November 11. 
• Cracker Barrel: FREE slice of double chocolate Coca Cola cake OR a FREE pumpkin pie latte on November 11. 
• Denny's: FREE make-your-own Grand Slam meal for all active duty military and veterans, 5-11 a.m., November. 11. 
• Dollar General: all veterans, active duty military and dependents save 11% off your purchase online or in store on November 11 
• Dunkin Donuts: FREE donut to all veterans and active duty military all day November 11. 
• Friendly's Restaurants: veterans and active military, with valid military ID or honorable discharge, may receive one FREE breakfast, lunch or dinner, November 11 only, all Friendly's locations. 
• Great Clips: FREE haircuts for veterans all day on November 11, OR, stop in to receive a FREE haircut voucher redeemable at another time, OR any customer who receives any service at Great Clips on this day can receive a FREE haircut coupon to give to a veteran (vouchers expire Dec. 31, 2019). 
• IHOP: FREE Red, White, and Blue pancakes to all active duty military and veterans, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., November 11. 
• Little Caesars: FREE Hot N Ready Lunch Combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for all veterans and active duty military November 11. 
• LL Bean: through November 11 save 25% off total purchase online or in store for all active duty military and veterans
• Kohl's: Through November 11 -- save 30% for all active and reserve personnel and veterans and their families
• Mystic Aquarium: FREE admission for all active duty and veterans through November 17, discounted admission for dependents as well. 
• Old Sturbridge Village: FREE admission for active and retired and their families (up to six people). 
• On The Border: FREE Create Your Own Combo Meal (dine in only) for all veterans and active military on November 11. 
• Partner's Restaurant (Feeding Hills): FREE breakfast for veterans and active duty military on Tuesday, November 12 
• Red Robin: FREE Red's Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries for all veterans and active duty military, all day long. 
• Shortstop Bar & Grill (Westfield): all veterans and active duty military are welcome to FREE lunch and dinner, dine-in only, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield. 
• Target: all veterans and active duty military receive 10% off their purchase through November 11 
• Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch and Coca Cola product for all active duty military and veterans 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Proof of military service is required for many of these deals. 

Additionally, anyone can take advantage of FREE admission to all national parks on November 11. Find a list of national parks in Massachusetts here. 

ENTER TO WIN: Family 4-pack of tickets to a Celtic Family Christmas at UMASS Fine Arts Center

The family fun continues at the UMASS Fine Arts Center this season with a special holiday show featuring award-winning fiddle virtuosos Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and their family for an intimate and unique concert guaranteed to help you find your holiday spirit. The duo will be accompanied by an array of talented musicians, including their children, for a night of high-end fiddle playing and step dancing that will make you want to get out of your seat and celebrate. "A Celtic Family Christmas" takes place at the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 p.m.

If you're concerned about bringing your little ones to a holiday performance, don't be. Especially this one. Because some of the performers are children themselves. That would be MacMaster and Leahy’s six musically gifted children, who today are the centerpiece of the MacMaster/Leahy live show though not because the couple necessarily envision showbiz careers for Mary Frances, Michael, Clare, Julia and Alec (Sadie’s only 3). But the pair realized early on that being on the road without their kids was infinitely harder than touring with them.

“Christmas is where this whole concept started, and we are excited to be travelling as a family,” says Donnell Leahy. “It’s a perfect time to travel with the children and bring light and happiness to families and fans across the country.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and audience members are invited to get their holiday family portrait taken in the Fine Arts Center Lobby by Erin Alzapiedi Photography. Ugly sweaters welcome! For a recommended donation of personal care items for the UMass Student Care Supply Closets  (find a complete list of suggested items through link) patrons will receive complimentary access to their photo for use in holiday greetings and the like. 

The entertainment world is filled with extraordinary stories, but few match the beguiling tale of fiddle players Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy. Married in 2002, the Canadian couple’s combined album sales exceed one million copies and collaborators have included classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bluegrass star Alison Krauss, and banjo ace Béla Fleck. Together they have been nominated for Grammy Awards and won for Best Chamber Music Performance for Songs of Joy & Peace with Yo-Yo Ma; received the Canadian Folk Music Award for Instrumental Group of the Year in 2015; and won the East Coast Music Awards Fan’s Choice for Entertainer of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year in 2016.

MacMaster and Leahy’s first recorded collaboration, 2015’s Bob Ezrin-produced album One, followed by 2016’s A Celtic Family Christmas, confirmed MacMaster and Leahy were as dynamic working together as they were working apart.

“The fiddle was definitely common ground for us when we first got together,” MacMaster says. “But I was so in awe of Donnell’s family, of 11 siblings who could play and had a family band. And here I am now doing almost exactly the same thing. Well, kind of.”

Tickets for A Celtic Family Christmas are $45, $35, $25; Five College Students and Youth 17 & Under are $15, $12, $10. Intimate FAC Club Seating is available in the Concert Hall pit starting at $80. For tickets call the Box Office at 545-2511, toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, or purchase online or click on the link at the top right of this page.

I'm so grateful to have teamed up with the UMASS Fine Arts Center to offer one lucky reader a family four-pack of tickets (2 adult & 2 child admissions) to the December 6 performance. All you have to do to be entered to win is use the comments field below to share your favorite local tradition to celebrate the holiday season here in Western Mass. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19. Good luck to all who enter! 

You can read all about the entire season of family friendly shows at the FAC here. 

Road Trip Worthy: Sleepy Hollow for Halloween (Sleepy Hollow, NY)

If you didn't hear by now I'm obsessed with all things Halloween. So of course I've always wanted to visit Sleepy Hollow, NY for all the seasonal fun in October. 

(Also...do you remember reading Judy Blume's Otherwise Known As Sheila The Great? When she spends the summer in Tarrytown? Yeah. Me too. Literally this has been on my mind since the third grade. And I FINALLY checked it off the bucket list). 

Anyway, Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown/Irvington makes a perfect fall weekend getaway, or even a day trip from our neck of the woods. Depending on how many attractions you want to check out, it's all road trip worthy.

We began our weekend at the historic home of the man who started it all -- Washington Irving, author of "Rip Van Winkle" and "Sleepy Hollow." We owe the headless horseman to this guy. And touring Washington Irving's Sunnyside was worth the price of admission. It was fascinating to learn about the life of this prolific American writer and explore the beautiful grounds of his estate. While history nerds like us will eat up the guided house tour, younger kids may be bored. However, when we visited there were a few hands-on activities scattered about for the younger set. Also, there is plenty of lawn space for littles to run around if you don't want to take them inside the house. 

The guided house tour takes about one hour to complete and tickets run $12/adult and $6/kids. Even without a tour, the grounds are worth exploring and photo opps abound. It was raining when we visited so it was a bit of duck and cover; however, I would love to go back on a sunny autumn day to really take it all in. The property is located at 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY. There is plenty of free parking on site and the grounds are stroller accessible. 

Restaurants abound in this bustling area; however, we had a jam-packed schedule and wanted something quick. But, oh my word, did we choose right. If you only eat at one stop, make it Revenge BBQ at 48 Main Street in Irvington.

This is a tiny take out spot with a counter and a few tables. You'll probably have to eat standing up or in your car (which you'll park on street) -- but it will be worth it. They're open Thursday - Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. (or until sold out). This place literally has THE BEST pulled pork and slaw I've ever had. (Seriously. I think about this sandwich all the time). Sandwich, side and a drink runs you about $18. 

If you're looking to add a hike in to your visit, drive over the Rockerfeller State Park Preserve at 125 Phelps Way in Pleasantville. The park contains 45 miles of scenic carriage roads that are wide, clear, beautiful and easy to walk. There are also wooded trails, a beautiful lake, stables, and a museum-quality visitors center. I mean, it is the former country estates of the John D. Rockefeller family and William Rockefeller. I could have spent all day here. You need to purchase metered parking on site from the automated machines in the parking lot. Dogs are welcome on leash. The carriage paths are very stroller friendly.

And now we arrive at the real reason anyone wants to visit Sleepy Hollow in the October -- for the haunts. My favorite is Historic Hudson Valley's walk-through haunted attraction, Horseman's Hollow. Basically a giant haunted house, the Hollow includes a 45-minute walk through different scenes of horror -- everything from historic settings, fairy tale sets, gory murder sites and clowns (why are there always clowns?!). 

Is it family friendly? Only you know your kids' tolerance and if they'll be sleeping on your bedroom floor until Christmas. We didn't bring our girls -- they do NOT share our love of haunted houses. There was no inappropriate language or overt sexiness. But there were a lot of good scares. The attraction is recommended for ages 10 and up. You take the tour with a large group of attendees, but it is not overwhelming. Being in a large group adds to the fun IMHO. 

I've done a lot of haunted houses. Like, A LOT of them. The Horseman's Hollow is #1. Hands Down. The scenery is a-ma-zing. This attraction alone makes the drive worth it. If you like haunted houses that keep you guessing, you'll love this. 

This attraction takes place at Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY. Parking here is a bit of a nightmare (or at least it was for the 2018 season). We parked in a mud filled parking lot on a construction site and had to walk a lonnnnggg way to the gate. Just be prepared. Wear comfortable walking shoes if you visit. Tickets run $22/person ($28/person on Saturday). 

While in the region you can also take in the Sleepy Hollow Experience, which although I did not see at Sunnyside, I have seen at Old Sturbridge Village. It is a terrific show. Tickets seem pricey at $45/adult and $25/children but this is a top quality show -- the cast, music and setting is unforgettable. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg for what you can enjoy in Historic Hudson Valley in October. Check out their website for all the offering. Pretty much any museum or show requires advance ticket purchase -- and they mostly all sell out early. You can't just drive in and expect to get tickets. Tickets go on sale in early September so plan ahead and have your credit card ready. If you're Halloween freaks like we are, I can't recommend visiting the region enough. Happy Haunting! 

Deals for Dads (and Grand Dads too!) #fathersdayfreebies

If you don't have special plans for Dad on Father's Day, June 16 is a great day to score him some free admission to many local attractions. Here's a rundown. 

If you want to stay close to home:

Historic Deerfield: FREE admission for all dads and grandfathers on June 19, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.,  Old Main Street, Deerfield.

Holyoke Merry-Go-Round: Dads and grandpas ride FREE with paying child, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. 

Look Park: FREE train rides and unlimited rounds of mini golf for all dads, 300 North Main St., Florence (weekend parking fee applies).

Lupa Zoo: FREE admission for Dads with paid admission for their child, 65 Nash Hill Road, Ludlow. 

Old Sturbridge Village: FREE admission for Dads on June 18, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: FREE admission for dads with paid child's admission, 14 Depot St., Shelburne Falls. 

 

If you're looking for a Road Trip: 

Canobie Lake Park: FREE admission and FREE lunch for Dads with one paid child admission, 65 N. Policy St., Salem, NH.

Connecticut Science Center: FREE admission for Dads on June 18, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT. 

Connecticut Trolley Museum: FREE admission for Dads and Grandfathers with paid child's admission, special behind the scenes tour of current restoration projects, 58 North Road, East Windsor, CT. 

Davis Farmland: FREE admission for Dads with paid child admission to Farmland and Water Spray Park and FREE massages for dads from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. 

The Dinosaur Place: FREE admission (including spray park) for Dads with paid child admission, 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT. 

Zoos: FREE or discounted admission for dads at many New England zoos including: Southwick Zoo (half-price admission for dads on June 15 & 16) in Mendon; Franklin Park Zoo in Boston (FREE for dads); Stone Zoo in Stoneham (FREE for dads). 

Happy Father's Day to all the 413 Dads!

Happy 350th Birthday, Westfield! #community #westfield350

Even though I live next door in Agawam, I love the city of Westfield. I've experienced so many important milestones in the city. My first real job was at Westfield News Publishing. My first apartment was in Westfield. I'm a proud graduate of Westfield State College (yes, College, not University). I was married at Stanley Park. 

I love the history and the community of the city. So of course I couldn't miss the big culminating event to celebrate their 350th Birthday today at the honorary parade.

We've enjoyed so many of the birthday events that Westfield has hosted this year. Great memories were made. I hope a lot of you visited the city and enjoyed the festivities as well. Thank you to all of the volunteers and businesses who made the celebration possible. Well done, Westfield. You sure know how to throw a party!

#westfield350 #community #lovewhereyoulive #westernmass #westfieldstatealumni #the413

 

Mother's Day Admission Freebies 2019 edition

A Very Happy Mother's Day to all the 413Moms! Unless you are looking for a quiet day at home on Sunday, there are lots of local attractions offering free admission for mamas this weekend. All offers take place on Sunday, May 12 unless otherwise noted. Here's a rundown:

If you want to stay close to home:

CT Science Center (Hartford, CT): FREE admission for moms

CT Trolley Museum (East Windsor, CT): FREE admission for moms and grandmas

Historic Deerfield (Deerfield): FREE admission for moms and grandmas

Holyoke Merry Go Round (Holyoke): Moms and grandmas ride FREE all day 

Look Park (Florence): FREE unlimited train rides and mini golf for moms 

Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge): FREE admission for moms 

Zoar Outdoor (Charlemont): Moms can ride the Zipline Canopy Tour or raft the Zoar Gap for FREE with two accompanying paid admissions (must book in advance)

Zoo in Forest Park (Springfield): Moms admitted FREE

 

If you're looking for a road trip for Mother's Day:

Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, CT): FREE admission for moms and grandams with one other paying guest 

Canobie Lake Park (Salem, NH): FREE admission and FREE lunch for moms with one paid child admission (May 11 & 12)

Davis Farmland (Sterling): FREE admission for moms and FREE chair massages for moms

The Dinosaur Place (Montville, CT): FREE admission for moms with paid child admission

Edaville Theme Park (Carver, MA): FREE admission for moms with one paid admission

Franklin Park Zoo (Boston): FREE admission for moms 

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (Hartford, CT): FREE admission for moms

Lake Compounce (Bristol, CT): FREE admission for mom with one admission purchased online

Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, CT): FREE admission for moms with one paid admission on May 11 & 12

Quassy Amusement Park (Middlebury, CT): FREE wristband for mom and dinner voucher with child paid wristband

Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, RI): FREE admission for moms

Southwick Zoo (Mendon): Half price admission for moms on May 11 & 12

Stone Zoo (Stoneham): FREE admission for moms 

New favorite Easter Craft! #holyweek #craftingwithkids

We made a new favorite Easter craft today!

Here's what you need:

*small, clear planter tray
*small rock
*cut off section of toilet paper tube
*preserved moss
*three small crosses made from twigs and twine

We made this at the egg hunt party at Feeding Hills Congregational Church. I love the simplicity and beauty of this resurrection craft. You can easily substitute materials with items found around the house and yard. It's a quiet reminder for Holy Week. #eastercraft #craftingwithkids #palmsunday

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (Sunday Shenanigans)

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and your little leprechauns! Did you brave the parade? We sat it out this year but hooray for the sunshine for all of the participants and parade goers! Hope you had a magical day whatever you did -- it was nice to be able to celebrate on a Sunday this year. 

I did a slow cooker corned beef this year for a Sunday dinner with our local extended fam: 

• dice potatoes and carrots and place in the bottom of the Crock Pot
• place corned beef on top of veggies (fat side up)
• mix corned beef seasoning packet with 1 cup of water and pour over all
• slice up cabbage and add to the top for last two hours of cooking
• I had a six pound corned beef and cooked for about 8 hours total

It was delish and so nice to end the weekend with a big family dinner. Wishing you a wonderful week! #sundayshenanigans