FOF: America Recycles Day!

On Friday, November 14, volunteers and staff of the Prince William County Solid Waste Division Recycling Program will be at the Chinn Park Library and the Bull Run Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be recycling education activities and prizes. Additionally, library patrons can “Take the Pledge” and enter a drawing to win a local, regional and national prizes. Prizes include: Local- T-shirt; Washington DC region prizes – $300 REI gift card and $500 grant to a local school’s K-12 environmental program; National prize – park bench made of recycled material. Learn more at americarecyclesday.org.

“Every year in October we host a large recycling education event at the Prince William County landfill in honor of America Recycles Day, so we also like to host these smaller events closer to November 15 to continue to keep theimportance of recycling and buying recycled products message on everybody’s mind, “said Deborah Campbell, Communications Specialist for the Solid Waste Division.  Prince William area residents can sign the recycling pledge at the library, or visit pwcgov.org/trashandrecycling and take the pledge on line.

“Last year, a Prince William area entrant won one of the park benches from the National contest and a Prince William entrant won the regional prize too,” Campbell stated. “Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day is one day to educate and motivate individuals to recycle more. Recyclable items we use every day, like that cereal box and milk jug in the morning- are recoverable resources that can be manufactured into new and valuable products,” said Brenda Pulley, senior vice president of recycling at Keep America Beautiful. “Together, we can reduce the billions of dollars’ worthof material thrown away each year and work to give that “garbage” another life through recycling.”

For more information about recycling in Prince William County, visit www.pwcgov.org/recycling.

America’s leading companies are proud to make America Recycles Day possible. National sponsors of America Recycles Day are: Amcor, America Chemistry Council, the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies, Pilot Pen, and Waste Management. About America Recycles Day America Recycles DaySM is a national program of Keep America Beautiful, and is the only nationally recognized day and community-driven awareness event dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S.

Since its inception in 1997,communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on November 15 to educate, promote environmental citizenship, and encourage action. Learn more at AmericaRecyclesDay.org.

About Keep America Beautiful Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a national network of community-based affiliates, we work with millions of volunteers who take action intheir communities to transform public spaces into beautiful places. Through our programs and public-private partnerships, we engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment. For more information, visit kab.org, follow @kabtweet on Twitter and like us on facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful.

HGTV UNWRAPS ‘SANTA HQ’

Los Angeles, CA - [For Immediate Release – November 3, 2014] HGTV celebrates the holidays with “Santa HQ,” an immersive experience that transforms the traditional visit with Santa Claus into a jingle-filled, interactive journey for all ages at 10 Macerich malls across the country. For more than six weeks, from Tuesday, Nov. 4, through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, HGTV and Macerich will present a completely reimagined visit with Santa for the 21^st century by pairing cutting-edge technology with an authentic holiday experience. Visitors can take an ELFIE selfie and star in their own holiday video, explore Santa’s Observatory using ELF-RAY Vision, test out the ‘Naughty O’ Nice Meter,’ and enjoy a memorable photo with Santa.

Santa HQ will be featured at Macerich properties including Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, Conn., opening on Nov. 4; Deptford Mall in Deptford Township, N.J., opening on Nov. 5; Vintage Faire in Modesto, Calif., opening on Nov. 5; Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, Calif., opening Nov. 7; FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield, Colo., opening Nov. 7; Washington Square in Portland, Ore., opening Nov. 7; Lakewood Center in Lakewood, Calif., opening Nov. 7; Tysons Corner Center near Washington, D.C., opening Nov. 14.; Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler, Ariz., opening on Nov. 7; and Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Ariz., opening Nov. 14.

“Santa HQ provides a unique twist on holiday festivities, while offering fans a chance to touch and feel the HGTV brand in a whimsical way,” said Shannon Driver, senior vice president, media strategies and partnerships. “We’ve enhanced the holiday experience at these top malls by creating a state-of-the-art venue for visitors to explore.”

Upon entering the magical structure, families can enjoy the wonder of Santa’s Workshop and Observatory by using innovative technology to customize their individual experience. Visitors can download the ELF-RAY Vision app or use a provided tablet to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Santa HQ to see the night sky, the secret inner-workings of clocks and gears and to meet a playful pair of elves. By using their handheld device as a “portal,” visitors can see and interact with stunning digital scenes surrounding them inside Santa’s Observatory. Visitors can continue the adventure with a custom photo opportunity, followed by the ultimate moment with Santa inside his modernized sleigh. Visitors can reserve their experience time in advance via the Santa HQ website.

“Santa HQ reinvents the Santa experience at the mall for a new generation of digitally savvy, always-connected kids and their families,” said Ken Volk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Macerich. “With HGTV, we are bringing a dramatically new and engaging holiday attraction to shoppers.  We know that people come to the mall for one-of-a-kind, in-person experiences they can share in real time and through social media – and the exciting new Santa HQ delivers exactly what families want today.”

Santa HQ will also feature “Sleigh Ride” - a featured track on the recently-released Pentatonix holiday album, That’s Christmas To Me - as part of the experience’s light show, which will play daily across Macerich’s 10 properties.  Additionally, Pentatonix will be performing at Tysons Corner Center on Friday, December 5.  That’s Christmas To Me is available in stores and online, and will be available to those visiting Santa across the Macerich portfolio throughout the holiday season.

Santa HQ was conceived in collaboration with HGTV, Macerich and Pop2Life, a New York-based experiential marketing agency.

Giveaway: Cheers Art Studio

Cheers Art Studio is offering a fun giveaway this week! In addition to their adult classes (BYOB) they offer kids, birthday parties, fundraisers, and now they're offering "All Ages" classes, too.  That means you and your kiddo can paint together!

Cheers is offering 2 tickets (a $70 value) to their November 22nd class

Read that again- November 22nd.  Make sure you can do that date before you enter!! I've had a lot of contests lately where people email me dejected because they "didn't know it was a specific date" so let me say it again- class is NOVEMBER 22 FROM 2-4PM.

When you arrive in class, you'll get all the materials you need.  You can bring your own snacks and drinks if you'd like.  The class on November 22nd from 2-4pm will be making an owl:

You can customize your colors to match your house, too.  Not sure what you'll do with two owl paintings? Might I suggest keeping the one and sending one to Grandma for Christmas? Or perhaps keeping one and taking one to dad's house, etc.

Cheers is a lot of fun, so good luck!! Enter to win your spot in the November 22nd class from 2-4pm using the rafflecopter below.

Oh wait- did I mention the time/date? It's NOVEMBER 22ND FROM 2-4PM. Kthanks :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters: The Musical @The Hylton Center

Next week at the Hylton, don't miss the Berenstain Bears!!! 

Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters: The Musical

November 22, 2014 at 11 am and 2 pm

Come on down to Bear Country for this enchanting adaptation of Stan and Jan Berenstain’s beloved children’s series. Fresh from its sold-out off-Broadway run this heartwarming musical based on three of the Berenstain Bears most popular books. Brother Bear’s grades are slipping, Sister Bear still has a few things to learn about making new friends, and Papa Bear can’t stop eating junk food – but thankfully, they – and we – can always depend on Mama Bear and her loving patience to set things right. Filled with original songs, fun dancing, and important life lessons, this humorous and heartfelt theatrical experience gives parents the opportunity to share these treasured tales they enjoyed as children with their own young cubs! “Like honey for little kids!” (Mommy Poppins)

Tickets: $15 Adults, $5 Children

http://hyltoncenter.org/calendar/488/

Want to win tickets? Use the Rafflecopter Below! Winner will be announced on SUNDAY! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Reminder/Disclaimers: PwcMoms giveaways are sponsored and provided by the institution named.  PwcMoms facilitates the giveaways, but is not responsible for prizes or facilities. Please refer to our giveaway rules for full details.  If you enter, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Veterans Day Freebies

Thanks to reader Carrie for sending the vast majority of these along! 

For Veterans with ID- November 11th Freebies!

Sheetz- All day, free 6" sub and drink (includes add-ons and extras)
Ihop- Free Red/White/Blue Pancakes
Bar Louie- Free Apps
McCormick & Schmit's Free Entrees
Applebees- Free Entree
Great Clips- Free Haircut
Bob Evans- All You Can Eat Hotcakes (Free)
Famous DAves- Free One Meal Salute
California Pizza Kitchen- Free Entree
Hooters- Free Entree
Krispy Kreme- Free Donut
Outback- Free Bloomin Onion and Drink
Red Robin- Free Double Tavern Burger and Bottomless Fries
Starbucks- Free Tall Coffee
Confections- Veterans Day which we will be giving all U.S. Armed Forces a Free cupcake
Friendly's- free breakfast, lunch or dinner to veterans and active military
Cracker Barrel- Free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert
Denny's- active, inactive and retired military personnel can build your own free Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon at participating stores
Red Lobster- free select appetizer until THURSDAY! 

Birthday Party Venue Ideas

I want to start off by saying that there is nothing wrong with having some kids over to hang out, play pin the tail on the donkey, maybe do a piñata (hint- look for the pull string and not the baseball bat required kind), eat cake, and go home happy. 

However, I know that with the advent of "you must invite the whole class" rules, sometimes you just cannot fit everyone in your house.  Or, perhaps you just would rather pay the money and not have to deal with setup and cleanup.  I feel that, too :) 

Here are some of our mom's favorite ideas (and ours, too!) for birthday parties! 

VENUES:
Animated Child
Had a Minecraft party for my child at Animated Child in Montclair. Had about 12 boys who had a ball. 
 Animated Child rocks!
See our PwcMoms Review here. 

Chick Fil A-
Chick Fil A has the best deal

Chinn Park- 
 Chinn has birthday party packages that worked for us. You get a party leader, pool time or moon ounce, and room time with the party leader running games if you wish.

Chuck E Cheese- 
Take advantage of their weekday parties for lower rates.  Do an early afternoon party after school or watch the calendar for teacher workdays and holidays! 

CiCi's Pizza-
CiCi's for a birthday party at about that age....a kid's buffet is a great price and there is a cute grassy area / pavilion behind it to sit and open presents on a nice day.

Edgemoor Art Studio- 
We LOVED Edgemoor Art Studio. Might be considered pricey at $275, but we would have spent WAY more than that at our house... and she goes ALL OUT
See our PwcMoms review here

Engineering For Kids
Went to Engineering for Kids party in Woodbridge this weekend. My son had a blast.

Gymnastics World-
Gymnastics World makes an active structured gymnastics party. Afterwards, you sit picnic table style and eat your own treats. I believe goodie bags are included.

Hello Karate-
Www.hellokarate.com you can have as many kids as you want the provide everything you only need to bring the cake. They provide pizza drinks plates napkins everything. They do a karate demo, teach the kids and give kids each a board and teach them to break it 

House of Bounce Manassas

Joann Fabrics-
The craft lady at Joanns does a great job at hosting birthday parties.

Jumping Jimmy's-
Jumping Jimmys. Monday through Thursday is 115 for 10 kids includes bouncing and pizza for 1 1/2 hours.
Jumpnjimmys in Haymarket and little gym in Gainesville

Kids N Motion-
Kids N Motion. Not sure what their rates are but we went there yesterday for the first time and my 5 year old and 2 year old had a blast. 
We did Kids in Motion and the kids loved it!! We did the bouncy rooms,then we had cake and drinks and party favors........the kids had a great time.
See our PwcMoms Review here. 

Laser Quest
Definitely Laser Quest in Woodbridge!
 Preschool age kiddos seemed to have had a blast at All that Jazz in Montclair & SwimKids-Woodbridge. We also attended fun parties at Youth & Sports in Dale City. My older son absolutely enjoyed Laser Quest.

Leesylvania State Park

The Little Gym
Jumpnjimmys in Haymarket and little gym in Gainesville

Magic Putting Place-
Once open, the putt-putt golf course and Nathan's on Mathis drive. Think it is about $8 per child and that includes round of mini golf, pizza, soda, and a small cone. I much prefer the pay per child method rather than $200+ for up to 25 kids at places like indoor bounces. Plus, kids as young as that tend to get overwhelmed if it is too big of a celebration, that's been my experience anyway.

Majest Martial Arts

Michaels Arts and Crafts-
Michael's. Room rental is 50 dollars. You can bring your own food, cake, etc. 

NOVA BMX
See our PwcMoms review here. 

Pizzeria Uno-
Pizzeria uno does kids bday parties. They can make their own pizza. Dough is premade. With drink I think it's 5.00 per child.

Premier Martial Arts

Prince William County Parks (Outdoor)-
 Great alternative: rent a pavilion at a local park (reserve now). For example, for my son's 4th party, rented a Long Park Pavilion for $60 -- let the kids run around with dollar store bubbles, beach balls, pinwheels, etc. before eating and cake/presents, also had a playground suitable for their age. Like home, but mess is outside! Note: that time of year, schedule for noon or later, after the soccer games.

Plan you child's party at SplashDown Waterpark, the largest waterpark in Northern Virginia. Deluxe and standard packages available or just come as a group... We take the work and worry out of this special day..Call Aimee Burke at 703-361-4451 ext. 226. Want a catered event-call me 703-361-4451 ext. 222.

Pump it Up Manassas-

Sport and Health Kids Club-
Sport and Health had an amazing area and good packages
Sport and health in Gainesville. So many things to do, they are super nice, and lots of room.
Sport and Health in Woodbridge is excellent!! I didnt have to lift a finger and the kids were able to swim for 45 minutes.

SwimKids
 Preschool age kiddos seemed to have had a blast at All that Jazz in Montclair & SwimKids-Woodbridge. We also attended fun parties at Youth & Sports in Dale City. My older son absolutely enjoyed Laser Quest.

Toddlin Time Manassas

Tumbling Time-
Check out the new timble time part of all that jazz ms christy from gymboree is running it its at the back of montclair.
 Preschool age kiddos seemed to have had a blast at All that Jazz (Tumbling Time) in Montclair & SwimKids-Woodbridge. We also attended fun parties at Youth & Sports in Dale City. My older son absolutely enjoyed Laser Quest.

Urban Evolution

Vertical Rock
See our PwcMoms Review here.

ENTERTAINERS:

Magician Michael Chamberlin
See our PwcMoms Review here. 

Princess Parties with Kingdom of Azuria
See our PwcMoms Review Here. 

Tea With Mrs. B
See our PwcMoms Review here. 

Edge Party Trailer

Welcome to Moe's!

 We had the opportunity to go check out the Moe's Southwest Grill new Gainesville location (8148 Stonewall Shoppes Square #101, which you may also refer to as "The one with the Wegmans in it")

What our family loves about Moe's is that it's fast, but fresh, and you can make healthier choices than at a typical "fast food" place.  You can also get chips and queso- but you can make healthier choices, too (PS- if you're going to get queso- click here and get it free!). 

 Their kids meals are fantastic (and big!) and both my boys were more than satisfied when they'd finished their dinners.  My oldest son swims 5 mornings a week, and that has led to some "I'm hangry" moments.  No, I didn't misspell that.  Yes, I meant hangry.  That's a combination of hungry, and cranky and angry.  It's a thing, people- Urban Dictionary it.

This is my dinner- it was delicious! I got a salad, I want to say it was a Personal Trainer, with no shell and lots of jalapeños- both fresh and pickled, so yum. I loved it.  The best part about all this tasty dinner? The kids eat FREE on Tuesday nights with adult purchase! Bonus!

Moe's Southwest Grill also does catering (Which they DELIVER! Love it! Teacher appreciation day is right around Cinco de Mayo and a taco bar would be so much fun PTA people!) and they do fundraisers, too!! Give them a try and/or a call for your next dinner or event!