Father's Day Archives - The Mom Maven

Keep Good Going by Celebrating Dad

cindy — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 22:47:58 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of New York Life for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Father’s Day is just around the corner and New York Life is celebrating dad with their Keep Good Going campaign. There are a few ways you can get involved in this positive campaign. First, check out this brief, inspiring video of a Stay-at-Home Super Dad.

The Keep Good Going Life Lesson #19 “It’s the choices you make that define you” resonates huge in my life. When my boys were ages 1 and 3 all of our friends were searching out pre-schools so they could “get their kids out of their hair” for a few hours a day. That was a concept that seemed foreign to me. I wanted to spend all my time mith my kids and I was blessed to be working in our family business on a part time basis and our boys came to work with us.

By the time my oldest turned 4 I knew that I couldn’t send my kids off for 6-8 hours a day to go to school. I had taught in public, private and parochial schools and I didn’t want my kids growing up in an environment that focused on regurgitating facts instead of searching for answers. We made the decision to homeschool our boys and it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

For 16 years we lived on a small income so that I could educate our boys. Life wasn’t easy but it was wonderful. Now to look at them at ages 19 and 21 and see the well-rounded, confident men they have become, I am amazed. Leaving the full-time working world to be my children’s parent-teacher was a difficult choice with lifelong rewards. I will forever be defined by that choice and I am grateful that I made it, my children are better for it.

Do you have a story to share based on the Keep Good Going Life Lesson #19 “It’s the choices you make that define you”? Share it in the comments if you’d like. You can also tweet stories about your dad using the hashtag #keepgoodgoing and your story will be added to the digital billboard which captures and tallies in real-time all of the moments of family good around Father’s Day.

Learn more about how New York Life can help you and your family Keep Good Going by clicking this link.

The post Keep Good Going by Celebrating Dad appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

cindy — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 18:00:48 +0000

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Father’s Day is coming up soon, June 15, 2014 to be exact. The men in my life are the hardest people to buy for. My dad always says he doesn’t want or need anything, my father-in-law has no real hobbies or interests and my husband says he’s not my dad so I don’t have to get him anything. Why are men so difficult to shop for? Anyway, I thought I’d create a gift guide to hopefully give you some ideas to help you shop for that special dad in your life.

Gifts Under $25

If dad is a music lover, make sure he has ColdPlay’s Ghost Stories in his music collection. Currently the number one selling album on Amazon, ColdPlay’s newest project is a must own.

Last week I told you about this book for dads and daughters Talking with Your Daughter About Understanding Boys (8 Great Dates for Dads and Daughters). It would make a great Father’s Day gift and encourage him to build a deeper relationship with his daughter in the coming year.

Gifts $25-$50

Captain America is the hottest super hero this summer and Ridemakerz has an all-new Captain America Camero. Whether you shop in store or online Ridemakerz has some sweet deals for Father’s Day. Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer at the Shop or
30% off online orders & free shipping on orders over $75. We love our Ridemakerz vehicles and I am sure the dad in your life will too.

Is dad a golfer who likes to grill? Why not comine two things that he loves with these Golf BBQ Tools – 7 Piece Golf Grip Grilling Set?

Gifts $51-$100

Is dad sprucing up his man cave this summer? How about adding a Walter Payton Fathead? If dad isn’t a Bears fan, how about a different player or even a different sport? Fathead has just what dad needs to decorate his sports headquarters.

If dad is a DIY kind of guy he’d love this DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Drill/Driver Kit. The compact size allows it to fir into tight spots. Two 18-volt NiCAD batteries are included with the kit, as well as a one-hour charger and a contractor bag for easy transport.

Happy Father’s Day!

The post Father’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on The Mom Maven.

June Winners

cindy — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:56:45 +0000

I am still waiting to hear from the people at Goby about who won the AMEX gift card and t-shirts. Let’s get on with the other giveaways.

The winners of the #Disconnect2Reconnect giveaway who won a copy of Phil Cooke’s book Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing are: # 7-Karen M. #12 ConnieFoggles and #10 Shanaka!

The winner of the Family Facts Pregnancy Organizer and Planner is…#4 Melissa E.

The winners of the Mr Popper’s Penguins giveaways are: The $25 Fandango gift card and a copy of the book goes to #51 Katrina!! the winners of the books are # 24 jr911 and #3 Laura DeLuca.

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks for being part of TheMomMaven family!!

The post June Winners appeared first on The Mom Maven.

A Friendly Reminder For All the Dads

cindy — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:01:21 +0000

Happy Father’s Day from TheMomMaven!

The Lion King 3D Version in theaters September 16th, and on Blu-ray & Blu-ray 3D October 4th!

The post A Friendly Reminder For All the Dads appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Father’s Day Printables from Simba

cindy — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:47:06 +0000

Need some last minute Father’s Day activities? Click on the graphic below to download cards, activities and gifts for your child to share with dad this Father’s Day.

The post Father’s Day Printables from Simba appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Get Dad a New Car for Father’s Day at Ridemakerz

cindy — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:09:49 +0000

About a year ago I told you about our first visit to Ridemakerz at Downtown Disney. Over the last year we have been back a few times to buy additional accessories for Jordan’s car. We spent last Friday morning on a VIP tour of Ridemakerz where we got to check out the brand new Camero and the brand New Chevrolet Vehicles that are available. Our hostess was Neri and she did a great job of telling us about everything Ridemakerz offers and helping all four of us create custom radio controlled cars.

I made this video/slideshow to show you the process and all the fun we had.

Ron made the Black Mustang, I made Custom Sally, Jordan made Crusin’ Lightning McQueen and Aaron made the Carbon Fiber Camero .

Bring dad to Ridemakerz this Saturday or Sunday to celebrate Father’s Day in style and build one ride get anther ride free (restrictions apply click link for details). If you have never visited Ridemakerz, you should! It is a lot of fun for the whole family.

We’d like to thank Neri, Owen and Danny for all their help during our Ridemakerz visit.

Disclosure we received 4 custom RC Ridez during our visit to Ridemakerz. All opinions are 100% mine.

The post Get Dad a New Car for Father’s Day at Ridemakerz appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Disconnect to Reconnect this Father’s Day

cindy — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:04:49 +0000

I have a challenge for you. Can you disconnect to reconnect this Father’s Day? Can you set aside your computer, smartphone, iPod etc and commit to disconnecting from the digital world for 1 day and spend that time reconnecting with your family? Take a deep breath, I know I am asking a lot and it isn’t going to be easy. Here is why I am asking you to take the challenge…Author and longtime media consultant Phil Cooke is asking dads everywhere to disconnect from technology – phones, Facebook, Twitter, email, TV – and spend quality time with their kids for 24 hours this Father’s Day.

In our household dad is the least connected to digital media out of all of us so I am asking families, not just dads to, to disconnect all day on Father’s Day 2011. I suggest you speak to your family about this challenge before Father’s Day and make the commitment to disconnect to reconnect as a family. This challenge is inspired by Cooke’s new book Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing (April 2011, Thomas Nelson), which lays out 25 “jolts” to help us set the “reset” button on our priorities and boundaries.

Did you know that:

65% of North Americans spend more time with their computer than with their spouse.
45% of workers say they can’t go more than 15 minutes without an interruption.
50% of people leave their mobile phones on when they go to bed.
Workers report that they leave their mobile phones on during movies, church & even sex.

Here are two simple things you can do to make it happen:

1. Before going to bed the night before Father’s Day, check your e-mail one final time, turn off your mobile device and put it in another room. You may get the shakes, but you’ll get over it.

2. Plan the day well. Alcoholics are very susceptible during periods of boredom and it’s no different with an internet junkie. Plan a day of special activities with your family, so you’ll be less inclined/tempted to check email or go online. And, if the family takes you out, leave the mobile device at home! (You may be shocked, but yes – there was a time in ancient days when we actually left the house without a phone).

Remember – your kids watch your behavior more than they listen to your words. And when they see you unable to disconnect from email, text messages and Twitter? You’re telling them that what’s on your phone is more important to you than they are.

So, think about how much time you spend online versus how much time you spend face-to-face with the people you love you the most. And, at the very least, for 24 hours on Father’s Day, think about which connection is the most important to you – the one to the world? Or, the one to your family? #disconnect2reconnect

You can Win one of 3 copies of Phil Cooke’s book Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing.

Mandatory 1st entry: Leave me a comment telling me you will take the challenge and what you think will be the hardest part of the challenge.

Bonus Entries:Leave a separate comment for each entry

Like the Disconnect to Reconnect Facebook Page
Follow author Phil Cooke on Twitter
Follow MomMaven on Twitter
Tweet this On Father’s Day we will #disconnect2reconnect thanks to @PhilCooke & @MomMaven You can too! Enter to #win here http://bit.ly/mCfMhe (you may do this 2x a day)
Like this post on Facebook using the button at the bottom of this post
+1 this post on Google using the button at the bottom of this post
Blog subscribers, GFC friends, Networked blogs followers and Facebook likers get 1 entry each

This giveaway will end at 9pm June 18, 2011. US entries only. The winners will be chosen by Random.org and have 48 hours to respond to my email. **this giveaway is closed**

Disclosure: I received a copy of Phil Cooke’s book as a thank you for this post. All opinions are 100% mine.

The post Disconnect to Reconnect this Father’s Day appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Busch Gardens

cindy — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:40:57 +0000

Make this Father’s Day special by sharing breakfast or lunch with Dad at a Dine with Elmo and Friends in the new Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens on Father’s Day, June 20. Breakfast is offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Your family will enjoy delicious food served buffet-style, character meet and greets with the lovable Sesame Street characters, family together time and a special treat for Dad. Both breakfast and lunch menus include items sure to please both parents and kids alike. One 6×8 photo with Dad, kids and your Sesame Street friends is included per family. Breakfast is $18 for adults and $15 for children. Lunch is $23 for adults and $17 for children. Pass members receive a 10 percent discount. Admission to the park is not included, but is required.

To make your family’s reservation, visit SesameStreetSafariofFun.com and click on Dine With Elmo to book the June 20 dine, or call 1-888-800-5447 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-800-5447 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

After filling up on hugs from characters and awesome food, enjoy family time playing together in Busch Gardens’ new Sesame Street Safari of Fun. The all-new, Sesame Street-themed sunny, funny play land premiered March 27 and is filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun, memorable adventures and shows that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Take a dive on Air Grover, the new junior coaster for parents and kids to ride together. Splash in Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole, a wet adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more. A photography studio offers photos with characters daily, and a musical stage show brings safari tales to life.

Busch Gardens has fun for the whole family to enjoy all day. With thrilling rides, award-winning shows and exotic up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.

The post Celebrate Father’s Day at Busch Gardens appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Thanks Dad Giveaway

cindy — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:28:46 +0000

Father’s Day is just a few days away, why don’t you enter to win dad a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Dad: 101 Stories of Gratitude, Love, and Good Times. This compilation of essays and short stories reflect on fathers & sons, fathers & daughters, raising teens, how dads say “I love you” and more.

Mandatory 1st entry leave me a comment telling me a brief favorite memory of your dad.
Bonus Entries:

Blog subscribers get 1 entry
GFC friends get 1 entry
Networked Blogs followers get 1 entry
Facebook likers get 1 entry
Tweet about this giveaway. You must use @mommaven and link to this giveaway in your tweet. Leave the tweet URL in your comment. (you may do this 3x a day)

This giveaway ends Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 10pm. The winner will be chosen by Random.org

The post Thanks Dad Giveaway appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Easy Recipes-Father’s Day Breakfast Ideas

cindy — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:24:50 +0000

With Father’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to celebrate dad. As for gifts, most fathers have more than enough ties and gadgets, so why not give him something more memorable this year. Start his day with a delicious, warm and cheerful breakfast that is sure to fill his stomach and his heart. With Aunt Jemima® Frozen Pancakes, making breakfast for dad can be so simple that kids, along with another adult, can help make his day.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are easy to make and can be prepared in only one minute in the microwave or toaster. Choose from a wide variety sure to please dad’s palate including: Buttermilk, Low Fat Buttermilk, Whole Grain, Mini and Blueberry and New Confetti Pancakes. Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are available nationwide in the freezer section of grocery stores at suggested retail price of $2.69 for a package of 12 pancakes. They are a good source of 6 vitamins and minerals and contain no preservatives.

Here are some easy recipes to celebrate dad:

HEAVENLY HOMESTYLE HAPPY FACE

Ingredients:
Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes
Microwaveable Bacon
Microwaveable Sausage Links
Home fries- any style you prefer
Table Syrup

Directions:

Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package
Prepare the microwaveable bacon according to package and arrange as hair
Prepare microwaveable sausage and arrange as a happy face smile
Prepare home fries according to package and use as finishing touch for the happy face eyes
Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

BUTTERMILK BANANA BEAR

Ingredients:
Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes
Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes
One Banana
Blueberries
Raisins
Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

Directions:

Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes in a toasted oven or microwave according to package
Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package and -arrange as bears ears
Prepare two small slices of a banana and place on top of the mini pancakes for the bear’s ears
Prepare two smaller slices of banana and arrange onto of pancake for the bear’s eyes
Prepare one blueberry sliced in half and then place on top of banana slices for the bear’s eyes
Prepare three raisins and arrange as the bear’s nose
Add Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup to make the bear’s smile
Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

Happy Father’s Day!

The post Easy Recipes-Father’s Day Breakfast Ideas appeared first on The Mom Maven.