Albany Mommy Blog - Things to do in the Albany area for kids and parents

National Museum of Racing

Did you know that the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga has tons of stuff for kids? 

They have a preschool program on Wednesdays from 10-11am, tours, vacation programs for school break week, an more.

Webkinz Jr. {review}

  Albany Mommy's young testers have recently tried out Webkinz Jr. - a brand new educational website for kids 3 to 6.

We had previously tried out Webkinz with our 6 year old, and had no idea a junior product was out there.  The website is great for kids, with lots of places for them to visit.  The activites are all age appropriate and educational, which is great.  Our four year old navigated with ease on her own!  And since the website is aimed only at really young kids, I didn't feel like I had to sit right next to them while they explored it.  A great gift for all those birthday parties that are coming up!!!! 

New J Crew outlet

There's a new J Crew factory outlet opening in Lake George on Tuesday.  Use this coupon to get an extra 20% off $125 or more until February 21st. 

Ice Skating

Looking for stuff to do President's Week? The Times Union Center is offering some open skating times February 16th-18th.  You can skate from 12-2pm, 2:30-4:30pm, or 5-7pm.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for 12 & under, and skate rental is $5. 

A few other places to skate in the area-Conway Ice Rink at HVCC, Albany County Hockey Rink, Frear Park, Knickerbocker Arena ( 235-0215), and Clifton Park Ice Arena.

Formula feeding?

Both of my kids were formula fed at one point or another.  One right from the beginning and another after a few months of breast feeding.  When I did choose formula they both got Enfamil.  It was what we got in the hospital and I kept hearing how good it was.  I will admit I was afraid to try store brand formula, that it wouldn't be as good for my child.

That's why I found this very interesting.  PBM products {they make store brand formulas for Wal-Mart, Target, Sam's Club and others} just won a $13.5 million lawsuit against Enfamil.  

"PBM’s lawsuit claimed that Mead Johnson engaged in false and misleading campaigns against PBM’s competing store-brand of infant formulas, suggesting they do not provide the same nutrition as Mead Johnson’s brands.  PBM’s store-brand infant formulas cost up to 50 percent less than Enfamil® LIPIL®.  The $13.5 million in damages awarded by the jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is one of the largest damages awards ever for a false advertising case. "

 

Very interesting.  Especially considering how careful companies need to be when make claims in advertising.  I don't know if this would have changed my mind in regards to store brand formula, but I do find it very interesting.

Indoor water fun

Did you know that the Great Escape's indoor water park sells day passes? 

They have an area for little ones and tons of stuff for big kids. 

Before we had our second child, we actually took our "babymoon" there with our first child and it was so much fun.  He was just 2 at the time and would not get out of the water.

Half day passes are $25, full day are $35, and for $50 you can get a pass for unlimited visits through March 31st.

They do reserve certain days for just hotel guests, so check with them before making definite plans.

Children's Place sale

Children's Place has an extra 50% off "select styles", I think they mean already on sale clothes.  And, 25% off dressy styles until February 8th.  Is it time to buy an Easter dress already?

Reminder...

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of this...

Reduce your bills

This is one of those things that you know in the back of your mind you should do and often forget.  Check out how Bridget reduced her cable bill.  Right now, that's a lot of money!  Way to go.

Free Mommy & Me class

Language Learning Institute is offering a free Mommy & Me class on February 8th from 6:15-7pm at St George's Episcopal Church in Clifton Park.  Children from 8 weeks to 4 years old and their parents are welcome.  You do need to register ahead.

Did you know?

Did you know that carbon monoxide detectors expire after about 7 years? 

I found this out the hard way last yer when our carbon monoxide detectors were blaring one evening.  I packed the kids up and raced them out of the house as fast as I could, right after throwing all the windows wide open.  The Latham fire dept came after the kids were situated and they were so incredibly nice.  After they cleared the house, one of them looked at the carbon monoxide detectors and guessed how old the house was. 

I never knew that hey expire, did you?  I have to say I'm not sure about smoke detectors, ours are hard wired. Anyone?

Some nice Sunday reading...

Check out one of our readers, Bridget here.   I think these tips may apply to me! Can the next one be for Moms??  Please!!!

Freebies today only

A new bakery opened at 469 Albany Shaker Rd, Sweet Temptations.  Today{Saturday} at 11am is their ribbon cutting and the first 200 in the store get free coffee and a cupcake. 

It is soooo cold out

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Did you know Afrim's in Colonie has a bounce zone?

It's open Saturday from 9am-8pm & Sunday from 10:30am-6pm. $5 for a day pass, $20 for a month, or $50 for a 6 month pass.

Tell them Albany Mommy sent you!

PS - While you are there ask about their summer camps.  You get 10% off summer camp or birthday parties with the Albany Mommy discount card. 

Nice Valentine's

Friendly's ice cream shoppes are selling sheets of Valentine's now.  For $1 you get a sheet that has 5 Valentine coupons for a free kids cone and 1 coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase.

{The $1 goes to Easter Seals send a kid to camp program too}

Isn't that the coolest Valentine?

How incredibly yummy....

I told you before that you should join facebook just to become a fan of Coccadotts Cake Shop. Well, you wouldn't believe what they are doing now.  Giving more stuff away, Coccadotts stuff. Cupcakes, gift certificates, and more - oh my!!

I heard from a VERY reliable source that the give a way for next week is going to be incredible.  "Coccadotts Cuppycakes & Pigtails" day, come in pigtails and get a free cuppycake.  I don't know which day it will be, but I will be stalking them on facebook and will be dashing out the door as soon as I see it! {My daughter will be wearing the pigtails}

They are making a huge splash on facebook and you gotta' join them!

{PS I am not posting what day they announce this special.  You have to keep checking each day. Sorry}

On a personal note...

Stacy, in real life I am a nurse.  But, on the world wide web I play Albany Mommy.  Hee, hee, hee still laughing!

EcoMaids special...

Jes at EcoMaids is awesome.  She told me that: "all entrants 12/30-1/27 will receive a $50 discount if they book their first ever service with EcoMaids during the month of February"

Thanks again!

Oh wait - Jes says "We would be happy to extend the $50 off promotion to ALL entrants - even if you've had the pleasure of EcoMaids before :) Thank you for entering! "

Isn't she great!?!?!

What a bargain

Have a Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic card?  Use it now until the 31st for an extra 25% off.  Works in stores {with the card} or on line {with code CARD25}.

The last winner of a FREE house cleaning is....

I feel so bad that this is ending.... This was so much fun and I am so grateful to EcoMaids for doing something so nice for my readers.

Let's give Jes and the EcoMaids a huge THANK YOU!

This afternoon, 12 noon to be exact, I will have an announcement for everyone who didn't win.  So make sure you check back.  And now, the winner is Janis G. Congrats Janis!