Albany Mommy Blog - Fun things to do in the Albany New York Capital District area for kids and parents

Troy Pig Out

The annual Troy Pig Out BBQ festival is next weekend.  It's not just BBQ either!  Live music and fireworks on Saturday night too!

Saturday July 16th  from 11am-10pm and Sunday July 17th from 11am-4pm.  Troy Riverfront Park, admission is free.

Farmer's Market is looking for...

Vendors wanted: The Capital District Farmer's Market in Menands is looking for new vendors for the 2011 season.  Know of any farmers/crafters who need a market? The Farmer's Market wants them on Saturdays from 9am-1pm starting May 7th.  

They also need bakers, cheese makers, fresh fish, a knife sharpener, and more.  Call Erin at 465-1023 ext 10 or go online for an application.

Thanks to Jessica Lansing of Lansing Farm Market!

More free food for snow days!

 
Any day this week that school is closed because of snow kids eat free. 

One free kids meal with each adult entree. Need to print coupon found here. 

Snow day = free food!

A reader was nice enough to let me in on this deal.  Looks like we may be able to use it again soon!

When snowstorms close schools, Juicy Burgers & More offers one free meal from its children’s menu (burger, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, hot dog, all with fries) with the purchase of an entrée.

Juicy Burgers & More is located at Karner’s Corner Plaza, 5 New Karner Road, Guilderland (464-9800); and Milton Center Plaza, 15 Trieble Ave., Milton (884-0033).

Breakfast with some cool characters.

 

*** Due to Disney and unknown at the time of this writing - the hosts have had to pull the plug on any Disney related costumes. Please see www.thechildrensguide.com for an update**

 

 

 

Big, fun, and furry friends!  We can't wait to see Woody and Jessie from Toy Story, they are huge favorites in our house right now. See you there!

Where arts & crafts take on a whole new meaning.

Coccadott's cake shop had this posted on facebook today:

"Back by popular demand this weekend only - KIDS CRAFT PACKS! Each complete pack includes a dozen undecorated cupcakes, a bowl full of buttercream, sprinkles, and assorted cupcake decorations. Only $20, pre order only. Call 438-4937 today!!!"

Now that's my kind of arts & crafts! Yummy! Be sure to say you saw  it on Albany Mommy!

~Albany Mommy blog~

 

Moms on {nutrition} tour

   

A few months ago Albany Mommy and a few readers {with their children} got to take a Nutrition Tour at Hannaford in Latham with Monique, their registered dietician.

We learned so much! I can't believe it. Monique taught us about organic vs non-organic. If you are going to spend the money for organic without going fully organic, what should you spend money on? Monique said anything where the skin goes in pretty much. Like apple juice, I never thought to buy organic, but the skins are pressed along with everything else and not scrubbed of pesticides first. Eeewwww!

Did you know that when high fructose corn syrup is produced that mercury is a by-product? I almost fell over when Monique went into detail about that.

We also learned some great snack ideas for kids at home and to take to school. Freeze little yogurts, they'll be ready to eat by snack time, frozen grapes, and the best tip - put in a variety and let kids "make their own snack.  For instance, veggies and dip, apples and peanut butter, yogurt and topping.  Anything where kids put together ingredients with make food more fun.  We've been trying it at our house and snacks have gotten so much healthier.

Hannaford offers nutrition tours and classes at each Hannaford.  I highly suggest taking the time for a tour. Get another Mom or 2 and go together. Monique will tailor the tour towards you. I told her we wanted to know a lot about organic eating and kids eating and she really did a great job concentrating on those items.

Starbucks!!

Today, 11/18 thru Sunday 11/21 from 2-5pm when you buy one holiday beverage you'll get one free.

Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, or Gingerbread Latte.

Take a friend to Starbucks!

Amazingly delicious breakfast!

Our first Hannaford only brand meal was incredible!! {See more about the delicious challenge here.}

Hot, fluffy, golden pancakes with fruit spread.

When we went shopping for the delicious challenge I realized we were saving A LOT of money buying not buying brand names.  With the amount we were saving I was willing to sacrifice taste a little.  I was prepared to sacrifice taste a little! Not the case!

I can't believe it, but the Hannaford pancake mix made tastier pancakes than the mix I usually use?!?! My husband said they tasted better than usual, the kids asked for seconds, and there were NO leftovers.  I can't believe we saved money and got better tasting food.

Yippee! I think we are going to enjoy this challenge!

 

 Join me later to see what happens when I switch the kids snacks for school out with Hannaford brand snacks...

Delicious challenge...

Hannaford recently contacted me to do a " NO NATIONAL BRANDS" challenge for a week. 

I shop at Hannaford, use some of the Hannaford brands, sounded great to me.  Hannaford provided me with a gift card to go shopping and buy Hannaford brand items and "cook" with them for a week.

This week I'll be posting the good, bad, delicious, not so delicious and all. Is this a new way to save money? Will my family be sacrificing taste? Join me and we'll see! And let me tell you, when a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old don't like something they let you know!  When they do like something you get silence while they eat!

We made incredible french toast, pancakes, omelettes, teriyaki chicken, and more!!

Stay tuned...

Red Robin turns 5!

New Chipotle opening!

A new Chipotle is scheduled to open on 8/31 inStuyvesant Plaza.

Love their chicken burritos! The smell alone is fabulous!

Something yummy to do on a rainy day...

Today -Monday 1:15 pm

Hoffman's Playland parking lot

Coccadotts Cupcake Truck - YUMMY!

First 25 people to find Albany Mommy in the crowd while there get FREE Albany Mommy discount cards!!