Sure, you could eat it, but what else could you do with that fruitcake? The Science Museum is on a mission to find out. Does it float? What happens if you burn it? Can you conduct electricity with it? Don’t find these things out at home check it out at the Science Museum of Virginia with these 4 passes!

Fruitcake Science
December 26, 2013 to December 30, 2013
9:30am to 5:00pm

Here’s how to enter:

-Enter your name and email address on the “Polar Express” 
tab on our facebook page or by following this link
- Get additional entries to this contest by sharing your link with your facebook friends and twitter followers (no need for a twitter account to enter the contest)
-Check Richmondmom.com for the winner on Friday, December 20th at 3PM to see if you are the lucky winner!

Congratulations Ginger Good Henley!!!

Have a great time!!

One entry per email address. Enter by 11:59pm, 12-19-13. Winner announced 12-20-13 on our website.

 We can think of at least 5 reasons why you will want to snag this deal from Hip to be Round in Carytown:

1. You’re pregnant (obvi).

2. You got the pregnant co-worker in the office Secret Santa.

3. Your friend is has a new baby and is compliaining that nothing fits right and if it fits right she can’t breastfeed in it.

4. You’re not pregnant, but you secretly like the Michael Stars maternity tees better than your regular non-maternity tees because they are longer and fit better.

5. Your friend/sister/sister-in-law is expecting and you’re after the coveted “Godparent” status.

Whatever your reason click here because we’ve got the hook up for great savings at Hip to be Round
Coupon valid December 3, 2013 to March 1, 2014.  Offer expires December 9, 2013 so get it while you can!

You can always save $15 off $75 or more at Hip to be Round
when you use your Savvy Saver Card
Hip to be Round is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com

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Getting a new quest from a tree

Since we had come see the new ShadowQuest game, we thought we’d start there before ultimately ending up at the famous indoor water park.  My boys picked their wands (and toppers) and we set off on our adventure: the Quest to Save the Light.

Part live action game, part scavenger hunt, the game was simple enough for my younger son, but complex enough for the older one.  The boys waived wands at treasure chests, crystals and woodland creatures which would react as if by magic. Though it was a busy weekend, it never felt crowded or chaotic as we moved through hallways and dashed up and down stairs to the next adventure.  I expected the enthusiasm to wear off quickly, but an hour later the boys were still engaged and a little disappointed when I told them it was time to take a break and hit the water park.

The trip was a surprise to the kids… here is the “wow” moment

Sitting with my 8 month old in my lap at the edge of the wave pool, watching the boys play, I couldn’t really tell you if it was still cold and misting outside or not.  From where I was sitting, it was a perfect 82 degrees. We were able to play in the various pools and slides later than usual because our room was just upstairs; we didn’t need to worry about packing up and heading out or any of that nonsense.

  Though the restaurants were lovely, we picked up our pizza, two beers and two chocolate milks and dined sitting next to the warm gas fireplace in our room.  My 5 year old was done for the night, but at 8:30 my 7 year old wanted to complete another quest; he and my husband set off to play while I sat in my pajamas and soaked up the quiet evening.  That night, the boys slept soundly in their own little “cabin” having utterly exhausted themselves.

Warm fire, cold beer, sleepy children. All my favorite things.

The next day was split up into trying experience all there is to do at Great Wolf Lodge into one day (it’s impossible) but because everything is located in one place, you’re left with a happy-tired feeling rather than the slightly overwhelmed feeling of a large spread out park. What continued to amaze me about Great Wolf Lodge is that though my two boys have such vastly different interests, both of them were able to find something (actually several somethings) they loved to do.
As we packed the kids into the car and headed home, my husband and I decided we had two regrets:

1.We should have stayed longer.
2. We should have gotten our own wands.

Great Wolf Lodge is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com
Get 20% off the best available rates and spa services when you use the Savvy Saver code “RICH230A” online or at (800) 551-9653. Restrictions may apply in peak periods.

November Wheel Throwing Special

See what you can make with wet clay when your try your hand at wheel throwing.  Save $30 when you purchase a 3 wheel throwing class gift certificate for $150.  Purchase one yourself or someone else! And hey, if you give this as a gift, maybe they’ll even make ya something! 

Your nearest studio for more information.

“Falling for You” Keepsake Plate
Youngster and You class
Register now and come in All Fired Up locations on November 13th to create your own “Falling for You” keepsake plate.  Youngster and You classes are a great chance for some bonding time with your little one (and this time of year it’s a great way to get some personalized gift giving done!)
We think this is a really fun and unique way to preserve memories with a hand or footprint.  Keep it for yourself or have them create a gift for a family member.

Contact your favorite All Fired Up location for details.
Carytown – (804) 355-3412
Midlothian – (804) 744-5506
Short Pump – (804) 360-3111

Don’t forget! You always get 10% off walk-in projects at All Fired Up with the
Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card!

Kent Swarts of Massage Envy.

When I first met Kent Swarts I knew he and his partner Chris would be uber-successful: not only do they have a great business sense, they truly “get it” when it comes to customer service.

So it was no surprise when I stopped in for a massage recently that I learned that the Glen Allen – Massage Envy Short Pump location was the busiest in the nation–all right here in our own River City!

Often, when folks think about franchises they think they’re not locally-focused: not the case with Massage Envy. Kent and his team are super-conscious of everything going on in Richmond–from their huge annual effort with the Arthritis Foundation to their many contributions to local non-profits and efforts including our very own SuperMom and monthly Rockstar contests.

I couldn’t be more fortunate to have met Kent early on when we began Richmondmom.com–he believed in our mission, he walks the walk/talks the talk, and I hope that if you need some relaxation you’ll consider them–download our Savvy Saver card  here and receive $10 off a facial. Because it’s important to support good people.

Go, Massage Envy Short Pump! And many thanks to Kent, Chris and team for doing what you do.

Massage Envy has been a long-time site sponsor of Richmondmom.com–thank you!

http://www.smv.org

The Science Museum of Virginia has tons of events, exhibits, and family fun going on. Lots of events are happening right now so don’t miss them. Mark your calendars to take advantage of all of these fun activities. And be sure to visit our link to register to possibly win a family pack of 5-free tickets to Raise the Roof – we’re giving away one family pack of tickets each week through April, 2013.

Just have fun at the Museum by planning ahead for many of these upcoming events too!

(Visit the Museum website to confirm dates and times as they may change after posting).

You can also use your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for special savings on Fridays at the Science Museum.

Born to be Wild (film in IMAX^®DOME)

Now-Friday, May 24

Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them — saving endangered species one life at a time. $9 general admission, $5 for members.

They Call It Stormy Weather: How Artists See the Weather and the Seasons

Now-Monday June 3

Explore artists’ depictions of weather from thunderstorms on powerful, wild seas to sunny skies above spring fields. The photographic reproductions are on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Included with exhibit admission.

Raise the Roof: An Exhibit About Buildings

Now-Sunday, April 28

If walls could talk, what would they say? Explore buildings and structures in a new light as you discover the stories behind the structures through a variety of interactive experiences. Included with exhibit admission.

http://www.smv.org

Architecture in Virginia: The Old Dominion

Friday, March 15-Sunday, May 12

Examine photographs and descriptions of 24 significant examples of Virginia architecture built primarily between 1780 and 1861. The collection is on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Included with exhibit admission.

Rocky Mountain Express

Saturday, March 16-Friday, May 24

Join in the epic adventure of building Canada’s first transcontinental railway as you are propelled on a steam train journey through the Canadian Rockies. $9 general admission, $5 for members.

April E-Cycling

Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30

April is E-Cycle month at the Museum, benefitting VirginiaFIRST. Drop off unwanted electronic devices including computers, mp3s, smart phones, cell phones, televisions and other electronics for recycling. We accept broken and working equipment, batteries, cables and chargers, etc. Anything with data will be wiped to DOD standards. Free.

March Ratness

Thursday, April 4, 11 am

Cheer on your favorite basketball playing rats as they represent four top college teams and compete Science Museum of Virginia style! Included with Museum admission.

Junior Solar Sprint Workshop

Saturday, April 6, 10 am-noon

Discover the science behind a Junior Solar Sprint car as you learn how to build one. Up to 4 persons per team. Participants must have materials for the car. Kits are available for purchase through the Museum while supplies last. To register please call 804.864.1400. $10 registration, free for Museum members.

Nano Days

Saturday, April 6, 11 am-4 pm

Join us as we explore the world of the very small where things are one billionth of a meter or smaller. Included with exhibit admission.

Camp In

Friday, April 12-Saturday, April 13

Try your hand at designing and building structures, watch a giant-screen film in the IMAX^®DOME and explore Museum exhibits after hours at this fun overnight! $45 per child. $20 per adult. For every four children, one adult chaperone is required. Call 804.864.1400. 

VCU School of Engineering Senior Design Expo

Friday, April 19, 9:30 am-2:30 pm

If you are looking for something amazing, explore senior engineering projects designed by Virginia Commonwealth University students. One year a student designed a flying car, so this year’s designs should even be more spectacular. Free.

Chesterfield County Public Schools STEAM Fair

Saturday, April 20, 9:30 am-4 pm

Check out science in action as Chesterfield County Public School students demonstrate their science projects and compete in team challenges: Minute to Win It and STEAM Olympics. Included with exhibit admission.

Earth Day Rain Barrel Workshop – Sold Out

Saturday, April 20, 1-3 pm

Build a rain barrel for your home as you celebrate Earth Day and learn about conserving resources. Please call 804.864.1400 to reserve a space; seating is limited. $15/$10 for members.

National Weather Service SKYWARN Training Session

Saturday, April 20, 3-5 pm

Learn now to become a volunteer severe weather spotter! SKYWARN volunteers provide the National Weather Service with timely and accurate severe weather reports. Preregistration is required since space is limited. To register email Michael.Montefusco@noaa.gov. Free.

Girls in Medicine Camp In

Friday, May 10-Saturday, May 11

Middle School girls team up with women in the medical field to focus the variety of genetics opportunities while they explore careers in medicine. Sponsored by HCA Virginia Health System. $10 per person.

Junior Solar Sprint

Saturday, May 4, 10 am-3 pm

Cheer your favorite student team as sun-powered, race cars head toward the finish line. Registration per team is $10, including up to 4 team members and one adult. Pre-registration is required. Call 804.864.1400. Included with exhibit admission for general public, free for members.

Robots + Us

May 11-September 29

Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members

Flight of the Butterflies (film in IMAX^®DOME)

Saturday, May 25-Friday, September 6

Migrate with hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies across North America! Discover the hideaway of these magnificent creatures and immerse yourself in this compelling adventure. $9 general admission, $5 for members.

To The Arctic (film in IMAX^®DOME)

Saturday, May 25-Friday, September 6

Journey with a mother polar bear and her two cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous, and intimate footage brings you up close and personal with this family´s struggle to survive and thrive. $9 general admission, $5 for member

Martini & A Movie

Thursday, May 2, 6-8 pm

Join members of the Universe Society for an evening of networking and seeing the giant screen film Grand Canyon Adventure. The Universe Society is a social group of young adults who promote the Museum. For reservations call 804.864.1548, email celliott@smv.org or visit https://support.smv.org/UniverseSocietyEvents. $20 or $15 for members.

Rain Barrel Workshop

Saturday, May 11, 1-3 pm

Build a rain barrel for your home as you celebrate Earth Day and learn about conserving resources. Please call 804.864.1400 to reserve a space; seating is limited. $15/$10 for members.

Rain Barrel Workshop

Saturday, May 30, 1-3 pm

Build a rain barrel for your home as you celebrate Earth Day and learn about conserving resources. Please call 804.864.1400 to reserve a space; seating is limited. $15/$10 for members.

The Science Museum of Virginia is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

For the March Mommy and Me, musician Kurt Stemhagen will provide entertainment, and Richmondmom.com’s Katie Mardigian will be there to give away Savvy Saver cards for the grown ups and treats for the kids, so stop by and say hello!  You might even walk away with a Richmond Rocks or Spooky Sequel book which we raffle off each month!

Mommy and Me is held the second Wednesday of each month, and is great family fun for kids, moms, dads and grandparents, so join us Wednesday, March 13th from 10:00am – 11:30am outside at The Shops at Willow Lawn.

Don’t miss this FREE morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parent’s interaction with their children!

Be sure to visit Katie Mardigian at the Richmondmom.com table to pick up the new 2013 Savvy Saver card, say hello, and get some treats for the kids.  You can also preview Kate Hall’s newest book, Richmond Rocks, the Spooky Sequel!

This year the Mommy & Me event has been extended to a year-long monthly event.  February’s Mommy & Me will be held inside the Children’s Theatre of VA (formerly Barksdale Theatre) located a few doors down from Old Navy.

Don’t miss this FREE morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance
parent’s interaction with their children!

Hundreds of Richmond moms, dads, grandparents, friends, and family love our Savvy Saver Card and there are plenty of good reasons – check them out and you’ll love them too.

Dozens of Richmond moms and dads have already taken advantage of great savings with their card.  You can easily download a copy here to use all year long, and/or request a tri-fold card by mail by clicking here and provide us with your mailing information. If you’re already on our 2012 list, you will automatically receive a new 2013 card – however, if your address has changed please email us at info@richmondmom.com as soon as possible with your new information. 2013 cards are being mailed in early January.

Wondering why you should request your own Savvy Saver card?

Here are some fantastic reasons for you to consider:

Hayes & Fisk offers a complimentary session fee valued at $150.

Real Life Studios offers $150 off a Real Life Birthday Party.

Get 10% off 2 or more custom window treatments at Sewinit’ where you’ll also find duvets, pillows, monogrammed items, accessories, and more.

The Science Museum of Virginia has a “Buy One Get One Free Friday” offer on Savvy Saver.

Core Kids Academy offers 50% off one session (8 week term) for babies classes (10-18 month old class).

Great Wolf Lodge offers 20% off best available room rates and spa services. Code “RICH230A” online or at (800) 551-9653. Restrictions may apply in peak periods

No enrollment fee for tutoring; buy 3 sessions, 4th free  at College Nannies & Tutors.

Hip to be Round makes clothes and accessories affordable and you can save an additional $15 off a $75 purchase with your card.

No registration fee ($25 value) for new plan registrants, use code “RICMOM” at www.va529.com.

Tuckaway waives registration fees for new enrollment.

Romp n’ Roll offers discounts on play-based early- learning classes (Gym, Art, Music, and more): $10 off 3-month enrollment (limit one discount per year).

The Wine Loft offers 20% off Monday nights for Mom’s Night Out.

Dream Dinners is even easier when you use code DDANY102013 for 10% off any order of 36 servings or more. One time use only.

Gundlach is there when you need them with a 10% discount on all repairs. Not valid with any other offer.

All Fired Up gives a 10% discount off walk-in projects.

 Richmond Rocks and the Richmond Rocks Spooky Sequel children’s book: Free shipping on any signed copy. ONLY through kate@ richmondmom.com; excludes retail stores & online sales.

 See clearly with Virginia Eye Institute’s offer of 30% discount off eyeglasses, sunglasses & accessories and 10% off contact lenses. Cannot be combined with other vision/ optical plans or other discounts/ promotions.

Brain Balance – Learn more about Brain Balance at any free Parent Seminar “Reconnecting Disconnected Kids” & get $50 off evaluation.

$10 off a luxurious Murad Signature Facial at Massage Envy awaits on your Savvy Saver card.

Virginia Rep Children’s Theatre of Virginia – check Richmondmom.com for shows and special offers throughout the year.

Present this card for a free one week pass at American Family Fitness.

Mom’s Treehouse offers 20% off 1st time fitness program purchase and $25 off any Mom’s Treehouse Host-Your-Party rental (888) 232-2450.

You will also find great services at these local businesses and schools:

Gardner Grins: Excellence in Orthodontics

Leave a comment below and let us know what you love most about your Savvy Saver card. Let us know what you’ve used your card for and how much you saved. We’d love to know how much our Richmond moms, dads, grandparents, and friends are saving!

Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver Discounts are offered by advertisers on Richmondmom.com

Pub-Style Chicken w/Mashed Potatoes, Yum

Since starting Richmondmom.com, I’ve been lucky enough to test some really great stuff from the best-of-the-best in Richmond, and Dream Dinners is one of them. Full disclosure: Dream Dinners is an advertiser of our site, and has been since almost the very beginning,  and hear me out on this one: they can be a mama’s best friend. We even have a snazzy Dream Dinners Discount if you’d like to try ‘em out.

I always have a stash of Dream Dinners in my freezer, and they’re like my little insurance

We usually have leftovers from the Chicken Enchiladas–even better reheated, in my humble opinion.

policy. I get home to find that I don’t have enough olive oil, milk or butter for a recipe or that I just plain ol’ don’t feel like coming up with dinner, and all I have to do is reach into my stash. There, I find a healthy meal that cooks up quickly that my kids love 97% of the time (give or take a percent).

Because I live in the east and there’s no Dream Dinners near where I live (the only physical location is in Midlothian), I order ‘em online & pick ‘em up at

My kids love some ribs–these are some of the best.

The Daily Grind in Short Pump, ready-made and frozen.

If you’re lucky enough to live near Midlo, you can have the fun of putting them together yourself if you like at the Woodlake Commons Loop Dream Dinners.

Our faves? Of the items that are out in the August menu, a few of them are:

• Smokehouse Ribs
• Pub-Style Chicken
• Chicken Enchiladas

To get a 10% discount off 36 servings or more using our Savvy Saver card, and see if you like them as much as we do.

Thanks to Dream Dinners for being an advertiser and supporting Richmondmom.com from the get-go. You “get” what it’s like to be a mom!