LUMA Light Show at Miller Outdoor Theater

Looking for a little culture for your kiddos?

Gish Pics is a great resource for fine arts happenings in Houston.

Today's e-newsletter included the very fun show below. Check it out!

LUMA is the world's first "Human Light Show" that has been seen on four continents, a dozen countries, and coast to coast in the United States. LUMA brings cutting edge illuminated technology to the stage fused to a wide variety of disciplines from dance, magic, puppetry, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, and physics phenomenon. LUMA depicts a world of luminosity from fireflies to meteors from carnival rides to screen savers.

LUMA recaptures that innocent fascination we all have from our first play with a flashlight under the covers, to our yearly pilgrimage to fireworks shows in the summer and our reveling in the holiday lights in the winter.

The show is at the Miller Outdoor Theater the Friday and Saturday ONLY at 8:30.

New Party In Town

The planning of a birthday party can sometimes take the actual fun right out of that party....Especially if you have already tackled all the major ideas like gymnastics, inflatable rentals, pool parties and laser tag.

And if someone asks if you've considered having the party at your own house.... You have my permission to tell them to go sell crazy somewhere else because you are all filled up at your house.

Yes, I did just say that outloud.

How 'bout a mobile video game experience?

What is that you say? A mobile man-cave of sorts?



Yessirreee!

CurbGames.com might just be what you are looking for.

CurbGames features the most popular video games from Nintendo Wii, X-Box 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. 3 mobile theaters are available, each developed to provide up to 24 multi-player stations.

And not to worry...they do have rating systems for what games are featured in the mobile theater that will pull up in front of your casa.

Inside CurbGames you will find an air conditioned "limo style" luxury Mobile Video Game Theater with 4 50" plasma TVs and 16 linked multi-player stations.

Outside you will find 2 50" plasma TVs with an additional 8 linked multi-player stations, all equipped with the latest fully interactive games such as Halo 3, Rock Band, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero 3, Wii Sports, Mario Brothers, Sonic and much more.

Something tells me this isn't going to just be for kids....once the men get wind of this, 40th birthday parties will take on a whole new look.

And we thought rollerskating parties were big stuff back in the day.

Ooops, I just showed my age.

Check out CurbGames.com. They are available for birthday parties, team parties, corporate events, family gatherings or neighborhood events.

Niftee 50ees Turns Back Time

Have you ever driven near 249 and Spring Cypress on a Saturday night and happened to see a Classic Street Rod or a 60's Muscle Car driving past?

Chances are they are either going or coming from the Niftee 50ees Classic Drive-in.

The Niftee 50ees Classic Drive-In is held each Saturday from 6-10 pm in the Kroger Shopping Center located at Spring Cypress and Champion Forest.

This is no small show....on any given Saturday, north of 100 classic cars can be found parked in this shopping center.

The show is geared toward models earlier than 1979.....classic Street Rods, 50's Cruisers, 60s & 70's Muscle Cars. You will be stunned at the selection and the amount of people that mill around during those 4 hours. These types of cars draw quite a crowd. It's a well known fact...avoid shopping at the Spring Cypress/Champion Forest Kroger on Saturday night if you can avoid it.

Grab an early dinner at Schilleci's (read some of their fabulous reviews here)and then take your time walking through rows and rows of amazing pieces of history. Feel free to bring your camera. And don't hesitate to ask the owners questions...they LOVE to talk about their cars.

Don't miss out on this local treasure! Their 2009 season ends right before Thanksgiving.

Free Poster

Do you have a favorite pic from this summer that would be perfect as an 11x14 poster?

You are in luck.

Log on to Walgreens.com today and use the code FREEPOSTER when checking out. You'll pay just $1.99 shipping and get a fabulous larger-than-life memory from the summer.

Code is only good for today...so get to it!

Psstt.....Walgreens is giving away free stuff all week! Take a peek:

Wednesday - FREE Photo Clings (you save $9.99, pay $5.99 shipping)
Thursday - FREE 20 4x6 prints (you save $3.80, pick up in-store)
Friday - $0.99 Scrapbook Page 8x10 (you save $4.00, pick up in-store)
Saturday - 50% off Everyday Photo Books (you save $5.00 for 20 pgs, $1.99 shipping)

POS

What is POS you might ask?

Parent Over Shoulder

It's what kids text when their parents are in the room and perhaps looking at their computer screen or the face of their phone.

Pretty sneaky, right?

As parents, we are always trying to stay one step ahead of danger lurking ahead of our kids.

So when a facebook post regarding internet filters appeared on my wall today...I thought this would be a great thing to share.

A website called Top Ten Reviews has done the research so you don't have to....To read reviews of 10 highly-rate internet filter software choices go here.

Two others that have been mentioned in the responses are I Am Big Brother and Covenant Eyes..but I'll be honest and say I've heard mixed reviews regarding the later choice.

After 12+ comments on that particular post, the filter most recommended is YOU. Keep your
kid's computer in a public place like the kitchen, as much as you can.

So there you have it. Check the meat and spit out the bones, if you will..but at least give it a glance for future use.

SoccerTots & SoccerTouch Now in Houston

Sports activities are an integral part of every child's physical and social development. And let's just be honest...anything activity based just flat gets the energy out of those little guys.

SoccerTots and Soccer Touch are now in the Houston area!

SoccerTots® franchised program is a child development program for kids ages 18 months to 6 years old. It uses a variety of fun games to delight and engage kids in physical activity. The curriculum is professionally designed to develop motor skills, promote physical fitness, and create self-confidence. Learn more about classes.

SoccerTouch® franchised program is a child development program focused on kids ages 6 to 10 years old. It uses a variety of skills-based games combined with small-sided soccer games in a weekly class format. The curriculum is professionally designed to develop soccer skills in an environment of fun with little emphasis put on competition. Emphasis is put on individual skill development. Learn more about classes.

SoccerTouch® Summer Camps develop motor skills and fitness for kids ages 4 to 10 years old by doing fun activities to enhance your child's soccer and athletic abilities! Learn more about camp dates and locations.

Classes are held at:

The Woodlands

Spring/Klein

Cy-Fair

West Houston-Katy

And you can never get rained out because it's inside! Bonus!

First Impressions

The day is upon us. The day when you meet the person who will spend time with your precious angel from the Lord for 5+ hours a day, Monday-Friday, or some variation. Meet the Teacher is about a week away.

We waited and waited for those letters to come in the mailbox. That little piece of paper brought a range of emotions: happiness, frustration, disappointment, uncertainty. Will this teacher really be able to appreciate how smart, funny and special this child is?

Nothing like a new school year to get you on your knees. God knew who your child's teacher would be this year and know without a doubt, He has a plan for them. Remind me of that when I open my boys' teacher letters. Thank you in advance for telling me, "It's just going to be SO fine."

My mom-in-law is the Queen of Susus. What are 'susus' you ask? Susus are little gifts that she finds and sends for no reason, just to say she was thinking of you. As a former teacher, I am very careful what I give or bring to the classroom of my boys' teachers. And as one would guess, I usually steer clear of bath products, coffee mugs, stuffed animals and wooden jewelry because I received a lot of it when I taught. So heartfelt, but still too much bath gel isn't a blessing. BUT, when my friends, Leigh Ann & Julie, let me in on their Meet the Teacher susu secret, I had to share.

Gourmet Apples and More is a little shop right in front of Champion Forest Baptist Church that sells chocolate-covered creations. They have chocolate-covered rice krispie treats, pretzels and as you would guess, apples! But these aren't just any chocolate-covered apples, they are works of art. To give you an idea, they have Plain Jane (dipped in caramel and then dipped in chocolate), Rocky Road and Heath Bar. The apples on their website are the large variety which run $14ish and the smaller size are $6ish. And when I spoke to the sweet man who was answering phones today, he said they will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. They open for the season on Monday and will be open from 10-6 daily. Bless his heart, he had been receiving phone calls from several spirited ladies that day, frustrated that the store had not been open for the private school meet the teacher events.

So as summer draws to a close and you have a bit more spring in your step, remember to bless those sweet teachers as they begin this new school year. Nothing says love like chocolate!

Operation Backpack

You have one more week to participate in Operation Backpack!

YMCA’s across the Greater Houston area are gearing up to provide school supplies for children in our communities. The children you help through this project will be filled with hope, joy and excitement as they start the school year. Your investment will provide these children the opportunity to start school with the tools to be successful.

It's so easy! While you are taking care of your regular shopping, pick up an extra backpack and school supplies for a kiddo in our area that may not have the resources to begin school with the needed supplies.

Many willing hearts are needed to assist with this project. Help the YMCA make a difference in the life of a child. Donate a backpack filled with school supplies and change a life!

**JC Penny, Target and Walmart have lots of choices at such great prices...you could even donate several backpacks!

Deadline is August 16th.

Buy One Get One Free at Johnny Carinos

From today until August 15th, PRINT THIS E-MAIL, and head over to Carino's and get 1 of the following entrees free when you buy any of our entrees from the House Specialties, Classic Italian or Lunch Entrees menu sections.

Choose one of these free entrees:
Five Meat Tuscan Pasta
Angel Hair with Artichokes
Create Your Own Pasta
Spaghetti & Meatballs

Add a House Salad for $0.99 or a Mini Dessert for $2!

Hurry into Carino's today!
This only lasts for 10 days.

This offer is valid at Carino's Italian Restaurants for DINE-IN ONLY in the following areas: TX (excluding Wichita Falls and El Paso), AR, LA, MO, Kansas City, NJ (except Clifton), ID, CO. Not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Discount amount limited to $9.99 per free entree.

Offer good from 8/6/2009 - 8/15/2009 only. One printed coupon per table and up to 4 free entrees per coupon. Offer not valid with Curbside To-Go or Catering. Present this printed e-mail to server when placing your order. Tax and gratuity not included.

Snapfish Photo Adventure

It's August... summer camps, activities and vacations are winding down and you feel like you just might be the poster child for Sunsweet prunes if you don't cut back on the pool time.

Soon.

Very soon.



Help is here.

Snapfish Photo Adventure

Snapfish has partnered with Leap Frog to bring you and your kids a fun photo adventure everyone will enjoy. It's easy to get started, just choose one of their four adventure themes (beach, fun around the house, camping or theme parks & fairs) and let your kids get snapping.

And it's easy to win prizes! Complete all 7 challenges per theme and get 50% off any size collage poster. Finish four themes and get a FREE 5" x 7" photo book!

The fun only lasts until August 31 so get started today. This photo op could be in your future!

Houston Restaurants Week 2009

Are you a foodie?

Get ready to be dazzled.

It's time for Houston Restaurant Week 2009.

From August 10th-23rd, you have a chance to dine out to help fight hunger in Houston. The opportunity to enjoy a three course gourmet meal for $35 per person (not including beverages, tax or gratuity) awaits you. Participating restaurants will donate $5 from each special meal sold to the Houston Food Bank. This is a wonderful opportunity for diners to try new restaurants or re-visit old favorites while helping to fight hunger in Houston.

Need a sampling of restaurants participating? Here's a few....

Americas - Post Oak
Amerigo's Grille
Brenner's Steakhouse
Cadillac Bar Houston
The Capital Grille
Carmelo's Ristorante
Crapitto's Cucina Italiana
Crave Sushi
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Denis' Seafood House
Downtown Aquarium
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The Glass Wall
Grotto
Jasper's
La Griglia
Masraff's
The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant - Galleria Area Houston
McCormick & Schmick's "Fresh" Seafood Restaurant
Mo's…A Place for Steaks
NOE Restaurant (at The Omni Houston Hotel)
Ouisie's Table
Pappas Bros. Steak House
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
Pesce
Post Oak Grill - Uptown
RA Sushi - Town & Country
Rainbow Lodge
The Remington Restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Smith & Wollensky
Strip House
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Truluck's
Vic & Anthony's
Willie G's Seafood & Steaks

Click here to check out the menus of many participating restaurants.

August Vintage Park Cinema Alfresco

Movie Under The Stars this Saturday!

Ratatouille is the feature film.

Click here for details.

Home Depot Kids Workshop-August

Home Depot holds Kids Workshops the 1st Saturday of every month.

These how-to workshops are free and designed for kiddos ages 5-12. You won't receive any paint, it's optional to paint it at home. Plus first-time participants get a free apron. Every time you go you get a pin for the specific project you built to add to your apron and a certificate.

Head over to the Depot today between 9-12 and give your kids a chance to make a very cool and oh-so useful Message Center.