Feed Your Family For Less

How to save money at Restaurants with Restaurant.com Certificates

Restaurant.com is a great way for you to save some money this holiday season. I have been using Restaurant.com for quite a while now and love their prices. Normally you get a $25 certificate for only $10, which is a great deal. As an affiliate partner with Restaurant.com I get information on some of their best deals. I wrote an article on Profitable Productive Blogging last October about How To Save Money At Restaurants and talked about how you can stretch your dollar using Restaurant.com certificates and their special promotions. Well I am please to announce that once again Restaurant.com is running their TREATS coupon code promotion. Once you have selected all the certificates you want enter the coupon code TREATS in the checkout box and you will get this incredible deal.

Head on over to Restaurant.com and start searching for restaurants in your area. They have restaurant descriptions and even menus for you to help choose a new restaurant. The cool thing about purchasing a gift certificate from Restaurant is that you don't have to wait for it in the mail you simply print it out. It really is that simple and in just a few minutes you have stretched your dining dollar and have your certificates in hand and ready to use. Once again, after you have selected your certificates and are checking out you will need to enter the promo code TREATS in the promo code box to get this special deal. Again that is coupon code TREATS to the get the best deal Restaurant.com is currently offering. This offer expires on October 31st so you need to hurry to Restaurant.com and get your certificates before it is too late.

Just so you know Restaurant.com offers an unconditional guarantee so you never have to worry about a restaurant honoring the certificates you have purchases. I do want to note that some of the restaurants have minimum purchase amounts for using the certificates so check the details of each offer so you don't get any surprises.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Is Paddling Your Children Abuse?

The issue of parental paddling has been a very polarizing issue. Many parents feel that when administered in the right manner paddling is a necessary form of discipline. Others feel that it can never be administered in the right manner and is always abuse. What are your feelings on this issue? Can paddling be administered in such a way as to not be abuse?

Another angle on the issue is that of privacy. There are those that feel that how they raise and discipline their children is a personal and private manner. Many times this issue also falls along religious lines and is viewed as a biblical form of discipline.

There is a story out of Wisconsin about a Pastor that is on trial for paddling his son. The pastor used a wooden paddle and paddled each cheek of his son leaving light bruises. The case is going to be tried before a jury who will decide whether the man committed felony abuse. What are your feelings on this case? Here is a link to the story in the Portage Daily Register.

Were you paddled as a child? Did you then and do you now feel it was abuse? Do you paddle your children?

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Future NFLer? And He's Cute :)

This is my son's first year playing rocket football and he loves it. His team went undefeated and is going to a bowl game! Yeah they have those for rocket football around here. He has had a wonderful time playing and I have had a wonderful time cheering like a mad man from the stands thanks to the inspiring cheerleading of my daughter! Anyway I really haven't posted pictures in the past but....

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Quick Trip With The Kids

Took a trip with the kids over the Father's Day weekend and had a great time. We went to a wonderful resort in Wisconsin Dells. Chula Vista Resort has a wonderful all-inclusive package that makes vacation soooo much easier. I have stayed there now 4 times and each time has been better than the last. The constant improvements to the amenities and services has turned the resort into one of the premier resorts in the Dells area. In talking with management and other staff while there they are working hard to add some more rides outside which would be another great improvement. Also I feel they could make a few minor changes to the inclusive package to make it even better. It doesn't have the largest resort water park, probably the older teens would get a bit restless after a couple days, but it is plenty large and diverse enough for small through early teen children.

The weather couldn't have been better and the crowds weren't bad making the stay even better. The kids had a wonderful time playing for hours at the indoor and outdoor parks. The beautiful grounds and the expanded river walk area made for a nice relaxing early morning walks. The fresh "turf" on the very nice mini golf course made for great fun and competition. I was golfing one handed most of the time as I was usually holding a drink of some kind. As a result I lost all our games to the kids.

The first day we were there my daughter had an afternoon at the very nice spa at the resort. It is her birthday next week and this was part of her birthday present. She is turning 11 and it is making me feel old! She has never had a spa day and I thought this would be something different and special to make my little princess really feel like one. She had an awesome time. The staff at the spa made her feel so comfortable and treated her like royalty. She had a manicure, pedicure, massage, and a facial done and loved every minute.

The afternoon before we left we stopped and walked and shopped the Dells River District. It is a downtown area along the river with a myriad of shops, eateries, and attractions. The kids had a great time looking through the stores and buying a few souvenirs. We did take a bit of time and enjoy a game of laser tag which I won! Now we are done and it is back to the day-to-day. I'm already very much looking forward to my coming trip down to Texas in a few weeks...

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

I'm Taking The Family On A Much Needed "Mini" Vacation

I love to get away, even if it is only for a few days. Now that summer has finally arrived and the kids are finishing up the last days of the school year I figured it was time to pack up and have fun. Not only that my daughter's birthday is coming up, the big 11!(gasp..I'm getting old ;-( ), and I want to do something special.

I love vacationing with my kids. It means for at least a brief time I get to act like one!! I think that too many parents try and plan a vacation they would like and then throw in a few things for the kids here and there. Big mistake! Instead plan for the kids and then throw in a few things here and there for yourself. That way you can act like a kid have a ton of fun and forget about the stress and worry of all the "adult" responsibilities for a while. You know, actually take a vacation.

We are going to be heading up to Chula Vista Theme Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. This is by far and away my favorite resort in the Dells area. There are bigger water parks like Kalahari, but none offer the combination of resort, waterpark, golf, and grounds like Chula Vista. The resort is nestled along the Wisconsin river and you can actually catch all the boat attractions right from a pier on the resort grounds. We have stayed there quite a few times before and just love it. Probably one of the best options, and one that really differentiates the resort, is their All-Inclusive option. While not quite as nice as what you get in the Caribbean or Mexico, gratuity and one restaurant are not included, it is one of the best overall deals I have found in the Midwest. The kids love it because they can get snacks. I love it because I can get snacks and adult libations :). It is so nice that once you get on the resort grounds you really don't have to spend money. They have a large indoor waterpark in addition to the park outside. There is a great mini-golf course, beautiful 18 hole course, scenic walking trails, spa, adults only hot tub area outside that has a beautiful 2 story fireplace and spa-side beverages. I have to say that I am sooooo looking forward to fun and relaxation with the kids next weekend.

I think later in the summer we may head over to New Jersey. I know you are probably wondering, "Why New Jersey?" Well Wildwood, New Jersey is they home of Morey’s Piers a top 25 amusement park and voted one of the best Things to do in New Jersey. Morey's Piers operates three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks that are located on the Boardwalk and Beachfront. It is a very fun and beautiful area and we have been there before as well. They are also running a Disney concert series in July that my daughter, and son, would love. The Radio Disney Summer Concert Series finale is with Raven-Symone from Disney Channel’s “That’s so Raven” is going to be there at the end of July. I don't have a set place to stay when we head to that area but you can usually find some great deals on the Internet for Wildwood NJ motels.

I am really looking forward to my coming vacations and the entire summer season in general. Next to the fall this is my favorite time of the year. I hope you are taking time this summer to laugh, have fun, and really "live" with your spouse and kids. In the end they are really the most important things.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Valentine's Day With My Daughter.

My local Park District is having a Valentine's Day daddy/daughter Sweetheart Dance. I thought this would be so cool to do with my daughter. Not only will it be fun but I see it as a great opportunity to start showing her first hand how she should be treated on a date. She is only 11 and won't be actually dating for a while, but now is the time when I can begin to really teach her how a guy should treat her, and how she should treat him. If I just wait until she is older and just talk and tell her about respect that will not be enough.

Yeah this night of dinner, dancing, and music will be fun, but It will also be a teaching tool. It will be a learning tool as well. Activities like this are a great way to learn more about your kids. How does she act? How does she think? What are the ideas she has already about dating? Parenting is about teaching and learning. It takes interaction to really teach your kids and learn about them.

I am so excited to have this opportunity to do this for and with my daughter. If you have the opportunity to do something like this with your daughter or son, jump at it. Not only will they appreciate it but it will do you good as well.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

My Son's Birthday

Well yesterday we had my son's birthday party. His birthday is actually on Jan. 1st. We just usually have the party around this time to move it from being so close to Christmas. People are already so busy and it just never seems to work out right there at the holidays.

It is hard to believe that my son is already 7 years old. What is even harder for me is that my daughter is almost 11. They are growing up way to fast. I know that is so cliche but believe me for me it is so true. Many times I feel I have missed so much. I love my kids more than any other people, places, possessions or any other word that starts with p. And I must say that I think they are the best two kids in the world.

I will admit, as I think any parent would, that I haven't been perfect. I have made some bad decisions. I have handled situations wrong. I have been just completely wrong on some things. I have overeacted and not reacted strongly enough. Once thing I have never done wrong is no matter what I have always loved them and wanted what is best for them.

I know that the month is over half way gone, and New Year's Day is already becoming a distant memory, yet I wanted to give a bit of meat to a decision I made and goal set. I am not a big fan of resolutions, but I am a big fan of high yet realistic goals. My goal for this year is to be a better dad, a better son, and overall a better me. With the help of God I have no doubts that I will accomplish all three.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Is Tutoring A Good Idea For A Child

I have always wondered whether or not to enter my daughter into a tutoring program. She has been struggling this year with math and I thought she might need something new and innovative to spark her interest. She hasn't struggled with math in the past but this year she started a new school and it has been a struggle. I have been looking for an Innovative Tutor and think I may have found the solution. I have visited a Score! facility and am very impressed with the people and the programs that they offer. Score! educational centers are a part of the Kaplan family, They work with children in grades pre-K through 10th grade to help them achieve their goals and reach their academic potential in math, reading, spelling and writing. Their programs include personal academic coaching, positive reinforcement, and a customized curriculum that adapts to each child's pace and learning needs. I feel this could be a great benefit to my daughter and am looking forward to her start in the Score! program here in the Chicago area. Do you think that a tutoring program or center is a good Idea for a child? Have you had a child in Score!? Could you give me your opinion.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Puppy Dog Webcam - A Bad Idea?

Is there anyone else that thinks this could be a bad idea? I don't know maybe I'm just a paranoid father.

Would you have a puppy dog webcam? Would you allow your kids to play around with it? I just see all kinds of areas where this is just not a good idea.

Have you ever come across products like this where you thought it was a bad idea? What about some silly products that you just couldn't see the need or use?





Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

How to Raise Happy, Healthy, Self-Confident Children

Do you know the secrets to raising super kids? I don't but I do try my best. I was introduced to this series by Brian Tracy through a friend at church. I gleaned many things from this program and am recommending it to all of you. Normally it is pretty pricey($99) but I received an email today from Brian offering this program for a limited time for only $54.95. I was lucky to have a friend that had purchased this program after Brian had spoke at a previous church he attended. For this low price I certainly think you would not be disappointed with this great resource. Here is what Brian has to say about his program.

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Picture yourself having more fun with your kids. No more argument s. No more yelling. Picture your family spending quality time together.

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Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think