Events to Help the Animal Rescue League of N.H.

Animal rescue groups everywhere are always in need. They often depend on donations and fundraising events to help them care for the many animals in their facilities.

To help raise money, the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire has partnered with a couple local businesses:

• Dog Show -- Aug. 20, 2-4pm at Bentley Commons in Bedford, N.H.
  Interested dog owners can register their dog for one or more of the following eight categories: Best Costume, Most Talented, Most Well Behaved, Wildest, Cutest, Owner/ Dog Look alike, Best Tail Wagger and People’s Choice. The registration fee is $5. Spectators may watch for free. For more information, call (603) 644-2200 or email smartin@bentletcommons.com.


• 6th Annual Pet Step -- Sept. 19, Hillsborough County 4-H Center, New Boston
  Help raise money in this dog walk fundraiser.


• Wine Sales -- In partnership with Grape Time Winery in Nashua, N.H.
  Since 2008, Grape Time Winery has been showing its support of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire by donating a percentage of each bottle to the League. New this year: a Granny Smith Riesling, a light and sweet wine that pairs well with vinaigrettes, barbecued food, and vine-ripened tomatoes.
  
  Venues currently selling the Granny Smith Riesling: Harvest Market in Bedford, Harvest Market in Hollis, A Market Natural Foods in Manchester, and Sully’s Superette in Goffstown.
  
  For more information about the wine or upcoming wine tasting events, call Robin McCune at (603) 472-5714 or email robin@rescueleague.org.

If those don't appeal to you, you can donate money, pet care items, and office supplies. Visit the League's website for more information.

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor

Going on a Summer Stay-cation

It's summer, and hopefully the living is easy for you and your family. For the next few weeks you can forget about the crazy school schedule and have fun.

If travel is out of the question this year, the July issue of Kidz Rule USA features "Stay-cation" ideas for 10 cities in northern New England. Each of these cities has fun activities for kids of all ages, as well as moms and dads. Head to the closest one for a fun-filled day -- play tourist in your own backyard. The best part is, at the end of the day you can go back to all your comforts of home, like your own bed!

Before you head out, be sure to check the Kidz Rule USA coupon page. More coupons have been added, such as discounts at Liquid Planet Water Park and Wicked Fun Art in New Hampshire.

To help you plan your day-trip meals, Beth-Ann Bentley offers advice for packing the perfect picnic. Read her article to get organized, then visit the Kidz Rule website for all of the picnic recipes.

July is also Ice Cream Month, and this issue of the magazine lists ice cream stands throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont where you can go and indulge in the tastiest of this chilly treat. If you prefer to make your own ice cream, check out the Kick the Can recipe. Your kids will enjoy helping with that!

If the weather forces you inside, like it has most of June, the magazine also has articles about new movie releases (in theatres and on DVD) and crafts.

No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, there are plenty of fun and exciting things you can do with your kids this summer. Enjoy!

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor

Summer Activities: Fishing Photo Contest, Crafts, Events

Summer is officially here, and the kids are out of school and heading off to camp or to do other summer activities. If fishing is in the plan for your child, you might want to participate in the Kidz Rule USA 3rd Annual Fishing Photo Contest sponsored by Kidz Rule USA and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The grand prize: a fishing trip to be featured on My Outdoors, New Hampshire's TV show aired on MYTV.

Simply send in a photo of your child with the fish he or she caught to editor@kidzruleusa.com or Kidz Rule USA, PO Box 834, Milford, NH 03055. Include your child's name, age, parent/guardian's name, address, phone, species of fish and where the fish was caught, and a brief description of the fishing scene.

If the rain prevents your kids from going outside and has them wishing for the sun, keep them busy with this issue's craft -- "I Love the Summer Sun" Foam Dangler". Such a tribute to the sun just might get it to return! You can also have them join you in the kitchen, where they can easily help with the Kid-Friendly Cobb Salad in this issue.

Would you rather take the kids somewhere? Check out Kidz Rule USA's Event Calendar for information about activities and events in Northern New England. Some upcoming events include Rocketeers at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center June 27 in Concord, N.H., and CASTLE QUEST: An Interactive Medieval Experience June 28 in Manchester, N.H.

Don't forget to check the Kidz Rule USA Coupon Page before heading out. You could find a bargain!

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor

Mom's shopping night at Gently Loved Baby

Gently Loved Baby, located at 356 South Broadway in Salem, N.H., is hosting a special shopping night for moms Wednesday, June 17. From 6-9 p.m., you're invited to come with your friends, sisters, and moms for a fun night of shopping. There will be refreshments, chair massages from 7-8:30 p.m., goodie bags, 10% discount for everyone, previously unreleased merchandise, and a surprise to be revealed at the event.

Gently Loved Baby buys and sells gently used children's clothing, toys, baby furniture, maternity clothes, and equipment. For more information and to get directions to the store, visit Gently Loved Baby's website.

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor

Boston-area photographer offers discounted rates

Having family portraits taken can be challenging. First, you need to find a good photographer. You need someone who understands the technical aspects of photography, but also how to work with their subjects (especially children) so that they can capture their good qualities. Second, you want a photographer who won't charge an arm and a leg.

For parents living in the North Shore area of Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire, photographer Kristine Foley might be the perfect option. Kristine is returning to the North Shore after living in New York City for the past 10 years and in July is offering discounted rates on portrait session in July. On July 11, 12, 25 and 26, you can get an hour of photography with proofs for $200 or two hours of photography with proofs for $400. The photo shoots will be held in Wakefield Common in Wakefield, Mass.

Kristine produces beautiful photos that draw you in. She uses light wonderfully to create dramatic images. And her portraits capture the wonderful essence of each subject. Her work has appeared in Martha Stewart Living and Brides magazine.

Visit Kristine's website to learn more about her work. If you're interested in scheduling a photo session, you may email her.

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor

Planning the perfect kids' party

When you have kids, you gain the stressful responsibility of throwing birthday parties you hope your children will remember forever. The pressure begins with your child's first birthday, which is more for the adults in you’re child's life than for him or her, and returns every year thereafter.

As a child, I had few birthday parties that included more than family guests. So when my daughter came along, I was determined to celebrate her day to the max with her friends. Almost every year I hosted her party at our house, each with a different theme. I had some huge successes -- the Barbie birthday party and the Survivor birthday party -- and at least one flop -- the Disney Princess birthday party where Sleeping Beauty failed to show. (Thanks a lot, Aurora!)

In the June issue of Kidz Rule USA (available on stands now), we share with you 20 fantastic birthday party ideas that you can hold at your house. We've pulled from our own experiences and give you details for hosting the perfect party. We had so many good ideas that we ran out of room in the magazine, so the complete party details -- decorations, recipes, activity instructions, and party favors -- can be found on our website in the Birthday Parties section.

If you'd rather not have the party at your house or would like to hire someone to entertain the kids, the June issue also features several businesses that host parties and party entertainers in New Hampshire.

It might take extra work and planning to throw a party for your child, but it's worth it. Your child will love it and will always have fond memories. And if the princess doesn't show or someone loses a tooth, those bad events will make for great stories later on.

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor

Take advantage of coupons

A slow economy can mean big savings for consumers. Nearly every business has specials and coupons to attract shoppers and customers. Several businesses have coupons available on Kidz Rule USA's website, including the following:

• LaserCraze in North Andover, Mass. -- Save $2 per person
• The Workout Club and Wellness Center in Salem and Londonderry, N.H. -- $20 coupon for summer camp supplies
• Liquid Planet in Candia, N.H. -- $4 off admission
• Nashua School of Gymnastics -- 10% off any summer program

Visit the coupon page on the Kidz Rule USA website to get those coupons.

While you're on the coupon page, check out the other coupon sites listed to get coupons for groceries and home products. And to learn how to get the most bang for your grocery buck, read my article on 10 ways to cut your grocery bill.

It takes a few extra minutes to gather coupons and check for sales, but every penny counts!

-- Michelle Davidson, Managing Editor