Friday, September 20, 2013
The weather is finally cooling down and the leaves are about to change. With fall right around the corner, now is a great time to head out to local events with your friends and family. Here’s a list of a few things going on in Knoxville this fall.
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Movies on Market Square, every Friday night, downtown KnoxvilleThe Knox County Public Library present Movies on Market Square beginning September 13th and running through October 18th. This FREE event happens every Friday night beginning at dusk in downtown Knoxville. Bring your chairs, blankets, and –of course– the kids for these fun, family friendly movies. For a list of the movies shown, visit their website.
34th annual Greek Fest, September 20-22, Friday & Saturday 11 am-10 pm, Sunday 12 pm-6 pm, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Kingston Pike.
Enjoy authentic Greek food, Greek pastries, live music and traditional Greek dancing. Admission is $2.00 for adults. Weekend Passes are $3.00. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit http://saintgeorgeknoxville.com/GreekFest.dsp
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7th Annual Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival: A Celebration of the Life of Howard (Louie Bluie) Armstrong, Saturday, September 28, 10 am- 8 pm at Cove Lake State Park, Caryville, TNThe Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival is named in honor of Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, internationally acclaimed string band musician who grew up in the area and became one of the nation's finest string band musicians, as well as artist, storyteller, and writer. Enjoy live music, theater performances, a kid’s fun-zone, craft fair, and food court. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For more information, visit http://louiebluie.org/
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Foothills Fall Festival, October 11-13, downtown Maryville, TN
Nestled at the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville, Tennessee hosts the #1 family event in East Tennessee. Enjoy music from local and famous entertainers, works from over 75 artists and crafters while the kids explore Children's Adventure Land. For a full schedule of concerts and events, visit http://www.foothillsfallfestival.com/.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Many people will be firing up the grill this weekend to commemorate the (unofficial) close of summer. We’ve got some simple recipes that are sure to be a hit with your guests!
Steak and Potato Kabobs
This easy recipe from Better Homes and Gardens uses items that are more than likely already in your pantry. Combine oil-and-vinegar dressing, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to make a simple steak marinade.
Layered Summer Salad
This easy salad from Food.com can be made ahead of time and customized towards even the pickiest eater. Use a glass bowl for an even prettier display.
Peach Cobbler
You’ll have no trouble finding this in-season fruit at your local Farmer’s Market or grocery store. Enjoy this classic dessert from Real Simple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Moving is difficult for even the most organized people. When children are involved the difficulty increases. Whether you are moving just down the road or to a completely new city, here are some tips to help ease the transition.1. Let Your Kids Help
If they're old enough, let your children help you pack some of their personal belongings. Even at a young age, kids can sort their toys and help you wrap objects in tissue paper or bubble wrap. If you'll be putting some things into storage, ask them what they would like to keep and what they don't mind parting with for a while. Make sure your kids know that their toys and belongings will follow them to the new house and aren’t being thrown away. If you’re using cardboard boxes, let your child decorate them after they’ve been packed.
2. Alleviate Their Fears
If possible, take the children to see their new home and neighborhood in advance. This will help to take the “mystery” out of the move. Introducing your children to their new neighbors will reassure them that they will make new friends after the move.
3. Pack It Last, Unpack It First
Children of all ages crave stability and comfort. Make your child's bedroom a safe place for them in your old home and recreate that same sense of ownership for them in their new bedroom. Older children may not want their new bedroom to be identical to the old (in fact, new furniture or decor could help dull the loss of school friends and activities), but younger children will benefit from a room nearly identical to the one they left behind. Make the moving disruption as minimal as possible by packing your child's room last and unpacking it first upon arrival.
4. If It’s Important, Keep It Close
Never make the mistake of letting the movers pack your child’s favorite toy or special blanket. Keep these items with you at all times. This will help ease any separation anxiety they may experience from the changes, and minimize your stress when you arrive if you can't find it right away. If it's important to your infant or toddler, it should be just as important to you -- don't let it out of your sight when you're moving.
5. Get Involved
Help your kids to make new friends by getting them involved in extracurricular activities in their new neighborhood. Find local schools, churches, co-ops and other neighborhood connections that might make your transition and introduction to your new place smoother. Sports leagues, community kids' clubs and classes specific to your child's interests will keep them busy, introduce them to new friends and make them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
Have you ever moved with children? Based on your experience, would you add anything to our list? Let us know on our Facebook page!