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Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge and Beyond

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Get out your red, white and blue and celebrate America’s Independence! Here is a guide to fireworks shows, parades and other Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge and beyond! Enjoy some family time at these family-friendly events to celebrate America’s Independence with food, fun, family, fireworks and most importantly, honoring those who have served and continue to serve.

Baton Rouge Moms will always bring you the best in Family Friendly events in and around the Baton Rouge area, we have gathered the latest list of Family Friendly events for 4th of July festivities, thanks to our sponsor, BASIS.ed!

Basis Schools Baton Rouge

 

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge and Beyond:

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

Kenilworth Independence Day Parade
Monday, July 3rd at 6:30 pm

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

The theme of this year’s parade is “LIVING IN AMERICA” – Grand Marshal – Mike Manning, President & CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. This is one of the largest events in Louisiana celebrating our nation’s independence.  The annual parade is a Baton Rouge tradition, and this year will mark the 45th time we gather to celebrate our great nation! The 2017 parade is scheduled to roll at 6:30 pm on Monday, July 3rd.  It lasts about an hour and rolls as long as weather permits.  The route begins and ends at Kenilworth Science & Technology School on Boone Drive.

USS KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular!
Tuesday, July 4, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

The USS KIDD has been hosting a 4th of July celebration in the downtown Baton Rouge area for over two decades. In that time, it has developed into an incredible family event that celebrates our nation’s freedom. The evening culminates with WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi River sponsored by the USS KIDD!

Over the past five years, the KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular has become synonymous with the patriotic activities that attract thousands of families from across Louisiana and the southern United States. According to the Downtown Development District, the Baton Rouge 4th of July Fireworks Celebration brings in between 75,000 – 100,000 visitors per year. The celebration is made possible in part by the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, WBRZ News 2, the City of Baton Rouge, community partners, area sponsors and volunteers.

We look forward to celebrating our nation’s independence with YOU, Tuesday, July 4, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

West Baton Rouge Parish

4th Fest 
Tuesday, July 4th 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

 

The 4th Fest is great fun for the whole family from 4-11pm! There will be plenty of great food, kids activities, spacewalks, water slides, magic shows and face painting. With music by Geno Delafolse from 5-8pm and Foret Tradition from 8-11pm. And, of course, Fireworks on the River at 9pm! Sponsored by WBRZ and The Advocate.

 Come enjoy this FREE 4th of July event on the Westside!

Walker

Old Fashioned Family Day Celebration: 
Tuesday, July 4 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge
Floyd Brown Band will be performing at the Walker 4th of July celebration from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th at Sidney Hutchinson Park. All games, festivities and events are free, bring your own food and drinks (no alcoholic beverages allowed) or purchase refreshments at the park. Come Join the FUN, FOOD, & FESTIVITIES! FREE ADMISSION, FREE EVENTS, FREE RIDES!Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen and bug spray!!! No alcohol is permitted in the park.

Donaldsonville

July Fireworks:
Monday, July 3rd 2:00pm-10:00pm

Singing Competiton, 3-5pm Michael Foster Project,
5-7pm Hello McFly, 7-9pm Artemis, & 9:15pm  – Fireworks, Fun, & Fun for Everyone

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

 

 

Iberville Parish

17th Annual July 4th Hometown Celebration:
Tuesday, July 4 – 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Fourth of July

 

Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park. Plaquemine Lock SHS will be open for tours and demonstrations, free admission.  Friends of the Lock will be sponsoring putt-putt boat rides beginning at noon.  The Iberville Museum will also open at noon and admission is free. 3:00-9:00 p.m.  Mouth watering food will be served from the Waterfront Park (please no ice chest, pets or tents).  3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Veterans Boat Parade – theme decorated boats are welcome.  6:00 p.m. Dancin’ on the boardwalk until the Firework Display at 9:00 p.m.! Phone: 225-687-3116 Website: www.plaquemine.org
 

Pointe Coupee Parish

False River Annual 4th of July Boat Parade :
Monday, July 3rd 1:00pm to 10:00pm

Baton Rouge fourth of july

New Roads Presents the 4th of July Boat Parade and Music Festival, July 3 For More Information Contact: (225) 638-5360

St. Mary Parish

Party in the Park – Morgan City’s Independence Day Celebration.
Tuesday, July 4th,  4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Lawrence Park. 

fourth of july

Join us for our July 4th Party in the Park! There will be live music by Driftwood & Groovy 7, BBQ dinners by the Tillman BBQ Team, fair hamburgers by X-Treme Sports, Immanuel Christian Church will have a soft drink and water booth and Morgan City Main Street will be selling beer on tap! Finish off the night with fireworks over the Atchafalaya River!
Please refrain from bringing ice chests to this event! Purchasing from these vendors supports this event and future events!

There’s something for everyone to celebrate this year’s Independence Day! We hope you have a fun, safe and Happy Fourth of July with your families!

*Dates and schedules subject to change. Please confirm with local convention and visitors bureaus before making your trip.

A big thanks to our sponsor, BASIS.ed!
Basis Schools Baton Rouge

BASIS Baton Rouge is opening in Fall 2018! They look forward to providing Baton Rouge families with the opportunity to experience a truly world-class education. We are proud to partner with Woman’s Hospital for this first BASIS campus in Baton Rouge. Interested in learning more about what a BASIS school will offer your student? Join them for an information session to learn from experienced BASIS school leaders about our academic model and get details on how to apply! http://basisschools.org/batonrouge

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide: Sand Bag Locations, Lists, Numbers, Apps & Resources

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The Atlantic hurricane season has just begun yet it’s already threatening the Gulf of Mexico coastline. No worries, we have a comprehensive Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and resource to keep you informed, prepared and ready!

Baton Rouge residents are being urged to prepare for a tropical system. While they don’t predict this to be a repeat of the August flooding, Cindy is expected to bring torrential rains and cause flash flooding in some areas of south Louisiana.

The National Weather Service says the slow-moving system currently in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to impact the Louisiana coast today through Thursday. The storm is expected to reach the coast late Wednesday according to the National Hurricane Center.

Residents are urged to have an emergency plan in place as well as a disaster supply kit. Having been through hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita , Issac and the Great Flood of 2016, natural disasters are something I have become accustomed to preparing for. This post was in the works long before Tropical Storm Cindy reared her ugly head (we’re giving her major side-eye)  but it seems to come just in time.

As with most things, preparation is key. Issac, sneaked up on me. When I finally made it to the store to get the basics, all I found were empty shelves. Now that hurricane season is upon us, we will be sure to stay stalked up and not have to do the “Hurricanes a’comin‘” mad dash for goods.

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Resources

Resources

This Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide is an excellent, comprehensive resource! From identifying the most likely risks to providing sheltering information, evacuation routes, listing supplies to identifying special needs and more. This Guide should be YOUR Guide to personal planning and business planning.

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

 

Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Apps

  • Red Stick Ready (iOS) The East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness strives to provide critical information to the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish to help them prepare for, respond to and recover from all emergency situations.
  • iMapWeather Radio (iOS) this is by far my favorite app but it does cost $9.99.  You will receive critical voice and text alerts on threatening weather events. Your iPhone will “wake up” and also “follow you” with alerts wherever you go. Listen to local weather forecasts while you are on the move. Enjoy the power of a NOAA Weather Radio, with all the convenience and precision of a smart phone. Winner of MediaPost’s Appy Award in the weather category.
  • Get A Game Plan – FREE – Get-A-Game-Plan is the most complete and easy way to access emergency preparedness information on a mobile device. The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness created the app for the citizens of Louisiana to provide access to important information relevant to preparedness in the event of a security or natural disaster event.
  • Hurricane Tracker –(iOS) $2.99 offers detailed storm maps, National Hurricane Center info, threat level maps, audio/video forecast updates, real-time feeds and push alerts.
  • Hurricane — (iOS) FREE American Red Cross for both Android or iOS is a newer, totally free addition to Android’s growing hurricane-tracking stable, but it’s more than just a tracker — this app lets you “monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out
  • iMPrepared –(iOS) FREE iPad App—iMPrepared helps plan for disasters with one convenient app that includes a compass, flashlight, disaster RSS feeds, and a S.O.S. signal.
  • FEMA Install the FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices.
  • StopDisaster-   $1.99 If you can’t stop the calamity, you can stop it from turning into a disaster if you are organized. The app provides a handy series of items you’ll need on hand for various emergencies – floods, earthquakes, high winds etc.
  • Phone Aid –  $1.99 CPR is one of the things not covered by most basic preparedness courses (it’s standalone training) this app offers a series of slideshows that will help jog your memory if you’ve done CPR training and, if not, provides some first aid measures to do while you wait for emergency services.
  • Disaster Alert – (Andriod) – Disaster Alert (by PDC) – Current global disaster info on an interactive map Disaster Alert (by PDC), Active Hazards on an interactive map and in a list as they are occurring around the globe.  Additional hazard information can be viewed and shared.

 

Preparation Before the Storm:

— Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.

— Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

— Clear gutters of debris.

— Reinforce the garage door.

— Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

— Fill a bathtub with water.

— Get full tank of gas in one car.

— Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

— Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

— Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.

— Store important documents — passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds — in a watertight container.

— Have a current inventory of household property.

— Leave a note to say where you are going.

— Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

— If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for residence.

 

Emergency Preparedness list:

— A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.

— Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.

— A can opener.

— Flashlight(s).

— A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.

— Extra batteries.

— A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.

— A small fire extinguisher.

— A seven-day supply of medications.

— Vitamins.

— A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.

— Cell phones and chargers.

— Contact information for the family.

— A sleeping bag for each person.

— Extra cash.

— A silver foil emergency blanket.

— A map of the area.

— Baby supplies.

— Pet supplies.

— Wet wipes.

— A camera (to document storm damage).

— Insect repellent.

— Rain gear.

— Tools and supplies for securing your home.

— Plastic sheeting.

— Duct tape.

— Dust masks.

— An extra set of house keys.

— An extra set of car keys.

— An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.

— Household bleach.

— Paper cups, plates and paper towels.

— Activities for children.

— Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

Current Baton Rouge Sandbag locations:

BR Fire Station #13 835 Sharp Road Yes Yes
BR Fire Station #14 4121 Harding Boulevard Yes Yes
BR Fire Station #15 3150 Brightside Drive Yes Yes
BR Fire Station #7 5758 Claycut Road Yes Yes
BR Fire Station #9 4025 Perkins Road Yes Yes
Central Fire Station #31 11646 Sullivan Road Yes Yes
St. George Fire HQ 14141 Airline Highway Yes Yes

Prepare your home:

Disaster Preparedness Plan

Recover

  • Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
  • Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.

Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center

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30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond #BRMSummerBucketList

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Mom’s let’s take a minute to breathe before summer really begins. I am talking the balancing of birthday parties, family vacations, ten year old meltdowns over boredom, messy homes, and more. Now let’s take a minute to rejoice that there’s no more homework to battle through, alarm clocks and eventual dragging your kids out of bed, or finding a clean uniform top.

For the past two years I have watched a friend and her kiddos explore her area and surrounding areas with a Summer Bucket List. It’s not a new concept, and at first glance seemed too, well, structured for my crazy family. I have two girls that are almost a decade apart. It’s difficult to find something for ALL of us, but this summer we are attempting. I am hoping our list, might inspire you to make one of your own.

30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond

Each of these things is either in Baton Rouge or a day trip away.

  1. LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
  2. Tiki Tubing – Just a hop skip and jump away down the Amite. While you’re there grab some grub at Day’s Smokehouse & Specialty Meats
  3. Blueberry Picking – There are an abundance of places to do this around the area. Sooner the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze with our fresh crop.
  4. Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs. Perfect place to bring the kids. Bonus – they offer some
  5. Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
  6. Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
  7. Overtones Music Class – I am so excited about this. We are enrolling the oldest in a lesson and the toddler will start a little class in August.
  8. Blackwater Conservation
  9. Tunica Falls – Okay if I am being honest, I am a bit dubious of this one. This seems like a “Am I in good enough shape for this?!” But I supposed there’s one way to find out, but if the girls and I disappear, we are probably stuck somewhere hiking…
  10. Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay so maybe this isn’t quote the day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive to the home of my Alma Mata, Louisiana Tech University (Can I get a “How ‘bout them dawgs?” from my peeps?). Happening June 23-24, 2017 in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
  11. Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer this happens August 16-20, 2017. Bring your dancing shoes.
  12. Old State Capitol – This is one of those things I am embarrassed I haven’t taken the girls to yet. While you’re downtown hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
  13. Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kids summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
  14. Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. One day her and I will have a slumber party here, but till then a day tour is on the agenda. On your way home do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
  15. WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction or a reason why. Pair this with
  16. Louisiana Children’s Museum – Until Baton Rouge opens up their fabulous place this is one of my fondest childhood memories.
  17. Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
  18. Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch a urchin and eat crickets.
  19. Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because after all these big adventures you are going to need some time at home.
  20. T-Shirt Totes at EBRL – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has so many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
  21. Michael’s – Michael’s has some amazing little classes and fun summer programs for kids and adults of all ages. Cost of supplies and you are good to go!
  22. Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things and this summer we intend to find out for ourselves, they sat that this park uses amusement park management system so I have big expectations!
  23. Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door and there are so many fun programs form Spingeneering to Toddler Dance (wiggle) classes.
  24. Baton Rouge Ballet is touring around the parishes to a library near you!
  25. Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. I am quite positive my plumbing pipes do not agree. Letting the kiddos grown and harvest their own veggies is the best way to inspire them to eat them.
  26. Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
  27. Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
  28. Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
  29. Aqua Pards Water Park –One can never get enough water fun during the summer heat! 
  30. Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. The Baton Rouge Zoo is my favorite picnic place in Baton Rouge and their train is my kid’s favorite. I would love for you to chime in on Facebook with your “must-dos” for the Louisiana Summer!

#BRMSummerBucketList

 You can follow our Summer Bucket List adventures on Instagram just search #BRMSummerBucketList. Use the hashtag to share your summer adventures and have a chance at winning Gift Card’s and prizes each week this summer!! Each Friday we will do a #BRMSummerBucketList roundup and choose one winner from the weeks #BRMSummerBucketList photos on Instagram!

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TIGER Kids Study with Pennington Biomedical – Veggie Spring Rolls Recipe

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As moms, the health and wellbeing of our children is at the forefront of our minds. Balancing busy schedules with school, sports and social lives can make it hard for our kids to consistently eat healthy, exercise, perform well in school and manage the stresses of life in a healthy way.

Summer is fast approaching which means more time for fun activities. I’m also thinking about how to keep my boys healthy and happy during the hot summer months, which leads me to share about a great opportunity for our kids to become “TIGER Kids.”

TIGER Kids Study with Pennington Biomedical

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are conducting a study to learn more about what motivates kids to make healthy choices. The study is called TIGER Kids and it’s a great opportunity right here in our community to contribute to knowledge that could help kids across the country. How cool is that?

Researchers are measuring things that influence how our kids perform in school, how to help them become more active and how to eat healthier. The study is also looking at body image, stress levels, family behaviors (like kids’ relationships with siblings) and other motivating factors that contribute to the choices kids make.

Beyond contributing to research that could help our kids get and stay healthy, what’s in this study for us? Kids will be compensated for participation in TIGER Kids (can earn up to $100 for participation) and they have the opportunity to become a kid scientist! They can help researchers work to discover how to help kids move more, sit less and eat healthier. You and your kids can also get great in-depth information about their health, and kids will receive two “wearables” for a week to track their physical activity.

Participating in this study is easy! You and your child will visit Pennington Biomedical a total of 3 times over a 2 year period. Interested in your child becoming a TIGER Kid? I’ve included the full study details below. To screen for the study, visit http://www.pbrc.edu/TIGERKids or call 225-763-3000.

TIGER Kids Study with Pennington Biomedical

Study Purpose

The TIGER Kids research study will evaluate ways to: increase kids’ physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior (help kids move more and sit less), encourage healthy eating, and assess other factors that may influence school performance, body image, stress and mood. 

About the Study

TIGER Kids participants will attend an orientation session at Pennington Biomedical to learn about the study and receive activity tracking tools. Participants will then visit Pennington Biomedical’s Translational Research Center for Children (TReCC) twice during the study – one visit after the orientation session and one visit two years later.

TIGER Kids participants will also receive valuable health information at no cost. Each participant is eligible to receive a copy of:

  • their lab work; including blood sugar and cholesterol tests;
  • a printout of their DXA scan, which includes total body fat, total muscle mass, total lean mass and bone density readings; and
  • a copy of body measurement data including height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate.

TIGER Kids participants will attend a total of 3 study visits over the course of approximately 2 years with the following procedures:

  • Body measurements (height, weight, and waist size)
  • Blood pressure
  • Surveys
  • Dietary Questions
  • Wear an activity monitor, GPS tracker, and respond to messages on a mobile app for 7-days

Study Qualifications

To qualify, participants in this study should be:

  • Be between 10 and 16 years old
  • Not be on a restrictive diet

Compensation

Total compensation for the completion of this study is $100.

Study Contact

Parents, are you ready to see if your child qualifies for the TIGER Kids study? Visit http://www.pbrc.edu/TIGERKids to screen online or call 225-763-3000.

Looking for a healthy family fun recipe to cook this summer? Check out these rainbow fruit and veggie spring rolls:

Veggie Spring Rolls

Spring Rolls

Makes about 24 rolls, 1 roll with dipping sauce is 110 kcals, 2g protein, 17g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 2g monounsaturated fat, 1g polyunsaturated fat

  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 cucumber, peeled
  • 1 large avocado, peeled and seeded
  • 2 mangoes, peeled and seeded
  • 1 package of vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package
  • 24 brown rice spring roll wraps
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • 1 cup mint leaves

Veggie Spring Roll Dipping sauce

  • 1/3 cup peanut butter or cashew butter
  • 2 Tbsp Hoisin sauce
  • 1 ½ Tbsp Reduced Sodium soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp chili sauce (check ingredients for peanut allergens if necessary)
  • 2-4 Tbsp warm water for desired consistency

Fruit Spring Rolls

Makes about 10 rolls
1 roll with vanilla yogurt is 65 kcals, 1g protein, 15g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 0g fat

  • 1 mango
  • 5 strawberries
  • 2 kiwis
  • 6 pineapple chunks
  • 5 romaine lettuce leaves
  • 10 Brown rice spring roll wraps
  • ½ cup mint leaves
  • ½ cup Vanilla yogurt for dipping

Directions

  1. Slice fruit or veggies into skinny strips and tear herbs into smaller pieces. Set aside.
  2. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the veggie spring roll dipping sauce by combining all ingredients together. Thin with warm water to achieve desired consistency.
  4. Add the hot water to a large bowl and submerge one rice paper to soften for about 5-10 seconds.
  5. Transfer rice paper to a flat, slightly wet surface and add desired fruit, veggies, and herbs. Fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the fillings, then gently roll over once, fold in the sides to seal, and continue rolling until completely sealed.
  6. Repeat process until all toppings are used. 
  7. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a couple days, though best when fresh.

Want more healthy recipes? Check out the Pennington Biomedical metabolic kitchen website! www.pbrc.edu/kitchen

 

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Happy Birthday, Baton Rouge! – Bicentennial Baton Rouge Moms Night Out

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Happy Birthday, Baton Rouge!! 200 years ago today, on January 17, 1817, the Legislature incorporated the city of Baton Rouge.  Now, 200 years later we’re celebrating this milestone with a year-long celebration including bicentennial themed events, festivities, exhibits, products, and more! Throughout 2017, as Baton Rouge celebrates its 200th year of incorporation, Baton Rouge Moms will be celebrating too. Our biggest event of the year, “Baton Rouge Moms’ Night Out – Bicentennial Birthday Bash”, will celebrate Baton Rouge’s bicentennial birthday and the women living, loving and mothering in Baton Rouge.

Our event will coincide with National Moms’ Night Out in partnership with Yelp of Baton Rouge and National Moms Nite Out among other partners yet to be announced!

Baton Rouge Moms Night Out - Baton Rouge Bicentennial Birthday Bash

Baton Rouge Moms Night Out

 

Baton Rouge Moms’ Night Out – May 11th, 2017 @ 7pm

Details are coming together, it’s sure to be a night of Baton Rouge themed fun with lots of pampering for moms and community engagement from some of our favorite local Baton Rouge businesses! We will continue posting details on our Facebook event page as they become available. If you or your business would like to partner with Baton Rouge Moms for our Baton Rouge Bicentennial Birthday Bash please send us an email!

 

Baton Rouge Moms Night Out

To stay up to date with the year long celebration be sure to follow Baton Rouge 200 for information on Baton Rouge’s Bicentennial events, things to do and how you can get involved. You will find resources for kids, such as coloring pages, educational materials and fun activity sheets to learn more about the city of Baton Rouge and its rich history.

Click on Parentinn’s review to get advice on parenting.

200 Things to do in Baton Rouge

Our friends at Visit Baton Rouge asked the community about their favorite things to do in Baton Rouge and complied a list of 200 Things To Do, our great city offers a plethora of fun for everyone. You will also find a Baton Rouge history timeline and slideshow thanks to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.

There is so much to love about Baton Rouge… from the people, the food and small businesses to our historical gems, our football and our beautiful oaks. Tell us what YOU love about Baton Rouge and you could win TWO tickets to our Moms’ Night Out – Bicentennial Birthday Bash! Enter on our Facebook post HERE.

This will be the best birthday party Baton Rouge has ever seen!

BASIS Charter School possibly expanding into Baton Rouge

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BASIS Charter School is exploring the possibility of expanding into Baton Rouge for the 2018 school year! This is a great opportunity for Baton Rouge parents to learn about and explore  alternative options for educating their children in the Baton Rouge area. We all want the best for our children educationally. The question, and sometimes dilemma, is how do we achieve this? The more options we have the better, all children are different and usually learn differently too. BASIS Charter School is open and transparent about their learning culture because they understand that choosing a school is an eminently personal decision.

Baton Rouge Basis Charter School

What is a BASIS Charter School?

 The nationally-ranked BASIS.ed academic program was founded on the notion that any student can be taught to love learning. Thanks to their passionate and supportive K–12 subject expert teachers and STEM-inspired, liberal arts curriculum, BASIS students are prepared for future successes in higher education and beyond.

BASIS.ed students consistently rank among the top in the world in critical thinking and problem solving in math, reading, and science. A BASIS.ed education is a blend of the rigorous standards seen around the world plus the ingenuity and creativity so often associated with American education.

How does BASIs.ed work?

In their K–4 program, students are not just taught content, but also the necessary skills of organization, time management, and study habits. The BASIS.ed curriculum includes a wide array of classes ranging from English and Math/Science to Mandarin, Physical Education (both traditional and Kenpo), Music, Drama, and Art. Additionally, BASIS.ed is proud to offer their signature Connections courses for grades 1–4.

There are two different kinds of Connection courses: “All Connections” focuses on the knowledge students acquire in their other classes and brings it all together, presenting students with scenarios in which they work in small groups to solve problems, drawing on the entirety of their learning. “Fine Arts Connections” does the same, but focuses on their Fine Arts knowledge acquired in Music, Drama, and Art.

The curriculum for students in grades 5–7 is the foundation that makes possible the academic achievements of the upper school. Students in 5th grade take Latin, General Science, Physical Geography, Math, Classics, English, PE, Art, and Music. Students in 6th grade study Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math, English, U.S. History, and Latin, and also choose an elective. Electives include Band, Drama, Guitars, and Creative Writing.

Learn more about BASIs.ed.

Please join BASIS Charter Schools on Tue, March 21, 2017 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CDT on Woman’s Hospital campus (Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3) to learn more about our model that includes: student accountability, mandarin (starting in Kindergarten), organizational skills/time management, and 100% college acceptance rate (into a 4 year college).

When: Tue, March 21, 2017 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CDT

Where: Woman’s Hospital (Conference Rooms 1,2 and 3) 100 Woman’s Way, Baton Rouge, LA 7081

How: Please RSVP—> http://bit.ly/2nAg2l4

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

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Top 5 Baton Rouge King Cakes

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The holidays may have ended for some, but Louisiana continues to celebrate with Mardi Gras! King Cake truly is the demise of many New Year’s resolutions, but how can we resist this buttery danish pastry, sweetened with dusted sugar, icing and a plethora of flavored fillings? Not us! Here are the top 5 King Cakes in Baton Rouge according to YOU, Baton Rouge moms! Enjoy this trail of delicious King Cakes, try them all to decide the best for yourself. 

Top 5 Baton Rouge King Cakes:

  1. Thee Heavenly Donut – Home of the BOUDIN kingcake and Pecan praline, Banana Foster, Turtle, LA Cajun Mud, Strawberry and famous Fried King Cakes! Welcome to THEE HEAVENLY Donut’s mission is to offer the Best, Freshest (made daily), Handmade Donuts, Kolaches, King Cakes, Cupcakes and Specialty Cakes– all year round. Owners Kara and Shane Castille have a passion for Great Customer Service and treating their customers like family. Their products are like no other in the greater Baton Rouge area and truly believe in the quality and deliciousness of these products.
    Thee Heavenly Donut King Cake Baton Rouge
  2. Randazzo’s King Cake – Your source for the original Randazzo family mardi gras king cake. You can get your Baton Rouge Randazzo’s at Carnival Mart off Florida BLVD and at Capital City Crawfish! Every cake is “hand-braided” and baked fresh daily. Their traditional King Cake is cinnamon flavored, colored with Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, iced with our just made icing and festively decorated with candy non-pariels. Each cake contains a baby. king Cakes are complemented by Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cream Cheese and Pecan Praline. They pump the filling into the braids of the cake before it is baked.
    Randazzos King Cake Baton Rouge
    Carnival Mart
    8696 Florline Blvd.
    Baton Rouge, LA  70815
    225-248-9720
  3. Ambrosia – There are many options when it comes to The Ambrosia King Cake!  The Traditional King Cake (shown here for an “In-Store Pickup”) has cinnamon and sugar inside of our family secret King Cake dough.  Purchase a “Mardi Gras King Cake Kit” and take your King Cake home for the kids to decorate and have a Mardi Gras Party! 
    Best Baton Rouge King Cake
  4. Ralph’s Market -A locally owned business, Ralph’s Market wants the best for our families and yours. That’s why we always offer a large selection of fresh, high quality products that includes many grown right here in Louisiana! We‘d love to serve you at any of our three convenient and friendly locations in Gonzales, at Pelican Point, and on Jones’ Creek in Baton Rouge.
    Ralph's Supermarkey King Cake Baton Rouge
  5. Gambino’s – In New Orleans and around the world, Gambino’s Bakery is a household tradition that offers over sixty five years of experience with delicious baked goods.
    Gambino's King-Cake Baton Rouge

Honorable Mention:

Rouses – Rouses oval-shaped king cakes are made with our exclusive gourmet cinnamon dough, iced, and sprinkled with decorative sugars in the carnival colors of purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power).  Your choice of traditional or one of our tasty fillings. 

Baton Rouge King Cakes

Calandro’s King Cake– With over 50 flavors, you’re sure to find the perfect King Cake at Calandro’s, learn more in the video below!

            
Oak Point Fresh Market – You can stop by both Watson and Central to grab a specialty King Cake!! Baked fresh daily.
Oak Point Fresh Market King Cake

LeBlanc’s – Said to have bigger cakes with more filling, you can get your fresh Kings Cakes at all LeBlanc’s stores or have them shipped!
LeBlanc's King Cake Baton Rouge

Another Piece of Cake
Another Piece of Cake King Cake Baton Rouge

Alexander’s Highland Market

Baton Rouge King Cake

Be sure to check out our complete Mardi Gras Guide with parade schedule, full list of King Cake locations, Mardi Gras tips for the family and more!
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Guide

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Guide

Mardi Gras 2017 – Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

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Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras can be family-friendly. The festival seems like it was made for children, with floats derived from the depths of the most ingenious imaginations, costumes and masks that express an unending creativity, bold colors and joyous music abounds through parades. And, most importantly, the beads, doubloons and other treats thrown to the crowds from the floats are a child’s delight. It’s that time of year and we have your full Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule below!

Mardi Gras 2017 is Tuesday, February 28th

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Madri Gras Fun Fact: Rex selected the official Mardi Gras colors in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis  Alexandrovich Romanoff, whose house colors were purple, green and gold.

2017 Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule:

Please check the individual parade organizations’ websites for updated details.

Krewe of OrionKrewe of Orion Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade

Saturday, February 11 at 6:30 PM – The Krewe of Orion’s 18th annual Mardi Gras parade will roll through downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, February 11 at 6:30 PM! This family-oriented parade begins and ends at the corner of Government Street and St. Philip Street. Parade goers will be treated to a lineup of exciting, colorful traditional lighted and tractor-pulled floats. Rollin’ with the theme of “It’s Good to be the King”!  Masked and costumed riders will throw plenty of Orion parade theme medallions, footballs, cups, plush animals, swords, doubloons, lighted throws, and beads. Marching bands, as well as riding and marching units will be among the great sights and sounds at this wonderful parade.

Krewe of Artemis

Friday, February 17 at 7:00 PM – Join the excited revelers as they line the parade route while joining in the festivities and experiencing Baton Rouge Mardi Gras….Artemis style!! Revelers will be treated with themed throws, including the Krewe of Artemis’ signature High Heeled Shoe, along with footballs, tambourines, stuffed animals, float beads and lighted throws. Parade begins and ends at the corner of Government Street and St. Philip Street.

Krewe of Mystique de la CAPITALEKrewe Mystique de la Capitale

Saturday, February 18 at 2 PM – The Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale welcomes you to the 2017 Mardi Gras Parade as they celebrate 39 years of parading in Louisiana’s capital city. We are the city’s oldest parading Mardi Gras Krewe and we’ve shared 39 wonderful years of carnival fun in Baton Rouge.  We will be joined this year by two other krewes from here in Baton Rouge, the Krewe of Romany and the Krewe of Iduna! We will have plenty of floats, marching bands, dancing groups and, of course, Throws!! We will roll at 2pm beginning near the Canes Rivercenter and proceed down River Road before our trip through downtown! We will post a map of our route when it becomes available closer to Parade day (should be the same as last year unless any construction downtown requires us to change slightly). We are family friendly and look forward to seeing you there!

CAAWS MYSTIC KREWE OF MUTTS 

Sunday, February 19 at 2pm – The CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts is a family-oriented, fun-filled, parade and promises all a very special day. Mardi Gras colored costumes and pet-sized floats will roll along North Boulevard on February 19, 2017. Costume contests will be judged at 12 noon on the Town Square Stage and the Parade rolls at 2 pm with a new parade route. This annual event is CAAWS’ largest fundraiser to promote Spay/Neuter programs in the Baton Rouge area. 

FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE ALLOWED, NOR ANY LEASHES LONGER THAN 6′. Your dog should have a proof of current rabies vaccination tag. No puppies under 12 weeks, aggressive dogs, or dogs in heat are allowed.

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Krewe of Southdowns Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade

February 24, 2017, at 7PM – This parade is Baton Rouge’s family-friendly evening parade that rolls through the Southdowns Neighborhood from Glasgow Middle School. The theme for the Southdowns 2017 parade will be “Magical Mystery Tour”. The 30th Krewe of Southdowns Parade, Magical Mystery Tour, rolls at 7PM, rain or shine! This years royalty is King Jesse Gladney and Queen Adelaide Gladney! Children and pets are welcome. Attendees are asked not to park on the parade route itself. Off-route parking will be available.

Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks

The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun!

Sunday, February 26 at 1 PM – The 33rd Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras parade will begin and end at the corner of the LA-1 Service Rd and Oaks Ave. The parade route is as follows: east on Oaks Ave to Jefferson Ave, north on Jefferson Ave to Court St, west on Court St to Sixth St, north on Sixth St to Louisiana Ave, east on Louisiana Ave to Jefferson Ave, south on Jefferson Ave to Oaks Ave, west on Oaks Ave to LA-1 Service Rd.

Krewe of Comogo Mardi Gras Parade

February 26, 2017 – The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun! 57735 Main Street Plaquemine, LA 70764 Highway 1 South Plaquemine LA 

ADDIS MARDI GRAS PARADE

Sunday, February 19, 2017
(Parade details not yet disclosed) 
 

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Krewe Denham Springs

Saturday, February 18 at 3 PM – Come show your support for Livingston Parish following the Great Flood of 2016. They are back in business! Flood waters cannot stop the spirit of Mardi Gras in Louisiana. The Mardi Gras Parade this year on Feb. 18, 2017 will be in honor of the Cajun Navy. During the recent flood their contribution to saving lives did not go unnoticed. We as the Krewe of Denham Springs would like to say Thank You. Help us by showing your support and joining the fun. God Bless the Cajun Navy.

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival‎

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival 2017

Saturday, February 25 at 10 AM – 7 PM – Free Family Friendly Annual Mardi Gras Festival held in North Blvd Town Square, Downtown Baton Rouge. Enjoy a whole day of live music, art and great foodThe event will showcase live bands and Krewes, with a Vendor Village, art exhibits, food and more.

family-gras_0

Family Gras 2015 in Metairie

FEBRUARY 17-19, 2017

Concerts, Mardi Gras parades! Fabulous Flambeau Food Court & Beverage Zones, Kid-friendly activities, an Art Market and more.

Family Gras is the perfect getaway for family. A FREE event, Family Gras traditionally takes place on the neutral ground (median) of Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, Louisiana. An ideal location to see the pageantry of Mardi Gras and enjoy the outdoor concerts by national & local artists on the Mardi Gras Plaza stage.  Shop the Art Market filled with a variety of items from Louisiana photography, framed artwork, regional decor, folkart, hair accessories, to hand-crafted jewelry.  The kids court is filled with activities for kids 12 and younger.  Face painting, unique hand-wax art, and interactive games.

With past performances by Frankie Valli and the Four Season, Tony Orlando, the Pointer Sisters, Blood Sweat & Tears, Zack Brown Band, The Monkees, Leann Rimes, Tito Jackson, Becky G., Jesse McCartney, The Imagination Movers and so many more you know Family Gras offers such a variety of talent each year the entire family can enjoy!

 

NOLA Mardi Gras

 If you are new to Baton Rouge  and or Louisiana, the only place you should avoid with kids is the French Quarter. It’s best to see the parades when they begin on St. Charles Avenue near Napoleon, since parades can go on well into the night by the end of the parade route. The Garden District are of St. Charles is also family area where you will see many families enjoying the day and planting themselves to see the parades.

The Sunday before Mardi Gras is particularly family oriented, with Thoth parading down Magazine Street and Bacchus rolling later in the afternoon.

The Krewe of Barkus is a delightful dog parade that rolls the Sunday prior to Thoth. It begins in Congo Square and parades through the French Quarter and is remarkable fun for children of any age.

On Fat Tuesday, visitors are encouraged to join the local tradition of masking. Zulu, an African American parade, leads the long day of parades on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras itself. Children scramble for the much desired coconuts handed down by float riders.

Mardi Gras Northshore

Mardi Gras 2017 New Orleans Parade Schedule
Mardi Gras 2017 Northshore Parade Schedule
2017 Acadiana Mardi Gras Schedule

Baton Rouge Moms is your Mardi Gras Headquarters! View our comprehensive Family Friendly Mardi Gras Guide HERE!!

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras

Give Baton Rouge – #GiveBR

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Baton Rouge Moms was created with the hope that we could find ways to collectively give back to the place we call home. Last year we started a new series “Baton Rouge Gives Back”, when many of you asked for ways to help and volunteer right here in our community. Today is Giving Tuesday #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that brings people together around the values of service and giving back to others, the perfect time to bring back our Baton Rouge Gives Back series!

Our local Giving Tuesday effort, “#GiveBR” Give Baton Rouge highlights 100 nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. As part of our series, we will be hosting a “#GiveBR” takeover across our website and our social media platforms. Throughout the day, we will highlight some of the organizations taking part in this year’s “#GiveBR”. You can also go to GiveBR.org to learn more about the participating organizations!

Give Baton Rouge “#GiveBR” is an online giving event that encourages those who love Greater Baton Rouge-whether near or far- to support the nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. #GiveBR is held on Tuesday, November 29th, which is also the National Day of Giving, #GivingTuesday.  

Give Baton Rouge

This holiday season and throughout the year we can make a difference right here at home by giving and or volunteering.  There are over 100 nonprofit organizations to support in the Baton Rouge area. Make it a family effort, go through the list of organizations and ask the kids who they would like to support and why. There is no better way to teach our children that we value our community and our neighbors than by giving back as a family.

Collectively, we can strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need; our efforts will in turn help create a stronger, healthier Baton Rouge for all! Join your neighbors today and become part of a growing tradition of helping and giving. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn more about this year’s Give Baton Rouge participants!

List of Participating Give Baton Rouge Organizations

 
Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area
  Anna’s Grace Foundation
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre
 Baton Rouge Blues Foundation
 Baton Rouge Epicurean Society
Baton Rouge General Foundation
 Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association
Beat The Streets
Big Buddy Program
 Bike Baton Rouge
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge
 Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA)
Cajun Relief Foundation 
 Cancer Services
Capital Area CASA Association
Capital Area United Way
Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX)
 Child Evangelism Fellowship of Louisiana
City Year Baton Rouge
Companion Animal Alliance
Crisis Intervention Center
Diocese of Baton Rouge Program for Exceptional Students
 Downtown Business Association
 Epilepsy Foundation Louisiana
Face to Face Enrichment Center
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, Inc.
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge
Forum 35 
Foundation for Historical Louisiana
Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System
 Friends of the Animals BR
 Friends of the Louisiana Museum of Natural History Foundation
 GaitWay Therapeutic Horsemanship
 Gardere Community Christian School
 Gardere Initiative
  Gateway Transition Center
Girl Scouts Louisiana East
Girls on the Run South Louisiana
 Gloryland Educational Research Center
Grief Recovery Center
  H.O.P.E. Ministry of Pointe Coupee
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge
Heritage Ranch Christian Children’s Home
HOPE Ministries of Baton Rouge
  LATAN (Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network)
 Launch
Lexlee’s Kids, Inc.
 Lighthouse Louisiana
 Louisiana Youth Leadership Seminar Corp (HOBY)  
 Louisiana Architectural Foundation
Louisiana Area Women in Ministry
 Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Louisiana MOWW Patriotic Education Foundation
Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families
 Louisiana Wildlife Federation
  LouisianaChildren.org
LSU Museum of Art
 Manners of the Heart
 Manship Theatre
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mental Health Association for Greater Baton Rouge
Metromorphosis
 Mid City Redevelopment Alliance
 New Venture Theatre
O’Brien House
 Open Health Care Clinic
 Opera Louisiane, Inc.
 Playmakers of Baton Rouge
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana
 Rebuild Livingston
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue
Red Stick Project
Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response (STAR)
 Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
St. Elizabeth Foundation
 Stand for Children Louisiana
Susan G. Komen Baton Rouge
 Swine Palace
 The Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS)
The Emerge Center
 The Life of A Single Mom
The Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge
 The Walls Project
 Theatre Baton Rouge
U.S. Green Building Council Louisiana Chapter
Up Alliance
UpLIFTD
 Women’s Council of GBR
 Yelp! Baton Rouge
 YMCA of the Capital Area
 YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge

Elf on the Shelf Help is here with “Shhhelf Help”

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We’ve already started seeing the Elf on the Shelf memes, helping a little Elf entertain through the holidays is hard work. We are busy, especially through the holidays and remembering to move the little Elf at all is a miracle, let alone coming up with creative and imaginative ways to entertain said Elf. A young Shark Tank enthusiast from Mandeville has come up with the perfect solution to make life through the holidays a tad easier with “Shhhelf Help”.

Elf on the Shelf Help

Shhhelf Help will be delivered to your door in an unsuspecting white box that holds 25 days of Elf on the Shelf activities and includes everything you need (Elf not included) to entertain your Elf and the kids!

A note from our Junior Entrepreneurs mom:

My family has enjoyed shark tank for years. My daughter and I discussed the project for a good while when all of a sudden Halloween was upon us. She hired three high school students to help her with assembly and she used a unoccupied suite next to my dental office.

shhhelf-help-giveaway-49-99-value

You can check out her Etsy shop and purchase your own “Shhhelf Help”  kit here: http://bit.ly/ShhhelfHelp

GIVEAWAY:
We are hosting a two day Flash Giveaway on our Facebook and Instagram pages, enter to win a “Shhhelf Help”  kit or make sure you get yours today and buy one before they sell out! http://bit.ly/ShhhelfHelp