Snow finally arrived and now it's time for . . . summer camp? Say it ain't so! This is the weekend to start thinking about how to keep the kiddos busy during the months of summer and sand. Or, head out to West Philly Grows Again to find some amazing deals for your growing bump. Some of your little one's favorite characters will be popping up all over the region: from Bad Kitty to Clifford to Aladdin and Max and Ruby, there's bound to be a one-of-a-kind smile when you sit down in the theatre or get cozy for story time. Enjoy your week!

Weekend Spotlight:

The West Philly Grows Again consignment sale is here! Browse thousands of quality, pre-screened children's items at thrift store prices. The sale benefits St. Mary's Nursery School programs, scholarships, and activities. Event begins runs from 9:30 am – 2:30 PM on Saturday, cash only. It’s a Super Summer Camp Fair at the Conshohocken Marriott sponsored by Metro Kids. Meet with over 50 representatives of day, residential, and specialty camps and summer programs. Enjoy hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and goodie bags for the first 100 kids attending. Fair runs Sunday from 1 – 4 pm and is free.

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All of us at Philly Parent Circle love Sesame Place and we are excited to share with you these great season pass events. 

Purchase your Sesame Place Season Pass at the lowest price of the season and take part in these Season Pass Exclusive Events:

Elmo's Birthday Bash

Saturday, February 4, 2012 and Sunday, February 5, 2012 11:30AM and 2:00PM

2012 Season Pass Member Exclusive Event!  Come celebrate Elmo's Birthday with your favorite Sesame Place friends.  Enjoy our brand new Dine With Me! menu at an all you can eat lunch buffet featuring Elmo & friends, character sing-a-longs, Elmo's World Live! Show, shopping at Finder's Keepers and unlimited rides on our Sunny Day Carousel (weather permitting) plus a party favor for each child.

Big Bird’s Birthday Bash

Saturday, March 10, 2012 and Sunday, March 11, 2012 11:30AM and 2:00PM

2012 Season Pass Member Exclusive Event! Come celebrate Big Bird's Birthday with your favorite Sesame Place friends. Enjoy our brand new Dine With Me! menu at an allyou can eat lunch buffet featuring Big Bird & friends, character sing-a-longs, Elmo's World Live! Show, shopping at Finder's Keepers and unlimited rides on our Sunny Day Carousel (weather permitting) plus a party favor for each child.

Visit sesameplace.com for more details or call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO to make reservations.

Are you ready for some football?  Or, shopping that is!  Although this time of year, both can be rewarding, entertaining and competitive.  Jennifer, PPC member and consignment sale veteran shares her helpful hints to help you increase your chances of shopping success whether you're a seasoned shopper or a rookie! And don't forget to try out these tips on Saturday, January 28^th is the West Philly Grows Again (WPGA), kid’s consignment sale fundraiser benefiting St. Mary’s Nursery School, which is sure to fill the gaps in your lockers with great bargains on clothing, baby gear and toys. 

#1: Be Prepared:  Be sure to dress comfortably, bring cash, and don’t forget your favorite shopping totes! If possible, shop without your kids.  Consignment sales can be crowded and you’ll want to be able to focus on your game without having to manage youngsters.  Going solo also helps keep your purchases a surprise if they’re intended as gifts.  Make a shopping “wish list” and be sure to include current sizes, adjusting for seasons. Remember that not all brands’ sizes are uniform, so it is helpful to bring a piece of string the length of their current inseam and knotted off at their arm length to help you get a better sense of whether something will fit or not.  Also keep in mind that these items will have been through the wash a few times so they may be pre-shrunk.  If pants seem too skinny or large, check inside the waist for adjustable button bands.  Looking for footwear?  Trace current shoes to make an outline for comparison.

 #2:  Shop Early / Shop Twice: The early bird gets the worm and with established consignment sales, those sale-savvy birds line up to get first peck on the deals!  Know where the sale is located and the best way to get there, and how early you can get in.  Many sales offer early shopping passes for shoppers who are also consignors, or volunteers (On January 28^th WPGA volunteers receive an early shopping pass).  Most sales end with a reduced price window where you can scoop up more gear at half-price, making a second trip worthwhile. WPGA offers half-price on most items from 1:30-2:30PM.

 #3:  Look for Deals: Consignment sales are the best places to find yard sale or thrift store prices on merchandise that is in terrific condition.  All merchandise at WPGA on January 28^th is screened by the sale organizers and will either be new or gently used.  They don’t accept items that are torn, stained, or damaged.  Individual consignors set their own prices, typically 30-70% off retail, but it pays to know the going price.  If that $80 baby swing you’ve always wanted has a $25 tag on it, you’re best not to put it down or it might not be there when you come to your senses. Smart phones are great for checking prices but save that task for when you’re in line mulling over what to purchase and what to put back. 

Hope to see you on game day – January 28^th – at West Philly Grows Again kid’s consignment sale fundraiser located at 3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA from 9:30am-2:30pm.  At WPGA, consignors receive 50-60% of proceeds from items sold and the remaining 40-50% helps support St. Mary’s Nursery School, a non-denominational early learning center with nearly 50 years of history in the heart of University City!  They’re currently full for non-consigning volunteers (still accepting consignors) so those interested be sure to sign up early for the next sale. 

For more information and how you can register to consign please visit here or the facebook page.

If you’re at all like us, New Year’s Eve is the one holiday where we're always asking: what are we going to do? You know, without a doubt, that making it to midnight is very optimistic. And we are, of course, talking about the adults. It would be wonderful to book a reservation at a swanky restaurant, click champagne glasses and dance until it was time to head to our plush hotel room, but that was the stuff of two years ago. Or maybe never. We’re parents now! And celebrating New Year’s Eve in the middle of the day doesn’t sound half bad. In fact, it’s right up our alley. So we found six places for you to celebrate with your family. Break out the binkies and clink the sippy cups because these places have New Year’s Eve in Philly down for families.

Countdown to Noon at Please Touch

This fun, festive alternative to midnight is a must for parents and little ones. With ball drops at noon and 1 pm, your little party animal will feel like a big shot. The day includes special art and storytelling opportunities too. Plus, there’s a family dance party. The museum is open from 9 am – 3 pm. Countdown is free with paid admission.

New Year’s Even Countdown at Franklin Square

Starting at 5 pm, kid-favorite Franklin Square kicks off their New Year’s festivities. Grab a hearty winter meal from Square Burger, watch the “square” drop at 6 pm, and catch the fireworks from the Delaware River. Mini-golf and carousel rides will also be available for a fee.

Independence Seaport Museum & Blue Cross River Rink

There are two places for families to have the best seats in the house for New Year’s fireworks over the Delaware River at 6 pm. At the Seaport, grab a complimentary party hat and noisemaker before heading outside to the second-floor terrace. Party begins at 4 pm. At the River Rink, enjoy one of the most spectacular views the city has to offer from 5 – 7 pm. After this, you’ll never waste your time with all of that midnight nonsense. Enjoy snacks, party hats, noisemakers, crafts, face painting and more. Tickets are $20 for spectators, $30 for skaters.