{candy dish} the official blog of KCMetroMoms.com

KCMetroMoms.com featured on NBC Action News.

I got to meet up with my friend, Christa Dubill, from NBC Action News today for a live interview during their midday report.  Check out how it all went down:

$500 grant for your mom-owned biz!

Kansas City mom business owners, listen up!  KCMetroMoms.com has partnered with BSM Media and Hewlett- Packard to bring you an incredible opportunity to showcase how YOU use digital photography as part of your business plan AND to a chance to win $500 to help jumpstart or grow your business!  To read all about the entry requirements and the cool $500 YOU could win for your business, click here.

Winners announced!

Congratulations to KCMetroMoms.com Scholastic giveaway winners:

madidrewmasonmom
twinsmama
hazel
bella
jen

and to Ladies Time Expo winners:

valeriepwp
toya
crafty1
Noahsarc

Thank you all for entering and stay tuned for more great giveaways from Kansas City's #1 Website for Moms!

It's the latest edition of {gimme that!} featuring a host of bloggity goodies!  Be sure and post a comment here if you win one of our highlighted contests or giveaways.  Good luck! 

KCMetroMoms.com is giving away four tickets to Kansas City's Ladies Time Expo! (ends July 14)

KCMetroMoms.com is giving away a Summer Goodie Bag from Little Scholastsic! (ends July 14)

Book Room Reviews is giving away two books! (ends July 19)

Kristin Hubick is giving away a gorgeous art piece! (ends July 19)

Kraftwerks Corner is hosting a Baby legs giveaway! (ends July 11)

Sew Gracious is hosting a bag giveaway! (ends July 10)

Oh, yes, it's Ladies Night, and the feeling's right....

WOW, Kansas City moms, are you IN for a treat!  KCMetroMoms.com is so thrilled to have partnered with the upcoming Ladies Time Expo - THE event of the summer for women and moms living in Kansas City!  Kansas City will be the site of the first-ever Ladies Time Expo on Thursday July 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Madrid Theatre. Ladies Time Expo is a fun and unique evening filled with fresh ideas, expert tips, products and services to help you "LIVE WELL, LOVE WELL, AND BE FABULOUS!" This is your time… all about YOU and for YOU! (Sorry Boys!) Grab your girlfriends and come indulge in a great evening!

Celebrity Speaker Diane Farr will be talking to all the ladies about "How to Empty The Trash From Your Purse & Your Personal Life: An Evening With Diane Farr".

Fashionar - part fashion show, part fashion seminar featuring Bella B's Boutique and Denim Couture. Skin Cancer Screenings, Body Fat Assessments, Chair Massages, Food Samples (Including Gourmet Cupcake Samples from Sweet City Cupcakes), and MORE! 

There will also be tons of prizes to be given away to attendees - yes, that means YOU!  KCMetroMoms.com will be there passing out goodie bags and signing up new moms for KC's #1 Website for Moms!  And, listen up, we've got YOUR chance to win tickets!  Are you a mom who knows her "Chick Flicks"?  Well, Screenland Theaters will be presenting a "Chick Flick Movie Trivia Contest" during the expo, and KCMetroMoms.com has your exclusive chance to become a contestant!  Four contestants will be divided into two teams of two to participate in this fun game during the expo, and this is the only place you can win tickets for the contest!  Are you wondering how to become a contestant?  All you need to do is leave a comment here on this blog about why you'd make a great contestant for the Chick Flick Movie Trivia Contest.  Four lucky moms will be selected and will win one admission ticket to the Ladies Time Expo and will be in the Chick Flick Movie Trivia Contest at the event!  How exciting is that?  You will need to be able to attend the expo on July 17th, 2008.

For general ticket information, please visit www.ladiestimeexpo.com.  The event will be held on July 17th at the Madrid Theatre. So c'mon all you rockin' KCMetroMoms - treat yourself to the most fab and fun night out in Kansas City!  We'll see you there!

KC Metro Area Fireworks Displays.

Looking for something to do this 4th of July weekend?  Well, Kansas City has plenty of options for fireworks and fun!  Check out our complete listing of local happenings!  You can also visit the list on our website.

Kansas City Metro 4th of July Fireworks Displays

Editor's note:  To submit your listing to this page, please contact us by clicking here.

• Star Spangled Spectacular
  @ Corporate Woods Office Park in Overland Park, KS
  Friday, July 4, 2008 - 4 - 11 p.m.
  
  One of the biggest and best fireworks displays in the metropolitan area takes place at Corporate Woods® office park at this 17th Annual 4th of July celebration sponsored by Corporate Woods® office park, the Overland Park Rotary Club and the City of Overland Park. Food, drink and merchandise vendors are on hand and musical acts perform before the fireworks begin. All proceeds generated from this free event benefit local charities. (FREE & Open to the public.)  For more information, and complete event schedule, visit the Star Spangled Spectacular website: www.starspangledspectacular.org or call 913-451-4466.
  
  

• Parkville July 4th Festival
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Historic downtown Parkville, MO.
  Parade, carnival, and more! For complete details visit click here.  Fireworks on Friday at 9:45 p.m. over the Missouri River.
  
  

• Kearney Fireworks Celebration
  @ Kearney Amphitheatre, 100 E. Washington, Kearney, MO
  Friday, July 4, 2008 - 6 p.m. with Fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m.
  
  This is a FREE event.  For more information, visit http://www.kearneyamphitheatre.com/ or call 816.903.4730
  
  

• Basehor City 4th of July Celebration
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ 9:15 p.m.
  @ Basehor-Linwood High School, 155th & Parallel
  For more information visit http://www.cityofbasehor.org/.
  
  

• Gardner American Legion's July 4th Celebration
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ 9:30 p.m.
  Gardner-Edgerton High School
  For more information visit www.gardnerkansas.gov
  
  

• City of Leawood 4th of July Celebration
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Leawood City Park
  Bring the family to the festivities!  For a complete schedule of events, click here or call 913.339.6700, ext. 159.  In honor of the city’s 60th anniversary, the fireworks display will be bigger and better than ever!  Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
  
  

• KC Riverfest
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Berkley Riverfront Park
  Fireworks at 10 p.m. There will be plenty of festivities for the whole family! For a complete schedule of entertainment and events, visit http://www.kcriverfest.com/.
  $5 for adults, children are FREE!
  
  

• Shawnee and Lenexa 4th of July Fireworks
  Shawnee Mission Park, 79th & Renner Road
  Friday, July 4, 2008 - Fireworks @ 9:45 p.m.
  
  Come enjoy Theatre in the Park's Beauty and the Beast at 8 p.m. and see fireworks during intermission.  For ticket prices and info for Beauty and the Beast, visit http://www.theatreinthepark.org/ or call 913.631.2500. If you're just coming for fireworks, it's FREE!
  
  

• Red, White and Blue Springs Celebration
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Blue Springs High School
  Entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m., Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
  
  

• Liberty 4thFest
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Fountain Bluff Sports Complex, 2200 E. Old 210 Highway, Liberty, MO.
  Celebrate Independence Day with air slides, moonwalks, face painting, balloon art, caricaturist at and a spectacular fireworks display at the second annual Liberty4thFest.  For complete details, click here.  Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.  This event is FREE!
  
  

• Celebrate with the City of Raymore
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Raymore Recreation Park
  Activities begin around 7:00 p.m.. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
  For more information, click here or call 816.322.2791.
  
  

• City of Lenexa Fireworks Display
  Friday, July 4, 2008
  Join us for the largest fireworks display in the KC metro area. The City of Lenexa will partner with the City of Shawnee and Johnson County Parks & Recreation for a spectacular fireworks display with an incredible grand finale.  Fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m. and last for approximately 20 minutes. The best viewing of this great display will be in Shawnee Mission Park.  Come early to stake out your spot!  This is a FREE event!
  
  

• Gladstone Independence Day Celebration
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Gladstone Amphitheatre in Oak Grove Park, 76th & North Troost
  8:30 p.m. - music from North Star Community Band.  Fireworks scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.
  This is a FREE event.  For more info visit http://www.gladstone.mo.us/ or call 816.436.2200
  
  

• Independence Day in Independence
  Friday, July 8, 2008
  Make plans now to be at the eighth annual Independence Day Celebration for an evening of music and fireworks. The fireworks display and patriotic music by the Spirit of Independence Band will be at the Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut.  The Spirit of Independence Band will play throughout the evening and fireworks, which begin at dark.  This is a FREE event.  For more info click here or call 816.325.7170.

  The schedule for the evening is as follows:

  8 p.m. Gates Open

  8:30 p.m. Spirit of Independence Band

  9:30 p.m. Fireworks Display (approximate start time)

  There is limited parking. People are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for lawn viewing area. Families may bring food and beverages for the lawn viewing area. No alcohol, drugs, open flames or personal fireworks allowed. Portable toilets and trash bins are available.  The annual Independence Day Celebration is a gift from the City. Business partners are the Mormon Visitors Center and the Truman Presidential Museum and Library.  In the event of inclement weather, a rain date will be announced.
  
  

• Worlds of Fun Fireworks
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave.
  Park opens @ 10 a.m. and fireworks scheduled at 10 p.m.
  For admission price and other info visit http://www.worldsoffun.com/ or call 816.454.4545.
  
  
• Elms Resort & Spa
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Elms Resort & Spa, 401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs, MO.
  Join us Friday @ 4 p.m. - Kickoff event for a year-long celebration with a barbecue, lawn games, music and fireworks and more.  Fireworks scheduled at 9 p.m.  This is a FREE event!  For more info visit http://www.elmsresort.com/ or call 816.630.5500.
  
  
• Olathe Fireworks Show
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Great Mall of the Great Plains, 20700 W. 151st St, Olathe, KS.
  Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.  For more info visit http://www.greatmallgreatplains.com/ or call 913.829.6277.
  
  
• Fourth of July at Fort Leavenworth
  Friday, July 4, 2008.  Games and music begin at 4 p.m.; salute to the union at 8 p.m., fireworks scheduled at 9:40 p.m. over Merritt Lake.  This is a FREE event, but ID will be required to enter the fort.  For more information visit http://www.lvks.org/.
  
  
• Legacy Blast
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Legacy Park, Lee's Summit, MO.
  Come join us for festivities including food vendors, entertainers, and inflatables.  South entrance gates will open at 6 p.m. and close at 9 p.m.  Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.  This is a FREE event!  For more information call 816.969.1500.
  
  
• Booms & Blooms
  Saturday, July 5, 2008 @ Powell Gardens in Kingsville, MO. 
  This is a great time to let the kids take a spin (or a hundred!) through the cool spray of the Fountain Garden and to enjoy the Chapungu exhibition. On Saturday afternoon, live music begins at 4:30 p.m. and continues when the Lee’s Summit Symphony takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. A dramatic fireworks display over the dark country sky immediately follows.
  
  Fee: Festival admission is $9/adult, $8/seniors(60+) and $3/children 5-12. As always, members of Powell Gardens get in FREE!
  
  
• Kansas City T-Bones
  Friday, July 4, 2008 @ Community America Ballpark at The Legends
  Fireworks following the 7:05 p.m. baseball game.  Game tickets are $6-$15.  For more information, visit http://www.tbonesbaseball.com/

So, where are you and your family headed this 4th of July weekend?

Recall info.

We at kcmetromoms.com are working hard to keep Kansas City moms and families informed about local and nationwide recalls.  For the most up-to-date listing of publicly announced recalls, visit our Recall forum.  And, if you hear of a recall not yet posted on our website, contact us. 

A special invitation for KC moms.

Hewlett Packard and Walgreens are interested in connecting with moms in the Kansas City area because together, they have developed resources to designed to fit into the dynamic lifestyles of Moms! The HP Photo Center, located at Walgreens, is a great way to turn your photos into lasting keepsakes and gifts- all while you shop! This week, HP and Walgreens are hosting several mom mixers in the Kansas City area, co-sponsored by KCMetroMoms.com. Those who attend will have the opportunity to make a complimentary hardcover photobook and receive a gift bag with valuable coupons. Details about the events are below.

Wednesday, June 25th
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Walgreens
7739 S. State Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66112

Wednesday, June 25th
6 - 8 p.m.
Walgreens
3845 Broadway Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64111

Thursday, June 26th
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m..
Walgreens
1191 W. Kansas Ave
Liberty, MO 64068

Thursday, June 26th
6 - 8 p.m.
Walgreens
7500 Metcalf
Overland Park, KS 66204

You can register for the event of your choice by visiting http://www.momselect.com/mixer/kansascity.html  or contacting Amy Shiman at 954-943-2322 x6# or at Ashiman@bsmmedia.com 

KCMetroMoms.com is proud to be co-sponsoring these fun events throughout Kansas City and hope many of you will join us to take part in such a great opportunity!

Green Scene wrap-up.

 What a fun filled day it was at this year's Green Scene event which took place at Deanna Rose Farmstead.  The event was very well attended and had some great entertainment, including Bongo Barry, face painting, and more!  KCMetroMoms.com was also there with a fun recycling sorting game, which the kids loved!

The day's events were all in celebration of mother Earth and provided fun insight as to how we can help reduce, reuse and recycle to preserve our environment.  There was also tons of free lemondade and chocolate milk on hand for thirsty boys and girls!  Check out some of the photos from the day's events.

Dig for a cure

Dig For a Cure is a sand volleyball tournament being hosted at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball on Saturday, July 19th.  100% of the proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk.  With the money raised we can help find a cure for thousands of women suffering from breast cancer.  Please join others in this fight against breast cancer and have a fun day of sand volleyball too!  To download the registration form, click here.  The tournament will include Competitive, Intermediate and a Recreational divisions, permitting there are enough teams for each.  What a great way to have some fun in the sun with your friends while playing volleyball, and all for a great cause!

For more information, visit www.digforacure.com or email Shannon Allen at sballen@kc.rr.com.