Spooky Hayrides, Giant Teepees, and Colorful Chickens...oh my!

A few days ago, when my Kindergartener got home from school, we decided to head out for a little Halloween-inspired fun. We had driven by Powers Farm Market the day before, and the boys were excited to go see the giant teepees. Since I've reviewed Powers Farm Market already, let's just take a look at the fall festivities.

First, the boys had fun looking at all of the pumpkins. They walked up and down the rows, pointing out the exceptionally large ones, the deformed ones, and especially the smashed ones with the insides spilling out. The white pumpkins are also fun to look at; we call them ghost pumpkins!

Next stop: the giant teepees.

 I mean, these things are huge.

Inside, it's dark and a little spooky...but not too scary. The first teepee has a bajillion jack-o-lanterns. They are hand-carved and absolutely spectacular. Walk in and absorb the creativity and diligence and glow of a room full of jack-o-lanterns.

Then follow the string of lights through the tunnel and into the second teepee. Look up as glowing eyes eerily peer down at you. Clap your hands, and see what happens next! When you've had enough of the spookiness, just make your way out of the teepee.

After the teepees, we highly recommend the haunted hayride. You can purchase tickets inside the farm market. Be sure to sit on an angle so you can face forward; the sights are on either side of the path. The tractor will pull you into Witches' Hollow for a ghoulishly fun ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Okay, it's not that crazy but I was impressed with the mechanical figures, the moving trees, and all the scarecrows and witches. And the sounds, too. They really did a fantastic job decorating the woods and bringing in a tremendous amount of detail. It's not really a scary ride, but it is definitely entertaining for the pre-schoolers, Kindergarteners, and (I would guess...) even kids a few years older.

Just beware of giant creepy crawlies that might jump out at you!

After the hayride, we used up some quarters to feed the animals. Be sure to see the new rescue chickens there! They look like walking fluffs of cotton candy, and were rescued from the New York State Fair.

If you need a snack after your Halloweenish adventures, stop inside for some apples, doughnuts, or cookies. We are big fans of the giant Powers Farm Market cookies. My Kindergartener loves the snickerdoodles, my two-year-old is partial to chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin - depending on his mood,  and my personal fave is the Heath bar cookie. Mmmm...now I want one.

I hope your family is having fun celebrating fall! There are certainly tons of farms in the Rochester area with activities just for the kids. As long as the weather cooperates, we'll be visiting as many of those farms as we can.

As always, thanks for reading.

Adventure Landing

Today is a great day to go to Adventure Landing with your kids. Every Thursday and Monday is "All You Can Play Day" from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. This means that you pay $8 per person for unlimited mini-golf, admission to the WOW! Factory, and 10 game tokens. They also offer this special on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon.

There are three different mini-golf courses at Adventure Landing. Golf is usually $5-7 per game, per person. So if you play on two of the courses, you've already gotten your money's worth for each adult on All You Can Play Day. There are fun obstacles on each hole to keep things interesting, but the majority is par two so the kids can keep up.

After a round or two, take a break indoors in the WOW! Factory. Admission is usually $5 per person, so the special pricing on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays is definitely worth it. You walk through a heavy plastic curtain into a three-floored "room" that looks like a factory. There are hundreds of colorful, squishy foam balls everywhere and plenty of ways to shoot them around. Stuff the balls into a suction tube on the first level and launch the balls up high. Go upstairs and load balls into the canons to shoot down below. There are stairs, but there are also plenty of places to climb, plus a three-story twisty slide. This was fun, but I would definitely skip the $5 per person if we were there on a day without the discount.

After exiting the WOW! Factory, who wouldn't be drawn to all the bright lights of the arcade games?  Good thing we had ten tokens each. The tokens are usually 20-25 cents each, depending on how many you purchase. My advice is to go for the games that reward you with tickets, because chances are your kids will want to trade 100 tickets for a 10-cent bouncy ball on the way out. My fellow ROCmomma Aly had taken her son to Adventure Landing and somehow they ended up with hundreds of tickets. She felt they got more per game than at other arcades. Our experience did not match up, and I think it's just a matter of luck.

The kids had fun playing skee ball, Frogger, and just pushing buttons that blink and make noise. My youngest even figured out that if you push enough buttons on Dance Dance Revolution - despite not inserting any tokens - it will play an entire song so you can show off your own moves.

So $5-7 per game of golf, plus $5 for the WOW! Factory admission, and $2.50 in tokens, all for $8 is a really great deal. You can also add on a fee for the batting cages, the indoor ropes course, or the teddy bear factory, but we did not try those out.

Adventure Landing is located at 3340 West Ridge Road in Greece, NY. There is a cafe serving pizza, hot dogs, chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, snacks, desserts, and drinks. You can choose to eat indoors or out; although there is nothing specifically that indicates whether or not you can bring your own food. We went after lunch, so we avoided the meal-issue. The women's restroom has a baby changing table (but I cannot speak for the men's room).

If your kids are about two or older and you're looking for something fun today, check out Adventure Landing. Be sure to Post A Comment and let us know about your experience there. And, as always, thanks for reading.

5 Reasons to Love Perinton Park

Perinton Park is my favorite park in the ROC area and it was introduced to me by my fellow ROCmomma Corie. It is located at 99 O'Connor Road, Fairport, NY (at Fairport Road & O'Connor Road). There are so many reasons why it's my favorite, where do I begin?

First, it is one of the few playgrounds in the shade. Huge trees surround the play structures so they don't get scorching hot, and we stay cooler as well. We've been to plenty of playgrounds where the equipment was so hot, we couldn't even stay to play.

Second, below the play equipment is sand, rather than wood chips or gravel. My kids love to dig so we usually bring a few pails, shovels, and plastic trucks. I've learned to bring extras, because other kids always want to join us. One tip: label your sand toys with your last name using permanent marker. Sometimes a borrowed toy will inadvertently end up in another part of the playground, and this makes it easy to claim it back.

Third, there are three different sections to the playground structures. There is a larger, higher section for bigger kids, a medium section...

...and even a lower, smaller section for little ones. There is a yellow slide behind my son in the picture below that has such a low incline, even a tiny tot can slide down.

There are also rocking toys (pictured below) and swings - baby swings, regular swings, and one swing for children with special needs.

The fourth reason why Perinton Park is my favorite is the Erie Canal. We usually bring our big red wagon (we used to bring the stroller; the park is definitely stroller friendly) and once the kids are tired of the playground, we walk past the basketball courts and up to the Erie Canal path. Your kids will have fun counting the ducks, boats, and kayaks. Plus it's a really pretty walk.

Another thing we love about Perinton Park is the train tracks. When you get up to the Erie Canal path, if you walk to the left, you just might see a train. There are a couple of spots where the tracks are visible right from the path. Or, when you're ready to leave, you can turn right out of the parking lot and follow O'Connor Road around the bend, and there are two railroad crossings. On the left by each crossing, there are businesses with large parking lots. We usually trespass for about 15-20 minutes in one of those lots to eat a snack in the car and wait to see a train pass by.

Added bonus: on the other side of Fairport Road, before turning on to O'Connor Road, there is a gas station with a Dunkin Donuts drive-through window. Such easy access if ROCmomma or ROCpoppa needs a tasty beverage before or after the park!

To be fair, I have a few complaints as well. First, there are only about five picnic tables by the playground and people often "claim" them for their entire visit. I have watched families finish their lunch, then leave all their sippy cups and water bottles on the table while they play. They return to the table only when they're ready to pack up and leave, and meanwhile the table has been unused and unusable (is that a word?) for an hour or so. It would be so much nicer if groups could use the table to eat lunch, then pack up and leave their belongings off to the side so that another group might eat their lunch at the table afterward. It just seems like the courteous thing to do, but, ah well.

My other complaint is that there is a bit of a walk to the restroom from the playground. As much as we encourage, "Don't wait til it's too late," we usually end up with wet pants if the restroom is more than a few feet away. If your child waits until they're hopping on one foot before telling you they need the potty, I recommend bringing a couple changes of clothes just in case.

As always, thanks for reading. Be sure to Post a Comment the next time you go to Perinton Park and tell us about your experience.

Family Fun June 29 - July 6, 2012

Your kids won't even have time for the thought, "We're bored!," with something fun to do every day. Better yet, most of it is free of charge (or under $10 per person).

Red, White, and Kangaroo
Friday, June 29, 2012 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Kango Play Center, 1565 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY
Adults are free & kids are just $4 each to enjoy admission and party fun including a Kango frisbee, patriotic arts & crafts projects, roller skating, bounce house, climbing structure, and more.

Story Time & Animal Friends
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 11 a.m.
1. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story, stay for the farm animal fun!
2. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time, sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply.

Model Train Open House
Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
Free tours of the Edgerton Model Train Room feature four views of Rochester's history, each set in a different season.

School's Out Blast at the Rochester Rhinos
Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 7:05 p.m.
Sahlen's Stadium, 460 Oak Street, Rochester, NY
Watch the game and enjoy free kids activities, including rock wall, bounce houses, live music, human foosball, and more. $5 general admission or $10 premium seating. Click here to purchase tickets.

Literature Live: Cat in the Hat
Saturday, June 30 (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.) - Sunday, July 1, 2012 (noon - 5 p.m.)
Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Bring your camera and meet Dr. Seuss's famous cat! Included with general admission.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, June 30 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East Henrietta Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation. 

Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Bowling
Every Day (May 1 - August 31, 2012), open until 9 p.m.
Bowl-A-Roll Lanes, 1560 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY
Kids in grades K-12 can enjoy one FREE game of bowling (including shoe rental) every day this summer!

TWOs-Day at Wickham Farms
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (repeats every Tuesday!)
Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY
Mini golf is just $2 per round, and earn double punches on your ice cream punch cards. Sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; regular jumping pillow and batting cages fees apply.

LEGO Block Party
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Pittsford Community Library, 24 State Street, Pittsford, NY
They supply the Lego and Duplo blocks, you supply the imagination. Open to all ages. Free; no registration required.

The Zoo is Open Late!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 until 8 p.m. (every Tuesday in July and August)
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY
Gates remain open until 7 p.m. and the zoo grounds are open until 8 p.m. Included with regular admission. Arrive earlier and check out the programming every day. My boys love the enrichment programs (most days at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - check the schedule). Last year we enjoyed watching the polar bears swim to catch frozen watermelons, and the cougar hunting around the trees for hidden treats.

Independence Day Celebrations
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

• Music (7:30 p.m.) and fireworks (10 p.m.) in Downtown Rochester
• Pony Rides, Kids' Music, Inflatables, "Magic Guy" magic shows, and more (4 p.m.) and Fireworks (9:40 p.m.) at Henrietta Veterans Memorial Park 
• Check out this list of Independence Day Festivities in Brighton, Brockport, Canandaigua, Chili, Fairport, Genessee Country Village, and Waterport/Albion

Free Skating
Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (see coupon for additional dates and times)
Horizon Fun FX, 675 Ling Road, Rochester, NY
Print the coupon and up to 10 people can roller skate for free (includes skate rental)!

Where's Waldo? Family Scavenger Hunt
Friday, July 6, 2012 during participating stores' business hours (through July 31st)
Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY
Visit Lift Bridge Book Shop for a list of participating stores, then stop by each store to see the display in their front window. Solve the puzzle and receive a card from the business. Collect all 20 cards and answer two bonus questions to be entered into the grand prize drawing. Participation is free.

Enjoy your Independence Day and the first week of July! As always, thanks for reading. If you check out any of these fun events, Post a Comment and let us know about your experience.

Brown's Berry Patch

This past Saturday, we were looking for something different to do with the kids and decided to try Brown's Berry Patch.  It's a bit of a drive to Waterport, but it was peak week for strawberries, plus we have heard some great things about the farm. I must say, we had a berry good time. (Yep, I went there.)

First we walked into the Marketplace. You could definitely spend some time - and some money - in there. They have unique mustards, jams, salsas, and even Bloody Mary mix. Most of it is even made with fruit from their farm. Fresh-picked fruit can be purchased inside, if you're not planning on picking your own. And who can resist an ice cream sundae made with freshly baked waffle cones and fresh-picked berries?!?!? Although, they had me at ice cream.

Inside, we purchased tickets for the Barnyard Adventure. We actually purchased the Combo Passes so we could visit Barnyard Adventure and take a ride on the Barnyard Express (it's only a dollar more). Next you have to bring your receipt to the barnyard behind the Marketplace and get your bracelets. Then the fun begins.

After saying hello to some friendly farm animals, our boys headed straight for the giant sandbox. There are plenty of trucks and digging toys, a tunnel to climb through, and a real boat that kids can sit in and  pretend to drive.

We skipped the playground and play house, and went straight for the duck races. They also have boat races, and plenty of spots to take fun photos, too.

After riding around on the tricycle track, we tried out the rope maze. It's harder than it looks, but it's easy to get out if needed.

Next stop: the jumping pillow! Just be sure your kids are wearing socks. No shoes are allowed, and the jumping pillow can get pretty hot in the sun.

The day isn't complete without checking out Goat Mountain and the giant slide. Look up and you'll see goats walking around above the barn and silo, along various walkways. On the other side of the silo, kids can climb up to the top of the tower and zip down the giant slide.

Inside the silo, run around, listen to your echo, and crawl through a tunnel. Adults, relax on a hay bale while the kids go crazy.

Be sure to bring some quarters; you'll want to feed the goats. Buy some animal food from the dispenser, drop it in the can and watch a goat pull the rope with his teeth until the can is at the top, where he can enjoy a well-deserved treat. Impressive trick!

Pedal cars, swings, a misting tent, and the Red Barn Twister are lots of fun. The twister is an oversized tunnel that spins. Kids can climb in while others turn it, and giggles will be unstoppable.

The Barnyard Express is a fun way to take a seat, take a break, and see the whole farm. Each animal car has a horn and bells to keep kids busy while they ride.

Finally! Time to pick some strawberries. We bought two four-quart baskets in the Marketplace, and we filled one with beautiful red berries.

 Then we walked over to the cherry orchard to fill our second basket with delicious, plump cherries.

We had a great day, and I'm already planning another trip when the blueberries are ripe in July. Between June and October, there are about a dozen different fruit and berry varieties that are available. Check their web site for updated picking conditions.

If you're planning a trip, Brown's Berry Patch is located at 14264 Roosevelt Highway (Route 18) in Waterport, NY. You can purchase a meal or snack in the Marketplace, or at the outdoor Farm Grill (weekends only). There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. There were posted signs near all outdoor tables indicating that coolers are not allowed. Restrooms are located in the Marketplace.

We ended our visit right around dinner time and found a decent, low-key restaurant about five minutes away: Black North Inn. It was relatively kid-friendly. The staff was friendly, there is a kids' menu, and if you can get a table facing the water, the boats outside may be enough to occupy the kids while the adults have a real conversation. At least for a few minutes. (Non-kid-friendly note: there is no changing table in the restroom). We ordered the Chevre-Portobello Pizza, and I was sad the next day when the leftovers were gone. It was that good. Garlic, spinach, portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, and mozzarella; could there be a more delicious combination for a pizza? Probably not.

On the next sunny day when you are looking for something new to do, I highly recommend Brown's Berry Patch. Be sure to Post a Comment and let us know about your visit! And as always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Do you have weekend plans? Friday and Saturday are looking lovely - around 80 and sunny - for everyone planning barbecues, heading to sports events, or looking to take a hike. But it's probably best to have an indoor back-up plan for Sunday in case they're right about the thunderstorms. Not to worry! There's plenty to do this weekend (and Friday, too - now that the kids are out of school, we need to keep them busy).

Animal Tales Drop-In Story Time

Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m.

Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY

All are welcome to stop in and listen to an animal-themed story. Afterward, check out the dogs and cats inside the shelter, as well as the rabbits and other animals in the barn. Then head outside to pet the sheep and goats, and walk along the farm path to see horses, pigs, ducks, and more. Free of charge.

Tails and Tales Story Time

Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m.

Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY

Stop by the barn for story time and visit from a farm animal. Story time is free; tickets for jumping pillow, mini golf, batting cages, and concessions sold separately. Don't forget to bring your own sand toys for the giant sand box (or rent a toy while you're there).

School's Out Celebration

Friday, June 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY

Admission is $5 per person over age 2 and includes: jumping pillow, giant slide, duck races, hoop shoot, trikes, mini maze, traverse climbing wall, sandbox, and spider web. Face painting and crafts available for additional $1-3. Snacks available for purchase.

War of 1812 Bicentennial & Jane Austen Weekend

Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Genessee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY

Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 as well as the Regency Era of Jane Austen. Activities include morning parade and flag raising on Village Square, fashion shows, live target shooting, Jane Austen dance demonstration (Saturday only), tactical demonstrations and militia drills, fife & drum concert, and more. Regular admission fees apply.

Discover Madagascar Day

Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY

Celebrate Madagascar's Independence Day and learn about this country's people and special wildlife. Games and puzzles will be available for children. Included with regular admission.

Strawberry Celebration

Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY 

Pick a basket of sun-ripened strawberries during peak season - right now! Bring your own containers or purchase some inside. Don't forget to sample some of the strawberry products in the market, too. After you've picked some berries, check out Barnyard Adventure (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or have a bite to eat at the Farm Grill (12-7 p.m.).

Trolley Rides

Sunday, June 23 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East Henrietta Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase a ticket for a unique trolley ride when you arrive. While you wait for your trolley, explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation. 

Giant-Screen Films

Sunday, June 24 from 1 - 4:15 p.m.

Rochester Museum & Science Center - Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY

There are giant-screen films and star shows daily, but given the chance of thunderstorms, Sunday would be a perfect day to go see one. Discounted tickets for RMSC members.

1 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. - Fly Me to the Moon (50 min.; animated; ages 5-adult)

3:15 p.m. - Ring of Fire (45 min.; live action; ages 6 - adult)

More outdoor ideas:

• Fly a kite at Veterans Memorial Park 
• Get splashed at the Camp Eastman spray ground
• Check out Wild Wings at Mendon Ponds Park
• Walk along the Erie Canal at Perinton Park
• Feed the trout at Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery
• Walk a trail at Tinker Nature Park

More indoor ideas:

• Ride the train at Strong National Museum of Play
• Build with Keva Planks at Rochester Museum & Science Center
• Check out some books at your local Library
• If you belong to the YMCA, check out the Adventure Center at the Southeast Family Branch (Pittsford) or go swimming at the Eastside Family Branch (Penfield) 
• Head to Kango, Bounce It Out, or Jump Club to jump away the sillies

That should be enough to keep us all out of trouble this weekend. Enjoy yourself, and as always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

It's going to be another gorgeous weekend in the ROC. I hope you have some time to get out and enjoy it with your kids. Here are a few ideas for you, if you're looking for something extra fun.

Animal Tales Drop-In Story Time
Friday, June 15 at 11 a.m.
Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY
All are welcome to stop in and listen to an animal-themed story. Afterward, check out the dogs and cats inside the shelter, as well as the rabbits and other animals in the barn. Then head outside to pet the sheep and goats, and walk along the farm path to see horses, pigs, ducks, and more. Free of charge.

Shortsville Firemen's Carnival and Parade
Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16 - times vary by date
Budd Park, Water Street, Shortsville, NY
Parade at 7 p.m. on Friday, followed by live music from 8 - 9:30 p.m. Saturday features a chicken barbecue, rides, prizes, and music from noon to midnight. Fireworks on Saturday at 10:30 p.m

Little Links Family Fun Day at Wickham Farms

Saturday, June 16 from 1 - 4 p.m.

Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY

Free event from the Eastside Family YMCA includes arts & crafts, face painting, farm animals, an inflatable, and more. Tickets for jumping pillow, mini golf, batting cages, and concessions sold separately.

Early June Special at Seabreeze
Saturday, June 16 - Sunday, June 17 from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. each day
Seabreeze Amusement Park, 4600 Culver Road, Rochester, NY
Save $5 at the gate; click here for coupon. Not valid on Under 48" pass, Night Rider pass, or other offers. Up to 5 people may use this coupon for $5 off each person.

Freebies for Father's Day - Sunday, June 17
- Free Mini Golf for Dads at Clubhouse Fun Center, 70 Jay Scutti Blvd., Henrietta, NY
- Free ice cream cone, mini golf, and jumping pillow for Dads at Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY
- Free $3 Berry Bucks Coupon (print & bring along) good toward any purchase at Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevet Highway, Waterport, NY. Pick fresh strawberries, feed the goats, play on the spiderweb, jump on the jumping pillow, and more.
- Dads play free mini golf at Adventure Landing, 3340 West Ridge Road, Greece, NY. Dads play free mini golf with each paying player at regular price.


Enjoy the weekend, and I hope all the ROCpoppas have a wonderful Father's Day!

Making Dinner When You're Starving, Exhausted, and the Kids Are Driving You Nuts

A few months ago, my cousin had her second baby and asked me how in the world I got dinner on the table with two kids hanging on me. It was so much easier to manage with one child, plus day care. I used to work from home most days, so I could do a little prep work during my lunch break or just before I picked up my son from day care.

Now with two kids and no real break, it's a bit more challenging. But there is hope! Whether you have one child, or you take up every seat in your minivan, you can do it.

The big secret? Be your own SOUS CHEF.

By doing some of the work ahead of time, it's easier to get a meal on the table once crunch time hits. You know, crunch time? That point in the day when you need to get food in the oven (or on the stove top) and at the exact same time one child wants to be held, another child is getting frustrated with a Lego tower and wants your help, the cat is meowing at her empty food bowl while giving you stink-eye, and the phone is ringing. Good times.

Battle crunch time with ROCmomma's Tried & True Secret Dinner Strategy:

1. Find a meal-prep time that works best for you - kids' nap time, in the morning before you leave for work/school, or even the night before once the kids are in bed.
2. Place the recipe in a convenient location - tape the page to a cabinet door, stand the cookbook in a holder, or set your smartphone in a stand on the counter.
3. Chop veggies and place in storage containers in the fridge. If you have time sauté or roast as indicated in the recipe, and then store in the fridge. TIP: Invest in a few varied sizes of storage containers (plastic, glass, or steel; whatever makes you most comfortable). Also, keep chopped onions and garlic separate from other veggies to minimize the odor.
4. Assemble all dry ingredients, utensils, and cutting boards on your counter or work surface. Don't forget a can opener, garlic press, et cetera.
5. Measure spices and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
6. Take out all pots and pans as needed and place on the stove top. If needed, place a colander next to the sink, et cetera.
7. Move frozen ingredients to the front of the freezer, so it's easy to grab them later. Move all cold ingredients to the front of the fridge, or group them together on a refrigerator shelf.

If your children are old enough (probably 2+) they can help measure, pour, and mix as long as it's not near the hot stove. They can also help put the containers into the fridge for you.

Now when crunch time hits, it's like a clever army of sous-chef elves have visited your kitchen and left you wonderful presents. Almost all of your ingredients are either prepared or they are within easy reach. All of the gadgets you need are out and ready for you. YOU CAN MAKE DINNER!

You have the know-how...do you need some culinary inspiration? The weather has turned back on the chilly side, so how about Butternut Squash Pizza (adapted from Real Simple, March 2010, p. 206) and Creamy Broccoli Soup (adapted from Real Simple, February 2011, p. 154)?

Butternut Squash Pizza
1 lb. store-bought pizza dough (thawed if frozen) or 1 Boboli whole wheat thin crust pizza shell
1 lb. butternut squash (pre-cut is fine)
1/2 red onion
1/4 c. pine nuts
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp. dried thyme)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
6 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar
Cornmeal, for dusting

During Prep Time:

1. Peel, seed, and slice butternut squash 1/4 inch thick. If using pre-cut squash, just slice the chunks 1/4-inch thick and store in a container in the fridge. 
2. Thinly slice red onion; store in container in the fridge. NOTE: If using a Boboli crust, roast the red onion and butternut squash slices, with a light spray or drizzle of olive oil, at 400 F for 20 minutes before storing.
3. Grate the Cheddar; store in container in the fridge.
4. Measure thyme, salt, and pepper into container; store on the counter.
5. Place pizza stone or large baking sheet, a mixing bowl, a mixing spoon, a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon, and cornmeal on the counter.

During Crunch Time:

1. Heat oven to 400 F. 
2. Gather the storage containers and the dough (or Boboli) from the fridge.
3. Shape dough and place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
4. In a large bowl, toss the squash, onion, pine nuts, thyme, salt, and pepper with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Scatter over the dough and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 25-30 minutes for dough, or according to package instructions for Boboli. Enjoy!

Creamy Broccoli Soup
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
2 c. low-sodium vegetable broth
1 bunch broccoli
2 large russet potatoes
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 c. water
2 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar
Bagel chips, for serving (optional)

During Prep Time:

1. Chop onion. If time, sauté in a large saucepan over medium heat with olive oil and crushed red pepper. Saute 4-6 minutes, until soft, then store in container and place in the refrigerator.
2. Roughly chop broccoli florets; peel and slice stems. Store in container, in the fridge.
3. Peeling the potatoes is optional; cut potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces and store in the fridge.
4. Measure salt & pepper; store in a container on the counter.
5. Grate Cheddar and store in a container in the fridge.
6. Place a large saucepan or soup pot on the stove top with its lid. You'll also need a measuring cup (2 cups), a blender or handheld immersion blender, carton of broth, and bagel chips.

During Crunch Time:

1. If using fresh dough for the pizza, make that first and then start the soup once the pizza is in the oven. If using Boboli, start with the soup and then make the pizza while the soup is simmering.
2. Gather storage containers from the fridge.
3. In large pot/pan over medium heat, add the sautéed onion, broth, broccoli, potato, water, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are very tender, 20-25 minutes.
4. In a blender, working in batches, puree the soup until smooth (alternatively, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot). 
5. Top with bagel chips and cheddar before serving.

If you utilize the ROCmomma Tried & True Secret Dinner Strategy (prep time), then each of these recipes has about 5 minutes of hands-on time and about 25 minutes of cooking/baking time. So good, you can almost taste it! Plus, you'll be able to hold the little one while making a Lego tower, answering the phone, and unceremoniously dropping a big dollop of canned food into the pesky feline's bowl.

I hope this strategy works for you; it's honestly the only way I can put food on our table...other than running out to Wegman's for their $6 meals. And believe me, that is so tempting. But I'm a bit of a control freak and I like to know what goes into our food the majority of the time.

Be sure to let me know how the Secret Dinner Strategy works for you, and if you have any other time-saving, sanity-saving tips in the Comments section. Thanks for reading!