Don’t miss Charleston Harbor Fest this weekend!  I used to spend summers on Nantucket Island (thanks McGowan Family!!!!), and let me tell you, it was totally awesome.  In addition to just being in a cool place and working for the coolest family ever, I got to know a lot more about coastal living, harbor festivals, sailing, and such.  When I saw the headline, Tall ships descend on Charleston for Harbor Fest, my very first thought was that my kids have to see the ships.  Real pirate ships (or at least ships like the ones that real pirates used).  Check out Old Charles Town and Pirate Village during Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 starting Friday and running through Sunday, including a Children’s Pirate Parade all three mornings at 11am.  Children are encouraged to dress the part.   Get your eye patches out, pack some snacks, and take a road trip to Charleston this weekend!  For other ideas of things to do in Charleston, see my previous Charleston recap post.

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Tuesday: Don’t miss Lunch Money at the library!  There are two shows planned to celebrate the start of Summer (and the Summer Reading Program at RCPL)!  Cooper Branch at 10:30am and Northeast Branch at 3:30pm.  Free!

Tuesdays: Every Tuesday, kids 6 and older can be dropped off at Be Beep Toys to play Bingo for free!  7-8:30pm.  Ages 6-12 (strictly enforced).  Due to the popularity of the program, you do have to sign up in advance.  Space is first come, first serve.  Sign-up sheets are at the counter at Be Beep.  Call the store for more information (787-5772).

Tuesday - Thursday: Free Family Film Festival at Midtown at Forest Acres, Sandhill, and Columbiana Grande Regal theaters.  10am.  Check the link to see the movie listings for each location.

Thursday - Sunday: Columbia Children’s Theatre will be presenting Aladdin. If you haven’t seen a performance by the CCT, you should! They always put on an entertaining show for all ages. You can catch the Aladdin performance at their new space at Midtown at Forest Acres! Admission is $5. Be sure to check it out!

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Smoothies are a great way to get your kids to consume their RDA of fruits and vegetables, and depending on the recipe, they can get a good dose of calcium and protein, too!  There are tons of smoothie recipes, and really, you can just throw in whatever you have on hand.  I would suggest having at least one frozen fruit to add to the mix, as that makes the smoothie really cold without watering it down with ice.  I recommend putting your blender out on your counter and leaving it there for summer. You will be more likely to make them if you don’t have to get your blender out every time.

I just made this smoothie yesterday for lunch, and let me tell you, it was awesome!  It was so creamy and delicious that it could easily pass for a dessert!  Be forewarned, it isn’t really a “lowfat” smoothie, but it has a lot of protein in it with the tofu, milk, and peanut butter.  11 grams of protein, actually, which makes it a great choice for lunch, perhaps paired with something lowfat like a salad or raw veggie plate.

1/2 cup silken tofu

3/4 cup lowfat milk

2 Tbsp. peanut butter

2 frozen bananas, sliced

1 teaspoon of honey

Blend until smooth and creamy!  Delicious!

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Don’t miss Billy Jonas at the Richland County Public Library.  Billy and his junkadelic folk music will be at the Main Branch at 3pm tomorrow, June 9th!  Admission is free.

p.s.  He will also be performing at the North Springs Elementary School on Clemson Road at 10:30am.  You do need a ticket for admission due to the large crowd, so contact the Sandhills Branch (699-9230) to get your free ticket.

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Learn about planting your own garden with Farmer Ben of Slow Food Columbia!  Today at 3:30pm.  Ages 3-8.  You do need to call the library to sign up to attend.  Call 929-3434.

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I don’t know if you read the Free Times, but they just featured a new website/blog here in town called SuperBudget Columbia.  Per the Free Times article, “SuperBudget Columbia is dedicated to all things free, not just food and drinks. Free movie screenings and other free or cheap events are featured regularly. A live feed of free items posted to Columbia’s Craigslist runs down one side of the page. But free booze and meals are the heart of the site.” I just checked it out and found out you can get free donuts at Krispy Kreme on Friday!  I am sure your kids would hate to help celebrate National Donut Day…

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