Wednesday, June 1, 2016

{DIY} Father's Day Breakfast in bed

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Well, isn't this the funnest thing ever? I'm always looking for ways to make Father's Day a little more special for those wonderful man in my life. With the big day just around the corner, June 19th this year, I was starting to panic a little...(just a little!). How could I make the day more special, but not break the bank (or my sanity) trying to pull if off?
I recently came across this fun pack from The Dating Divas, and was just so impressed! This is EXACTLY what I've been searching for!

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We are going to start his day off right, and turn the somewhat normal tradition of breakfast in bed... into a plain ol' work of art!



Here's what this awesome pack contains:
  • Door hangers to make room orders a breeze.
  • Breakfast food toppers + decor to add a memorable backdrop.
  • Printable art to display all month long!
  • Letter stationary to remind Dad how much you adore him.
  • Customizable photo card for a special gift.
  • Gift tags for extra embellishment.

You just have to take a closer look at some of the details, too!




The door hanger is probably my favorite - how genius! Take the guesswork out for your family and let the kiddos bring you the requested breakfast the next morning!


Frameable art! I looove having frameable art at my disposal - I utilize it for every season! It adds so much fun and whimsy to my decor.


If you don't think food toppers are all that useful, try again, my friends. I'm always so surprised at how much they really add to the decor - like this:


Seriously, when Google finally gets around to inventing internet you can smell {which they WILL...just give it time!}, it's going to be a really good day.


I love this simple new tradition! Each year, everyone in the family writes down their favorite things about DAD! What an awesome keepsake! Best part? There is one for the kids, and a different one for the adults...so you can get as steamy as you want!


And...of course...little gift bows to really make those presents pop!

Get it all for just $4.97!!

I just couldn't resist sharing that with you! I love that they took something so simple, that almost every already does...and just added some extra love!
Awesome, huh?! I can't wait to use mine! Something simple, sweet, and fun - what a perfect way to wake up Dad on his special day!
Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there!



Saturday, May 14, 2016

The Wizard of Oz {The Muny}



The Muny has released it's 2016 schedule and I am thrilled that The Wizard of Oz is on the schedule June 13-22nd! 

First Production in 10 Years! 
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME 
 Fly “over the rainbow” for this all-time American and Muny classic. Whenever Dorothy and her friends follow their hearts down the yellow brick road, you’re guaranteed an evening of enchantment. One of the most popular shows—if not THE most popular show – in Muny history, this lavish musical is a joyful reminder that come summer, there’s no place like The Muny.

Each year they offer around 1500 free seats, in the last nine rows, to every performance of the summer season! Free seats are available on a first come, first seat basis and limited wheelchair seating is also available in the free seat section. The gates to the free seats open at 7 pm nightly, however lines begin forming as early as 4 pm so if you are hoping to get a free seat I suggest you go early! 

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets HERE.

Also coming during the 2016 Summer Series:

42nd Street June 24 – 30
All-singing! All-tapping! One of the biggest, boldest, brashest musicals in Broadway history, this song-and-dance extravaganza remains the ultimate backstage musical. Yet, beneath all the hip hooray and ballyhoo, this “lullaby of Broadway” reminds us that Broadway dreams still do come true.
Music Man July 5 – 11
Buyer beware! Professor Harold Hill, the slickest, slyest con man on the Iowa circuit is headed our way, eager to make mischief and steal your heart. Set on the 4th of July, every note in Meredith Willson’s iconic score is as delectable as a slice of Mom’s apple pie. And by the way, if you think The Muny will settle for just “76 Trombones” onstage – you don’t want to miss this parade!
Young Frankenstein July 13 – 19
The gang’s all here: Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Igor and the horse-frightening Frau Blücher – together again in scenic Transylvania to reanimate a monster. Only the deranged mind of Mel Brooks could have inspired such lunacy. As Mel’s 1974 movie comedy classic comes to bawdy, musical life onstage, you too will feel like “Puttin’ on the Ritz” as you revel in a madcap evening of mad scientists, yodeling lab assistants … everything you need for one hilarious Muny night!
Mamma Mia July 21 – 28
After 14 years and nearly 6,000 performances on Broadway, the phenomenal worldwide megahit Mamma Mia! arrives at The Muny like a breath of fresh island air. Prepare to be swept into the contagious excitement of 22 memorable ABBA hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All.” You haven’t seen Mamma Mia! in its full splendor until you’ve seen it under the stars at The Muny.
Fiddler On The Roof July 30 – August 5
A musical that celebrates family, tradition and community, Fiddler on the Roof is one of the greatest musicals ever written. This cherished musical is a poignant folk tale, laden with happiness and tears – a musical that grows more resonant with every passing year. See it with someone you love.
Aida August 8 – 14
A decade ago, Muny audiences fell in love with an unforgettable tale. Set in ancient Egypt, this timeless saga of forbidden love between the Ethiopian princess Aida and her Egyptian captor has been re-envisioned for this enchanting production. Expect to be captured yourself by Elton John’s soaring melodies including “Written in the Stars,” “The Gods Love Nubia” and “Elaborate Lives.” Aida is the thrilling finale to the Muny season.



Friday, May 13, 2016

{Family Fun} Suson Farm Fridays

When my oldest was little Suson Farm was one of her favorite places to visit. Ironically, I had live in Missouri my entire life and never heard of it until a friend took us there. This year you can experience all the fun during Suson Farm Fridays! Take a barn tour, enjoy a hayride through the park, get your face painted, dip your own candles, ride a pony, do some fishing and play on an awesome playground or pedal tractors.
Admission is $10 per child, ages 2-12. Adults are free. Park programs are designed for kids of all abilities. Suson Farm Fridays are held in all weather, NO REFUNDS.
When - May 20, June 3 & 17 and September 9
Time - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Where - Suson Park 6073 Wells Road, 63128

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Wehrenberg Family Summer Movie Series

 
Looking for something cheap and fun with the kiddos this summer? Well, I have good news for you, the "Family Summer Series" will return to Wehrenberg Theatres starting June 1 until August 4th;  featuring a different movie each week. Admission is $1. The same 10 films will be shown at STL locations but the schedule will vary! 




Tuesday, May 10, 2016

{DIY} Printable Graduation Gift Pack

After years of hard work, graduates deserve a special day to celebrate and a special gift (or two) as a reward for all their dedication to learning. Giving money is one of the most popular ways to help the graduate celebrate their achievements but I love giving more unique and meaningful gifts too and I've found the perfect solution. The Dating Divas have a Graduation Gift Kit that's completely do-it-yourself so it's one of a kind, reasonably priced and will be appreciated by graduates at any level.

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All of the printables were created by Leah Aldous. She simply used black and gold to create timeless and versatile printable designs that will coordinate with any school's colors - perfect to use year after year for any graduate you know. Have you ever bought a downloadable pack like this before? All you do is buy the pack, and it gets sent right to your email. Then you just download, and print it out!

The printable kit includes 3 DIY Graduation Gifts–

  • Graduation Candy Gift Basket –  Choose from tons of clever sayings to create a quick, easy and delicious gift idea for your grad!
  • Surprise Lawn Signs – Take your “Congrats” card to the next level and say it even BIGGER with a sign in the yard!
  • Graduation Letters Binder – This gift is a special surprise and a memorable keepsake for your graduate filled with letters from their closest teachers and peers!


A basket filled with candy is pretty much my dream gift. Plus it comes together really quickly and you don't have to be a crafty person to make it look fantastic. I love that you can pick and choose the phrases you like best and that I can add my own personal touch to it because there are matching blank cards. This is going to be my go-to gift for graduates from now on, especially since it works for anyone - no matter how well you know them!


The lawn signs are such a perfect way to make a huge impact for a graduation party. They're simple decor that double as an easy way for guests to find the party. And as a bonus, you could definitely take some great pictures of the grad and his or her guests with these signs!


For the most meaningful gift you can possibly give, these letters cannot be beat. I kind of wish someone had created this for me. It's the best idea for a graduate that you're really close to and want to do something really special that they'll cherish forever. The binder is great for any grad but it's especially perfect for high schoolers who are headed to college away from home. They can take this keepsake with them and pull it out when they need support from those that love them.
Every graduate deserves a little moment to shine… so don’t pass up the opportunity to show them how proud you are of their accomplishments! Graduation season is just around the corner, so grab your DIY Gift Kit now for $7.97 and make it easy to check something off your to-do list and give the perfect, unique graduation gift - choose one or all of these ideas to show your support!


*This post does contain affiliate links! If you purchase the Dating Divas printable pack through my site you will pay the same price; however I will receive a small portion! 
Thanks for your support!





Monday, May 9, 2016

Online shopping? Check out these cash back sites first!

Today, I thought a rundown of my favorite cashback sites might be helpful as we are quickly approaching the Holiday Season. If you are not familiar with Cashback sites - basically they are companies that operate on an affiliate basis with hundreds if not thousands of online stores. The stores give the cashback sites an affiliate commission and the cashback sites give you a portion of that commission when you make a purchase. It's a win-win!

There are numerous of these types of sites out there, but there are three main ones that I check when I’m making online purchases.



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Ebates is the oldest cashback site I belong to. I joined in 2013, which isn’t all that long ago when you think about it. Honestly, I did not really start using it until about a year ago...don't ask me why...I mean who doesn't want to earn cash back on online purchases they are planning to make anyway!





A little more about Ebates: 


$5.01 minimum pay-out threshold
Payment date every 45 days; on a schedule
Get paid by either PayPal or check
Ebates Referral Bonus - earn $10 per friend you refer plus a $50 bonus when two friends make a purchase through Ebates

You get a $10 bonus for signing up with Ebates, payable when you earn $25 in cashback within 90 days. {This is quite do-able if you do a lot of Holiday shopping online.}




Mr. Rebates is another great site that has been known for offering some of the highest cash back percentages for many of the merchants that it has partnered with.
                



A little more about Mr. Rebates': 


$10.00 minimum pay-out threshold
Payment date is 1st of each month for previous months’ requests
Get paid by either PayPal or check
Mr Rebates' Referral Bonus - Each time your referral gets cash back, you get a bonus equal to 20% of their rebate. You benefit from every purchase they make.



Topcashback is another great cashback site. Again, I seem to totally under utilize this site and I am not sure why. I joined in 2014 and have only used the site twice BUT those earnings equal $13.00! Actually, I earned back more than I spent!!




A little more about Topcashback: 

No minimum pay-out threshold
Stack the savings with cashback + coupons
Be paid whenever you choose
The cashback is payable in a fairly speedy manner
You can get a 3% bonus on your cashback rebate if you request payout via an Amazon.com Gift Card.
Top Cashback Referral Bonus - Invite your friends and earn $10 for each

When you sign up with TopCashBack you get a $10 bonus, payable when you earn $10 in cashback.




Additional cashback sites worth looking into are:

Fat Wallet - sends shoppers email alerts when a new deal is posted for a specific product or company.You can get cash back from hundreds of stores and thousands of store offers, as well as bonuses for referring friends and family members. 

Swagbucks - offers cash-back rewards for more than just online shopping: Users earn a virtual currency called Swag Bucks for a variety of online activities, including searching, shopping, taking surveys, playing games and discovering online content.

MyPoints - every time shoppers make a purchase through MyPoints.com they earn rewards points, which can be redeemed for gift cards, cash back or even travel miles.

BeFrugal - features cash back, online coupons and promotion codes for over 4,000 merchants. The site also offers printable coupons that can be used offline at restaurants and grocery stores.


Since cashback rates fluctuate, it’s a good idea to just check before you purchase.



Monday, April 25, 2016

{In it for the long run}


 

Gotta love kids! Today I received a message that my daughter had a track meet about 30 minutes away from us. Why would this be an issue? Well, I was only given about an hours notice. Thankfully, the kiddos got ready as fast as they could and we made it in time to cheer Shi on! 

She expressed that she was really nervous, not only was this her first meet of the year, she was running and jumping as on the Varsity team which meant the competition would be that much more fierce. Both Joe and I tried to explain that it is not all about winning but trying her best that really mattered. I am not sure she bought into the idea. 

As you can see from the video she did not win. And that is 100% ok in my book. Shi has never been a strong runner, she has never been very athletic at all. She is my child who prefers to draw and write; not participate in sports...yet here she is trying her best at a sport that she absolutely loathes. When I took her to get her new track running shoes and spikes as we left the store she looked rather disappointed. When I inquired about it she said up until that point she was thinking she would never really have to make it! Silly girl, one would think that by now she should know me a little better than that. When it comes to my children when they want to do something, come hell or high water I am going to make sure they have the best equipment there is! Even if it is just shoes. 

Anyway the last time I timed Shi on the track running the 100 meter dash her time was a far cry from varsity time - both she and I were fully aware of that. Hence today's killer nerves. Today she pushed through and shaved 2 seconds off her personal best record!! 2 SECONDS! Needless to say we were both jumping for joy once I met her at the finish line. She may not be the fastest now, she may never be but she is persistent and does not give up...even when the odds are against her. In my eyes, that makes her a winner.