Monthly Archives: June 2015

Free & Fun Fourth of July Coloring Sheets

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Free Fourth of July Coloring Sheets

For Personal Use Only.  Do not Alter or Redistribute on Any Other Sites.

Looking for something to keep the kid’s busy as you prepare for your Fourth of July Activities.  Pull out these Patriotic Coloring Sheets and let them have at it!!  Download Print and Enjoy!!

The Liberty Bell     Home of the Brave     Happy Independence Day

ORIGINS OF THE FOURTH OF JULY SOURCE: HISTORY.COM

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Fourth of July Becomes a National Holiday

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United

Updated 6/28/17

Things I want my girls to know

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Things I Want My Girls to Know - www.stage-presents.com

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there.  Like most parents out there, I often find myself wishing that I could protect my girls from all the pitfalls that lay ahead.  I am sure it’s not much different than what my own mother must have felt while watching my sister and I grow into young ladies.  But, I must admit that it’s only now, that I am a parent of two young girls that I am I even starting to get a glimpse into the sheer panic that she must have felt.  I remember thinking that my parents were too hard on us or that we  were way too sheltered.  I had lots of opinions on the best way to raise myself.  My son now 18, almost 19 felt the same way, and, I’m sure my girls will too.

As a woman, I often think of what I could tell my own little girls that would help them to avoid some of the pain and heartache that I went through.  Knowing all too well, that just because I tell them doesn’t necessarily mean that they will listen, and that they won’t have to find their own way.  Over the years, I have started keeping a list of things to tell them, which eventually turned into a Pinterest Board on my Personal Page here.   And, I am pretty sure that the list will get longer as they get older.  My long term plan is to have these quotes and words of wisdom put into a small book that they can carry with them when they leave for college.  Here are just a few of my favorites..

1.  Be Yourself.  An original is always worth more than a COPY.

2.  If you can’t be kind, be quiet.

3.  Don’t let someone dim your light, simply because it’s shining in their eyes.

4.  Comparison is the thief of joy.

5.  I hope you know, you are capable, brave and significant, even when you feel like you’re not.

6.  Someone who is worthy of your love will never put you in a situation where you feel you must sacrifice your dignity, your integrity, or your self-worth to be with them.

7.  Rudeness is the weak person’s imitation of strength.

8.  Hope is the little voice you hear whisper “maybe” when it seems the whole world is shouting “no”!

9.  Laugh when you can, apologize when you should & let go of what you can’t change.

10.  Beauty without Intelligence, is a masterpiece painted on a napkin.

The Educated Child Quote

Photo Source: Pinterest

Photo Source:

I am sure there are things that you want to tell your little ones as they grow.  What are your thoughts?  Consider sharing your quotes or Words of Wisdom with us in the comment section below.

A Simple Father’s Day At Home

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A Simple Fathers DayIt took me a while to realize that my husband was all about the Simple Things.  After years of trying to make a big hoopla about his birthday or Father’s Day or other such events, I finally realized that what he needed and what I needed were just two different things.  Me, I am about all about the Pomp and Circumstance.  Him, he’s all about being comfortable, and relaxed.

So this year, I took a different approach to Father’s Day.  I mixed a little of me, with a whole lot of him.  Meaning ??  He would just NEVER go and buy himself a new cell phone, even though his pretty ancient.  So, the kids and I decided to upgrade him for his  Father’s Day present.  Even though Technology is what he does for a living, he could care less about those types of things. He literally only uses his cell phone to text and talk.  But, I suspect that might be changing here very soon.  And,  instead of cooking up a big FANCY meal, I cooked something that I know he loves.

I started looking for a recipe right after Mother’s Day for Ribs.  And, you all already know my criteria EASY, and TASTY.   I found this recipe at Six Sisters Stuff found here for Fall off the Bone BBQ Ribs. What made this recipe stand out over the others was the easy prep and the 8 hours in the Crock Pot.   And, then even though I have my own tried and true Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe.  I decided to try out Patti Labelle’s Mac and Cheese recipe found here,  since the ribs would have the Crockpot tied down for 8 hours straight.    Add to that some corn on the cob and we had a dinner that was Dad approved.

The girls gave him their Personalized Photo Cards from Card Store and I gave him my mushy one.  We all just hung out for the day being silly and not leaving the house.  But, It was just what he wanted.  And he was happy and ultimately.  That is really all that matters.

How did you spend your Father’s Day weekends?

Celebrate Dad with this Free Father’s Day Coloring Coupon Book

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Father's Day Coupon Book Mock Up

Father’s Day Coupon Book Cover

Father's Day Coupon Book Page1 Mock Up

Father’s Day Coupon Coloring Page

Father's Day Coupon Book Page2 Mock Up

Father’s Day Note Page

Father's Day Coupon Book Back MockupFather’s Day Coupon Book Back Cover

It’s almost Dad’s Big Day.  Show him just how special you think that he is with this FREE FATHER’S DAY COLORING COUPON BOOK.  Download, Print, Cut & Staple.

This Father’s Day Coloring Coupon Book is the property of Stage Presents, and is for  Personal Use Only.  Please Do Not Alter or Redistribute on Any Other Sites.

10 Lessons I learned in my 30’s

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Lessons I Learned in my 30's

 

I am pretty sure that at 16, I thought I knew all there was to know about life.  At 21, I was sure that I knew so much more than I did at 16.  And, at 30 well…. I felt like I was already old and set in my ways.  This being the last year of my 30’s….. tears…sighs… and sniffles, I must acknowledge that I am still constantly learning more than I knew the day before, and that some of these lessons that I learned in my 30’s I probably should have learned in my 20’s.  Oh well, hindsight being 20/20 and all…  Here are the 10 most important lessons I learned in my 30’s.

1.  You Are Enough.  I spent a good portion of my life wanting to be MORE or LESS.  I can’t say that it is not something that I still battle with daily.  But, there will always be someone better and someone worst than you, in all aspects of life.  If you keep trying to keep up or measure up, you fail to see the amazing things about yourself.

2.  Roll with it.  NO matter how much control you think you have, some things are outside of your control.  Even the most intense Control Freak, has to acknowledge that they don’t wield as much power as they think.  Hence, The Serenity Prayer – “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

3.  Don’t fight your feelings and trust your instincts.  If you feel sad, cry.  If you feel happy, smile.  Embrace what your feeling and don’t try to hide it.  Let it out.  My first impression is almost always the one I should go with.  More often than not, if I don’t trust my instincts. I regret it.

4.  A square block is NOT fitting into a round hole.  Stop FORCING things to be that are not meant to be.

5.  Just cause it feels good or it tastes good, doesn’t make it good.  This one is self explanatory, right??  Calories… and … some pleasure, lol.

6.  All relationships require communication, loyalty, commitment and effort.  All relationships, friendships, parent child, employer employee….

7.  Don’t be afraid to make changes.  “If you don’t like where you are MOVE.  You are not a tree.”

8.  Identify FEAR.  I have let FEAR stop me from doing a lot in my life.  I had excuse after excuse about why I couldn’t or didn’t do XYZ.  I never identified it as FEAR.  But, once I did it helped me to begin to work towards conquering it.  And move on.  FEAR – False Evidence Appearing Real.

9.  No one owes you anything.  Except maybe you… you owe yourself THE VERY BEST.

10.  Gratitude and Attitude will get you EVERYWHERE.

What Lessons are you learning in your 30’s?

Shop with Stage Presents for Father’s Day!!

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Vintage Wooden Toy Car - fathers day blog

Let us help you celebrate Dad this year?  Our Stage Presents Etsy Shop has something for everyone.  Check out some of the items in our shop that have been Father’s Day Approved.

Pillows for Dad

Pillows for Dad

Decorate for Dad with Printables

Decorate for Dad with Printables

Posters for Dad

Posters for Dad

“Any man can be a father, but it take’s a someone very special to be a DAD.”

It’s Freebie Friday!!

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FreebieFriday612

It’s Freebie Friday.  Cacti and Succulents are all the rage this season.  So in keeping with the current trend, we thought that we would share (2) Watercolor Cacti Seamless Patterns. Both High Quality and High Resolution, these patterns measure 12 x 12, the standard size for Scrapbook Paper, (3600 x 3600 pixels).  Feel free to use them however you like.  Download these Patterns Below:

Cactus 1 (Left)

Cactus 2 (Right)

Happy Freebie Friday!!

Stage Presents: Not Your Average Teacher – Nigel Walker Ed. S.

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Making the Pieces Fit - Not Your Average TeacherIn my opinion, teaching is one of the hardest and most noble professions.  It takes a certain kind of dedication and commitment to be able to reach, mold, and engage young minds.  As a parent, I have had the opportunity to experience  many different teachers and administrators.  I have always been fascinated by the way that certain teachers can capture both the affection and the imagination of  the children that they teach. In today’s society, I find that the focus has shifted away from those who teach because they love to teach and have a genuine passion for reaching those in their charge.  So, I wanted to do this Creative Interview to showcase a Teacher who is definitely “Not Your Average Teacher”.  They do EXIST.  In addition to being a teacher, Nigel Walker is also a published author, three times over.  You will find the links to his books in his bio at the end of this blog.  Be sure to Like and Follow him on his various Social Media Channels.  He definitely gets the Stage Presents Seal of Approval.

What made you want to become a teacher?

After changing my mind several times, I began to think about what I could do that I would enjoy other than writing, music or theater.  Even though I delighted in those things, I was looking for a more stable career.  I then thought about how much I liked to tutor other students in High School, and I recalled that my Spanish class taught basic Spanish to elementary school children, and so began my interest in teaching.

What makes your teaching style unique?

My upbringing  helps me to relate to more of the students that are considered “at risk”.  My diverse interests in music and pop culture help me to relate to the average student, and my use of music and creative teaching techniques keep the students engaged.  I also pair that with the very high expectations to draw a belief out of all my students that they can achieve   Many will tell you that it is a difficult and scarcely seen task to maintain high expectations amidst student and parent resistance, as well as changing standards and expectations.

What is your goal for your students each year?

I tell my students at the beginning of each year that it is my goal for 100% of them to have a passing grade and/or pass whatever standardized test we are giving, and I believe that is possible.

Ultimately, what do you see as your end game?  What do you think that your experience and education has prepared you for?

My ultimate goal is to open my own school, whether it is private or charter.  I have have had the good fortune of being acquainted with Ron Clark and Kim Bearden, co-founders of the Ron Clark Academy and some of their outstanding teachers.  I have also had the privilege of working under the 2013 Metlife/NASSP National Principal of the Year, Dr. Laurie Barron.  In those experiences, I have shared my goals and have been advised by people I think are the best equipped to give advice.  My experience as a professional speaker and community activist has prepared me to understand the sense of community it truly takes to help in the development of a child.  I am prepared to embark on my own personal journey to develop the next generation of leaders in the community.

What is your vision for your school?  Tell me a little about it.

The vision of the school is to use an energized curriculum based on music and the arts to engage students in rigorous instruction.  It is also to discover or utilize talent to serve the community, while building lasting qualities of good character.  I want my school to change the culture of how underprivileged and underrepresented students are viewed in society and build a legacy of leadership and scholarship that they will brag about being a a part of.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next three and a half years, I hope to finish my doctorate in Curriculum and Leadership and if  I decide to go with a Charter School, I hope to be ready to open my school in the 5th year.

What advice would you give to a newly graduated teacher, getting ready to enter the School House in the Fall?

Don’t go in alone.  Find a mentor and a support group.  Teaching is not a piece of cake.  Be in it for the right reasons, the students!!  Be consistent.  Be fair.  Understand your student’s personalities and try to find ways to incorporate them in your expectations, so that they can be themselves.  Stay within the standards that you set in your classroom.

What’s your favorite quote?

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.  Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Where can we find you around the web?

WillEdServices Website

Twitter

Facebook

Nigel Walker Ed. S - Not Your Average Teacher

Nigel L. Walker was born February 13, 1980 in Eufaula, AL. He is a teacher, author, speaker, and owner of W.I.L.L. Educational Services, LLC. He has a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Leadership. His works include poetry books, The Secret Diaries of Jean Batiste and Rose Petals for Josephine: The Secret Diaries Vol. II, and a narrative nonfiction, The Underground Philosophy of Education: Teaching is Not for Dummies. He was a 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year Candidate, 2012 Professional of the Year for Covington’s Who’s Who Professional Registry, and is a member of the Great Black Speaker’s Bureau. He was featured in 7 Black Education Speakers Making a Difference by the Great Black Speaker’s Bureau. He is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is married with two children.

Update on my Summer Goals

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Summer Goals UpdateAs expected keeping up with my blogging while the kids are at home can prove to be challenging.  But, so far I have managed to maintain.  So, I thought I would drop in to let you know how I am doing with my Summer Goals that I wrote about here.

1.  Reading for Fun.  Well, I actually checked out two physical books from the Library.  It has been forever since I read a physical book.  I figured that the real book would keep me from being distracted by all the buzzing, and beeping going on while reading on the iPad.  That hasn’t really gone too well.  I have already had to renew the books once, and I am literally on page 89 of the first book.  Hmmm…. I am honestly struggling with just giving up on that one and moving on to the other book.  Blah!! Once I get through these two I am going o start on this Reading List.  Maybe it will be a little easier.

2.  Handwritten Cards & Letters.  I still have not done this one yet.  But… I did order Personalized Photo Father’s Day Cards for the girls to give to Hubby, does that count?  Interested in doing this too, check out the Card Store.

3.  Connect with Family & Friends.  I did good on this one.  One of my oldest friends and her Mom came into town, and I was able to go and hang out with them for a couple of hours, without the kids.  That is major!!

4.  Romantic and Mushy TV – I watched the Fault in Our Stars which I loved.  Still working my way down the list…  Anyone have any suggestions for me?

5.  Trying new Recipes with the Kids – Check Us Out Making Memories in the Kitchen.

6.  DIY Projects – During the winter I bought an old Lazy Suzan, it was wood adjacent, lol, well I thought it was real wood when I bought it.  Once I started sanding it, I realized that wasn’t the case.  But, after applying several coats of paint, it almost looks usable.  I plan to put it on my kitchen table, to hold napkins, etc. etc. (Pics to Follows)

7.  In preparation for the Fairs we plan to attend in the Fall, we have been stocking our Etsy Store with Printables.  Right now they are digital, but we plan to offer the Physical Prints when selling in person, and hope to add this to the Etsy Store as well.  I am still hunting for a good printer in the Metro Atlanta Area.

Stage Presents Printables

Even though it really feels like it has been a while.  We are really only in the second week of Summer Break.  What are your Summer Goals for this year, consider leaving it in the comment section below?

Planning a Simple & Memorable Summer Soiree

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Planning A Simple and Memorable Summer Soiree

The pool is open.  School is out.  The barbecue grill has been uncovered.  It’s time to plan a Summer Party!!

Anytime the word [plan] gets thrown in front of party, panic tends to ensue.  But, planning a summer party can be low key, easy and still be a blast.  I am sure you are shaking your head at this point and asking how.  So let me break it down for you.

Warm Weather means that this party can officially be OUTSIDE.  You can choral the troops and confine them to the backyard, the deck and if you are lucky maybe even the basement.  This is a major selling point for me.  Off the top, that means less clean up both before and after the party.

The other great thing about it being outdoors is THE GRILL.  Cooking on the Grill probably takes you (wifey), out of the equation where the major cooking is concerned.  If you are fortunate enough the grill is all hubby’s territory.  You may discuss the menu with him but for the most part, your contribution can be all sides.  Most of which, you can make ahead of time and stock the fridge, which means you are actually free to enjoy the festivities.

There’s no reason that all the expense should fall all on you.  Ask Each Guest to Bring Something.  You Can Leave it Up to Them, or Be Specific.

Planning A Simple and Memorable Summer Soiree

Lastly, remember that the heat will definitely leave everyone parched and seeking refreshment.  So make sure to have refreshing cocktails & “Mock-tails”.  Need Ideas Check Out My Pinterest Board Here.   Beer for those beer drinkers, Ice Pops, Summer Fruits and Vegetables.

Throw in some Good Music and Some Cute Party Favors.  And, you’ve just thrown the party of the Season, without breaking a sweat.

Summer Party Blog

Up to 25% off all party favors, gifts & supplies at Beau-coup.

Are you planning any Festive Summer Parties this year?