Decorate Your Planner with these FREE “Boss Lady” Planner Stickers

Posted on 25 June, 2016 by admin

Free Boss Lady Planner Stickers found on stage-presents.com

As you all know, I am still a “newbie” to creating my own planner stickers. If you are a planner enthusiast like myself, chances are you have spent your fair share of “coin” on Planner Stickers. And, I am OK with that because they were worth every penny. But, in addition to that I have also found a lot of great Free Printables all over Pinterest. I am always looking for an opportunity to try my hand at new things. So here are my “Boss Lady” Planner Stickers. Jazz your planner pages up with these super cute stickers. I have tried them out on my Horizontal Erin Condren Life Planner™ and they fit. Check my personal Planner Pretties board on Pinterest for more “freebies”. For a Peek Inside My Planner and too see my first attempt at planner stickers check them out here.

Free Boss Lady Planner Stickers found on stage-presents.com

I know that a lot of people are using the Cricut and the Silhouette to cut their stickers. I have not progressed that far as yet. But, I do own a Cricut, so its definitely on my Summer To Master List. I am still using the Avery White Full-Sheet Labels for InkJet Printers. They come in a Pack of 25 Sheets. And, the Avery Label Number is 8165. So go ahead Download – Print – Cut and Stick. I would love to see how you end up using them in your own planners. So if you do, take a picture and tag #thestagepresentsblog on Instagram. Free Boss Lady Planner Stickers found on stage-presents.com

I hope that you enjoy these, I enjoyed making them. Happy Planning!!

Taking the Stress Out of Moving Day…

Posted on 22 June, 2016 by admin

Taking the Stress Out of Moving Day originally found on stage-presents.com

SOME tips for making moving day run smoother

Whenever possible, DO NOT MOVE on the 1st of the month. If you are renting your own van or truck, this is the busiest time for truck rental companies. The supply runs out quickly and even with a reservation some companies overbook and will not honor your reservation. If you are hiring a moving company, and you must move on the 1st, make sure to book them as far in advance as possible.
If time is not a factor, do the packing yourself. Movers tend to charge by the hour. This will cut down on what you have to pay them and save you some “coins” for all the little things that you will most likely have to purchase for your new space.
LABEL LABEL LABEL …. LIST LIST LIST… Obviously you need to keep like items or things that go in the same room together. But, in addition to that consider color coding and thinking all the way through to the unpacking process. For example, if you have shoes and clothes that are not for the present season, you want them in your bedroom. But, they are not your priority when it’s time to unpack. It’s more than likely that the things you packed last are the items that you use more often. So you need to be able to put your hands on those things first. For me that would be, the coffee maker, the K-Cups, Forks, Knives, Plates and a Go-To Pot or Two. Aside from putting the beds down and getting sheets and towels, the kitchen is almost always the first room that get’s unpacked.
Move as many of your packed belongings to the door closest to where the movers will be entering and exiting the house. I don’t expect you to try to move big furniture pieces but at the very least move your boxes. This one is tried and true. Day laborers tend to lolly gag. I don’t have time to pay you to talk to your coworkers about little Timmy’s Soccer Game. If there is ever a time to micro manage this is the time. Time is Money!!
Use bubble wrap, newspaper and packing peanuts to protect your delicate/breakable objects. Even if the item is not dropped it can be crushed. If money is not an object most Storage Rental Facilities make boxes now specifically for your dishes, glasses, etc. Bottom line is no one is going to take care of your things like you. And Grammy’s China might mean the world to you, but… maybe not to Joe Schmo The Moving Guy. I’m just saying.
Take date and time stamped photos of your most prized possessions. This will assist in settling disputes if your property is damaged and or stolen.
Always get the insurance. Insurance for the Truck if you are doing it yourself. And, if you are hiring your own mover’s make sure they are both licensed and bonded and able to reimburse you if the worst happens. In this the day of Google, there is no excuse for not planning and preparing. Check the BBB and look for references/reviews and complaints. Then make an informed decision.
I always say that you get what you pay for. But, there seems to always be a Moving Company on Groupon or Living Social these days. If you are going to go that route READ THE FINE PRINT.

So there you have it, Happy Planning and Happy Moving Day!!

“IT WASN’T RAINING WHEN NOAH BUILT THE ARK.” –HOWARD HUFF.

Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day 2016

Posted on 17 June, 2016 by admin

tell dad how much you love him with his very own dad digest.

I am a big fan of letting the little ones get involved in showing their love for Dad as early as possible. I always say parenting can be a thankless job, and everyone loves to be appreciated. So let your babies get in on the action. Not only is it something that Dad will always remember. It is an opportunity to teach them not to take their loved ones for granted. In the wake of the terrible Orlando tragedy, I am all about spreading love wherever and whenever I can. So put on your party hats and lets Celebrate The Big Guy In Your Life.

Make this Dad Digest Your Own!!

Download your Blank Copy here – Right Click – Save – Print – Personalize and Frame.

To see the Other Father’s Day Printables that we have check out these posts from previous years here and here and here. And, to get a peak into our Simple but Dad Approved Father’s Day from last year follow this link here.

DAD’S ARE THE MOST ORDINARY MEN TURNED BY LOVE, INTO HEROES, ADVENTURERS, STORY-TELLERS AND SINGERS OF SONG. – PAM BROWN

A Peek Inside My Planner Pages + Printable Planner Sticker Freebies

Posted on 16 April, 2016 by admin

A Peak Inside My Planner Pages + Free Printable Planner Stickers stage-presents.com

Pictured Here: My Life Planner by Erin Condren, My BlueSky Planner from Walmart, Planner Stickers I purchased from CoffeeBreakPlanner(Instagram), Some Hobby Lobby Stickers, Plus a host of Free Printable Stickers from a Little Bit of Everywhere.

do you crave organization like some people crave sweets? me too…

I remember distinctly saying that I was not going to get caught up into the “Planner Craze”, but somehow I find myself swept up in it. I genuinely think it’s just another way for my Mild OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) to manifest itself. And, I guess that’s ok. Keeping this ship smooth sailing is just that much easier when I write everything down. Hey, sue me, I am going to be 40 in a couple of weeks. I need all the prompting and reminders that I can get. Can you tell that I am not really embracing the Road to 40? But, that is definitely for another post.

Setting up my Planner Each Week is therapeutic for me, it falls under the category of Adult Coloring. It’s something about playing with the layouts each week and figuring out what works best. So far no week has been identical to the last. But, I think I have come up with my staples. Things that I know I need to track each week. For home that would be my chores, kid/family stuff, shopping, menu planning, what I am eating, drinking and tracking my medicine/vitamins. For the Business/Blog that would be social media, content planning, blogging, and the Etsy Store. I try to end my day by going over what needs to be done the next day. It kind of gives me a head start, and I am all for that.

I have fallen in love with a few Etsy Stores that offer all kinds of options for making your planner pages pop. And, I have found way too many Free Printables all over Pinterest. So just for fun, I decided to try my hand at my making my own Printable Planner Stickers. I went with ones that I thought pretty much everyone could use.

Download Yours Here. Right Click and Save. You have the Option to Print Them On A Full Page Sticker Sheet That You Can Feed Through Your Printer, or Go Old School Print, Cut and Glue. I hope that you enjoy them and that they make your planning just that much easier!! Happy Planning.

TELL ME WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO WITH YOUR ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE? — mARY OLIVER

Click Here To Read More About Planning Your Way.

Spring Break – Perfect in It’s Imperfection

Posted on 13 April, 2016 by admin

our “perfect yet not so perfect” spring break

Recap of Spring Break 2016 - www.stage-presents.com

Spring Break is over and things are getting back to normal around here. I have been out of pocket for a few days, that normally happens over extended breaks. The blog and the business run around my family life and not visa versa. Last week was Spring Break, so I spent as much time as I could hanging out with my little ones. I am always trying to teach my kids lessons that I am still learning and yes, I know just how hypocritical that sounds. But, I guess it’s in hopes that by teaching the lesson, they will avoid some of the same mistakes that I have made in my own life. One of the things that I am always telling them is that they have to roll with the punches or that certain things are beyond their control and they are. But, it is a lesson that I struggled hard with and for a long time. My mom always tells me that God will keep teaching me to be patient and understanding until I am both. Spring Break was an exercise in just that.

Our trip to Florida for Spring Break was great!! But, I am not sure that you would have agreed taking it at face value. I have been back and forth to Florida three times in less than 30 days. Now, my sister lives there, but that has never happened before. As I am sure you remember me saying in my last post, we lost my sweet niece on the 15th. So, I went down when she was sick and was there when she passed. I went back for the service and then I returned for Spring Break and to physically lay eyes on my sister. Saying this to say there was a melancholy under tone to our trip, but we were determined to make some good memories, in spite of it.

The first night there we had date night. We left all the kids with the nanny, and we went out and enjoyed some grown up time. It was great to spend some time with my sister and her hubby that was just light and fun. The next day we took the kids to the Central Orlando zoo. Now, if you know me at all, you know that outdoors and heat are not my thing, but the kids had a ball. The highlight of the trip was to be our trip to the beach. After all nothing says Spring Break like the beach. On the day of the beach trip it was COLD… Yes, I said cold in Florida. But, we went anyway thinking that maybe the weather would warm up. When we arrived at the beach, the tides were so high that they actually closed the entrance to drive on to the beach. After circling around we we were able to get in, and when we got on the beach and out of the car the wind was so fierce and sand was blowing everywhere. So we had to vacate. Talk about three disappointed girls, yes I said 3 because I included myself. So pouts and all we packed back into the truck and headed to go get something to eat. The plan was that we would eat and stay in the area for a while in hopes for a change in the weather. But, the change never came so we ventured back to my sisters house. On the way back, we decided that since they were already dressed to get wet we would take them to the “Splash Park” not too far from where we were. By that time it was getting warmer, and though a little apprehensive at first, with each splash the beach became a distant memory and we once again in their good graces.

Since we paid for admission to the beach, hubby and I managed to escape back there later in the day, the kids stayed with my sissy and we got to have some one on one time. I will consider that her anniversary gift to me this year. Yesterday made 7 years since I married this man. And, still just a couple of hours alone with him ALWAYS refresh my soul. Even when I don’t feel like I need it. So Shout out to him today + this was the first year that he was able to take off the entire week to spend with us. Another Spring Break survived and enjoyed and now back to our regularly scheduled programming. (P.S. – I know there were no pictures of me. But, you know how that it is, I am always the one behind the camera. #mommylife)

Time Spent with Family Quote - stage-presents.com

What did you do to celebrate Spring Break this year? Feel like sharing, we would love to hear your story in the comment section below.

Check out Our Previous Spring Break Shenanigans Here.

Saying Goodbye

Posted on 5 April, 2016 by admin

Saying Goodbye: Explaining the Pain of Loss to Your Little Ones

As a mother, I think we realize pretty early on that parenting is not a task for the faint of heart. We are faced with the fact that even though motherhood may be the most rewarding job that we will ever have, it also the hardest . We realize that we are going to be forced to be teachers sometimes, when we don’t consider ourselves qualified to do so. This is exactly how I felt with the sudden loss of my two year old niece. I literally found myself thrown abruptly into unfamiliar waters, dealing with more emotions than I knew what to do with and such all consuming loss. I struggled with how I would explain this unspeakable thing to my babies. At almost 40 years old it was the first loss of a close family member, that I had ever experienced. While feeling cheated, devastated and lost, It seemed so very unfair that they should have to experience this pain at such an early and impressionable age. I wondered how I could explain something to them that I in no way, shape, or form understood myself.

Coupled with all the emotions already coursing through my body was FEAR. Blinding FEAR.. The kind that made you want to lose your lunch. roll up into a ball and pull the covers of my head and just not acknowledge that tragedy like this really existed. But, luckily for me, my dh stepped in and made me realize that this would help no one. So together we sat in our bed, in the middle of the day, with our tears and our grief and talked out what and when would be the best way to tell our children. At the end of the conversation, spent and not totally convinced in what we had decided, we just laid there staring at the ceiling fan.

There was no way to predict just how our babies would respond, so we decided to wait until the weekend. At least, they would have the weekend to be alone “in their feelings”. I grew a little choked up prior to the conversation, so hubby jumped in. He explained to them what happened and explained that our “sweet girl” would not be coming back to us, but that she was resting with the angels. I watched so many emotions cross over their faces, confusion, hurt, disbelief, all emotions, I was still experiencing. It was hard for them to process. Our youngest is only 5 and I am still not sure how much she really understood. But, my 11 year old took it very hard. She spent the whole day crying on and off, and I honestly couldn’t blame her. This experience in no way makes me an expert, and I pray it is not a subject that I am ever an expert in. But, if I had to share my thoughts with any one of this subject this is what I would say.

TIME: As adults, more often than not death comes and we are not prepared for it. I am not sure if that is a blessing or a curse. But, as parents, I say take the time you need to prepare yourself for the conversation. Even though you can’t predict what their reaction will be, no one knows your child better than you. So go with your gut and tell them your own way. It’s easy to be influenced by what every one else thinks is the right time or thing to say.
ACKNOWLEDGE: Even though you may be in pain too. Make the time and effort to acknowledge their pain. Let them know that whatever they are feeling, be it hurt, anger, sadness, etc. is OK. They don’t have to justify the way that they feel. Help them work through their emotions, as you work through yours.
ACCEPT: Accept the fact that things may never be the same. Life has changed for them. Life has changed for you. Everyone has to grieve in their own way, and in their own time.
HOLD ON: Hold on to each other. Hold on to your faith. Be their source of strength and allow them to be yours. Family is EVERYTHING, and don’t any of your forget it.

Some of you that follow me via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc… have reached out to me and my family with kind words and sentiments and that means more than you all will ever know.

Our lives will never again be the same, but we are and were blessed to have had Skylar Janae in our lives. She will forever be missed and loved.

Photo Source: TheComfortCompany.net

hearts

Read Across America + Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

Posted on 2 March, 2016 by admin

FOSTER A LOVE OF READING IN YOUR LITTLE ONES ON READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY.

Hats off to Reading - Read Across America - Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Clickable Photo Source

It’s Dr. Suess’s birthday today, as well as Read Across America Day, a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2nd. Reading has always been one of my favorite past times, and one that I have enjoyed passing on to my children. Today is Pajama Day for my girls in honor of Read Across America. As much I don’t love pajama day because I always worry they aren’t warm enough. I am up for anything that makes reading something that they can look forward to.

The Purpose of Read Across America is to motivate children to read. It is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school. (source: NEA.org)

I am sure most of the little ones will come home buzzing about Dr. Seuss and reading. Keep the momentum going and help them decorate a cupcake for Dr. Seuss’s Birthday!! Download your Coloring Sheet here!!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Coloring Sheet - www.stage-presents.com

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss Book? Our favorites are of course Green Eggs and Ham, Oh The Places You Will Go. and And to think that I saw it on Blueberry Street.

Read More about Fostering A Love of Reading in Your Kids in an Older Post Here.

GOING GA-GA OVER THE TARGET PILLOWFORT COLLECTION

Posted on 24 February, 2016 by admin

Target is one of those places that you just can’t run in and out of. This is especially true of their Home Decor Section. So, as much as I was sad to see Circo go, I am all about Target’s New Pillowfort Collection. With 12 different Ready to Play Rooms to pick from I decided to split this up into several blog posts. Here are the first 4 Rooms I chose and my favorite pieces from each one. To be honest, it was hard to narrow it down to just a few, but I have included the links to each room so that you can decide what your favorites are. Even though you can tell that these rooms are designed with children in mind, I could easily find use for several of these pieces all over my house. Stay Tuned Next Friday for Part 2.

Camp Kiddo 1