Things I want my girls to know

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

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

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.

Shop with Stage Presents for Father’s Day!!

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.”

Update on my Summer Goals

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

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?

Making Memories In the Kitchen

Making Memories In The KitchenPhoto Source:

The goal of any Stay at Home or Work from Home Mom is to make it through the summer with her sanity in check, while still making memories with her little ones.  That is just the reality of it, or at least it is for this Mom.  My girls are both at the age where they are showing an interest in the kitchen and cooking.  So, I came up with the bright idea to let them learn how to do a few more things around the kitchen.

So, I started looking around for recipes that met the following criteria: a) Easy b) Fast c) Required Very Few Ingredients d) Consisted of a Food they already Love.

While browsing Pinterest,  I found the link to the recipe for Mini Personal Size Pizzas on Pillsbury.com here.

This was definitely, my kind of recipe.  Four Ingredients, Two Steps,  Ten Minutes Prep Time, 25 Minutes, Total Cook Time, and Eight Servings (which means there would be enough for me and Daddy too.)

Family Pizza Day

Even though Our Pizzas were not as Aesthetically Pleasing as the Photo Shown on the Pillsbury Site.  They tasted incredible and we had a lot of fun making them, even if the girl’s faces are all business here.  They took their jobs seriously.

My Notes:  I really let them do their thing.  I gave them the instructions and then let them go at it.  I think maybe, we could have used a little more Pizza Sauce and Cheese.  We used Turkey Pepperoni instead of what the recipe called for, and we added some veggies to the mix.  This was only our first go round.  I trust that we will get better in time.  I will let you know how our next attempt turns out.

What activities do you have planned for your little ones this summer?

Daddy Bakes — Irish Creme Topped Brownie Dessert

Irish Cream Topped Brownie Dessert

Today, we are launching a new segment of Our Blog – called “Daddy Bakes”.  I am super excited and not just because it means yummy desserts for me.  But, because it was no easy task to get my Hubby to agree to it.  He often tries his hand at different recipes and they are always a SCORE.  So I am elated to be able to share this with you.

Narrated by Mr.Stage Presents:
Last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed the pleasant sounds of a kid free weekend. Thank God for grandparents. After dinner,  my wife suggested that we make a dessert instead of purchasing or eating something pre-made. We both hopped on the internet and after a few moments of searching and spinning our wheels, I suggested that we make some type of brownie and ice cream concoction that most restaurants serve. I came across a recipe for an Irish cream-topped brownie dessert on Pillsbury.com. I chose the recipe based on the extremely short prep time, although we did not have any of the ingredients at home. Thankfully Kroger is only 2 minutes away. Afer a quick trip to Kroger, I returned home, baked the brownies, prepared the topping, and refrigerated the Irish cream topped brownies. The recipe called for refrigerating the brownies for 2 hours but ours ended up being refrigerated overnight. I failed to mention that our little brownie project began around 11 pm, so the taste test had to wait until morning. Well, the brownies were well worth the wait. Most brownies taste the same but the topping is what sets this brownie apart…light and candy filled.

Daddy Bakes Collage

What more needs to be said. I give this recipe 5 out of 5 stars and I have listed a few things that I would do differently based on my personal preferences.

I would:

Follow the brownie directions on the box/package.
Use a brownie mix that creates a fudge center.
Use a Heath bar for the toffee candy topping.
Increase the Irish cream content in the topping as well as the brownie.
Mix the toffee candy into the topping.
Drizzle caramel over the topping.

You have just finished reading Daddy Bakes Irish Cream-Topped Brownie Dessert.  Please consider leaving a comment below.

Switching things up a bit… for Cinco de Mayo

Do you ever tire of eating and cooking the same thing week after week? This is one my biggest challenge in the kitchen. So, I have been reaching outside the box to try new recipes that I think the family will enjoy. Since today was Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would try out some traditional Mexican Cuisine.  I got the recipe from Betty Crocker, so I am not sure just how traditional it is.  But, last night I tried out Betty Crocker’s Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipe found here.  In addition to this recipe being super easy and delicious, it was very inexpensive to make.  It got both the Kids and the Hubby Seal of Approval, so its definitely going on my Tried and True List.

Cinco de Mayo Quick and Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas - stage-presents.comMy Notes on this Recipe: For a family of four or more, consider doubling this recipe.  Also, for my own personal preference I added sauteed onions and peppers to the mix, as well as to the top as garnishment.  Also depending on how Spicy you like it.  You can choose to go with a different enchilada sauce, I chose the Mild because I have small children at home.

And, then just because you can’t do Cinco de Mayo without Margaritas, we also tried out this recipe for a Strawberry Margarita “Mock-tail” Recipe that the whole family can participate in found here.

Cinco de Mayo Strawberry Margarita Mocktail - stage-presents.com

 Photo Source:  First Picture in this Collage was found here:  The last three are my Pictures.

My Notes on this Recipe:  This drink was very sweet to me.  Of course, I am diabetic, so I pretty much consider everything too sweet.  But, I would definitely cut down on the Orange Juice which is high in Sugar.  I would only use 1/2 of the Frozen Limeade and you could always go with a Diet Lemon Lime Soda.  I really enjoyed the little taste I had, so I will be working on a Diabetic Friendly version.  So check back I will share that as soon as I can perfect it.

So there you have it, a Quick and Easy way to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home.  I should add that the only ingredient needed to change the Strawberry Margarita recipe from a “Mock-tail” to a Cocktail is your choice of “Grown up Juice”, as we call it at our house.  Fiesta… Fiesta!!

You have just finished reading Switching Things Up A Bit…. for Cinco de Mayo.  What is your favorite Mexican Dish?  Would you consider leaving a comment?

Flowers for Mommy – Free Printable Coloring Sheet

Mother's Day Printable

Mother’s Day Printable

She lights up your world.  And, you can’t imagine life without her.  Help the kids show Mom just how special she is, with this Super Cute “Flowers for Mommy” Mother’s Day Printable.

To Download:  Right Click and Save Image as to Download and  or Print.