This thing called… an Advent Calendar

Posted on 4 December, 2014 by admin

Hubby and I have been contemplating purchasing an Advent Calendar for the past couple of years, but neither of us were sure exactly what purpose it served. And, the last thing we wanted to do was to add anything to Christmas that would require us to exert any more effort than we already do during the Holiday Season. So year after year, we have passed.

This year (2014) however, they seemed to be all over the DIY circuit, which of course sparked my interest again. And, some of the ones that I was coming across seemed like they would be something that I could tackle and actually be pleased with the outcome.

So I was off to do my research, little did I know that this would be much more involved than I thought. Literally, every one seemed to have their own way of doing it. Some folks gave a gift for each day, similar to Hanukkah Some folks did it for the entire month of December. Some people did it for the 12 days of Christmas. Others made sure that it corresponded with the Advent Season.

After learning about how other’s did it. I decided, which I am sure is of no surprise to you, to do it MY WAY!! I decided that we would do it for 12 days and I really didn’t think it was important when we started it, as long as we got in 12 days prior to Christmas Eve.(we started today) I decided that for the first 9 days, we would discuss the Fruits of the Spirit, in a way that a 10 year old and a 4 year old could both comprehend. And, then for the remaining days, we would discuss 3 character traits, that we thought were vital to being good people. We choose Empathy, Forgiveness, and Honor.

After being woo’d by all the great DIY Advent Calendars, I took the easy way out and created a printable version. Maybe, I will do something more complex next year.

Do you think this is something you would like to do with your little ones? Join us on our journey, here’s a free printable for you. Right Click – Save – Print and Enjoy!! (Just right click and save and you are good to go!!)

Enjoy the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

Thanksgiving After Thanksgiving

Posted on 28 November, 2014 by admin

We all know the best part of Thanksgiving, next to the joy of seeing friends and family and really tasty fattening food, is the left overs. So what happens, when you aren’t the one cooking/hosting, and you’re heading home that afternoon? When you have Thanksgiving away from home, chances are you are going to head home empty handed.

So this year, I decided to pull together a pseudo Thanksgiving meal. What the heck does that mean? It means that I was going to cook a meal that takes far less time, but that could resemble a Thanksgiving Meal to the untrained eye and maybe even untrained pallet.

Of course, I made this decision far too close to crunch time(Tuesday night), so that meant that I had just a short time to determine what exactly that meant. So I decided to put together a small menu that I thought I could pull off with ease, and we would have a great meal when we returned home.

My Original Thoughts – Turkey Breasts from HoneyBaked Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Baked Mac and Cheese, Some Jazzed Up Stuffing, Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Cake.. Yum

The Actual Menu – (I just couldn’t talk myself into getting in that HoneyBaked Ham line the day before Thanksgiving.)

Italian Chicken Breasts, Green Bean Casserole, Baked Mac and Cheese, Some Jazzed Up Stuffing, and Pound Cake.. Still Yum.

I know you are probably shaking your head, and thinking , you have to Meal Plan, even when you aren’t Meal Planning. But, such is the life of Mommy.

What does your family eat after they get home, when you aren’t hosting for the holidays?

How to Beat the B-O-R-E-D bug over the Holiday Break?

Posted on 22 November, 2014 by admin

Holiday Breaks take on a different meaning when you are a Stay at Home Mom. When I was working full time, I treasured the days of being at home with the kids. I would get 2-3 days off at the most and those days were so jam packed with activity, it seemed like they were over before they even started.

Fast Forward to this year, when the Board of Education saw fit to make Thanksgiving Break a week long, sending this Mommy into Panic Mode. A Week off in the Cold, with little to no chance of Outdoor Activities means I have to find a way to keep these girl’s entertained to combat the B-O-R-E-D bug.

For the Free Printable Click BORED.

So my mind switches into List Mode….

What can we do?

Board Games
Arts & Crafts
Bowling
Learning Disguised as Fun
Read-a- Thon & Library Trips
$3 Movie Theater Trip
Holiday Decorations
Scrapbooking
Making Christmas Lists
Mini-Golf
Baking

I am feeling pretty proud of myself, until I realize that my entire list could probably fit into a 4-5 hour time Span, which sends me into an even bigger panic.

So it’s back to the drawing board, also known as Pinterest.

Here are some of the links that I found….

The Chirping Moms on

10 Things To Do When It’s Too Cold To Go Anywhere!

Pint Size Treasures on

9 Fun Inside Activities to Do With Kids — Perfect for Cold and Snowy Days!

The Madhouse on

The Ultimate No Spend or Low Spend Bored Jar list

**My favorites from these links – Spa Day, Puzzles and Any Other Activity that Includes Helping Mommy with her Chores, lol.

SO…WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE’S OVER THE HOLIDAY BREAKS??

2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on 19 November, 2014 by admin

I am so excited to finally present to you our Highly Anticipated 2014 “Handmade with Love” – Holiday Gift Guide. This was truly a labor of love and it allowed me to interact with so many amazing artisans. The items that you find in this Gift Guide are sure to thrill you and appeal to you on many levels. After each Gift Guide Page, you will find the Social Media Links to all our contributors. Feel free to “Get Social” With Each and Every One!! In addition, you will find a Flip-able Version of Our Gift Guide at the very end.

Enjoy!!

— Stage Presents

*Featured Item: Handmade Natural Christmas Centerpiece – $20

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LouisianaBeautiful

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Louisianabeautiful

*Featured Item: Teal and Burlap Gold Holiday Wreath – $40

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/charmingcreations14

Facebook: www.facebook.com/charmingcreations85

Instagram: www.instagram.com/charmingcreationsboutique

*Featured Item: Grandparent Sign – Personalized to Meet your Needs with Names Hand painted on Solid Wood – $29.95

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/oakridgeprims

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oak-Ridge-Prims/

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/oakridgeprims/signs/

**Featured Item: Black Friday Green and Red Christmas Tree Black Throw Afghan – $50

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCrocheting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftcrocheting

*Featured Item: Set of Copper Bangle Bracelets 2 for $48

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/Sylviajewelry

COUPON CODE: TAKE10 – for 10% discount

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sylviajewelry.smvdesigns

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sylviajewelry

**Featured Item: Handmade Collage Zipper Pouches for $22

Etsy Shop: www.openhandcreations.com

COUPON CODE: HWL2014 enter this code at checkout for 10% off Entire Purchase (exp 12/23)

Free handmade felt & collage gift tag with every purchase until Dec 20!*

Facebook: www.facebook.com/openhandcreations

Instagram: www.instagram.com/OPENHANDCREATIONS

*Featured Item: Handmade Collage Zipper Pouches for $22

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdriLunaStudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrilunastudio

Instagram: instagram.com/adritheartist

Twitter: twitter.com/adritheartist

**Featured Item: Crochet Convertible Hat $20

Etsy Shop: www.whimsicalmimsys.etsy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalmimsy13

Twitter: twitter.com/whimsicalmimsy1

*Featured Item – Handmade Men’s Wood Watch – Made from Red Sandalwood – $89.00

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodieSpecs

Facebook: www.facebook.com/woodiespecs

Instagram: instagram.com/woodiespecs

Twitter: twitter.com/woodiespecs

*Featured Item – Fate Loves the Fearless: Raw Amethyst Druzy Necklace – $35

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ashleegranberg

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Heartenhandmade

**Featured Item – Gypsy Necklace- $89.00

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/poppyjohaljewelry

Facebook: www. facebook.com/goldenpoppyjewelry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/poppyjohal

Twitter: www.twitter.com/poppyjohal

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/poppyjohal

*Featured Item – Camo iPad/Reading Pillow – $29.99

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/stagedpresents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stagepresents1

Instagram: http://instagram.com/stagepresents

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stagepresents/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stagedtweets

*Featured Item – Crochet Adjustable Earwarmers/Headbands – $15

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/LandOfKnots

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/landofknots

Instagram: http://instagram.com/LandofKnots

*Featured Item – Hand painted Snowflake Holiday Glassware- $36

Etsy Shop: www.Etsy.com/shop/LKCustomCreations

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LKCustomCreations

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lkcustomcreations

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LKcustomcreate/

*Featured Item – Rustic Wine Bottle Thank You Gift Tags – $7

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/stagedpresents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stagepresents1

Instagram: http://instagram.com/stagepresents

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stagepresents/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stagedtweets

*Featured Item – Charm Books – Baby’s First Memories- $48

Etsy Shop: www.charmbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmbooks

COUPON CODE: (10% off on 11/28 only) BLACKFRIDAY2014

**Featured Item – Toddler Eco Felt Applique Christmas Lights Funny Holiday T-Shirt- $25.50

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JamJamsJam

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamjamsjam

*Featured Items – Elevated Dog Bowl- $36

**Featured Items – Leash Holder – Treat Holder – Handmade Pet Gift – $10

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/moorefinewoodworking

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moorefine.woodworking

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Woodworking4u2

To View a Flip-able version of Our Holiday Gift Guide Click Here.

What is a Sponsor as it relates to this Gift Guide? We were lucky to have a great group of Sponsors who Support the “Handmade with Love” Movement. In effort to further promote Our Holiday Gift Guide, they have each offered a generous donation of products that will become part of the Giveaway Associated with the Holiday Gift Guide. We are extremely grateful for their participation.

For More Information on Our Sponsors Click Their Clickable Logos for More Information on Both Their Companies and their Products.

2014 Handmade with Love Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on 30 October, 2014 by admin

Stage Presents is currently compiling a 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide for Seasonal Shoppers. If you would like to have your product featured on our list please email me at shereethomas@stage-presents.com, with the subject Holiday Gift Guide Submissions. Each submission should contain your company name, product, product value, and who the product is most suitable for (see Gift Guide Groupings- listed below), as well as any photos that you would like to feature with your submission. Photo Quality is very important, since we aren’t able to view your physical product. We need to be able to discern the quality from the pictures.

The 2014 gift guide has a minimum product value of $20.00 for inclusion. The gift guide will be published in early November and be promoted regularly until Christmas Day. An actual start date will be provided to you once, we have accepted your submissions. Items that are selected for The Gift Guide will be promoted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!! You will be required to post the link on your pages as well, as to insure that everyone included gets their products Cross Promoted. As you know, most Holiday Gift Guides, require you to submit your actual product and or pay to enter. Well, THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT!! The purpose of this Holiday Gift Guide is to help fellow businesses promote their quality products during the Holiday Season!!

Gift Guide Groupings:

For Her
For Him
For Couples
For Infants and Toddlers
For Teens
For The Home
For Pets
For Foodies
For the Fitness Buffs

There will be four selections from each Grouping. When submitting a product for Children please Indicate the Age Group that your item is geared towards.

** Please note that this is a Family Friendly Gift Guide, so keep that in mind when submitting your products.

Feel Free to Contact me with any questions that you may have.

Best of Luck, and I look forward to working with you!!

Halloween Round Up 2014

Posted on 13 October, 2014 by admin

Ready for some Ghoulish Awesomeness!! 18 Days Until Halloween!!

There are so many amazing Free Printables and Party Favors this time of year. Here are some of the ones that I have found (that are actually free). I hate those not really FREE LINKS. These Links will take you directly to the source.

Countdown Calendar with Candy Corn Pieces courtesy of Yellow Bliss Road

Halloween Lollipop Holders/Gift Tags and Gift Wrap courtesy of Living Locurto

3-D Halloween Bat Banner courtesy of the celebration shoppe

Trick or Treat Party Boxes courtesy of Bird’s Party Blog

I saved the best for LAST!! I admit that this is the first year that I have heard of the Boo’d Phenomenon. But, I thought it was truly adorable. Here’s how it works. You and your kids pack up a bucket, or bag with lots of Great Halloween Treats, and Leave it on your Neighbor’s Door Step, unbeknownst to them. Now, originally I think you were supposed to ring the door bell and run, but that’s not such a popular thing to do these days. So, I say, use your discretion, lol. Along with the treats, you provide them with some quick directions and an explanation and it’s up to them to keep the FUN going!!

Boo’d Banner and Boo’d Game courtesy of Classy Clutter

My oldest (18), was a really big fan of Halloween, probably a lot longer than he should have been, lol. The little ones, not soo much, they still find it scary, but I thought this is something cute, I could do with them. At least, it would make Halloween a little less grueling. But, I am not sure how hubby is going to feel about that. The bottom line is that all these Holidays are just about making fun memories and spending time with your family. So get out there and enjoy them, while they still let you!! (smile)

Jumping Head First into Fall – Our Fall Home Tour

Posted on 18 September, 2014 by admin

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. After particularly hot summers here in Georgia, when the seasons start to change, I feel the need to bring as much warmth in doors as possible, enter my Fall Décor.

I feel that the Entry to Your Home Sets the Tone for the Entire House. So, I normally start with my Front Door and Work My way All the Back to the Kitchen. But, this year, I was literally chomping at the bit, to pull out the Fall Decorations. So I started indoors, that way the neighbors wouldn’t know how crazy I am , lol. I had also promised my hubby, I would wait at least until September 1^st, to start decorating for Fall, and that is literally how long I waited.

I started with the hardest part, the Fall Tablescape. To me, that is the make or break it point. All other décor gets married to this room. I was pretty sure that I could use most of the items that I purchased last year, but still create a different look than last years.

Here is a glimpse of last year’s décor.

Fast Forward to this Year:

The Burnt Orange Bird Cages were something that my hubby picked up last year, when we were trying to figure out how to style the Side Buffet and the Mantle. Luckily, they were already the perfect color, the only thing I added to them, were some fall leaves to line the cage. I had a rather large ceramic pumpkin, and I simply put inside my glass cake plate, and added a few fall leaves and floral accents. Then I decorated the table with other ceramic pumpkins and gourds. Next, I set the table with Fall Leaf place mats I bought last year from Bed Bath & Beyond, in brown and gold. I used Pier 1 pear and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from last year and large fall leaves I purchased from Joann’s Fabrics, to make the table settings pop. And, the scripted napkins were also something that I bought last year. So I recycled pretty much everything while creating a new and I think a better look than last year.

Next Up, was my Foyer. It gets a facelift on a constant basis. I change up the Art Work and Décor based on Season Changes, Birthdays, and Holidays.. After all it’s the first thing you see when you come through my front door.

Past Foyer Looks:

This Year’s Look:

My Formal Dining Room flows directly into My Formal Living Room. I didn’t do much in this room, but change out the centerpiece, just to give the whole space a uniform look.

Fall 2014 – Living Room Centerpiece found on www.stage-presents.com

Then, I carried the decorations over into the Kitchen by adding these Chalkboard Candles to the Window Sill in the Kitchen.

Fall 2014 Kitchen Window Display

Last Up, was the Front Door Area. Here are some pics from the last two years.

And, finally this year!!

Thanks for joining us on Our Fall Home Tour. As always it’s a joy to decorate my home for my family, and to share it, with you.

Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

Posted on 2 June, 2014 by admin

With Father’s Day only Thirteen Days Away, we thought we would share with you this great Father’s Day Printable that we created for our Facebook and Instagram Fans!!

To Download: Simply Click the Link Following the Picture and Enjoy!!

DOWNLOAD HERE

J’Adore 8

Posted on 6 April, 2014 by admin

I think I am part of the “Energy Crisis”. I have been soo sleepy lately. I am hoping that since this week is Spring Break and hubby is off, I will be able to sleep in some days and maybe even score some day time naps. [Scoffs!!]

That being said, right now…

Now, that I am done decorating my Spring Table:

and added a pop of color to the kitchen window sill with my colorful chalkboard planters and fresh herbs.

and put up my re-purposed spring wreath.

The only thing I have left is to decide on is planters for the front door and whether or not I am doing just greenery or flowers.

In my search, I ran across this – 100+ Spring Planters. Soo many choices, so little time. Also, living in Georgia, I tend to want flowers and greenery that deter mosquitoes. I only recently realized that this was an option. Which is a good thing because the mosquitoes love me and the kids. Ugh!!

And, yes I am still obsessing over Easter Egg Decor Design. Check out these links here and here.

I think I am going to cheat and work on the Easter Eggs with the kids this week, over Spring Break.

Finally, here are some cute Easter Printables.

Hope you all have a great week!!

The Strength of the Tree — Direction in 2014!!

Posted on 3 January, 2014 by admin

“The Strength of a Tree Lies In It’s Ability to Bend.”

Stage Presents was birthed out of the concept of surrounding ourselves with only those things, persons, places or things that bring us joy. As we grow and mature, I believe our concepts of beauty and joy mature with us, and therefore tend to be redefined. Stage Presents is a forum where all aspects of life are embraced.

Stage Presents encourages women to aspire to be well rounded and learned. To that end we try to share information that runs the gamut. In 2013, we focused a lot on home decor, motivational and inspiration thought, art, music, and family to name a few.

In 2014, we plan to broaden our scope of topics. My Vision for Stage Presents is to make it more interactive. We would love to get your opinions and find out what your interest are and what you would like to discuss.

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by both powerful, smart and insightful people. So, I believe wholeheartedly that there is power in suggestion, advice and the counsel of like minded individuals. I know that we will not all see things through the same eyes, but I have learned a lot by listening to the opinions and points of view of others.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to greatness in 2014. Your continued support and vital contributions(comments), are they key to Stage Presents being a True “Blueprint to Better Living”.

I am looking forward to 2014 with bated breath.

I leave you with this Quote which is at the top of my 2014 Vision Board, I hope you find meaning it.

“The Well Rounded Adventurer is adaptable, flexible, and versatile. They know that things don’t always go as planned, so like trees, they bend with the wind, course correcting as often as necessary. Their capability to do many things competently keeps them pressing forward, staying mentally alert and undistracted in focus. Frustration has no room in their minds to sabotage their determination or to kill their confidence. Prepare, Posture, Position, Arise and Be Wise in 2014!!” – Author Unknown

All the Best for the New Year!!

Your Stage Presents Family

Stage Presents

Stay in the know, follow us on social media →

Category Archives: Holidays

Thanksgiving After Thanksgiving

2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide

Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

J’Adore 8

The Strength of the Tree — Direction in 2014!!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: