Category Archives: Marriage

5 Reasons Mommy and Daddy Need Overnight Trips

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5 Reasons Mommy and Daddy Need Overnight Trips

You love your kids and being their parent is one of your greatest joys.  Right?? Of course it is, but it’s probably also the reason, you worry too much, don’t get as much sleep as you used too.  And… are in serious need of some ALONE COUPLE time.  [Enter the Mommy and Daddy Guilt.]  But, honestly there is nothing wrong with wanting or needing that alone time.  In my opinion, it is crucial to the success of a relationship.

  1. Intimacy.  You remember what that is right?  The two of you alone without any little voices screaming for Mommy & Daddy. Watching a movie without having to pause it. Emotional Closeness.
  2. Get Away. You may be thinking that it’s enough just to have the time alone.  But, being away from home, makes all the difference.  When you are at home, you are more likely to look around and see all the things that need to be done.  Getting away even for a night, checking into a hotel and letting other people take care of your needs, while you take care of each other, is priceless.
  3. Decompress.  Clearer and Cooler heads prevail after you have had some rest.  It helps when faced with making big decisions whether it be for you as a couple or for the entire family.  Or maybe you just need to get your mind right as you head into the new work week.
  4. Rejuvenate.  I know that you have been on vacation and when you came back you felt like you needed another vacation.  You know why that is, you probably had to wrangle the kids, lol?  If you can, convince your significant other to participate in a couples massage, or a mani and pedi, or any spa type activity. Even if you do nothing, but take a long nap, wrapped in each other’s arms.  It could go a long way towards you feeling like you got some rest and relaxation.
  5. The Health/Well being of your marriage.  Anything worth having is worth devoting time to.  It is so easy to get so wrapped up in the day to day family life, that you forget that you were individuals before you were parents.  Spending time alone allows you to rediscover each other, continue to have firsts together and keep the marriage fresh, new and healthy.

Invest in Your Marriage Quote

My disclaimer:  I am not an expert by any means, I can only speak to what works for us. We(hubby and I), are just coming off a Couple Weekend celebrating his birthday. It’s been a while since we have been able to have some alone time and just those few days reminded me of how important time together really is. What are some of your favorite ways to get away, even if it is just for one night?

GRACE UNDER FIRE – KORI GAFF

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This month’s Creative Interview has been one of my favorites thus far.  The reason behind that is that Kori is a personal friend of mine, that I have NEVER physically met.  Back in 2003, when we were both pregnant with our now 10 year olds, we joined an Online Parenting Group for Expectant Moms due in November.  I think we were both looking for people who were experiencing the same things that we were at that time, like the indigestion, weight gain, and over all pregnancy woes.  The group went through major transitions over the years.  And, literally there are only a few of us still standing.  But, what developed out of that setting were some very meaningful and unexpected friendships.  She was the first military wife that I had ever known.  Long before my obsession with the Lifetime Show. I was always fascinated by the way she  played her position taking on whatever was thrown at her while still maintaining order, stability and security for her family.  The sacrifices that not only those serving our country, but also the families left behind is humbling.   Check out what Kori has to say about life as a military wife and mom and transitioning to civilian life.

Grace Under Fire From Military Wife to Civilian Life

When did you become a military wife?

We were married June 19 2001.  That’s when my journey as a military wife began.

How long was your dh in the military?
He was in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.

Was he in the military before you got married and did that weigh into the decision to marry him?
While we did date in high school we were not together when he joined.  When we got back together he was already a Marine.    Him being in the military really didn’t have any bearing on my decision to marry him.  Partially because my father was in the military when I was a kid so I had an idea of what my life was going to be like.   And partially because it didn’t matter to me.

With him being deployed, was he able to be their for the births of all of your babies?
I was really lucky and he was home for all of my pregnancies and births.  There are many women who don’t have that.

What was the hardest time that you spent alone?
In March 2011 he was deployed on ship in the Asia Pacific Region.  (Japan, Thailand, Malaysia etc).  I awoke one morning to many texts , Facebook posts and Facebook messages asking if Mike was ok.  I had no idea what they were talking about.  I turned on the news and found out there was an earthquake and tsunami in that area.  I quickly turned on the computer and had a message from him that read, ” I’m fine.”   During the next communication I found out that they were on their way back to Japan to see if they would be needed in the clean up efforts.  For the next couple of months the stability of the of the Fukushima Dauichi nuclear power plant went from bad to worse, getting up to level 7 emergency. Nuclear chemicals were leaking out and evacuations took place. The ship remained “docked” in Japan.  So there was a very real fear of what chemicals he may have been exposed to.

How was the transition when going from being a Military Wife to being a civilian?
The transition from military wife to civilian wife was difficult for me.  I spent all of my adult life living one way and then it was just done.  We moved to a non military town and I felt out of my element, sometimes I still do and it’s been a year.   As a military wife I was always able to find people like me.  As a civilian I felt alone and like I didn’t fit anywhere.

When did he retire and after how long?  Do you think he regrets it or was he happy to move on?
He retired from the Marine Corps March 31, 2014. After 20 years he was ready to move on.

What were some of the major changes after he retired?

Major changes were the move back home.  Finding a home, a job, new schools for the kids.   Healthcare was huge because we never had to deal with health insurance before.  The stability we had was gone.

 How did it change the family dynamic?
The family dynamic hasn’t really changed too much.  Mike is home more now so I’d say that actual co parenting is new.  Before I really just decided what was what and now it’s discussed more.

What advice would you give a new military wife?
It’s all what you make of it.  If you decide things stink…they are going to stink.  You have to be able to find some silver lining.   Find friends, they will help you through.

What advice would give to a wife who is transitioning to civilian life?
Just go with the flow.  There will be ups and downs but you will get through them.  It might be hard for a while but you’ve been a military wife already, you’ve got this.


Is there anything that you would have done differently at any juncture in this whole process?
I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently.  The military gave me a great life, now it’s time to see what civilian life has in store.

“It’s all what you make of it.  If you decide things stink…they are going to stink.  You have to be able to find some silver lining.   Find friends, they will help you through.” –Kori Gaff

Creating A Space You Love

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Creating A Space You Love - www.stage-presents.com

Are you anything like me?  Do you spend hours pouring over the pages of Home Decor Magazines looking for ideas to make your house a home?  One of the very first magazine subscriptions that I purchased was Real Simple.   I received that magazine for years, before I moved  into a home of my own.  I loved to see how people created spaces that reflected their personalities but that were still livable and inviting.  Once I had a family of my very own, it was very important to me that the home we live in was both comfortable and staged.  To that end, I feel like our home is always a work in progress.

Without the funds to just walk into Haverty’s and have their stylist design rooms for us, we literally have taken our time and piece by piece have watched our vision come together.  I am always on the hunt for something that looks like this, at that price.  Treasure hunting on a budget, I guess. Some mornings I walk down the stairs and I’m tickled pink at just how things are working out. Some mornings, I wish I could scrap the whole thing and start over.  But, it has definitely become a passion project for me.  Friends and Family that pop by are always telling us how they love the way we decorate our home, and inquire as to where we got this piece or that piece.  And, I have to laugh because I know how many hidden treasures we have stashed in closets that we thought were the way to go and then turned out they weren’t.  I think we could probably style a small apartment with some of the things we have stored away.

I was blessed to find a hubby who seems to love this kind of thing as much as I do, or maybe he is just humoring his high brow wife.  (I hope that isn’t the case.)  But, I dare say that he has come home with just as many finds as me, if not more.  We don’t always see each others visions, but we agree that we both have to love it, for it to find a permanent place in our home.

Apparently, even the Pro’s take this approach when designing their own homes or homes for their clients. Check out this post by three of my favorite blogs Life on Virginia Street Effortless Style and The Blissful Bee titled From the Magazine to the Pages of Your Home.

Looking for More Inspiration that literally springs from the pages of a Magazine?  Elements of Style shows us how she pulled inspiration from House Beautiful to come up with A Boathouse of One’s Own.

Lastly, Destiny from Just Destiny Mag, lays down the law on how she Creates a Meaningful Home in this awesome blog featured on Jenna Burger’s Blog.

It’s definitely easy to get overwhelmed with the process, as with anything else but the rules for us are pretty simple, fill your home with things that you love and things that make you happy.

Stage Presents: Creating A Space You Love

For a Glimpse Into Our World, Check Out Our Fall Home Tour here or Our Spring Mini Home Tour here.

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?

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?

His & Her – Our Take on 2015 Wedding Trends

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His & Hers Our Take on 2015 Wedding Trends - stage-presents.com

#WEDDINGTRENDS

Since deciding to add Wedding Invitations to Our Etsy Shop, I have found myself immersed in the 2015 Wedding Trends.  Some of them, I could get on board with, and some I could do without.  So just for fun, I enlisted my hubby to get both a male and female perspective on the latest crazes.

Drone or Go Pro Photos –

Hers – You know the Control Freak in Me Would Never Go For That.  You are also talking about the woman who gave her photographer a Definitive List of Must Have Shots.

His – I am a photographer.  NEVER. And besides, drones are too noisy.

Dance Routines –

Her – I would go for it as long as I felt like I had mastered it. I would hate to get out there and fall.  Not to mention how much I was shaking like a leaf that day.

His – No, I don’t dance and think they have been overdone. They novelty has worn off. Time for something new.

Rustic Chic –

Her – No, I think it works for some people.  But, Burlap and Lace at a wedding are a bit too casual for me.  Maybe, I would consider it, if the wedding was outside.

His – Yes, I am all for anything that is different. A rustic wedding allows you to use non-traditional materials that are cost effective and in some instances free.

Restaurant Wedding –

Her – Nope

His – Depends on What Kind of Restaurant We are Talking About.

No Dress (Solange Style) –

Her – No, The Dress is Half the Fun.  I can’t imagine not going through that process.

His – The Bride Needs Her Dress.

1-2-3 Dress Changes –

Her – It was all I could do to put on one.  I can’t imagine having to manage a wardrobe change.

His – Just Seems Extra…

Cocktail Reception –

Her – It would cut the cost of the food, but I would worry about people getting too drunk.

His – NO, too expensive and I wouldn’t want to create an Uber tailgating party outside.

Food Trucks –

Her – NOPE.  I am not opposed to them at Carnivals or Fairs but umm… Not at my wedding.

His – YES. Goes hand in hand with a rustic wedding.

Black Tie –

Her – Yes, I would love that.  I love the look of gowns and tuxedos.

His – NO. You want to be the best dressed at your wedding.

Quote on Wedding Planning

 Photo Source: Malindyelene.com on Wedding Planning 101

Wedding Season is On It’s Way + Free “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” Card

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Will You Be My Bridesmaid 2016 Update

Updated Post: NEW “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” Printable Card (plus access to the 2015 Edition)

According to The Knot, the most popular months for weddings are June, August, September, and October.  But, I find right after Valentine’s Day everyone goes into Bliss Mode.  So, it is s no wonder that my Instagram and Pinterest News Feeds are going crazy with Wedding Trends, Engagements, Proposals and all Manner of Marital Bliss Odds and Ends.  Even though those days are gone for me,  and technically I am no longer a newlywed (even though sometimes I feel like it), I can’t help but to get caught up in the fervor and the fever.  After all a wedding is just the ultimate celebration and many of the ideas can be tweaked for party planning, all across the board.

One of the trends that I absolutely love are the “Will You Be My Bridesmaid Ideas”.  As far as questions go, after you accept his proposal, the next and most important question is who will stand by you on that day.  For me, the answer was easy, it was the person who had always stood by me, my sister.  I wish that I would have thought of this idea back then.

The market is flooded with “Will you be my Bridesmaid” Kits, Boxes, Wine Bottles and Cards.  So, if you know me and my love for all things Printable, Stationery, and Personalized,  then I am sure it’s no surprise that I am considering adding a “Will You Be my Bridesmaid” card to Our Etsy Store.  The Design process is always full of Do Overs and Corrections, Subtractions and Additions, so that is a work in progress.  But, coming soon.   I am always my hardest critic, but I really dig the way that this one came out.  So I thought I would offer it up as a FREE Printable for all those embarking on the Amazing Bride Journey.

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Printable Card ©2016 Stage Presents

To Download Right Click On The Picture

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Printable Card ©2015 Stage Presents

To Download Right Click On The Picture

Looking for more Wedding Items – Check out what  we have in Our Etsy Store.

Bridal Ad

What we learned since opening Our Etsy Store 365 days Ago

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etsyyearone

Today, February 10th, 2015, marks the One Year Anniversary of Our Etsy Store.  I can hardly believe that it has been that long, but I can.  I remember how nervous I was the day that we officially launched Our Store.  I had no idea what the future would hold for Stage Presents, or how our items would be received.  But, we stepped forward in faith and embarked on this grand journey.  As most of you know, Stage Presents is a joint venture between my husband and I, and if you really want to know, I think its the secret to our success thus far. So….. I enlisted his help in writing this post.

As in any business effort, there is a lot of behind the scenes work that the customers never see. (Lucky for them, because it can get messy.)  Prior to starting this venture and through out, we did a lot of research, trial and error.  Here are some of the things that worked for us.

  1. You must have clear detailed product photos.  I can’t stress this enough.  I am a part of several Facebook Etsy Groups, and fellow shop owners are ALWAYS asking for critiques.   This is the most frequently given answer, of how to improve your shop.  [Lucky for me, hubby is a photographer, so we had that in the bag.]  Keep in mind that you are an Online Shop.  Your customers DO NOT have the luxury of being able to feel and touch and discern the quality of your items.  So a picture is literally worth a thousand words.
  2. Be Prepared to Put in the Time Necessary to Make This Work For You. IT IS TIME CONSUMING. Not only is it going to take time to create each individual listing, as well as whatever product you are selling.  But, you need to also be prepared to Cross Promote.  Spend Time on Your Social Media Pages.  Network with Other Entrepreneurs.  Give as Good as you Get.
  3. Be Responsive to Purchases, as well as Etsy and Social Media Conversations.  We get a lot of conversations regarding Our Items that do not necessarily result in sales.  It can be frustrating, but, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.  So, be as professional as possible, and put this in the Category of Possible Future Business.

    “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

  4. Remember Murphy’s Law. murphys lawSome things are just out of your control.  This was a hard lesson for me.  Have a backup plan in place in instances where your products may not make it to their location in one piece and or if the product is delivered to the wrong recipient.
  5. Pay Close Attention to Your Stats.  Where is Your Traffic Coming From?  What Keywords are People Searching to Get to Your Store?  What Time of The Day Are Your Items Getting The Most Attention?
  6. Give People Choices – When Possible.  When Making Your Items Consider Making Multiple Versions of the Same Product – Different Fabric, Color Variations, or Even Size.
  7. BE SPECIFIC.  Your customers will not know, if you DO NOT TELL THEM.  Make sure that your Product Terms and Conditions are Straight Forward and DO NOT leave room for Interpretation.
  8. Lastly, Enjoy the Ride.  It will have its ups and downs.  Some weeks and even some months, will be slower than you could ever imagine.  Some things that you create and think are amazing, may or may not take off.  But, it’s a learning process that will continue for as long as your shop stays open.

365 Days  – 99 Sales.

Thank you all for all the support you have given us over the year.  We couldn’t have done it with out you.

Do you have any Tips that we didn’t include that you would love to share with us? Funny Growing Pains Stories?  Please Share yours in the comment section below.

 

Fun Friday – All About V-Day!!

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Free Valentine's Day Pencil Tag #valentinesday #valentinesdaygift #valentinesdayideas

Wow, did this week fly by for anyone else but me?  Today’s Fun Friday is ALL about Valentine’s Day!!

Do you miss those days when it was just the two of you?  But, that just isn’t the case anymore, now that you have little people running around, who seem to be sapping your romantic flow.  But, you want your guy to know that he is still #1 in your book.  No matter how tired you may be.

Most men are simple.  And, most men don’t really give a hoot about Valentine’s Day.  Even still, you care, so make sure he knows that you do too.  Keep in Mind, that this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday (what a treat). So, you have the whole day to make your love feel special.

Here are a few Quick & Hopefully Not Too Dirty Ideas:

Start with Breakfast — In Bed or Out (your choice)

It doesn’t have to be anything GRAND, you know your guy. Add a Sweet Card, a Love Note, or even an IOU (for later fun).  Running low on time in the morning, consider prepping your guys breakfast the night before.

Breakfast in Bed for Valentine's Day

Babysitter or Not –

Can you get a baby sitter to stay with the kids so you can have some alone time? What works better for your family?  Are you going to hit the movies with your honey during the day, or are you going to make it an official date night and don the heels and flirty dress??  Whatever you do, make sure the plan is put in place long before that weekend.  Remember reservations are nearly impossible to get around this time of year.

Of course, if a Baby Sitter is not an option for you, then you have to either plan V-Day around the kiddies, or include them.  When my oldest daughter was much younger, we both dressed up one year and had dinner with my hubby.  It was super sweet and we all enjoyed sitting at the table together for dinner. She enjoyed being included and making a Valentine for her Daddy.

Here are some fun ideas for sharing V-day with your little ones, that I found around the web.

12 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

4 Sweet Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

To Dine –

If you are lucky, maybe you are one the of the couples who manage to get time alone, reserve your table far enough in advance, and are dressed to impressed for a Night On the Town.  Leave everything else on the back shelf for the night.  You have pulled off a major coup!!  Make tonight only about YOUR LOVE.  No talk of work, daycare, or diapers.  Relax and Enjoy Each Other.

Every Day is Special with the One You Love, but Valentine’s day should be even SWEETER.

V-Day Stories –

Sad Valentine's Day Story

Funny Valentine's Day StoryAnd, if you got all the way through this post, Good For You!!

So as promised, here is your Free Valentine’s Day Pencil Tag (PDF File) with instructions.  Click to Download and Enjoy!!

Valentine's Day Pencil Tags

I walk the line…

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walktheline

As a Mom and even as a wife, there is definitely a line of demarcation in the sand.   You want your family to be independent, but you also want them to need you. You want your children to be able to enjoy their childhoods as much as is possible, but you also want to teach them a sense of responsibility and accountability.  What falls into the arena of things that they should be responsible for and what are things that I should be responsible for?  And, like most things that come with raising kids, there is no manual.  We are left mostly to our own devices.

With my oldest, I held his hand way longer than I should have probably.  But, I blame that on the fact that he was an only child for almost 9 years.  Rounding the second trimester of my second pregnancy, I realized that I couldn’t possible take on the responsibility of being a new Mom, and continue to hold his hand too.  So, we went through a crash course on things he could do himself.  To my surprise, and probably my relief, he already could do most of the things that I had been doing for him, but wasn’t, simply because I was doing it.

Fast forward 9 more years, and that little baby I was pregnant with is now 9 years old.  And, I find myself in a similar predicament.  Except there are other existing variables.  1.  I have a 4 year old, who I think was born independent. 2. My oldest daughter has an significant speech delay   Because she had such a challenging road ahead of her, I again I did most of the things that she should have started doing earlier.

But, now that we are coming up on the other side of her circumstances, I find that we are constantly having to remind her to do things, she should know how to do already.  I even think she has gone backwards a bit, because Mom always swooped in and saved the day.

I know.. I know.. Bad Mommy. Hubby and I have had to stay on both girls to make sure that they keep their rooms cleaned, do their chores, don’t leave their things all over the house, etc., etc.

All of this had me thinking about exactly what kind of children I want to raise. So, I started doing some research talking to other Mothers that I admire, Mothers whose children have succeeded in life and excelled, and even Mothers who gave their all and had their kids go left instead of right.  I was shocked at what I learned, or at the very least humbled.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will share those findings, books, printables, and conversations that I have had. Hope you all will let me know what you think of my findings, what wisdom you want to impart to your own kids, and what worked for you, and even what didn’t.