Family Friendly Cincinnati Posts

I'm sure I've mentioned this on here before, but I moonlight on Family Friendly Cincinnati.  I hope that if you read this blog and you live in the Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area that you know about Family Friendly Cincinnati.  It's a great resource for finding fun things to do around town.  And I maintain that it's not just great for families, but for anyone who wants to find something fun to do around town.  There are many of us writing for Family Friendly Cincinnati, and we all strive to bring the fun to our readers. 

Here's a few of my favorite posts that I've written for Family Friendly Cincinnati.  I'd go so far as to say these posts are bookmark-worthy or Pinterest-worthy.  When I wrote them I intended them to be lasting resources for local families.  I hope you find them helpful!

 

This is just a small sample of the great content you will find on Family Friendly Cincinnati..I'm just sharing my personal faves, but there is much much more on Family Friendly Cincinnati, so check it out!

Throwback Thursday ~ Sharon & Charlie

Michael's parents (Sharon & Charlie), all dressed up for a school dance.

Summerfair 2013 {Giveaway}

The first weekend of June is a special time...it's a time when artisans from near and far converge on Coney Island with their masterpieces to sell to those of us who love to have handmade works of art in our home.  You can find anything from handcrafted pepper grinders to patchwork purses to painting of local landmarks.  And even if you are not in the mood to shop, walking around Summerfair is like walking around an eclectic art museum only you get to meet the artists up close and personally. Over 300 artisans come together on the banks of the Ohio and each booth displays something unique, interesting and captivating.  It's truly one of my family's favorite summer traditions.  I always end up coming home with several treasures, and without breaking the bank.  There is also a special section for kids where they can create their own masterpieces and explore the arts.  My kids love this.  Every year they have different projects.  Two years ago the kids decorated their own t-shirts, and Sam is still wearing his (it has an OTTER on it of course).  I can't wait to see what is in store this year!

 

Here's all the important details about Summerfair:  

The 46^th annual fair will take place May 31-June 2, 2013 Friday: 2 to 8 p.m. (Little Black Dress: 7 to 11 p.m.) Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conveniently located 13 miles from downtown Cincinnati at historic Coney Island (just off I-275 at Kellogg Avenue).  Ticket information: Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 (children 12 and under are free). 

Since its creation in 1967, Summerfair has become a nationally recognized event featuring more than 300 visual and performing artists. What began as a small art fair’s salute to the opening of Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park has grown into one of the oldest continuous art fairs, drawing more than 20,000 art enthusiasts annually to see and purchase the works of artists from across the United States and Canada.

Summerfair features a variety of mediums in every price range, including: jewelry, metal, sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, glass, fiber, leather, ceramics and 2D/3D mixed media art. The event also features unique performances from a variety of singer/songwriters, quartets, dancers and other entertainers.

THE GIVEAWAY ::

I'm so excited to say that the folks at Summerfair are generously giving me a 4-pack of tickets to give to one lucky winner!  I think that your family would love this event.  I will be drawing a winner on Wednesday, May 22nd at 2pm and the winner will have 24 hours to contact me, or another name will be drawn.  Please add your email address to your comments!

HOW TO ENTER ::

1.  Leave a comment below telling me why you would like to win these tickets.

BONUS ENTRIES ::

2.  Share this contest and then leave a comment telling me how you spread the word.  If you share via Twitter, please be sure to use @LittleThingsMom in your tweet.  And if you share via Facebook please tag the little things blog & Summerfair.

3.  Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite kind of art is.

4.  Like "the little things blog" on Facebook, and if you are already a fan of that page, hit the like button on my other page to support my arts...the Cards by Katie facebook page.  If you are already a fan of both of these pages spread the word about them by inviting your friends to "like" them.  Leave a comment below telling me you did so.

5.  Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment below telling me you did so.

Disclaimer :: In exchange for hosting this giveaway I was given two tickets to Summerfair...but even if they had not given me the tickets I would still be going to this event!  I wouldn't miss it!

Menu Plan Monday ~ May 13

I am looking forward to the summer months...because it means I can be a little more creative in the kitchen, and make meals that require more time and a bit more effort.  During the school year we are constantly on the go with after school activities, so our evening meals tend to get a bit "routine".  I have to plan easy dinners for nights where we have limited time between activities.  Starting this week all of our after school activities are on hold...so look for a more creative menu next Monday!  

Here's what we were eating last week ::

• Spaghetti & Italian Meatsauce  (slow cooker recipe - easy to make!)

• Hot Dogs & Garlic Fries (love love love the Hot Dogs from Trader Joe's with no additives, no nitrates, minimally processed, etc.)

• Pizza Night!

• Whole Wheat Waffles

• Chicken Ceasar Pitas

• Salmon (seasoned with butter & Old Bay seasoning and grilled to perfection) served with a chicken wild rice concoction Michael came up with.  The salmon came from Kremer's Market on Buttermilk Pike and it was delicious!

• Steak & Baked potatoes (Mother's Day!)

And I also had a lovely dinner at Walt's Hitching Post with my parents to celebrate Mother's Day...I'll post a review soon on Family Friendly Cincinnati!


What have you been eating?  Please leave your menu plan links in the comments!

For more inspiration be sure to check out OrgJunkie's Menu Plan Monday Roundup and the Little Things Blog Pinterest board of Recipes I Love. 

And be sure to read my post about super cute Fiestaware Fruit Bowls!   They are so handy and perfect for any kitchen.

Fiesta Fruit Bowls

I recently purchased some adorable Fiestaware fruit bowls to add to my beloved collection of Fiestaware dishes.  I'm smitten with these new bowls.  Is that strange to be smitten with bowls?  Oh well, I am.  I think these little bowls could go in any home...even if you don't use Fiestaware dishes everyday as we do.  You could probably find a color that matches or coordinates with your everyday dishes.  They are perfect for a side dish of fruit or salad, and they are perfect for toddler sized portions (see above).  Although I have to say, Henry doesn't usually have quite so many bowls at the dinner table...he does love them, he likes to carry them around the house with a few cashews or goldfish in them.  You can find these bowls in the little things Amazon shop.

Do you have dishes, utensils or kitchen appliances that make you smile?

Please tell me I'm not the only one who gets excited about these things....

Please note, this post may contain an affiliate link.  If you make a purchase on Amazon.com using the links on this blog then the Little Things Mama will get a small percentage.  ANY purchase you make counts towards our blog if you simply follow the Amazon link found here.  Your support by shopping via this blog is much appreciated!

{This Moment}

Inspired by SouleMama - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.   If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Throwback Thursday ~ My Mama and Me 1977

Mama & Katie

May 1977

Lexington, Kentucky

#BeastieBoysBaby

Henry does love the Beastie Boys...and singing in the tub...

Tire Discounters :: New Store {GIVEAWAY}

Congrats to Linda S. who said, "My car has reached 100,000 miles. I'm sure I will be needing this gift card soon".  You are the winner of the $25 Tire Discounters Gift Card!  Email me at Katie@Cards-by-Katie.com to claim your prize!  You have 24 hours to contact me, or another name will be drawn.  
Stay tuned folks...another great giveaway is coming up VERY soon!
 
Tire Discounters has opened what they are calling their "Store of the Future" in Colerain.  This new store is an example of Tire Discounters making strides to use more eco-friendly materials in their buildings, and making their environment more aesthetically pleasing for customers, especially for families.  I applaud them for doing this.  I detest going to any sort of automotive place...whether it be a tire store, mechanic, oil change place, or whatever...I can't stand going.  And mostly because the waiting rooms are as depressing as hospital waiting rooms.  And most places aren't kid-friendly at all, which is funny, because I often see parents with kids in tow waiting for their cars.  But Tire Discounters is wanting

to change that image.  They want their customers to be more comfortable and maybe even have a little fun while they are waiting for work to be done on their car.  AND they want the kids to be occupied during the wait as well, which is a HUGE help to busy moms like me!   They now have a special area for children, complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments and a view of the crew working on your car!  It all sounds great to me!

The Tire Discounters "Store of the Future" is located at: 10174 Colerain Ave. 

Here's a little bit more about this innovative new store from the Tire Discounters press release: 

Convenient Comfortable Surroundings

Tire Discounters focused the store redesign on customer comfort during service time and incorporated many amenities that customers suggested were highly desirable. Patrons will have access to complimentary Wi-Fi, a refreshment bar, and a variety of television programming. To meet the needs of parents, the Tire Discounters “Store of the Future” also provides a child's play area and family restrooms equipped with diaper changing stations.

Unmatched Environmentally Conscious Construction and Operations

In collaboration with construction partner Turner Construction and PDT Architects, the new Tire Discounters store design paves the way for new, high, eco-friendly standards in both construction and store operations. Construction includes energy efficient glass, use of recycled rubber materials in flooring and landscaping; LED lighting and light reflecting roofing. Digital in-store presentations and communications will reduce the use of paper, while state-of-the-art energy efficient air compressors and rotary shock waves (car lift technology) will save energy.
BIG NEWS :: TIRE DISCOUNTERS HAS GIVEN ME a $25 GIFT CARD TO GIVE TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!!!  

The Giveaway ::
I have one $25 gift card to Tire Discounters to be given to one lucky winner.  This card can be used at ANY Tire Discounters location.  I will randomly draw a winner on Wednesday, May 15th at 2pm.  I will announce the winner here on the blog, and on the little things Facebook page.  The winner will have 24 hours to respond or another name will be drawn.  You must be a resident of the United States and at least 18 years old to enter.
 
How to Enter ::
BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENTS!
 
1.  Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this gift card.



EXTRA ENTRIES ::
2.  Share this giveaway with your friends & family then leave a comment below telling me how you spread the word.
3.  Show the little things blog some love -- Visit the little things facebook page.
4. Sign up for email notifications (right hand side of this page) and leave a comment telling me you get my newsletters
5.  Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest and then leave a comment telling me you do so.
 
THAT'S FIVE CHANCES TO WIN!!!  BEST OF LUCK!
 
Disclaimer :: I was given two $25 gift cards for Tire Discounters, one to give away and one for my family to use.  While I greatly appreciated this gift card, it did not affect my opinions given in this post.

Book Review :: Wonder

While I was at the library a few weeks back the bright blue cover of the book Wonder caught my eye.  I had heard friends say that this was a must-read, but hadn't had the

chance to read it yet, so I grabbed it.  It is a young adult book, by R.J. Palacio.  As soon as I opened the book I was sucked in.  When I got about halfway through I came to the conclusion that this book should be a required read for all middle schoolers.  And so I "made" Ella start reading the book too.  Ahem, I use the word "made" lightly.  I just suggested it and she readily agreed.  So we both read it at the same time.  Which was awesome because we could discuss the book and any questions that came up.  I don't want to tell you too much about this book or give anything away, so I'm going to keep my review brief.  The book is about a boy named August who has some major facial deformities who has been home-schooled his whole life but is preparing to enter middle school for the first time.  Aside from his physical appearance he is just a normal boy.  Scratch that, he's not normal...he's Extraordinary.  He's wise beyond his years, and has an old soul in my opinion.  The book is written beautifully and from the perspective of several different characters so you really do get a chance to get into everyone's mind and see what they are really thinking.  I say that this should be required reading because it is a hard thing to teach a child empathy & kindness, but I think this book would teach young children to consider other people more compassionately.  This book is about enduring friendships, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and figuring out the rocky terrain of middle school and high school.  It is both painful & beautiful all at once.  

Ella really enjoyed this book too, and I loved hearing her emotional and caring thoughts as she read the book.  I have to note...we were both disappointed that they depicted 5th graders as of the age for dating (boo!  hiss!  too young!).  I was glad to hear her agree with me on that one ;)   
You can find this book at your local library, or in our Amazon Shop.  Happy Reading!

Please note, this post may contain an affiliate link.  If you make a purchase on Amazon.com using the links on this blog then the Little Things Mama will get a small percentage.  ANY purchase you make counts towards our blog if you simply follow the Amazon link found here.  Your purchase does not need to include something from my store, anything you purchase on Amazon is eligible.  Your support by shopping via this blog is much appreciated!  I was not paid for this review...we just love this product so much that I had to share!

Menu Plan Monday ~ May 6 ~ The First Communion Edition

Yesterday Max celebrated his First Communion, and we had quite a spread for his celebration after Mass.  So instead of giving you our weekly menu plan (we ate out ALOT last week)...I bring you instead my First Communion Party Menu Plan!  I wanted to have a picnic-style lunch for Max's party, so I used some of my favorite summer sides to accompany the sandwiches we had ordered.



Max's First Communion Lunch ::

Appetizers ::
Guacamole & chips (this guac always gets RAVE reviews)
Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Hummus with Pita
Jaarlsburg Cheese Dip & Pretzel Chips (from Kroger's cheese section, YUM!)

Pretzel Sandwiches from Kremer's Market

Side Dishes ::
Panzanella
Crunchy Slaw
Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad
Paula Deen's Red Potato Salad
Fruit Tray made by my Mother in Law

Dessert :: Cupcakes made by my friend Barb & Reece's Cup Mini-Cheesecakes & Oreo Mini-Cheesecakes made by "Desserts by Micaela"

What's cookin' at your house this week?
  
For more menu planning inspiration see OrgJunkie.com's Menu Plan Monday roundup or the Little Things blog Pinterest board of Recipes we Love!

~~Sunday Sayings~~

Each Sunday I want to share with you a few words of wisdom.  These might be words that I have stumbled upon during my day to day life, lyrics from a favorite song, a poem, a knock-knock joke, a quote from someone famous, or even from someone not-so-famous.  Sometimes I see a quote, or hear a song and it speaks to me, inspires me, or just makes me laugh.  What words of wisdom do you have to share?  Leave a link below with your own "Sunday Sayings", but please be sure to give credit where credit is due (unless the words are your own).  

 **This quote was found outside of the Roebling Point Bookstore in Covington


If you would like to take part in "Sunday Sayings" on your own blog feel free to snatch my logo picture above, and please link back to my blog in your post.  Then comment below with a link to your Saying...let's inspire each other!

Yesterday was my birthday...

Yesterday I turned 36 years old.  The day was sort of crummy...for no major reason...just a blah sort of day...house cleaning, sick baby, burnt pancakes, sweet  & sour sauce spilled all over the kitchen floor...those sorts of annoyances.  I was determined to turn my birthday around though.  My inlaws took the older kids out for the evening and Michael and I had a date night with Henry in tow.  We had a grand evening in the Main Strasse Village!

First we had a delectable dinner at Otto's

Then was my "surprise party" as I called it...but it was actually we just happened to run into my parents, aunts, uncle & cousin having dinner by the Goose Girl Fountain...

 This is my Uncle Tom & my cousin Taylor...they are hilarious together...

Next stop, the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar for a cocktail...

And some quiet time...Henry loved hanging out on this stoop watching all the action...

Then we had Heath Bar Cheesecake at Chez Nora (made by the amazing Micaela)...

Our last stop was the Up Over, to visit my brother...

It really was nice to just have Henry for the evening...he's a completely different little being when he's on his own...

 

 We had so much fun in the Main Strasse Village on Friday night that we went back again on Saturday for dinner at Cock & Bull, it was a perfect night to sit outside and eat dinner...

But the best part of my birthday was this....

Throwback Thursday ~ Veronica & Meg 1994

Veronica & Megan

Chicago, Illinois
Summer 1994 

Gardening with the Munchkins

Throwback Thursday ~ Sam 2008

 Sam at the Butterfly Show

Krohn Conservatory

Cincinnati, Ohio

May 2008

Walt Disney World :: Tips for a Fun Trip with Kids

For Spring Break we took the family to Florida and spent three days at Walt Disney World.  It was a blast!  I was so thankful to have the tips & advice from friends and family before we went...I felt somewhat prepared for the special kind of chaos that comes with taking four kids to a huge theme park.  I thought I'd share some of the tips I learned ahead of time and the tips I figured out on my own while we were there.

And if you have any tips for taking munchkins to a theme park, or any other vacation destination, I'd love to hear them in the comments section!

Tips for a Fun, Safe, and Well-Planned Trip to Disney World ::

Crayola's Big Colorful Birthday Adventure

I  just got this news about Crayola's Birthday & the Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania.  I thought I'd share their giveaway with my readers, because it sounds like a fun opportunity if you win!  I'm sure my kids would love it!  Read all about it on Facebook. FROM CRAYOLA :: To celebrate their 110th birthday, the 8 original crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world's only interactive Crayola family attraction. Right now, they're out on a colorful adventure to spread the news, and you're invited to join the fun!

How can you join in on the fun? You can FOLLOW the crayons on their adventure, LEARN more about each color and enter to WIN a trip for 4 to celebrate their birthday and the Grand Opening of the all new Crayola Experience this coming May, 2013! Visit the Crayola Facebook page and click "enter now" for your chance to be first in line when the Crayola Experience reopens. The new Crayola Experience features four floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that will bring the magic of color and your child's creativity to life! The winner will be among the first to experience the fun, along with a three- night, all-expenses paid stay. It's an experience your kids will never forget - and neither will you! Disclaimer: In return for promoting this giveaway, my family will be given Crayola products to enjoy.

Throwback Thursday ~ Nana & Bop 1949

 My Grandparents on their Wedding Day in the home that my Grandmother grew up in on Church Street.  

December 1949

Pull Apart Coffee Cake

Just writing this post is making my stomach growl...I mean, look at that coffee cake!  It is so heavenly.  I only make it twice a year...for Christmas and for Easter.  And I always take it to Michael's family party on those days, because if I weren't taking it to a party I'm afraid I'd eat the whole thing.  It's that good.  And it is simple to make.  The recipe has been around for ages.  My Great Aunt Helen makes this cake, as did Michael's Grandfather when he was alive.  I've always used the Ultimate Coffee Cake Recipe from Paula Deen, but it's the same as theirs.  So this recipe has been around the block.  It is tried and true.  And out of this world.  If you have a brunch or breakfast coming up and need to make a dish, this is perfect!  I feel the need to say though...it is NOT healthy.  It is a treat..one I make just twice a year.  Everything in moderation!

Paula Deen's Ultimate Coffee Cake Recipe

Throwback Thursday ~ Our House

Our home, built by Michael's Grandfather.   

Picture taken sometime in the 1950's.

{this moment}

Inspired by SouleMama: A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Throwback Thursday ~ Michael's Graduation 2000

Michael's Graduation

University of Kentucky

May 2000

Lexington, Kentucky

Dude Diary

At our school's book fair last fall Max stumbled upon a book that he declared he simply

must have.    Usually for book fairs the kids are given a certain amount of money and told that they must buy books...not other "stuff" like erasers, posters, gimmicky junk kind of stuff.  So he knew the diary was off limits.  He talked on and on so much about this "Dude Diary"  that I felt like I should at least check it out.  I went to the book fair, saw that it looked kind of cool and decided it would make a good stocking stuffer for the holidays.  I was RIGHT.  Max flipped his lid when he found the Dude Diary in his stocking.  

 This diary is like a national secret treasure.  It has it's own lock and key and for the first week or so after he got it I wasn't allowed to even think about looking at it.  But then I asked if I could just see a few pages to see how cool it was.  The following are pictures from the book that Max agreed to share with the public.  Most pages are still off limits ;)  I wanted to give you a glimpse of how cool this book is.  

You have to start with the Security page - this way nobody can get into your book if their handprint does not match.  Or so he thinks. 
 

Then you move on to all of the wild and crazy pages....

 I absolutely love this WARNING at the beginning of the book:

 
 I love this book for several reasons:  it gives him his own personal space to express himself, it encourages him to think creatively and use his imagination, and it makes him giggle nonstop.

You can find the Dude Diary in our Amazon Shop (remember every time you shop on Amazon and use my links a few pennies goes into our penny bank!).  I highly recommend this book as a gift for young boys, Max is in 2nd grade, but I'd say it'd be good for grades 1-5.  

 Please note, this post may contain an affiliate link.  If you make a purchase on Amazon.com using the links on this blog then the Little Things Mama will get a small percentage.  ANY purchase you make counts towards our blog if you simply follow the Amazon link found here.  Your purchase does not need to include something from my store, anything you purchase on Amazon is eligible.  Your support by shopping via this blog is much appreciated!  I was not paid for this review...we just love this product so much that I had to share!