I love enjoying my children’s firsts with them! Eldest, Princess, and even Big Red went down this huge water slide during our visit to Pioneer Waterland!
I was shocked that Big Red gave it a go. Unfortunately we didn’t catch it on camera since it was hard to tell from the bottom which kids was coming down the slide next.
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You may know how much I hate to spend money! Even on very worthwhile things like blog conferences where I might grow and learn. I think they are frivolous and somewhat overwhelming! I have four children that would need care while I was away. Meals to prep, activities to plan, and then the cost of attending the event can be daunting. That’s why I jumped at the chance to participate in the #BlogStaycation!
Funny thing is I had talked about a blogger retreat with another blogger who had attended many conferences. She confirmed that the time and cost to attend didn’t really allow for actual growth and action on the blog. See you spend all that time picking out clothes, ordering business cards, planning meals, scheduling flights and hotel accommodations. Valuable time if you ask me that could be spent on keyword searches, photo editing, post writing, and social media shares!
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We were provided this Renaissance Queen Costume from Costume Super Center in exchange for our honest review and promotion.
I realize that not every girl is a diva or girly girl but I bet one of these 5 reasons will still resonate with you as to why you should buy a Renaissance Queen costume for a girl in your life!.
We don’t limit our birthday parties to just cake and punch. I usually have my children pick out a theme right after their birthday for next year in order to have plenty of planning time. Since each of their birthdays fall at different times of year it means that I get to shop various holiday and seasonal clearance sales.
There are a lot of homeschool groups that do historical presentations or dramas where having a store-bought Renaissance Queen costume would come in handy. There are tons of free resources to learn about knights, kings, and castles online but you can check out some of my favorite ones via my History and Geography pinterest board.
Since we are video game players and comic lovers we like to attend Comic Con. This year some of us wanted to have simpler costumes while other’s (hubby and Eldest) are making things for their costumes. You can never go wrong dressing like a princess or queen if you are a tween girl!
This year we were given tickets to attend and review our local Renaissance Festival so this costume will come in handy when we attend. Again you don’t have to be in costume but it will make attending the festival that much more fun.
While it’s the most obvious it might also be the most overlooked. I firmly believe that children should be children and be allowed to dress up. I love seeing my children’s eye light up as they dawn a costume and take on the persona of a character from long ago and far away.
A little bit about this costume that Princess is wearing. She was very excited when it came in the mail for review. She opened the package and tried it on right away. Then I heard her say, “Mom, one of my gems fell off,” in a very disappointed voice. She was super sad but I told her that her dad could repair it with a bit of gorilla glue when he got home. He did and now the gem has stayed on the Velcro as it should. We followed the sizing guide on the website in order to choose a costume the correct size. Princess is 11 years old and typically wears a size 12 slim jean but for this costume she ordered a size 8-10. They seem to run a bit big but if your child plans to wear a thick pair of sweats underneath to keep warm then buy the “normal” size your child wears. Overall I am pretty satisfied with the costume and may be looking at a few other costumes for my boys in the future.
We recently stopped in Mansfield, Ohio on our way to Punderson Manor Lodge. I knew that we had stopped in Mansfield before when Eldest was in first grade and Princess was in kindergarten a long time ago! It was November then but this time we took all four kids in September!
We had to buy a few sets of tickets so everyone could have their fill of carrousel rides. We just so happened to be there when a tour bus showed up. Out filed a dozen or so elderly people who were also very eager to ride the carrousel. A few were not so inclined but gave their tickets to Princess and Eldest!
Richland Carrousel Park opened in 1991 as the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930’s. The Carrousel figures were carved in the style of G.A. Dentzel, one of the most revered carvers of the early 1900’s. All 52 figures were designed, carved and painted by Carrousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio.
There are 30 horses and 22 menagerie figures, including 4 bears, 4 ostriches, 4 cats, 4 rabbits, a goat, giraffe, lion, tiger, zebra and a mythical hippocampus…
If you get a chance to drive through Mansfield, Ohio then I would highly recommend stopping in and taking a ride at the Richland Carrousel Park!
While my family and I are still in Summer vacation mode, most of the local school districts have started back to school or will be in the next week or two. What better way to start a new school year then with some back to school tips and tricks.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PRINTABLES from Carrie Elle
Free printable First Day of School signs (PreK to College) from Gift of Curiosity
10 Memorable 1st Day of School Keepsakes – Artsy Momma
Printable Keepsake to record first and last days of school memories – My Sister’s Suitcase
5 Easy Ways to Save on School Supplies from Saving Sarah
DIY School Supplies Using Recycled Materials from 3 Boys and a Dog
Save money during Tax Free Weekends from Something 2 Offer
Back to School Clothes on a Tight Budget from The Jenny Revolution
School Supply Scavenger Hunt from B Inspired Mama
DIY Back-to-School Homework “To-Do” Notepad – The Idea Room
3 Easy Ways to DIY Your Notebook from hand made kids art
Free Printables Backpack Checklists from JDaniel’s 4 Mom
water bottle labels from Mom Endeavors
First Day of School Interview from Pleasantest Thing
Ten Top Tips For Getting Ready for School from The Mud Kitchen
Separation Anxiety and dealing with Tears from the Mud Kitchen
Lunch box Jokes from A Mom with a Lesson Plan
First Week Back to School: What Teachers Want Parents to Know
A Back to School Prayer for our Kids – I Can Teach my Child
A Back To School themed dinner for setting goals– Dating Divas
Great books for Preschool to 6th grade -KC Edventures
Healthy Smoothie Recipes from Reviews, Chews & How-to’s
