Shelly – Page 13

by Shelly on July 15, 2019 Leave a Comment

Ginger Rogers Lemon Gin Cocktail

Ginger Rogers Lemon Gin Cocktail is the perfect summer drink. The weather is warming up and for us that means lots of great fresh fruit and veggies at our Farmer’s Market. I secretly find recipes with these tasty foods so I’ll have an excuse to go have a stroll around the market on Saturday morning. One of my favorite summer drinks is the Ginger Rogers. It’s cold and refreshing, perfect for any summer parties or lounging poolside.

Ingredients

gin – I recommend a good basic gin for this. No need to get fancy.
fresh lemon juice
ginger syrup – see instructions below* only takes minutes to make and will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The extra syrup is delicious in ice tea, lemonade or drizzled over fresh fruit!
ginger ale
fresh mint leaves

Step #1: Place the mint leaves and ginger syrup to your glass and using a muddler (or even the back of a spoon) gently press on the mint leaves to release their fragrance and oils… don’t mash!

Step #2: Pour in the lemon juice and gin and stir to combine and then add the ginger ale and stir once or twice to combine….

*Ginger Syrup

1/4 pound ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

First, bring ginger, sugar, and water to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then gently simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and reserve ginger for another use (see cooks’ note, below), then cool to room temperature.

I’m beyond ready for our weather to turn warm and to hit the farmers market to get my lemons! If you are a fan of ginger lemonade, you are going to love this light cocktail with ginger ale, ginger syrup, lemon, and mint! Check out some more tips on throwing a great summer BBQ at my friend Misty’s page.

Did you know, this cocktail was named after the 1930s actress Ginger Rogers. How cool would it be to have a drink named after you? What would yours include?

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by Shelly on July 11, 2019 2 Comments

Top 7 Time Management Tips for Moms

Now that I have two kids I’ve got to use some tricks to keep things running smoothly around the house. I’ve got 7 time management tips for Moms who are in charge of the household.

We’re out of the over exhausted phases of having a new baby. I’m able to figure out a schedule that works for me and my family. As a stay-at-home mom who loves going on adventures with my girls, it’s hard to also keep up the house and my blog. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to be with the girls before they head to school and also have the chance to work on my passion. I hope these tips help you be able to take care of the things you need to complete but also have time for things that bring you joy.

With these tips, I’ve been able to read two books in the last month and do more painting and sewing. I will remind you, if you are in the early stages of having a baby, these things might not be possible yet, but they’ll still be helpful.

7 Time Management Tips for Moms

10 Minute Clean-up

My number one tip is to do a 10 minute clean-up at the end of the night before your kid’s bedtime routine. You can start this as early as age 3 (or when your littlest knows how to throw toys in a bin). We have our Google Home play Rockabye Baby music 10 minutes before 8p. This tells us we need to stop whatever we’re doing and each take a room of the downstairs and clean it up. In our family, my 5 year old picks up her and the baby’s toys while I heat up a bottle and clean the dishes from dinner. My husband cleans off the table and wipes down the counters.

After 10 minutes we’re able to go feed the baby while our oldest brushes her teeth and read stories to them both for an easy bedtime routine. This clean up has eliminated the anxiety I used to feel as soon as I walked down in the morning. It’s so nice to start the day with a clean house and clean dishes to quickly put away after breakfast. We’re able to manage the house throughout the day rather than spending time first cleaning it before starting our day.

Crock Pot Meals

This is pretty self explanatory. It’s easier to dump some ingredients in the crock pot for 5-10 minutes than to stand and cook a meal. We do one crock pot meal per week during the summer and 2-3 during the winter months. I have more energy in the summer with the sun being out longer so one crock pot meal/week is perfect for me. It’s usually chicken tacos because my husband could eat them every day and be fine with it.

Preschool Sewing Kit DIY perfect for young sewers just beginning. Fine motor skills, patience and focus are all used for this project.

Kid Activities

Set your kids up with some easy-to-access games and activities they can play on their own. These need to be activities they can get out, set up, need no supervision and clean up on their own. Before summer started I researched some of these activities knowing that I would need a little time to decompress after taking them to the pool for the day. Some of our favorites are perler beads, paint by sticker books, ABC Mouse and Kiwi Crate.

Timers

I use Google Home timers for everything. I already spoke about the Clean Up timer we set at night but I also use it to remind me when the bottles are done, when to put on the crock pot, when we need to start getting ready to go to swim lessons. It’s much easier for me to set a timer on my phone or Google Home than it is for me to keep looking at the clock and getting that pit in my stomach about being late or rushed. I hate that feeling.

I’ll also add reminders in Google Calendar about things I need to remember to research or schedule in the future. Stressing about something I can’t take care of right now does not help anyone, so I schedule it for later.

Outsource

So many people think they can do more than they can. Yes, you might be able to do all the things BUT are they getting done well and are you also taking care of yourself. When my husband’s foot was broken I hired a neighbor boy to mow our lawn once per week. My husband has been building the deck in his free time for three months and I’m tempted to call the neighbor boy again.

It’s just mowing the lawn, something I’m capable of but is my time better spent mowing the lawn or doing school with Sophia or taking the girls to the pool? Check your values and make sure your actions are aligning with them. Time is money and if you’re out of time to do everything you want to do, hire it out.

Schedule Play

Scheduling play sounds ridiculous. In our family, it’s necessary. We’ll get so overwhelmed with house projects, blog projects and work that we don’t make play a priority. Every Friday for me and the girls is Fun Friday and I do not do any type of work (business or house wise). This helps myself and the girls know that although we may not be having a ton of fun on Thursday, we have a great time Friday.

For you, this might look like blocking off a weekend so you can be with your family. It might look like planning a staycation because your family just needs a break. Notice if your ‘play’ is required sports or music lessons or if you’re actually taking a step away from obligations and actually playing.

Balance

Here is my biggest tip. Put everything into perspective. Step back and really look at what NEEDS to be done. Are you feeling overwhelmed because there’s dust on your blinds or you need to clean your car out? Think about what season you’re in and if the deep cleaning is necessary. Personally, I get anxious when there’s clutter. For us, picking up is something that makes our lives run smoother but the dust can wait. The dirty carpets that I want replaced can wait. My family being happy, getting good meals and having fun is the most important thing and the other stuff can wait.

Let me know what tips you use to keep on top of things while running the house.

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by Shelly on July 3, 2019 1 Comment

Unicorn and Fairy Camp at Line + Form Atelier

This post has been sponsored by Line + Form Atelier. All thoughts are opinions are my own.

Unicorn and Fairy Camp at Line + Form Atelier: What five year old doesn’t love fairies and unicorns? When I saw my favorite art studio was doing summer camps AND they included fairies and unicorns I couldn’t not sign up.

Line + Form Atelier

Line + Form Atelier is an art studio for all ages that focuses on the process of making art. I was always frustrated growing up because I wasn’t ‘good at art’ with my first try. I would quickly give up and go on to the next thing.

I’m still learning that art is about the process not the outcome. Personally, I love Fran’s classes because I am comfortable to try new art techniques in a safe learning environment. My art never turns out how I envision it but I am always happy that I’ve created something and it often sparks an interest to create more!

The Camp

I was hooked as soon as I read the description on Line + Form’s website:

Watch the studio transform into a world of magic and enchantment during this whimsical summer camp! Unicorns, Fairies, Elves and Gnomes are all invited to join in our week of wonder. Campers will create delightful pieces of art such as nature wands, flower crowns, potions, fairy/gnome dwellings out of wood and moss, and much more!
Line + Form Atelier

Timing could not have been better because we’d just had a staycation in Hendricks Co. to check out their fairy trail. We were in major fairy garden mode from all the inspiration so creating her own fairy garden in camp was heaven.

Our daughter loved creating her own personal fairy garden and was so excited to tell us all about the process each day. She was able to use lots of different art mediums throughout the week that she hadn’t experienced before. Her favorite parts about camp were making friends and the surprise visits from the unicorn and fairies.

I was really impressed by everything Fran got accomplished during the week. She has half day or full day options and Sophia said she was very glad to go to full day because she was excited to get to be with her friends longer each day. There are so many wonderful camps each summer and classes for ages 18 months-12 years, and adults ages 18+.

Be sure to follow along with Line + Form Atelier’s new journey as they’re moving to a larger, more central location in Indianapolis! You can also listen to the awesome background behind the creator of Line + Form, Fran
Samarripa in this Open Door Studio podcast.

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by Shelly on June 15, 2019 1 Comment

Family Fun in Hendricks County

Hendricks County is just 10 minutes west of Indianapolis and home to lots of family fun. This past weekend we were hosted by Visit Hendricks County to explore Avon, Plainfield and Danville. Our two days were jam packed with fun and there are definitely some places we’re coming back for. Best part yet, it’s all very affordable for our family! Let me take you through our weekend and all the fun we had:

Saturday

Tie Dye Lab

We started the day by getting creative at the Tie Dye Lab in Avon. As soon as we walked in I knew it was going to be a fun time. With colorful shirts arranged on the walls in rainbows and large tables for creating, the Tie Dye Lab is perfect for creating some awesome clothes without getting messy! You can stop in or make a reservation. Once you sign in you’ll fill out a sheet of paper with what sizes and articles you’ll be dying. TIP: There is a section where you can try on the clothes to see what size fits and how they will shrink with washing.

They also have all of the colors on swatches so you can mix and match to see what colors look best together. I’m ok with getting messy but my husband and daughter aren’t fans which is what makes them hesitant to tie dye. They were both very happy with the smocks and gloves for protection and I was happy without having dye in my house! We’re adding this to our summer bucket list for each summer and keeping it in mind for team building activities for the future with girl scouts and sports! Be sure to check out their events calendar and their specials before planning your trip!

Embassy Suites

Being from the hospitality industry I’m always watching for new hotels being built in the greater Indy area. When I saw Plainfield was getting a full service Embassy Suites near the airport I was really excited. They’ve got free cook-to-order breakfast and two-hour evening reception plus a modern vibe that is sure to make travelers and family’s pleased. We were very appreciative of the double queen suite. It allowed us to have a separate room for naps during the day but at night there was plenty of room for all of us in one space.

Oasis Diner

I have always wanted to go to a diner because of Luke’s Diner in Gilmore Girls. I think the friendly atmosphere of the small community is priceless. We had multiple families talk to us while at the diner so my dreams came true. Before heading to the water park we stopped by Oasis Diner in Plainfield for lunch. We stayed longer than expected because of the rich history and delicious food.

The Oasis Diner, manufactured by Mountain View Diners in Signac, NJ, was shipped via railroad to the east side of Plainfield, Indiana in 1954. I loved picturing how people would have dressed and the cars they would have driven during those times. With a full renovation in 2014 this diner is now is only 1 of less than 5 historical diners to remain on US 40 from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. Don’t forget to get a dessert while you’re there. From ginormous cinnamon rolls to strawberry rhubarb pies, everything is like grandma’s cooking.

Splash Island Water Park

Just a couple minutes down the road from Oasis Diner you’ll find another oasis from the heat. Located on 4.3 acres, the tropical-themed Splash Island includes three waterslides, an interactive play area for all ages including kiddie slides, water jets, ropes and guns, a gentle winding river, lily pad crossing, two pulsating vortexes, and plenty of deck space and grassy areas for sun bathing and family fun. The park also includes a six lane competition pool with an attached diving well featuring two 1-meter springboards and a water basketball court within the 900 ft lazy river. We were really impressed with the amount of things to keep little ones busy. Sophia was too short for the big slides but had a ball in the kiddie area and lazy river.

Sunday

Mayberry Cafe

The next morning, after a very restful sleep, we headed to the town of Danville for a trip back in time to the Mayberry Cafe in The Andy Griffith Show. Again, the charm of a small town was comforting and a fun thing for my very outspoken daughter to experience. With a full all you can eat buffet, it was really hard to choose off the menu but we wanted to try some of their signature meals. Potatoes, eggs, ham, biscuits and gravy and pancakes were the perfect fuel for our family before heading to our next destination. The Mayberry Café seats up to 150 guests on two floors. An elevator makes the second floor completely accessible. TIP: If kids eat their full meal they get a token that lets them pick out a toy.

Fairy Trail

The Centrail Indiana Enchated Fairy Trail was Sophia’s favorite part of the trip. We were shocked to see the Queen of the Fairies Queen Odonata waiting for us at our first park! She helped us find our first fairy home at Pecar Park in Avon. At the fairy’s (Puck) home there is a QR code you can click to watch a video about that fairy! Sophia was so excited to go on our hunt for the other fairy homes. Before we left, Queen Odonata blessed Sophia with fairy dust that she may have a magical day. It was the sweetest display of magic and wonder of a little kid.

There is a Fairy Festival in May including live unicorns, dress up, crafts and lots more! Check their Facebook Page to follow along with events! If you have little fairy believers you would love my friend Abby’s Adopt a Fairy program! Also, if you’re looking to make your own fairy garden, we LOVED Avon Gardens.

After posting on social media (there is a Hendricks Co highlight in my stories) I got so many more suggestions of fun places to visit around Hendricks County so we’ll definitely be making another trip to experience it all! Thank you so much to Visit Hendricks County and everyone mentioned above for hosting us and showing us such wonderful hospitality. Indiana is the cross roads of America and Hoosier Hospitality is very strong in this part of Indiana!

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by Shelly on June 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

Summer Concerts at the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo will be the place to shake a tail feather when two family-friendly concert series return this summer. Zoolapalooza presented by Teddy Grahams and Animals and All That Jazz will offer 11 evenings of live music, specialty menus, extended Zoo hours and even more wild fun from mid-June through early August.

The Zoo’s concert season will kick off with Zoolapalooza, offering performances every Friday night from June 21 through July 26. Now in its ninth year, this popular series will feature a new band each week, including several returning Zoo favorites along with a few newcomers for six unique performances. Guests will enjoy a range of music styles, from rock classics to today’s pop hits plus R&B and even some bluegrass — all with a toe-tapping energy to get attendees out of their seats for a spin around the dance floor.

spring xZooberance at the Indianapolis Zoo

The 2019 Zoolapalooza series will feature:

June 21: The Band, etc. … June 28: Tim Brickley & THE LIST
July 5: Todd Harrold Quartet July 12: My Yellow Rickshaw
July 19: MIXTAPE July 26: Protocol

The smooth sounds of live jazz will keep visitors cool as the summer heats up. Offering a distinctly different music experience, the 32nd year of Animals and All That Jazz will begin July 4 and continue every Thursday through Aug. 1. One of the Zoo’s longest-running events, this series will showcase a diverse lineup of musicians from across the Midwest, covering jazz genres from classic to contemporary and smooth soul to blues, even blending in the more modern sounds of pop and R&B.

The 2019 Animals and All That Jazz series will include:

July 4: Tad Robinson July 11: Everett Greene
July 18: West Central Quartet July 25: Cowbell Jazz featuring Yvonne Allu
Aug. 1: Clint Breeze & the Groove

All performances will take place from 5:30-8:30pm under the Bicentennial Pavilion. Located near the Zoo’s entrance, this stunning space offers an open-air atmosphere as well as weather protection. A perfect place for attendees to relax for an evening of music, rain or shine.

Indianapolis Zoo: Team Sloth or Team Snake — Check my review of the sloths here

Food

Enhancing the concert experience, each night will feature a new food menu, in addition to regular Zoo fare. Adults can also enjoy a cash bar as well as craft beer sampling from a rotating list of Midwest breweries. Beer sampling is provided by Zink Distributing. Tables and seating inside the Bicentennial Pavilion are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the music, there will be plenty of animal exhibits nearby and rides available until 7pm so that guests can enjoy the full Zoo experience without missing a beat.

Tickets

Summer concert events are free for Zoo members and included with regular admission, so visitors can stay late for the concerts after enjoying a full day at the Zoo. Guests can purchase discount tickets at Indiana Members Credit Union locations or by visiting IndianapolisZoo.com to plan their night out.

About the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com

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