Shelly

Why Moms Rock

‘This post has been sponsored by General Mills. All thoughts and opinions are my own.’ 

In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to take a deeper look at why moms rock and give them a huge standing ovation for everything they represent. My sister is an awesome example of motherhood. I’ve been able to watch many of the struggles and joys of parenting through her journey. Starting with a difficult delivery, through seasons of frustrations and learning, on to the ever changing roller coaster that is being a mom of two beautiful girls. All of this calls for not only a celebration of her, but a small token of appreciation, too (thank you, Cheerios!).

Why Moms Rock

Why Moms Rock

Cheerios at Walmart for Buy One, Give One

My sister has always had the motherly instinct. She is four years older than me and has been my protector since before I can remember. Now she does the same, not only for her family, but for several other families when we are in need. She has the coveted talent of knowing how to step up and help without asking. I am amazed that she somehow always seems to choose the most helpful service for the family in need. She possesses the five traits that I feel many moms aspire to have.

Why Moms Rock

The five most all-encompassing attributes I would use to describe the moms I know:

  1. Nurturing
  2. Encouraging
  3. Supportive
  4. Inspiring
  5. *Always* Prepared

Some people think all females are born with these traits but for some they are a practiced chore that hopefully can become a habit (*raises my hand*).

The nurturing mom helps snuggle a sick child with a fever and makes sure they feel comforted in their times of need.

The encouraging Mother is always giving that little nudge that helps her kids achieve what they’re struggling with.

The supportive mom is the cheerleader at every event and will always be right beside the child with every big decision.

The inspiring mom knows that the best way to be a mom is to not ONLY be a mom. Showing her family that she has passions and dreams that she pursues while also being a mom.

The Mama who is always prepared has extra clothes in the car for the days the kids want to jump in the puddles and snacks in her purse for the toddler having a melt-down at the zoo.

Why Moms Rock

Cheerios at Walmart for Buy One, Give One

Buy One, Give One

Growing up in my family, my Dad quickly learned to ask us if we’re hungry when something was ‘off’ with my mom, sister or I. We get hangry when we’ve not been fed regularly and this trait has been passed down to our children. That’s why Amy knows to always have snacks at the ready in her pantry, purse and during carpool. Their go-to snack has always been Cheerios for their nutrients and taste as well as ease of travel. This is definitely a product that favors both of our households as I always have a box or two in my own pantry as well.

On our last box of cereal I noticed a Buy One, Give One advertisement on the box and knew I had to head over to Walmart to pick up a few more boxes while this campaign is running. I had to get my sister stocked up on Cheerios!

Kid eating Cheerios

Cheerios flatlay

Thankfully the Buy One, Give One event is running at Walmart right now so don’t wait! You can find your favorite Cheerios flavor in the cereal aisle. After purchasing a Buy One, Give One specially-marked box of Cheerios, find your code to enter on the Walmart Website and send a coupon for a free box of Cheerios to someone in your life. It couldn’t be easier to share a box of your favorite snack with someone you love. I can’t wait until the coupon arrives in my sister’s mailbox and she gets to indulge in a small gift.

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Cheerios Buy One, Give One

Cheerios at Walmart for Buy One, Give One

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500 Fashion Fridays

Two of my favorite things are fashion and showing off. Scratch that, two of my favorite things are saving money and supporting local establishments. That’s why I’m excited about 500 Fashion Fridays back in Indy this May. You don’t need to be a fashionista to participate in this fun May activity around the city. Just wear black and white or racing attire and mention #500FashionFridays for a discount at these participating restaurants.

Race off to one of more than 50 restaurant locations to participate in #500FashionFridays!

500 Fashion Fridays

500 fashion fridays restaurants

For more information and some fashion inspiration check out this blog from Pattern.

Or just take my advice for what to wear to the race. I’ve worn everything from a swimsuit to a sweatshirt with gloves and everything in between!

top 5 indy 500

indy 500 race 2017

Summer Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail

This shop has been compensated by collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. Maker’s Mark® is a trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc. and is used with permission. #CelebratorySips #MintJulepMonth #CollectiveBias

We’re huge blackberry fans in the summer and I can’t wait to make my favorite summer cocktail as the weather warms up. Now that I’m in nesting mode, nothing makes me more happy than showing my love to friends and family by hosting them in my home. Since moving to Indy two years ago we’ve been working hard on making our outdoor space a place of retreat, back yard BBQs and a kid’s play haven. Back yard BBQs that include tasty cuisine and drinks is what I’m working on this summer.

I’ve found an amazing summer Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail recipe that both men and women enjoy. It’s just the right mix of freshness and summer combined. Pair that with a charcuterie board for snacks and it makes for a great summer night out in the back yard with friends.

Maker's Mark Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail- Perfect for any summer backyard BBQ.

 Summer Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail

 

I know with The Big Race just around the corner, Mint Juleps are on the mind, but this cocktail has got it beat. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer with your friends. First off, if you’re not familiar with the red wax-topped whiskey Maker’s Mark®, it’s one of the smoothest whiskeys around. At 90 proof, Maker’s Mark® has a woody oak, caramel, and vanilla aroma with a wheat prevail in the nose. The finish is smooth and subtle with a sweet taste, balanced with caramel, vanilla and fruity essences.

These flavors combine perfectly with the fruitiness of the blackberries and lemon in this cocktail. I’m always surprised when I find a drink that everyone in a group enjoys. I pair it with a charcuterie board full of various meats, cheeses, crackers, dips and fruits, making sure my guests have something to snack and sip while we chat the night away.

In our home, we’ve gone straw-free and have switched to stainless steel straws. Maker’s Mark® has a similar outlook on helping to save the Earth. Be sure to check out their movement on water sustainability while enjoying your beverages this summer. You can find Maker’s Mark® at most stores where liquor is sold. To learn more about their efforts, follow Maker’s Mark® on Instagram at @makersmark.

Maker's Mark Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail- Perfect for any summer backyard BBQ.

Maker's Mark Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail- Perfect for any summer backyard BBQ.

Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail

This fruity whiskey cocktail is perfect for any summer backyard BBQ.

  • 10 Blackberries (Muddled )
  • 2 Lemons (Juiced)
  • 1 cup Maker's Mark® Whiskey
  • 1/2 cup Simple Syrup
  • 2 Rosemary Sprigs
  • 2 Lemon Wheels
  1. In a shaker, add muddled blackberries, juiced lemons, simple syrup and Maker’s Mark® over ice. Shake 10 times and pour into a short glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a wheel of lemon. 

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Maker's Mark Blackberry Lemonade Whiskey Cocktail- Perfect for any summer backyard BBQ.

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Louisville with Kids

Louisville with kids is an awesome trip. Originally we were going to spend a long weekend camping at Mammoth Cave with our pop-up camper but I was worried it would be too cold this early in the season. Instead, we set our eyes on Louisville for a One Tank Trip (from Indianapolis). We were pleasantly surprised with our entire adventure. At only two hours away from home, Louisville, Kentucky made for a great host to our family and we will be back!

Kentucky Science Center in Louisville Kentucky

Louisville with Kids

Saturday

Saturday morning we packed up the car and picked up our friends to join us on on the ride to Louisville. We left at 8:30 with every intention of being at the Flame Run Glassblowing studio around open. We arrived and realized they were closed that weekend and the following for the Thunder Over Louisville festival and Kentucky Derby. It was easy to find an alternate attraction because there are so many family fun activities within walking distance.

Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory with kids

Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

We chose to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory after seeing the 120 foot bat towering over the neighboring buildings. Although our family enjoys sitting in the outfield at the Indian’s games, we are not huge baseball fans. Each of us were pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the history, hands on experiences and factory tour of how the bats are made. Did you know 90-120 bats are ordered per player each season? The good news is that Hillerich & Bradsby Co. owns about 6,500 acres of timberland in Pennsylvania and New York. The company also purchases lumber from other sources. They plant more trees than they cut down to make around 3,000 bats each day in the factory.

Thunder Over Kentucky: Louisville with Kids

Thunder Over Louisville

After the museum we headed over to some festival we saw people walking to with wagons, chairs and coolers in tow. We quickly realized there was a hugely popular air show along both sides of the Ohio River. People were camped out with coolers, mini grills, blankets and everything you’d need for a day along the river for 11 hours!

Thunder Over Louisville hosted over 1 million people at this years event on both the Kentucky and Indiana borders. There are two options when visiting the festival: 1.) You can pay for tickets and be within the venue area where they will have the Chow Wagon and a myriad of other events taking place within the fenced off area (not to mention all of these events surrounding the festival.) Keep in mind that there is a long list of things you are not allowed to bring inside the venue area. 2.) You can get really lucky as novice attenders and still spend 5 hours hanging out and enjoying the festival with fair food trucks galore, beautiful parks and the amazing air show overhead.

We were ready to head to the hotel pool after forgetting to apply sunscreen so we did not stay for the firework show or the massive hoards of traffic after the air show. We found a hotel about 15 minutes outside of the city for a much more affordable rate which had two queen suites, a hotel and a continental breakfast.

Kentucky Science Center in Louisville Kentucky

Sunday

After breakfast Sunday we headed over to the Kentucky Science Center. I’m lucky enough to visit our Indianapolis Children’s Museum each week and very low expectations for the science center. We were all very pleasantly surprised by it’s size and scope! There are five floors with exhibits ranging from Earth science to technology to art and discovery. We spent four hours here and still have more to see for next time. We brought a sack lunch to have while there but there is a SUBWAY on site as well as a movie theater. Be sure to check out the demonstration times. We saw a physics and chemistry demonstration that were both very entertaining!

Louisville, Kentucky was an awesome family friendly city with lots to do within walking distance. We will have to come back to check out the glass blowing studio and a few other things we missed. What are some of your favorite Louisville attractions or eats?

Kids and Art Galleries| It’s Fun!

Have you ever taken you toddler somewhere to later think ‘Why did I think that was a good idea?!’ I’ve seen parents frustrated at the art museum several times and I thought I’d give a few tips I’ve learned from past visits. One might think kids and art galleries do not go hand in hand but the earlier they are exposed to art and knowing how to explore in a museum setting, the better. There are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make a trip to the museum more fun for everyone.

Taking your kids to an art museum is easy. 5 tips to make it fun!

5 Steps for a Stress-less Art Gallery Trip with Kids

1. Snacks. Food is and should always be top priority when going on any outing with a child of any age. You should either know what food options are provided at  your destination or bring along snacks. Many galleries have food options but they can get pricey so we always bring a backpack with a lunch and a refillable water bottle. A simple lunch like pbj, grapes and carrots that you know will be eaten by your picky toddler is perfect.

2. Patience. I’ve recently been working on a technique that has helped increase my patience with my four year old. I’m patient in rushed situations and when accidents happen but I am quick to anger when it comes to ungratefulness and whining. Allie Casazza has a podcast episode entitled Positive Words for Your Children. In this episode she explains the benefits of using positive, encouraging words and affirmations with your children during times of struggle and ease. I notice myself being much more patient and gracious to my daughter after using these affirmations for only a few days.

3. A goal/game. My sister gave me the tip of making your trip a scavenger hunt. You can tailor your hunt according to your children’s ages. For example, if you’re taking a 2-3 year old, have them find a certain shape, color or object (boat) in the art. For children 4-6 have them look for dancing figures or a specific art technique (impressionists or pointillist). Bring along a notepad and crayons for your child to re-create what they see in a favorite piece and take note of their favorites to hang in their room.

Taking your kids to an art museum is easy. 5 tips to make it fun!

4. Time. Give yourself plenty of time surrounding the entire event. Make sure you’re not rushed getting there, which would set a rushed mood during the museum. Give your kids all the time they want to look at a particular piece. If they’re rushing through without giving it as much interest as you, guide them to something you know they’ll like or stop for a snack/art project to switch gears.

5. Consider a membership. There are various types of art museums or ways you can find art in a non-art museum. Our Children’s Museum has tons of art so you could also work in an art lesson while visiting a history, science or children’s museum. The benefit of having a membership is to put less pressure on having a perfect experience. Kids (and adults) have off days. There are times when we’re all excited to go somewhere, have been looking forward to it all week, and when the time comes there’s little room for enthusiasm. Check to see which museums provide multiple day adventures. The Art Museum in Indianapolis has several venues within that are all great for different reasons. With gardens, playgrounds and the traditional indoor museum, various avenues of art can be discovered.

Taking your kids to an art museum is easy. 5 tips to make it fun!

For more information on North-Side art museums, check out this article: Indianapolis-North Side-Hamilton County.

Making Creativity the Norm for Kids

Tie Dye With Your Toddler

One might think kids and art galleries do not go hand in hand but the earlier they are exposed to art and knowing how to explore in a museum setting, the better.

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