Keeping up with the Kiddos: June 2013

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Weekend Wish List: June 28-30, 2013

I can't believe it's already the LAST weekend of June. Summer is going by way too fast!

FRIDAY, JUNE 28th
Farmers Markets

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday @ 8am - 7pm

Storytelling and Crafts at the Missouri History Museum @ 10:30am

Disney's Cinderella at Chaminade @ 11am & 7pm

Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series at the Zoo @ 5pm - 8pm

Live Music at the Boathouse @ 7pm - 11pm

Summer Concert Fest at Eckert's (Belleville) @ 7pm - 9pm

River City Rascals vs. Thunder Bolts @ 7:05pm

Starlight Movie Series (Madagascar 3) at Eureka City Hall @ 7:45pm

Shakespeare in the Park “Romeo & Juliet" at Wapelhorst Park @ 8pm

Shrek - The Musical at The Muny @ 8:15pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

SATURDAY, JUNE 29th
Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday @ 8am - 7pm

Family Food Saturdays at the MO Botanical Garden @ 9am - 4pm

5th Annual Shakespeare Family Festival @ 9am - 11am & 4pm - 6pm

St. Louis Art Museum Grand Opening @ 9:30am - 10pm

AMC Sensory Friendly Films @ 10am

Delta Dental Health Theatre Summer Fun Health Series @ 11am - 1:30pm

Free Train Rides in Kircher Park with the St. Louis Live Steamers @ 11am - 3:30pm

Disney's Cinderella at Chaminade @ 11am

St. Louis Brown Stockings vs. Vermillion Voles at Emmenegger Park @ 11am & 12:3pm

Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro @ 12pm - 6pm

Faust Historic Village Open House @ 1pm - 5pm

St. Louis Unions vs. St. Louis Perfectos at Lurk Field @ 1pm

Summer Concert Fest at Eckert's (Belleville) @ 7pm - 9pm

River City Rascals vs. Thunder Bolts @ 7:05pm

Shakespeare in the Park “Romeo & Juliet" at Wapelhorst Park @ 8pm

Shrek - The Musical at The Muny @ 8:15pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

SUNDAY, JUNE 30th
Farmers Markets

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday @ 8am - 7pm

St. Louis Art Museum Grand Opening @ 10am - 5pm

Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad @ 11am - 4:15pm

Disney's Cinderella at Chaminade @ 11am

Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro @ 12pm - 5pm

Faust Historic Village Open House @ 1pm - 5pm

St. Louis Unions vs. Vermilon Voles at Lurk Field @ 1pm

St. Louis Irish Arts Summer Concert @ 4pm

Shakespeare in the Park “Romeo & Juliet" at Wapelhorst Park @ 5pm

River City Rascals vs. Thunder Bolts @ 6:05pm

Compton Heights Concert Band Summer Series at Francis Park @ 7:30pm

Shrek - The Musical at The Muny @ 8:15pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Citygarden

Note to self...Next time I take the kids to Citygarden DO NOT FORGET THEIR SWIM SUITS!

Foolish mistake. Very foolish mistake. The girls refused to run through the spray ground in their dresses even though it was over 90 degrees.

Instead we played on the big bunnies...

...ate cookies...

...listened to some live music...

{click here for a list of upcoming bands. all shows are from 11:45am - 12:45pm}

...used the stroller strap like a teether...

...and almost got ice cream...

{the heat got the better of us, the girls started fighting with each other, it was one of those moments when we just had to bail on the outing}

Oh well. Next time I'll know better. All of the other kids looked like they were having a great time!

Monday, June 24, 2013

When Humidity Strikes...

If humidity makes your hair look like this, you need to read this post.

This is what my hair looks like in humidity if I don't dry it. Normally I would only allow my husband and kids to have the pleasure of seeing my hair looking like this. But I have a very good reason for sharing my frizzy hair with the world today.

Kerastase

Have you discovered this magical hair product? I am NOT a product junky but this stuff is life changing. All I need is a teeny tiny amount of Kerastase, a round metal brush and a hair dryer with a concentrator (one of those duck bill attachments) and my hair will withstand any amount of humidity that comes its way. (See Note below)

I have to warn you - Kerastase is not cheap. (See Note below). But it lasts forever. I have shoulder-length hair and I use a blueberry-sized amount (from the bottle on the left) or two pumps (from the bottle on the right). Too much will make your hair oily and heavy. I haven't used my hair straightener once since I discovered Kerastase.

Here is what my hair looks like with Kerastase:

p.s. - This was the only (good) picture of me that I could find within the past 6 months! I had to have professional family photos taken just to get a good picture of me. Thank you Joel Marion Photography! Clearly I need to read this article:

I'm not getting paid to promote this product (although I wish I was!) I just love love love it! You can search on the Kerastase website to find a salon that carries their products.

NOTE:
There were some questions that I wanted to clear up...
- I don't use both Kerastase products pictured above together. Use one or the other. These suckers are POTENT. You only need one of them. I just happen to have both on hand.
- It can be hard to find Kerastase in a salon. You may need to look online (Amazon is one option). The 6.8 oz bottle above (Oleo-Relax Slim Smoothing Cream) cost ~$30-$35. The 4.2 oz bottle (Oleo-Relax Serum) cost ~$27.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Weekend Wish List: June 21-23, 2013

It's almost Friday! Hope you have a fun weekend and enjoy the sun!

FRIDAY, JUNE 21st
Farmers Markets

Strawberry Picking at Thies Farm and Lakeview Farms

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday @ 8am - 7pm

Farm Fridays at Suson Park @ 10am - 1pm

Storytelling and Crafts at the Missouri History Museum @ 10:30am

Disney's Cinderella at Chaminade @ 11am

Summer Concert at CityGarden @ 11:45am - 12:45pm

Circus Flora @ 1pm and 7pm

Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series at the Zoo @ 5pm - 8pm

Emerson Free Family Night at The Magic House @ 5:30pm to 9pm

New Melle Festival at the New Melle Sports & Recreation Center @ 6pm

Third Friday Free Party @ Third Degree Glass Factory @ 6pm - 10pm

Sunset Fridays Concert Series @ Lakeside Park @ 6:30pm

Shakespeare in the Park at Forest Park's Shakespeare Glen @ 6:30pm and 8pm

Live Music at the Boathouse @ 7pm - 11pm

Eckert's (Belleville) Summer Concert Festival @ 7pm - 9pm

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Rangers @ 7:15pm

Movie Mania (Jack the Giant Slayer) at the Lake at Town & Country Crossing @ 8pm

St. Charles Shakespeare in the Park @ Wapelhorst Park @ 8pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd
Farmers Markets

Strawberry Picking at Thies Farm and Lakeview Farms

Youth Fishing Derby at Des Peres Park @ 7:30am

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday @ 8am - 7pm

Family Food Saturdays at the Missouri Botanical Garden @ 9am - 4pm

Disney's Cinderella at Chaminade @ 11am

Fringe Family @ Downtown St. Louis @ 12pm - 1pm

New Melle Festival at the New Melle Sports & Recreation Center @ 1pm

Circus Flora @ 1pm and 7pm

Making Music Series in Kirkwood Park @ 6pm

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Rangers @ 6:15pm

Fire & Ice at Town & Country Crossing @ 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Shakespeare in the Park at Forest Park Shakespeare Glen @ 6:30pm and 8pm

Eckert's (Belleville) Summer Concert Festival @ 7pm - 9pm

Chesterfield City Park Amphitheater Concert Series @ 8pm

St. Charles Shakespeare in the Park @ Wapelhorst Park @ 8pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

SUNDAY, JUNE 23rd
Farmers Markets

Strawberry Picking at Thies Farm and Lakeview Farms

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday @ 8am - 7pm

Disney's Cinderella at Chaminade @ 11am

Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad @ 11am - 4:15pm

Fringe Family @ Downtown St. Louis @ 12pm - 1pm

Circus Flora @ 1pm and 5:30pm

Free concert at Oak Knoll Park @ 5pm - 7pm

St. Charles Shakespeare in the Park @ Wapelhorst Park @ 5pm

Shakespeare in the Park at Forest Park Shakespeare Glen @ 6:30pm and 8pm

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Rangers @ 7:05pm

Compton Heights Concert Band Summer Series at Francis Park @ 7:30pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Circus Flora

The circus is in town!

{But only until June 23rd so get your tickets soon!}

This was my first Circus Flora experience and I already wish I could go back. I have wanted to take the girls to see the circus ever since I threw Sidney a Circus-themed 1st birthday party. The day finally came! My mom and I took all three of my girls to see the circus today for their special "Little Top" 1 hour performance. It was the perfect amount of time and excitement for my little gang.

Here is some info on logistics:

PARKING There is a parking lot right in front of the tent that cost $5. We arrived about 20 minutes before the performance started and there were plenty of spots in the lot. If you want assigned seats you have to sit in one of the boxes.

SEATING

We had general admission seats. Most of the good seats were taken by the time we got there (20 minutes before show time) but we managed to find 4 seats in the last row of the red seats behind box F. They were perfect. In fact, if I were to go back, I'd probably sit in the last row center stage again. You could see everything really well and it didn't bother anyone that my kids were up and down and moving around.

STROLLERS
I brought my umbrella stroller for Clara because I had three bags (ridiculous, I know) and couldn't carry the baby with all that junk. In hindsight, I only needed about 30% of the stuff I packed but I hate not being prepared. There was very convenient place where I could leave my stroller inside the tent (strollers are not allowed in the seats or aisles) and plenty of space for all my bags.

CONCESSIONS
They sell food and drinks inside the tent as well as t-shirts and gifts. I brought snacks for Sidney and Ava and no one seemed to mind. I saw others with their own food / drinks as well.

ATTIRE
They say the tent is air conditioned and when we arrived the ticket taker said it was cold inside and that I may need a jacket for Clara (she was dressed in a long sleeved shirt and stretchy pants with socks). I'm not sure what he was talking about because we were all pretty warm and toasty inside the tent. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't at all cold or even cool.

Here are some pictures from the show (I had to turn off my flash so they're not the best).

The big top

My mom with the girls (and all our bags)

They chose this little girl from the audience. She was pretty brave to go out in front of the audience! The circus performer transferred a spinning plate onto a stick that she was holding!!

This picture didn't turn out well but I love watching people perform with those long aerial straps. Their strength amazes me.

The trapeze artist were the grand finale and our favorite!

This was such a fun morning with the girls. We will definitely be returning!

PS - If you're not able to make it to Circus Flora, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus are coming to the Scottrade Center October 17 - 20, 2013.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Arts & Crafts Class @ Artmart

Have you ever been to ArtMart? According to my mom, I went there once when I was younger but unfortunately I can only remember things that happened within the past 6 months. I could have spent hours there! So many art supplies and cute gift wrapping supplies and stationary and kid crafts and so much more that I was not able to check out because we had another agenda.

Preschool Picasso

ArtMart has art classes for just about everyone. I bought a Groupon for one of their Preschool Picasso classes. It must have been called "Painting without Brushes" because the kids painted with just about everything else: basting brushes, fake flowers, sponges, scrub brushes, necklaces, feathers, toy trucks, tennis balls (to name a few).

Basting brush

Fake flowers

Duck Sponge

Bead Necklace

My pictures are terrible because I forgot my camera and had to use my phone. The girls had a great time getting messy with paint. And I enjoyed not having to clean it up!

Lots of places offer art classes for kids. Check out their websites for more info:

Michaels
Joanns
Craft Alliance
COCA
Schaefer's Hobby Shop
Yucandu Art Studio
St. Louis City Open Studio & Gallery
KidzArt
Laumeier Sculpture Park
The Painting Paw
My Handyworks
St. Louis Artists' Guild
Foundry Art Centre
Turner Center for the Arts
LampLight Studio
Painted Zebra
That Painting Spot
Baked Goods Pottery
Glazed and Confused
The Painted Pot
Pottery Hollow

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Facts About Dads

Dads play a bigger role in their kids' lives than they may realize. Here are some fun facts that I learned about dads from my Parenting magazine:

** When dads roughhouse with their kids, it doesn't just tire them out before bedtime, it teaches kids to manage their emotions, leading to better relationships.

** Dads who share in the household chores have daughters with greater professional ambitions.

** Dads who teach their kids accountability and reasons behind their rules raise children with more stick-to-itiveness.

** A dad's love has the most impact on a child's future happiness. Kids sure of their dad's devotion are less likely to experience depression.

** When dads provide calm loving home environments, kids are more likely to form healthy relationships and become capable parents.

** Girls with strong relationships with their fathers do better in mathematics.

** Boys with actively involved fathers tend to get better grades and perform better on achievement tests.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

Keep up the hard work!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Weekend Wish List: June 14-16, 2013

It's Father's Day weekend! I'm crossing my fingers that the weather shapes up.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14th
Farmers Markets

Strawberry Picking at Thies Farm and Lakeview Farms

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday: 8am - 7pm

Storytelling at the Missouri History Museum @ 10:30am

Circus Flora - Friday and Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m

Fitness Fun Friday at The Magic House @ 4pm - 8pm

Food Truck Friday at Tower Grove Park @ 5pm - 8pm

Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series at the Zoo @ 5pm - 8pm

Shakespeare in the Park @ 6:30pm and 8pm

Live Music at the Boathouse @ 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Eckert's (Belleville) Summer Concert Festival @ 7pm - 9pm

Free Concert at Des Peres Park @ 7pm - 9:30pm

River City Rascals vs. Schaumburg Boomers @ 7:05pm

THE LORAX at Chesterfield Amphitheater @ 8pm

Movie Night in the Park at Granite City Wilson Park @ 8pm

ANNIE at WhiteCliff Park @ 8:15pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

SATURDAY, JUNE 15th
Farmers Markets

Strawberry Picking at Thies Farm and Lakeview Farms

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday: 8am - 7pm

Countrytime Bluegrass Festival and Kids Country Carnival @ 9:30am - 4pm

Festival of Fossils at the St. Louis Science Center @ 10am - 3pm

Wagon Days at Long Meadow Ranch @ 11am - 3pm

Summer Family Concert at the Contemporary Art Museum @ 1pm - 3pm

Circus Flora- Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m

Shakespeare in the Park @ 6:30pm and 8pm

Eckert's (Belleville) Summer Concert Festival @ 7pm - 9pm

River City Rascals vs. Schaumburg Boomers @ 7:05pm

ANNIE at WhiteCliff Park @ 8:15pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

SUNDAY, JUNE 16th - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!
Farmers Markets

Strawberry Picking at Thies Farm and Lakeview Farms

GO! St. Louis All-American 5K and Fun Run @ 7:30am

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends: Friday - Sunday: 8am - 7pm

Countrytime Bluegrass Festival and Kids Country Carnival @ 9:30am - 4pm

Father's Day at Kemp Auto Museum @ 10am - 3pm

Father's Day Festival & Car Show at Sioux Passage Park @ 10am - 4pm

Pollinator Picnic at the Butterfly House @ 11am - 3pm

Father's Day Free Museum Admission & Car Show at Museum of Transportation @ 11am - 4pm

Free Admission for Father's at The Magic House @ 11am - 5:30pm

Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad @ 11:00am - 4:15pm

Family Sundays at SLAM @ 1pm - 4pm (Family tour leaves at 2:30pm)

Circus Flora - Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m

River City Rascals vs. Schaumburg Boomers @ 6:05pm

Shakespeare in the Park @ 6:30pm and 8pm

Compton Heights Summer Concert Band at Francis Park @ 7:30pm

ANNIE at WhiteCliff Park @ 8:15pm

Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Daddy Date Cards

It's almost Father's Day! Here's what the girls (mostly Ava) and I came up with for Tim's gift this year:

Ava came up with the "date" ideas and drew the pictures. Some of my favorites: Fishing with Dada (that would be a first!), Bird Watching with Dada (another first - I think she's referring to our new neighbors), Going on a Walk with Dada, Riding Bikes with Dada, and Sleepover with Dada (she told me that I'd have to spend the night with Clara!). The girls are so excited for their dates. Dads are so much fun!

I found everything at Michael's:
- Chipboard book for the front and back cover
- Solid card stock double stick taped to chevron card stock (all pre-cut) for the inside pages
- Chevron card stock and sticker letters for the front cover design
- Fabric stick tape to adhere the front cover design to the chipboard

I also framed a picture of Tim running the bases at Busch Stadium with Ava and Sidney (not the best picture but oh well). He was pretty excited to be on the field. I found this cute Cardinal frame at Hobby Lobby. They have the best frames.

There are a lot of cute Father's Day questionnaires for kids. Click here for my "Daddy" Pinterest page for questionnaires and more gift ideas.

Happy Father's Day!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Meatless Monday: Elote Salad

I haven't posted a Meatless Monday meal in a LONG time. That's primarily because I haven't cooked in a LONG time. LONG = since before Clara was born {Clara is almost 8 months old now}. At first, I blamed it on my lack of time. I don't have to tell you all that caring for a newborn and two toddlers is a lot of work! But now Clara is older and sleeping/napping regularly and I feel like my excuses are running out.

Who's been doing the cooking? Tim! He's always been the better cook anyway. And he enjoys it much more than me. I prefer baking because I like eating baked goods way more.

So we have Tim (and Esquire magazine) to thank for this Meatless Monday dish: Elote Salad.

"Elote (or corn on the cob) is a Mexican street food, eaten on a stick or by using the peeled-down husks and cob as a handle. Here, it's an outdoor salad — easier to prepare, serve, and eat."

* Photo courtesy of Esquire magazine

Ingredients for Chile-lime mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayo (see Note 1 below)
- Juice of one lime
- 1/2 tsp mild chile powder (plus a little more for dusting)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp hot sauce (see Note 2 below)

Note 1: We used 1/4 cup of Light Mayo to cut back on calories and it turned out really good!
Note 2: It's really not hot or spicy (in case you are going to serve this to your kids). If you want more spice, add more hot sauce or chile powder.

Instructions for Chile-lime mayo:
1. Mix together all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to add the corn.
2. Can be done well in advance.

Other Ingredients:
- 6 ears corn in husks
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (I couldn't find this cheese so Tim used Panela instead)

Instructions:
1. Using a big pot or pail, soak the corn in husks in cold water for at least 1 hour. Use a smaller lid or plate as a weight to keep the cobs submerged.

2. Arrange husks around the outer edges of grill (low heat). The steam from the soaking period will cook the corn. As the husks toast, about 5 minutes on the first side, use tongs to rotate each cob in quarter turns (so the cobs cook evenly). When the husks are toasted all around (about 20 or 25 minutes), remove. When cool enough to handle, shuck.

3. Lightly char the shucked corn on all sides over medium fire for about 10 minutes. Do this dry: no oil or salt or pepper.

4. To cut the kernels from the cob: Stand each cob in the center of a large roasting pan (to catch the falling kernels). Slice down the ear with a knife and work your way around, cutting off the kernels as close to the cob as you can without digging into the cob. The knife must be flat. If it's angled and the blade digs into the cob, you won't have an easy time of it, like trying to mow the lawn with a hoe. Add the kernels to the spicy mayo along with the cilantro and scallions, mixing well to coat. Mix in most of the cheese and scatter the rest over the top, along with a dusting of chile powder.

This makes about 6 - 8 servings. We made it on a Sunday and used it as a side for our dinners for 3 nights. It keeps well in the fridge.

Thanks Tim for keeping me well-fed the past 8 months (and through most of our 9 years of marriage)! Muah!

Friday, June 7, 2013

Ultimate Oreo Brownies

Thanks to my father-in-law, we always have an endless supply of Oreos at our house. I looked in the pantry the other day and we had red Winter Oreos, yellow Spring Oreos, blue Summer Oreos and Strawberries 'N Creme Oreos! FOUR packages of Oreos! There was no way we'd eat them all before they went bad and I couldn't just let them go to waste, right?

Thanks when I invented Ultimate Oreo Brownies!!!! These are delicious and combine two of my favorite treats.

Ingredients:
Ghiradelli Double Chocolate brownie mix
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1 egg for the non-allergic)
15 Oreos

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray.
3. Place water, oil and applesauce (or egg) in a medium bowl and stir until fully mixed.
4. Add brownie mix and stir until well blended.

5. Crumble 10 Oreos (including the creme filling) into the bowl and stir to combine.
6. Spread into prepared pan.

7. Separate the creme filling from the remaining 5 Oreos and place the cookies in a sealed sandwich baggie. You can throw away the creme filling. Break up the cookies in the sandwich baggie and sprinkle over brownie batter.