Dance Recital Prep

May 20, 2013 by admin

Many of you are starting to prep for dance recitals. It can be a very exciting, but also a very hectic time! Trying to remember everything that you need to bring and attempting to enjoy the moment are two very different things, so hopefully this post will help you feel a bit more prepared.

Every studio is different, so be sure to check with your teacher on what might be specific for your dancer.

FOR YOUR DANCER:
Hair pins
Scissors
Clear nail polish
Extra hair ties
Band-aids
Tums
Polish remover
Blanket (nice to sit on vs. dirty carpet or yucky floors)
Double-Stick Body Tape (Fashion/Toupee Tape) (This is my favorite brand. You can certainly find toupee tape cheaper, but since we use this so much for competitions – I get the good stuff!)
Of course, everything you use for hair and make-up. Bring it all with you. As soon as you don’t, you’ll need a touch up!

FOR DOWNTIME:
Depending on the age of your dancer, this can vary. Technology is great during these times. An iPad with a few new games or some episodes of a favorite show can make time pass quickly. You will also want to bring a charger. If you have one lying around, bring an extension cord and a surge protector. That way, several kids can plug in and only take up one outlet.

If you don’t have an electronic device and your child is small, a new coloring book with crayons (no markers) is a great choice. Here’s one that is inexpensive and can be ordered using Amazon Prime: Barbie – I Can Be a Dance Star Coloring Book

FOR THE PARENT (Dancer’s Helper):
If you are the parent that is staying backstage with your dancer, then you – too – will want to have something to pass the time.

A book or an electronic device (if you can pry it from the hands of your child) are good choices.

You also need to make sure you have a watch! Know what time you need to be dressed or backstage and be able to keep track on your own.

If provided, it’s nice to have a copy of the order of performance. Often, programs begin running ahead/behind and it’s nice to check in occasionally to see how the show is progressing. If this isn’t provided to you, you can use a recital program. Don’t forget your pen!

FOR THE PARENT (In the Audience):
If you are the parent that is in the audience, your job is easy – be a great audience member.

These are your responsibilities:

Be a good audience member. Clap for everyone.

Only leave and enter the auditorium between dances, not in the middle of a performance.

Flowers are a great post-recital “gift” for your dancer. A bouquet of any kind will work – roses or any favorite of your child is fine.

If you want to do something a little more or want a more special gift, I recommend a charm bracelet from Glitzy Girl. We have several of the charms and they offer a wide variety of “sayings”. They are affordable and ship quickly.

I hope that this helps in some way as you prepare for recital time. It’s a very fun event and creates memories that lasts forever. So, be sure between the hustle and bustle of the day that you take a few minutes to just soak up the moment!

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Pinterest Finds for This Week

May 20, 2013 by admin

I’m so in love addicted to Pinterest! I love finding items and tips that I wouldn’t have come across otherwise. Here are my favorite finds from last week.

Are you following me on Pinterest? I’d love to link up to your boards as well.

I am so in love with these glitter nails. It’s not even funny!

I need somewhere to wear this dress – pronto! It’s $100 … seriously. What a steal!

 

This top … to die for! Who makes this???

This next link is dead, but can’t you just taste the deliciousness. I’m making these tonight. For myself. Only.

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How to Order ACE at Wholesale Prices

May 16, 2013 by admin

I talk a lot online and in person about how ACE has completely changed my life. ACE is an appetite control and energy supplement that gives me energy throughout the day, but has enough of an appetite suppressant to keep me from munching on goodies at my desk for the entire 8 hours that I’m at work!

As an ACE distributor with SABA, my prices are set by the company. I can offer promotions on shipping, etc., but I can not discount the price of product. Most home-business are products are this way, so it’s completely understandable. But where SABA is different is their Preferred Customer program. It allows ANYONE (yes, that’s you) to buy ACE or any SABA product at wholesale price without signing up to be a distributor. (Don’t you wish all companies did this?)

What’s the catch?

There isn’t one. Seriously.

The first month, you will receive what’s called a Starter Kit. It contains (1) 60 count bottle of ACE and (7) 2-packs of ACE. These packs are great to keep in your purse if you forget to take your capsules. If you travel, they are awesome to keep in your overnight bag or suitcase. The cost for the FIRST MONTH is $59 + tax/shipping. (Not all states charge tax.) Shipping is $8.25.

Basically, you are getting 74 capsules for $67.25 (if you are in a tax free state). That’s just $3.25 more than if you ordered direct from me and you are getting an additional weeks supply. It’s a great deal!

*Looking at some past invoices, it appears that tax ranges from 59-cents to $4 depending upon your state! 

Now, from there, you will set up your monthly autoship. This can be cancelled anytime. No fees. No contracts. No questions. Anytime. It really is that easy.

There are 2 options for autoship:

a. $40 + tax/shipping = 1 bottle of ACE/month.

b. $50 + tax/shipping = 1 bottle of ACE + (7) 2 pks/month.

The best part is that the company ships straight to your door on a day that you choose. (You can change the day at will — no problem!) No middle man in the shipping process, but you still have a distributor (the one you signed with) that is available to answer your questions!

You can become a Preferred Customer today! Use the “Order Now” section of my site.

If you aren’t interested in becoming a preferred customer just yet, you can still order product in a 30 quantity or a full bottle on this site – just go to the “About Me” section!

Want to learn more about ACE? Here’s my full story!

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Save Cash on Your Electric Bill

May 15, 2013 by admin

One of the highest bills that we have in the summer is our electric bill. Who wants to sit inside and sweat, so sometimes the best thing to do is bare with it and drop the AC a degree. But, are there things you can do to cut the costs:

1. A programmable thermostat is a great investment. Set the temperature in your home a few degrees higher when you are gone during the day. Here’s a great list of highly-rated programmable thermostat.

2. Change the filters in your air vents. Since these are sold at grocery and big box stores – they do go on sale from time to time. Keep the sizes written in your wallet, so you know what to buy and how many. If you need a YouTube tutorial on how to change the filters, here’s a good one!

3. If you live in a state where utilities are de-regulated (such as Texas), spring is a good time to check and see what you are paying. Negotiate a new rate with your current company (you can negotiate rates, you know!) or change companies if you find a great deal.

4. A great tip from Joey Weatherproof your doors and windows. If you can see or feel the outside air, you are in trouble! Here’s a few tips from the DIY network.

* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.

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Buy Fresh or Not?

May 1, 2013 by admin

I’m often asked – this time of year – about the value of buying at a Farmer’s Market … or rather, is there any value in buying at a Farmer’s Market?

The answer is definitely “yes”.

When you are at a Farmer’s Market or dealing directly with the vendor/grower, you have a bargaining power that doesn’t exist at the grocery store. Never would I approach the service desk at Kroger and haggle over the price of a quart of strawberries! However, growers at the market are ready to wheel and deal. Take advantage of that … especially if you are buying big quantities of an item. The more you buy, the more power you have to negotiate.

Also take note when you arrive of how many vendors are offering the same fruits/vegetables. The more competition there is, the more options you have, too!

… remember, there’s no cents in paying full price!

* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.

 

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