"Shore" Happy

Yes, it has been a while since I posted but after the spring fair and silent auction I took a little trip. Mind you it wasn't to anywhere but just a trip away from doing auction things. Overall, the silent auction went great! We had an amazing group of volunteers who helped with various tasks. There were mailings, phone calls, picking up items, assembling baskets and more. THANK YOU to all who helped with the auction. The spring fair and silent auction were fun and a success. I got caught up in a bidding war for the Bate's Motel Haunted Hayride but alas I drove up the bidding price and the other person won out. My family did win one of the outdoor fun class baskets and we have been enjoying all the treats in that basket especially in this nice warm weather. Have a wonderful summer vacation!

Happy Earth Day!

It is so pleasant today. It was wonderful day to take my youngest to the Brandywine zoo. It's a small zoo but still fun. We both really enjoyed the river otters. Get out and enjoy your day!

Hard to believe that the auction is 2 days away. Come check out the fair and auction this Saturday at the United Sports Training Center. The fair is from 1-4pm. The silent auction bidding CLOSES at 3:30PM. At that time we will close the doors, tally the bids and announce the winners. Cost for the fair is $8 per child. Adults and children under 2 are free. It will be a fun time, plus I hear that the Science Guys will be there too to make slime and other gooey things. Here are some more things for the auction:

Luvin Bugs - "One free pest clean out" Valued at $225. Minimum bid $68

Mary Kay - 2 $50 gift certificates for products.

Pep Boys - Bucket of car wash goodies - $58 value

Working Away

So the big day is this Saturday. Sometimes I feel frazzled as things wrap up for the auction, but it's all coming along nicely due to the amazing group of parents and staff who helped get things ready for the auction. Just today I packed up the truck full of auction items from the classrooms. The class baskets that we have up for auction are: Crafty Kids, Spa Basket for Mom, Family fun, Gardening, Outdoor Fun and Kindergarten's Cooking Tub. Come check out these amazing baskets on Saturday and put some bids in. Other items that have come in are:
Honeybrook Golf Club - Complimentary Round of Golf for Two (Monday through Wednesday only. Golf cart not included. No Holidays) $68 value
Max and Erma’s - $25 gift card
Penn Oaks Golf Club – Complimentary Round of Golf for Four (certain restrictions apply and carts not included, expires 12/21/10) $275 value – Minimum bid $70
Philadelphia 76ers – Autographed photo of Marreese Speights #16
West Bradford Grill – Two, $50 gift cards

What?

I don't know about you, but my oldest has been asking for these Silly Bandz

bracelets for a while. I had no idea what they were until today. I finally found them at Learning Express Toys in Exton. Really? Why couldn't I have thought about this for an invention. I need a multi million idea.

Here are some fun deals for you:

Dream Dinners of West Chester - donated a $75 gc.

Learning Allegro Music - $50 gift certificate for Learning Allegro which would be good for private lessons, music circles, birthday parties, or summer programs. They are located in Chester Springs, PA.

Learning Express Toys of Exton - donated 3 toys. My youngest already has her eyes set on one of them.

Additional companies that made donations to for the fair/bake sale are:

ACME, Giant Food Stores, Wegmans, Philly Pretzel Factory of Lionville, Sweet Things Bakery, Anothony's Pizza, WAWA, and Rita's Water Ice.

Ahhhhhhh......

There is a spring in my step as flowers and trees are blooming. I just love all the colors of the spring season. Now if only I could do something about the bees and wasps and all would be good, except we wouldn't have all these beautiful flowers and trees around. Needless to say we just deal with it, and I hope that my kids won't be so terrified by the bugs.

Here are some things to put a spring in your step:

Boulder Falls Miniature Golf - $25 gc

Bounce U - 2 free open bounce sessions - $18 value

Carrabba's Italian Grill - $45 gc and a basket of goodies - Total value $75

Chick Fil A - 2 certificates for a small nugget party tray - Value $22 each

Delaware Children's Theater - 4 tickets to any Saturday performance for 2010-2011 family subscription series - $40 value

Keswick Theatre - 4 tickets to Beauty and the Beast on Monday, May 24th 2010 at 10:15am. Located in Glenside, PA (near Philadelphia) $30

Stein Mart - Spruce up your home with a lovely basket of home goods - $35 value

The Desmond - $25 gc, not valid on Easter or Mother's Day

Philadelphia Rock Gyms - 3 certificates for one of the following services: Intro to climbing (aged 16 or older); Family Climb package (Sundays 2-4pm at their Valley location only); Family Intro package (Intro to climbing for 1 parent and 2 children). They have 2 locations PRG Valley (near Downingtown/Exton) and PRG Oaks (Near King of Prussia...). $30-59 value each

Sawhorse Concepts - will powerwash a deck or large porch. The contact is John Stites $200 value. Minimum bid starts at $50.

Shannon Marie Photography

Get some cherished photos done by Shannon McLauchlan, Owner of Shannon Marie Photography. From her website, her "style consists of Candids and Lifestyle Portraiture. What does that mean? Think of me as your personal paparazzi. I may give some direction but my main focus is to let you be yourself- without the forced smiles and tense poses. Your session will take place at a mutually agreed upon location. This might mean your house or a local park. Maybe you want something a little more Urban? No idea's? Leave it to me! "
The donation consists of: A Mini Session for a Children's Photography Session, (2) Digital Negatives, (1) 8x10 Art Print, and a custom OOAK 8x10 frame valued at $300.

Spring Break

I am definitely ready for spring break. The last few days were crazy with school functions, practice and various appointments. I just want to sit, relax and not rush to go anywhere. Have a wonderful Spring Break. Here are more great things for the auction:

Bed, Bath & Beyond - $25 gift card
BJ's Wholesale Club - 1 year membership - $45 value
Ron's Original Bar & Grill - Voucher for four standard "ovals". Expires 10/2010. Value $28
Timeless Dwellings - Two hour in-home design consultation with Katie Micciolo. Value $200. Minimum bid starts at $50.

Sunny Days

This weather is just amazing. My youngest seems to think that it is warm enough to sunbathe in the stream of sunlight hitting our family room floor. She had on her sunglasses, her clothes (thankfully) and even got a wet towel because her forehead was getting "sweaty". I think she is giving me the right idea that I should take a moment to sit outside to soak up some sun. Also, if you do go to Rita's Water Ice for free water ice on the first day of Spring (this Saturday) be ready to stand in some lines. We ended up waiting a half hour for water ice on opening day, but it was worth it.

More wonderful things have come in:
Allure Medi-Spa - $105 towards a spa service - Minimum bid starts at $26
Distinctive Gardens - $25 gift card
Hampton Inn of Downingtown/Exton - 1 night stay. This includes a hot continental breakfast, local calls and more. Expires 3/2011. Value $139. Minimum bid starts at $35
My Gym - 4 weeks of free classes at their Lionville Location. Expires 6/30/10. Value $70
Power Play Rinks of Exton - 15 public skate passes (skate rental is extra). Value $
Sweet & Sassy of Exton - Glittery Glam X-press Package for an up-do, make up app, just a polish and a special gift. Value $24.95 (Gratuity not included.)
Wyncote Golf Club - Two weekday Greens Fees, Monday-Friday (must purchase cart and excludes holidays). Expires 12/31/10. Value $98. Minimum bid starts at $25
YMCA of the Brandywine Valley - 1 month indoor family membership (valid at all YMCAs of the Brandywine Valley), expires 3/2011 - Value $122 - Minimum bid starts at $30

Spring Forward

With time moving forward an hour maybe my kids will finally sleep in until 7AM. They are such early risers at times and I refuse to get out of bed before 7. My oldest is pretty good as she will play or read in her room but my youngest always comes to greet me bright and early in the morning. We'll see what happens this weekend.

More wonderful things have in:

DANSKO - A $60 gift card towards a pair of their shoes. DANSKO has an outlet in West Grove, PA.

Longwood Gardens - 2 tickets - $32 value

Rita's Water Ice - Will be donating vouchers for free kids size water ice. Be sure to get yours at the fair registration table.

The Desmond - Sunday Brunch for Two; not valid on Easter or Mother's Day- $38 value

The Sly Fox in Phoenixville - 2 $25 gift cards - $50 value

Hooray!

There is a spring to my step today as the sun is out and the snow is melting. Grass is poking out once again and the temperatures will be in the 50s this weekend. To celebrate I plan to take the kids out for water ice. Rita's opens today and that is reason enough to visit. Make sure you visit Rita's on the first day of Spring too for your free water ice. Only 15 days away for that.

Here are some other goodies that have come in:
All Star Baseball Academy Camp - for ages 7-12. Locations vary. $185 value. Minimum bid $46
Applebee's - $25 gift card towards their catering menu
Brandywine Ballet - 2 tickets to The Nutcracker - $54 value
Cherry Crest Farm - family pass to their adventure farm - $60 value
Chuck E. Cheese - family fun pass for 1 large pizza, 4 drinks and 30 tokens - $35 value
Outback Steakhouse - $25 gift card
Rainbow Dinner Theater - Two tickets to dinner and a show (excluding Saturday evenings) - $96 value. Minimum bid $24

The Downingotwn Bicycle Shop - One youth bike helmet, size 50-57cm. - $35 value

The People's Light and Theater Company - Two tickets to any Sunday thru Thursday performance and Saturday matinee. Excludes Holiday show. Value $82

Snowy days

I can't believe that we're having more snow. Will Spring ever come? If anything is nice in the snow is watching the birds eat from the bird feeders. It amazes me how they cling to the feeder in the strong wind gusts. I'll be waiting and looking for my favorite bird the robin since that is a sign of Spring.

Here are some Spring like items that have come in:
Franklin Square Family Fun Pack - A voucher that is valid for up to four tickets for PhillyMini Golf/Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel. The park is located at 6th and Race Streets. - $44 value
Pickering Valley Feed and Farm Store - A bird feeder - $30 value

We also have received some donations from Copeland parents as they began spring cleaning their homes. If you have any NEW item that you would like to donate, pass it along. Thus far some of the things that we have received are: home products, games, Christmas decorations, and a hot dog roller grill. The grill is perfect for bar-b-q's, and I imagine that it may a very popular item at the auction.

The Cake Boss

How sweet is this? A parent of Copeland Run is providing a cake from Carlo's Bakery of Hoboken, NJ. AKA TLC's "Cake Boss." I love watching that show on TV. How awesome! The cake measures approximately 10-12" in diameter, and will serve 8 to 10 people. The approximate value is $100. Minimum bid starts at $25.

Take me away!

With the blanket of snow that fallen, I thought this picture would be nice to look at instead. Don't get me wrong I like snow, but anything more than a few inches is a bit much. We couldn't even get the sled to move in it. If anything though we are able to make caves in the snow and pretend to mountain climbers so that part is OK. But still I dream of being at the beach right now.

Here are some things to get warmer thoughts in your head:

Delaware Art Museum - Two family passes, each pass admits up to 2 adults and 4 children. Each pass is worth $25

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant - $25 gift card

Planet Fitness - A Black Card Membership for 3 months - this includes many benefits such as unlimited free guest privileges, unlimited tanning and use of massage chairs, and more.... - $160

The Brandywine Learning Center - one week of Drama Camp for young children - $240

Kick off time!!

It's nearly time for kick off for the Super Bowl and I'm excited for all the food. Don't know why but I feel it's a time where I can indulge in eating lots of dips and other foods that aren't so great. Two of my favorites are the Seven Layer Dip and a Buffalo Chicken Dip. Yummy! So have fun this Sunday and root for your favorite team. I'm going for the Saints for no reason except it's New Orleans.

Here are more wonderful things that have come in:
Arasapha Farms - The Holiday Hayride - 4 passes - $40
Bates Hotel and Haunted Hayride - 4 VIP passes for their Halloween attractions - $240
Elk Mountain - 2 vouchers for skiing/snowboarding , valid for 1 midweek/non holiday day or twilight lift ticket. Valid for the 2010/11 season. - $94
Highlights for Children Magazine - 1 year subscription to Highlights for Children or High Five. They also donated 100 copies of High Five Magazine. We will be handing these out at the day of the fair.
Ice Line - 5 session public skate pass - $25
Kimberton Whole Foods - $25 gift card
Northbrook Canoe Company - 1.5 hour canoe trip to the destination of Corcoran's Bridge. A canoe is limited to 2 to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. - $45
The Amish Village - Two, party of two passes to the Amish Village. $16 each
Snip-Its - Child's Haircut - $16.99
Super Suppers of Exton - gift card for $25

Spring, where art thou?

I was so happy to have a glimmer of spring this past Monday when after it rained all day it finally cleared and it was gorgeous outside. I quickly gathered up the kids and let them stomp in mud puddles and dig in dirt. While we explored outside we also saw daffodils budding up from the ground. Now that is something to be happy about.

Here are more wonderful happy things:

Choo Choo Barn - 6 family passes - $20 each

FIT Studio - 2 months unlimited fitness classes. They offer aerobics, yoga and pilates. Exp. 9/10 $86

Grand Slam USA - 4 rounds of mini golf - $24

Philadelphia Zoo - 2 tickets, exp 12/22/10 - $36

Seven Stars Inn of Phoenixville, PA - $25 gc towards dinner (not valid on Saturdays or holidays)

The Grand Opera House - 2 tickets to a Grand performance. Certificate good for Grand Opera House produced shows only; rentals, Opera Delaware and Delaware Symphony are excluded; some in house restrictions may apply. Exp. 4/24/11. Approximate value $150

Tyler Arboretum - 4 garden passes - $28

Wilmington and Western Railroad - 2 coupons to have kids ride free with a adult purchased ticket

Magical

Even with these cold and blustery days my 4 year old has been able to find bliss. She pretends to be a Pegasus flying thru the sky. She looks so content and unbothered by the cold wind as long as she is able to "fly." It is priceless to watch her flap her wings and gallop along as I quickly walk to get from point A to point B. Maybe I should take a step back and find the magic with these cold winter days.

Here are some things to help you dream of warmer days ahead.

Build A Bear - $10 gc

Dutch Wonderland - 2 tickets - $63.90

Hard Rock Cafe - $25 gc, expires 12/31/10

National Constitution Center - 4 tickets to The Story of We the People - $48

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad - family 4 pack towards a regular excursion - $60