The Utah Pasifika Festival will be held from May 23-25 this year featuring food, dance, and performers. There will be vendors as well to help educate and style you in Polynesian attire.
The Teutevar Saga: Out of Exile
Have you heard of the Teutavar Saga: Out of Exile yet? If not, you might want to check it out. Derrek Siddoway is a young man who graduated from the University of Utah. Out of Exile has been in the works for the last 10 years.
The Teutevar Saga (pronounced two-teh-var) is slated to be a five-book series. The first installment, Out of Exile, was released in November 2013. Book Two (currently untitled) is scheduled to be released near the end of 2014. While the saga’s main storyline follows Ravyn Teutevar on a quest to rebuild his extinct homeland, readers will journey alongside numerous characters in an ever-increasing world of chaos and warring factions — the continent of Peldrin. A blend of traditional fantasy, mythology, American folklore and American Westerns, the Teutevar Saga is an epic tale you won’t find anywhere else.
To learn more about Out of Exile, visit his website. Even better, for only $2.99, you can read Siddoway’s book! You can also read his short story, Valiant, for free.
Towne Cinemas Summer Children’s Movies 2014
Enjoy 11 children’s movies for only $8 for the Towne Cinemas Summer Children’s Movies series! Movies are show Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11 am.
Towne Cinemas, 120 W. Main Street, American Fork
The Empress Theatre Happenings, May 2014
EMPRESS IDOL-
We are holding our first ever “Empress Idol” singing competition! This is going to be a fun event kicking off with auditions this Monday and competition at the end of the month. Here is our FB event link with all the details! https://www.facebook.com/
YOUTH THEATRE PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS –
Registration is going on now for our highly acclaimed summer youth theatre programs.
This year we have started a new workshop series for young performers called “Music Explorers” for children ages 6-12. This is a new music and theatre based educational curriculum written by a team of local educators! Our Spring session “Utah Explorers” is almost complete and the kids will do their performances next week. Our summer session (happening in June), “SPACE EXPLORERS”, is taking registrations now. The value of this M-F, 3 week program really cannot be beat at just $65!
Our extremely popular EYT (Empress Youth Theatre) is back in full swing starting in July with their all day workshop series then the full production of “THE FROG & I”, an upbeat musical comedy based on the popular fairy tale “The Frog Prince”. This program designed for 12-18 year olds has intensive all day classes along with rehearsing and preparing this full length production which is part of our Empress regular season! The EYT program is another great value priced much lower than other comparable “camp” programs at just $100!
The information about these programs and the link to register can be found in our FB event – https://www.facebook.com/
THE REGIONAL PREMIERE OF THE ADDAMS FAMILY
We have been awarded the privilege of being the first theatre in the Rocky Mtn region to debut “The Addams Family Musical”! It is fresh off of Broadway and it’s National Tour. With this opportunity it required a re-imaging of our season. We have 2 amazing casts in rehearsal right now for an extended run. The show will perform 18 times June 20th – July 26th. Tickets, as always, are reserved seating and all seats just $10. After our smash hit “Shrek the Musical” with consistent sell out performances, we encourage people to secure their tickets early for “The Addams Family”.
This would be a fun show for Corporate or Family Reunion summer outings as well. Generally our group discount is $8 per seat with 10 or more. Many large families come together and take advantage of a group rate! If you would like to get discount tickets, please call the Empress and ask for Corina.
The Nest on Main & Mountain Rock Music Summer Kickoff 2014
Join The Nest on Main and Mountain Rock Music for their summer kickoff on Saturday, May 24 from 10 am – 6 pm. There will be free pizza, giveaways, music, and a buy one, get one 50% off at The Nest on Main.
DIY Inspiration: DIY Toddler Dress – Polka Dot Skirt + Shirt
Every year I like to try something completely brand new and this year I’ve already tried two new things, one of them being sewing. I can definitely tell you that I’ve been humbled and am impressed at all these people who act like the sewing machine is just a part of them – that they can work it so well and smoothly that they don’t even need to think twice about what they’re doing.
This 1-hour DIY toddler dress is the 5th thing I’ve started and the 4th thing I’ve completed. It was incredibly simple and probably would have taken me a lot less time had I used the right needle for the fabric and had I not had to redo the sash three times.
The thing I love most about this dress, however, is that my daughter picked out the fabric and then basically designed the whole thing by herself. All I had to do was put it together. (Note, I didn’t make the cardigan, too. I just put it on her to cover up all of the mistakes I made on the top.)
I didn’t use a pattern for this DIY toddler dress. I just used measurements of my daughter and studied what a skirt and shirt look like. I used the general shape of one of her t-shirts she currently wears but it was very, very general. My husband was a little shocked to see me just randomly cutting out part of the top for the neckline. I think he was surprised that it ended up looking like a neckline. To be honest, I was too.
Free Family Disney Side Decal
Build your own customized Disney Side family decal for free! Limited to one per household.
Free Morning Star Performance May 2014
If you are not familiar with Morning Star located here in Utah Valley, get to know them. They are a Native American family who spread their heritage through song and dance and there is a free event at the Orem Library on Monday, May 19 at 7 pm.
The youngest child is 5 and there other other children/young adults who participate in the performance that are all from this one family. They will teach you about their past and the reasons for their dance. This is a family event not to be missed!
Looking Good but Staying Safe While Pregnant
Did you know that there are 287 toxic chemicals that have been found in a newborn’s cord blood? Women are constantly using beauty products that help us look good (which is definitely needed while pregnant) but unless we’re careful about what we’re doing to our bodies to enhance them, we may be allowing toxins to go straight to the unborn fetus. The 287 toxic chemicals is a lot, obviously, but there are some things that you use everyday that can prevent against exposing your fetus to toxic chemicals.
Here are a few tips to keep your unborn child safe while pregnant:
- Do not use lipstick. If you choose to wear lipstick, choose them carefully.
- Upgrade your shampoo. Avoid shampoos with DMDM and hydantoin.
- Avoid lead that may be found in foundation, nail colors, and whitening toothpaste.
- Avoid mani/pedis.
- Opt for natural essential oils instead of perfume and other scents.
- Do not dye your hair.
- Avoid using anti-bacterials. Use regular soap and water.
- Use paraben-free makeup.
I wish I had known these facts before having two children but at least I’m prepared now. It’s amazing how often we use products and really do not know what is in them! Although this article is for pregnant women, and I am not pregnant, I will be taking this into consideration while I am out shopping for products at the store.
Anti-Bullying
If you’ve been following Utah Valley Moms, you may know that we recently watched “Nowhere Safe” which is a locally-made movie speaking up against bullying. As my children get older and I’m aware/seeing more bullying, it’s something that is a serious concern of mine. We need to teach our children about bullying and become more proactive for those around us.
I teach a few children in my neighborhood and just a few days ago I witnessed a lot of bullying in my own class! It was hard to believe that a bunch of 4-6 year olds were being so mean to each other. I know their parents, some of them more than others, but I know that their parents wouldn’t encourage bullying. It just seemed to happen in my class. So we had a discussion about bullying and treating others with respect, no matter what their differences.
I just watched (and cried through) this Britain’s Got Talent clip:
Let’s stop the bullying!
Great Deal: $0.49 for 2 Disposable Raincoats
My friend at Utah Sweet Savings mentioned that there were 2 Adult Disposable Raincoat Ponchos for only $0.49 with free shipping so I had to pass this on! Way too good! And perfect for emergency kits and/or the car.
Great Deal: Sam’s Club Membership $45
Right now on Zulily you can get a Sam’s Club Membership deal for only $45. This gives you access to shop at Sam’s Club for one year plus a bunch of other great extras:
- 20 Sam’s Club Gift Card
- Free Take and Bake Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza (16”, up to a $7.99 value)
- Free Cheesecake Squares (16 count, a $11.98 value)
- Free 5” x 7” Canvas Mini Print With Stand (a $6.86 value)
As an added bonus, new members will also receive:
- $80 in members-only Instant Savings* offers on select popular items. Valid for 30 days after membership activation
- Instant Savings Book with more than $3,500 in discounts valid 5/14/2014 to 6/8/2014
Hurry on over to Zulily now for this great offer. It won’t last long!
5 Spring Cleaning Tips
On a daily basis, we see all those amazing pictures and crazy-detailed checklists that seem to make our dreams of a perfect home a quick reality. But in the real-world, it’s a little more complicated than that. Before making plans for home improvement this season, let this simple list help you tidy up and organize what you already have (that way your painting projects and renovation ideas will seem more manageable when the time comes to enjoy doing them!)
Here are five thoughts for getting a fresh start all around, with tips on how to stay organized, involve your family in the process, and finally TACKLE the daunting task of spring cleaning!
1. Start with the basics and make a list! Check out these great checklists that we love.
http://fromfltond.com/2013/03/29/spring-cleaning-challenge
http://www.hometalk.com/1242797/spring-cleaning-free-printable/photo/221593
http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/the-ultimate-spring-cleaning-plan.html
http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/p/thorough-spring-cleaning-checklist.html
2. Use tips from the experts! Skim through these ones and see if there’s any ideas you can use:
http://www.bhg.com/blogs/better-homes-and-gardens-style-blog/2014/03/06/spring-cleaning-diy-organization-ideas/
http://organize365.com/spring-cleaning-challenge-perspective-on-organization-from-a-professional-organizer/
3. Don’t forget the small stuff! Here’s some reminders and tips about those pesky and forgotten items:
http://myhoneysplace.com/six-spring-cleaning-tips/
http://www.hometalk.com/b/714476/spring-cleaning-tips
http://www.creeklinehouse.com/2014/03/17-housekeeping-hacks-to-make-this.html
http://www.mom4real.com/2013/04/spring-clean-your-kitchen.html
http://www.cleanmama.net/2013/04/spring-cleaning-my-closets-the-spring-cleaning-challenge.html
http://dailymom.com/nest/spring-cleaning-frequently-forgotten-items/
**BONUS TIP: It’s also a great idea to also freshen up your finances, menu plans, phone contacts, photos, and computers this time of year! Take a look at these helpful hacks on how to make your life more organized this spring:
http://beautyandbedlam.com/tips-to-help-your-family-finances/
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/spring-cleaning-tips-to-revive-your-windows-pc/
http://www.thecollegeprepster.com/2013/03/organize-please-spring-cleaning-check.html
4. Set a plan to stay organized and stay clean. Here’s an example plan for a weekly to-do list by room:
http://www.classyclutter.net/2013/04/weekly-cleaning-schedule-spring-cleaning-day-1.html
http://www.inthepinkandgreen.com/2013/04/spring-cleaning.html
**BONUS TIP: Check out these phone apps for cleaning, organizing, and inventory! http://mashable.com/2013/03/24/home-inventory-apps/
5. Don’t forget to get family involved—you don’t have to do it all yourself! In fact, you can try these great ideas for family fun and teaching opportunities for the kiddos. Here are some age-appropriate jobs, and children’s books themed around cleaning:
http://www.thehappygal.com/kids-help-with-spring-cleaning/
http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2013/04/spring-cleaning-kids-edition/
http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/spring-cleaning-good-chores-for-kids-by-age
http://www.psychowith6.com/week-11-spring-cleaning-challenge/#sthash.CxyB5dKj.dpbs&_a5y_p=1374455
Once you’ve tackled the clutter, it’s time to see what in your home could stand some improvement! Make a list of small weekend projects and schedule them out, or call Centurion Homes with questions or inquiries about bigger projects. We’d love to help you keep improving!
Disneyland, SeaWorld, and Vegas Package Deals
Ready to Get Away Today? Here are May’s best package deals:
Disneyland Packages
4 nights with 2 adult 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets
From $878
San Diego Packages
4 nights with 2 adult SeaWorld San Diego Tickets
From $574
Las Vegas Packages
Hotels starting at $30 per night
Visit Get Away Today to find some great prices and great package deals for your upcoming vacation!
Great Deal: Walking with Dinosaurs
Walking with Dinosaurs is coming to Utah next January 7, 2015 but a great deal for Walking with Dinosaurs is going on right now on Groupon.
- $50 for the front of section 6, 7, or 18–20 (up to $80.40 value)
- $40 for rows 19–27 of section 4, 5, or 20, or rows 19–26 of section 6, 7, 18, or 19 (up to $68.40 value)
- $35 for rows 4–6 of section 101, 103, 107, 111, 133, or 137, or rows 4–8 of section 109 or 135 (up to $56.40 value)
- $19 for rows 10–16 of sections 101–112 or 132–140 (up to $35.40 value)
- One G-Pass to see Walking With Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular
- When: Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at 7 p.m.
- Where: Energy Solutions Arena
- Door time: 6 p.m.
- Ticket values include all fees.
Hurry! This great deal only lasts 6 more days!
Pajamarama Event May 2014
On May 13, enjoy a Pajamarama event at BYU.
All Day: Crazy Hair Day & Pajamarama – if you love Young Reader Books go Crazy Hair
Pajamarama:
Wear your jammies and bed hair or crazy hair
– Stories
– Prizes
– Poems
– Giveaways
– Make and Take
(Mention the Pajamarama at the Children’s Book Desk and enter a drawing to win a free book to be given away at the Pajamarama!)
