Introducing the Brand New 2016 Senior Spokesmodel Program: Jackson 2016

So very excited to announce and officially launch Stacy Quasebarth Photography's Senior Spokesmodel program and the very first participant hailing from Whiteland High School - Jackson!

Thank you for being so great to work with!

Puppies and Kitties! Ainsley's Big Second Birthday Bash!

If you know me, you know that one thing I love to do is plan my baby's birthday parties. Lots of crafts and DIY goodness to make them budget friendly of course - but so fun to plan and watch as their little eyes get big at the decorations, cake, and friends and family as they come in the door.

Ainsley has an especially soft spot for puppies and kitties. Wherever we go she always manages to spot a dog and delightfully screams "puppy!!" and always wants to try to give it a pat or hug. And kitties are no different - she will brave scratches just to get a good squeeze of lovings.

Thankful for the many friends and family who braved Saturday's crazy pop-up snow shower and celebrate our little lady's special day with us.

We enjoyed bowls of dog food (Reese Cup cereal) and Meow Mix (colored gold fish crackers), along with platters of cheese complete with toy mouse, and a heaping bowl of delicious Swedish Fish ($1 at Target!), Pink Velvet Cupcakes (Kroger), homemade buttercream and cream cheese icing, a kitty cat cake made from two bread loaf pans of cherry chip (Kroger) cake mix, Strawberry Ice cream (Aldi), pink lemonade and "gold" punch - this one was a complete accident that it turned out gold - pineapple juice, a bottle of sprite, a tub of rainbow sherbert. and ice cubes. "Paw" tato chips (Aldi) and "Pup"eroni pizza - homemade but the pepperoni and cheese and flour for the dough was from Aldi.

Ideas were all a mix of Pinterest inspirations and also inspired as they came to me walking through the aisles at Hobby Lobby.

Paw print balloons, gold glitter paper for the food tags and signs, black puppy and kitty cut outs for the garland and cupcake toppers, pink paper doilies, gold ribbon, gold striped napkins, pink paper plates, white length of chenille for kitty tails all found at Hobby Lobby.

Large glass jars were found at Walmart.

White doilies I had on hand but were from United Art & Education.

Clear party cups I usually find at Party City, but this time I picked up from Target - will be getting them from Party City again as these did not hold up and cracked way too easily. 

Improv Turkey Cheese Ball

Nearly a pinterest fail since I was missing a bunch of the necessary elements - didn't have a neck, head and couldn't find candy corn for a beak. We traveled up north with a cheese ball, stick pretzels, football pretzels and a bag of candy eyes and hope that we'd find the rest.

Along the way, we found all we needed thankfully! Some leftover trail mix at my mom's had the candy corn! And in her cupboard a jar of Nutella worked just was well as icing for the "glue" to hold on the eyes and anchor the head. And we ended up using a bumpy ferrero rocher chocolate head instead of a whopper - I think this was more authentic! ;) -- just hollowed out a bit of a hole into the chocolate, filled with a bit of Nutella and jammed it on the neck. Which of course I didn't have a slim jim but managed to cut down a piece of beef jerky stick to work just the same!

And thankfully Great Grandma always has a well-stocked supply of red fruit roll-ups for the turkey gobbler. :)

Ten Unique Santa & Holiday Time Experiences on the Southside...& Beyond

Well, looks like I waited too long this year to make our Breakfast with Santa reservations with Oak Hill Mansion. We made it last year and were so impressed and had wanted to do it again. We put our names on the wait list in case something comes open, but in the meantime am working up a plan B and thought I would share the ideas as I came across them. Thankfully there is so much we can still do to make some magical memories - even if it wasn't the first couple of things that came to mind. (Had also looked into the French Lick Polar Express which is also sold out by now).

Thankfully I have a long bucket list of holiday experiences I want to do with my kiddos - and thankfully that list keeps growing as I find out more amazing events going on right under my nose.

1. Breakfast with Santa at the Children's Museum - There is always breakfast with Santa at the Children's museum, with Christmas crafts, including decorating a big bag to ride down the holiday slide. Breakfast and a chance to sit and visit and take a picture with Santa and a chance to ride down the slide a time to two early before the big lines start to form for the day.

2. Tuesday, December 2 Starting at 6:30PM: Santa by appointment at Toodleydoo Toys
We visited and fell in love with Toodleydoo Toys last year and their Santa is ADORABLE. Forget crowds and long lines at the mall to visit a wore out Santa -- instead make a date to visit Toodleydoo Toys, be amazed at their toy selection, and walk down the beautifully decorated downtown Franklin streets. (Insiders Hint: take time to make a quick visit to neighboring Anna's Boutique for Mom - their control top fleece lined leggings are the best!)
$18 a child (includes craft, and gift bag) & $5 per additional child

3. Santa at Home Depot in Greenwood off 135: This is a new-to-us one we may try out this year. We love taking part in their free Kids Workshops building everything from bird houses to piggy banks on scheduled Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM. Matt took the kiddos this morning and picked up this flyer while he was there.

4. Tea with Mrs. Claus at Sassafras Tea Room in Greenwood: We have been to their Mother's Day Brunch and would love to do this with the girls if we have time to squeeze it in.
Monday, December 14, 4PM: $18 Includes gifts for the kids, desserts, tea, tax, and gratuity.

5. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt in Cincinnati: This is more of a day trip but would love to go to something like this! Touted as the most authentic German Christmas Market in Cincinnati features Glühwein (hot spiced wine) and hot chocolate, Christian Moerlein beer, traditional baked goods, holiday gifts and decorations, and live entertainment!  First three weekends in December.
Cincideutsch Facebook Page

6. Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg Museum: Delaney has always loved trains and this one has been on our list for a few years now. With our Oak Hill Mansion mishap, this one is now on top of my list. A visit to the Jingle Rails Exhibit and maybe a short carriage ride around downtown with Yellow Rose Carriage off Monument Circle (after dropping off a letter to Santa's Mailbox and grabbing some hot chocolate at either Starbucks or Southbend Chocolate Company of course!)
November 21 - January 18, 2015 Admission: $12 adults. $6 youth. Kids 4 & under are FREE.
Mon–Sat: 10AM–  5PM. Sunday: 12noon –5PM 

7. IUPUI Alumni Association Holiday Night at the Children's Museum
Wednesday, December 9, 6:30-9:00 PM

We can bring the little ones and enjoy music, good food, SANTA!, and get crowd free access to the carosel and Jolly Slide! 

Adult (Alumni Association Members) - $20.00
Adult (Alumni Association Non-Members) - $25.00
IUPUI Students - $20.00 (with dinner)
IUPUI Students - $10.00 (without dinner)
Children aged 3 - 12 - $15.00
Children 2 and younger - Free

*Children's Museum Membership admission privileges may not be applied to this event*

Cost includes admission ticket (at a discounted rate), a buffet, drinks, and dessert. Make sure to drop off a non-perishable food item for IUPUI's Paws Food Pantry at The Central Indiana Alumni Chapter table.

8. The Magic Snowman performance at Lilly Theatre in the Children's Museum:Free with museum admission. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 a.m. at the Lower Level ticket booth. Members can reserve tickets in advance online or by calling 317-334-4000. Day-of tickets are available only at the Lower Level Ticket Booth.

Located on the Lower Level.
The Magic Snowman
Performances at 1 and 3 p.m. Nov. 27–29, Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 22–23, 26–27, 29–31, and Jan. 1–3, 1 and 3 p.m.
Christmas Eve performance at 11:30 a.m.
ASL-interpreted performance, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m.

45 minutes; ages 4+

9. Mail Santa a Letter on Monument Circle and Downtown Indianapolis Yellow Rose Carraige Ride: Include a return stamp with your letter and mail by December 17 to Santa to get a letter back! $50 for 25 min carriage ride around downtown Indianapolis to see the festive lights, bundled up tight and warm with your loved ones.

10. Ornament Making at Johnson County Libraries: Putting up tree is always so nostalgic, looking at all the ornaments we have bought, received and made throughout the years is always so sweet. To add to our 2015 collection we love to visit the library on their ornament craft days.

Life with Two Y'all

Life with two little ones, oh my - it is for real! Oy vey - notice how I have had next to no blog post? You've seen the scrambled egg meme on Facebook, right?? Where there is an egg and it says this is your brain without kids and the next is an imploded egg with the all too accurate description that this is now your brain with two kids - ha! I know people with multiples can blog -- and blog well -- but apparently on my ever lengthening list of priorities blogging took a temporary back burner position.

Lots of things have occurred in the course of a year since my off and on again hiatus, becoming a work at home mom - working with an amazing team and company - so nice to be able to say that and mean it, taking more freelance design and photography work, and pursuing a Young Living business as well as trying to find a balance work at home life with two littles. Just a little over a year I can finally say I can see a light at the end of the tunnel - or more importantly that I feel like I am officially on the other side.

Back to Back Birthdays!

It's that time again! Why did I have my babies back to back October and November?? I have spent the better half of this week in my car or in the store, lugging tiny, slightly grouchy children in and out of car seats and into shopping carts and playing a scary type of russian roulette in each store as the nearly two year old insists on walking like big sister and not sitting in the seat. All while trying to keep track of what is on my list and what I need for the upcoming second birthday bash! How can it be - TWO?! Going by much too fast! :(

For Ainsley we knew a "Puppy and Kitty" theme was central - her love for animals is huge - but the details did not all come together until I was shepherding the soon to be birthday girl down the aisles and came across gold sparkly gift bags and scrapbook paper which thrown into the cart looked ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE next to the soft pink plates I already had grabbed. Pink and gold -- gorgeous! Perfect for a pretty kitty-loving princess on her second birthday! Balances out the kitty and puppy craziness with a touch of elegance. Hobby Lobby to the rescue! Like an in-person pinterest! Pinterest has its time and place - but it when it comes to getting it done you have to find the actual items you need in real life.

My typical event planning circuit is not complete with at least one trip to the local Joann Fabric for all things Wilton (cupcake liners, all colors of melting wafers, and more!), Hobby Lobby and Michael's, Aldi's, Party City and Target. Too bad everything can't be found in one store - but alas it is cannot be done - ever.

Eva Korr, Holocaust Survivor Lecture at Franklin College Campus

Thankful for Matt watching a house full of giggling girls for me so I could go out and listen to an amazing woman speak out about forgiveness and hope.

Can't wait to visit her CANDLES museum in Terre Haute, IN one day here hopefully soon.

Thursday Family Nights In November at Noodles & Company

Gotta love a good family night! Always looking for restaurants with family friendly menus, budget, and atmosphere and so glad to have seen a sign for Thursdays in November family nights at Noodles & Company.

We enjoyed discounted kids meals and a great noodle art activity.

Great quick night out and mama can enjoy her favorite Japanese Pan Noodles and also snag a bite or two of the kiddos yummy mac and cheese!

Kroger Marketplace Visit

Was a little surprised that my doctor insisted on switching my script to the new Kroger Marketplace so I could have the excuse to check it out finally. But three hours later, I now know why. Ha! It is like Meijer crossed with Target crossed with AMAZING - unlike any Kroger I have ever been to. It was honestly fun to go to - granted I didn't have the kiddos with me that afternoon, but still toys, CLOTHES, a bistro with a sushi bar, a STARBUCKS and pizza and a specialty cheese counter and a grilling experience booth....yum!!

Kroger Marketplace

8745 S Emerson Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46237
(317) 884-3320

Happy Merry Un-Birthday To You, To Me!

Matt and the girls made a cake -- too cute!

Introducing the Newest Quasebarth: Cuddlefluff

I think kitten saving is in our blood.

Never fails.

He grew on me.

Where We Play: University Park Trails

University Park is a great place to visit when you just need to get the kiddos to run their energy out!

Also has a park, picnic tables and bathroom facilities and is a great spot for family pictures.

Physical Address
200 Legacy Blvd
Greenwood, IN 46143

#savethebats Event at the Indianapolis Children's Museum

Made a playdate with a friend to visit the Indianapolis Children's Museum and attended an awesome presentation at the Lilly Theater. Author Janell Cannon read her book Stella Luna and bat conservationist David Mies introduced us to their many awesome bats and spoke about how we can help.

#savethebats
https://batconservation.org/

Cute Counting Game: Shelby's Snack Shack

Cute counting game Delaney received from her Grandma Sue for her birthday!

Fun and educational!

We've seen this at Target, Meijer and Amazon!

https://www.educationalinsights.com/product/shelbys-snack-shack-game.do

Woah

Have I really not published anything since January -- oh my, blogger fail! :) Hoping to catch up again here soon.

Summer Loving's Throw Back: Canary Creek Drive Thru

We made our first visit this summer to Canary Creek Drive-In. Piled the whole family in the car, stocked up with yummy snacks - a big bag of white cheddar popcorn and other yummies and settled in for the night in the car to watch Inside Out and even stayed for the next movie since the kiddos fell asleep - watched Cinderella again. :)

Super fun and will for sure do again. A lot of families watched the movie tail gate style - but with our littles it did not seem feasible to open the hatch and let them walk around more freely. Safe and snuggled in the car is more our style right now.

Summer of the Sno-cone: My Short-Lived Obsession with Awsum Snowballs

This summer was definitely the summer of snowcone for our family. It all started when I finally made a trip in to Awsum Snoballs when it used to be located inside the same space as the tanning place off 31. It has since changed owners and moved out of the location into a mobile facility - food truck type set up - but I cannot keep up with where they are ever so I haven't had any since they left.

When we were there we loved the "Barbie" snoball and any of them with the added ice cream scoop! Yum!

But as luck would have it, I stumbled upon a garage sale this summer without the kiddos and they had a snocone machine for $3 -- and yup I bought it along with a trip to Kroger that gained me some yummy Jelly Bean Snocone syrup flavors - our favorite being the Cotton Candy one. Yum!

Franklin Fun: Strawberries on the Square

One of our favorite places to visit is historic downtown Franklin. We especially love their Strawberries on the Square event. Facepainting, yummy food and summer sunshine!

Flower Girl Fun

Miss Delaney had the honor of being a flower girl this summer - she wasn't too thrilled at the toilet paper dress game at the bridal shower - but soaked up the moment on the big day.

Growing up so fast!

The Zoo in Bloom

Spring isn't complete without a romp through the Botanical Gardens at the Indianapolis Zoo.