Devon Horse Show - FREE Admission Days and Show Information.

In 1896, the Devon Horse Show started as a one-day show. Now, years later, it has become the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. It is internationally recognized, USEF-A rated, and one of the most exciting events to happen in our area. While it draws top competitors from around the world, the show continues to reflect the local traditions and lifestyles of the Philadelphia Main Line. 

Schedule ~ The Horse Show is ongoing throughout the day and evening. Some days have a short break for dinner. Gates will open daily at approximately 8:00 a.m. and close at approximately 10:00 p.m. each day. The Country Fair area opens about 10:00 a.m. for the Midway and Shopping. The first Sunday, the gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and the Horse Show classes will start at 1:00 p.m.

The final Sunday, the show ends at approximately 1 p.m.

Parking Tip ~ Devon has limited on-site parking available in its lot on Dorset Road. Many homes, churches and businesses offer parking on their properties, as well. New for 2013, a lot is available on the corner of Berkeley Road and Fairfield Road, 2 blocks west of the Show Grounds. The lot is walkable, but shuttle service will be available to this lot for Ladies Day (Wednesday, May 29 from 9:30am to 2:30pm) and for the Grand Prix (Thursday, May 30 from 4pm to 11pm).


Free general admission will be offered on the following days:
Thursday, May 23 - first 150 children sponsored by Delaware Valley Friends School.
Friday, May 24, beginning at 12 noon, first 300 children sponsored by The Cambridge School.
Sunday, June 2, free admission to all sponsored by Bach to Rock.
(These tickets provide a single entrance to the Show & Fair grounds and are available for children ages 3 to 12 ($5), seniors 65 & over ($5) and adults ($10). No charge for children 2 & under. Open bench seating is available around the rings on a first-come basis.** (Covered Grandstand seating is not included.)

To purchase tickets please visit: http://www.devonhorseshow.net/tickets/dhs-tickets/

Renovation Series ~ From Baby Room to Big Kid Room with Disney Paint

I know we usually share Renovation Series posts on Friday, but I couldn't wait to share my most recent room update with you. 

I have been working with Disney Paint by Glidden on my sons bedroom makeover. He had a beautifully decorated bedroom, with hand painted murals and at almost six years old, he hated it! He wanted blue and blue (makes me think of the line in the movie Steel Magnolias, when Shelby said her wedding colors were blush and bashful, well his colors are blue and blue). Thankfully there are dozens and dozens of blues to choose from in the Disney Paint line. 

The Before...

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The After

The walls are "Toon Afternoon" ~ Disney Paint by Glidden. As I have previously stated in my "Making Progress" post, I really liked the Disney Paint. It doesn't have a harsh smell and rolled out very well. 

To add a little pizazz to his room I painted a chalkboard on his wall and also used chalkboard paint on his dresser. As crafty as I am, I have never used chalkboard paint before so I checked out the “how to” video on applying chalk board paint on DisneyPaint.com. The instructions were super simple. I am very happy with how my wall turned out. So much so that I am painting my entire guest bathroom with chalkboard paint. Can't wait to get started on the project. Well... actually I just can't wait to be able to write "please flush" and "wash your hands" reminders.

The chalkboard wall - I outlined the area using painters tape. I recommend removing the tape before the paint is totally dry. The Disney Paint Specialty Finish that I used was Great Slate - Sleepover Scare, but you can tint your chalkboard paint anything form black to pink, white to teal.

The finished chalkboard wall

The Dresser - My sons baby room had a jungle theme so his dresser was painted with hundreds of cheetah spots. To refinish using the Disney Paint Specialty Finish Chalkboard Paint, I lightly sanded and used primer before applying the chalkboard paint. I had a lot of cheetah spots to cover up.

The finished dresser

I LOVE how the dresser turned out! My daughter is eight and wanted to help with the redecorating so she drew the pictures on the dresser drawers and labeled them. My son is having a ball drawing on his furniture. The chalk wipes off easily with a damp cloth and doesn't remove any of the finish.

My plan is to write a "love note" or encouraging phrase in chalk each morning on the dresser for my son to see each morning when he is getting dressed.

SO...here are pictures of the finished room. We went from baby to big kid room in one weekend. I bought a desk from Ikea to house my sons action figure collection. Best purchase ever! Now Spiderman and Batman are no longer hanging out and living in my kitchen. I also bought a book shelf to hold his growing library and TV. We kept the bedding he was using before the makeover, but I bought a bean bag (Walmart only $20) and a throw rug to complete my room renovation on a budget.

I invited a few of my sons friends over for a "room reveal party"...and guess what? Five year old boys are not really into interior design. {Gasp!!} The kids did have a lot of fun drawing on the dresser and writing my son notes on his chalkboard wall. 

While the kids rode bikes, played with chalk and bubbles for our "Road Rally" play date,the moms and I chatted about the whole process of redecorating my sons room with Disney Paint and the different Specialty Finishes available. I am happy to say one of my friends is currently redecorating her sons room, using Disney Paint and the "Ready, Set, Glow", Glow and the Dark Specialty Finish. Oh, yes... Glow in the Dark paint! How cool is that? She told me she will let me know when she is done so her room can be featured as a part of the Chesco Moms Renovation Series Posts. I am excited to see her "big reveal".

I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big, huge THANK YOU to my mom for all of her help with this project. She is the best!

If you have any questions about using Disney Paints or the Chalkboard Paint Specialty Finish, please let me know. Leave a comment below or send me an email. I will be happy to share my tips with you.

Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Glidden via MomTrends.  The opinions expressed are mine and are not indicative of the opinions of Glidden. 

Anticipating Your Daughter’s First Gynecologist Appointment

This healthy post is provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about women's health, visit us online. >>

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As a mom, you knew the day would come when you’d fight with yourself over the right time to have your daughter make her first gynecological visit. You realize your daughter is growing up -- you want her to have the best care, but you know she may feel embarrassed or scared. Follow this guide to help determine when your daughter is ready, and then use these tips to prepare her for the upcoming appointment so that you are both comfortable with this unfamiliar territory.

Now? Next Year? Help!

It’s important to take cues from your daughter to decide when the time is right. If she is having extreme discomfort with periods, has a lot of questions, or is becoming sexually active, it is never too early to make an appointment.

If she seems to be fine with the changes her body is going through, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Melissa Delaney, DO, explains that 21 is the age that you should send your daughter to the gynecologist for her first pap smear. However, if your daughter is having problems with her period or is sexually active then she should be seen sooner than age 21.

Preparation & Explanation

Once you’ve decided on the right time, the next step is to prepare your daughter for her visit and to explain the importance of the appointment.

Education & Treatment

A gynecologist can provide information about any topic your daughter may be too nervous to ask you. She will have a confidential source for accurate information, and can learn about prevention and treatment of embarrassing problems. Most girls have their “private” questions answered by friends, but this provides her with another outlet to voice her concerns.

Mom’s Involvement

Talk with her beforehand about your involvement in the appointment. This will make the day of the appointment much smoother and less awkward. Depending on your daughter’s age and level of maturity, the two of you can decide what will work best.

• Does she want you to take her to the appointment?
• Does she want you to come back to the exam room with her?
• Can messages be left on your house phone for all to hear?

Honesty

Be sure that your daughter is aware of the importance of her honesty. Her time with the gynecologist is completely confidential, and she should know that she can ask any questions she has. Assure her that there is nothing she hasn’t heard before, and she is there to help.

Outline the Appointment

Next, give your daughter an idea of how the appointment will play out. There are many different parts to a complete exam, but they do not take long.

Medical History

Have your daughter prepared to answer a few simple questions. She will most likely feel uncomfortable talking about these things for the first time, but knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time should help her through the appointment.

• When was your last period?
• Are you sexually active?
• If so, are you using birth control? Are you with one or multiple partners?
• Do you have any problems with your period such as pain or discharge?
• Is there any chance you could be pregnant?

Physical

This is your run-of-the-mill physical. Height, weight and blood pressure will all be taken, and your daughter may also be asked to provide a urine sample. Explain that this portion of the exam acts as a baseline for future visits.

Breast Exam

"Breast cancer is rare in teens," explains Dr. Delaney, "but the breast exam teaches your daughter how to do a self-exam. This helps her learn how her breasts feel so she will know if something is out of the ordinary in the future." The gynecologist will most likely explain the importance of a breast self-exam and what to do if she ever feels a lump.

External Exam

Your daughter will be asked to undress and change into a gown and place a sheet on her lap. She will lie back so that the doctor can view the vulva (the external genitalia), and look for any problems such as swelling or sores. While this may be awkward, there is neither pain nor instruments to worry about at this point.

Internal Exam

Your daughter may not have an internal exam during her first visit. Dr. Delaney notes, “Your doctor will decide based off of medical history and conversation with your daughter what is appropriate.” If the gynecologist proceeds with the internal exam, she will use her hands and a tool called a speculum to feel and view the walls of the vagina and cervix. Assure your daughter that she will only feel pressure -- she should not feel pain. Tell her to take slow, deep breaths and to relax her muscles if she becomes nervous.

Pap Smear

Gynecologists recommend a Pap smear beginning at age 21. During the internal exam, cells are taken from the cervix and are sent to the lab to check for changes and cervical cancer. She may recommend the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent certain types of cancer. This series of vaccines will be given at a later date.

STD Testing

This is an optional part of the exam. If your daughter is sexually active, she should be tested, and the gynecologist will determine what is best based on their conversation. If the test is recommended, some STDs can be tested for with blood or urine samples. Others can be tested by sample from a cotton swab like the Pap smear. The tests will be sent to the lab, and she will most likely talk with your daughter about the passing of STDs.

After the Appointment

Once the appointment is over, talk with your daughter about it. If she feels that the staff made her feel uncomfortable, you may want to look for a new office next time if she feels strongly about not going back. It is important that your daughter feels she is in a safe, trusting environment. Help your daughter make annual appointments from here on out to stay healthy.

To find a gynecologist, visit The Chester County Hospital’s Find a Doctor section. Here, you can enter your zip code and select “Obstetrics/Gynecology” from the specialty drop-down menu.

Information is adapted from Kids Health Nemours.

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Join us on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest, or visit us online at ChesterCountyHospital.org.

Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, Has New Discussion and Support Groups Forming!

Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates has new groups forming!

Women in Transition Group

Led by: Hope Nichols, M.A.

 

“Women in Transition” is a weekly group that will offer information, support and connection for women as they transition through challenging times. The group focus is on empowerment, education, and healing within a supportive community that is guided by the clear principles of confidentiality, respect, and trust.

•     Divorce/ Separation

•     Relationship Building

•     Career Change

•     Parenting/ Empty Nest

The group is designed to inspire and support each member as they continue a life of learning, engagement, and leadership. 

6 sessions: Tuesdays from 10 am- 11:15 am

Cost: $50.00 per session ($300 total)

Pay in full at first session and save $25.00

Location: 223 Byers Rd., Suite 2, Chester Springs, PA 19425

Contact Hope Nichols to register: 610-348-0309 or hope@shelbyrileymft.com.   

Weekly Renovation Series ~ Jeannette from EcoIncognito.com, shares her kitchen renovation story

While shopping for a home in Chester County, my husband and I decided that we wanted a fixer upper to have the opportunity to build our dream kitchen right away. As soon as we closed on our house he set to work on the construction project. As with every DIY renovation, there were unexpected challenges, but at the completion it was an amazing experience. Our family now has a delightful nook to come together to cook and enjoy our food

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We don't have a 'before' photo because he literally gutted the entire space. However, we did repurpose the original cabinets in the garage as a work space. Now the kitchen features stainless appliances and a glass tile backsplash. This juxtaposes with the embellishments and cast iron cookware for a rustic-modern theme. We selected eye-popping red accessories as our design elements.

 

 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Cheseboro http://www.stephanielee-photography.com

Early in the design process, my husband discovered a creative way to nearly double the amount of cabinet space in our kitchen. He created a breakfast bar with lower level cabinets on the kitchen side. Plus, he inset the refrigerator into the wall to free up the space for a floor to ceiling pantry.

We get a bit of natural light from the window, so our plan is to grow a window-box of herbs to incorporate into our cooking. Recently my toddler has made loading the dishwasher a challenge since she likes to remove everything as I load it. The window offers a delightful view while I hand wash dishes with her and dry them on the ample counter space.

 

  

We selected wrought iron/microsuede barstools to match the furniture in our family room. To add visual interest to the breakfast bar, my husband installed finials and framework, then painted the whole piece the same color as the walls. The counter is a custom piece, ordered to match the rest of the countertops in the kitchen.My favorite part of the kitchen is the induction stove! We picked induction because we didn't have a gas hookup at the house and discovered that it is a great alternative to a conventional electric stove. You can read all about why I love cooking in cast iron on an induction stove on my blog. Many experts agree that induction cooking is the most eco-friendly type of stove. Paired with a cast iron skillet, it is an excellent way to save money on operating expenses while cooking with ease.

Thanks for reading about our DIY renovation! We hope this inspires you to create your dream kitchen. It is the heart of the home, so putting in the effort to build a space that begs to be used makes it much easier to put a hearty, home cooked meal on the table every day.

Special thanks to Stephanie Cheseboro of Stephanie Lee Photography for the photos. She is a local photographer and Mom to two young boys. Her love of photography shows in her beautiful work on family photography and children's photo shoots.

Jeannette Bezinque is an eco-friendly blogger and mom to two green girls. She chronicles the creative way she balances parenting with a green lifestyle at EcoIncognito.com. 

Find Jeannette on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

To view all of the home renovation projects featured in this series - click here

If you are interested in sharing your home renovation project please click here. 

Your contribution to the series can be any room in your house, garden or patio.

Aidan's Heart Foundation is sponsoring a FREE HEART SCREENING event at Downingtown West High School on Saturday, June 1st

Aidan's Heart Foundation is sponsoring a FREE HEART SCREENING event at Downingtown West High School on Saturday, June 1st for all children ages 5-19. It's free and there is no catch.

Chester County Mom, Christy Silva (who lost her son Aidan at 7 due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is the driving force behind this. She wants all kiddos to be safe. To learn more about Aidan's story visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/5K-for-Aidan-J/181469641905738


Here is the link for more information:https://www.research.chop.edu/programs/healthyheart/register.php

Kelly from FabFoodFairy.com Shares an Out of This World Nacho Recipe - Not’yo Normal Nachos!

Not’yo Normal Nachos!

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I stopped at Target to grab a few things, when I was struck with a brilliant idea for a recipe. I was a bit apprehensive that it was either going to be a stroke of genius or an epic failure, luckily for us all, it was brilliance!

I shamefully admit that I am not a lover of traditional nachos. My quirky food issues should disqualify me from being a food blogger, but they also challenge me to create different, unique recipes. So, my fabulous idea was to create pulled pork nachos with barbeque potato chips. I KNOW!! I feel an insane sense of guilt over the complete disregard for nutritional value, but everything in moderation, right?

First, I perused the chip aisle. What choices! I couldn’t decide, so I bought four different types and let my friends choose in a taste test. I bought Herr’s Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ Potato Chips, Archer Farms Smoky Chipotle Cheddar Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat Potato Chips, Utz “The Crab Chip”, and Food Should Taste Good’s Sweet Potato Chips. Then, I picked up some Jack Daniel’s prepared pulled pork in the refrigerated aisle. Finally, I grabbed a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce, and a package of sharp cheddar cheese. With my ingredients chosen, I dashed home to create my masterpiece.

When I got home, I separated the chips into four piles over two platters. I then spooned the warmed pulled pork in dollops onto the chips. I drizzled the BBQ sauce over the chips and pork, then topped with the cheddar cheese. Finally, I put the platter in the oven on broil for a minute or two to melt the cheese. TADAAA!! I had created some of the best Not’yo Normal Nachos!

As for the taste test, I imposed on a group of my neighbors to be my nacho guinea pigs. I think both platters were cleaned within 2 minutes. Even the littlest neighbors loved them! We all decided that we liked the Archer Farms Chipotle Cheddar Reduced Fat Chips for their spicy kick and crunchy texture and the Food Should Taste Good’s Sweet Potato Chips because they too remained crispy, but added some sweet to the savory pulled pork flavors. I also believe that it would be great if you mixed all four types of chips in a confetti style platter! Most likely, that is what I will do next time.

So there you have it. A quick easy homerun of a recipe that is cheap, easy, and sure to please. This is also one of those recipes that you can’t screw up, unless you leave them under the broiler too long!!! Try them. I promise you will not be disappointed!

 Kelly is the Mom behind the Fabulous Food Fairy Blog. While she is not a professionally trained chef, She is a kid tested mother of three, who teaches full time, and still manages to cook a sit down family meal most nights of the week. She says that many days, she wishes for a magic wand or a fairy godmother to pop in and make a beautiful dinner appear, but no such luck. Kelly realizes that sometimes the hardest part of dinner is figuring out a meal that her kids will actually eat. She created The Fabulous Food Fairy so that readers won't feel hopeless about dinner, or so that busy moms are not forced to resort to the local drive through or a boring bowl of cereal as a meal. Family dinner can be so much more. Kelly also feels that dinners together are fundamental to raising and maintaining a healthy, balanced family. The Fabulous Food Dairy blog shares a variety of tried and true recipes for a multitude of kitchen needs, from a kid friendly casserole, to a mom friendly cocktail! It is like having a group of best foodie friends at your fingertips. As the Fabulous Food Fairy, Kelly aims to grant your kitchen wishes and transfer your dull weekly menu into a magical moment of family fun!

Follow the Fabulous Food Fairy on Facebook and Twitter for yummy recipes and foodie tips. Check out her Lasagna Muffins recipe.. A-MA-ZING! You can also take a peek inside her kitchen. We posted her FABULOUS Kitchen Renovation series a few months ago.

Amber form Bumber's Bumblings.com, Shares her Super.. DIY Super Hero Cape Idea

For B's birthday, I really wanted to make a super hero cape for his super hero birthday party.  Like many other families right now, I'm trying to cut costs and be more economical in my gift giving. I pinned all different types of capes, but still wasn't sure which one to make. I stopped into Joann's quickly one day and happened upon this awesome Superman fleece material in the remnant bin!  It was under $5 for a little over a yard. I started out with this pinterest pattern since it was fleece material. I definitely did not want the "no sew" option with raw edges.  I wanted something durable enough for a rough four year old boy.  I remembered that I had a decent sized piece of red flannel in my fabric stash and thought I could back it with that.  I cut out the fleece first using her measurements. 

• B is about a 4t-5t in shirt size.  I cut a rectangle that measured 23" high and 21" wide and folded it in half and cut the cape out that way, so both sides matched (at least before I sewed it).

• I then laid the fleece on top of the red flannel and cut out another cape.  There was no need for pinning since those fabric types stick together well.

• I then faced rights sides in and straight stitched  around the edges to sew the fleece and flannel together, leaving about 2" of the seam open for turning the cape right side out.

• I turned it right side out and ironed the seams down as well as possible.  I then straight-stitched again around the whole outside of the cape to reinforce the seams.

• I cut out an additional "S" out of the fleece material and sewed that on to the red side of the material using a zig zag stitch, nothing fancy!

• The last step was adding the velcro at the neck.  I should have hand-stitched that, because my machine freaked out about the velcro and I had to undo the mess several times.

Tada, a reversible cape!  

It's not perfect, but he loves it and wears it almost every day, if I let him.

 

http://www.bumbersbumblings.com/

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https://twitter.com/bumberjoy

A blog written by a mom of two children by way of open adoption where she writes about adoption, mom life, running and any other ramblings that come to mind!