Monday, June 17, 2013

Miller Park Summer Concert Series 2013 Schedule

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS at the Gazebo in Miller Park!
Albert C. Miller Memorial Park, 220 Miller Way, Exton, PA 19341

Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Please check the Township website for more details at www.westwhiteland.org


June 23
Jellyroll*
(no rain date)

July 7
The Independence Day Celebration! 3 Shades of Blue, Chester County Concert Band and
Fireworks Program starting at 9:30!

July 21
Family Fun Day begins at 5:00 PM with School of Rock , The Forty Niners, Face painting and more!

August 4
The Bulldogs

August 18
Janis Nowlan*
(no rain date)

August 25
Chico’s Vibe

Monday, June 17th is FREE Shake Day at Jake's Wayback and $5 coupon


One FREE Black & White Junior Milkshake on Monday, June 17 only. No purchase necessary. One per customer. Not valid with online orders. Valid at participating locations. While supplies last. Click here to find a location near you
 
 
Use your Wayback Buck to save $5 on orders of $20 or more!


Friday, June 14, 2013

Weekly Renovation Series ~ Simple Changes That Make a HUGE Difference!

She's back!! Chesco Mom Laura is back to show us what she has been up since she shared her kitchen renovation project a few weeks ago. I love her style and always enjoy her tips. 

This was an 80’s bedroom screaming for a makeover!  The carpet was removed and hardwood with an area rug was replaced.  The walls were painted a darker khaki color to emphasize the cathedral ceiling.  All of the faux flowers were replaced with a live palm.  Furniture replacement was minimal, but impactful.  Bedding chosen was a mix of hotel style with still a little splash of antiquity.  The mirrored nightstands and glass lamps were inspired by all of the HGTV shows I watch!


This is a before and after shot of a basement that lacked a cozy feeling.  A sectional was replaced for the single couch to accommodate more people in a smaller space.  The walls were painted a fern green to add warmth and allow the trim to pop.  An area rug was placed underneath the coffee table to help center the sitting area.  The bamboo sculpture was purchased locally from Dane Décor!  At night I have a light behind it that illuminates the bamboo---way cool!


This is a sitting area in our master bedroom.  There is a see through gas fireplace that was screaming for a stone finish.  I did the stone work myself…it was definitely a trial and error type of project and ended up taking longer than expected, but the final result was well worth it.  My husband and I sit in this space, especially during the winter time, when the snow is falling, fireplace going and reading a good book.  I added the jute rug to pull the entire space together.  The print on the wall is from Art.com (they have great stuff for reasonable prices).  Eventually I’d love to add built in bookshelves along the back wall….another project on the list!


This was a relatively simple and inexpensive project.  The powder room on the left was a blood red color without a towel rack and the hand towel was right on top of an electrical outlet (seriously!).  I removed the contractor mirror and added one I got from Bed Bath and Beyond.  I changed the wall color, added a towel rack and wall art and presto…powder room transformed!


The picture on the left is from when the previous owners lived in our house.  I kept the wall color the same…it’s called Silver Sage from Restoration Hardware.  I really wanted to bring a rust color into this space and make it feel more organic and earthy because of the wall of windows along the one side of the room.  While I was able to bring in the rust colors, I also played with a little bit of turquoise as well.  All of the bedding is from the Pottery Barn outlet store in Lancaster.  You can see a full shot of the stone fireplace project I did as well.  The wood work above the bed is from Pottery Barn.  I splurged a little on this one because I thought it was so unique. I think this space came together so well because I planned out every aspect of it prior to jumping in!


This is a basement bathroom that was painted a dark brown/reddish color.  The oak cabinets did not match with anything else in the home.  So I painted the oak cabinets black and painted the walls a deeper green.  This simple paint job project transformed the way the floor and counter top colors look.  With a few simple accessories from Home Goods, this space feels a little more inviting.  It’s AMAZING what paint can do to a space!

How many of your closets look like the one on the left??? There was some attempts at organizing the closet, but because it lacked containers, it was difficult to maintain.  By going through the closet and putting all of the materials in natural categories, the space evolved into a container haven on the right.  You know where everything is…AND you know where to put it BACK!

About the Home Owner: Laura Lee Room Design is owned and operated by Laura Lee and offers home staging, redesign and organization services in Chester County, PA and the surrounding western suburbs of Philadelphia. 
Laura is a Home Staging Resource (HSR) Certified Professional Home Stager, Redesigner and Organizer.  The HSR Certification program is accredited by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), which is the only 3rd party, governing association for the home staging industry.  Laura is a member of the American Society of Home Stagers and Redesigners, Real Estate Staging Association, National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and Stagers Connect which assist her in remaining current on real estate and staging industry trends.
Laura has a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Masters of Art from Webster University. Her career has included military service as a construction engineer, project management and process improvement expert with General Electric, business executive with Wells Fargo and currently as an executive consultant.  Laura’s creativity, attention to detail, customer focus and love of design enable her to create beautiful and memorable interior and exterior spaces for any type of home

  • 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.

  • Eagleview Concerts on the Square 2013 Schedule

    Concerts on the Square 2013 
     7:00-9:00PM~ Every Tuesday (except July 2nd) 
    June through August 


    • June 18th The Lawsuits and The Rivers Rockabilly Trio 
    •  June 25th Craig Bickhardt & Ronstadt Generations with special guest The Carper Family 
    •  July 2nd No Concert Held
    •  July 9th Brother Joscephus with special guest Manatawny Creek Ramblers 
    •  July 16th Buffalo Killers with special guest Graham Alexander 
    •  July 23th Eric Steckel with special guest Brian Flanagan 
    •  July 30th Incendio with special guest Trevor Gordon Hall 
    •  August 6th Family Night with Extra Entertainment for Kids! Downingtown School of Rock with special guest Robbie Schaefer 
    •  August 13th Folk Fest Preview! Ryan Tennis & The Clubhouse Band, Frank Fairfield, Del Barber, John Francis 
    •  August 20th The Toy Hearts with special guest Baskery 
    •  August 27th Finale! Entrain Playing from 7-8:30pm - fireworks to follow! Rain date is Thursday, August 30th from 7-8:30pm.

    Thursday, June 13, 2013

    Hey, hey how do you do? My Gym in Lionville is making hosting a Birthday Party easier for you!

    Hey, hey how do you do? 
    My Gym in Lionville is making hosting a Birthday Party easier for you! 

    Coupons! Coupons! Get your Coupons!

    140 customized labels from Vistaprint are only $5 shipped—only $0.04 per label!
    To kick off the season of summer BBQs, family reunions, neighborhood block parties, housewarmings, and summer weddings, Vistaprint is bringing back a favorite deal for multi-purpose labels--perfect for all of your needs!
    • Save tons of time addressing invitations to your summer events by using personalized address labels with beach balls, beachy scenes, or BBQs.
    • Looking for something small for new parents? Customize a set to announce their new baby with his/her name, birth date, and weight. Better yet, you can even create labels for baby foods or toys.
    • With your new grads getting ready to head off to college, design tags to label and number boxes or "Property of" labels so nothing will get lost during the big move.
    • If you're planning a vacation, thank your neighbors for checking on your house by giving them some home-made treats. You can easily create a gift tag or food label for your present.
    The process is so quick and easy!
    • Just choose your favorite design from a gallery of templates (you can also upload your own design or picture).
    • Then customize your labels for any occasion.
    • Pay only $5, with shipping included!
    Click here to order. Hurry, this offer ends on June 14th! Time is running out, and you won't want to miss out on this offer!


    Health + Beauty Products
    Fun + Games
    Meat
    Storage + Saver Products

    Wednesday, June 12, 2013

    Do you live with a kid that loves LEGO®? Bricks4Kidz has Summer Camp Openings

    Bricks4Kidz teaches children the principles of engineering and architecture using LEGO® bricks. Register for a class or camp today! The printable camp registration form here. The summer camp schedule can be found here. 

    Please check the Bricks4Kidz of Chester County Facebook page for up to date information.

    Where?:
    K D Markley elementary school 354 Swedesford Road Malvern 19355
    Central Presybetarian Church 100 West Uwchlan Ave Downingtown PA 19335
    DARC www.darcinfo.org
    Pocopson Elementary school 1105 Pocopson Road West Chester PA 19382

    **Please provide your child with a NUT-FREE snack.** Lunchtime supervision is available for kids that are registered for the AM and PM camp.
    Space Adventures (inspired by NASA) Ages 5+

    Our Space Adventures Workshop is packed full of models that will make your imagination blast off! Each day, kids will learn about real-life space exploration and build motorized models related to the NASA space program, plus group games and challenges. Bricks 4 Kidz Space Adventures workshop provides the spark for imagination and creativity to take off on an adventure thats out of this world!
    Enroll now!

    Amusement Park Ages 5+

    Get your ticket to ride at Bricks 4 Kidz very own Amusement Park! Campers will build a new ride each day, learning how to make things spin, roll, turn and rock. Then they will take what they have learned to design their own thrills and challenges. Motorized models maximize the action and the fun. Each camp day includes carnival-themed games, group challenges, model-building and more.
    Enroll now
    Remote Control Mania Ages 5+

    Making it move is the name of the game at this exciting camp! Kids will love to see their creations in motion using LEGO wireless remote controls. Each day, campers will use fascinating and challenging LEGO components to create dynamic vehicles, inventions, machines and more. As they enjoy the fun of building, campers will understand the basic working principles of many ingenious devices that are part of our everyday lives. Campers will also learn how to magnify, diminish and redirect force to move objects at different speeds and in different directions. This camp is loads of fun and learning for budding builders.
    Enroll now!

    Movie making and Animation Ages 8+

    Light, cameras, LEGO action! Use LEGO bricks to tell YOUR story, complete with music, special effects and all your favorite LEGOmini-figure characters! In this unique and creative camp, students will plan, script, stage, shoot, and produce their own mini-movie using Stop Motion Animation. Working as a team, students will use LEGO components to build the set and props, then shoot their movie using a camera. Teams will use movie-making software to add special effects, titles, credits and more. When the movie is complete, campers will impress friends and family with a screening party on the last day of camp. Don't miss your chance to be a movie producer!
    *All Campers take home a custom mini-figure, a certificate and a DVD of their movie creation at the end of the week.
    Enroll Now
    Mindstorm NXT Robotics Ages 9+

    The hottest selling LEGO  brand, Mindstorms combines classic LEGO building with the world of robotics, using motors, sensors and software. You'll learn how to design and program your LEGO 'bots that can perform all kinds of tasks! Mindstorm software lets you place icons in sequence to design the commands you want. It's easy to learn and teaches basic programming logic. This camp is a fun and challenging introduction to the world of robotics for the advanced LEGO enthusiast!
    *All Campers take home a custom mini-figure & a certificate at the end of the week.
    Enroll Now
    Animal Grossology Ages 5+

    If you’re fascinated by the weird but true, wild and wacky, gross and yucky, then this is the camp for you! Spend the week discovering the zany biology of our animal friends. Each day we’ll explore fascinating facts about the animal kingdom, focusing on a “creature of the day”. Build a different animal model each day and fill your very own “Animal Grossology” booklet with crazy and cool facts you learn, complete with a picture of each model, to become a certified Bricks 4 Kidz Grossologist.
    Enroll Now

    Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas

    Below are a few links to some of our past Father's Day posts.



    As seen on the Chesco Moms Facebook Page - Click here for information on what is going on in Chester County to celebrate Dear Ol' Dad. 


    Discount Movie Tickets available at DARC office and West Chester Recreation (cash only)








    FREE Flatbread from Chili's


     Join the Chili's email club to get your free full-size flatbread, and you'll also get the latest happening and exclusive offers. Chili's is giving away one million of their NEW freshly-baked flatbreads. Loaded with signature toppings on a crispy crust, it's a taste not to be missed.

    Claim your free flatbread* before they're gone and get to your local Chili's!

     *Free full-size flatbread when you join Chili's Email Club.

    Sunday, June 9, 2013

    Ask Shelby: Getting Him to Open Up


    Here is June's installment of "Ask Shelby" from Chester County's own Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Shelby Riley.

    Dear Shelby,
    How do I get my husband to open up and talk to me?  I feel like I never know what he’s thinking or how he’s feeling.  When I ask, he shuts me out, I get mad, and we end up in a fight.  What can I do to get him to change?
    Signed, Lonely and Lashing Out


    Dear Lonely and Lashing Out,
    Most men do not naturally crave as much verbal intimacy as women do. And often, men haven't been raised or socialized to share their thoughts and feelings verbally the same way women have. The most important thing you can do to help improve the verbal intimacy in your marriage is to remember that your husband is not (usually) purposefully shutting you out. If you can remember that your husband has a very different brain than you do, you can let go of personalizing the difficult experience and it will be less painful and frustrating, and lead to less conflict.

    Secondly, I would suggest engaging with your husband in a way that works for him. Some men are overwhelmed by intense eye contact, so sitting in the dark while gently scratching his back may help him feel safe to open up. Some men like to connect "shoulder to shoulder." This could be playing tennis, going for a walk, or paddle-boarding together. Some men prefer to "do" things to connect, rather than talk. Try doing something together first and the conversation on the ride home may flow better.

    Lastly, I will throw out that men often feel more ready to connect verbally and emotionally after they have connected physically, which for many men, can mean sexually. The hard part is, many women feel ready to connect sexually when they feel connected emotionally. It's a tough cycle when the couple is "off" and a wonderful, self-feeding cycle when the couple is "on." In a healthy relationship, each would share the responsibility of sometimes putting the other's needs first in order to get back "on" a good cycle.

    I often find too, that men find women to be critical and demanding, even when the woman thinks she’s being soft and encouraging.  Try starting your next attempt to engage him with a compliment, like, “Wow, you really handled that work situation well.  How did you come up with that solution for the team?”  That will allow him to feel respected and he may have more to share than when you look at him and ask, “What are you thinking right now?”  If things still feel stuck, you might let him know you crave more by saying, “You are such a fascinating person.  I love hearing about what you’re thinking about, or how you feel about things.  Lately, we haven’t had much time for me to really connect with you in that way.  Do you have some time tonight to walk around the neighborhood with me?”  Men want to be known, heard and respected.  When they are told, “You’re so closed off.  Why don’t you share your thoughts and feelings with me?” they tend to feel criticized.  Trying a more uplifting approach may work wonders.

    Good luck—and I hope the conversation starts flowing at your house,

    Shelby

     

    Shelby Riley, LMFT is the owner of Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LLC.  She is currently the President of the Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (PAMFT).  Remember to check out Shelby's website www.shelbyrileymft.com for useful information about therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

    Tuesday, June 4, 2013

    Regal's Summer Movie Express ($1 Movies for Kids) ~ 2013 Schedule

    Summer Movie Express on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am for nine weeks. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. 


    Downingtown Regal

    1The Three StoogesPG10am
    1Ice Age: Continental DriftPG10am
    2Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog DaysPG10am
    2Parental GuidancePG10am
    3Mr. Poppers' PenguinsPG10am
    3Alvin and the Chipmunks: ChipwreckedG10am
    4Monte CarloPG10am
    4RioG10am
    5CoralinePG10am
    5ParaNormanPG10am
    6Dr. Seuss' The LoraxPG10am
    6Big MiraclePG10am
    7Yogi BearPG10am
    7Journey 2: The Mysterious IslandPG10am
    8Racing StripesPG10am
    8Happy Feet TooPG10am
    9African CatsG10am
    9ChimpanzeeG10am

    Monday, June 3, 2013

    Mya's Bench - A Community Effort


    Over the past few months, the Downingtown MOMS Club has posted on the Chesco Moms page some pleas for support.  Well, we'd like to thank this amazing community for coming through!  This past Saturday was a special day for the club.  After 8 months of active fund raising, we proudly dedicated a bench to Mya Rose Anderson-Brophy on the Struble Trail in Downingtown.

    Some members of the Downingtown MOMS Club
    For those unfamiliar with the story, in April 2011, just before Mya turned 19 months, her mom, Emily, took Mya to the pediatrician after noticing her left eye was swollen and droopy.  They were immediately sent to DuPont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, DE where different x-rays and scans were done. The following day, Mya was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. She was eventually transferred to CHOP for treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries). Mya fought an amazing fight against this cancer for 14 months, even going into remission at one point, until her body just couldn’t take anymore. The tumors continued spreading and unfortunately there was nothing left for the doctors to do. Mya passed away in July 2012, just 2 months before her 3rd birthday.  Mya was such a sweet, precocious, and smart child who is greatly missed by a lot of people.


    While the club mourned the loss of precious Mya, a committee was formed to raise money to purchase a bench on Struble Trail in Mya's favorite spot (near the dam).  It started with Kids Day in the Park (Bell Tavern). We raffled off baskets of prizes donated by club members and local businesses and we sold bracelets that our children made. We raised $292.  Next was our Preschool Open House at United Sports Training Center. We had 17 preschools attend the event and we made $136.  In February,  we had a Family Swim Night for the community at ACAC in West Chester where we raised $928 – and met our fundraising goal. Also, along the way we received donations from people in the Downingtown community who were touched by Mya’s story. Even though we met our goal, we had one last event and that was our Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A of Ashbridge Square in April. This event raised $470.

    Essential helping hands
    All in all, our events raised $2,026.00 total. The bench itself cost $1,234.90 and supplies were about $150.  Over $600 will be donated to CHOP for pediatric cancer in honor of Mya.

    As we like to say, never underestimate a small group of mothers or the power of the Downingtown community!  We also have to give praise and show our appreciation to Owen and Joe from Chester County Parks and Recreation for their efforts, support, and help.  And a big shout out to Brian Betz and his father Thom. Brian is a sophomore at Bishop Shanahan High School and installed the bench as part of his Eagle Scout project. We also appreciated the mayor, Josh Maxwell, for coming out to the dedication ceremony and speaking on behalf of the community.  The Mayor declared June 1st as "Mya's Day" in Downingtown!

    The Mayor of Downingtown
    The bench on Struble Trail is a great way for us all to remember Mya and to keep her memory alive in this loving community.  We hope that the next time you walk along the trail, you will sit on her bench and think of the short but impacting life that Mya Rose had on us all.


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