"Back to School" Date

 It's the time of year that most kids dread - time to go back to school from summer break! Aaaahhhh!! Ha, ha! So, when planning my date I decided to focus on all the FUN parts of school: lunch, recess, and PE! And let me tell you - my date was a BLAST!!!! I really couldn't have asked for anything better.

Remember when you used to write notes to friends and fold them in a cute way? Well, the morning of my date I gave my husband a note. I had so much fun remembering all the cool ways my friends and I used to fold our notes. There are so many different varieties, but for instructions on how I folded my note, go HERE.

My note contained 2 things: a poem and an already played MASH game. Let me explain...you remember the game, MASH, right? You get to pick 4 boys names, what cars you want, how many kids you will have, where you are going to live, etc. Well, I thought it would be fun to incorporate that into my invite. So I made up the board by circling the following:

Where we were going (M: mansion, A: apartment, S: school, and H: House)
Who with? I put 4 boy names down and circled my husband's name
What we were going to eat? sack lunches
How many people would be going? 4

 (See the picture below for more clarification or you can go HERE for more in depth instructions.....keep in mind, on those instructions, the dots in the middle are supposed to be a spiral, like on mine below.)

So, my poem was the actual invite to the date and it referenced the MASH game I had set up. It was really cute (if I do say so myself)!

Here's My Poem:

Roses are red, violets are blue,

I have something special for you.

The Fates have decided that you're the one for me,

So, will you come on the date I planned for free?

Below is the board that made this truth come out,

Don't worry, I'm excited, I didn't even pout.

It tells you a little of what is to come,

Read, decipher, plan and come have some fun!

When? You ask-tonight at seven.

You'll have so much fun, you'll be in heaven.

I can't wait - so what are you waiting for?

Your chariot will await - outside the front door.

XOXO,

Cami

When 7:00 came around we left for our date with our backpacks filled and our bikes ready to ride to school. I had previously packed our packs with sack lunches (which included lunchables and pudding snacks), a big bouncy ball (so we could play 4 square and fly's up), a jump rope, a soccer ball (for base soccer), and I knew the school already had swings and playground equipment to play on. I was SO excited! My sister (who came with her fiance) decided that it would be fun to dress up like we were in the 6th grade, so we did our best, and had a so much fun!

    

When we left, it was a blast from the past! My sister and I used to ride our bikes to school all the time so we were laughing so hard the whole way there! After arriving at the school, we sat on the grass and ate our delicious sack lunches. Our lunches included a bagel sandwich, lunchables, pudding snack, capri sun, chips, and fruit snacks.  Pretty much all the good stuff!  While eating we decided to tell stories/memories of things we remembered about elementary school. We talked about our favorite teachers, crushes, snow ball fights (and subsequent suspensions), classes, tests, etc. It was hilarious! I couldn't believe how one story would remind someone else of a similar story and go on and on. We had so much fun eating!

After dinner the competition began. We started off playing fly's up. Elbows were flying, people were getting pushed, and it was awesome. For those of you who don't know what fly's up is - you are TOTALLY missing out!  Let me explain...there is one person who is "up" and the rest of the group stands about 20 feet away.  The person who is "up" kicks or throws the ball at the group, and the group has to try and catch it.  Whoever does catch it, gets to be "up" next, and then they throw or kick the ball to the group.  (Hence the elbows flying, pushing etc.)  It can get to be a real competition when that ball gets in the air!  It is SO much fun. Originally we were going to keep tally on a scoreboard to see who was up the most, but we were having too much fun to care!

Four square followed and it was a tough competition. Yeah right!  We were all laughing so hard we had a hard time keeping the ball in the squares. I think I must have been the winner...ha, ha!

We ended up playing in the jungle gym and swings from the playground. It was a ton of fun climbing around and swinging next to my hubby. I kept singing, "Cami and Joseph sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, and then comes baby in the baby carriage!" Oh, the good 'ol times from elementary.

After riding back home, we decided to watch a movie. We picked Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It was a perfect way to end the night. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a LONG time. All 4 of us commented about how much fun it was to be a kid again.  I think I will have to relive this date over and over and go Back to School!

So, I totally thought of some alternatives to the date:

#1 - Make it a 2 person date, instead of 4 person. Instead of playing 4 square or fly's up, you could have a jump rope contest (jump ropes are at the Dollar store), play hopscotch, have a swinging competition, a monkey bar contest (see who can go the fastest across or skip the most bars), etc. It would be fun, laid back competition.

#2 - Play base soccer, normal soccer, or have a jump rope contest for 4 (or more).

#3 - Keep a scorecard of who wins the most games and give out prizes at the end of the night (like back rubs, Big League Chew gum, a big kiss and hug, etc.)

#4 - Finish the night off with a run to 7-Eleven for slurpees or get a McDonald's ice cream cone.

Love Story: Lisa & Dom

Once upon a time there was a 17-year-old girl who met a 20-year-old guy while cruisin' along a street we like to call “State!” They were immediately drawn to each other. He thought,”What a hottie!" She thought, "What a cute guy and I totally love his name and did I mention that I love that he is from Oregon!”

They couldn't wait to spend time together..... so they didn't!  

They met up later that night to watch a flick and snuggle! Neither of them could tell you what the movie was about, but if you ask her about how good she felt in his arms, she will tell you that she fit in them just right! He will tell you that he was super-excited that she called the next day and every day for the next 2 weeks! That's right, no playing "hard-to-get" for these two lovebirds, they were like magnets, there was no keeping them apart.

Knowing that he was going to return to Oregon in a few short months, he told her that he didn't want a girlfriend. As you can guess, hearing that just crushed her!! She liked to pretend that he never said that and over the course of the next few weeks, it was official, she had seduced him into being her boyfriend!  She eventually spilled the beans and freaked him out when she announced, "l love you!" It took him quite a bit longer to build up the courage to admit that he, in fact, loved her too!

They had a lot of fun in Utah going to movies, having sleepovers, and always being together!  When it was time for him to return home, he just knew that he couldn't leave without her  sooooo, he simply took her with him!  After meeting his family she left on a jet plane to return to Utah and finish up her schooling. But like I said before, Magnets, nothing kept these two apart, not even 900 miles! Every month he would pull out the pocketbook and fly her back to see him for a long weekend. This continued for a few months and during their very special Valentine's visit, a fairygodmother visited them and told them that they were going to be a mamma and dadda! So, they decided that it was time for her to gather her things from the town of Utah and move to the castle with him!

Nine months later they were blessed with a beautiful princess! They wanted their little girl to have a mommy and daddy who were going to be together with her forever so they booked a special trip to a chapel in a little town known as Las Vegas and her Dad and Mom were married! It has been 8 years since that fateful day and their family has grown greatly. They are now King and Queen to four beautiful princesses and one handsome prince! And you can bet that they are living Happily Ever After!

The Power of an Invitation

Think back for a minute...to the first time you ever received an invitation.  This invitation may have been to a birthday party, some type of celebration, or a special event.  Can you recall the feelings you had upon receiving something that was specifically created for you?  I still remember the time I was invited to a neighbor's birthday party when I was six.  Oh, I was so excited!  I kept the invitation on my mirror and each morning and night, I would look at the invite and I just knew that great things were coming my way!  In the spirit of feeling special and having something exciting to anticipate, I decided to create an invitation!

My little girl is three.  She now gets anticipation and excitement to the greatest extent.  I was planning on taking her to the zoo and I thought...."Why not make it a little more fun?"  I headed to the grocery store where I found a monkey beanie baby.  (I have noticed in the ads that often times grocery stores run awesome deals on beanie babies!)  I then came home, printed the invitation, and left both the invite and the monkey on her pillow.

When she went to bed that night, she was SO EXCITED.  First for the monkey, and then for the invite that promised a fun filled day at the zoo on Friday!  Each day when she woke up we had a countdown to the zoo.  The invitation made the whole thing special, personal, and exciting.  Instead of just announcing we were going to the zoo, the invitation made it an event!

If you are doing anything fun with your family, download the skeleton invitation below and leave it on your child's pillow.  It will give that extra pizazz to any outing!

Click HERE!

What special things do you do for your kids?

"Fall" into Fashion!

Don't we all love Fall?  The crisp air, the warm scents, and THE FASHION!  Right now is the time when we get a new wardrobe, even if we aren't going back to school.  I still think Fall is the perfect time to get a few new things especially if you are going to be taking family pictures for your Christmas cards. So I am going to let you in on some of the new trends you have to try this Fall Season.  After reading tons of fashion mags (something I love to do) here are my top five "must haves". Boho is the word this Fall.  I like to think of Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.

My favorite trend this season is the Shootie (boot and shoe).  It hits just above your ankle but doesn't form to it.  This boot is from Aldo and the price is a little steep, but to me sometimes boots are worth the $$$$, especially if you wear them for years, and I do!

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Trend number two, and I love these! Skinny Cargo's!  I love the skinny jean especially with boots, but I love a skinny cargo with the boots above. Trust me girls it looks amazing! 

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 Macy's has an amazing variety of these pants.

Trend number three is a fringe vest.  Bohemian is going to be very much in style this fall and a fringe vest is perfect if you want to try this trend. Here's a bonus - it is only $24.80 from Forever 21.

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Trend number four is also very boho.  It is a blouse at Alloy for $29.90.  I love the neutral color (also a big fall trend).

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Trend five - more boots! Yay!  Over the knee boots have been around for a while but they are going to be big this fall.  Another awesome Alloy pick for $ 42.90.

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More hot trends this fall are going to be studded belts, boots with lots of hardware, buckles, etc., circle scarves (they go all the way around without an end).  American Apparel has every color you could ever want....see below! 

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I say pick one trend and shock your man.  I am sure he will LOVE it!  If he doesn't, you will still be lookin' like one trendy HOT MAMA!

Quick & Easy Romance Ideas: Fitness Tips

The Top Ten Ways To Be Fit Together This Summer...

1. Go on a walk while holding hands.

2. Ride bikes together while laughing and talking about your day.

3. Count your partner's sit-ups.

4. Sit on your front porch and eat a healthy snack.

5. Go swimming, hiking or running together.

6. Load your man's IPOD with awesome songs that will pump them up for fitness.

7. Set up the Wii and play fit games for a fun date night.

8. Find a new healthy recipe to cook together.

9. Get some games out in your backyard like: volleyball, soccer, or anything active to play together.

10. Call friends and play a kickball or a softball game at the local field. It would be a great way to hang out with friends and enjoy a good fun game.

Any fitness activity would be great to do as a couple.  Fellow diva, Corie, and I created this list of ten ideas that can get you started with your man.  My husband, Brent and I just had a great night in our backyard simply by pulling out games we already had.  We played volleyball, then a golf on a string game, and many more.  We were active and it always feels great to be outdoors in the summer.  So try out one activity or more on your own spare time!

Download this handy dandy fitness bookmark that will be a great reminder of all of the fun things you and your spouse can do to be fit!

 Click HERE for the Fitness Bookmark!

Rockstar Date

Everyone wants to be a Rockstar, right?  Well, this is your chance to be that "rockstar." 

My husband was greeted with this trail of rocks when he got home.  At the end of the trail was this invite.

Download your free copy of the invite here.

These "hot rocks" are all over the Internet right now.  It is easy and fun to do - get your kids involved! My little guy is too small, so I did it myself.  Here's what you do:

1. Go outside and find yourself some rocks.  Preferably flat on at least one side.

2. Soak them in some water - get the dirt and bugs off. :)
3. Line a baking sheet with some tinfoil and put your rocks on the sheet.
4. Pop them in the oven for about 15 min. at 350 degrees - or whatever.  Just get them hot!
5. Pick your color scheme and unwrap some crayons!  Don't have a big bag of crayons like me?  Well, you are in luck.  It is back to school time and crayons are on sale for a quarter pretty much everywhere!

6. Pull them out and carefully color any design you want on your rocks!  Be careful not to TOUCH the rocks.  They will burn you.

The colors should just melt on there and dry into a colorful design.  If your rocks start to cool and won't take the color well, just pop the cooled ones back in the oven.

Now that my husband had an idea of what the date was about he got excited!  We first headed to eat dinner here:

Don't have a Rock Bottom near you?  Find any restaurant that has 'rock' or 'star' in the title - Rock Creek Pizza, Asian Star, Hard Rock Cafe, etc.  Even Carl's Junior/Hardees has a star logo.

After we were full on yummy food and great root beer :) we headed out to do some Rock Climbing! This is something we love to do and haven't had the chance in a long time.  I found a local indoor climbing wall that would let us come and do it at our pace. 

When you find a gym double check to make sure they have all the equipment for you!  We enjoy rock climbing, but definitely aren't professionals or have all the gear.  The Sportsplex near us was perfect for us because we could just wear our own shoes and they had an auto belay.  If you live in an area with some real rocks - go for the real thing!  (It might be wise to go with experienced climbers if you want to tackle the "real thing"!)

Don't be intimidated if you've never done it.  It's not too hard and they can teach you some techniques if you want.  It is a GREAT workout for your forearms. 

Plus, who wouldn't mind staring at that view on every date! ;)

As we were driving home, I handed my husband these three notes and told him to choose what level of a ROCKSTAR he thought he was - Amateur, Quick Learner, or Professional Rocker.

Here's what the cards said:

Amateur - You amateur rockstar will finish the night by learning from the best. Watch the movie "School of Rock." (Which we own and is one of my husband's favorites.)

Quick Learner - You quick learner rockstar can reflect on the good and areas to improve. Look to the stars. (Which means, take a blanket outside and look at the stars.)

Professional Rockstar - So you think you are a professional rockstar - PROVE IT! Let's play a little Rockband.

You can download the labels for the notes here.

Not everyone has access to these movies/games, so do what fits for you!  You don't even have to give all three options.  You could just choose one if you want.  And for the record, my husband chose the "Quick Learner" but then wanted to see what they all said.  When he saw we could watch "School of Rock" he changed his level. :)

Don't forget the Rockstar Rejuvenator's for whichever activity you choose!

(And FYI - Pop Rocks are ridiculously hard to find!  I did finally spot them at the Dollar Tree of all places.)

We put in the movie and popped some Pop Rocks - love that fizzle!  And to end the night I made my husband play the game of who can get their Starburst wrapper off in their mouth first - you know, to see who is the better kisser!  I won! :)

P.S. Want another date that has to do with stars? Check out Bridget's Shooting for the Stars Date.

Guest Blogger: Oopsey Daisy

Hello, my fellow divas!! I am so tickled to be a guest today! I had been enjoying The Dating Divas blog for a few months when one day I realized that I actually knew one of THE divas! Corie was actually my mentor teacher when I was student teaching at BYU. Corie is truly amazing, and I carried her inspiration with me all the way through my first grade teaching career!! It has been so fun to have a friend in the blogging community!

I am Alison, the crazy lady behind Oopsey Daisy. Once upon a time, I was a first grade teacher. Now I am a stay-at-home Mom, and I love to make things for the people I love. This is where I find my inspiration:

I am lucky to be married to a wonderful man who lets me go crafty-crazy! Unfortunately, he travels almost 5 days a week, so crafting has become my route to sanity! My handsome little 18-month-old Little Man inspires a lot of creativity. He keeps me very busy, so I relish any time he is sleeping. Naptime and bedtime are craft time at my house.

I make lots of messes and pull out a lot of stitches, but every once in a while I find a daisy among my "oopseys"!

Today, I would like to share a project that I actually made for my husband for Valentine's Day, but we have been enjoying it all year long! We really try to have date nights every week. We have mapped out the entire year of who is in charge of planning the date for that week. But, still, whenever it's his turn and I ask my hubby what we are doing for date night, he looks at me with his eyes glazed over and I realize that he has no clue. I am sure many of you understand that look and that frustration. So why not give him a gift that takes the brain and pain out of date-planning?!

I made my husband a book of date ideas!!

I tinkered with the idea of making a date jar, but I knew my hubby would prefer to see all of his options all at once, and so the date book was born! I only chose activities that I could actually picture us doing together... nothing too elaborate or cheesy. The cheaper, the better! I also knew we would need plenty of ideas we could do at home, too!

So I created the date cards, printed, laminated, and cut them out. I punched holes with my cute heart punch and bound them together. Then I made a cut-sie cover, added a few ribbons, and that's it!

Now we can flip through our book and select a no-brainer date activity for our date nights. We don't have to plan ahead a lot--which is tricky with Mr. Oopsey Daisy being out of town! We can just let the book do all the work! Our date nights have become much more meaningful.

Each Friday on my blog, I try to share some kind of free printable with my readers, so today I would like to share this with you!

As a little gift for all you divas out there, you can download the entire date book here. You can add a little romance to your weekly routine by creating your very own dating ideas book. The download includes the front and back covers (the back cover says "Happy Valentine's Day, or you can just use a blank card!), the 40+ date ideas, and a couple of blank cards if you would like to create your own date ideas!

Here are a few more samples of my latest favorite projects:

Mr. Potato Head Quiet Book Page

Sunday ABC Book {printable}

Snickerdoodle Muffins

Crepe Paper Rose Wreath

I hope you enjoyed your own little tour of my crafty corner! Corie and the rest of the Dating Divas, thanks a bunch for letting me take over your blog for a day. I hope you will join me for more Oopsey Daisy fun. Every day is an adventure! Come by and say hello!

Not Just For 'Da Garden...

Psst!  You, yeah, you...there's a secret weapon each diva needs stashed under her bed... No, no, not this weapon (...but it's good too!)... I'm talking about a little box of rose petals that will change an ordinary event into an extraordinary one!

Rose petals aren't just for honeymoon hotel suites (Although, it's exactly that stereotype that gives them that va-va-voom touch!)  Here are a few ideas for you to use tonight with the help of these sweet additions that aren't just for the garden...

Rose petals are lovers' "yellow brick road."  It's a perfect invitation to whatever activity you have planned... everyone knows it's just irresistible to find out where they lead!

If your hubby parks in the garage, I totally suggest starting your beautiful trail of petals there.  He'll smile before he even gets out of the car!  If no garage, start them inside the front entryway...

One obvious "end" is the bedroom... always a winner!

A shower of petals across the bed is totally beautiful.   I love how one little addition changes the whole feeling of the room!

You know that ain't all, girls!  Why not a picnic?  What?  No picnic basket?  No problem!   Use a tray from the house or a stylin' shoulder bag filled with your goodies.  You just love those his/her glasses, don'tcha!  That tutorial is here.

Too hot outside?  Wanna move this par-tay indoors?  Spread your date on the floor amongst the petals... The pillows also lend a soft, romantic feel.

Then, of course, there's the petal lined bubble bath!  Ohmyheck, I love this one!   The combination of the scent of the bubbles, the glow of candles, and the petals to top it off is soooo romantic.

You're totally covered if you wanna make a little spa package too!  Cha-ching!  Check it out here.

Besides these fun options, don't underestimate the "unobvious" places such as petals on a piano as you play your honey a love song or petals scattered in front of a fireplace.   The possibilities are endless... Enjoy!