Date Night
Blockbuster Express: Coupon Codes for FREE DVD Rentals
Are you looking for a fun way to relax with your family over the weekend? Blockbuster Express has three free rental codes available right now:
- 29BRAB6
- 22JEAH4
- 58PPLA7
Coupon Codes are good through midnight Monday, August 22, 2011.
More coupon codes:
- 27TGAF6 – Expires August 19
- 34BCRD4 – Expires August 19
- 62BRAB4 – Expires August 19
- 98ARDQ2 – Expires August 19
- 92JEAH8 – Expires August 19
- 29SGJC3 – Expires August 19
- 65PPLA8 – Expires August 19
- 68HLG3W – Expires August 20
The coupon codes can be used to get DVDs from your nearest Blockbuster Express kiosk. Some codes may only work online so make sure to reserve your rental before picking it up. A credit card required to rent. The codes are not valid on Blu-rays or new releases.
Family Celebrations: Our Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to my Handsome Man!
It is amazing to think we are celebrating 11 years of marriage today. I am thankful for the many wonderful memories we have shared. God has blessed our marriage and family. I am grateful for an awesome husband who loves me and takes care of me. He is my best friend and such a blessing in my life!
Thank You Jake for everything!!!
I look forward to spending many many more years with you!
I LOVE YOU so very much!
Happy Anniversary Handsome!!!!
Photo by Sarah Ackerman
Family Outings: FREE Downtown Greenville Activities (Weekly)
We live in an area with a beautiful downtown and plenty of fun free family activities. Below are some weekly free family activities you can enjoy.
Free Wednesday Night Activity
Last week I introduced the Moonlight Movie series they are doing downtown Greenville throughout the month of May. If you are looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC? The “Moonlight Movies” Series is at The Peace Center Amphitheater on Wednesday nights sponsored by Fidelity Investments!
Event Details:- When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
- Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
- What’s Showing – “Batman”
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone: 864-467-5741
If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!
Future “Moonlight Movies”:
- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
- Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice
Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city. Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.
Free Wednesday Night Activity
Bring your family and a picnic while listening to music on the Reedy River on Wednesday nights starting June 1st through August 31, 2011.
Event Details:- When – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting Wednesday, June 1st to August 31st
- Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
- What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Country, Patriotic, Rock & Roll, Blues, Reggae)
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Reedy River Concerts / Phone: 864-467-5741
Free Thursday Night Activity
On Thursday nights starting in March through August Greenville has Downtown Alive featuring live music.Event Details:- When – starting Thursday, March 17 to August 25
- Where – Downtown Main Street
- What Type of Music – A Variety (Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk and Cover Bands) Local, Regional and National Bands
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Downtown Alive / Phone: 864-467-5741
Free Friday Night Activity
Bring your family to Downtown Greenville for Main Street Fridays featuring music, children’s activities and other special activities throughout the season. Main Street Fridays start in March and goes through September. Enjoy a meal at one of Greenville’s downtown restaurants, take a walk and enjoy the entertainment.
Event Details:- When – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM starting Friday, March 18 to September 30, 2011
- Where – Downtown Main Street
- What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Blues, Oldies, and Soul)
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
- What to Bring – Your Family
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Main Street Fridays / Phone: 864-467-5741
Free Week Day & Weekend Activity
Shakespeare in the Park
Upstate Shakespeare Festival Events
Bring your family and a picnic to Shakespeare in the Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater starting in May. The plays are presented by Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks & Recreation.
May through August
The Carolina First Amphitheater in Falls Park
The Upstate Shakespeare Festival (USF) celebrates its eleventh summer of presenting free productions of Shakespeare’s classic plays in beautiful Falls Park. These imaginative stagings exhibit the best of regional talent in productions that entertain the entire family. Bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy exciting theater under the stars. USF is presented by the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks and RecreationEvent Details:- When – 7:00 PM Thursday – Sunday
- Where – Falls Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater
- What Type Plays – Shakespeare Plays
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
- What to Bring – Your Family, a Picnic, Lawn Chair, Food, Drinks & Snacks
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Upstate Shakespeare Festivals / Phone: 864-467-5741
Upcoming Events:
- May 26 – 29: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- June 2 – 5: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- June 9 – 12: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- June 16, 18, 19: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan (NOTE: no performance on June 17th)
- July 14 – 17: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- July 21 – 24: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- July 28 – 31: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- August 4 – 7: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
Downtown Greenville has a lot of other great activities going on throughout the week and weekend. If you are looking for a fresh produce and homemade goods you should check out their Saturday Farmers Market.
Baskin Robbins: $0.31 Scoop Night (Wednesday, 4/27)
Baskin Robbins has their $0.31 Scoop Night on Wednesday night, 4/27/11, from 5 PM to 10 PM.
The 31 Cent scoop night is in honor America’s firefighters and you help by participating and/or donating during the event.
Baskin-Robbins is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation™ (NFFF).
Check you local store to make sure they are participating in the event. In the past the stores are pretty full during this event so you may want to go early or make sure you go when you have enough time. Also, to keep the line moving they typically take cash only during this special event. Enjoy treating your family to a good treat while helping a great cause!
Love It – Purple Heart Necklace
My Purple Heart Necklace, beautiful reminder of the blessings in my life! Thanks Handsome! My husband has known for years the impact the Little Purple Flower had on my life. We were dating at the time the incident occurred and he was delighted to see God use such a beautiful reminder to encourage me. Since that time Jake has on numerous occasions surprised me with a gift that had a purple flower or something similar on it as a reminder of how much He loves me. The gift is also a visual reminder that God daily gives me the many blessings I have in my life.
On Valentine’s Day my husband and I celebrated together at Winter Jam 2011. When I got up to go to the restroom before the concert started I came back to a small package on my chair. He gave me a beautiful purple heart necklace (totally surprised me) as a way to remind me of His love and the many blessings in our lives as a couple. I had no idea that he was even saving his money to get me such a sweet surprise.
He had been looking for the perfect necklace for awhile until he found the purple heart which he thought it would be a perfect fit for me. For those of you who know me personally I am not a glamour and glittery type of person. I grew up with three brothers on a farm and was more of a tomboy than a princess. I can count on one hand the pieces of jewelry I wear regularly. Every single piece I wear daily Jake picked out on his own for me (most of them were surprises too). I wear my watch, engagement & wedding rings, and my heart necklace he gave me for our 7th anniversary every day. The only other time I wear different or more jewelry is for a special event or Date Night when I an extra necklace, ring, or bracelet. So needless to say I was shocked to receive a necklace on Valentine’s Day and my heart about burst with love for him when I realized it was a purple heart meant to remind me of the little purple flowers in my life.
I am surrounded by many blessings in my life. Some days I have to look harder to find those blessings but they exist no matter how big or small. I am thankful for a God who extends love and grace to me every day. A husband whom I adore and kids that bring so much joy and laughter into my life. The best part is they all love me despite my imperfections and crazy days. Thank you babe for reminding me of the MANY blessing in my life. I am thankful for the amazing gifts God has given me!
“Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly in my household that I love! There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun. I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list. It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!
Family Celebrations: Valentine’s Date with My Man!
Winter Jam 2011 at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC! Jake and I had the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 11, 2011. We had friends swap babysitting duties with us so we knew the girls would be in good hands while we were out for the evening. While we were brainstorming fun and unique ways we could spend our Valentine’s Date we realized that it was the same night that Winter Jam 2011 was coming to Greenville. Since neither of us had ever been to any concerts before we decided to give it a try since it only cost $10 per person to get in.
After deciding what to do we talked with a couple friends and realized that the concert usually sells out so we had backup plans just in case. That night Jake picked up Subway sandwiches and we ate while standing in line to get into the Bi-Lo Center. When we arrived the lines were pretty defined but after only a few minutes it soon became a crowd with standing room only. I am not a tall person and thankful that I don’t get claustrophobic in large crowds standing because every one was standing close together.
We made it into the Bi-Lo Center and managed to get front row balcony seats! When I went to the restroom Jake left a small pretty gold package on my chair…… I hadn’t realized it but he had saved up his money to buy me a necklace that I could wear with the other one he gave me for our 7th Anniversary for dressier events! He is so sweet and thoughtful! I share will with you in a later post a little more about the necklace!
We have never been to a concert much less a Christian Concert with so many people and artists! It was neat hearing their songs and testimonies throughout the night. The night starting off with Chris Sligh who is from Greenville, South Carolina. We also heard songs from Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets, NewSong, Red, Francesca Battistelli, Kutless, David Crowder Band and the NewsBoys. Tony Nolan gave an encouraging and challenging message and KJ-52 was an entertaining MC. Here are some pictures from our Date Night. It was a neat experience and moving to see so many people in attendance worshiping together.
Chris Sligh from Greenville, SC started the Winter Jam 2011 evening. 
Chris August at Winter Jam 2011 
"Sidewalk Prophets" started with their backs to us! 
"Red" had neat fire and smoke shooting through the air at various times. The speakers were blown on our side after their performance, it was pretty loud! 
KJ-52 was a great MC at Winter Jam 2011! 
"Newsong" at Winter Jam 2011! 
Francesca Battistelli at Winter Jam, neat songs and her husband plays the drums in her band! 
Tony Nolan sharing scripture & his testimony with everyone at Winter Jam 2011 
David Crowder Band at Winter Jam 2011 
Winter Jam 2011 - "Kutless" performing! 
"Newsboys" drummer at Winter Jam 2011! 
Newsboys singing at Winter Jam 2011 
Newsboys on risers at Winter Jam! 
Winter Jam 2011 was a sold out crowd at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC! Be My Valentine: Romantic Dinner for Two!
You have the babysitter lined up for the kids now it is time to figure out what fun excursion to do with your spouse. Going out to eat at a restaurant is a great option, however, going on Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of waiting in lines. If you have your heart set on going to a restaurant go to a place where you can make a reservation in advanced or pick a different evening near Valentine’s Day. As a side note, the point of Valentine’s Day is to spend time together and celebrate with your love ones. If you do it a day earlier or later it can be an even more relaxing and romantic date to remember. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, try going on Friday or Saturday before Valentine’s Day. Going near the Holiday but not on the Holiday allows you to get into the restaurant easier and dinner will be more relaxing with better service because you’re not rushed. It will be less expensive for the babysitter that night since you don’t have to be out as long waiting for a table.My recommendation if you want to go out on Valentine’s Days (or any other Date Night) for less go on a picnic with your spouse. Why is going a picnic a better option:
- It’s Less Expensive – you can pick up food on sale at the grocery store and make it at home.
- No Waiting in Line
- Relaxing Meal Together
- One-on-One Conversation without interruptions
Since it is winter time you may ask, how do we do a picnic in the snow? The last cold picnic we went on together Jake and I found a great spot to park. We took all the seats out of the van except the front two then put a air mattress in the back part of the van. We brought a picnic basket full of goodies and a movie. We had a quiet relaxing meal together, talked, and enjoyed a movie. It was a great evening full of fun and relaxation.
“Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love. You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot. Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day! Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart. It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family. May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!
Be My Valentine: “I Love You” Memory Jar
A gift I made for Jake many years ago! The rose is from one of our college dates! Are you looking for a unique Valentine’s gift this year packed full of love and memories? I have created jars (or containers) full of memories for various occasions in the past and they have always been a huge hit with both kids and adults. These little containers are easy to make and will be treasured by those who are on the receiving end. It gives your family something to remind them your love and appreciation for them. There are 5 super easy steps on how to make your own Jar of Memories:
- Step 1 – Find 1 jar or container with a lid per person you want to create this gift for. We have used anything from a cleaned out peanut butter jar to cute boxes on clearance from the Dollar Store. Make sure it is a reasonable size so you can easily fill it up.
Karlie's decorated "Memory Jar"! (Made out of a peanut butter container). - Step 2 – Decorate your container. You can decorate with about anything paint, stickers, markers, ribbons, a simple written message on the outside or any other creative decorations.
Papers for the girls "Memory Jars"! - Step 3 – Once you know the size of the container sit down for a few minutes and start writing a list (on paper or the computer) of positive attributes you appreciate in your spouse or child, great memories you’ve shared, phrases of love, and special times with the person your giving the jar to. Put each one on a separate line. I usually keep my list on the computer or with me so I can fill it out over several days as I think of new things to add to it. It is fun to have a good mix of attributes, memories, nicknames, events, etc…. be creative!
Filling up Brina's "Memory Jar"! - Step 4 – After creating a list that is long enough to fill the container you have chosen print the phrases on colorful paper. Cut out the phrases and fold them at least once then stick them into the container. It is a good idea to do this a couple days before in case you need to add more to fill the container. Fill up the container to the top. I like to have it so full it is almost spilling out because when they open the gift it gives them a small visual picture of my overflowing love for them.
Wrap your Memory Jar! - Step 5 – Wrap the container in tissue paper and tie it with a bow or give it to them as is. Take time when they open it to have them to pull out and read some of the great things you have written about them. It is fun to hear them read out loud some of the memories, laughs, and phrases you have included in their jar packed full of memories. Write a special note or favorite saying on the inside. It is sure to bring a smile!
It is important to reflect on the positive traits and memories you have with those you love. I have done this for Valentine’s Day in the past as well as for other special events in our lives. It is a great treasure chest full of positive memories for everyone to enjoy. My husband still has the one I gave him years ago and the girls have theirs on the dresser. Occasionally we will sit together and read through some of their memory notes. When a person knows that they are loved and treasured it allows them the freedom to share the joy with others.
“Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love. You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot. Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day! Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart. It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family. May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!
T.G.I. Friday’s Coupon: $5 off $15 or More
T.G.I. Friday’s Coupon – $5 off your Purchase of $15 or More
Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or specials, including 3 Course $12.99/$16.99 menu offer, $7.99/$8.99 Petite Sirloin or Half Rack Ribs offer and any other discounted or reduced price special in participating T.G.I. Friday’s. For dine-in only. Not valid with use of Promotional Gift Card. See site for full details. G
Good through February 21, 2011! You can take your spouse out to dinner for Valentine’s Day and save a little at the same time!!!
Movie – “Secretariat”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4wvRAjTbm0
My husband and I had a relaxing evening together last night after a busy week of family visiting. Having some quiet time snuggling with my man and watching a wonderful movie together was a perfect way to unwind. If you enjoy animals, horses in particular, this is a great movie for you. The neat part is that it is based on a true story of a family and an amazing horse. The main character is a Housewife and Mom, Penny Chenery Tweedy, who after her mothers death takes over her parents Virginia-based Meadow Stables. She goes against all odds with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin, a loyal secretary, a gutsy rider, and a talented horse “Red” who has a personality of his own. Together they manage to navigate the male-dominated business and ultimately the first Triple Crown winner in twenty-five years. The triple crown hasn’t been won since “Red”. The only thing that made me twinge a couple times is her married name is “Tweedy” and when they said her name it sounded like “Mrs. Tweety” from “Chicken Run”! Really enjoy sharing this movie with my man and recommend that you check it out if you are looking for a great movie to see in the near future. Go here for more information about “Secretariat” .
