Pennsylvania Dutch Folklife & Fun

The 60th Annual Kutztown Festival

June 27 - July 5, 2009

9am - 6pm

Kutztown Fairgrounds, Kutztown, PA
Route 222 between Allentown and Reading, PA

Win A Free Overnight Trip For Your Family To The Kutztown Folk Festival!

Check out the Entertainment Schedule!

Click here for a $2 off admission coupon

Bring your family to enjoy the finest in traditional crafts, food, music and folklife. Fun for all ages! 200 of Americas finest traditional craftsmen. Fascinating demonstrations and treasures you can take home ....

Visit America's largest Quilt Sale. Over 2,500 traditional quilts, handmade by local quilters. Experience the exciting quilt auction of the top 24 prize winners on the second Saturday.

A wonderful experience for children! Delightful baby farm animals, puppets, make-and- take crafts, hay stacks and mazes, story time, singalongs, and hands on fun.

History unfolds before your eyes. Folklife, farming and gardening, churches and weddings, PA-Dutch dialect and folklore, spinning and weaving, country cooks, blacksmiths, furniture, candles, and more...

Mouthwatering PA-Dutch Food! Tantalizing family style feasts, ox roasts, sausage sandwiches, pies, pastries and lots more! Non-stop entertainment. Live music and dancing, comedy, country auctions, parades and bands. Fiddling, storytelling and historical seminars and traditions.Witness a 19th century hanging or take part in an old-fashioned cake walk.

The best examples of Pennsylvania Dutch and early American folk art and crafts are found in the outstanding works of 200 of the nation’s most skilled artisans.

Included in this year's festival will be fine furniture, miniatures, pottery,clothing, musical instruments, hand-painted art, iron ornaments, weavings, brooms, baskets, florals, hex painting, jewelry, leather, cut paper art known as “scherenschnitte,” Pennsylvania German calligraphic writing called "fraktur", beeswax candles and more.


Click here to visit the festival blog.

Frugal Finds Friday: Getting Control is Key

The other day I pulled out my favorite pair of jean shorts. I was shocked at the condition they were in. Paint splattered down the front. Errant strings hung down like a warped version of Daisy Duke's country attire. I wondered when they had gotten so bad?

I thought of a bazillion parallels to life. We get so busy. One day, we open our eyes and it may be paper piles, cleaning, weight, or finances that have gotten out of control. Or maybe all of the above. Remnants of past good intentions are hidden in a messy drawer or a box in the basement. Systems that once controlled your life are now in shambles. What's a person to do?

First, take stock of the situation. Just how bad is it? How far are you from your goal weight? How far are you from your desire to be out of debt? How quickly can you get your house clean? How big is that mountain? If you don't know, then how are you going to do anything about it?

Click HERE to read more!

Sarah Peppel is a Frugal Living columnist at the Phoenix and runs the following blogs: DIY Frugal and Genesis Moments.

Surf Sweets Review & Giveaway

As moms, we know that filling our kids up on unhealthy treats and sweets isn't the best thing in the world! But every now and then our little ones want a sweet treat...or better yet...they deserve one! But in a market full of treats made primarily with high fructose corn syrup and truck loads of sugar...what's a mom to do? Is it possible to reward our little sweeties with sweets of their own and not feel guilty about it?

You bet!

There's an incredible organic candy & natural company called Surf Sweets...they are making some of the yummiest gummy candy around! We were able to try out some of Surf Sweet's most delectable treats...and let me tell you...they are incredible! Don't think for even one minute that you have to sacrifice on flavor or taste just because they're organic and all natural! Surf Sweets has hit the jackpot! Some of our favorite Surf Sweets products are the Gummy Swirls (SO scrumptious) and the Sour Berry Bears (Mmmmm)!

You've gotta try them!

All of their treats are made with natural sweeteners and organic ingredients such as Organic Fruit Juice and Organic Cane juice...they are Vegan, Gluten Free, contain Vitamin C and are made in a Nut-Free facility (yay)! And last but not least...they do not contain GMO's or corn syrup!

So...our little ones can snack on yummy treats and all of us mamas can sit back and relax knowing that they are eating natural, organic & quality treats!

Surf Sweets even has little 9 oz. packets of Gummy Bears - perfect for tossing in the lunch boxes, packing for a picnic or even giving them to all the local neighborhood kiddies who will be over all summer long!

Surf Sweets products can be found at local retailers and organic markets. Click HERE to see if you have a retailer carrying Surf Sweets near you! You can order them online as well.

Want to Win a Prize Package full of Surf Sweets treats and a free Surf Sweet t-shirt?!

All you have to do is email us at contests@chestercountymoms.com (Subject Line: Surf Sweets) or leave us a comment below with your email address so we can contact you if you win!

Want extra entries?

Follow us on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway! Leave us a comment below or an email letting us know you tweeted!
Follow Surf Sweets on Twitter too! Let us know you are following their tweets in a comment below or send us another email!
Become a Fan of Surf Sweets on Facebook! Tell us that you are!
Become a Fan of Chester County Moms on Facebook too! Remember to tell us for your extra entry!


This contest is open to US citizens only. Contest ends at midnight (EST) on June 30, 2009. The winner will be chosen randomly...so make sure you give us your contact info so we can let you know if you won!

Photography 101 with Caitlin Domanico

"OMG I love your pictures, what kind of camera do you use?"
Part Three
Are you ready for the latest installment of "OMG I LOVE YOUR PICTURES"?

I really feel that this is one of the most important tips, but it is very intimidating for people to begin to use. Would I make you do anything TOO hard? No! Just relax and read on.

Soak up natural light when it's available.

Turn off your flash.

I know, it's hard to do, but do it. If lighting is low, then use your arms as a tripod and prop your camera on a steady
surface. No surface available? Draw your arms in tightly, hold your breath, and take the photo. If you are using an SLR and know a bit more about the technical
end, boost your ISO, widen your aperature and/or adjust your shutter speed. There is nothing like a beautiful portrait lit by a window. Skin tones are more natural,
colors are more true, and there are no harsh shadows and flash spots.

Check out these examples:

Flash~ could have been so much better! (or will require much more editing)





No Flash~ sigh...so pretty!





Have you mastered all of these techniques and still want more from your photography? Stay tuned for next Thursday's topic- editing software for all budgets.

Until then, happy shooting!






Have questions, or want to book a session? Head over to www.caitlindomanico.com!

Time for a facelift!

With our 1 year anniversary approaching, we thought it was time for a little nip tuck. We appreciate your patience as www.chestercountymoms.com will be offline until noon on June 25th so we can work on the finishing touches.

We are really excited about our new look.. Stay tuned!

Real Estate 101 with Craig and Gina Wiley

Staging Tips

Having curb appeal and preparing your home for buyers is one of the most important steps in the selling process. Below are some staging tips that won't break your bank!

• First impressions are EVERYTHING! Keeping your lawn watered in warmer months to maintain a healthy green color, planting flowers along a walkway or around a lamp or sign post, and/or placing attractive flowerpots on the porch are all good ideas. Make sure your trash cans are out of sight and there are no toys left outside.


• The front door is the place that could be examined the longest, here's why.... the buyer is usually standing with the REALTOR as he / she is unlocking front door. In reality this takes only a minute or two...but while the agent is fumbling around with the lock box and key, the buyer has nothing better to do than to look around. Make sure your doorway is clean, fresh and inviting. Look in the corners of your doorway for unexpected cob-webs or dirt and clean it! Shine your door-nob, door-knocker, and door-bell if applicable. Hang a seasonal wreath to brighten up the entrance way. These may seem like insignificant things...but they do catch the eye of the buyer waiting to get inside your home.

Ok..so they made it past your beautiful entrance and what do they see? Here are some things to think about as you prepare your home to sell.

1. De-personalize. We've all heard this term, but what does it mean. It means, pack up all your family pictures and put away your heritage artifacts. You don't want buyers to ask themselves what kind of family lives in this house....you want them to imagine themselves in your house.


2. Satisfy their sense of smell! There is nothing that is going to turn potential buyers off more than a "smelly" house! Get rid of any odors. Use air fresheners, candles, bake cookies before showings. Do whatever it takes to make your home smell nice and don't forget closets, bathrooms and the basement. If you have a pet it would be wise to remove it and things like cat litter, dog crates ...etc during showings.


3. De-clutter. When selling your home, less is more! Pack away all of the things that you don't need. Clean off the kitchen counter-top, put away all the appliances. Show off the counter-space and closet space. If you think you have too much furniture in a room...you probably do. Put some in storage. Remember the way you live in a house may be very different from the way you showcase your house to sell.


4. Make minor updates. Replacing light fixtures, switch plates and outlet covers is an inexpensive way to freshen up your home. Also minor things like new hand towels in the bathrooms and fresh flowers throughout your home sets a pleasant environment. If you you recently bought new carpets of if your normal practice is taking off your shoes before coming inside...by all means leave a note asking the buyers to do the same. Believe it or not...it has been our experience that buyers respect the owners wishes and are very impressed that the owners care enough to leave a note with this request. It shows that the property was well taken care of.


5. Things you may forget but are important. Make sure that your front door key works easily. There is nothing more frustrating to a showing agent and their clients than not being able to open the door. This is particularly important because most times sellers will get a key made to put into the lock box. If the key is not cut perfectly it will cause trouble when trying to open the door. Perhaps you will want to hold onto the new key and put the original key into the lock box assuring a smooth entry into your home. Another thing that is important is to create a clear path to your electrical box, heater and air conditioning units. Make sure they are wiped clean and cob-web free. Red flags will go up to potential buyers if the systems in your home look as though they haven't been serviced or cleaned in a long time.


6. Get feedback from someone that will tell you the truth! Find a friend or relative to walk through your home and give you honest feedback. Then make changes that are necessary. Remember that living in a home is a lot different than showcasing your home to sell.

With all of our listing agreements we offer a free home staging consultation that will provide you will great tips and ideas on staging your home to sell fast. Staging a home doesn't have to break your bank account. You can stage a home on any budget and in some cases you can pay the costs of staging at settlement!

Contact us directly to learn more about this.

Coldwell Banker Preferred
390 Waterloo Blvd., suite 101
Exton, PA 19341
Office 610-363-606
Direct 484-881-6066

craig_wiley@comcast.net
gina.wiley@comcast.net

"Teamwork makes the dream work!"

2009 DARC Discount Ticket Prices

Purchase discount tickets at Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium
114 Bell Tavern Rd. Downingtown, PA 19335
Hours of operation are: M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM

CASH ONLY!
For more information call (610) 269-9260 or visit www.darcinfo.com

Adventure Aquarium
Adult (13 and over) - $15.00 - DARC Savings $ 6.35
Child (2-12) -$11.00 -DARC Savings $ 6.07

Baltimore Aquarium
Adult (12 – 59) -$20.00 DARC Savings $ 4.95
Senior (60 & over) -$19.00 - DARC Savings $ 4.95
Child (3 – 11) -$12.50 -DARC Savings $ 2.45

Dorney Park
Adult (48” or taller) (valid 5/23-9/7) -$31.00 - DARC Savings-$ 8.99
Child (under 48” age 3+), Senior (62+) -$19.00 -DARC Savings -$ .99

Dutch Wonderland
General (3-59) Sr. ticket available at park -$27.00 DARC Savings -$ 3.95

Hershey Park
Adult (9-54) -$41.00 - DARC Savings-$ 10.95
2 & under free
Child (3-8) Senior (55-69) -$29.00 - DARC Savings -$ 1 .95
Early Season: (5/3- 6/30; Sun-Fri) -$31.00 - DARC Savings -$20.95
Groups of 20 or more only (6/30-8/20):$31.00 DARC Savings-$20.95

Knoebels
Weekday, Regular (48” or taller) -$26.00 DARC Savings -$ 3.50
Weekday, Child (under 48”) -$16.00 -DARC Savings -$ 3.50

Philadelphia Zoo
General Admission (2 and over) -$14.00 -DARC Savings $ 4.00

Sesame Place
24 months & over Free upgrade for 2nd day during season -$43.00- DARC Savings $11.72

Six Flags Great Adventure
Regular (3+) (Theme Park and Safari) -$29.00 -DARC Savings $35.19
Hurricane Harbor Water Park -$18.00 - DARC Savings $16.99

Click here to visit the DARC website for additional savings and community day trips.

Day of Fun at Dutch Wonderland

DUKE's (surprise) Birthday Party

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park
June 24th
1:30pm at Duke's Lagoon

SHHHH! It's a surprise! Everyone's favorite dragon is having a birthday party at Dutch Wonderland, but he doesn't know it! Join the Princess and Knight of Dutch Wonderland and all their friends as they give DUKE a party to remember. Expect treats, games, music and lots of fun, but don't let the secret slip! DUKE will be so surprised to see you!

Click here for more information or call 1-866-FUNatDW for more details.

Tasty Tuesdays - Kids in the Kitchen

Since we've all been glued to the Food Network channel each Sunday night rooting of our own local Katie Cavuto on The Next Food Network Star, I thought it would be fun to round out June's BBQ themed Tasty Tuesdays post with a delicious recipe from their website! And get this...round up the little kiddies, because this recipe is a fun one for them to help out with too!

Kids will love to help assemble these delicious kabobs! These can be broiled or cooked on the grill for a delicious meal!

Hoisin BBQ Steak-on-a-Stick

Ingredients:

Pineapple Salsa:

1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced cucumber
2 teaspoons rice vinegar, optional
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 1/4 pounds boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Salt, optional

Directions:

Special equipment: 4 (10 to 12-inch) metal skewers*

Combine Pineapple Salsa ingredients in small bowl. Set aside. Preheat broiler....or get the grill started! Combine ketchup and hoisin sauce in a bowl. Reserve some of the sauce in a small bowl and set aside. Cut beef steak into 1-inch pieces. Thread beef pieces evenly onto 4 (10 to 12-inch) metal skewers. Season kabobs evenly with pepper. Place kabobs on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4-inches from heat (you may also cook these on the grill). Brush beef generously with some of reserved sauce mixture. Broil 7 to 9 minutes for medium-rare to medium "doneness," turning once and brushing with remaining sauce mixture. Season beef with salt, if desired. Serve kabobs topped with Pineapple Salsa.

You can also add pieces of veggies or fruit in the kabob too...chunks of red onion, peppers, tomatoes and pineapple can be skewered in between the meat cubes which might add some gorgeous color and lots of yummy flavor!

Cook's Tip: 2 beef shoulder top blade (flat iron) steaks (8-ounces each) may be substituted for top sirloin steak. Broiling time remains the same.

Cook's Tip: For easier preparation, use peeled, cored and sliced fresh pineapple available in the supermarket produce section.

*Note: This recipe calls for the use of metal kabob skewers...but if you don't have them, you can substitute them with simple wooden kabob skewers that you find at any local grocery store. Just remember to soak the wooden skewers in water prior to using them...this is to prevent burning them on the grill or in the stove.

And...if all else fails...what kid wouldn't LOVE these kabobs?

That's right...donut hole kabobs!

All you need to do is get a variety of donut holes from you favorite donut shop...then let your kids skewer them onto a kabob skewer! Ta da! Yum!!!

Coupons, Coupons, Everywhere!

Okay, so you want to use coupons to save money. You know the lingo, you know to wait for a sale, but where can you find good coupons?!

Good coupons are EVERYWHERE!

Types of Coupons
Some of the different kinds of coupons out there include:
- Inserts: Manufacturer coupons found in the newspaper inserts in the Sunday paper
- Printables: Just as the name suggests, these are coupons that can be printed off of the internet. Many stores are leery of accepting these (some actually have written policies rejecting them). That is because they are frequently targets of fraud, through reproductions, barcode altering, etc. Make sure you know your store's policy before trying to use them.
- Tear Pad: Coupons found in the store on a tear pad usually located right near the product they are advertising
- Catalinas: Coupons that print out of the little machines next to the register at grocery stores, drug stores, etc.
- Peelies: Coupons found on the actual product that you peel off to use
- Hang Tags: Coupons that hang from the actual product (most common on bottles, such as wine)

Next week's topic: Coupon Stockpiling


Devon posts regularly on her blog, www.mamacheaps.com. When she is not blogging or designing personalized candy wrappers for her store, Winterwood Press, she is spending time with her husband and her 9 month old daughter.

Real Estate 101 with Craig & Gina Wiley

Home Warranty & Homeowners Insurance .....

What is the difference?

Homeowners Insurance covers...

• Personal property, furniture, clothing, jewelry, etc up to some value.Structure and contents of the home.


• Your living expenses if the home is not in living condition due to natural disaster.


• If someone gets injured on your property (slipping on the icy driveway) and if you are sued, you are covered by homeowners insurance.


• It protects you from a variety of event, including fire, lighting, tree-falling, burglary and storms.

Home Warranty covers...

• Repair and replacement of major appliances such as heater / cooling system, water heater, refrigerator, dishwasher, range, oven etc. Plumbing and electrical systems are also covered.


• Coverage is generally effective 30 days from the date of buying the policy. Be aware that claims can be denied for various reasons, such as maintenance negligence. A claim that is covered could mean the difference in paying thousands of dollars for repair or a deductible of less than $75.00!

A Home Warranty is an incentive for buyers!

• If your home is on the market, you may want to consider purchasing home warranty for the lucky buyer. Talk to your REALTOR about your options. This can be a very nice incentive for potential buyers and will give them peace of mind in buying your property.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home and you are not already working with a real estate agent....allow us to protect you!

We are offering a FREE ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY (valued at $435.00) to anyone that buys or sells a property and is represented by Craig & Gina Wiley of Coldwell Banker Preferred. Keep the warranty for yourself, or use it as an incentive while selling your home....the choice is yours.

Contact us directly for more information.
Craig & Gina Wiley
Coldwell Banker Preferred
390 Waterloo Blvd, Suite 101
Exton, PA 19341
Office 610-363-6006
Direct 484-881-6066
Craig_Wiley@comcast.net
Gina.Wiley@comcast.net

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Next Food Network Star - Tonight at 9PM

Don't forget to watch West Chester's own, Katie Cavuto on The Next Food Network Star on Food Network tonight at 9PM.

Click here if you want daily nutrition tips and recipes. Katie is a contributor for the blog and it is a great resource for everything healthy!

Click here and get to know Katie and Healthy Bites…

Family Fun at The Delaware Beaches

Headed to the Delaware Beaches this summer? Check out our complete guide to fun, family events at the Delaware Beaches.


Rehoboth
Click here for a complete guide to events in Rehoboth.

Click here for info on Downtown Rehoboth

Tanger Outlets Complete Store Guide - click here for info on AAA discounts, store promotions & coupons.

FYI- the parking meters have increased to $1.25/hour.

Dewey Beach

Click here for a complete guide to Dewey Beach events

Historic Lewes

Click here for a complete guide to Historic Lewes

Bethany Beach

Click here for a complete guide to Bethany Beach.

Fenwick Island

Click here for a complete guide to Fenwick Island

Slaughter Beach

Click here for a complete guide to Slaughter Beach.

Ocean City, Maryland

Click here for a complete guide to events in OCMD.

June 21 - August 23 Ice Skating ShowsCarousel Resort Hotel, 118th St. Exciting ice skating shows nightly by professional group, Next Ice Age. Free & open to the public. 6:30 p.m. Anna Wagner, 800-641-0011. www.carouselhotel.com.

June 29-Movies on the Beach & More-27th St. Beach Every Monday and Friday evening enjoy games and movie on the beach with our new 16-foot projector. Each week a general audience movie is presented free of charge. Bring a blanket and enjoy the night beside the ocean. Games and activities begin at 7:30 p.m. Movie starts around 8:30 p.m. www.ococean.com.

June 30th -Family Beach Olympics-27th St. Beach Each Tuesday evening features a variety of contests for all ages. Events may include sand castle contests, tug-of-war, relays and more. All activities are free and are offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.ococean.com.

Assateague Island - Visit the Wild Horses, Camp, Hike, Bike...just wear bug spray!

“Fee Free” Weekends this Summer at Assateague Island

For the following weekends, entrance fees will be waived:

June 20-21 (Father’s Day weekend)

July 18-19

August 15-16

Junior Ranger Program for kids over age 6

Family Activities at the Jersey Shore

Headed "down the shore" this summer? Check out our complete guide to all things Jersey Shore.


Avalon
Click here for a complete list of events in Avalon



Stone Harbor
Click here for a complete list of events in Stone Harbor.
6/28/09 - Sunday's at The Stone Harbor Farmer's Market -95th Street - Water Tower Parking Lot
6/28/09 - Ron Jaworski Fit Festival
6/29/2009 – Eric Dasher Magic Show Stone Harbor Firehouse Parking Lot- bring a beach chair or blanket. Begins at 7pm. For more information – 609-368-6101


Sea Isle City
Monday & Wednesday Nights-Free Summer Concerts Under the Stars, sponsored by Sea Isle City and the Tourism Commission, 7:30-9:00PM, 609-263-TOUR
Click here for a complete list of Sea Isle City events

Wildwood
Click here for a complete list of Wildwood Events.
Thursday Nights- Boardwalk Family Fun Nights Parades, clowns and music on the Wildwood Boardwalk. 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.609.523.1602 or http://www.dowildwood.com/


Ocean City, NJ
Click here for a complete list of events in OCNJ
Family Nights 7:30pm to 9:30pm on the Boardwalk .
Ocean City, NJ Ocean City Chamber


NJ Links:
NJ Division of Travel & Tourism
New Jersey Shore
Official Website for State of NJ (check traffic conditions & weather)


While visiting Cape May County, check out a blog written by our friend Elizabeth Norton, AKA.. The Party Planning Professor. Elizabeth is a contributor to the New Jersey Moms Blog, NJ.com and is our favorite NJ shore " Mom in the Know". She is very excited to share her insider tips on all things Jersey shore.

We want to see your best NJ Shore pictures. Email them to us at sarah@chestercountymoms.com July 1- August 31st. We will post the photos to Chester County Moms and ask our readers to vote on the best photo. One submission per family. Stay tuned for details.

Regal Cinema Free Summer Movies

Free Family Film Festival Starts June 23rd CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REGAL WEBSITE FOR ALL THE INFO Downingtown Stadium 16 100 Quarry Road Downingtown ,PA 19335-3062 610-518-3404

When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.


Save some money and buy your tickets at the DARC office on Bell Tavern Road. New Price- $7.50 per ticket with no expiration! ($1.50 surcharge for first 10 days of select films). CASH ONLY!
Click here for more info on purchasing discount tickets.

Chester County Balloon Festival

If floating above the rolling hills of Chester County sounds like your idea of heaven, head to the Embreeville Athletic Complex west of West Chester on Rt 162 to board a hot air balloon---or just to admire the sight of them. On Saturday, June 20th, starting at 3:00pm, there will be craft vendors, food vendors, a Kids Fun Zone and live music from Main Stage. And, of course, Hot Air Balloons of all shapes and sizes arriving and preparing for the 6:15pm ascension. Be sure to hang around for the fireworks at dusk.Come for the weekend and explore Chester County's many attractions. Balloon Festival Admission is Free! Parking Donation $5.00 per car .

Chester County's Classy Mommy's Fave Five?

Still searching for a gift for your Husband or Dad for Father's Day? Well search no further. Our friend Classy Mommy, has compiled a list of sure to please gifts. Click on the links below for information on the goods and special discount offers. There are lots more awesome Father's Day gift ideas listed at Classy Mommy. Click here to visit the webste.

Digital Brag Book

Acer Mini Computer

Charging Valet
Handprint Frame

Diaper Dude Diaper Bag

BBQ Tool Set

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) at Calvary Fellowship Church

What is MOPS?

• MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, an international organization that exists to encourage mothers who have children newborn – Kindergarten.
• It’s a place where moms have the opportunity to make new friends, share experiences, laugh together, and learn trusted principles pertaining to womanhood, marriage and parenting. MOPS also provides opportunities for social outings geared specifically for preschool aged children and their mothers.
• MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.
• MOPS groups gather throughout the United States, Canada, and numerous other countries to meet the needs of more than 100,000 women each year! The women you meet at your local MOPS meeting may not all be of the same age, background or lifestyle, but they’re all in the same season of life with a shared desire to be the best mother they can be.

How do I Join?

If you are interested in joining this incredible support network of women, there are a few things to take note of:

• Calvary Fellowship Church MOPS meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, September – May.
• Meetings begin at 9:30am and end at 11:15am. Children can be left in the care of the Wonderworks program at 9:15am.
• An annual fee of $25.00 registration fee is required that goes to MOPS International. This secures your membership and entitles you to a one-year subscription to MOMS SENSE a bi-monthly magazine and the book “ Life on Plant Mom : A down to earth guide to your changing relationships” by Lisa T. Bergren. The Calvary Fellowships Church MOPS group also has a fall & spring semester dues that cover the meeting expenses. The dues are $42.00 for the fall (6 meetings) and $56.00 for the spring ( 8 meetings ).
• Scholarships are available, so don’t let the cost hinder you from participating! We exist for the community of moms around us, and we want to include everyone we can!

To register or learn more about Calvary Fellowship Church (CFC) MOPS contact one of our coordinators, Sharon Fleet or Rachel Fair at CFCMOPS@yahoo.com or visit our church website.

REGISTRATION is now open!

** ChesterCountyMoms.com is not specifically affiliated with any playgroups, Moms groups, or Parenting Organizations. If you are interested in advertising your group on ChesterCountyMoms.com, please feel free to email us at chestercountymoms@gmail.com

Photography 101 with Caitlin Domanico

"OMG I love your pictures, what kind of camera do you use?"
Part Two


No matter if you use film or digital, point and shoot or an SLR, here is another easy tip that will make your photography pop.

Shoot, shoot, shoot, repeat, repeat, repeat. Let your finger "dance" on the shutter release button. Photography should be fun, relaxing and exciting.
Too much thought and too much technicality can put a damper on your hobby if you don't enjoy the ride. In the year 2009 many of us are shooting only in digital
format which allows us to upload the pictures on our computers and delete all the "bad" ones. You don't have to settle for "okay" shots.

To Mike, Lilly, and my defense....this was at the end of a two hour session in the sun! :)














::cue the music and applause::



Yahoo!!


Check in every Thursday for Photography 101 with Caitlin Domanico!

Until then, happy shooting!

GREASE is the word!

Nominated for 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The one that you want is back! GREASE, Time Magazine's 2007 pick for '#1 musical of the year,' is rockin' across the country in this new production direct from Broadway. Take a trip to a simpler time of poodle skirts, drive-ins, and T-birds. 'Bad boy' Danny and 'the girl next door' Sandy fall in love all over again to the tune of your favorite songs: 'Summer Nights,' 'Greased Lightnin'' and 'We Go Together' as well as additional songs from the hit movie: 'Grease,' 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' and 'You're the One That I Want.' So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that'll make you want to stand up and shout, 'A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wopbam- boom!' GREASE!

GREASE, starring American Idol, Taylor Hicks and Chester County's own Matthew Schmidt will be at the Academy of Music from July 7th - July 19th. Click here to purchase tickets.

We are giving away 2 tickets to the show on July 7th at 7:30PM. The winner of this contest must be a resident of Chester County. This contest will end on July 1st. The winner will be notified via email and has 24 hours to respond to the "You Won!" email. The winner of this contest will pick up their tickets (with photo ID) at The Academy of Music Box Office on the night of the show, July 7th. The FREE tickets are only good for the opening night show on July 7th. This giveaway does NOT include transportation, parking fees, food or drink. To enter please leave a comment below or email contests@chestercountymoms(dot)com and note GREASE in the subject line.

Want a few more chances to win?

(1) Extra entry - Join the Chester County Moms Group on Facebook (make sure to let us know GREASE is the word!)

(1) Extra Entry - Friend ChescoMoms on FB and update your FB status to...Chesco Moms are giving away a pair of tickets to see Chester County's own Matt Schmidt in GREASE at the Kimmel Center on July 7th". Click on this link and enter to win. http://tinyurl.com/km2ru5

(1) Extra Entry - Follow @ChescoMoms on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway! (DM us and let us know Grease is the word! Just remember to include this is a contest for Chesco Residents in your tweet.)

(1) Extra Entry - Blog about this giveaway! Don't forget to link Chester County Moms in your blog post (email* us so we know about your post don't forget to include your URL.)

1) Extra Entry - Put the Chester County Moms button on your blog (let us know the URL where we can find it...and if you have it already...just let us know via email*...it still counts!)

Get Crafty - Applique Necktie Tee

Here's a quick and easy project you can do- and just in time for Father's Day! Here's the best part- no sewing is required!!!.




Necktie Tee Instructions PDF

Necktie Tee Template PDF

Check out my video below for a demonstration on how to make the applique tee.



K.C. is the Owner of The Diaper Bag Wrangler and contributes "Get Crafty" video posts.

Meet the Philly Phanatic at The Winner's Circle in Exton (FREE EVENT)

Thursday, June 18th
7-8PM

The Winner's Circle
(Routes 30 & 100 in theWhiteland Towne Center)
143 West Lincoln Highway
Exton, PA 19341
610-524-2424

Click here to check out the Winner's Circle family friendly meal deals.

Winner's Circle Sports Grille - Come for the Food and Stay for the Fun at the BEST Sports Bar & Restaurant in the 'burbs! Serving Exton, Downingtown, Chester Springs, Malvern, West Chester, Edgemont, Newtown Square, Media, the Main Line and all of the Philadelphia suburbs. Recognized as one of the best restaurants in Chester County and Delaware County PA.