2023 Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day Dress Like a Cow Day Free Food!

2023 update: Not only is it Cow Appreciation Day on July 11, 2023, but it's also 7-11's Free Slurpee Day!

This is a post I wrote in 2012 about doing our family's first Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day, and here are some photos, both vintage and from last year!

Tuesday, July 11, 2017 is the day/night to go THIS YEAR ...

This year I took 8 kids plus my husband and myself and we spent $8.47 on fries only :-)

Please check out the details here first ... they stop serving this free deal at 7 p.m. and you don't get an entire free meal anymore ...

     

Bottom line is YOU GOTTA DO THIS! When we do this with our entire family it amounts to $60 in free food for dinner alone. I thought that was awesome. However, my friend Liz can always do me one better! She says you can go for ALL THREE MEALS OF THE DAY!

Are you going? So easy to toss together an outfit that resembles a cow (just think black and white, brown and white, spots, ears, tail, nose -- they aren't too picky as long as you give it a shot). Now for the vintage 2012 photos I promised you!

Getting ready to pull out my udder for my little calf

Grumpy calf donning ballet shoes

Eva was Karate Kow

Getting ready

Natural Wellness Trends for this Summer

  CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

This year has some exciting natural wellness trends you can try to feel better. With a focus on health and reducing the usual costs, some are highly beneficial for your health. From addressing your sleep to yoga for your face, here are some things you can try out this summer.

Addressing Women’s Health

Women’s health relates to the health issues faced by females. This addresses the sweeping hormonal changes to do with pregnancy, sexual health, and reproduction. And if you are a woman, then you will know how bad a time you can have. Fortunately, there are some trending topics you can address for female health. Delta 8 gummies and the THC content have been shown to help with easing the pain of periods and the mood and sleep issues of menopause.

How to Boost Your Health in Preparation for the Summer

Being as healthy as possible should be a goal you have and maintain year-round. However, you might slack when you get comfortable or the season changes. 

With the summer approaching and longer days joining us, you might have the motivation to kickstart and boost your health. If so, congratulations, and acknowledging that is the first step. The next step is about inputting the new rules and maintaining them to boost and maintain your health.

Whether you want to understand more about how to safeguard your health or boost your health for the summer, here’s more. 

Watch your lifestyle choices

Your lifestyle choices and preferences might change when the weather is warmer. You might prefer to perform exercise outside or use a motorcycle to get to walk instead of using a car. Either way, it is important to take extra care when you pursue measures that are outside of your usual routine.

Essential Changes You Can Make to Your Home This Summer

 Being able to make key changes to your home is definitely something that will help you to enjoy success as much as possible, and it is important to make the most of this. Try to come up with some of the best ideas you can use that will help you to improve your home, and there is a lot to think about when it comes to making the right decisions that will help with this.

It is important to make sure you come up with some of the best changes you can use that are going to help you improve your home this summer. There is a lot that you need to make the most of right now, and it is essential to come up with some of the key ways of being able to improve this. There are many things that play a part in this, and it is important to come up with some excellent ideas that will help you make your home better as a result.

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Redecorate

Redecorating, is one of the most amazing steps you can take to improve your property, and this is so important. There are plenty of amazing ideas that will play a role in making the most of this. You have to understand the best ways of being able to achieve the right levels of success that play a role here, and this is something you need to focus on as much as you can. There are so many wonderful ways of being able to redecorate your property right now. 

4 Fun Summer Activities to Try at Home

 When the weather is too hot to leave the house and your children are complaining about being bored, getting creative may help. Picking a fun summer activity that you can do indoors can give you all a chance to relax and make great memories together.

1. Build a Castle

If you have plastic bricks or any toy building materials for children, you can try to construct a tall building and race to see who can do it the fastest. This kind of activity will keep kids engaged and may even allow parents to play along with them.

Why Does Self-Isolation Boredom Set In?

What could be so bad about staying at home for a few weeks? 

But, self-isolation during the pandemic is a lot more than just staying at home. It takes its toll, both mentally and physically. It doesn’t matter how much you love your home. The prospect of not going out as you usually would, for a walk in the park or a catch-up around a cup of coffee, can create a lot of mental pressure. Boredom kicks in. You’ve been trying to keep yourself busy, but despite a huge list of hobbies and activities you could do, you can’t help but feel too bored to do anything. Why is that happening? 

You spend too much time indoors

The most common mistake that affects your energy levels is to stay inside for too long. It’s not always easy to go outside every day, especially if you are worried about virus spread. However, in the long term, failure to get enough direct sunlight exposure will affect your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is linked to your immune system and your mental health. It can make you feel sluggish and down, which often translates into a sense of boredom. Get yourself out with simple and fun activities where you can control all the risks. If you live next to a park or a woodland area, grab a cornhole game – you can click here to pick some fun-looking designs – and some sunscreen lotion. Ideally, you want a self-contained game, hence cornhole, but cricket, football, rope skipping, or even handball can be a lovely family activity. 

Your home workouts lack excitement

You’ve been trying to work out every day at home. But you can’t get excited about your yoga mat and dumbbell anymore. It’s time to get creative and create a new approach to sports. It’s not safe to join a sports club yet, but you can build your own active studio at home. With a little DIY magic, you could create your own indoor rock climbing adventure in the garage. Rock climbing can be a lot of fun, even indoors. You may not need to prepare like you would in a professional climbing venue. But you’ll still need some gear, namely a pair of shoes and a chalk bag. 

You don’t feel like you’re doing anything productive

You’ve had a long list of skills you’d love to learn in self-isolation. It’s been weeks now, and you find that you still haven’t managed to learn any new French vocabulary or to practice your splits. It’s been an unproductive lockdown. And you know what? It’s okay. You don’t have to be productive. The lockdown is not about making you a better person. It’s all about staying safe. So stay safe, and stop pressuring yourself into turning a pandemic into a skill challenge. It’s normal to feel down and to lack the motivation to go through your to-do list. It is an exceptional situation, and, as such, you should maintain mental clarity by refusing to let yourself feel guilty about your achievements or lack of. 

We can’t say it often enough. During the pandemic crisis, your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. While most people think about depression or anxiety, boredom is actually the most common symptom of lockdown fever. Tackling boredom can help you manage your mental health… Besides, it’s also super fun to be positive about your activities and yourself. 

Planning a Fun Summer for Your Children

 

Summer can be a challenging time when you are dealing with children who have been cooped up and are looking for something fun to do. Although it might not be possible to make every day an adventure, there are ways you can ensure as much fun as possible. Take a look at these ideas to make your next summer go smoother. 

Find Outdoor Activities They Can Enjoy

Summer is the best time to get your kids outside and encourage them to enjoy everything the beautiful weather has to offer. From setting up a sprinkler to gardening or encouraging wildlife to visit your home, check out these ideas that will have your kids excited to wake up and run outside to play every day. 

Get Them Enrolled in Summer Camp

Summer camp can be a good way for children to meet new friends, spend time out of the house, and even learn new skills, such as horseback riding and archery. You might need to look around for a camp that can match your child's needs. There is usually something out there for every age group and interest, such as summer camps Raeford NC. 

Plan a Family Vacation To Look Forward To

Sometimes it can be nice to simply spend quality time together as a family. Use this time to decide where everyone would like to vacation. It can be somewhere local if you can't afford to fly to an expensive location. The most important thing is that you have fun and spend quality time together as a family. 

There are a variety of ways to keep your children engaged come summer. Find outdoor activities that are fun and educational, and consider planning a family vacation. Summer camps are another good way to help them build skills and make new friends.  

7th Annual Pitching for Priests Baseball Game -- Kansas City 2021 Friday, October 15

7th Annual Pitching for Priests Softball Game

Fall Classic!

Priests from Kansas City - St. Joseph VS. Priests from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Friday, October 15th at 7:00 PM

Tailgating will begin at 4:00 pm

KC Monarchs Stadium (old T-bones Stadium) - Legends Field Ballpark

1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 

Get this in your budget now and on your calendar! I always wonder who we should root for? We lived in Kansas forever ... now we live in Missouri. Rooting for both!

Get your tickets here!

PLEASE NOTE: This post is updated annually so it's kind of confusing and like a really bad novel jumping back and forth in time. Father Evan Harkins has since passed away, and his loss will be felt forever. Please continue to pray for him and for his family. This is what I wrote about him last year and just can't bring myself to take it down: "Father Evan Harkins is my friend's son (she taught my boys study skills and my daughter how to do handcrafts), and we got to see him play in 2018. He's such a sweet person, it's like he is a priest celebrity. Like how can anyone really be that awesome?!"

UPDATE 2019! This was originally posted June 12, 2018 and we went to the game and LOVED IT! Our family enjoyed it so much we are going again this year with tons of friends … and TAILGATING! Our own Father Haake is playing again and he is an amazing priest with such great insight and the best homilies!

UPDATED POST for 2020, which was then cancelled: My family is so excited about this event for the third year and a row, and we are grabbing our tickets fast! Priests playing baseball is actually super entertaining, especially as you get to know more of them. I was at a party Saturday night where there were three or four seminarians, so I'm at that age where I get all excited to see who is going to be an incoming priest because I know their mothers and their families and I love that they are going to study at seminary!

#WorldsofFun — the Perfect Family/Fun Day! Find Your Amazing!

So I initially titled this post "Perfect Summer Day" ... but we've been to WinterFest and it was a Perfect Winter Evening. How about The Haunt? That would be a Perfect Autumn Evening! Carnivale? The Perfect Summer Night! We are so fortunate to have Worlds of Fun here in Kansas City, and it's no wonder people come from all over the country in all seasons and in all types of weather to enjoy it!

All photographs you see in this post that are of my family on a ride were taken while others were still loading onto the rides. We did NOT take any photos while a ride was being operated. You are not allowed to do this, and we did not do it!

*I need to start by sharing how great the Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun park app is. It stored all of our tickets and passes, including meal and drink passes. It showed wait times of rides and had a map of the park. It also made it quick and easy to get into the park.

3 Benefits of Using Landscaping Services for Your Home This Summer

 

Summer is the best time to work on home improvement projects. People like to do landscaping projects in summer so that they can enjoy a great time outdoors. It is important to work with a professional and reliable landscaping company because it can provide lots of benefits and convenience for homeowners. We are happy to share 3 benefits for homeowners to consider.

Kids Bowl Free Summer 2021

You are not going to believe this. I signed up for this the summer of 2017 then never went. We just went to the pool so much and then I would forget to check into bowling and then the kids would play outside like kids do in the summer. Somehow the summer flew by!

Then we moved in the fall of 2017 and in FEBRUARY 2018, my husband took four kids bowling at Aaron's Family Fun Center in Belton, MO while my daughter had her 13th birthday party – and the bowling was a hit! We went there a few times doing the Buddy Bowl, which was $4 per kid for a game, shoes and a soda. 

This summer I am determined to take the kids bowling, and drag along some other families who are signed up for Kids Bowl Free! Check it out:

Registered Kids Receive 2 FREE GAMES Of Bowling Every Day All Summer Long, Valued At Over $500 Per Child!

Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first-ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.

Here's what they have to say on their website, and if you love to bowl it's a pretty good deal:

Did you know that adult family members can get 2 FREE games, every day all summer long with our Family Pass starting at just $29.95?

And yes, I am aware that most likely I might have to buy some nachos and sodas. I might even once or twice bowl with them just to show them how it's done how bad I am and always have been despite growing up in a bowling alley while my mom was on a team and also learning bowling at St. Agnes' bowling alley in Roeland Park, Kansas (we walked there from Old Mission Junior High, near Bishop Miege ... seems I was always destined to become Catholic ... all the signs were there, and my husband's grandparents lived right across the street from my junior high). Wow, I can make a connection from one thing to another with pretty much anything, can't I? :-)

Let me know if you get signed up and if you actually plan to go! Here's how to sign up!

Here are more indoor fun ideas in Kansas City, summer or winter!

*for only $37.95 (one-time payment), I can get a pass for all summer for up to 4 more adults to bowl 2 free games each day ... which comes in handy since one of my kids is almost 20 and if my husband and I also both want to go along. 

Be sure to sign up for an email subscription to The Kerrie Show here and follow me on my Facebook fan page for more updates! I'm also on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

Summer Poolside Reading 2021

 Instead of posting a stack of books that I won't read, I'm going to post them one at a time as I'm reading them or as I finish them. Often I read two at a time: a nonfiction and a fiction. I'll also be honest and let you know if I did NOT finish a book and instead wanted to throw it at the wall or burn it. Here we go:

Fantastic pool read: The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian. I got it because I always wanted to be one, but then I ended up loving it and crying at the end.

I dare you to NOT find something in this book that knocks you off balance. There's an entire page kicking your butt about talking about being busy on social media instead of actually DOING something. Guilty. Also, tag this guy on Instagram if you love the book and he'll probably message you!

Be sure to sign up for an email subscription to The Kerrie Show here and follow me on my Facebook fan page for more updates! I'm also on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

4 Fun Ways To Keep The Kids Entertained At Home

Baking with kids is a blast!

(Originally posted 6/11/2019, but with the COVID situation, I thought I'd give it an update and repost)

With the school summer vacation looming comes the tricky task of how to keep your kids entertained for weeks on end. The weather isn’t always on your side, and you might face many wet and dreary days stuck in the house together (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because who can say no to some quality family time?).

Keeping everyone busy and entertained doesn’t have to break the bank – the more creative you get with it, the more fun things you can come up with which may not even cost a dime.

Of course, there are also some cool investments you can make, too, if there comes a point when you’d rather the kids entertain themselves with a piece of tech because you need to get on with the laundry and your own tasks for the day.

Take a look at some of these tips to get your creative fun-loving gears whirring. 

Build an Awesome Fort

If your kids are still young enough to appreciate the power of imagination, it only takes a minute’s work to transform a pile of empty boxes, cushions and sheets into a fairy tale castle, fort or fun-filled maze. 

The great thing is you won’t need to spend any money: just pull the bed sheets right off the bed, lay them on the back of the couch and get creating your dream fort!

Bake Something Yummy Together

Because there’s nothing better than tasty treats and snacks while enjoying a cozy day home with the family – and what kid is going to say no to the concept of whipping up some delicious home-baking? 

Get creative with food coloring, fun stencils or weird flavors. This is also great for teaching your kids elements of cooking and making their way around the kitchen, as well as showing them what great products can come from using the kitchen at home. It may get messy, but that just means you’ve done it right. 

Invest in Audio and Video Products

In this day and age, there’s only so long you can keep a child away from a screen. Obviously the goal is to get your kids away from the TV or tablet long enough to enjoy family time and fresh air, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing for you and the kids to enjoy a movie together, cartoons or a bit of fun music. 

Companies like The Wires Zone offer free shipping on pieces of tech, and even same-day shipping if you’ve woken up just realizing you promised the kids you’d watch a home movie today. They offer items like Blu-Ray players and surround-sound speakers to make sure your family movie day is done right.  

Practice Face Painting

Make use of cheap skin-friendly paints to transform your kids into little tigers or their favorite superhero – and let them have fun doing the same to you! Get the artistic juices flowing.

Just don’t forget to check the mirror before you go answering the door to any unexpected callers!

Need more ideas? Check out these Top 18 Ideas for a Perfect Night In!

Fun Ways to Spend Your Summer Vacation

 

Callie at the new shave ice place in town

While it is nice to have a break during the summer months, it can be monotonous to stay busy and active. If you are wondering how you can make for a fun summer bucket list, you have come to the right place. Here are a few ideas that can bring you the summer of your dreams.

Travel When You Can

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a summer full of travel by booking ahead earlier in the year. This way, you can find deals when they are hot. It may be more time consuming to be checking flights and travel websites so frequently, but it will be worth your while when it is time to enjoy your trips.

Stay Active

Not only is it good for your health to stay active, but it can also be a fun time if you are creative. Winning a few golf tournament trophies (and maybe some prize money, too) or joining a softball league is a great way to get some steps in and enjoy some time with friends and family. If none of these things sound appealing, you may be surprised by how going for a daily walk can improve your mood.

Appreciate the Little Things

Taking the time to appreciate the little things like a rainbow after a storm or a nice dinner with loved ones is a fabulous way to make the best out of the warmer months. Sometimes, all you need is a weekend snuggled on the couch, watching your favorite show to feel re-energized and ready to tackle anything.

There is no one size fit all instruction manual to the perfect summer, but you can always try out a few different things to see if anything sticks. Above all else, taking the time to relish in the warm weather will mean a much more productive school year.

3 Things To Know About Pool Care

Owning a pool can be a rewarding experience. The thought of splashing around with friends during a pool party, or floating serenely on the clear, calm water is very enticing. Like many other parts of the yard and house, pools need regular maintenance to function properly.

1. Water Quality

An important part of maintaining a pool is keeping a close eye on the water quality. If the chemicals in the pool become unbalanced or are not added in a timely manner, then the pool water can become unsafe to swim in. Even if the water looks clear, things may not be perfectly in balance. If a water quality issue is suspected, then a sample can be taken for water testing Pittsburgh. Professionals can diagnose any problems and recommend solutions.

2. Sanitation System

There are different sanitation systems available and each one has its pros and cons. Chlorine systems are a popular choice and can be used for any type of pool. Saltwater and bromine systems are less harsh on skin than traditional chlorine systems but can be more costly. Mineral systems are also becoming more widespread, as they are generally easy to maintain. It is important to note that both saltwater and mineral systems do still utilize chlorine in different amounts.

3. Liner

Any pool with a liner should be monitored. They will last about 5-10 years before needing to be replaced. Replacing the liner is best done by professionals, as it is a tricky task. Done incorrectly, it can lead to an uneven liner with air bubbles or leaks. To replace the liner, the pool will need to be drained. If the pool is old, the walls may not be able to stand up without the support of the water.

Having a pool can be fun for everyone, whether it is a whole family or a single person who wants to enjoy calm afternoons doing laps. Take care of the system and it should last for a long time.

Easy Ways To Keep The Kids Entertained This Summer

Now that summer has arrived, parents are faced with the summer holidays. It can sometimes be
challenging to know how to keep the kids busy through the summer. You don’t want to risk not
organising anything, by the time the end of the summer arrives, you’ll be sure to be pulling your
hair out. 

Photo by Mac DeStroir from Pexels

Things of things to do, however, doesn’t have to mean you are going out and about. You can stay at
home and have just as much fun. Parents often get confused into thinking they need to go out all the
time and fill the summer with expensive activities; this isn’t the case. 

If you’re finding it hard to think of some ways to keep the kids entertained this summer, have a look at
some of the ideas below: 

Out And About 

Ok, so we will start with a few days out, but inexpensive ideas. There is a load of fun activities that
you can get involved with over the summer when the weather is perfect.

Visit The Beach -  A trip to the beach is often a great success for the kids. It’s something that the
whole family can get involved with, with water sports, sandcastle competitions, picnics, and much
more the beach is a winning, cheap day out for the whole family. 

Theme Parks - You may think that this is an expensive option; however, if you shop around and find
coupons, you can often find a great deal for these kinds of days out. 

A Trip To A Park - Whether you choose a play park or a national park, they are both brilliant. Ride
your bikes, playing ball games, have a picnic, relax in the summer sun, or enjoy a box of
pretzels delivered (order them in advance).

There is plenty that a park can offer you and the kids, and it’s a popular go-to for many parents in
the summer holidays. 

Days In 

Days in can be just as entertaining as days out in the summer. They are also a great way to keep
the costs down if you have spent some savings on trips or week away already. Being at home also
enables your children to free play and choose some activities they would like to do in their own space. 

Home Cinema - An enjoyable day at home is a home cinema. Recreate a cinema feeling in your
lounge. Pick out some favourite movies and munch on some hotdogs and popcorn. You could even
set the living room up as a den that surrounds the TV with comfy seating and blankets. 

Back Yard Camping - Who said you have to travel to camp? Camping in the back yard can be a
brilliant way to introduce your kids to nature without worrying if they’ll enjoy it, they will automatically
feel safer because they are in their back yard. Why not go the whole way and create a mini-camp
site complete with a seating area, fake fire (or real under supervision), lanterns, and chairs. 

These ideas should get the creative juices flowing and give you a good starting position with
your summer holiday plans. Is there anything that you are planning for this summer? Please
share your ideas in the comments below. 

Reasons Christmas In July Is Awesome

It’s almost time for Christmas in July. The chances are you may have seen some ads already talking about Christmas in July, and some of the sales and promotions can be pretty great. But you don’t have to put up trees and deck the halls with beautiful baubles and sparkles – unless you really want to.

Christmas in July is a little bit genius. Often between Christmas and New Year’s, that isn’t all that much to look forward to. And there are only six months to go before the holiday season really gets into full swing. So actually for people who want to make sure that they save money, and have all the gifts that they want to get well in advance. Christmas in July is actually perfect.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Here is how you can turn Christmas in July into a debt-free holiday season.

Off-season

No one in the height of July and August in most countries is even considering putting on a sweater. They don’t want to wear thick socks, and they certainly don’t want to wear hats either. Which makes it an ideal time to buy those things. Because they will be incredibly cheap up until October, and then they will go back to the ‘normal’ price. The same way that January sells a range of summer clothing. 

But it’s not just clothes, you can get Christmas scented candles, Christmas baking trays, even decorations. Spend some time online, and you can find almost anything you need for the Christmas season.

Declutter

Almost everyone will start cleaning their homes, neatening and tidying up things as we come into spring and summer. This means it is the ideal time for you to do the same. Instead of waiting until it’s almost Christmas and having to try to make room for trees and decorations, you can start by decluttering things that you honestly don’t need in the home anymore. You can also use the money from the sales to put towards your off-season purchases.

This means for the festive season rolls around you will already be well ahead of the curve, with space and presents all ready. 

Christmas Savings

Take Christmas in July as your time to start saving. Ensure that you put a few dollars, or pounds aside every week. As well as indulging in some off-season clothing, and decluttering and selling goods that you don’t need. 

You can make the most of a savings account once December hits. For example, you can buy all of your fresh food for Christmas in one go, and you already have all of your presents under control.

And who doesn’t really enjoy a roast dinner any time of the year? You can use July as a month to have some delicious food that you would usually only have during the festive season. Make mince pies and Christmas cookies. Without you might have to wait till later in the evening to eat it if you live somewhere that's quite hot. 

Oh and remember to buy your ugly Christmas jumpers ready for December!