Things seem to be a little crazier and busier right now than other times, or is that just me?

With Mother’s Day this past Sunday and my twins graduating 8th grade and starting High School next year, I really have done some reflecting on life, where I want to be and what I want to be doing. I guess what got me all into this thinking was last week when I dropped my daughter off at the county wide 8th Grade Dance at the new High School. I was fine while we were waiting for her friends to arrive, but as soon as she saw them she bolted out of the car, turned around to tell me goodbye, and yes despite rolling her eyes, I made her give me a hug. I watched her as she ran to her friends and then more friends came and they gave each other hugs and then went strolling happily into the entrance doors to the auditorium.

At that moment, I don’t know what hit me, but tears sprang to my eyes! I caught myself saying, “What is wrong with me”? Then I realized that it felt like I was sending my little girl off to Kindergarten all over again, just in bigger shoes. I was kind of sentimental the rest of that night and know that we are beginning a new phase of life as our babies are now High Schoolers.

With all of the activities that are on each other’s plates, take a moment and reflect with me on the good of this year so far and how much growth has taken place in one sense or another, and take some time to make memories this weekend. Yes, Spring has Sprung, and each year this season only comes once, yet a new day is on the horizon!

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This Weekend at Regal Cinema…

Now Showing: For Kids 13 and up

Marvel’s The Avengers PG-13
• Marvel’s The Avengers 3D

• Visit www.regmovies.com for more info or call 828-262-3330.

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On Friday…

Got a green thumb? Here’s your opportunity to take advantage of using your green thumb at the ASU Biology Greenhouse Plant Sale this Friday, May 18th from 8am – 5pm & Saturday, May 19th from 8am – 2pm. Sponsored by the Department of Biology Greenhouse, this is their annual spring plant sale located at 333 Dale St. off State Farm Road. Starting at just $1 and grown by students volunteering, you will be able to choose from hundreds of healthy tropical plants, some perennials and vegetables with more than 30 types of tomatoes. Remember to bring cash or checks only and help support the Greenhouse, which sponsors the High Country Gardening community outreach program. For more info first try emailing Jerry at  meyerja@appstate.edu or call 262-4025.

Do you or someone in your family love to read? Here is an inexpensive way to add to your personal library at the Annual Mall Book Sale at Boone Mall this Friday, May 18th from 9am-9pm, and Saturday, May 19th from 9am – 1pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library to better Library services, this annual Book Sale helps them to keep going and add to all of our Library experience. Generally hard back books are $1, paperbacks $.50, and kid’s book are $.25 – $.50. Come find some Book Treasure!

Come on out, have fun and help support a great cause at the 1st Annual Watauga Humane Society Golf Tournament this Friday, May 18th, starting at 12pm noon.  Held at the Blowing Rock Country Club, this Golf Tournament featuring Prizes and a Silent Auction, helps to benefit the animals at the Watauga Humane Society. The event kicks off with Registration and Lunch first, then with a Shotgun start at 1:30pm to start the activities. After the game, join the crowd for a Cash Bar, Hors D’oeuvres, a special presentation of Prizes and drawing of Raffle Tickets. For more info visit their website at http://wataugahumanesociety.org/65-golf-tournament-may-18-2012/ , email rmatthewson@charter.net or call 828- 265-6784.

On Saturday…

Get Ready, Get Set for the 31st Annual 4-H New River Canoe Race this Saturday, May 19th starting at 9am.  All skill levels are welcome for both the Canoe and Kayak categories entering the race anytime between 9am-1pm, with the Launch site and $10 per person Registration is being held at Zaloos Canoes in Jefferson where you’ll receive a complimentary T-Shirt. You can bring your own equipment or rent a discounted boat for the race.  A family-friendly activity, there will also be great Food, Sponsor Products, and fun things to do at the New River State Park, and the Awards Ceremony will be at 3pm at the Park in the Picnic area by the New River. For more info email Nancy Shannon at nshannon@skybest.com or call 336- 877-5550.

Join the community in celebrating the Earth,Water,Fire Run and River Paddle Challenge this Saturday, May 19th beginning at 9am. This Dualthon race which includes Running & Paddling, kicks off in Todd at the Walter and Annie Cook Park located across from the Todd General Store. This fun event includes a huge Bonfire, Live Music, and North Carolina BBQ, and the proceeds help to support the Watauga County Pathways as they explore, build, and update Greenway trails, Paddle trails and Blueways, Hiking trails, and Biking trails throughout the Boone and Watauga County area. For more info visit their website at http://wataugacountypathways.org/ or contact Karen at wataugapathways@gmail.com.

Bring the family and kids out to the Glenbridge Spring Fling this Saturday, May 19th, from 10am – 2pm. Held at the Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation, there will be awesome Food, Live Entertainment, Inflatable Slides and Games, a Silent Auction, Local Vendors, a Bake Sale, and a Cake Walk. Lots to do for a special day! Bring some Joy to the residents that maybe don’t get a lot of visitors there and give back. For more info call 828-264-6720.

Make sure to take the family and attend a fun day at the new Modern Subaru of Boone Grand Opening Event and Adoption Fair on Hwy. 105 ext., this Saturday, May 19th from 11am – 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of awesome Food from Hob Nob Farm Cafe, wonderful Ice Cream from Marble Slab, Games, Door Prizes, Live Music by Jon-Jon and Kim, and a special Watauga Humane Society Adoption Fair! For more info visit their website at http://wataugahumanesociety.org/70-subaru-grand-opening/.

Enjoy a variety of Bluegrass and Southern style tunes at the Music in the Valle 10th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, May 19th from 12noon – 6pm. Held at the Valle Crucis Community Park, the festival will feature local bands Diana and Sarvis Ridge, Southbound, and The Sheets Family. There will also be yummy Come Back Shack foods available along with yard games for kids, and Apple Hill Farm will be there with some friendly Alpacas for all to see. The cost is $5 per adult and $2 per child under 12, and all proceeds go to the park, with Mast General Store, Mast Farm Inn, Apple Hill Farm, and Daisy Ridge POA all helping to sponsor this event. For more info email Caroline Gandy at caroline@vallecrucispark.org or call 828-963-9239.

Have a Fun and Safe Weekend!

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***Make sure to visit our Online Stores at www.timespasttoys.etsy.com , and www.dailycrossdesigns.etsy.com for our Wooden Toys and Home, Business, and Garden Decor.

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter under http://www.facebook.com/TimesPastToys; and as a follower @TimesPastToys; and at http://www.facebook.com/dailycrossdesigns and as a follower @dlycrossdesigns.

Hope to see you soon!

Here is a current item being offered:  ~ From our Daily Cross Designs Online Store, Here is our pretty little Country Cottage Birdhouse – Can’t you just picture this little Country Cottage Birdhouse sitting out in the woods taking in the sunshine, filled with light and so cozy! Our cute Bird friends are sure to feel the same way. Hand-painted in a soft blue, the Cottage also has beautiful flowers growing all around and is sitting a top a grass green colored wooden base with window boxes on the sides.

Perfect for Sparrows, Chickadees, Finches, Swallows or Wrens, it can also be used in your home decor. Both Decorative and Functional, this Birdhouse has a screw in the bottom that can be loosened for easy cleaning purposes. Can be mounted on a post or a tree, or hung from a nail or rope, whichever you fancy! Made for Interior or Exterior use. All materials made from Reclaimed and Recycled Wood. Painted and/or Stained with Safe, Non-Toxic Paints and Stains. Measures – approx. 8 1/2” Length X 4 1/2” Width X 7 3/4” Height. $23.00

We are now offering our Toys and products packaged for your convenience.

Thomas will stop here at Tweetsie and is part of an more than 45 city tour around the US and Canada and Thomas is set to carry over one million passengers from March until November.  Don’t miss out on this spectacular family event!

The Day Out with Thomas activities include:

- A 25 minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine

- Games and activities featuring a mystery element

- The chance to meet Sir Topham Hatt, controller of the Railway

- A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, tattoos, and coloring sheets.

- Storytelling, video viewing and live music

- Commemorative activities, merchandise, and giveaways

This year Tweetsie Railroad is celebrating its 55th year and has amusement park rides for all ages, live entertainment such as the Tweetsie Palace Saloon, Tweetsie’s Miner’s Mountain Magic Show, and mascot Hooper and Porter’s a popular children’s show and more.

The approximate 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will take place every 30 minutes between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm rain or shine both Saturdays (park is open 8:00 am to 6:00pm) and between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm Sunday through Friday (park is open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm).  Ticket prices for the Day Out With Thomas: Mystery on the Rails Tour is adults are $35 and $22 for children 3 to 12. Children 2 and under are free!

Tickets are on sale now by purchasing online at tweetsie.com or by calling the ticket office at 877.TWEETSIE.  You can connect with Tweetsie via social media by liking Tweetsie on facebook and following them on twitter @TweetsieRR.

What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  Typically when you participate in a CSA you take part in a share.  You are supporting a local community farm by ultimately purchasing in bulk along with everyone else.  Often times when you join a CSA you get a box of food on a weekly basis.  Sometimes the frequency is less depending on the farmer and the product.  I’ve been part of both a meat CSA where the farmer provided a bi-weekly mix of chicken, beef, and pork as well as a fruit and vegetable CSA where the farmer provided a weekly box of a fruit and veggie mix.  Generally you get whatever is in season at the time in your box and don’t know ahead of time what you will get.

PROS of a CSA

• You are in Full Support of a Local Farm – By joining a CSA you ensure that you get the bulk of your produce from a local farmer and contributing to your local economy.
• Organic Foods on the Cheap – Often times those in a CSA get priority and if you can eat all the food you get you are often saving a little money over farmer’s market prices.  Although you may be able to find many of these fruits and veggies in the store for less you are often still saving money if you like to purchase organic on a regular or full-time basis.
• You Get Foods that are in Season – You get foods that are in the prime of their freshness and literally picked from the vine often only the evening or day before you get your produce. You can’t get much better nutritional value than that.  Often times when you are purchasing food from the grocery store it has come miles and miles before you get it and had to be picked early so that it won’t over ripen before it reaches you.
• You Often Get a Large Box of a Variety of Foods – If you and your family are into trying new dishes and new veggies you will love a CSA.  Often times you will receive vegetables that you may have never before eaten or that you have no idea how to prepare.   Unless you ask the farmer you may not even know what they are.  It was a challenge and fun for me to be able to figure out new recipes and how to try out a veggie.  If you purchase a full share you also get a rather large box.  Depending on how large your family is and how much you can eat or put away this can either be a good thing or a bad thing.
• Grocery Shopping Done For You – It is nice to just go pick up your box and not have to do all the supermarket shopping.  Ah, I really enjoy much of my grocery shopping done for me!

CONS of a CSA

• It’s a Large Box – My family consists of me, my husband, and my two little kids.  The box was much too large for us.  And at least half my family is picky eaters so it was extremely hard to conquer the box.  It might have been nice to split the box with another family so that it could all be enjoyed.  It pained me to have to throw away things, but it didn’t always keep well if it was put away.
• There are a Variety of Foods – Often times I was experimenting with new recipes to find that I was the only one willing to eat them.  Not only is this a complete bummer and a waste of food, but it felt like a lot of work for one person to eat what they’ve cooked.  I love eggplant but my family can’t stand it.  So whenever I’d get an abundance of egg plant there was no way that I could eat it all.
• Money Waster – Although I love supporting local agriculture I don’t have the money to purchase a CSA and not use all the goods.  Sometimes being part of a a CSA last summer did waste our money.  Often times I could cook the foods to everyone’s liking and I was the only one trying to stuff away all the veggies that we had been blessed with.
• Hard to Meal Plan – If you are trying to save money meal planning like I am it is very hard to do so when you don’t know what fruits and veggies you are going to get.  I feel as though I was scrounging for recipes at the last minute to please my family when it was rather hard to do.

I want to encourage you to examine both the pros and cons of a CSA and see which option fits your family.  Right now I believe that we are not going to participate because it just won’t get eaten, and I will once again be trying to conquer the CSA box.  Until then you will find me on Saturday mornings shopping the local farmer’s market as much as I can.  I really do love buying local and want to support local businesses whenever I can!  But, I also like making sure our money is always put to good use.

What about you?  Are you part of a CSA or not?  I would love to hear your thoughts on being part of a CSA in the comment section below. 

I have one son who will eat tomatoes like he’ll eat an apple. In fact, he’d eat several tomatoes each day if I let him. We’ve been enjoying wonderful, HUGE locally grown tomatoes for the last couple of weeks. I’m nearly convinced that I need to grow my own!

As the weather gets warmer, I’m always looking for no-cook options and this dish is our perennial no-cook hit of the season. It couldn’t be simpler to make.

Caprese Salad: Sliced Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

• Four large ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds the same thickness as the tomatoes
• balsamic vinegar or your favorite vinegar-y salad dressing*
• fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil, finely chopped
• 1/2 c. very finely shaved red onion (optional)

Stack a slice of mozzarella on top of a slice of tomato. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or your favorite dressing. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and onion.

Note: the best place to buy fresh mozzarella is Sams Club. You just can’t beat the price and it’s a nice quality.

*Last night I used some leftover homemade vinegraitte constructed out of 1/4 c. olive oil, 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar, 2 T. pesto, 1 t. lemon juice. Plain balsamic vinegar works just fine too.

For a light picnic supper, pack this fresh Caprese Salad and a loaf of crusty Sourdough from Stickboy Bread Company and you’re set! This salad would go beautifully with Stick Boy’s Kalamata Olive bread too! (My favorite is to actually put a few slices of tomato and mozz. on my slice of sourdough…that’s the summer version of picnic heaven!) Check out the other picnic-friendly goodies that Stick Boy is baking these days by subscribing to their weekly newsletter.

Barb, writing at My Sister’s Kitchen

- don’t forget that we’re on Facebook AND Twitter! “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the very latest in the Kitchen.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mom’s out there, including the Ladies who may not have given birth, the Caregivers who are those “Special” Moms, Aunts, Grandmothers, and anyone else who loves, supports and takes care of all of us! We Love You! Where would we be without all of the wonderful Ladies in our lives who have been there for us, sacrificed for us, and taken care of

us. I’m so glad that we have the opportunity to honor these women and give back to them. Make sure to tell the special Ladies in your life how much they mean to you!

This weekend has several things to do, and of course, Sunday is the official Mother’s Day. Take Mom out dancing on the town, experience some nature, and share some quality time together making memories! ________________________________________________________________________________

This Weekend at Regal Cinema…

Now Showing:

•  The Pirates! Band of Misfits 3D NEW! PG

• The Pirates! Band of Misfits NEW PG

• Visit www.regmovies.com for more info or call 828-262-3330.

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On Friday…

Enjoy a night out on the town as Boone Service League presents the Motown in the Mountains 2012 Spring Fundraiser this Friday, May 11th from 7-11pm held at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. This event will feature more than 100 items to be auctioned off, both Silent and Live, along with great Food, Friends, and awesome Live Music with Soul Benefactor. So come on out for a fun time heading down memory lane onto the Motown scene and help raise monies for local non-profit organizations and their scholarships. Make sure to Like them on Facebook for more info on auction items and such. Beginning at 7pm, you can purchase limited tickets at  www.booneserviceleague.org for $35 for one or $60 for two. For more info contact Amy Odom at amyhodom@gmail.com or 828-773-0819.

Dance the night away at the Todd Community Contra Dance this Friday, May 11th from 7:30 – 10:30pm. Held at the Todd Mercantile, the dance is back and open to all ages. Of course, there will be an Open Mic for Callers and a PotLuck dinner starting at 6pm, so please bring a dish to share and save room for yummy Desserts and Baked Goods for sale. Admission is free with Donations accepted to help with expenses. For more info call Cecil at 828-262-1953.

Get back into nature by attending the Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend this Friday through Sunday, May 11th – 13th. Friday night kicks off the event starting at 8:30 – 10:30pm with the Owl Prowl, then on Saturday and Sunday, there will be a mixture of Guided Hikes and special presentations on the Birds, Wildflowers and Nature of Grandfather Mountain. All of this is included with Park Admission of Adults – $18, and Children – $8. For more info visit their website at http://www.grandfather.com, email them at nature@grandfather.com, or call 1-800-468-7325.

On Saturday…

Get outside, take in a leisurely stroll and help support local artisans as the 50th year of Art in the Park resumes in Blowing Rock, this Saturday May, 12th from 10am – 5pm. Held at the American Legion Grounds in downtown Blowing Rock, you will find Fine Arts & Crafts shows the second weekend of every month through October hosting 90 Artisans and Craftsmen featuring Oil, Watercolor, and Acrylic Paintings, Etching, Stained & Hand Blown Glass, Basketry, Wood Carving & Turning, Clay, Photography, Fiber, Jewelry and much more. For more info visit their website at http://www.blowingrock.com/ or call them at 828-295-7851.

On Sunday…

Celebrate Mom all day with many area restaurants from Brunch to Dinner…make her feel Special!

Have a Fun and Safe Weekend!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

***Make sure to visit our Online Stores at www.timespasttoys.etsy.com , and www.dailycrossdesigns.etsy.com for our Wooden Toys and Home, Business, and Garden Decor.

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter under http://www.facebook.com/TimesPastToys; and as a follower @TimesPastToys; and at http://www.facebook.com/dailycrossdesigns and as a follower @dlycrossdesigns.

Hope to see you soon!

Here is a current item being offered:  ~ From our Daily Cross Designs Online Store, Here is our pretty little Country Cottage Birdhouse – Can’t you just picture this little Country Cottage Birdhouse sitting out in the woods taking in the sunshine, filled with light and so cozy! Our cute Bird friends are sure to feel the same way. Hand-painted in a soft blue, the Cottage also has beautiful flowers growing all around and is sitting a top a grass green colored wooden base with window boxes on the sides.

Perfect for Sparrows, Chickadees, Finches, Swallows or Wrens, it can also be used in your home decor. Both Decorative and Functional, this Birdhouse has a screw in the bottom that can be loosened for easy cleaning purposes. Can be mounted on a post or a tree, or hung from a nail or rope, whichever you fancy! Made for Interior or Exterior use. All materials made from Reclaimed and Recycled Wood. Painted and/or Stained with Safe, Non-Toxic Paints and Stains. Measures – approx. 8 1/2” Length X 4 1/2” Width X 7 3/4” Height. $23.00

We are now offering our Toys and products packaged for your convenience.

• A Spa Package from Chetola -Yes Please!
• A Nice Lunch Out and a Pedicure

• Breakfast in Bed, snuggle time with baby and hubby
• Merry Maids
• A Spa Day at Westglow - Hey we moms can dream can we?

Or dad, how about considering cleaning the house, cooking your wife a nice dinner, or just arranging a sitter for the night and taking mom on a little night out to Ashville or Charlotte?  Or, how about a picnic somewhere on the parkway?

Either way, mom will completely appreciate a day that you have planned all around her.  What are her favorite things to see and do?  What will help her feel relaxed or just have some time to feel beautiful again?  What will show her how much you love her and show her that you still love her and are enamored by her like on the day you married?  What will energize her and help her feel refreshed?

Do you have any creative ideas?  What are some things you must see and do in the High Country for special occasions such as these?

Let us know in the comments below! 

Make Your Own Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 clove fresh garlic
• scant 1/4 t. sea salt (don’t overdo it on the salt)
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 1/4 c. very  finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 c. very finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 3/4 c. mayonaise
• 1/4 c. plain yogurt
• 1/4 c. kefir (used to thin the dressing to the desired consistancy. You can use buttermilk, regular milk, or kefir to thin the dressing.)

Start by dicing the clove of fresh garlic as finely as you can and then mashing it with a fork. Or you can do what I did and use a handheld food processor to liquify that garlic into the sour cream and the salt. (And yes, I must admit that I actually used 2 cloves of fresh garlic because we love garlic and believe that there is no such thing as too much garlic. Two cloves, however, make the dressing very, very strong and garlicky. NOT for the faint of heart. Start with one and add a second if you’re really brave.)

Chop and add the chives and Italian parsley.

Stir in the mayonnaise and the plain yogurt. Use kefir, buttermilk, or regular milk to thin the dressing to the consistency you want. I really recommend experimenting with this because different ingredients will give you distinctly different flavors.

Chill the dressing to let the flavors marry. Store in a container (I chose a quart canning jar) in the fridge for up to a week.

I was really surprised at how delicious and how easy this dressing was to make. I can’t wait for summer when other fresh herbs will be readily available. I plan to try this recipe with some fresh oregano, rosemary, and basil.

And just in case you’re not convinced that this little experiment is worth it, the other day I happened to check the ingredient list on our last store-bought bottle of Ranch Dressing and that confirmed for me that I really do want to stick to this simple, easy, basic recipe. In the middle of several unrecognizable ingredient names, my old enemy Monosodium Glutamate was lurking in this bottle of Ranch dressing! And don’t even get me started on all the artificial colorings and flavorings!

I think I’ll stick to the few basic ingredients in this recipe when I need some ranch dressing.

Keep in mind that this week Stick Boy Bread Company has all kinds of great tasty treats to celebrate Mother’s Day. Treat your favorite mom to something special! (And I’m a firm believer in   BEING the favorite mom who needs a treat!)

Barb

- don’t forget that we’re on Facebook AND Twitter! “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the very latest in the Kitchen.

Chick-Fil-A always has Fun and Family-Friendly events that you won’t want to miss because they are, well, so much fun!

This month is no exception! Here are some Marvelous Moo May Events that will keep the kiddos happy, and the parents too!

This Wednesday, May 9th, from 11am – 1pm, bring the kids in for Crafty Wednesday. Moms, Dads, and Caregivers can sit back and relax spending some quality time with others while the Chick-Fil-A team helps the kiddos make a super duper Mother’s Day card for their special Moms.

Then on Monday, May 15th, from 6-8pm, don’t miss Moo Cow at the ASU Baseball Game. Just one of the fun outings with the Chick-Fil-A ASU Junior Mountaineers Club, the game will be against Gardner-Webb University and you’ll find a booth set up selling awesome food from Chick-Fil-A, plus ASU will have a Spinning Wheel and will spend for prizes from Chick-Fil-A. The ASU Junior Mountaineers Club is just $25 a year, for 8th graders and under, and they will receive a Club Gift, a Personalized Membership Card good for FREE admission to varsity athletic events, special gifts from Chick-Fil-A, exclusive Club events, chance of being a Kickoff Kid or Ball Kid at a Football or Basketball game, Birthday gifts, Newsletters, and much more. For more info on having your child becoming a Junior Mountaineer visit their website at www.goasu.com.

On Friday, May 25th, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, bring the whole family and help celebrate Mini Moo’s Birthday! Eat some great Food and see Mini-Moo, plus have the whole family take a picture with Mini-Moo’s whole family, Momma Moo, Daddy Moo, and Brother Moo, the entire Bovine family. Enjoy some free Ice Dream too!

Last but not least is Crafty Wednesday, May 30th from 11am – 1pm where parents, mom, Dads, anyone can come and take in some R&R and relax while the kids are being entertained with making Crafts. They will he fine artists by the time they get through!

For more info on these or any other Chick-Fil-A events, make sure to visit their website at http://www.cfarestaurant.com/boone, email them at boone.fsu@chick-fil-a.com, or call 828-264-4660.

May is here & school is almost out!

it is nice to have the sunshine for part of the days and mild breezes.

You won’t want to stay indoors, so gather your family and friends and explore what is happening all around the High Country this weekend. You’ll find fun family-friendly activities, and even some fun events for adults and parents as well. Get all of the info right here at High Country Parent and make sure to pass it along!

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This Weekend at Regal Cinema…

Now Showing:

•  The Pirates! Band of Misfits 3D NEW! PG

• The Pirates! Band of Misfits NEW PG

• Visit www.regmovies.com for more info or call 828-262-3330.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

On Friday…

Gather up the Kids and go to Chick-Fil-A’s Carnival Night, this Friday, May 4th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Dress up as a Clown or a favorite Animal or Character like you see at the Carnival. There will be lots of super FUN Games, FREE Snow Cones, and special guest Twist the Balloon Man! You won’t want to miss out on these activities! For more info visit their website at www.chick-fil-a.com/boone, or call 828-264-4660.

Get the Music in you by attending the musical, The Music Man Jr., presented by Parkway School and Students this Friday and Saturday, May 4th & 5th at 7pm. Held at Harvest House,  The Music Man Jr. is an “American Musical Classic” full of fun, singing, and humor. Tickets are on sale each day at Parkway School and at the door for $5. For more info call 828- 264-3032.

Dance the night away at the 9th annual “Midnight at the OASIS!”, this Friday, May 4th from 7-11pm. Held at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock, come and help celebrate 34 years of Service, Information, and Shelter that Oasis has provided for those who have been in abusive situations. This special gala will have Live Music from Laditude, Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, wonderful Chocolates from Kilwin’s, and a Cash Bar. Come dance away with tickets being $30 each, and all proceeds go directly to assist families fleeing violence and abuse, and to support those healing from the trauma of sexual violence. For more info visit their website at www.oasisinc.org., email Rebecca Gummere at outreach@oasisinc.org , or call 828- 264-1532.

On Saturday…

Start your day off right with some Pancakes in the Park, this Saturday, May 5th from 7-11am held at the Horn in the West. Helping to support the Youth of Watauga County, Earth Fare is joining Mountain Alliance in making sure that the foods at this Breakfast are all natural, meaning that there will be locally raised Free Range Eggs, Pancakes made with non-bleached or bromated flours, and real Maple Syrup. Open to everyone for just $6, and kids 6 and under are free. A great Breakfast for a great cause! For more info visit their website at www.mountainalliance.org, email staff@mountainalliance.org, or call 828-236-1770.

The whole family will want to participate in the Pond Mtn Vol. Fire & Rescue Annual Trout Rodeo in Creston this Saturday, May 5th starting at 7am. It’s going to be a great day of Fishing and more with Breakfast being served at 7am and Fishing from 8am – 3pm with a small entry fee. There will be Prizes for the Fish and the person with the biggest Fish caught will win a $200 Grand Prize! Other activities will include Lunch, a Horseshoe and Cornhole Tournament, and an Airwalk for the kids. All proceeds will help purchase equipment. For more info email Anthony Farmer at pmvfr@skybest.com, or call 336.385.1626 or 336.385.9118  and leave a message.

It’s finally here! It’s the Opening Day of the Watauga Farmer’s Marketthis Saturday, May 5th from 8am – 12noon. Many have been waiting for the Farmer’s Market to open and once again enjoy lots of wonderful products and crafts such as Local Foods, Crafts, Breads, Jams, Jellies, and Cheeses, Meat & Eggs from Local Farmers, and taking in the beauty of the area, meeting and making friends, and so much more! There will also be Live Music from Upright & Breathin’, to welcome visitors, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and Raffles for the Farmer’s Market products. For more info visit their website at www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org, email Tori Cox at info@wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org, or call 828-355-4918.

Have a Fun and Safe Weekend!

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***Make sure to visit our Online Stores at www.timespasttoys.etsy.com , and www.dailycrossdesigns.etsy.com for our Wooden Toys and Home, Business, and Garden Decor.

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter under http://www.facebook.com/TimesPastToys; and as a follower @TimesPastToys; and at http://www.facebook.com/dailycrossdesigns and as a follower @dlycrossdesigns.

Hope to see you soon!

Here is a current item being offered:  ~ From our Daily Cross Designs Online Store, it’s our Old Fishing Bait Shack Birdhouse.
Here is our Old Fishing Bait Shack Birdhouse bringing back memories of the good ole days of going down to the local Bait Shack and getting worms and crickets to fish with. Just does a heart good and lends a smile to the face. Hand-painted with a white wash in ocean blues and greens, the shack also has beautiful flowers growing all around and is sitting a top a grass green colored wooden base with old fashioned looking signs on the sides giving a nostalgic feel.

Perfect for Sparrows, Chickadees, Finches, Swallows or Wrens, it can also be used in your home decor. Both Decorative and Functional, this Birdhouse has a screw in the bottom that can be loosened for easy cleaning purposes. Can be mounted on a post or a tree, or hung from a nail or rope, whichever you fancy! Made for Interior or Exterior use. All materials made from Reclaimed and Recycled Wood. Painted and/or Stained with Safe, Non-Toxic Paints and Stains. Measures – approx. 8 1/2” Length X 4 1/2” Width X 7 3/4” Height. $23.00

We are now offering our Toys and products packaged for your convenience.

Glitter Glitz Productions is announcing their 2012/2013 upcoming Summer Camps and “Natural” Beauty Pageants

Owners Lori Tolbert and Lee Marshall started Glitter Glitz Productions as an independent competition company which host Dance Competitions and Pageants promoting Self-Confidence as their number one goal in a fun family-friendly atmosphere. It has truly evolved into a family and they are always welcoming more students. Students will learn skills in Non-Competitive Cheering, Competitive Pom Dance, and Competitive Dance  with Glitter Glitz’s own Dance Team and hosting Competitions held throughout the region.

Glitter Glitz is having a New Sign-Up Night on May 7th and May 10th from 4-7pm held at the Home Builders Association on Hwy. 105 Bypass next to the Coca Cola Plant. The Summer Camps new season will be held from June 11th-16th and July 16th-20th from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday. Kids and Youth ages 3 to 16 are eligible and the cost is $100 per week, with each person receiving a Camp T-Shirt. What a steal! While there, the students will learn Stunting, Tumbling, a Cheer Routine, and then on the last day, they will perform what they have learned.

These ongoing activities really boost self-esteem, teaching kids and youth how to have poise, discipline, grace, along with building character and how to be a team player. The Beauty Pageant also brings about social learning for everyday situations like proper speaking, eloquence around a group, and standing tall. How could we not want these desirable qualities for our younger generations and all in a fun and safe environment?

The “Natural” Beauty Pageant is coming up on July 28th for Infants through 18 years of age. By “Natural”, Lori Tolbert states that, “everything with the participants are natural. Their natural hair – no wigs, natural teeth – no vaseline for a fake smile, and such. (See example picture on side) The Dresses also don’t have to be like a Pageant Dress, it can be a beautiful Sunday Dress”. This helps to make it more affordable and putting the emphasis on the person and not the clothing.

Here are the Age Divisions: Baby Miss (0-1 yrs); Wee Miss (2-3yrs); Tiny Miss (4-6yrs) ; Little Miss (7-9yrs); Jr. Miss (10-12yrs); Teen Miss (13-15yrs); and Miss (16-18 years). There are also several categories of the Pageant as well. The Categories of Competition are: Baby & Wee Miss – which will model Sunday or Short Pageant Dress and Swim Wear; Tiny & Little Miss Divisions – in which will model attire will be Short Pageant or Sunday Dress, Sports Sportswear, Swim Wear, and Talent; and then lastly the Jr, Teen, and Miss Division – where they will model attire in Short Pageant or Sunday Dress, Sports Sportswear, Swim Wear, and Talent too. The stage and walkway for the Pageant will be in a “T” shape so that the models and participants will know how to walk, where to stop, and turn.

The culmination will be Awards, Age Division Queens, Beautiful Crowns, Custom Sashes, the Photogenic Queen, and then the Overall Queen with the Highest Score. A very exciting time for sure!

For more information, visit their website at http://www.glitterglitzproductions.com, contact Lori Tolbert at 828-773-9079 or Lee Marshall at 828-964-3569. Glitter Glitz Productions also has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Glitter-Glitz-Productions/217327818296954 and you can follow them on Twitter at @ glitterglitz11.