@softsurrounding Store #LiveSoft Review

I was super excited to review Omaha's new store called Soft Surroundings in Village Pointe. Their saying is: My Time. My Life. Myself. They have around 56 stores. That's if I counted right. Do you have the store Soft Surrounding where you live?

I have to admit I didn't know what to expect. Their website is wonderful, but I've never been to one of their stores before. It's really beautiful!

The only thing I'd change: I would be to loose the kids. Their store is geared towards relaxation. Mica and Isaak are goofy around each other! If you're a mom that has kids attached to you like I do, you may want to find a sitter. With that being said, I did put my kids to good use. They took some of the photos in this post.

Close to the Counter:

They have what I call a Beauty Bar. It's full of bath stuff.

They also have a nice display of jewelry.

They Were Certainly Welcoming!

I got greeted at the door with bottles of water, macaroons, and the greeter told me where to go.

Photography was welcomed. I love that! My favorite reviews are ones where I take my own photos.

Displays:

I have to say that my favorite parts of the store are their displays. I swear they could almost take close up photos of their displays, print them large format and frame them. They are really cute!

They gave me a bag of all kinds of things. I'm going to post about what all they gave me next.

Piggy Display:

Bird Display:

Bunny Display:

Travel Mail Display:

Spa Section:

They have spa stuff throughout the store. It's not just one section, but here and there. Face masks, bath bombs, and some makeup. 

The boys wanted to smell anything that had a scent. Me on the other hand...well I'm back to not being able to smell due to these nasal polyps, and grass allergies. I'll take their word...they all smelled really good.

If I had to guess I think that their bath stuff, and clothing are their biggest selling items. People that are on a budget may migrate towards their bath stuff. Women that want nice clothes that will last may get locked into looking at their clothing. 

Clothing:

Their clothing has a lot of color, which I love. Price wise it's more on the higher end, but it seems like it's clothes that will last!

This was my favorite: I simply loved the muted colors on this one: 

Accessories:

They have a ton of this and that! If you are interested in an outfit there's a necklace for it. If you need something for your house they have lamps, bedding, pillows, rugs, and more.

For the pet lover:

Accessories for me thank you:

I adore this lamp:

The bedding wasn't really my style, but it was detailed, colorful, and fun:

A basket full of rugs:

Pillows...lots of pillows:

A rack of sunglasses:

Just an overlook of the store:

A place to rest, while shopping is a must. I grew up with sisters and a mom that loved to shop. I have to say that I like to shop more than the guys in my life, but not as much as the girls. If you're waiting and waiting on someone, it's nice to have a spot to relax.

Overall I loved my experience at Soft Surroundings. Even with my son's at my side it was fun. They did help take pictures! Will I go back again? For sure! I think the store is welcoming! They have a ton of variety, and lots of fun colors. I love their displays! 

Follow Soft Surroundings on facebook, pinterest, twitter, YouTube, instagram, and google+.

Do you enjoy going shopping?

Disclaimer: I was received a bag of merchandise from Soft Surroundings in return for writing this post. The store certainly inspired me to write this post. I only review things that I think my family or readers will enjoy, or find useful. 

WW: Last Day of Elementary {Linky}

Mica had his last day of Elementary School a week and a half ago. I think it's so odd that we make such a big deal out of kids ending preschool, which is only a year or two, but we don't for elementary that's five or six years. I'm not saying that Elementary School should have caps and gowns, but why do many of our preschools?

Anyhow Mica will be moving on up to middle school next year. He'll be bussed for the first time. Many of his fellow classmates are going to different middle schools. An old chapter ended, and a new chapter is soon to begin.

Mica and his teacher Mrs. Hume:

I admit that I did tear up when they kept calling Mica's name off for different things:

• 1st in the Science Fair that he did with his friend Aiden. They did theirs on germs in the house.

• Safety Patrol all year long, before and after school.

• Student Council where this year they mentored younger children. Mica felt super proud of that!

• Gold for academics. 

• He was mentioned for being the top of the school for the Spelling Bee, and in a group for the Golden Sower Reading Competition. 

I was holding my composer just fine, until Mr. Miller asked for the box of tissues because he just couldn't hold his tears back any longer.

I handed Mica his book that I had all his teacher's sign. I only wish that I would have thought to have his PE, art, music, councilor and technology teachers sign it. Oh well. All his main teacher's signed it.

My little boy started out at this school as a shy Kindergartener: 

Now he's a confident 6th grader:

I know awards are just pieces of paper, but they do make me proud:

Freak Out

My life feels a bit like this lately:

In case you can't tell what that is, it is broken glass. 

Friday I left work early, as I do many Fridays during the summer. I take 1/2 hour lunches throughout the week to get out of here at 2:30. I thought it would be great to do this especially this year. Why? Because then I can get my allergy shots in on Fridays. I'll get home at a decent time. 

I had Travis drop the boys off to me, as he had to leave to go to his art studio. We drove 20 min. to the allergy clinic. When I told them I needed my card to get my shots in they looked at me like I was crazy. They said, "We don't have shots on Fridays. We never have. We're open on Saturday though." It was almost like they said it like, You should know better. I said, "Really? That's too bad." I just started them. I assumed they were open with shots whenever they were open. Heck they are open late with them on Mondays - they stop giving them at 6:30. I was thinking, No one flipping told me this! Flip! I was planning on this for the whole summer! The boys were annoyed that I drove them all that way for nothing. It was hot, and they are always hungry - even though they just had a snack. 

A few other things happened that day. I missed my exit going to the allergy clinic because I was focused on driving, and Mica talking. Kids talking = distractions. I almost got in a wreck. That one wasn't totally my fault. Dodge Expressway is nuts! Everyone was going way too fast. The boys were crazy annoying in a store I needed to go to. They weren't crying, or yelling. They were just being boys. I was in an all girl shop, so it didn't work out that well. 

Saturday I had a panic attack. Not really. I just freaked out thinking, What if my school's graduation is at a different location this year? I also couldn't remember if I was supposed to be there at 9 or 9:30. I showed up at 8:30, but didn't need to be there until 9:30. Because they told me 9:30 I can't get paid for being there at 8:30. Annoying! Yes it's my fault for not paying attention. 

Today I had yet another freak out. I looked at the calendar, and it said I had my pre-op on the 14th. Well I remember reading somewhere that I HAD to have my pre-op 2 weeks prior to my deviated septum/polyp surgery. My surgery is on the 23rd. I called the office right away. The person that schedules appointments said, "7 to 10 days is fine. You're good." Let's hope they are right! It's bad enough that I have to pay for my surgery before I have it! Yep you read that right. Asshats! My deductible isn't cheap! Hell I'm worried I'm going to me one of those American's left without insurance next year! Ekkk! I'm still waiting for America to be great again! I really don't think that's going to happen. Sigh! Let's beat you, while you're down. What happened to paying things off little by little? In the letter they made it sound like a cosmetic surgery. As if that sounds great to the insurance company. I asked about that one. They said all surgeries like this are worded that way. I held my middle finger up to the phone. I said, "My doctor said I needed this surgery. If I didn't have it polyps would eat away at the bone by my brain, and I will die. It's not a choice surgery." I maybe appealing the insurance company on this one. 

I'm not usually this much on edge. Travis started his residency. I've been playing single Mom all weekend. With my surgery coming up I haven't been sleeping well, and feel like I have a mountain of things to do. 

So do you tend to freak out at times?

NUBARKO Fidget Spinner Toy Review

I got the coolest NUBARKO Fidget Spinner to review: 

Why is it the coolest you might ask? It's quiet, and the center is gold. It also comes in a tin case, and felt bag.

The hard case to protect the fidget spinner:

The felt bag that also helps protect the fidget spinner: 

The Fidget Spinner:

About:

• It has a pattern on it, which mimics a swirl and ripple wave effect when you spin it. I have to admit that it is relaxing to watch. 

• It has a 623 ceramic stainless steel hybrid bearing. It could be replaced if needed. On their site the way they worded it, I thought they had a replaceable bearing. That is not the case. The bearing is quiet and smooth.

• There is 2 to 3 minutes spinning time. That's not unusual for any fidget spinner to spin that long. 

• Materials: TC4 Titanium and Brass with precise CNC process. Durable, Non-Toxic and corrosion resistant. Hand-polished with skilled craftsmanship, smooth surface finishing and comfort hand feeling. 

• Compact and light weight. You could easily fit this in your pocket to carry it. It would also fit in the smallest backpack pocket. Dimension: Length - 1.78"(45mm), Width - 1.78"(45mm), Height - 0.43"(11mm), Weight: 1.5oz (42g)

• This is for both adult and kids. I'm not giving it to my kids though. It's too expensive, and knowing them they'll loose it.

• Great for Relieving: Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Stress, Quitting Bad Habits, Staying awake on long car drives 

You can get this Fidget Spinner Here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XH1B12V

For $36.99 on Prime. The price would be my main complain. It's pricy for a toy that a kid might loose. I'm giving this to my oldest nephew that's more responsible, and in high school, or I'll keep it at work. I'd like to have a box of these type of things for students when I'm talking with them one on one. I really don't like to see them nervous to talk to me.

Do you have any fidget toys?

Disclaimer: I was received the items mentioned in this post from NUBARKO. They certainly inspired me to write this post. I only review things that I think my family or readers will enjoy, or find useful. 

Peter Pan @RoseTheaterCo Review

It was really great to visit The Rose Theater again! It's been awhile, since we've gone there.

Right now they are showing Peter Pan. I thought that would be a perfect musical to take 2 boys to. Off we went to Neverland.

Kind of hard to get a good photo with all the reflections and Mica kept making goofy faces, but I did my best.

We got there early, so lucky us got some snacks. Mica stood over by The Rose Theater Timeline to read it, and Isaak traveled upstairs.

When we walked into the theater we saw that there was a live orchestra in front, and below the stage. There wasn't a whole lot of people playing, but it's always exciting when there's any live music.

The Rose Theater in its self is just a really beautiful building. It's named after a Nebraska icon, Rose Blumkin who opened Nebraska Furniture Mart. The theater is ornate. I love looking at the set designs that they come up with. I kind of wish the set would have been open to see, but they had the curtains closed.

Peter Pan is such a classic. Everyone at The Rose Theater did a great job bringing the story to life!

We were transported on a magical flight to Neverland were Peter Pan took flight. The classic story of the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan shares the story of a boy who escapes growing up by spending his life in the magical realms of Neverland. I've always loved that Peter wants to stay young and full of imagination. I'm always telling my students to go back to that point in their lives, so they will let themselves grown.

In Neverland Peter: 

• Battles Pirates

• Flies With Fairies

• Befriends the Natives

• Takes Care of Others

On a random flight to London, he encounters the Darling children: Wendy, John and Michael. They follow Peter on the adventure of a lifetime. Together with the Lost Boys, they do battles with the sinister Captain Hook and his pirate crew.

All of us who have read Peter Pan know that this story tackles what it means to be an adult and what makes childhood special. - Artistic director Matthew Gutschick

Show Dates:

The show is at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska from June 2-18, 2017. Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. The June 10 show will be interpreted for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; this show will also include audio description services for audience members who are blind.

 The Rose's production of Peter Pan is being led by guest director Amy Lane, whose work was last seen in The Rose's world premiere of Buffalo Bill's Cowboy Band.

Amy set out to bring a very traditional story to the stage, deeply inspired by Victorian-era fairy tale books. "This is truly the fairy tale version of Peter Pan," she says. "I almost imagine the design as a sort of pop-up book that the audience is invited into." I actually have a Peter Pan pop-up book, so this interested me.

The children fly away to Neverland, the scene unfolds into an almost Technicolor world, with scenic designs by Tim McMath.

Cast and Crew:

Peter Pan was played by 14-year-old Danny Deneberg, who was last seen on The Rose stage in the lead role of Ralphie in A Christmas Story.

Ablan Roblin will portray the villianous (but highly humorous) Captain Hook.

Unique lighting techniques will be used by lighting designer Craig S. Moxon to bring the fairy Tinkerbell to life. "Traditionally Tinkerbell is done with a simple follow spot that darts across the stage, but I wanted to give her a bit more life," says Moxon. I kind of saw her to be a yellow spot lite, but they made her green.

Considered a musical masterwork, Peter Pan features orchestrations from the Broadway show, including the favorites - "Never Never Land," "I Won't Grow Up" and "I'm Flying." Jerry Brabec serves as musical director, leading a live 10-piece orchestra that includes instruments ranging from trumpets to oboes to a harp.

Choreographer Sue Gillespie Booton gives energy and movement to the musical numbers, especially with the "Pounce" dancers -- Neverland natives who greet the new arrivals to the island. I have to saw that the "Pounce" dancers were our favorite part of the whole musical!

Contact The Rose Box Office: 

• 402.345.4849 for more information

• Tickets for Peter Pan are $27 Main Floor and $22 Balcony

• Discount ticket vouchers are available at all area Hy-Vee stores

• Members of The Rose receive discounted tickets to the production

• This musical is sponsored by Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Mutual of Omaha, the Whitmore Charitable Trust, the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment

• Special opening night activities are sponsored by Kiewit Companies

Ages This Show:

Is best for ages 4 and up. I do have to say that Isaak was the most engaged. He just turned 9.

Time Frame:

It ends up being 2-1/2 hours long with intermission. During intermission they serve cookies and drinks. They are unlike other venues, and do not have high priced food and drink.

Remember to stay young at heart! 

I received tickets from The Rose Theater to see Peter Pan. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Random Tid Bits

This week I'm going to try and capture some of the funny things I've heard, thought, or said in my life.

1. Once when I was in middle school my older sister that was in high school had a serious talk with the parents. Apparently she was 3 wayed.
   
   You know 3 different people on phone lines, and she didn't know about it. She was completely embarrassed that a guy she liked heard her conversation. She was complaining to a friend about it on the phone.
   
   My Mom heard 3 wayed, and thought she was talking about something sexual. My sister quickly found out what a 3 some was. That's not what she did.


2. One person from our carpool when I was younger was talking about how a guy combed his hair all the time. For a joke they bought him a bunch of combs to put in his locker. My Mom heard her say, "Condoms" instead of "Combs". That became a bigger issue then it needed to be.


3. I referred to someone I know as an "Asshat" - slang for someone that has their head up their butt. When I said it, I surprised myself because "Asshat" sort of sounds like "Asset", which mean pretty much the opposite! Do you think they sound alike?





Source



4. So the person above - the Asshat is someone I see almost daily - Monday through Friday. He's not my husband, or my kids. I swear he's been grumpy since school got out! I think he has IMS - (Irritable Male Syndrome). If you don't think it's a thing read here, here and here. 





Source

My husband even believes in IMS. His mood swings line up with mine. Ha!


5. If someone says, "Cheez-It's" really fast and slur the word it sounds like, "Jesus". If I go to church, and sing a song about Jesus I can replace "Jesus" with Cheez-It's" and no one would really know. Except for me of course.
   
   The next photo is from a long time ago when I got a Cheez-It box of merch to review.

What's something odd that you've misheard, said, or thought?