Bucket List

Do you have a bucket list? Well I do! Earlier this summer my friend and I were at The Muny Opera in St. Louis enjoying a beautiful production of Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn." If you are ever in St. Louis during the summer months and you like theater then a trip to The Muny is an absolute must! It's America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. This year was its 97th season and plans are already underway for a fabulous celebration of The Muny's 100th anniversary! The sloping amphitheater contains 10,800 stadium style seats. Anyone and everyone can enjoy the musical productions of The Muny because unique to this theater is a section of free seating comprising the last nine rows or about 1,500 seats of the venue. As a young girl, my mom, siblings and myself would enjoy The Muny shows from the free seats which then fostered the beginning of my long time appreciation for the arts.

St. Louis Municipal Opera
Photo courtesy of explorestlouis.com

Still to this day I especially love the shows with lots of dancing, specifically tap style! When I was younger I did take ballet and tap dance lessons, but only for a short while. The dance class times were in conflict with my basketball schedule, and being in a family with older athletic brothers it meant I would be playing basketball rather than dancing. And I truthfully admit, I loved playing basketball more than I ever loved dancing.  However, as the years passed I always wished I had learned to tap dance. So this desire was eventually placed on my "bucket list" of things to accomplish during my lifetime. Interestingly, while enjoying "Holiday Inn" my friend mentioned learning to tap dance was on her "bucket list" of things to do! So at that moment we decided we would find a tap class for adult beginners.  The next day we searched the internet and most of the local dance studios only had tap classes for children and youth dancers. A few studios offered adult tap lessons but the cost per class was outrageous. Then the Continuing Education catalog from St. Louis Community College arrived in the mailbox! And there it was... an adult beginners tap dance class, 8 week session, nearby, reasonably priced! We applied the very first day of open registration! Good news, we're in!

Now I need to find tap shoes, and the hunt is on. I've located several online shops that sell adult size tap shoes, but unlike buying personalized shirts from Zoey's Attic, I really need to try on the shoes before I purchase them. At my age my feet hurt and comfort is top priority. I know one thing for sure, I won't be getting the tap style with a heel like the dancers at The Muny wear for the dance numbers. Instead, they will be either flat T-strap Mary Jane shoes or the black patent leather style with a ribbon tie bow. I can't wait to find them and get to our first lesson!

So here are a few of the other items I've also had on my bucket list:

- See the Eiffel Tower: Done! Magnificent!

- Become a certified scuba diver: Done! Don't like it and will never scuba dive again. Although "under the sea" is an incredibly gorgeous sight, I really don't want to know in advance if "Jaws" or any other creature is lurking nearby. I'd rather it just happen without any prior knowledge of the impending attack!

- Overcome my fear of snakes: Never, ever will this happen!

So what is on your bucket list?

Grandparents Are Special

While I truly believe the best job in the world is being a mom, I must confess being a Grandparent must truly be awesome! I can't really imagine how anything could be better than being called Mommy, but I think being called "Grandma" or "Nana" or "Mimi" would be pretty special too! All the joy (and sometimes tears) watching the little ones grow up.. the excitement of each milestone from birth, kindergarten, grade and high school graduations, college, weddings, and new babies and then one day we magically become the Grandparent. When I look at my own Grandparents I am so grateful for their love and the knowledge and guidance they have imparted on myself, my siblings, and my cousins. I hope to someday have the same impact on my own grandchildren. There was great comfort in always knowing someone special would be there for me when my parents weren't able to be there due to work schedules, or illness, or whatever the circumstance may have been at the time. I have always known my Grandparents loved me as deeply as my own parents. So whenever I finally do become Grandma, I hope my children will rely on me to fill in the gaps when needed. So when mommy and daddy can't get away from work, please call on me to pick up the kiddos from day care, or school, or even scouts or ball practice. And when the little ones are wanting a special gift for birthday or the holidays and you can't seem to find it, let me know and I'll find it for you. And when the children are sick, please ask me to care for them while you are working or even just running your errands. I want to be the Grandparents who are at the grandkids' school play hours in advance just to get the best seat in the house!

National Grandparents Day began in the United States in 1978, and this year it will be celebrated on Sunday, September 13th.Three of my Grandparents had already passed, and  even though back then we didn't have an official day to celebrate Grandparents, I hope they always felt mine and my siblings' love and appreciation. My Grandparents' homes were filled with happiness and laughter, and there are so many special memories I have that will always be a part of me. Be sure to let your Grandparents know this year the special place they hold in your heart. Zoey's Attic can help with a personalized and totally unique Grandparent's Day gift designed just for your very own dear Grandma and Grandpa.

Allergies or Common Cold?

The common cold is never fun, but seriously it's no picnic when you catch one during the hot and humid summer months.  During the Spring and Fall seasons I can always count on a runny nose, itchy and watering eyes, continual sneezing, and the ever consuming headache caused by allergies. That's just a fact of life for me and so many other allergy sufferers. When the pollen and mold spore levels increase so do the symptoms caused by these allergens. Allergic rhinitis, or better known as hay fever, is caused by an heightened immune response to pollen grains and other substances such as mold spores.The irritation begins during the Spring months when the trees, grasses and plants have awakened from their winter slumber and release their pollen. The counts are worse in the morning hours and on windy days. During the late summer and into the autumn season, pollen from ragweed is the major cause of sneezing and sniffling.

It's mid summer now and not really the time of year for my allergies to rev up, but somehow I suppose I've gotten a case of the common cold. The symptoms are similar with the usual nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. The nasal discharge caused by allergies is typically thin and clear, while it often becomes yellowish or greenish in color with a simple cold. However, I'm not itching which is a plus! But on the downside, my throat is scratchy, my body aches, and I have a low grade fever. These additional symptoms are all associated with a cold and not those nasty allergens. According to Medicinenet.com, the common cold is the most frequent reoccurring sickness in the world.  It's also known as nasopharyngitis and is caused by a virus. The common cold will typically run its course in about a week to 10 days.  The virus does not respond to an antibiotic and there is no magical cure. So while you're suffering from the common cold here are five suggestions for relieving your discomfort:

1.  Get plenty of rest.

2.  Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

3.  Gargle with warm salt water to soothe and relieve the pain of a sore throat. The Mayo Clinic suggests 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water.

4.  Utilize over the counter medications such as decongestants to relieve nasal symptoms, throat lozenges and cough syrups to quiet the coughing spells. Do not, however, give throat lozenges or hard candies to children younger than 3 or 4 years of age to suck on as these can be a choking hazard. Use a throat spray such as Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray instead. Also, give Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce fever and body aches.  Be sure to read package labels regarding recommended medicinal dosages for infants, children, and adults.

5. Consult your physician for additional guidance and especially if symptoms persist.

Well it's time for more meds! Can't wait for the Fall allergy season to begin! NOT!

Back To School Shipping Update #2

The first week of August is coming to a close and we wanted to give you an update on our current Back To School shipping schedule. We continue to work overtime processing your special teacher shirt and gift orders and as always are ever so grateful for your patience. We are working super hard to get your personalized shirts to you as quickly as possible. However, due to the continuing overwhelming demand this week we are still shipping in approximately 5-7 business days with basic regular shipping. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need your shirt sooner and we will do everything possible to have your order processed and delivered to you in time for the start of the school year.  We also offer expedited Priority and Express shipping options at checkout. Again, many thanks for shopping Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts for your Back To School shirts and gifts. We are so very appreciative of your support! Wishing all our friends a super fabulous school year!