Worlds of Fun's First Annual Winterfest #WOFWinterfest

I am so excited about this post that I don't know where to start. I guess I should start with gratitude. Thank you to Worlds of Fun for four tickets to see what Winterfest was all about, and for the goodies that came along with it. Thank you to Kansas City Parent for being the most amazing magazine to work with and for hooking me up with Worlds of Fun on this post. Thank you to readers of this blog, who come here to check out what Kansas City has to offer! Buckle up for this one!

*Quick shout-out to my parents for taking me to WOF for my first time as a wee tot back in the 1970s. I was under the weather that day so I didn't make it long, but as a teen I went OFTEN.

What a way to start December! On Friday night, December 1, my family and I (seven of us total) headed to Worlds of Fun to see what Winterfest was like. I had not been there since probably about 1996 with Aron for a work event. That was also his last time. Our four youngest kids (ages 14, 12, 10 and 8) had never been, and I wasn't sure when the right time was (answer: I wish we had been going for YEARS, and now we will be going a lot more, even considering season passes; I dub it "The Disneyland of Kansas City"). Our 16-year-old son Joel went about three times this past summer and LOVES it.

So I was surprised to hear it was going to be open in the WINTERTIME. Thankfully it was a mild evening. Even if it's cold, though, WOF has you covered with their refillable hot chocolate cups, places to warm up, hats for sale, warm funnel cakes and other goodies, and places to duck in for warm experiences (more on that later).

Heading inside. I'm a sucker for blue and white lights.

My family inside the entrance.

Oh my. It all started coming back to me when I used to go to WOF as a teen all the time. Anyone remember the teen dance club there called Exit 54? I have fond memories of it, and that's back when glo-sticks were new!!!

EVERYTHING had lights. It was a visual feast and I could not stop smiling. 

On the train, which was also decorated. Everything was so Christmasy and wintery. It was heaven.

The side of Eva's new glasses she just got that day.

The refillable hot chocolate mug. Super easy to find a vendor and a great deal. Good hot chocolate and a mug that wouldn't spill.

Again with the decorating. I felt like a kid again.

Waiting in line taking bad selfies.

Oh yeah, Le Taxi Tour was still there. I was excited to see the old classics of WOF and a lot of new stuff as well. This old mom was impressed.

Callie took pictures while I drove.

My 14-year-old driving the taxi.

I'm a sucker for a family photo.

Mrs. Claus! Starstruck! She was in the cookie decorating experience!

cookies

tons of sprinkle choices!

The kids had a blast with the cookie decorating!

I ducked out to get more visual stimulation and heard Elvis singing Blue Christmas with the blue tree lit up.

Callie won the best cookie award from our family!

the finished product

I didn't want to risk my camera flying out of my hand on a bump, so I took a pre-bumper car photo. Most of my kids had never been on bumper cars!

time for the carousel

It was almost closing time for the night, so we headed to the cake factory for a funnel cake ...

one.

two.

THREE! This is the specialty holiday funnel cake!

It went too fast! I want to go back!

YES! I really was there. Here I am! Time to leave with cookies, funnel cakes and a huge smile and some TIRED KIDS!

In case you couldn't tell from this post (my face hurts from smiling while writing it), we LOVED THIS and can't wait to go back. One of my favorite holiday songs is "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" but I never actually experienced what that felt like until I took my family to World of Fun Winterfest!

In October we experienced Disneyworld and Universal Studios for the first time and my kids were not impressed with the cost or lines. However, they FELL IN LOVE with Worlds of Fun, which is only about half an hour from our house. The cost of a season pass for one kid is the same as the cost for a one-day ticket to Disney or Universal. If you live in Kansas City, you must take advantage of WOF. I am ashamed to say I had forgotten how much I loved this place as a kid/teen.

Here's the deal: we did not do even HALF of what WOF had to offer. We didn't ride any wild rides (although a few of us love them; we wanted to stick together this time and check it out), and we didn't even get to Camp Snoopy. We didn't check out the ICE SKATING (yes, ice skating at WOF!). We barely caught some of the GORGEOUS live shows (with SNOW!), which 10-year-old Eva won't let me live down. We just walked around in awe and did the train, carousel, taxis, bumper cars (they did them THREE times). We still got the experience of a lifetime. Check out the map and what's open during Winterfest and what's extra special:

Have you been? Tell me about your experience in the comments and/or link me to your post! If you have not been, you have to go!

Almost a year later, my daughter Eva wrote a poem in our homeschool co-op Creative Writing class, taught by me:

A poem in our co-op Creative Writing class by my Eva:
Worlds of Fun
Winterfest
Fun Exciting
Walking Shivering Riding
Bumping on Bumper Cars

Fertility Tips for Your Husband

There are various reasons why you are having difficulty getting pregnant, and one of them could be your man having a low sperm count. Scottish Researchers discovered that the average sperm count of men has fallen below in recent years, but relating this situation to low birth rates is not clear. Low sperm count in men is caused by various factors such as environmental pollutants, effects of medication, tendency for couples to be older when starting a family, and so on.

Low fertility rate affects 1 in 20 men (5%). But it has been discovered that 20% of men have low sperm count, and about 2-3% produce no sperm at all. Low sperm count has also been discovered to be the cause for 20% of couples experiencing infertility. So how can your man increase his sperm count and fertility? This article will discuss some natural tips that will help improve your man’s fertility and sperm production to enable you to get pregnant faster.

Beware Of Mobile Hot Spots

Does your man keep his phone all day long in his pocket? Does he work late at night with his laptop placed on his lap? Your man’s sperm can be damaged in scary ways such as the creation of abnormal sperm shapes and the alteration of the DNA in sperm. Various research studies are confirming such findings, so do yourself a favor and ask your man to stop carrying his phone in his pocket and keep his laptop off his laps.

Cut down on plastics

Ensure that your man avoids using products containing phthalates or BPA. It has been discovered that these chemicals are disruptors of hormones and can negatively affect the quality of sperm produced by your man. Also, a researcher showed findings that related men with high BPA exposure to lower sperm motility. And some men who had higher concentration of phthalate traces in their urine took longer to impregnate their partners.Although it is difficult to avoid plastics these days entirely, you should avoid plastics with these toxic chemicals completely from your man’s life.

Ensure your man eats nuts

When a man consumes nuts, his sperm quality will be increased. Researchers from UCLA investigated the effect of eating walnuts on over 100 men.  After three months, the semen quality of the men was analyzed and discovered that those who ate at least 2.5 ounces of walnut each day had considerably increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It means that they had better sperm mobility, vitality, and less chromosomal abnormalities. Also, it has been discovered that eating any nut ensures the body experience reduced oxidative stress, which in turns increase the production of sperm.

Pop a Few Vitamins

While a man does not have an equivalent of a prenatal vitamin, you should ensure your man makes it a daily habit of taking multivitamins. Researchers from New Zealand discovered that women have increased chances of getting pregnant faster when their partner takes oral supplements. Make sure your man takes supplements containing Folic acid (1 mg), vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin D (1000 IU) and vitamin E (400 IU) daily. These vitamins are essentials because they reduce the production of free radicals and aids the stability and functionality of the sperm-cell membrane.

Ensure your man hits the gym

Not only is hitting the gym a few times a week great for overall health, it can also improve the sperm count of your man. Findings from researchers of the Harvard School of Public Health study showed that men who participated in moderate-to-physical activity for at least 15 hours weekly had about 73 percent higher sperm concentration than men who moved less than five hours in a week. Also, men who watch more than 20 hours of TV per week sitting on a couch had about 44 percent lower sperm concentration than men who didn’t watch anything at all. Ensuring that your man partake in any exercise that breaks sweat is great, adding additional training is even better. Your man’s testosterone level can be increased when he lifts weight, and it can even aid in higher sperm concentration.

Ensure he undergoes a 90-Day Body Cleanse

I’m sure most people don’t know that it takes between 75 and 90 days for the male sperm to form and mature before shooting out. That means your man needs to start detoxifying his body for at least three months before both of you start thinking of making babies. Health and reproductive experts advises that you ensure he reflects on his lifestyle habits. He should be free of anything that could hinder the production of his sperm.The goal is to have a healthy environment from the start. If your man avoids alcohol, smoking or junk food when you are ovulating, it won’t make a lot of difference. But ensuring that he embraces an anti-inflammatory diet and an exercise routine daily leading up to when both of you are prepared to get pregnant will make a huge difference.

Ensure he avoids overheating his Testicles

Another common cause of infertility among men is the exposure of the testicles to high temperature. This can kill the sperm and reduce the amount of sperm produced during ejaculation. Ensure your man wears loose-fitting underwear such as boxers, and he should avoid higher heat in the groin area, for instance, using his laptop on his lap can greatly increase the temperature in the groin area. You should also advise your man to avoid working in a hot environment or being exposed to a lot of heat, make sure he takes a tepid bath for about 30 minutes every night. This will help lower the temperature and increase the production of sperm during ejaculation.

These tips above are things your man can do to increase the sperm count and improve fertility. Using the completely safe, holistic and natural tips found above will ensure that you and your partner will not only overcome infertility but get pregnant faster. It also increases your chances of having a healthy baby.

What to Do When You Need a Cake Fast

One of Sam's 8th birthday cakes (I made 3!!!)

We have all done it. That friend, business associate, or even a family member has a birthday coming up within the next few days and you’ve forgotten that it’s your turn to plan the party. There is no time to shop and bake because your already busy schedule just got busier. What can you do when you need a cake fast? Here are a few thoughts which just might help!

When All Else Fails – There’s Always Walmart!

Before going any further, did you ever stop to think that Walmart really does have a pretty decent assortment of cakes that are really priced quite reasonably? Many shoppers don’t realize that Walmart carries cakes because they are not kept out on displays in the center aisles. While some of the larger Supercenters may have some cakes on display, most Walmart stores have a cooler located near cold cuts and cheese where cakes are stored. If you are working on a budget, you can find current prices on allcakeprices.com without waiting half an hour for a customer service rep to run back and forth checking for you.

Enlist the Help of a Friend

Sometimes, you have that special friend who is there for you through thick and thin. Well, this is one of those times when you just might need a bit of help – unless, of course, the party is for that friend! However, we all have friends who will help us out should the need arise so perhaps she’d be willing to bake a cake or run around town to order and pick one up for you. If time is limited and there’s much to do, friends are a wonderful resource. Someday you might even be able to repay the favor, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Cake Mixes are a Working Lady’s BFF in a Pinch

There probably isn’t a lady around who doesn’t have at least one Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines cake mix in her cupboard! We all find them on sale and snatch them up just in case of ‘emergencies’ like this. You’ve just found a use for that Red Velvet cake mix you found on clearance, so get out the eggs and oil. You’ll have a cake done before you know it. You may not be the best decorator in town, but hey, you are limited on time! Try those edible cake toppers and decorations you quickly make or find at any supermarket in town. You might even find a theme that fits the occasion. You’ll never know until you try.

So you see, there are things you can do when you need a cake fast. Even if you don’t personally have time to bake it or pick one up, you must have that one special friend who’d be willing to help in a pinch. Don’t feel bad because you’ve forgotten a special birthday. You are busy and time slips by unawares. It may not be the cake you were hoping to offer if you have to bake it yourself, but again, there’s always Walmart. No one will ever know you fell down on the job.

How to Maximize the Chances of Getting Your Dream Job

Who wouldn’t love to get their dream job? Maybe you absolutely love sports and want to become a professional sports athlete. Perhaps you have a passion for music and you want to be a touring rockstar with your band. Or maybe you have a more humble approach to your career and simply just want to work as a veterinarian taking care of animals. Whatever your dream job is, here are a couple of tips to help you reach it in record time.

Source: Pexels

Identify What You Really Want From Life

How can you chase your dream job if you don’t have one? Don’t worry if you still feel undecided about what you want to achieve in life. It’s important that you don’t rush yourself into picking a dream job, but it’s also completely fine to change what your dream job actually is. This is because we all change. Our interests change, the things we fall in love with change and our passions can also change. If you find that you no longer have an interest in something that you used to, then it’s alright to accept. What you want from life will change over time, so it’s important to understand that as a fact of life. Don’t feel depressed if you wake up one day and tell yourself that you no longer want to work in your current career. Accept it and try to move on by rediscovering yourself.

Understand Your Limitations and How to Overcome Them

Everyone has limitations. Whether it’s physical limitations or knowledge, they can usually all be overcome. If you want to work on computer science, then it’s important to start studying and to invest in the hardware and machines needed to indulge in your passions. Another thing to keep in mind is your age. If you want to become an athlete, then it’s important to focus on your physical ability. Unfortunately, our bodies are less suitable for professional sports the older we get, so it’s important to try and find alternative ways to do something we love. For example, if you’re too old to play for a team then you can always look for a job as a coach or manager of a sporting team instead.

Source: Pexels

Gather Experience as Early as Possible

Whatever you want from life, it’s important to gather as much experience as possible so it’s easier to improve your skills. Having experience also means that you have more to put on your resume for when you apply for a job. Sometimes, gathering experiences means working for free or subjecting yourself to harsh criticism in order to learn. While no one enjoys the idea of being shouted at or criticised on a regular basis, you do have to remember it’s all for the sake of growing your ability and learning new skills. Try and study as much as you can and don’t neglect to seek advice from a mentor or more experienced people that you are in contact with.

Write an Outstanding Resume

If you’ve already found your dream job and you’re about to apply, make sure you don’t skimp on your resume. Make sure you gather as much experience as possible so you have plenty to write about. Use a resume writing service if you don’t feel comfortable writing your own, or look at tips to help you make a fantastic first impression. Remember that you can find industry-specific tips to help you write your resume. For example, this article titled “Top 5 Resume Tips for Nurses” is a great place to start if you want a career as a nurse. It shows some informative tips to help you write a specialised resume for a healthcare career and this will greatly improve your chances of landing a healthcare related job. With a bit of research, you’ll find hundreds of tips for almost any career that you could think of and they will all help you reach your dream job.

Source: Pexels

Learn to Approach Businesses

Sitting and waiting for opportunities isn’t going to get you a dream job. Learn to approach businesses and be confident when offering them your skills. This is a trait that freelancers learn to pick up. Freelancers are known to be far more assertive and they understand that they need to pitch their ideas and skills to businesses in order to build up a portfolio. Approaching businesses shows that you’re willing to take the initiative, and this goes a long way to helping you solidify a career in your dream job. It also helps you improve your ability to network and communicate which are solid benefits to bolster your first impressions.

Stop Worrying About the Money

Money is important, but you should only worry up to a certain point. If you’re making enough money to support your way of life, then you should be fine with a job that pays a little less. If it’s deciding between a well-paying job that you hate and a lesser-paying job that you absolutely love, then the choice should be obvious. Job security is important, but excess wealth will be wasted if you don’t have time to use it or if you’re not in a positive mindset to make the most of it. In short, worry about money only up to a point, then stop using it as a reason to apply for jobs you don’t actually like.

Never Settle for Less

To summarise, you should never settle for less when it comes to your career. You’re going to be spending a large part of your life working and if you force yourself to work in a job that you don’t actually enjoy, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. If you’re dedicated to finding a job that you love, then make sure you’re always hungry for more. Keep networking with people to discover new opportunities, work feverishly to improve your chances of finding your dream job. Take the initiative when possible and never wait for chances to come to you.