Category "Experiences"

Sun Protection UPF Clothing

Queen Darlene - July 6, 2017 - Birthday, Experiences, Gifts for Him

To celebrate my husband’s 67th birthday (oh my, I can remember when he turned 17), we took a vacation to Big Cedar Lodge and Table Rock Lake in Missouri for a fishing trip.

On our trip, we visited the granddaddy of all outdoor stores – Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, Missouri. Did you know it’s Missouri’s number one tourist destination?

We were in the store for hours looking at boats, motors, fishing gear, seven aquariums, alligators, and finally clothes.

(Now I know how he felt after all these years shopping with me. Bless his heart!) Continue Reading

Hummingbird Feeder | Backyard Entertainment

Queen Darlene - June 22, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Experiences, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Teacher Gifts

My husband and I really enjoy watching hummingbirds. These beautiful birds have become our favorite backyard entertainment.

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. They are fascinating to watch because they can hover, fly right, left, up, down, backwards and even upside down.

They flap their wings about 80 times per second which causes a humming sound. Continue Reading

One-on-One Father/Son Time

Princess Diana - June 13, 2017 - Birthday, Experiences, Father's Day, Gifts for Him

Although my husband’s parents only live a few miles away, my husband doesn’t get much one-on-one time with his father.

They meet up for quick lunches here and there, but they haven’t spent more than an hour, just the two of them together, in quite a while.

I wanted to remedy that with a thoughtful Father’s Day gift – father/son time!

I thought my husband and his dad would enjoy the experience of going to a professional baseball game together. It’s a perfect outing that combines sports entertainment and plenty of time to chat, drink beer, eat peanuts, etc.

Indoor Go Kart Racing | Adrenaline Experience

Princess Diana - May 23, 2017 - Birthday, Experiences, Gifts for Him

If you’ve followed my blog for a little while, you probably know I like to give my nieces experience gifts.

A few years ago, I took them on a limouisine ride to look at Christmas lights. This time when they visited during their spring break, I gave them a thrilling experience that got their adrenaline pumping – indoor go kart racing at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour!

Need for Speed

At Pole Position Raceway, as long as someone’s 48 inches tall they’re allowed to drive, so even my nine year old niece could do it.

My nephew joined my nieces and after receiving the proper safety training, it was go time! They put on their helmets, strapped into their go karts, and put the pedal to the metal!

Behind the Scenes Experience With Zoo Animals

Princess Diana - March 28, 2017 - Experiences, Gifts for Me, Kids

Recently, I realized that you haven’t truly experienced the zoo until you’ve experienced it behind the scenes.

My family has a zoo membership so we go multiples times throughout the year. At this point, I felt like I had seen everything the zoo had to offer.

Out of all the animals, my favorite ones to see are the giraffes and my favorite thing to do is feed them. Every time I see them I think, “God sure has a wonderful imagination to have come up with these animals!”

They are so beautiful and majestic, yet supremely awkward at the same time. And the built-in sunscreen on their tongues – genius design!

Behind the Scenes “Wild Encounter” at the Zoo

On my last visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo, I went with my Leadership Oklahoma City class to learn about the zoo and its planned expansion. As a bonus, they treated us to a behind the scenes “Wild Encounter” with elephants.

We entered the building where the elephants live, and we were given the rare and exciting opportunity to see them up close.

Speak Out Mouthpiece Challenge Game

Queen Darlene - March 9, 2017 - Birthday, Experiences, Family, Kids

When was the last time you doubled over, your side hurting and you couldn’t breathe from laughing so much? Do I have the side splitting game for you! Speak Out is the ridiculous mouthpiece challenge game.

The object of the game is to earn cards by successfully guessing phrases. The team with the most cards at the end of the game wins.

Simple enough, but not really. Continue Reading

The Gift of Time Away

Princess Diana - March 9, 2017 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day

We have so many responsibilities in our lives – working to pay the bills, raising kids, running a household, giving back to our community… The list goes on and on. And on.

When was the last time YOU had 24 hours or an entire weekend just to yourself?

When was the last time YOUR SPOUSE had 24 hours or an entire weekend to himself or herself?

With all of the pressures and stress we face, we all need some “me time” or if you’re a parent you might call it “adult time.” What you or your partner may need is the Gift of Time Away.

The Gift of Time Away

For a thoughtful gift, give your partner one or more days for himself/herself with zero responsibilities. He/she won’t have to do any chores, run any errands, or watch any kids.

You’re essentially giving them the free time and freedom to do what makes them happy!

Paint Your Own Pottery Experience

Princess Diana - February 21, 2017 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Kids, Mother's Day

When I visit my sister’s family, I always like to give my three nieces the gift of a new experience.

Now that my oldest niece is 16 and I have a four-year old son, I needed to come up with an experience that teenagers AND young children would enjoy. That’s a little tough, but I came up with the perfect idea! Adults will enjoy it too!

I took everyone to a paint your own pottery studio where each of us picked out an unfinished ceramic pottery to paint.

The studio had a TON of choices and to inspire customers it displayed examples of what the final painted products could look like.

Ceramic Pottery

I picked out a Christmas sweater platter, and my son picked out a dinosaur. My sister picked out a Christmas mug, while her 16-year old niece picked out a jar. My 13-year old niece picked out a turtle shaped container, and my nine-year old niece picked out a Hello Kitty figurine. See! Something for everyone!

The pottery studio provided all of the painting supplies, glazing and firing. All we needed to do was unleash our creativity!

One Night Stay Destination | Experience Gift

Queen Darlene - February 17, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Experiences

My sister-in-law and her husband enjoy going out-of-town. With that in mind, I gave them a destination experience as a gift!

My husband and I gave David and Lesa a gift certificate for a one-night-stay at a historical hotel. Inside the envelope, I included a picture of the hotel’s breathtaking lobby.

When they opened their gift, they were completely surprised! They had never heard of The Mayo Hotel and were excited about their upcoming adventure.

The Mayo Hotel in Tulsa

The Mayo Hotel located in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a beautiful hotel that has been renovated to its previous historic grandeur.

Opened in 1925, The Mayo instantly became synonymous with high society. Famous guests included President John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, Lucille Ball, Charlie Chaplin and Elvis Presley. Continue Reading

Give Your Partner A Sensual Oil Massage

Princess Diana - February 14, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Experiences, Valentine's Day

I have a Valentine’s Day gift that can transform your relationship by creating deeper intimacy. You can give it over and over, and it’s amazing every time!

Give your partner a sensual massage with your own two hands using massage oil.

If you think about it, who better than to pamper your lover with a romantic massage than you?

My husband is no professional masseur, but he gives THE BEST massages. I only wish he could massage me longer than 20 minutes before his fingers get tired. Really though, I’m not complaining because those 20 minutes are pure heaven!

My body becomes putty in his hands as he sensually rubs my aches and tensions away… leaving me feeling completely relaxed and loved. There’s something very intimate in knowing that your partner is focusing all of his or her efforts on making you feel so good.

By the way, massage oil is essential. It makes a massage feel 100 times better!