Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland Newport, KY

Newport Aquarium invites the public to experience a Cincinnati holiday tradition under the sea Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 at Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland.

Since 2003 Scuba Santa has been delighting children in Northern Kentucky with tons of bubbles, and lots of fun. My girl gets shy talking to Scuba Santa, but has a blast with Tinsel the Elf, you must find him if you visit! 

 

 

The Water Wonderland journey will also take guests through a number of holiday-clad galleries, culminating in a truly wondrous experience where families connect and interact with the magic of an undersea holiday celebration:

 

 

Stingray Hideaway New in 2017, visit the tropical paradise getaway where Scuba Santa goes to relax after the busy holiday season. His elves are already there decorating with festive tropical decor ready to meet and greet guests in Stingray Hideaway. Plus, guests can interact with and touch two dozen stingrays in the 17,000-gallon stingray touchpool, while enjoying the tropical holiday oasis.

 

 

After chasing the swimming penguins back and forth, have giggle of fun, our girl drew a wish on a magic bubble and mailed it to Scuba Santa's Post Office. 

 

She also enjoyed getting up close with these guys, they're just so cute! 

 

 

PS. While you're visiting Scuba Santa. Did you know you could Buy 3, Get 1 FREE during their annual pass sale? In time for the holidays, guests who purchase three Newport Aquarium Annual Passes will receive a fourth Annual Pass free. The Annual Pass Holiday Special ends on Dec. 31. Annual Passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase, so guests can use them now to experience Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland and into next year, including a VIP Passholder-only preview party for the opening of the new Ring of Fire exhibit in March.

 

 

Truth in Review: Newport Aquarium provided us with tickets for our review. We were not paid for any contents of our review or required any certain text within the review.  All reviews posted by us are truthful in content and not bought. Gabe & Gabreial Wyatt 

Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info

Discover Dinosaur World Cave City, KY

Driving along I-65 S through Kentucky, it’s hard to miss the giant fiberglass dinosaur sitting atop a small hill at Exit 53.  He invites the adventurous driver and family to exit at Cave City, KY and visit Dinosaur World.  Reminiscent of the almost bygone roadside attractions, this is a delight to find along the modern interstate.

 

 Opened in June 2003, this location is one of three in the United States.  Glen Rose, TX and Plant City, FL boast the other two, all owned by the same individual, Swedish businessman Christer Svensson.  The main attraction here is the Dinosaur Walk where one will find over 150 life size dinosaurs nestled among trees and other natural vegetation. 

(pictured right, Mr. Young)
Signs are posted with dinosaur descriptions and facts.  Be sure to walk up the hill beyond the Mammoth Display to have your picture taken with Photosaurus.  Other onsite attractions include a fossil dig, boneyard, indoor museum, movie cave, picnic area, playground and gift shop.  The gift shop offers everything from a 50 cent plastic dinosaur to an authentic dinosaur egg nest for $3600.  Yes, they have sold several, mainly to companies seeking to decorate their offices with that most unusual item. 

Alice & Wonderland The Musical with the Cincinnati Children's Theatre: Enter to Win!

With my oldest child turning fifteen, I'm a beliver in more memories and less stuff more than ever before. We still have a preschooler, who has too much stuff. Don't get me wrong we're still working on it.

The older two have too much stuff as well, and I find them downsizing the junk when they start to get overwhelmed.  If you were to sit down and talk with them about their favorite things, they'll more than likely tell you about a trip we took, or an event we attended. They both have fond memories of visiting the Cincinnati Children's Theatre, and still like it as a teen and pre-teen. Now they're excited to take along their little sister, and see how she reacts to the scenes unfolding. 

Since 1924 The Cincinnati Children's Theatre has been aiming to bring smiles and the wonders of the theatre to children across the Greater Cincinnati Area. To kick of their season, they're bringing Alice in Wonderland to the Main Stage at Taft Theatre! Bring your kids to explore their first show of the season, with Alice and all of her friends. 

Create memories to last a lifetime, and introduce them to the kid-friendly performaces that The Children's Theatre works so hard to bring you. 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND begins the 2016-2017 season at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, October 15-23, 2016. Saturday October 15 at 2 PM; Sunday October 16 at 2 PM and 5PM; Friday October 21 at 7:30 PM; Saturday October 22 at 2 PM and 5 PM; and Sunday October 23 at 2 PM at the Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati.

Purchase your Tickets $10-30 by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting  www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are selling as fast as the White Rabbit!

 

or Enter to Win a pair of vouchers right here on Vintage Indie! (Thanks to The Children's Theatre for the giveaway vouchers)

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Congratulations to Candy Burns! She is our winner! 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  I was provided with tickets for my family in exchange for promotional purposes as well as ticket for the winner.  All opinions are my own.  

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Cincinnati: The Children's Theater Presents The Frisch Marionette Compay Production of Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli's Fire

Father's Day Weekend 2016: Around Town June 17 - 19th.

This is just a small sample of what's going on around the Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati Area this coming Father's Day weekend. If you know of something fantastic going on, please feel free to add it to the comments. 

 

 

Vintage & Antiques: 

Burlington Antique Show 

Show hours: 6am- 3 pm

8am- 3pm $3 each

6am-8am $5 each (Early Bird Buying)

Kids under 12 years free

Free Parking

Show is Rain or Shine!

Sorry, No Pets Please

 

Festivals: 

Goetta Fest 

16^th Annual MainStrasse Village “Original” Goettafest

                Sponsored by J.B.’s Barbecue

Friday, June 17, 2016                          5 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 18, 2016                      Noon until 11:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 19, 2016                        Noon until 9:00 p.m.

 

6/18 Slide the City, Cincinnati, OH. Website:  https://www.slidethecity.com/location/cincinnati/

6/18 RoeblingFest presented by Lighting Systems Inc on June 18 2016 Covington,Ky at 3rd and Court Streets

NEW this year at RoeblingFest will be our Historical Presentation series brought to you by BB Riverboats!

Presentations will take place in the Telephone building ($5 per session or $10 for all 3)

2:00 - Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, will discuss John Roebling and his Ohio River Bridge.
3:00pm - Dr. Paul Tenkotte will discuss the local area during the bridge construction: "Regional Epicentre of
the Civil War: Northern Kentucky.”
4:00pm - Richard Sutherland, PE, will discuss the rehab and restoration of the Roebling bridge in the late 20th century.

Check out www.roeblingbridge.org for more details!

Sat, Jun 18 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Airheads 30th Anniversary at Smale Park Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1728343827405428/

 

6/18 2-9 Tusculum Street Fest 2016 Website: http://www.tusculumstreetfest.org/

Concerts:

 

6/17 - Summer Concert Series Crestview Hills, KY. Website: http://shopcrestviewhillstowncenter.com/events/

 

 

 

And the Story Begins: Furniture with a new story to tell.

Things are going to start picking back up here at Vintage Indie. Now that we're getting settled into our new place, and learning what is like to live in a 89 year old farm house. We are enjoying the charm and wide open space here. 

Today, I'd like to introduce you to And the Story Begins. Local to Northern Kentucky; furniture artist Holly Carpenter, is creating new stories for once disregarded furniture. 

She specializes in using Annie Sloan's coveted Chalk Paint. 

Buffet in progress above. 

To learn more about And the Story Begins and to see more of Holly's work, please like her new Facbook page. 

 

Support Independent Small Businesses! 

 

Shop Local: Bath & Body from WinsomeGreen in Manchester Kentucky

Have you thought about supporting your local community with everyday products? There is a handmade small business out there for almost anything you could ever want.

Let's start today with WinsomeGreen in my home state of Kentucky. 

 

WinsomeGreen

 

Bath Tea 

Outdoors Survival Kit 

Milk Bath Soak 

Vintage Indie Life: Valentine's Vendor Fair Independence, KY

It's time to start thinking about your sweetie, and all of the lovely ladies and gents on your list of loves. If you're local to Independence, KY come out to the Valentine's Vendor Fair February 2, 2014. Don't worry, it's over before the game starts! 

 

Vintage Indie Shop Local: Carabello Coffee Newport, Ky

 

Tis' the season to support local businesses. Now is the time they need your hard earned money more than ever. They're competing with the big guys and most of the time have so much more to offer.  

 

Husband and wife team, Justin and Emily Carabello have recently opened their brick and mortar Roasting Works and Craft Coffee Bar in Newport, Ky. 

 

They're doing amazing things there, like hand crafting out of this world cappuccinos. I could have stayed there and sipped their delicious brews all day. 

They're not just brewing yummy coffee though, they're giving back by sending much of their profits to benefit coffee regions in Kenya, and Nicaragua. You don't find dedication and commitment to the source  for many products like this. It is truly refreshing to see Justin, pursue his passions all while helping others and delivering fantastic coffee. I

  I can't wait until my summer craving for coffee starts! They're the first to offer cold-brew coffee on draft. I can already feel my taste buds starting to twinge.

Enjoy &  Shop Local!  

Visit  Carabello Coffee Roasting Works & Craft Coffee Bar  at 107 E. 9th St. in Newport, KY. Hours are: Tues. - Fri. 7am - 8pm, Sat. 8a-8p. Not local? Visit their online store. Their brews are a must read! The stories you can tell about your coffee will warm your heart. 

While you're there, pick up some local coffee for Christmas gifts this year! Your friends and family will love you. 

 

Kentucky Life: Help for 2012 tornado victims of Kentucky, Ohio & Indiana

 

Map from Local TV Station Fox19

 

If you aren't local to our area you may not  know about the devastating tornadoes that touched down in our Tri-State area including Kentucky, Ohio & Indiana (plus many other states).  I've never experienced something so close to home. I'm thankful for God's protection over friends of ours who live close and praying for those families who are dealing with the tragedy. 

There are so many stories of so many familes that need prayer and uplifting during this time. I'm thinking of a little toddler girl who was found in Indiana without her four other family members. She is the sole survivor and still in intensive care. Please keep her in your prayers. 

Psalms 10:14 

¹⁴ But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; 
   you consider their grief and take it in hand. 
The victims commit themselves to you; 
   you are the helper of the fatherless. 

 

 

source: nameless found via Oh Hello Friend

Revalation 21:5 ⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

For those of you who do live here and are looking for a compilation of ways you can help. I hope to have gathered as much information for you as possible. Please feel free to add anything to the comments section. Monday is a big volunteer day for many churches and organizations. 

As always, please be cautious and follow up on any organizations asking for money. 

 

Ways to help:  

Cry out 4 Crittenden

 Public Event for B 4 U

Northern Kentucky: Coordination of help for Northern Kentucky Vitims of 3.12.12 Tornados  Once you join this Facebook Group, be sure to check out the documents link at the top right hand corner of the group page. A lot of information there. 

‎

700WLW will be at Matthew 25 Ministries Warehouse on Monday to help collect items needed for Disaster Relief of the Storm and Tornado victims on Monday. Information is on our website at 700wlw.com, search “Events.’ We are linked to Matthew 25 Ministries website if people want to donate money if they can’t make it to Blue Ash in person.

STAFF CONFIRMED AT MATTHEW 25 ON MONDAY: 
8:30am Brant Schulz
10am-12N Seg Dennison
10am-12N Doc Rogers
10:30am-11am Dan Carrol
11am-1pm Eddie Fingers
1pm-3pm Scott Sloan
3pm-4pm Bill Cunningham
3p-5p Lisa Wells

 

VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS:
PERRY COUNTY - Hazard
Hazard National Guard Armory accepting donations through 5 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 4

BREATHITT COUNTY - Jackson
Jackson National Guard Armory accepting donations through 5 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 4
651 Armory Drive
Jackson, KY 41339
606-666-2440

KENTON COUNTY 

Independence:
Sprint Store - Accepting clothing, children’s items, water, food, cleaning supplies through 7 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
2081 Centennial Blvd.
Independence, KY 41051
859-363-9000

Taylor Mill KY Drop Spot: 

King Chiropractic 11939 Taylor Mill Rd. Annie King's office taking donations as long as we know people are coming we will be here! We have already had 2 truck loads go to Piner Baptist. We have a contact in Piner so we have the capibility to get thru, otherwise you can not get in..the "looky lou's " have caused them to not let most thru ...859.363.1222 if you need to call

Morning View KY: 

Piner Baptist Church

We are still in need of the following items:
Pillows
Pillow cases
Tarps
Nails
BOXES
GLOVES

We have received tons of donations and are hoping to begin distributing large amounts tomorrow. Thank you for your great generosity

Lakeside Park, KY 41017

Lakeside Christian Church: Tornado/Storm Relief Effort: 

Please bring non-perishable food items, water, personal hygiene products, baby items and clothing of all sizes to Lakeside Christian Church, 195 Buttermilk Pike, Sunday March 4th. People in our nearby community are in need of these items due to the recent devastating storms. Lakeside is about loving Jesus and loving like Jesus...let's put that into action!

Questions? Contact Christon@lakeside.org or Melissa@lakeside.org

 

 - Walton Baptist Church has all types of supplies available for distribution - just go to the back of the church if you are in need of clothing, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.. Distribution will be from 7 -7 on Sunday and then 9 -8 daily. Please pass this information on to those in need.

 

 - Nicholson Christian Church located on KY16 will become a clothing distribution center beginning Sunday, March 4th. People in need of clothes should be directed to this location. Thank you.

 - Crittenden Baptist Church

215 Russell Rd Crittenden, KY 41030 (859) 428-3122

Starting Monday morning 9AM, families in need...please come and get these amazing donations!

Please help spread the word : We lived in Northern KY (including Peach Grove) many years ago and would like to help ! My office will file federal and state income tax extension requests for anyone affected by the tornados at no cost to them. That will give them until October to try to get their lives back in order before having to deal with Uncle Sam:

Rick O'Rourke - Integrity Business Service

Family - owned in KY for 30 years.

office - 859-335-5281

cell - 859-816-4535

LAUREL COUNTY – East Bernstadt
East Bernstadt Fire Department – accepting volunteers and donations
2541 N US Highway 25
East Bernstadt, KY 40729
606-843-6511

AMERICAN RED CROSS
SAFE AND WELL PROGRAM
A service for survivors to register and leave an “I’m safe” message so loved ones can search for them to check their status: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
DONATIONS TO THE KENTUCKY CARES CAMPAIGN
• Text “Redcross” to 90999
• Drop off a check at any Central Bank location

 

There are so many places to list, so if I missed yours please feel free to add it, again in the comments section. 

God Bless, 

Gabreial Wyatt & Family 

Kentucky Life: Ft. Wright Baby Fights for Life and New Heart

Friends and fellow homeschoolers, the Kalapasevs.

 

 

Ft. Wright baby fights for life and new heart.

Kentucky Life: New Restaurant Review El Jinete Taylor Mill 41015

For all of you who don't live in Kentucky (Taylor Mill area) please disregard this post or you may get very hungry.

New in town is the family owned and operated El Jinete Mexican Grill. If you know me, you know I adore Mexican food. Whether it is Americanized or not, I couldn't tell you, but I love spicy, crunchy and good Mexican food.

I was thrilled when El Jinete opened up in my old hometown of Taylor Mill Kentucky. In a small strip of shops, along Old Taylor Mill Road.

Surprising to us natives this particular restaurant used to be a Skyline Chili that moved up the sidewalk a bit, into a larger location. The inside has been completely changed, updated and sleek might I add for a strip restaurant.

 

 

The restaurant was empty when we first arrived, but I think it was due to the random lunch time on a Sunday. (It is also very new). It was extremely clean and the staff was eagerly waiting to serve us.

The food, I know you're wondering about the food. Well, I realized that I wanted to write a feature after we had already started to chow so I don't have any pictures for you but I can share our thoughts with you.

If you're going to have a Mexican restaurant you have to have good chips and salsa in my opinion. This is key. My husband and I usually rate a Mexican restaurant on the chips and salsa (almost entirely). After all it is the start of what a great Mexican dinner should be.  It needs to have flavor, a spice of jalapeno and definitely cilantro. I found all three of these things during our lunch. However, I think the salsa could use just a little more flavor/heat. The chips tasted fresh and were thin and crunchy! The rest of the food was just as delicious. I had the chicken fajita taco salad (yum, with additional hot sauce), hubbs had a beef burrito and enchilada. Both boys enjoyed beef and chicken tacos. All in all, it was a delicious meal at a decent price. We give this restaurant a 7 out of 10.

Support family owned local restaurants like El Jinete.

5062 Old Taylor Mill Rd
Taylor Mill, KY 41015
(859) 360-1767

 

What's a good Mexican restaurant in your neck of the woods?

 

 

 

Earth Week in Kentucky

Speaking of Growing Something, I haven't even mentioned Earth Week this week! My son is celebrating it at school and we are planting our first garden as a family, I meant to mention it here earlier. So for all of you Kentuckians here's what's going on for the rest of Earth Week in our State.

Event: Salato Center Earth Day Celebration and National Wildlife Week
Date and Time: April 22-26, 2008; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Salato Wildlife Education Center, 1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort
Description: The center will give away free trees to the first 500 families who visit the center on Earth Day (April 22). Numerous activities are scheduled in celebration of Earth Day and National Wildlife Week.
For more information: Visit the Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Web site.

Event: Kentucky Historical Society History Zone - "Tree-mendous Kentucky!"
Dates and Time: Saturdays in April: April 5, 12, 19 and 26; 1-4 p.m.
Location: Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 West Broadway, Frankfort
Description: The Kentucky Historical Society's weekly program, History Zone, is an educational program for children ages five through 10 and their families. In April, the program will focus on Arbor Day and Earth Day. Children can create and decorate a wooden toy from Kentucky's past, plant a tree seed and learn about the importance of trees.
For more information: Call Annette Parde at 502-564-1792, ext. 4461.

Event: Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools Recognition Ceremony
Date and Time: May 6, 2008; 2 p.m.
Location: Capitol Building Rotunda
Description: The Kentucky Environmental Education Council will recognize 46 schools that are successfully enrolled in the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools program. The program encourages students to conduct environmental audits of their school environments and then, based on those audits, implement improvement projects.
For more information: Contact Jane Eller at 502-564-5937 or visit the green and healthy schools Web site.

From Kentucky businesses:

• Thursday, April 24, Cane Run Creek Cleanup. Lexmark, the University of Kentucky and WLEX-TV are partnering to clean up Cane Run Creek. Volunteers are needed for two shifts during the day to help remove trash and debris from the creek.
• Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington -- Trees for Tomorrow at The Arboretum. Free admission to over 40 exhibitors, hands-on children's activities and free tree and shrub seedlings.

Frankfort events:

Event: Changing Co2urse: A Discussion Course about Climate Change
Dates and Time: Five Consecutive Tuesdays beginning April 22, noon-1 p.m.
Location: Upstairs Meeting Room at Completely Kentucky, 237 West Broadway, Downtown Frankfort
Description: Bring a lunch and join a five-week discussion exploring the history and science of global warming, personal values and habits as they relate to climate change, and personal actions to curb the effects of global warming. There will be a $25 charge for the class to cover the cost of the discussion guide and the room. This course is being organized by the Frankfort Climate Action Network and the EPPC Division for Air Quality.
For more information: Contact Connie Lemley at 502-223-7936 or connie_lemley at yahoo.com

Event: Presentation by Art Williams of the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District -From Bali to Kentucky: An International and Local Political Perspective on Climate Change
Dates and Time: April 28; 6-8 p.m.
Location: Community Room, Paul Sawyier Public Library, 319 Wapping Street, Downtown Frankfort
Description: This presentation will focus on the politics and policies around the effort to stop global warming and prevent the worst consequences of climate change. Art Williams has participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, including the Kyoto Conference in 1997 and last year’s conference in Bali, Indonesia. Locally, his office chairs Louisville Metro Government’s Climate
Change Committee, which is working to meet the City’s commitment to the US Mayor’s Agreement on Climate Protection. The presentation is sponsored by the City of Franfort, the Frankfort Climate Action Network, the Frankfort Chapter of the United Nations Association, and Envision Franklin County.
For more information: Contact Connie Lemley at 502-223-7936 or connie_lemley at yahoo.com.

Visit the official Earth Day Page for Kentucky here.

The Daily Swank - Those Famous Three R's

Ahhh, those famous three R's Reuse, Reduce & Recycle. Are you doing your part? Do you know about your city's local recycling center? I'm helping readers from my area Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Why don't you do the same, post some local links and info from your hometown for your local readers on your own blog! In the meantime today's Daily Swank is a great find for housewares that includes all of the three  R's. I'd like to introduce you to the artwork of Rebekah from ship frames by rls .

Each frame from this shop is 100% recycled. The frame itself from recycled cardboard and newspaper. This specific design is also includes  Vintage 1950's clothing and undies advertisements!

If you are looking for a little recycled chic, I think this Russian Dance Sheet Music Picture Frame is just the thing. Rebekah pulled these music sheets from a found book in her grandfathers attic.

I like how each frame tells a different story in her vintage collection. This one sports 1950's Travel Advertisements. Head over to  Ship Frames by RLS for many other recycled designs and uses for recycled materials.

If you live in Kentucky here is a little recycling information for you.

List of Recycling Facilities by County

"Did you know the “three-chasing-arrows” symbol doesn’t necessarily mean a product is made with recycled content or can be recycled in your community? It may just be a reminder for you to recycle. Read the label carefully for specific information on recycled content." (resource Division of Waste Management Kentucky).

Electronics Recycling

Earth 911 a great resource for everyone to check out!