Can you keep a secret?   Well, you don't have to keep it for very long because Magic of Art Wee Folk Fest is returning to Mainstrasse Village on October 1, 2016.  We are so excited and grateful for Ms. Tallulah Medley's offer to step up and provide the leadership we need to return this popular much loved festival to the Village.  She has an extensive background in entertainment, festivals, dance and music and will bring so much excitement and fun to this event.   So . . . . mark the date on your calendar and stay tuned.   We will be providing more details soon. . . . . 

Magical Tour

Toy Shop Owner Brings Magic to Life

Children's Art: Personalized Children's Paintings, the Perfect Gift

There are so many things to love about my work at Stoney's Village Toy Shoppe.    One of the things that I enjoy the most are the personalized children's paintings that parents or grandparents or aunts and uncles ask me to to paint for their little ones.  These paintings become treasured gifts that last much longer than this year's favorite toy.

This grandmother has commissioned a painting for each of her 13 grandchildren to date.   As each grandchild turns 3, she comes into the shop with another great idea for doing a painting.   She tells me that they all have their paintings hung above their beds.

I've been told by other parents and grandparents that paintings that were done for them as small children are still hanging in their rooms during their teenage years.  

If you are interested in having me do a personalized custom acrylic on canvas painting, please contact me via email: sstonebraker1616@aol.com or by phone 859-655-9571

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!!! Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids: well . . . I'm back for a minute (in case you have...

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!!! Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids: well . . . I'm back for a minute (in case you have...: well . . . I'm back for a minute (in case you haven't noticed i have been missing in action for a couple years) BUT i have not been...

well . . . I'm back for a minute (in case you haven't noticed i have been missing in action for a couple years) BUT i have not been sitting on the couch eating chips and salsa during that time.   Oh, no . . . . I have been busy.   Let's see . . . where do i begin.   Well after turning 70 . . . oh by the way, did i mention that i think my 70's are gonna be my favorite years.  Of course i said that about my 40's, my 50's and my 60's too.
I kicked off my 70's by stepping outside my comfort zone and singing a solo at my church.   Whadda you know . . . the next thing i knew i was invited to join an All Girl Ukulele Band called the Sugar Pills.    Frufru costumes, colored wigs and bright colored ukulele's are part of what we are about.   But we also have a meaningful message.   You see, our leader Barbara Baxter, a cancer survivor has written a book entitled "Sugar Pills, Non Medical Ways to Feel Your best "  http://barbarabaxterproductions.com/sugar-pills-book/
Each of the Sugar Pills have faced a unique challenge in their life's journey.   Ranging in age from 18 to 73, we bring a vast array of experiences to our presentations.   The Sugar Pills are available for presentations at events of all kinds.  We have presented at Health Seminars, Red Hat Society events, Cincinnati Ladies Club and let's talk about parades . . . . two years in the Red's Opening Day Parade in Cincinnati, the Pegasus Derby Parade in Louisville and stay tuned . . . there's more on the horizon.

Let us plan your birthday party for that little one!   Ms. Cindy of Cindy's Party Wishes offers all kinds of parties in the Secret Garden at Stoney's at 323 W Sixth Street in Covington, KY - Choose from Carnival, Pirate, Dressup, Cowbow, Sand Art or Tea Party themes.   To schedule your party call Stoney at 859-655-9571 or Cindy at 859-4904

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!!! Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids: Toy Shop Owner Brings Magic to Life

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!!! Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids: Toy Shop Owner Brings Magic to Life

Toy Shop Owner Brings Magic to Life

Toy Shop Owner Brings Magic to Life

SUGAR PILLS SHOW #8 BARBARA BAXTER with SANDI STONEBRAKER

As you may or may not know for the past four years i have led the initiative known as the Wee Folk Fest, a family friendly festival held each October in MainStrasse Village, Covington, Kentucky -  It has been a rewarding and exciting experience but because of my belief that this event needs to grow and will probably not under the tutelage of a private citizen, i am stepping down from my leadership role.   Ownership of the event has not yet been decided, but leading participants include Children Inc., 4C and R.O.M.A.   For more information and a pictorial history of this event, go to www.thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com

Stepping out of the leadership role for the Wee Folk Fest is a bittersweet experience for me as I find myself in a whirlwind of emotions.   Firstly, Gratitude for all of those who have supported the Fest for the past 4 years,     Happiness when  reflecting on the faces of those little ones who experienced a day of magic here in MainStrasse Village,  Excitement over the new energy and ideas of those now involved in the organization of the Wee Folk Fest, Understanding that this event deserves to grow under the leadership of others with more resources,  Hope for the future of this event and the little  lives that will be touched by the magic, and finally Pride at what has been accomplished over the past four years.

My decision is certainly not without the pain of letting go and letting others .   And I would be remiss if I did not admit that I shall miss the "Wee Folk Fest" as it is replaced by "Magic in Art".   However, don't think for a moment that I will not be involved in some way in this fun event! 

That said, I feel confident that Magic in Art will continue to grow and become a bigger, better magical day for the children of the area, with the goals to:   1.  offer a day of imaginative experiences to families and children at no cost to them.    2. promote Mainstrasse Village as a colorful, family friendly environment and   3.  unite art and early education to bring art enriching experiences home.

Well - it seems appropriate to post on this the 21st of December seeing that we all are still here and in fact the world did not come to an end!   I like to think that some of the progressive thinkers are correct though in suggesting that this is a time of realignment or the described ' shift' - for myself , i long for simpler times, doing with less, placing more value on family, friends, spiritual health, good food, nature, music and art. 

The holidays are always a time of reflection for me - a time of looking back over the year at what was accomplished, friendships made, growth in various facets of my life.    This has been a good year for me albeit a busy one.

March of 2012 found me selling my St Simons  'All Things Princess & Fairy'  store to Melissa - the gal who had run it "like it was her own" for the past year.    Although i will admit mixed feelings, it felt really good as owning this store has given Melissa a new lease on life.   Due to a genetic disorder with physical limitations, she had not been able to attain a job in the past and found it necessary to live with mom.   She is now on her own, living in a condo, running the shop and living an independent life.   It doesn't get any better than that to know that you helped someone create a new life for themself..   Please stop and see Melissa if you get to St Simons Island.

July 2012 I TURNED 70!    okay  i'll tell the truth - i thought i was turning 69 until i awoke in a cold sweat in the middle of the night in April and after grabbing pencil and paper and doing the math, realized that i had calculated incorrectly and in fact was going to be 70 NOT 69.    It's a bit of a jolt to lose an entire year but i bucked up and decided that since i was turning 70 i would not do it quietly.    

and so i began planning for my 70th birthday party - July 4th was a steamy hot day and the party was in my backyard but it didn't seem to keep over 60 friends from showing up - the beautifully decorated cake proclaimed  "70 down - 30 to go" -   good friends from Atlanta showed up a couple of days before the party and i could have never pulled it off without their good help -   i am so blessed with wonderful friends!!!

Turning 70 caused me to consider doing some things outside my comfort zone (and although i still have several things on the list) i did sing a solo at my church accompanying myself on the piano -  "His Eye is on the Sparrow"  talks about being cared for and about Hope and expressed how i felt about this time in my life.

Continuing to work with 4th and 5th grade girls at a local elementary school using my book "On Being a Real Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess", this year i wrote a rap to go along with the program - didn't know i could be a rapper but my grandkids now call me the Rappin Nanny!   The girls did a presentation to the entire school plus parents this week - reading from the book and then doing the rap!   They were awesome and I was so proud of them!!!
  
2012 was the year of our 4th Annual Wee Folk Fest - it may well have been our best - we finally got great weather which translated into a great turnout with good entertainment, vendors, decorations and all around fun!   I'm proud that i created this event and hope i can keep it going with the help of Children Inc.

2012 marks the year that Stoney's Gifts, All Things Princess & Fairy was chosen for the "2012 Best of Cincinnati"    what an honor - i was thrilled and excited about the great publicity!

there are many more exciting moments in 2012 which i hope to write about in the next few weeks - but right now - i need to open the shop  . . . . . . . Christmas Love to all my readers . . . .

I LOVE KIMOCHIS!!!

                                                             

In selecting merchandise to sell in my children's gift shop, it is important to me to have products that are creative, educational and self esteem enhancing.   I feel that it is important that we protect and nurture the innocence of childhood.   That is why I was so excited to find my newest addition:   Kimochis!!! www.kimochis.com  -   These 'toys with feelings' are not only loveable, cuddly and unique creatures but they have lessons to teach regarding happiness, sadness, loneliness, anger, bullying and many more emotions.  Included with the Kimochi is a guide to be used by the parent, teacher, therapist showing how to set up a role play situation, designating the feeling, dealing with the feeling and planning how to handle the next situation as it arises.

Kimochis are $29 each and can be shipped - just email me at sstonebraker1616@aol.com if you would like to place an order..

MainStrasse Village gets ready to celebrate the 4th Annual Wee Folk Fest - This family friendly event held each year on the first Saturday of October has proven to be a hit both with the youngsters and the older crowd too. Because all activities for the children are free and because we are independent with no funding sources, it's time to start asking for donations from you! This year we are delighted that an anonymous donor has stepped up and offered to match all funds received by October 1 up to $350 - Won't you please help us get the Fairy to the Top by donating now! Just click on the golden button on the top right hand corner of the screen and Thank you!!

News Flash - this is the year I turned 70! After the initial shock when I realized this was about to happen, I began to experience a bit of excitement over the prospect of reaching my 7th decade! Turning 70 requires a bit of introspection and a touch of honesty - one begins to realize that some of my expectations will most likely not come to fruition in my lifetime. Having said that, a new awareness of the timeliness of making some of my dreams come true becomes more acute. Finding myself thinking of some of the things i thought i might do, i have begun to pay more attention to my 'bucket list' - Being 70 and having good health, energy, a pretty active mind and dreams yet to be attained causes me to stop and say "thank you God". To be 70 and be excited about life and what I yet want to accomplish is a gift that i do not take for granted. Speaking of gifts, recently a couple of shoppers visiting my shop challenged me to acknowledge and thank God for my gifts of art and music. This is terribly difficult for me because it's difficult to acknowledge that I am accomplished at all in either of these areas. And yet, by denying the 'gifts' i am denying what God has given me. It's complicated but I'm working on it!

Fear is a paralysing Emotion

okay - so i need to get this out. . . . . . last fall i went throu gh a scary time in my life - the slow economy had definitely affected my business and although i have been through tough financial times before, never a time like last fall.   Not only did fear enter my psyche but i lost my HOPE!  Hope has been the mainstay of my life's journey since i was a child growing up in a dysfunctional home.  I always believed there would be a better day - HOPE!   Losing hope was a devastating and new experience for me.   Time and self talk and encouragement from others helped me to move beyond that experience.  And now i find myself asking "what was the lesson".   Perhaps, it was to give me understanding and empathy for others who have lost HOPE.   To me, losing  hope is one of the most traumatic events that a person can go thru - it is absolutely paralyzing and i think of those many americans who have for one reason or another . . lost hope.   I now understand the importance of the phrase "keep hope alive"   - it truly is the lifeline to be able to move forward in one's journey.

where have i been for the past year?

Wow - it's been almost exactly a year since i last posted and where have i been?   It's been a good albeit busy year - managing two shops (one long distance) has proven to add to my work load considerably but what fun!  We are in the process of giving the shop in Covington a new face by adding items for "big girls" to our current inventory.  My good friend and associate added Cheerful Giver candles to the mix together with some other fun items.  It was the year that i purchased my very own sewing machine and began to take my new sewing challenge seriously.   What fun creating with such beautiful and colorful fabrics.   It was the year that i decided to offer children's birthday parties in my backyard (my very own secret garden) - Since i made the decision late summer, i only did 5 parties but they were fun and i will be developing more party plans for this summer.  But more about that later . . . . .

Stoney's Gifts to open second location at St Simons Island, Georgia

Watch for the opening of the new All Things Princess and Fairy at 123 Pier Village Mart in St. Simons Island, Georgia - scheduled to open March 1, 2011

Or visit our original location at 323 West 6th Street, Covington, KY 41011

Or you can order online at www.stoneysgifts.com -


859-655-9571
.

Brightly colored gorilla fairies arrive in MainStrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky to celebrate Christmas!!

a sense of accomplishment - finally . . . well almost . . . maybe . . . .

spent many hours over the last four days working on my website - i had a goal of getting it up and running no later than november 20 and i think basically with a few tweaks i can almost say it is up and running - still need to finish adding visa/mastercard capabilities - one can currently only purchase thru paypal - but that should be finished within a couple of days.  I feel like i am learning a lot about merchandising, photo's and websites and it comes hard but is fun nonetheless.   so . . . you can go to my website and order online as of TODAY -  so far i have only 50 items online but there will be more to come sooner or later.    you can also get to my site by going to www.stoneysgifts.com and clicking on the top photo - okay -  enough about me . . . how is everyone?

next project . . . .

 READY FOR A RAINY DAY IN HER KIDORABLE RAINCOAT FROM STONEY'S

with a deep sigh, I look back over the last six months with a view to where i've been, where i've come to and where i am going next.   April 2010 saw me recovering from a car accident and broken back while at the same time reinventing myself 'one more time'!  I had the idea to convert my shop to a fairy/princess gift shop experience by building a new look, a new theme and a new inventory.

- Stoney's Gifts,  All Things Princess and Fairy is now a reality and my shop boasts such lines as Kidorables, Charmits, Bobux, Melissa and Doug\, Eeboo, LeVan Toy and many more exciting collections.   Of course, since one is never finished, i am still adding inventory to my collection but if i may brag a moment, i think it's 'an adorable little shop'.   If you live in the Cincinnati area, please stop by.   You will find a carefully selected inventory of little girl gifts  chosen for their educational, self esteem enhancing, fun and unique qualities.

In my spare time, I was knee deep in plans for the Second Annual Wee Fairy Folk Fest held on October 2, (a huge success, even considering the showers that developed mid-day).   This year Doors of MainStrasse Village partnered with Children Inc. in our first Wee Fairy Folk Raffle to raise money for the Doors of MainStrasse Children's Scholarship fund.  (to learn more, go to www.thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com)



If you don't live in the Cincinnati area, check out my online shop www.stoneysgiftsallthingsprincessandfairy.com - it's my next project and is not completed yet but i have a good start on it and if you see something you like, it can be shipped to you - just email me at sstonebraker1616@aol.com

Second Annual Wee Fairy Folk Fest. ,. . .magic and wonder comes to the Village again!

Well, our Second Annual Wee Fairy Fok Fest was once again a day of kids in costume, fun, music,  drummers and dancers, fairy vendors, balloons, and a cinderella horse drawn carriage carrying the fairy princess and her court! From the opening with children in costume dancing in a circle around the Fairies favorite mayor, Mayor Bowman to the sounds of "It's a Small World After All", to the horse drawn carriage led parade that persevered in spite of the rain, it was magical fun for everyone!!   This year, the sponsor of this event "The Doors of MainStrasse" partnered with "Children Inc." for our first Wee Fairy Folk Raffle.   We raised money for our Children's Scholarship Fund and will keep you updated on kids that we will be sending to various art programs, etc.  

Next year's date!!!!   October 1, 2011 - put it on your  calendar now - we are.

SECOND ANNUAL WEE FAIRY FOLK FEST - OCTOBER 2 - 12 NOON TO 5 PM

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE FIRST SATURDAY IN OCTOBER YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ALL THE FUN  HAPPENING ON THAT DAY IN MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE!

The Lineup of entertainers includes:


M & ANASTASIA OF DRAGONFLY AERIALS
BRIAN GILL AND HIS COOL CRITTERS
DAVID KISOR
GREG HARPER
BETTY FINNEY & OOMPH!
 MAYAN RUINS & ZAHARA
 PHAROAH’S DRUMMERS OF CINCINNATI
 PICKLE BROTHERS FIRE EATERS COMEDY TEAM
 HONEY HILL PETTING ZOO
 TALULLAH’S DANCE TROUPE
 CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW
 VERONICA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE

Plus . . . Children Inc. and Doors of MainStrasse join hands for a Giant Raffle with many opportunties for you to win fabulous prizes - raffle tickets are available at Wee Fairy Folk Headquarters at 323 West Sixth Street, Covington, KY 41011 859-655-9571

2010 Happenings at the Home of the Happy Heart Princess

Well, once again, it's been a long time since I posted - I really admire you people who are able to post on a daily or even weekly basis!!   Seems I just don't get to it!   Well, lots has happened since I last posted.   On my way home from my Island retreat in February, i tangled with a semi in Orangeburg, North Carolina.  A broken back, hospital stay of 5 days and body cast later, i was on my way home with my beloved sister at the wheel of the rental car.   My car of course, was a bit 'wrinkled'.   February and March were a bit of a blur but what i will never forget is those good friends and family (my son and his wife and kids) who gathered round to take care of me!   I am so blessed!    In March,  there was a change in my shop inventory as the consigned inventory was moved to another store location and I began the challenging task of reinventing my shop.   Actually, it has turned out to be so much fun!   Stoney's is now Stoney's Gifts, All Things Princess and Fairy and I have gathered together a wonderful inventory of gifts and toys for little girls!    I am currently working on an onstore shop so stay tuned - in the meantime, you can go to www.Stoneysgifts.com and see some of the items.   Also getting busy here on our Second Annual Wee Fairy Folk Festival.   More about that later as I need to get my shop open . . . . have a great day!!!

2009 - A Crazy, Busy, Mixed Up, Wonderful Year!

It's been a long time since I have posted - the past 8 months have been a bit of blur - although very productive time.   Beginning in May 2009, i initiated a project in our village with a goal to bring about a spirit of unity and working together while working towards promoting tourism in our village.   The Doors of MainStrasse (fairy doors that is) can now boast approximately 60 decorated fairy doors tucked away on  restaurants, shops and residences.   Doors of MainStrasse also sponsored four successful events during 2009.   It was a lot of work but very rewarding in terms of recognition and appreciation from village residents and business owners.    You can learn more about this project by going to: www.thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com


When January arrived, I realized how spent I was from all the extra projects I had been involved in over the past 7 months.   And so, it was off to my condo at St Simon's Island, Georgia.   It is my little piece of heaven on earth where I am able to slow down and listen to the waves on the shore as I celebrate my gratitude for this wonderful interlude from my busy life in Covington.     It seems that inspiration and creativity is abundent on the island and walking along the shore with the ocean breeze in my face is a feeling i tuck away deep inside me to carry back home with me.

Tiny doors are appearing all around the Village of MainStrasse - Could it be we are being visited by tiny creatures who intend to take up residence ?

Whereas the Good Witch of the West has declared that MainStrasse Village is a thriving, happy, harmonious and beautiful place to live, munchkins, fairies, pixies and gremlins are returning in droves to establish themselves throughout the village. Village residents and business owners are busily helping to welcome these wee fairy folk by decorating and installing tiny doors all over the village.

Village business owners and residents are so proud that the wee fairy folk have chosen our Village that they are inviting everyone to come and see the fairy doors for themselves. Maps are available to locate the doors and you will be able to read a short story of the magical creature living behind each door. The maps and additional information are available at ( http://thedoorsofmainstrasse.blogspot.com )

In order to officially welcome the Wee Fairy Folk, a Fantasy Fest is planned for October 3, 2009 in MainStrasse Village. Craft booths, children’s activities and strolling artists are scheduled from 12 to 5 pm. A fairy parade beginning at 5:30 pm will be led by the Queen Fairy Princess in a horse drawn carriage. Dancing fairies and strolling musicians, unicycles and other street artists will make their way down MainStrasse to Leapin Lizard Gallery where the Razzamatazz Gala will be held. An Auction of Fairy windows decorated by children working with Baker Hunt will be the main event.. There will be a cash bar and light hors d’ouevres.

Funds raised by this event will go toward establishing a scholarship fund at Baker Hunt for children to participate in summer workshops.



FB: Doors of MainStrasse
Blog: http:/thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com

Sandi Stonebraker
859-655-9571
Sstonebraker1616@aol.com

"FIRST, THE BOOK IS JUST SO DARN CUTE"

Rave Review From Happy Healthy Families.com

“On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess by Sandi Kidder-Stonebraker

There are many reasons why I fell in love with this book instantly. First the book is just so darn cute. As soon as you see the beautifully illustrated cover, you want to open it and look inside. This is a good thing when it comes to motivating young girls to read. The book is light colorful and fun looking and like I said, soooo cute looking that even my 11 year old daughter couldn’t resist picking the book up as soon as she saw it and read it.

When you open the book you are immediately drawn in by the beautiful illustrations that fill up page after page. I cannot imagine any little girl not being delighted just looking at the pictures. The colors are vibrant and the scenes are beautifully detailed. But beyond the gorgeous illustrations, comes a very important message about young girls and self esteem.

Girls learn that it is the inner qualities that make someone special. There are 16 princesses to meet inside the book, and each shares a secret of being a Happy Heart first, and a Princess second. And the princesses are drawn as everyday girls living all around the world and doing everyday things. Personally, I believe that as adults, one of the most important responsibilities we have is to instill and build self esteem in our children. That will be their foundation for building a happy healthy life, and we should embrace every opportunity available to do this.

With that said, I have to say my favorite part of this book are the Journaling Activities for children which are on every page where a new princess is introduced. Children are asked questions about their feelings and thoughts, as related to the princess they just read about. There are beautifully lined pages for journaling their answers and thoughts. There are also spaces provided for children to draw pictures as well. The discussions that adults and children can share from these journaling activities are wonderful – so many issues relating to self esteem can be discussed using these activities as stepping stones.

This is a beautiful book and perfect for a parent and daughter to curl up and read together. And I was delighted to read that Brave Heart Prince, a self esteem book for boys will be available soon!

On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM AND WWW.HAPPYHEARTPRINCESS.COM

SELF ESTEEM BOOK FOR YOUNG GIRLS NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

ON BEING A REAL PRINCESS, SECRETS OF THE HAPPY HEART PRINCESS SAMPLE PAGES


On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess is now available on Amazon.com GO TO AMAZON.COM AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!!

from the Freshair Fund

http://freshair-newsrelease.com/