Ventures with the Valenti: Date Night at Winchester Drive-in

A great write-up in the Oklahoma Gazette, for this great OKC landmark!

A couple of weeks ago, Chris and I got away for a much overdue date night, and our very first one all alone to the Winchester Drive-in. Many residents of OKC don't realize this gem open since 1968 still exists, but it sure does, in all it's nostalgic glory.

We have gone several times with friends and family though, and have enjoyed each time for different reasons. So here's there breakdown of what we've learned and loved about this place where it feels you step back in time...

Who: They try to accommodate audiences of all ages and interests, and when we went they featured Inside Out first at 9:10 pm, and then Jurassic World at 11:25 pm. This week they're doing a similar time frame for Minions and Ant Man this weekend!

What: Double feature movies, just $7 for adults and $3 for kids age 3-10! Concessions and bathrooms available too.

Where: 6930 S. Western Ave, OKC (Take I-240 to Western, and it's on the left side of the road)

When: Open 7 days a week through the summer, and many weekends throughout the spring and fall! Gates open at 7:00, and the first movie starts about 8:30-9:00, but I would recommend getting there at 8:00 for a decent spot and time to enjoy the Winchester!

Our favorite part: There's so much to love about this place...I really mean it! But if you know me, you know I love the history of places, so I'll say my favorite part is the concession stand, seemingly all original, or at least close to it. They offer the basics: popcorn, candy, and soda, but also have ice cream, burgers, hotdogs, nachos, and more! They even have some arcade games available to play. How fun!

And the people that work there are super nice, and one of the original owners, Lindy Shanbour, still greets customers at the gate. He and 3 brothers opened it together in 1968, which if you head on over to their website, you can find out more about the Winchester's history, and even an interview from Lindy of where it all began. Or you can also find weekly updates and info by following them on Facebook. 

Things we would do differently next time:

Or might I say "things we've learned to do differently"...

1) We always bring our own toilet paper now. :) The bathrooms aren't the cleanest or "friendliest", but just keep that expectations low and you'll be fine. 

2) Though we partake in their concessions, we do always bring a few snacks of our own. And we ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure to clean up after ourselves! DUH!

3) We parked close to the concession stand for proximity to the bathrooms and food, and also because we didn't have to use our own car's speakers. It was like we had surround sound! 

4) Ideal seating arrangements are always in the back of a truck, and this time we even brought our air mattress and big comfy pillows! We definitely felt like we were living it up. 

This was our view as the evening progressed, and boy was it gorgeous! Who could pass up an evening under the beautiful Oklahoma sky reliving a past-time with people you love? I know not a summer goes by now that I can't make it to the Winchester Drive-In at least once...it has become a staple of our family's summertime, and you should make it part of yours too.

Ventures with the Valenti

Everyday adventures with my girl!

I had no idea what would become of my "Ventures" when I wrote my very first blog, but I did know that I loved new adventures, whether they be local or further from home. And now I am so glad I included this in my blog name, because I'd like to start a new venture by sharing about my life's ventures (see what I did there???). I'd like to write about my travels to Disney World and New York City this past year, and the fun local events I love to go to here in the OKC metro area, and be a sort of "local tour guide".  They might be unique restaurants or stores, delicious food trucks (MY FAV), family friendly festivals, or great date night events. There are so many beautiful parts of the country, and the world of course, but Oklahoma is where I will always live and love living here, because there are so many beautiful things here too.

A little sneak peek at upcoming "Venture" posts with my favorite people:

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!

Delicious desserts at our favorite...Cuppies & Joe!

Live on the Plaza with KatieBugs' Shaved Ice!

Myriad Gardens' Full Moon Bike Ride

Date night out to the Winchester Drive-in!

One of my favorite places in the WORLD...Central Park!

So I'll go have some fun for you, tell you about it, and maybe next time I'll see you there? ;) Anyway about it, I hope you learn to love new adventures (even when scary or tiring) as much as I have learned to do so too.  

Simple days at home with these two are some of my favorite adventures too. :)

Valentas Values

I included "Values" on my very first blog several years ago now, because I have found that I sometimes need an outlet to share some of the things I have (painstakingly) learned, and/or just some of the things I try to live my life by. I may repeat myself here from time to to time, but oh well. Sometimes you have to relearn things or it feels good to have your beliefs affirmed! Either way, thanks for checking in with me on this...and hopefully much more to come!

Things I value and believe in...

FALL!

 FRIENDS!

FAMILY!

And so much more...the ideas are endless! See you soon.

Vintage Love

For as long as I can remember, I've loved old things and old houses, and why I used "Vintage" in my title when I wrote my very first blog. Some of my most vivid childhood memories are at old places...the musty smell of an old basement, the creaks of original wood floors, and strange and wondrous items that we no longer use, but somehow were such a need at one time. I love the history of these old things and old places, and always wish they could tell their story and the story of their owners. Maybe that's why I like old so much...I feel as if I am sort of honoring the past and giving new life. It's almost a religion of sorts to me, where it's my duty to pause and appreciate the old and the stories of their owners, especially when the owners were my ancestors.

So though I'm not 100% sure what this section of the blog will look like, I do know it will hold words and thoughts that I've been looking for a place to live about all things vintage and old that I love. Enjoy!

Eloise's Shops Subscription

I have a brilliant friend with brilliant ideas, and she has encouraged me for months to do this...So here I go!!!

What is a Eloise's Shops Subscription?
It is a monthly subscription service, like BirchBox or Stitch Fix, but instead for the lovers of sweet treats and seasonal decor. If you sign up for 6 months, you get the 6th month half-off, or sign up for 12 months, you can get the 12th month free! It's a great deal, ya know. ;)

Eloise's Sweet Shop

The sweet treats will be ready to be picked up on the 15th of everyone month, and will have a choice between two desserts each month: iced sugar cookies or the dessert of the month.

Sweet Treats Box - $10/month
Each month, a dozen decorated sugar cookies will be offered, as well as a more seasonal dessert. Some examples include but are not limited to: cinnamon rolls, peach or blueberry cobbler, caramel apple pie, homemade vanilla ice cream (or other flavors), s'more kits, cupcakes, fudge, pumpkin bread, marshmallows, jams, jellies, or dessert sauces.

Sweet Treats Box Bonus - $20/month
With this bonus box, it is basically the deluxe version of the $10 subscription. The idea would be to combine two of the above ideas, like homemade cobbler and ice cream or a loaf of bread and a couple jars of jelly, but you would again have the choice of TWO dozen decorated sugar cookies or the dessert of the month.

Eloise's Flower Shop

The "flower" basket will include a seasonal decor item, and can be picked up on the first day of each month.

Flower Basket - $15/month
I love decorating my home for each season, and enjoy crafting original items to help celebrate. This type of subscription could include, for example, a banner, mason jar decoration, reclaimed wood item, or small door decor.

Let me know if you'd like to join Eloise's Shops Subscription or if you have any questions by emailing me at eloisesshops@gmail.com!

Crafty Creations with Eloise's Shops

I love parties, I love crafting, and I love cooking for friends. So what better way to do this but with an idea that is a mashup of wine & palette and a gathering at a friend's home?

For the second round of the first installment of Crafty Creations with Eloise's Shops, we will be doing this Summery Sunflower that I saw posted several weeks ago that many friends seemed interested in. I am not usually a fan of burlap wreaths, but thought this one was so unique, pretty, and bright!

Cost: $30 (includes all pre-prepped materials)
Who: Anyone!
What: In addition to the wreath supplies, the party also will include light appetizers and dessert made by Eloise's Sweet Shop!
When: Saturday, June 27th at 7:00pm

Reserve your spot by sending me an email at eloisesshops@gmail.com! Payments/reservations must be made one week in advance, to ensure I have the correct amount of supplies. 

Upcoming Crafty Creations with Eloise's Shops, each with all supplies provided, light appetizers and homemade dessert:
July - DIY Rescued and Repurposed Windows from 1930s and 1940s Homes
August - Back to School Teacher Gifts
September - DIY Growth Chart made from Reclaimed Wood
October - Fall Inspired Wreath
November - Thankful Gardland
December - Christmas Card Holder
***Prices will vary from $30-$50, depending on costs

Party Planning by Eloise's Sweet Shop

For as long as I can remember, I've loved planning parties. For my own birthdays in the summertime as a child I would decorate, plan activities, and ask for particular food. Every kiddo loves their owns birthday, but I loved the planning, prepping, decorating, and most of all, and having all of my friends and family there to celebrate.

From these earlier years to now, my friends have known me as the "social coordinator" of our friend groups, which is a badge I wear proudly. I've loved helping with birthdays of friends and family over the years, hosting weekly themed dinner nights with friends-who-are-like-family throughout college, helping with both wedding and baby showers for loved ones, and surprise arrangements for unsuspecting guests of honor.

And still, this is what it's about for me: the people we are there to celebrate. I think I get this quality from my mom, and maybe even from my sweet Grandma Re, but I have a strong belief that everyone's special days in their life need to be celebrated. I love it when I can be part of that celebration, and make that person feel all the love they should. Party planning is one of my passions, but more importantly, people are my passion. And when I can serve, or help, or make others happy, I'll do my best to be there and help in any way I can.

So, now that you know where my love for parties is rooted, let me show you what kind of parties I've loved doing.

Beautifully Basic
This is the simplest of the parties I've hosted, and typically includes an event at a restaurant or some other similar venue. It could be for a birthday, a baby shower, an engagement party, or whatever other event you'd like to celebrate in a simpler way.

Here's the quick rundown of each party element:
Invites - Evite
Food/Desserts - 2-3 food or dessert items
Decor - 2-3 table decorations or banners
Activities/Games - None
Price - $50-$100 (depending on costs)
Hours - 2-4 hours of prep and setup

And here are a few examples of parties that I have done in this way:
Chris's LEGO-Themed 30th


Delightfully Detailed
A party of this kind is one is probably the most common, with many more details and at someone's home. I've helped with several events similar to this one, and they are so much fun, for children and adults. It offers special details customized for the person you want to celebrate!

Each party element:
Invites - Handmade & mailed invites
Food/Desserts - 1-2 food "bars", 3-5 food items
Decor - 3-5 table decorations or banners
Activities/Games - 2-3 activities, games, etc.
Prices - $150-$200 (depending on costs)
Hours - 4-8 hours of prep, setup, and cleanup

Here are a few birthday parties I've helped with recently, as examples:
Gretchen's Frozen 5th
Diann's 70th Adventure


Perfectly Personal
And lastly, this type of celebration is the most elaborate and offers all the bells and whistles of a party by Eloise's Sweet Shop! It would be a great choice for one of those milestone or surprise birthdays, or for someone who you'd like to celebrate in an extra special way.

Each party element:
Invites - Printed & mailed invites
Food/Desserts - 2-3 food "bars" and/or 5+ food or dessert items
Decor - 5+ table decorations or banners
Activities/Games - 3+ activities
Price - $250 and up (depending on costs)
Hours - 8+ hours of prep, setup, party service, and cleanup

Some of my favorite parties have been this type of celebration! Here's some examples:
Joellen's 30th Harry Potter Surprise Party

Add-Ons:
Cakes by Jennie
My sister is an artist, and has shown her talents in many mediums, and this is her most recent endeavor. Here are a some examples of her cakes that she has made, and her prices begin at $50.

Her cakes are as delicious as they are gorgeous! Jennie is a momma of 3 little ones, so she has a limited availability, but would love to try to work with us!

Carrie Werkman Photography
While I do enjoy photographing parties I help put together and can do so in a simple way, I am not a professional photographer. My friend, Carrie Werkman, does a great job at capturing families and friends, and is great to work with as well! Check out her website and like her Facebook page too!

And lastly, here's the pricing for some of the sweet treats I've made. But I am gradually working on more and more ideas!

I can also do many variations on any of these parties, in smaller or larger ways. Just let me know how you'd like to celebrate your event, and I'd love to help!