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Why Clean House When You Can Read Funny House Cleaning Memes?

Mar 30, 2017 · 10 Comments

Our two week Spring Break spent entirely at home is sloooowly coming to a close. FEMA would take one look at my downstairs and write me a big fat disaster relief check on the spot. There is one skinny little path to get from doorway to doorway in the midst of the chaos. And my mother is stopping in for a visit. I should be cleaning. Instead I am looking up funny house cleaning memes.

But it was only because of our Friday Frivolity host theme. 😉

Yes, I will do this before she gets here.

I need to learn how to do this! Teach me oh Photoshop experts!

Never while he is cleaning.Though I may grumble a little as I try to find the dishes he put in the wrong places.

My husband has been known to ask this or "who came over".

This is a cleaning routine I think I can handle.

By Sunday night, it may actually come to this.

My dust bunnies like to steal elastic hair bands.

[Tweet "Why clean house when you can read funny house cleaning memes? Your welcome. #humor #housecleaning #FridayFrivolity"]

---

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Friday Frivolity LINKY PARTY - the blog link-up for all things Fun, Funny, Happy, and Hopeful!

For those that are not on our mailing list, Sarah will be taking some maternity leave from the weekly party. She will be linking up and visiting and hopes to rejoin us as host when she is up for it. Luckily, Amethyst is joining us as a permanent host. The four of us will still be visiting you all and sharing your awesome posts.

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

I chose the post Life with Boys from Our Unschooling Journey as my feature this week because I found myself nodding with every sentence. The table manners. The noise. And especially the conclusion.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She has some free spring stock images available for you to use for your blog, social media posts, etc.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa's post Passport to Fun: Jamaica shares her unique approach to family date night and learning. This month it is off to Jamaica.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica has a great flashback post sharing a bunch of movie ticket stubs she found from her teen years.

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. Amethyst has a review of the Azune Baby Toothbrush for those of you with littles.

Calling all bloggers looking for an upbeat and supportive group of pals to join in hosting the weekly #FridayFrivolity par-tay! We are hoping to add to our ranks of dedicated hosts and co-hosts, and would love for you to consider joining the fun! Co-Hosts are welcome on a temporary basis (usually a month), while Hosts make a more ongoing commitment. 🙂 Swing by here to express interest and ask any questions!

Now time for the new stuff!

This a link-up for all things funny, fun, encouraging, hopeful, and happy. That includes free printables, giveaways, and other fun stuff to make us SMILE and start the weekend off on the right foot. If you're here in search of fun and uplifting reading materials, skip the rules and just start clickin'! Bloggy buddies, thanks for coming to par-tay! You are welcome to link up to 3 posts, and old posts are always welcome!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Fun with Filters: 12 Free Spring Nature Photos

Mar 27, 2017 · 15 Comments

Do you need some spring photos for your blog, ads, quotes, presentations, etc.? Well, look no further. Here are 12 free to use any way you want spring nature photos. With modification, without modification, commercial or non-commercial.

As Spring officially arrived last week, my backyard beckoned "Come photograph me". At least I think that's what it said. It could have been "WEED me".

Since, it has been way too long since I photographed anything other than food or my morning coffee, I obliged.

Photo Software: Movavi Photo Editor

The photos were edited using Movavi Photo Editor

I tried the trial version of another of their products and loved it so much I bought it and added in the Photo Editor at checkout. Once I tried the Photo Editor, I liked it so much, I had to research how to become an affiliate. If you end up purchasing any product using the links on this page I will receive a commission at no cost to you (more information here).

Movavi Photo Editor has all of the basic tools you'd expect (brightness, contrast, temperature, sharpness) plus a bunch of other great features. I really loved their filters like: Acid, Mixed Berry Smoothie, and Fever plus all of the ones based off of artists color pallets.

Here's a sample of what I did with the software:

Obviously, I cropped it to focus on the butterfly. Then, I straightened it to the fence board in the background. I still had some blossoms from other stalks in the photo that I thought were distracting, so I removed them. Then I brightened and saturated, etc.

A few cons:

I wish they had a more subtle vignette feature. Sometimes I want just a subtle focus on the center.
Object removal and background removal are sloooooow. They work well, you just have to be patient.

Movavi offers all types of video, audio and photo software for Mac and Windows users. They have a Spring sale for 30% of any of its products using this coupon code: NSL17SPR30OFF. Be sure to enter that at checkout to save!

The Photos

Enough of the sales pitch! On to the pictures. To save the photos just right click on it and chose save photo.

Yellow Swallowtail on a Sage blossom. If you plant native flowers they will come...

Thompson Seedless Grapes. I'm hoping for a bumper crop this year with all of the rain.

Ceanothus, aka California lilac.

Bee on a California lilac. I repeat, if you plant native flowers they will come.

Pretty pink flowers on a tree at the park. Sorry, I don't know the name. If you do, let me know in the comments.

If you use any of the photos, I'd love to know what you did with them. Either comment below or, if you use it for something on social media, just tag me.

[Tweet "12 free Spring stock images. No sign ups or hoops to jump through. #photos #nature #free"]

Holding Back the Years: an 80s Music Tribute (Friday Frivolity)

Mar 23, 2017 · 15 Comments

One of our favorite shows used to be "Whose Line is It Anyway?" and I loved when they would improvise a scene using song titles. So for our Friday Frivolity host theme of 80s music I wrote the following scene a la Whose Line.

Setting: a group of friends at a night club in Funkytown.

Cast:

Jack & Diane, two American kids growing up in the heartland
Mickey, he's so fine I lost my mind
Sara, storms are brewin' in her eyes
Amanda, gonna take you by surprise
Billie Jean, more like a beauty queen from a movie scene

Sara: I Love Rock n’ Roll.

Mickey: It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me

Amanda: Shout! Karma Chameleon!

Jack and Dianne: Two Hearts. Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Glory of Love. Together Forever.

Billy Jean: I Want to Know What Love Is

Mickey: Who’s That Girl. She Drives Me Crazy

Amanda: Who Can It Be Now?

Sara: Jessie’s Girl

Mickey: Oh Sheila! Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car! Need You Tonight

[Mickey chases after woman in the crowd]

Billie Jean: Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Jack: Baby, Come To Me. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You

Dianne: Anything For You. Every Breath You Take

[Mickey returns]

Mickey: Maneater! Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

Billy Jean: Owner of a Lonely Heart

Sara: Another One Bites the Dust

Amanda: Don’t Worry Be Happy

Sara: Let’s Dance! Let’s Go Crazy! Flashdance . . . What A Feeling

Amanda: Rock me Amadeus!

Mickey: Venus! Here I Go Again. Come On Eileen. Don’t You Want Me?

[Mickey chases after another woman]

Sara: Time After Time

Amanda: Let’s Hear It For the Boy

Sara: With or Without You?

Billie Jean: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

[Sara and Amanda go out on the dance floor]

Jack: Endless Love

Dianne: Saving All My Love For You

Jack: Greatest Love of All

Dianne: Heaven Is a Place On Earth

Jack: The Way You Make Me Fee.

Dianne: Forever Your Girl. Kiss

Billy Jean: You Give Love a Bad Name.

Jack: Beat It

Billie Jean: On My Own. Red Red Wine.

[Billie Jean heads to the bar]

Jack: Careless Whisper. I Think We’re Alone Now

Dianne: Baby, I Love Your Way

Jack: Invisible Touch

Dianne: Take My Breath Away

Jack: Can’t Fight This Feeling

Dianne: Do That To Me One More Time

Jack: Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now

Dianne: Satisfied

Mickey: The Flame!

Sara: St.Elmo's Fire!

Amanda: Chariots of Fire!

Billie Jean: Eternal Flame!

Jack and Dianne: We Didn’t Start The Fire

Billie Jean: Could’ve Been

Sara: Blame It On the Rain

Amanda: I Love A Rainy Night

Jack and Dianne: Hard to Say I’m Sorry

Billie Jean: Escape (The Pina Colada Song)!

Mickey: One More Try. Hello! Got My Mind Set on You. Baby Don’t Forget My Number. Call Me. [chases after a female firefighter]

Sara: Addicted to Love

Billie Jean: Out of Touch

Amanda: Sussudio

[This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real people and events is purely coincidental. 😉 ]

[Tweet "Holding Back the Years: A funny tribute to 80s music. #humor #80smusic"]

---

Now on to the link-up! 😀

For those that are not on our mailing list, Sarah will be taking some maternity leave from the weekly party. She will be linking up and visiting and hopes to rejoin us as host when she is up for it. In the meantime, Amethyst is joining us as a permanent host. The four of us will still be visiting you all and sharing your awesome posts.

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

Do you want to keep your family’s focus on the Resurrection this Easter? See if one of these Christ-focused Easter traditions will help.

I chose this post from Of the Hearth for some Christ-Focused Easter Activities. We did a Lenten Calendar similar to the one she mentions last year full of activities focusing on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. And I really like the use of bulbs to explain new life.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She is sharing her monthly round up of coffee pictures plus some fabulously funny coffee mugs in her latest post.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa talks about the Berenstain Bears Easter Sticker and Activity Book

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica has a very important post for parents about Child Sexual Exploitation.

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. Amethyst has a giveaway for a $150 Visa Card you probably want to go check out.

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Wishing You A SciFi St. Patrick's Day!

Mar 16, 2017 · 12 Comments

We are going Irish again with our Friday Frivolity Host theme. Last year I shared some fun Irish Girl memes, this year I'm having a SciFi St. Patrick's Day.

I have always disliked the pinching part of St. Patrick's Day.

Admit it you read it in your head as Leprekhaaaaann.

Since St. Patrick's Day is on a Friday this year we enjoyed our corned beef last Sunday and will be enjoying a meatless meal on the 17th.

Over on That Recipe we have recipes for Baked Corned Beef and Colcannon as well as Beef Stew with Guinness and a host of other Irish recipes.

Fun SciFi St. Patrick's Day memes. #stpatricksday #humor #sciencefiction

Now on to the link-up! 😀

For those that are not on our mailing list, Sarah will be taking some maternity leave from the weekly party. She will be linking up and visiting and hopes to rejoin us as host when she is up for it. In the meantime, Amethyst is joining us as a permanent host. The four of us will still be visiting you all and sharing your awesome posts.

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

This week I have 4 features from two different bloggers in case you need some tasty Irish recipes: Dublin Coddle and Reuben Sandwiches from The Bearded Hiker and Authentic Irish Recipes and 12 Cabbage Recipes from Marilyn's Treats.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She is sharing her monthly round up of coffee pictures plus some fabulously funny coffee mugs in her latest post.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa gives us 10 Ways to Make Nursery Rhymes more fun in her latest post.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica reviews a great new children's book series called One Third Stories that start in English and end in another language.

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. In her most recent post she reviews Once Again Nut Butters. Mmmmm Cashew Butter...

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Female Inventors that made my daily life better (plus Friday Frivolity).

Mar 9, 2017 · 12 Comments

In honor of International Women's Day, your Friday Frivolity hosts have a "women" theme this week. There were so many ways to interpret that, and I can't wait to see what the other's have come up with. I decided to go with female inventors that have made my daily life better. I can't imagine what my life would be like without some of them, especially Mrs. Bentz.

Ada Lovelace theorized computer code for Charles Babbage's "Analytic Engine". Translation, in 1843 she came up with the idea for computer codes for the first computer in 1843.

Without her foresight, I might not have this nifty computer to jot down my ideas for you all.

Josephine Cochran invented the first practical dishwasher in 1893 and eventually founded a company to manufacture them that is now known as KitchenAid.

Some in my family like to hand wash their dishes. I am definitely not one of them.

Katharine Blodgett invented non-reflective glass, sometimes called invisible glass. It is used in numerous practical products such as camera lenses telescopes, car windows and glasses.

The anti reflective coating on my glasses, the clear glass in my picture frames and camera lenses... I literally "see" the result of discoveries daily.

Admiral Grace Hopper invented the Computer Language compiler (translates English commands into computer code) and led the team tha developed the first computer language COBOL. She also coined the term "computer bug" and "debugging" when she literally cleaned bugs (moths) out of a room size computer.

Continuing the work Ada Lovelace started more than a century before, Hopper made computers easier to use with the compiler, and creating a computer language that reached across manufacturers sped up the accessability of computers.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson conducted the basic scientific research that enabled others to invent the portable fax, touch tone telephone, solar cells, fiber optic cables, and most importantly, caller ID.

Live without caller ID? No. just no. I can't even...

In 1908, Melitta Bentz poked some holes in a brass cup, lined it with a sheet of blotting paper and put in... wait for it... coffee grounds! Yes "Melitta" invented the coffee filter forever changing how we make coffee. And the company she and her husband founded is still in existence today.

I use her invention daily, and I believe the ones in my cupboard now are from her company. I am not a big fan of boiled coffee with bits of grounds in the bottom.

[Tweet "Thank you to these 6 female inventors have made my daily life better. #inventions #women"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

For those that are not on our mailing list, Sarah will be taking some maternity leave from the weekly party. She will be linking up and visiting and hopes to rejoin us as host when she is up for it. In the meantime, Amethyst is joining us as a permanent host. The four of us will still be visiting you all and sharing your awesome posts.

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

A Money Saving Chart That Will Save You An Extra $1,000 Per Year

I chose this fun Money Saving Chart from Medium Sized Family as my feature this week. Jamie always has great tips for saving money and getting out of debt. I like her take on a weekly saving chart because "life happens". Her chart is kind of like Savings Bingo. Go check it out to see what I mean.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She is sharing her monthly round up of coffee pictures plus some fabulously funny coffee mugs in her latest post.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa gives us 10 Ways to Make Nursery Rhymes more fun in her latest post.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica reviews a great new children's book series called One Third Stories that start in English and end in another language.

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. In her most recent post she reviews Once Again Nut Butters. Mmmmm Cashew Butter...

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted"]

An InLinkz Link-up

10 Funny Coffee Mugs, plus Project 365: Coffee Photos for February

Mar 6, 2017 · 10 Comments

Another month, another batch of coffee photos for my Project 365. I am documenting my morning cup of coffee every day this year over on Instagram. I might need to expand my coffee mug selection if I am going to keep this up for 10 more months, so I thought a quick round up of funny coffee mugs was in order.

Project 365: Coffee Photos

You can see my January photos here.

Follow my Instagram account to view the fun daily. If you are doing a Project 365, let me know in the comments below.

Funny Coffee Mugs

First the legal goobledygook. These are all affiliate links. If you purchase any of them I will receive a commission at no cost to you.

Pretty much...

Love the details on this one.

There are days when I would have taken this into the meetings that should have been e-mail.

Nope, don't miss them for a second.

But, then it came back up so I started blogging again.

[Tweet "Funny coffee mugs for moms. #gifts #coffee"]

Doesn't everyone?

I would never buy this for my mother, but it is true.

You'd think being married to a college math instructor I would buy this for him, except

he doesn't like coffee or Math jokes (and he only likes chocolate or strawberry pies).

Now this one he might like, ha ha!

Kidding! As long as you show up to class and make an effort he'll get you through the class if he can.

[Tweet "Funny mugs for teachers. #coffee #gifts"]

Yes, I am.

Sorry, not sorry.

And one from the other side of the grammar coin.

It's not too late to start your own Project 365 Photography project. Just snap a picture every day for a year starting now. It can be any theme, or no theme. I did a photo a day of my son his first year. If you are doing one, let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram.

8 Important Life Lessons from Dr. Seuss Everyone Should Learn

Mar 2, 2017 · 3 Comments

Important Life Lessons from Dr. Seuss everyone should learn.

woman sitting looking in the distance with text Important Lessons from Dr. Seuss

In honor of Theodore Geisel's birthday and Read Across America Day your intrepid Friday Frivolity hosts have chosen a Dr. Seuss/ children's book theme. Be sure to check the other hosts to see what they have for you. Since I recently posted Awesome Books for Third Graders Recommended by Third Graders, I decided to take a different tack. Instead I chose 8 Dr. Seuss quotes with important life lessons I'd like my son to learn.

We just finished a big report on Steve Jobs so "Think Different" is on my brain. Creative thinking can solve most of the world's problems.

Learning to think of other people and the world is something we are working on.

This sounds better than my usual response "Suck it up, Sunshine." (No, I don't actually say it out loud). There are many unpleasant tasks in life and it is better to just get them over with.

Look on the bright side of life.

No "I dunno" immediately after reading the question.

Reach for the stars.

quote "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. Dr. Seuss"

Your teachers (and parents) aren't going to tell you everything you need to know in life. There are plenty of things you will need to learn on your own.

You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room. Dr. Seuss

It is easier to learn alone in your room if you first learn how to learn.

It is better to know how to learn than to know. Dr. Seuss

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

11 craft and literacy ideas for a fun Dr. Seuss Day

Keeping with the Dr. Seuss theme I chose this post of activities for Dr. Seuss Day from Lit Mama Homeschool.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She has some fun memes about the font everyone loves to hate: Comic Sans. Plus some tips for choosing appropriate fonts.

FridayFrivolity host Sarah Eliza of Devastate Boredom

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! In her latest post she shares the 3 stages of Mardi Gras according to cats.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa takes us to Spain in her latest Passport to Fun post.

FridayFrivolity host Jessica from Babi a Fi

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica reviews a great new children's book series called One Third Stories that start in English and end in another language.

Guest Co-Hosts for February:

Amethyst from One Sage Mama!

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. Her most recent post, in honor of Multicultural Children's Book Day, is a review of a heartwarming story entitled Yumi's Extraordinary Collection.

Patricia from Pretty Fly for a White Mom

Pinterest // Google + // StumbleUpon // Linked In

Could it be you?? #FridayFrivolity link-up looking for new cohosts!

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Why All the Hate for Comic Sans? Fonts Matter.

Feb 27, 2017 · 7 Comments

Why do people ridicule the Comic Sans font? It's such a happy little font. Besides, it's just a font. Does it really make a difference?

This comment recently appeared on my timeline.

Oh wait, I am the one that posted that. Considering the project was about Steve Jobs I steered him towards Lucida instead. I wasn't paying for Helvetica or Myriad, fonts that have been used by Apple.

What does Comic Sans look like?

I wouldn't say ugly... Over used, yes. Inappropriately used, often.

Do people really hate Comic Sans that much?

Funny Comic Sans memes. #humor #branding #business Click to Tweet

Is it ever okay to use Comic Sans?

Yes, teachers really do love Comic Sans. At least those at our school. These are from several different teachers at our school.

Which is probably why my son gravitated towards it initially.

Do fonts really matter that much?

You tell me.

Some wouldn't have been bad, but Chanel and Harley Davidson? As I said before "no, just no."

Comic Sans was based off of hand lettering in comic books and was originally meant for use in comics, informal letters and children's materials. It should NEVER be used for formal material and series subject matters. It just "looks" wrong, doesn't it?.

How do I choose a font for my blog (or research paper, graphics, etc.)?

I am no expert. And truth be told, I am still not 100% sure I love the fonts I am currently using on my blogs. But, they are easy to read and give a "neutral" sentiment (neither formal nor cutesy).

Orana from Orana Creative wrote this great post for the International Bloggers Association to help bloggers choose the fonts for their brand. If that isn't enough, I highly recommend her e-course, or even hiring her to help you create your brand.

How to choose fonts for your blog. Tip 1: No Comic Sans - EVER! #bloggingtips #humor #branding Click to Tweet

Choose a font that helps convey your message. If your message is trite or child oriented than maybe Comic Sans is right for you. But resumes, scientific presentations or policy papers about rape or other serious matters call for another choice.

Crafts, Activities and Foods for a Kid Friendly Mardi Gras

Feb 23, 2017 · 9 Comments

Mardi Gras in New Orleans can be a wild drunken spectacle. But it can also be a fun family friendly event, especially if you celebrate at home. Since we have a Friday Frivolity host theme I have some ideas for hosting your own kid friendly Mardi Gras party.

Beads, Masks and Hats

Mardi Gras wouldn't be Mardi Gras without bead necklaces and masks. Purple, green and gold are the colors of the day.

Twizzler Mardi Gras Beads from No Time for Flash Cards

Noodle Necklace from Activity Village

Hand Shaped Mardi Gras Mask from New Orleans Moms

Paper Plate Masks from Activities for Kids

Paper Jester Hat from Mardi Gras Outlet

Mardi Gras Headpiece from Free Kids Crafts

Activities

The main activity of Mardi Gras is a parade. Queue up some music and parade around the house in your beads and masks.

One of our favorite albums is Putumayo Kids Presents: New Orleans Playground (affiliate link)

Or make your own parade floats with shoe boxes.

And here are some academic activities you could use:

Math and Literacy Activities for Pre-K and Kindergarten

Mardi Gras Mini Books K-3

Food

You can't have the party without food, and we have some fabulously delicious Cajun and Creole recipes on That Recipe.

Beignets are French donuts, and I have my great grandmother's no-rise recipe.

Easy One Pot Dirty Rice is a weeknight fast rice and chicken dish. I leave out the chicken livers for my crew.

Authentic Red Beans and Rice takes most of the day to cook, but it is all hands off time. I have slow cooker and pressure cooker instructions as well as traditional stove top.

Cajun Gumbo is a traditional chicken and okra stew, and this version is ready in about an hour.

Shrimp Creole is loaded vegetables and ready in under 30 minutes.

Jambalaya is another fabulously fast and easy rice and "fill in the blank" dish. Traditionally it is made with pork sausage, but you can add in chicken and shrimp.

No Mardi Gras feast would be complete without a King Cake.This decadent version is filled with cream cheese.

Can't travel to NOLA to celebrate #MardiGras? Celebrate at home with your kids with these crafts and recipes. Click to Tweet

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

I need to order the cane syrup so I can make these delicious looking Browned Butter Pecan Rolls from The Bearded Hiker.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Check out the cute embroidered kitchen towels she made for charity.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Find out why she caved in and bought matching hangers for her Capsule Wardrobe.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa has an adorable printable activity for the book Giraffes Can't Dance.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! She shares some of the adorable things her daughter believes.

Guest Co-Hosts for February:

Amethyst from One Sage Mama!

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. Her most recent post, in honor of Multicultural Children's Book Day, is a review of a heartwarming story entitled Yumi's Extraordinary Collection.

Patricia from Pretty Fly for a White Mom

Pinterest // Google + // StumbleUpon // Linked In

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted "]

An InLinkz Link-up

Dress up Your Kitchen with These Quick and Easy Kitchen Towels

Feb 21, 2017 · 3 Comments

These decorated kitchen towels are quick to make and are a simple way to dress up your kitchen or to give as a gift. Or donate for a craft sale like I did.

Our church is having a craft sale during our anniversary carnival celebration . And of course they need donations, so I came up with these simple decorated kitchen towels.

Supplies

I started with some plain cotton dish towels (affiliate link)

And picked up an embroidery transfer pack with fun kitchen designs (affiliate link). I was able to reuse each design 3 times before it started to get too faint to use again.I have plenty left to use for other projects.

I already had the iron, needles, embroidery floss, hoop and fabric markers.

Directions

I prewashed the towels then ironed on the designs.

Sewed them up with a simple backstitch (plus a few French knots and some lazy daisies as well).

Then I colored them in with some Fabric Color Markers (affiliate link).

And ironed the towels again to heat set the markers and to smooth out the marks from the hoop.

Now I just need to donate them to the church and try not to spend too much money at the sale and carnival.

Cost breakdown

If you had to buy the towels, transfers, markers and floss it would cost about $30 or less than $3 per towel. But you'd have plenty of transfers and markers left to use for other projects.

Memes to Make You Smile When You are Sick as a Dog (Friday Frivolity)

Feb 16, 2017 · 12 Comments

Friday Frivolity is going to the dogs this week. The hosts have a dog theme in honor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.I am adding a little twist to mine and sharing some get well soon dog memes for my friend Julia who is recovering from reconstructive surgery this week.

How awesome is this, someone already personalized this meme for me.

Julia has had a "Be the Buffalo" approach to her diagnosis and treatment: face head first into the storm and persevere.

[Tweet "Some cute pups to help you feel better when you are sick as a dog. #funny #dogs "]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

Bring your sweet tooth as we soak in all the chocolate essence of Sacramento’s chocolate shops.

I chose this delicious tour of chocolate shops in Sacramento, CA from Sew Travel Inspired because... well... it was about chocolate. I am now craving truffles in the worst way but I'm not sure which of the shops I'd want to visit first.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey's most recent post is a fantastic tutorial on creating a clickable image map that links to multiple pages / sites... a must-read for any blogger who designs images!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog to see her reader's choice fashion picks for January.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa has a tutorial on Love Jars that are fun anytime of year, not just Valentine's Day.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jess helps out fiction writers again with a post explaining the Legal System in England and Wales.

Guest Co-Hosts for February:

Amethyst from One Sage Mama!

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. Her most recent post, in honor of Multicultural Children's Book Day, is a review of a heartwarming story entitled Yumi's Extraordinary Collection.

Patricia from Pretty Fly for a White Mom

Pinterest // Google + // StumbleUpon // Linked In

Patricia is a marvelously honest and funny writer, who shares her warm and humorous reflections on life and motherhood over at Pretty Fly for A White Mom. And ooooh yesss, she rewrites and performs music too! She humorously explains the potential benefits of drinking wine while momming in her latest post.

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted "]

An InLinkz Link-up

Valentine's Day: Lady Gaga, Red Rain Boots and Trolls on Friday Frivolity

Feb 9, 2017 · 17 Comments

Welcome to the Valentine's Day edition of Friday Frivolity. We have two awesome co-hosts joining us this week so be sure to visit their sites and say howdy! So what do Lady Gaga, red rain boots, trolls and bullies have to do with Valentine's Day? I'm so glad you asked.

Have you heard that Lady Gaga is fat?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQPMuhPlaBr/

Yup, the trolls took to social media to body shame her after her Super Bowl performance. Really? First, where is this flab? Second, that was your take away from her performance? Third, have you nothing better to do?

Third Grade Fashion Police

Meanwhile in local news, according to the Queen Bees of the Third Grade at our elementary school, these red rain boots are for girls only.

(affiliate link, more info here)

Yup, a few of my son's schoolmates saw fit to ridicule him for wearing "girls rain boots". I know I am behind the times fashion-wise. Did I miss a memo that says red is now exclusively a "girl" color?

Trolls and bullies

I'll never understand the trolls and bullies that feel the need to put others down.

J was confused when his friend was explaining to me what happened. "But, I'm a boy?" He still doesn't understand when people are making fun of him. Not only does it not register with him, he cannot comprehend being mean just to be mean. He was probably just annoyed they interrupted whatever he was thinking about to tell him about their fashion dictates.

Lady Gaga's response to the criticism was inspirational. She ignored the haters and encouraged everyone to love themselves.

I'm proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too.

The most important person to love is yourself.

Unlike my son or Lady Gaga, I would probably crumple under such criticism. There are others that would become so filled with self doubt from the careless hurtful words of others that they take things to the extreme by harming themselves mentally and physically.

Words are powerful. Choose yours carefully. Especially when talking about yourself.

be a pineapple, stand tall wear a crown and be sweet inside — A tough skin helps too.

Or as Lady Gaga wrote:

Be you, and be relentlessly you. That's the stuff of champions.

This Valentine's Day, and every day, I urge you to love and cherish yourself. You ARE worthy.

[Tweet "Always love and cherish yourself. You ARE worthy. #selfworth #selfesteem"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have multiple hosts and co-hosts we will also have multiple FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey's most recent post is a fantastic tutorial on creating a clickable image map that links to multiple pages / sites... a must-read for any blogger who designs images!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa's latest post is an awesome collection of resources you can use to teach your child about the Biblical story of Jonah at home.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Her latest post, 40 Questions Meme, is a great way to get to know her better!

Guest Co-Hosts for February:

Amethyst from One Sage Mama!

Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook

Amethyst is a fantastically encouraging and thoughtful blogger, who shares new-mama adventures, self-care advice, book and product reviews and so much more over at One Sage Mama. Her most recent post, in honor of Multicultural Children's Book Day, is a review of a heartwarming story entitled Yumi's Extraordinary Collection.

Patricia from Pretty Fly for a White Mom

Pinterest // Google + // StumbleUpon // Linked In

Patricia is a marvelously honest and funny writer, who shares her warm and humorous reflections on life and motherhood over at Pretty Fly for A White Mom. And ooooh yesss, she rewrites and performs music too! Check out her post What Makes Me Fly for the scoop on how she chose her blog name, AND a selection of some of her greatest hits... one of which has to qualify as the cutest baby announcement ever!

Now time for the new stuff!

There are three rules only:

[Tweet "Link up your fun, funny, happy and hopeful posts on #FridayFrivolity #bloggerswanted "]

An InLinkz Link-up

A Little Dose of Happy with Cute and Funny Groundhog Memes (Friday Frivolity)

Feb 2, 2017 · 7 Comments

Who needs some happy? I do! I do! Well that is what Friday Frivolity is all about. Sharing the happy (and the fun, funny and hopeful too). This week your hosts are doing a Groundhog theme. And in keeping with the "everyone can use a smile today" mentality, I chose these cute and funny groundhog memes.

I'll be honest, I am not up on my rodents. Ask me anything about Super Mario, the Ninja Turtles or Steve Jobs (8 year old is doing a biography of him this month). Those are my areas of expertise these days. But groundhogs, gerbils, gophers... m'eh. I am not sure I can tell the difference. So if all of these aren't actually groundhogs, I am sorry. I still thought they were cute.

[Tweet "Some adorable groundhogs to make you smile. #groundhogday #humor #memes"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have four FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other three blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

Since we have an animal theme this week, I chose this post from Our Unschooling Journey about non-fiction animal book series for children.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey's most recent post shares her love of coffee, a Project 365 of Coffee Photos.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa has a LuLaRoe giveaway going. C'mon you know you want to enter.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jess tells us more about herself in her latest post 40 Question Meme.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

Coffee Coffee, how do I love thee? Project 365: Coffee Photos

Feb 1, 2017 · 7 Comments

Because I do not have enough irons in the fire this year, I decided to attempt a "Project 365". Every day for 2017 I am posting a photo of my morning cup of coffee on Instagram. Why coffee?

Well, not really seriously, but I do love popping in Grumpy Cat memes when I can. On New Year's Day I made some of my favorite coffee and posted a picture of it. When I woke on the 2nd I decided oh what the heck why not.

January's Pictures

So far I am 31 for 31.

And here is #31 that I couldn't fit nicely in the collage above.

Wish me luck counting the days from here on out. And coming up with 341 more ideas for different photos. ha ha!

But wait, there's more...

Drumroll please, here's my very first ever video.

Does this make me an official You Tuber now?

I am still not ready for any live streaming, or even to record my voice. But, I will be doing some more clips like these, mostly for recipes over on That Recipe.

I used Windows Live Movie Maker because that is what is on my computer. But, I am definitely open to suggestions from any of you experts on Windows (or Android) software that might be easier and more functional.

Follow the fun

If you want to follow me over on Instagram you can get to see the shots daily, along with random garden shots and lots of food pictures. Or you can become the very first person to subscribe to my brand spankin new You Tube Channel. I'll be posting more over there as I have time.

[Tweet "Project 365: Coffee Photos the first month. 31 pictures of #coffee ! #coffeelover #photography"]

Tell me:

Do you make videos? What program do you use?

Have you ever done a Project 365 or something similar?

It's not to late to start your own, just start snapping pictures or sewing or whatever sounds fun to you and start counting from today. You'll be amazed at the end of the 365 days.

Friday Frivolity the Parenting Advice Edition

Jan 26, 2017 · 8 Comments

This will be the final baby themed Friday Frivolity for us... at least for awhile. We may have to sneak in some more once Baby Devastate Boredom is finally here. But for now we are finishing with a doozy: bad parenting advice.

Even before the baby is born parents start getting parenting advice from everyone. Even those without kids.

There are hundreds of thousands of parenting advice books covering all different methods of parenting. This is the only one you really need (affiliate link). No, really you need this one. It will make you laugh which will release endorphins and make everyone happier and less stressed.

You have probably seen the pages copied online, but the actual board book has the ever valuable "Wheel of Responsibility"

I received some really bad "advice" in J's early months. The absolute worst was while suffering severe sleep deprivation (borderline depression) when J was about a year old, a mom in our Mom and Me group with a child younger than mine told me

Well it is YOUR fault he isn't sleeping at night.

Well, gee thanks that makes me feel so much better. You mean all I have to do is raise my child the way you tell me? Silly me thinking I knew my child better than you.... But, I was so unsure of myself and spent far too long believing I was to blame. Low and behold a few years later we find out it wasn't my fault, that's just the way his brain works.

After I eliminated that negative influence from my life I finally realized the only thing a parent really needs to do:

If someone tries to tell you that you are doing it wrong, ignore them. You know your child best.

Unless, of course, you accidentally leave him Home Alone...

[Tweet "All the parenting advice you really need to know. #parenting #humor #fridayfrivolity"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have four FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My pick this week is Getting Rid of the Toxic That's in Your Life from Living on Cloud Nine. And she ain't talking chemicals! Andrea's post is a great reminder that if a person is only bring negativity to your life you need to remove them for your own well being.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey has 20 fun and useful craft projects for the kitchen using old wine corks.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She has some gorgeous suggestions for a Winter Capsule Wardrobe for us "curvy" girls.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa shares ideas for teaching the book of Esther to preschoolers.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares 30 Days of Gotham Fandom Challenge in her latest post.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Most Ridiculous Baby Products on The Market

Jan 19, 2017 · 14 Comments

The Friday Frivolity hosts are continuing our baby theme for the month of January. We've had Geeky Pregnancy Announcements and What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman. This week we are talking about bad parenting gifts. I opted to go with these ridiculous baby products that might make good gag gifts, but I am worried for humanity if people really think these are life changers.

The links below are affiliate links, I may receive a commission for any purchases through these links at no additional cost to you. Feel free to check out the products, then pick something else, ha ha!!

My first thought when I saw this week's topic was this classic clip from Whose Line is It Anyway about gift ideas rejected by the Wise Men.

Chia Pet, tee hee, snort, giggle. Water skis... ha ha ha! Sorry, where was I?

The Peepee Teepee

I am the mom of a little boy. I can tell you first hand, these are a waste of time and money. A washcloth or cloth diaper will do the trick if you really want to avoid a shower. Sorry to burst your bubble new parents, but grosser things are going to happen than a little urine sprayed around.

The Baby Mop

Make the kid start earning his keep!

Talking Pee and Poop Alarm

Sync with your phone to let you know when the baby needs to be changed. Includes an alert to let you know when baby is more than 15 m from your phone. Or you could do as parents have done for millennia and actually watch your kid and check her diapers occasionally.

Baby Lasso Diaper Changing Assistant

I am not sure this was actually a real product or just a prank. You put the baby's ankles in the straps and then loop it over your head to keep them from rolling while you change them. There are a few You Tube videos purporting to be actual users but the company's website no longer exists. I only added this old Amazon link if you want to read the hysterical review.

Apptivity Seat

Get their technology addiction started in infancy.

Crib Dribbler

Fill it up and baby will feed himself leaving you time to yourself ...

NO NOT REALLY. This final one is actually a hysterical prank gift box complete with testimonials and faux coupons for "infant energy drink" on the back. You put a real gift inside and tape it up.

I only wish the others were pranks too.

[Tweet "Some of the most ridiculous baby products I have ever seen. #parenting #humor"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have four FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My pick this week is 10 Boredom Busters from WebMDiva. I am still giggling about the Windex one. Just click over and check it out for yourself if you need some inspiration to bring a little harmless fun to your life (and pin it because April 1st is coming soon).

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey has 20 fun and useful craft projects for the kitchen using old wine corks.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She has some gorgeous suggestions for a Winter Capsule Wardrobe for us "curvy" girls.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa shares ideas for teaching the book of Esther to preschoolers.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares 30 Days of Gotham Fandom Challenge in her latest post.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

20 Creative and Useful Wine Cork Crafts for Your Kitchen

Jan 16, 2017 · 6 Comments

You can make oodles of things with old wine corks from simple wall art to furniture. But just because you can, does it mean you should? The cork chair is certainly a conversation piece, but who wants to sit in it. Since I came into possession of a bunch of corks recently, I compiled a list of 20 creative and useful cork crafts for your kitchen.

My mother recently brought me a wreath covered in wine corks that she'd found for free on the table in the lobby of her apartment.

I could see why it was left there. Cute, but.... too symmetrical? too plain? I don't know. It just wasn't doing it for me. But, I did need the wooden wreath base for the snowman wreath.

I promised back in my Antique Rose Heart Wreath post that the snowman pieces would someday find new life.

I am not going to do a full tutorial on this one, I think you can figure it out. I have no idea where I got the original wooden snowman pieces and I couldn't find anything similar or I would share with you.

Now what to do with all of those corks? Pinterest to the rescue! There were so many choices, but I decided to narrow the options to just those items that could be used in the kitchen, or with food and drink.

[Tweet "20 Creative Wine Cork Crafts for Your Kitchen #crafts #wine #kitchen"]

50 of the Stupidest Things Said to Pregnant Women (FridayFrivolity)

Jan 12, 2017 · 9 Comments

We are continuing our pregnancy theme this week on Friday Frivolity to celebrate the joyous news from Sarah at Devastate Boredom. Last week we shared some fun pregnancy announcement ideas, but this week we are getting serious with more than 50 of the stupidest things said to pregnant women.

What is it about a pregnant woman that makes people lose all sense of propriety? For some, when they see a pregnant belly they lose all of their filters and just start blurting out the most inane comments and asking the most personal questions. To get some help with today's post I enlisted my friends and family on Facebook for their ideas.

What stupid things did people say to you when you were pregnant?

LC While very pregnant...I was asked if it was on purpose...as in having my kids that close together

MS I heard that too. "Was it planned?" In fact, I still hear that one and my youngest is 8.

MS I could write the book on this topic. I was seriously questioning what kind of people that I was surrounded by when I heard so many rude comments.

Don't you know how that happens?
How old are you?
Same father?
O.M.G.!
Why?
Better you than me!
You're kidding, right?
MS And let's not forget, How much weight have you gained?

CV That's what my mother heard constantly when she had 2 boys in her 40s. Ugh.

MS Oh, and my response to nearly every rude comment was "What? Oh, I thought you said Congratulations."

CV Oh yeah. Mother heard a lot because I was a teenager when boys were born, "How nice you have a built in baby sittter".

CV When she's later in pregnancy never, never say, "Haven't you had that baby yet?".

AG "You need to go on Jenny Craig." Really had someone say that to me. Anything about their weight really is just a no.

AG Or "Are you done after this one?" I mean that is really personal!!

CV "You are breast-feeding, aren't you?"

AB "Wow, are you having twins?!!!"

VB Lol, I was just going to put that down, I got that all the time, lol so not cool
AB VB and I wasn't even that big with either one! I was just really swollen!
VB I was, lol since I am short my belly was out there and my babies were not even 7lbs lol
TM That was my worst!
AG Yes this one has to win!!!
KD haha then later "Are you sure its not twins?"
HB I was only 6 months along and this waiter at my favorite Japanese restaurant 'Two Babies' - I go no just 1... I thought he was going to faint and I was the pregant one. I seriously thought he was thinking I was going to have the baby right in the middle of the resturant. He literally keep asking questions and I think I was the first american pregant women he ever seen.

MI Oh my gosh, you're looking really tired. You must be having a boy.

KD oh gosh "Your butt looks wide so it must be a girl."

KB Really anything other than congratulations when you are told, it's best to just follow their cues and let them talk. We seem to have lost the ability to keep our nose out of other people's lives.

SC Do you know what it is? Oh well as long as it's healthy.

Are you still going to work?
How can you afford another one!?
Was it planned? (All of mine were)
Why do you want so many?
I thought you were done?
Oh you're showing early!
It seems like you've been pregnant forever! (Yes but I'm the one pregnant)
You need to eat more.
You need to eat less.
Is it one or two babies? Are you sure there aren't two babies?
Are you supposed to eat that?
Are you extra careful (driving, walking, bathing, etc) now that you're pregnant.

AR I often get when are you due, even though I'm not pg.

KD "You look like you're about to Pop!"

KD "Is there a dad?"

KD "I don't think you're supposed to drink coffee."

ML One from real life... look up the shirt and ask if you paid for that beach ball?

TC Are you sure you're having a boy? The way you carried look like your having a girl. Doctors can be wrong. Haha.

SS Oh I thought you just gained a lot of weight. Ummmmm thanks Dr. I'm 8 months pregnant.

SS I just got asked not too long ago how far along I was. I said he is 9 years old ? diet time

Kim Clijsters handled the situation beautifully

HB Didn't you just have a baby? ( like 4 years ago)

You always are pregnant
The baby is so low it looks like it could fall out any minute

NL "Natural childbirth? No way you're going to be able to do that. You will be begging for the meds"... and that was from a close family member

HB2 One of my best friends... when pregnant with #4 her mother said to her, "just because you own a Suburban doesn't mean you have to fill it up."

RV This is not a "things not to say," but a "thing NOT to do." Never, never and I mean never touch my huge, baby-carrying belly! I don't know you and if I do know you, I still don't want you touching my body! Then when the baby is born...NEVER touch my baby with your germ-filled hands and, I don't know you - why do you think you can touch my baby?!

And finally here are a few others in my experience or moms I know that didn't get a chance to chime in on my question:

the "I had it worse (or better)" comments. You call that sick, I had morning sickness so bad ...
the labor horror stories. "My sister had back labor for over 15 hours and..."
fertility questions for women of "advanced maternal age" or those with long gaps between kids
conception questions for same sex couples (or really anyone)
"Are you the mom?" to surrogates
"You are going to have your hands full" to moms of multiples
"But what if it is like your older child." to moms of special needs kids.

What should you say to a pregnant woman?

"Congratulations."

[Tweet "50 of the stupidest things people say to pregnant women. #pregnancy #motherhood #humor"]

I'd love to know what other inane questions or comments you heard during pregnancy.

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have four FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My pick this week is Why Go To a Tattoo Shop to Get Your Child's Ears Pierced on All About a Child.

As a boy mom, I admit it isn't something I have thought much about, but her reasons made great sense.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey is getting organized about blogging this year and shares her 52 Weeks to Better Blog challenge.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She has some gorgeous suggestions for a Winter Capsule Wardrobe for us "curvy" girls.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa shares some ideas about "herding cats", a.k.a reading to toddlers that won't sit still.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares a fun tribute to a dog toy in her post The Ballad of Roly Bear.

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

52 Weeks to a Better Blog: Quarter One

Jan 9, 2017 · 25 Comments

In blogging there are so many other tasks that suck up time and energy besides just writing posts. There's design, functionality, monetizing, marketing, etc., etc. etc. It is so tempting to jump back and forth between projects and not really get anything done. But, I plan to change that this year by focusing on one task per week with my personalized 52 Weeks to a Better Blog Challenge.

In case you'd like to join me in this challenge, here are the five simple steps I used for creating my own:

blog analysis
break down the tasks
look at my life
make a schedule
review

I am breaking it into quarters instead of the full 52 weeks for one simple reason: things change.

My life, plug ins, social media, etc. in three or six months may look entirely different than it does now and I want the flexibility to adjust my plans.

At the moment, my first quarter looks like this:

Blog Analysis

I looked at both of my blogs and made a list of things that need to be improved. One set of tasks are beyond my technical expertise. I could spend 52 weeks researching how to fix these alone. Instead I am outsourcing those tasks to a Virtual Assistant and moving on to what I can do.

I visited my site as a reader on multiple platforms (laptop, mobile, tablet) and put it through it's paces. Are the links correct? do buttons work? is it visually appealing?

Additionally I solicited advice from some of my blogging buddies for areas that could use improvement. Most of the suggestions I've already implemented, but there are a few tweaks that are in the schedule.

Break Down the Tasks

Besides all of these big projects, I still have posts to write, a house and family to take care of, sleep, etc. Trying to renovate the entire look of my blog isn't going to happen in one week.

I split up the visual aspects into manageable chunks. I broke out the pages that need the most attention ("about me" and "party page").

And I devote some weeks to researching other ways to improve and monetize my blog, because if I don't schedule the time I am not going to get to it.

Look at My Life

Our family schedule changes every semester, based on my college instructor husband's current class schedule. Not knowing what that will be in the fall, scheduling the entire year in advance would be guess work. Plus, writing up a full 52 weeks seems daunting to me. Maybe it isn't for you.

Spring Break for my son starts March 20. If those two weeks go anything like these last three weeks he's been on Winter Break, my time blogging will be drastically reduced, as it should be. This is the best time for me to do things offline.

Create a Schedule

Once I gathered all of my information I put it into a Google Sheet, using the "to do list" template. I can make adjustments easily, plus having it accessible on all of my devices works for me.

Some people like using a paper planner instead. Do what works for you.

Review

My schedule has a review week built in for me to review my success/failures and repeat the process. I'll post updates for those interested.

As you can see from my schedule I am already off to a great start. Over on That Recipe I have a post that always gets huge amounts of hits the last week of December and first week of January. I finally got Ninja Popups (affiliate link see disclosure for details) installed and linked to my newsletter program. And, I tripled the number of subscribers in that time.

[Tweet "52 Weeks to a Better Blog. Create a personalized challenge for you and your blog. #bloggingtips #52weekchallenge"]

Will you join me?

I encourage you to make your own blog improvement plan and set it as a challenge starting whenever you read this post. There is nothing magical about January 1 to start a 52 week challenge, it just happened to work out that way for me.

By doing a little bit each week you will be amazed at the growth your blog will experience in a year's time.

10 Geeky Ways to Announce You are Expecting (plus Friday Frivolity)

Jan 5, 2017 · 10 Comments

One of the Friday Frivolity hosts is expecting a baby. NO, IT ISN'T ME! (shudder) I am not going to tell who it is, you'll have to check the other blogs to see if she is ready to make the announcement yet. To celebrate the good news, the other hosts decided it would be fun to have some baby themes for a few weeks. First on our list is pregnancy announcements. And being a geek I had to share these awesomely geeky ways to announce you are expecting.

Update: several people have asked about the shirt. Here's an affiliate link to get it on Amazon.

Serious props to the D&D one. Uterine Parasite, can't stop laughing...

[Tweet "10 Fun and geeky ways to announce you are expecting. #humor #parenting #pregnancy"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have four FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My pick this week is Bob the Builder loses a hand from Momfever. One of the requirements in the parenting handbook is being able to repair any and all toys. Can we fix it? Yes we can!

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey shares some photos of a recent trip to the "birthplace of California", Old Town San Diego.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa shares her latest Passport to Fun adventure, a fun date night/homeschool/family fun activity, with a virtual trip to Russia.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares her daughter's Star Wars themed 2nd birthday party. Every child needs to be educated in the ways of the force as early as possible 😉

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Fun and Learning in Old Town San Diego

Jan 2, 2017 · 2 Comments

The Old Town San Diego area makes a fun day trip filled with food, culture and a little learning too.

My 8 year old didn't really want much for Christmas, so we asked if he wanted to stay at a hotel instead of getting many presents. He leapt at the chance. So off to San Diego we went a few days before Christmas.

Since he had recently learned about Christmas traditions in Mexico we decided to explore "the birthplace of California", Old Town San Diego. Despite the fact there had been people living in the area for over 10,000 years, the first permanent European settlement in what is now California was in the area of Old Town San Diego.

The area is now a State Historical Park with a combination of shops, restaurants and museums. As well as ghosts... No joke, the famous Whaley House is located here, which is supposed to be the most haunted building in San Diego.

We stuck to more lively fare this trip and skipped any official tours choosing to wander around on our own instead.

It was fascinating inside, but a little dark when we passed through so the photos wouldn't do it justice (get it, courthouse... justice...)

Old Town San Diego has plenty to offer visitors with museums, shops, restaurants and even potential ghost sightings. — "You can't keep me locked up in here forever, Copper." (complete with James Cagney sneer, ha ha!)

We passed right by the tobacco shop complete with stereotypical "Cigar Store Indian"....

And headed into Cousin's Candy Shop.

Reenergized with a little sugar it was time to complete our main mission: to find a sombrero, traditional Mexican drink and sweet bread.

And there was plenty of fun items inside but I got reprimanded by an employee for taking photos.

Now to sneak in a little more history.

And then a few final shots before we headed some place else to find a Panderia to get the sweet bread.

[Tweet "Old Town San Diego has great food, fun shopping, interesting history and GHOSTS. #sandiego #travel"]

Despite not finding the bread he wanted, we had a nice visit. We will definitely be coming back since 4th grade is California history time. Maybe someday we will do he ghost tour.

If you are looking for a free, fun way to spend a day in San Diego stop by Old Town which is located where the 5 and 8 freeways meet and is easily accessible by bus and trolley.

My Favorite Sites to Help You Achieve Your New Year's Resolutions (Friday Frivolity)

Dec 29, 2016 · 2 Comments

It's New Year's resolution time here on Friday Frivolity. A lot of us make them, few of us stick to them, myself included. So, I thought I'd offer some helpful sites to keep you motivated to reach goals.

Fitness Goals

This is usually on everyone's list. I saw this on Facebook and I couldn't agree more.

Don't focus on the scale, focus on health and fitness. A healthy weight will follow.

My favorite fitness tracker is My Fitness Pal. I have it on all my devices and find it straight-forward and easy to use. Plus it is FREE!

If you are looking for some free workouts, my two favorite You Tube Channels are PopSugar and LivestrongWoman. Just be sure to take it slow when starting a new fitness routine. Seriously, learn from my mistake. I tried to rush back into things and for 18 months have been hampered by an injury to my ankle. It takes time to increase your fitness level.

Blogging Goals

Is this going to be the year you make your blog a success? I'll freely admit blogging success is at the top of my resolution list.

Two of my favorite blogging blogs are ND Consulting and The Art of Better Blogging. I have learned so much from them in just a few months.

And coincidentally, or not, both Sarah and Jenn are board members over on the International Bloggers' Association. The last link is an affiliate link. If you join the IBA, I receive a commission. But I would refer you anyway, as I have in this post. I love the support and knowledge I have gained from my fellow members. even if you don't join right away you might want to subscribe to the newsletter and join the IBA Open Group to get all of the latest blogging news delivered to your inbox. And the Twitter Chats and....

Other Goals

Is one of your goals to be more organized? Check out the Mindful Planning Course and other great organization and planning tips over on Debbie Rodrigues site.

Maybe you want to become an entrepreneur in something other than blogging (though that's okay too). Check out Momstyle Your Business for ideas and support.

Challenge yourself to read more in 2017. I enjoy Goodreads for tracking books I hear about and want to get at the library or download on my Kindle.

And finally if you want to laugh more, be sure to check in here every weekend for Friday Frivolity!

[Tweet "Sites to help you with your resolutions. #newyearsresolutions #fitness #bloggingtips"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have five FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My pick this week is these fun Yule Sun Ice Catchers from Raising Fairies and Knights. We could even do these in sunny Southern California though they would melt a lot faster than those of you in colder climes.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey explains how she got a bright shiny black eye just in time for Christmas.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa reviews The Berenstain Bears Christmas Sticker Activity Book this week.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares some wonderful Christmas trivia with a giveaway for a book Christmas: A Very Peculiar History.

FridayFrivolity host Erin from Stay at Home Yogi

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Erin is a fantastically honest and engaging blogger over at Stay at Home Yogi, where she shares encouragement for fitness, finances, self-care, and other fun and positive topics. Her posts are filled with great advice and perspective. Erin helps us get inspired for goal setting for 2017 in her latest post.

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Dog-gone Funny Christmas Memes plus Friday Frivolity

Dec 22, 2016 · 8 Comments

Oh course the Friday Frivolity crew chose Christmas as our theme this week. And I found some adorably funny dog Christmas memes.

After the day I have had I need some cute fun.

[Tweet "Dog-gone funny Christmas memes. #dogs #humor #christmas"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have five FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My pick this week is this great All I Want for Christmas, a Christmas list from Barrie at the Dump Show that most moms will agree with completely. At least I did. Especially the not repeating myself part and the cupboard doors and maybe the repeating myself part...

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey explains how she got a bright shiny black eye just in time for Christmas.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa reviews The Berenstain Bears Christmas Sticker Activity Book this week.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares some wonderful Christmas trivia with a giveaway for a book Christmas: A Very Peculiar History.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

It's About the Memories Not the Gifts (Friday Frivolity)

Dec 15, 2016 · 4 Comments

This week the Friday Frivolity hosts are talking about childhood Christmas memories, because there is just something about the season that makes one nostalgic.

I have plenty of nice memories from Christmas past.

When I caught my parents one Christmas Eve and figured the whole Santa thing out. I didn't tell because I didn't want to spoil their fun. I wasn't upset, I thought it was sweet. My mother insists it was because I was afraid I wouldn't get presents anymore. I just roll my eyes and let her think what she wants.
Mom reading us the story of a poor widow giving one of her last two coins to the church and then the bells mysteriously began to peal with joy... and the cuckoo clock chimed at that precise moment.
Once we were old enough, when school was out for break, my brother and I would get on a BART train and ride into the City to visit my Mom at work then she'd leave early so we could have lunch and check out the holiday decorations in the stores.
The year we got the weight bench and my dad was trying to assemble it after perhaps one too many egg nogs. As we lay in bed and heard the metal bars hit the floor my brother and I both knew what was going to be under the tree that morning.
Getting a letter a few days before Christmas from that cute guy I had gone on a date with the last night before Winter Break at college. He said I was the kind of woman that was as beautiful on the inside as I was on the outside. Is it any wonder I married him?

Other than the weight bench, most of my happiest memories don't have much to do with the presents. And the weight bench was a great memory not because of the bench itself but because Dad was in retail so he had been working really long hours for a month and still was determined to take the time to put it together for us on Christmas Eve.

This year my son wants two things from Santa: nature stickers for his walls and slipper socks. That's it. No impossible to find Hatchimals (thank you, Lord!), no expensive gadgets, no video games, nothing. We have asked him a few times what else he wanted so we could tell his grandmothers and aunts, he just keeps repeating the same few things. So, we asked him one last question.

"Instead of getting presents this year, do you want to go to the beach hotel?"

"YES! Can we go now?"

Luckily, my husband and I both understand that it isn't about the gifts themselves, it is about the memories. So, after a long semester for the three of us, we are going to sneak away for some well deserved family time and make some great memories that our son can tell his kids about someday.

And, I do not have to brave the stores two weeks before Christmas. SCORE!

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have five FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

Eggnog Cake

My pick this week is Eggnog Cake from Thinking Outside the Pot. I love eggnog. I love cake. I am sure I would love this Eggnog Cake.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey's got some free printable 2017 calendars for the nature lover in her latest post.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa reviews The Berenstain Bears Christmas Sticker Activity Book this week.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica shares some wonderful Christmas trivia with a giveaway for a book Christmas: A Very Peculiar History.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Friday Frivolity: Hilarious As Seen on TV Products

Dec 8, 2016 · 10 Comments

Just in time for the holidays the Friday Frivolity crew has decided on another great theme to help you generate ideas for your gift buying needs. Last week we told you all about the books we want to read. Today it is As Seen On TV Products. Those wonderful little gadgets you didn't know you needed until you saw a commercial for them.

I found all of these products on Amazon. I will receive a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no cost to you (read more here).

The Angry Mama Microwave Oven Cleaner

Angry Mama Microwave Oven Cleaner by BulbHead - Just Add Vinegar and Water — Did they take a picture of me trying to get my kid to do his homework?

Colorful Motion Activated Toilet Light

I think there might be a whole lot of playing in the middle of the night if we were to purchase this.

Bright Feet Slippers

Similar to the motion activated toilet light, my son would wear the batteries out on these in a month.

The MINI BeDazzler

"It fits in your purse!" Because you never know when you are going to have a rhinestone emergency and who wants to lug around the huge original version.

Bunchems

One of many reasons I am glad to have a boy with a buzz cut. I forgot the name of them so I Googled "as seen on tv toy that gets stuck in your hair". Most of the top hits were parental horror stories. At least they now have a warning label.

Snap On Feathers Extensions

The Potty Putter Mat

Potty Putter Putting Mat Golf Game — This takes multitasking to a whole new level.

[Tweet "Hilarious As Seen on TV Products you didn't know you needed. #humor #shopping #asseenontv"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have five FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

travel is the best christmas gift

My pick this week is Travel is the Best Gift from Word Traveling. In this great post, Jen explains why experiences make better presents than things. I agree! A few years ago we asked our son which he wanted, a weekend getaway to the beach or a birthday party - he chose the beach.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey's most recent post is about a lovely Winter White Wreath she made to celebrate the holidays.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin
Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa's latest post is a review of The Shepherd on the Search, a Biblical and travel oriented alternative to the Elf on the Shelf.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Her latest post talks about the pressure to overspend at Christmas on presents for your kids.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Get in the Holiday Spirit with This Winter White Wreath

Dec 5, 2016 · 3 Comments

Another month, another wreath for the door. This Winter White Wreath features glitter covered silk poinsettias and contrasting green, cream and red holly sprigs to greet family and friends this Christmas.

Like all of the wreaths I have made this year, I tried to keep the cost to a minimum using only what I had in the house. I splurged on this one. I spent about $8 on some battery powered LED lights similar to these but in white (affiliate link).

Deciding what to use

I tried a few different ideas, but in the end I used a grapevine wreath I didn't really love, some deco mesh, silk flowers and a big red bow.

I liked the white and green on the red background. Since it doesn't snow where I live (well, maybe once a decade) I thought it would look snow-like.

The big poinsettia had glitter on it, so I decided to dress up the other flowers using some spray glue and a dusting of clear glitter. Luckily, I was smart enough to do it outside to minimize the mess.

All that glitters

I hate working with glitter, but I love the result.

The Finishing Touches

Originally, I planned to just wrap the stems of the flowers around the wreath, but they weren't staying exactly where I wanted.

So, I grabbed my trusty glue gun and some Christmas tree scented glue sticks (affiliate link) to put things exactly where I wanted.

[Tweet "This Winter White Wreath is ready to greet all visitors this #holiday season. #homedecor"]

What do you think? I think this may be my favorite of all the wreaths I have made this year.

Love Heart Cross Stitch Pattern - free printable cross stitch pattern of hearts spelling the word LOVE. — Antique Rose Wreath

Festive and Frugal Easter wreath made with decoupaged eggs, ribbon, mesh and fabric scraps. — Festive Easter Wreath

Repurposed Garden Hose Wreath - festive gardening themed wreath made from an old hose and some colorful kids gardening tools.

Patriotic Wreath - Festive and frugal wreath for Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. — Patriotic Wreath

Summer Fun Beach Towel Wreath - Upcycle a beach towel and old summer toys into a fun summer themed wreath. — Summer Fun Wreath

Autumn's Beauty Wreath: Using seed pods and dried flowers and fruit to create a fall door wreath. Autumn Door Wreath. California Native Plants. — Autumn's Beauty Wreath

Simple Thanksgiving Turkey Banner - made with burlap and felt leaves. Thanksgiving door decoration. Turkey wreath. — Thanksgiving Turkey Wreath

Certainly better than the wreath I used last year:

Next month I will do something with the snowman parts.

10 Best-Selling Books on My Wishlist Plus Friday Frivolity

Dec 1, 2016 · 8 Comments

Since all of the Friday Frivolity hosts are avid readers, we thought it would be fun to share our wishlists with you. My reading interests are a bit eclectic but, in general, I do like a little romance and a happy ending. And if you make me laugh along the way even better.

Mysteries

Any of the Phryne Fisher Murder Mysteries. It's no secret I fell in love with Phryne this year and have been reading the books as they become available in the library. The books and the show are different in some ways so even if you have seen the show you may still be surprised at the end of the book because it isn't always the same ending. And in the books, Jack is a boring middle aged man instead of the dashing leading man and potential paramour. Don't worry, Phryne has plenty of company in the books.

The Detective Murdoch Mysteries. I haven't read any of these yet, but I have seen every episode of The Artful Detective (as it is called in the US) multiple times. The reviews seem to indicate the books are good, but different from the series. I am okay with that. Even without the romance with Dr. Ogden, sigh.

The Bubba Mysteries Book Series. Murdoch has his incredible mind, Phryne has her unmistakable style and charm, Bubba has his crazy Mama and faithful dog Precious. A wild cast of characters in a small Texas town and all kinds of mysterious happenings that usually end up with Bubba being the prime suspect. I laughed through the first two books and want to finish the rest.

Classics

After reading Mansfield Park recently, I think Persuasion is the last Austen book I have left to read.
Confession time: I have never read The Lord of the Rings series. I know that horrifies some of my friends. They'd really be horrified to know I haven't even seen the movies. It is on the list now, okay? 😉

Other Fiction

The sequel to The Unhappy Medium once it is released (hopefully in 2017!) I think I picked this up when it was free one day. It took me a bit to get into at first, as he skips around introducing all of the characters. But once it got going I could not put it down. Well developed characters and storyline, laugh out loud funny. Despite the crazy premise I was completely able to suspend my disbelief while I read it. Get this one while you wait for the sequel.

Non-Fiction Books

The 5 Love Languages of Children: This was recommended by one of my Friday Frivolity co-hosts, Lisa of Syncopated Mama.

Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant. As the mother of a child with high functioning autism you'd think I'd have read a lot of books on the subject. The truth is I have read exactly NONE. I read several blogs written by other autism parents, but when I sit down with a book I want to escape and laugh. Autism usually doesn't do that for me. But, this one has been highly recommended to me by a few people. And since it is actually written by someone on the spectrum it looks much more interesting to me.

Cook's Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking. Yet another book from a TV show, ha ha! I already have The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook, that I use often. I have heard this one delves a bit more into the science behind cooking.

Bread Art: Decorating and Painting Edible Bread for Beginners. Just look at the gorgeous works of art on the cover! I first discovered Chef Tess Blogeresse when someone shared her no knead overnight bread recipe on Facebook years ago. That recipe was great and I became a huge fan.

[Tweet "10 Best Selling Books on my wishlist. What's on yours? #books #reading"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have five FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

I thought this post by The Man Down My Local was a great fit for our theme today. He discusses his choices for Desert Island Discs. You are stranded on a deserted island and get to take one book, one luxury item and eight songs. What would you chose? Think about it and then read Anthony's choices.

The Hosts:

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Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Audrey's most recent post reviews Classic Games for Family Fun -- awesome recommendations for holiday gifts, or game nights through the year!

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Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Stop by her blog for winter Capsule Wardrobe inspiration -- mix-and-match outfit inspiration in burgundy and olive!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa's latest post is a hilarious and awesome list of Stocking Stuffers from A-Z... you've gotta check it out!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Her latest post, a review of the Meryl Streep film Florence Foster Jenkins, is filled with comedy and pathos!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

Erin is a fantastically honest and engaging blogger over at Stay at Home Yogi, where she shares encouragement for fitness, finances, self-care, and other fun and positive topics. Her posts are filled with great advice and perspective. Be sure to stop by her blog for this month's Financially Fit update -- Erin shares both the progress and frustrations of tackling debt, as well as helpful strategies for saving and making money too!

Now time for the new stuff!

[Tweet "Come link up your #fun #funny #hopeful and #happy posts on Friday Frivolity"]

An InLinkz Link-up

Forget shopping! Enjoy these fun Black Friday memes instead.

Nov 24, 2016 · 6 Comments

Happy Black Friday Eve! Personally, I am not one that enjoys crowds and lines and general craziness. Especially when it comes to shopping. Instead I will be partying virtually with my fellow Friday Frivolity Hosts with these funny Black Friday memes.

[Tweet "Forget shopping! Enjoy these fun Black Friday memes instead. #humor #blackfriday"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Friday Frivolity Superbowl / Football Memes Edition! (Sort of, Not Really... ;P) Plus the Friday Frivolity LINKY PARTY - the blog link-up for all things Fun, Funny, Happy, and Hopeful!

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have FIVE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

Who doesn't love free printables? Some are educational, and others are just for fun, and today I am sharing My Top 70 Free Printables for Kids!

If you have kids in your life you need to check out this great resource from Haley's Vintage: My Top 70 Free Printables. She covers all ages and a variety of activities from beginning letters to science and just plain fun.

The Hosts:

Host, Audrey, Friday Frivolity Superbowl / Football Memes Edition! (Sort of, Not Really... ;P) Plus the Friday Frivolity LINKY PARTY - the blog link-up for all things Fun, Funny, Happy, and Hopeful!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She showcases some of her favorite old school board and card games for National Puzzle and Game Week.

Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

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Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Sarah is actually taking a month off of the party to work on NaNoWriMo, but she did sneak in a review of three Netflix RomComs you probably haven't seen.

Host, Lisa, Friday Frivolity Superbowl / Football Memes Edition! (Sort of, Not Really... ;P) Plus the Friday Frivolity LINKY PARTY - the blog link-up for all things Fun, Funny, Happy, and Hopeful!

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa has a cute quilt craft to make along with the book Bear Stays Up for Christmas.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jessica discusses the controversy surrounding and unnecessary guilt regarding breast feeding versus bottle feeding.

crystal-from-1

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Crystal is a wife and homeschooling mom to three kids and a dog. On Sharing Life's Moments she hopes to inspire you to make the most of your moments by sharing hers. You'll find inspiration about homeschooling, book and movie reviews, recipes, life hacks and more. Crystal's latest post is about Three Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Parenting Journey.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

Time for Family Fun with These 8 Great Old School Games

Nov 21, 2016 · 6 Comments

With most of America gathering with family this week and the kids off of school, some marketing genius in the game industry decided it would be a great time to celebrate National Games and Puzzles Week as a way to remind people that classic board games and puzzles are a great way to spend quality time together. I made a list of 8 of my favorite old school games that are perfect for Family Game Night, snow days or just anytime you want some fun.

Tripoley

Ever since I can remember, after everyone has stuffed themselves on Thanksgiving dinner, we clear off the table for a Tripoley marathon. It is a card game that combines elements of rummy, hearts and poker. Which may sound complicated but is immensely fun. The board and chips we use are older than I am:

You can't have ours, but here's a nice set and you can't beat the deal at under $13.

Scrabble

Thanks to Scrabble Junior even young children can play a modified version of Scrabble. In the junior versions you just match the letters already on the board and score points for completing a word. The classic board is on the other side so you can switch to that version when the kids are ready. And there are plenty of versions. We have the TMNT version with words like "mutant" , "ooze" and "sai".

Dominos

My mom loves playing Dominos with her grandson. He's been able to play for years thanks to versions with pictures of his favorite cartoon characters instead of the dots like this traditional version.

Pass the Pigs

Pass the Pigs is another favorite game in our family. It is suitable for about 3 on up. The pigs are the size of dice so keep away from babies and toddlers. Otherwise the game is easy enough for everyone to play. And I just found this free iPad scoreboard to automatically tally the points for you if you don't feel like working on your addition skills.

Parcheesi (or Pahrcheesi)

My brother and I used to play Parcheesi quite a bit. Easy to pick up and loads of fun.

Chinese Checkers

Obviously Chinese Checkers is not a game for little ones that would mistake the marbles for candy.This version of the classic game uses pegs instead of marbles which might help prevent the game being disrupted when the table is bumped and the marbles roll everywhere (wait, is it just me?).

Uno

Whether you go with the original version or a "branded" version Uno is another game that is easily played by a variety of ages.

And to make Uno or any card game easier for little hands or those with arthritis, etc., consider a manual card shuffler and a few playing card holders.

[Tweet "Classic card and board games for your next Family Game night. #familygamenight #oldschool"]

Puzzles

Well, it is Games and Puzzles Week. Floor Puzzles for little ones or 1500 piece masterpieces, puzzles can be a great way to spend time together as a family.

If you do opt for the puzzles with more pieces you might want to get a puzzle mat and some puzzle glue to display it when you are done.

What are your favorite classic games?

Have a Sci Fi Thanksgiving with these 10 Hilarious Memes

Nov 17, 2016 · 3 Comments

We are gearing up for Turkey Day in the us with a Thanksgiving/overeating/food coma host theme. My original idea was a Star Wars versus Star Trek Thanksgiving theme smack down, but haven't we all had enough of that drama lately? Sci Fi fans should come together and find our similarities instead of our differences. #GeekPride! So, let's all embrace our inner geek with these funny Sci Fi Thanksgiving memes.

[Tweet "Funny SciFi Thanksgiving memes to please your inner geek. #scifi #thanksgiving #humor"]

Even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I hope you have a wonderful week filled with great food, family, friends and most importantly, laughter.

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have FIVE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

I know I just featured Grandma Ideas not to long ago, but I fell in love with her Thanksgiving Dice Game printables.The concept is easy enough almost all ages can play (well, all ages that won't try to eat the dice) yet still fun for everyone.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! She has a cute tutorial on making Pasta Angel Christmas Ornaments plus a huge giveaway.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin'

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Sarah is actually taking a month off of the party to work on NaNoWriMo, but she did sneak in a quick post sharing how you can read her book Secrets of the Capsule Wardrobe. The book is awesome, btw.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa has a Bible Trivia contest plus a giveaway for a Beginner's Bible that you might want to check out for a child in your life..

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Jess reminisces about life in the early days of the Internet. I hope her connection is back up at home soon!

crystal-from-1

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Crystal is a wife and homeschooling mom to three kids and a dog. On Sharing Life's Moments she hopes to inspire you to make the most of your moments by sharing hers. You'll find inspiration about homeschooling, book and movie reviews, recipes, life hacks and more. This week she reviews the homeschool study guide Chemistry 101.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Most Adorable Needlework Ornament Kits

Nov 14, 2016 · 4 Comments

Are you into needlework or know someone who is? Many of us "needleartists" have already completed our Christmas projects. But, I just stumbled on these adorable needlework ornament kits and had to share them. All can be made up fairly quickly and would be great on the tree or tied to packages under the tree and treasured for years to come.

Note: the following items are affiliate links. I will receive a small percentage of any purchase at no cost to you.

Designed by Jim shore, these sweet counted cross-stitch and beaded ornaments make the perfect holiday decoration or gift!
Each kit includes directions, 14-ct perforated paper, cotton floss, glass beads, needles and chart. 3 ½" x 5". (also available individually)

Capture the holiday in the soft color palette of these counted cross-stitch ornaments! This PatternPlus for a set of seven ornaments (about 2 x 2 ½) include Sue Hillis's chart, directions, needle, carded cotton floss and 32-ct natural Belfast linen. Fabric is preprinted with white dots. This PatternPlus has directions to finish the ornaments using your own ribbon and trim.

Everything is included for these adorable snowman ornaments , even the 3 ½ x 4 ¼ frame! Each counted cross-stitch kit includes 14-ct oatmeal Aida cloth, cotton floss, needle, chart, directions and plastic gold-tone frame. (also available individually)

Do just a little 1 ¼ x 2 ¼ counted cross-stitch motif for a charming gift. This PatternPlus for a set of three ornaments includes Cynthia Smelcer's directions plus 14-ct perforated paper, chart and 2 x 5 ½ wood and wire sleds. You supply the needle and floss.

Show the pride of your heritage in this counted cross-stitch and beaded ornament! This kit includes 14-ct perforated paper, cotton floss, beads, needles, chart and directions. 4 ½" tall. (Ireland shown, Wales and Scotland also available)

Embroider this exquisite piece of folk art! This PatternPlus includes Carrie Golias's directions, plus wool and ribbon for one ornament. You supply the floss. We offer six 105-yard balls of hand-dyed Valdani size-12 variegated pearl cotton, plenty for three ornaments and more. Sold separately (Item #70621). St. Nicholas is 6" tall.

Embroider this lovely little folk art dove! This PatternPlus includes Carrie Golias's directions, plus wool and ribbon for one ornament. You supply the floss. We offer six 105-yard balls of hand-dyed Valdani size-12 variegated pearl cotton, plenty for three ornaments and more (Item #70621). About 3 tall.

Tuck candy or trinkets into these embroidered mittens! Kit, designed by Rachel Pellman, includes directions, wool-felt, cotton floss, and gold string for six ornaments. 4 x 4 ½.

[Tweet "8 fun and festive needlework ornament kits. #embroidery #crossstitch #Christmas #ad"]

All of these ornament kits, plus kits for all occassions as well as needlework supplies and books, are available at Keepsake Needlearts with flat rate shipping starting at $4.95 per order.

Kids Crafts: Pasta Angel Christmas Ornaments

Nov 11, 2016 · 15 Comments

Here's a fun little Christmas craft project you can do with the kids (or by yourself) with some pasta and paint: Pasta Angels. Plus, be sure to scroll towards the bottom of the page for the Cash for Christmas Giveaway with $350 in prizes.

This is pretty straight forward and I'm guessing most of you can figure it out without any more explanation.

You will need five different kinds of pasta. Plus glue, ribbon or string, plus markers, paint and/or glitter (optional).

If you are going to paint or color with marker, do that before gluing. I left the shell and the tips of the elbows unpainted. Acrylic paint works best for these based on past experience. Tempera, especially the washable kind, has a tendency to flake off easily when dry.

You can use plain white glue or a glue gun. I highly recommend you use a thick (tacky) glue if you go the white glue route. When the paint is dry, glue the shell about halfway down on the wagon wheel (I spray painted the halos with gold).

Glue the rigatoni to the bow tie. Then glue an elbow to each side.

Then glue the head to the body. Use LOTS of white glue!

If you use white glue prop the bottom of the body on a pencil to keep it level until dry.

Draw on a face with thin tipped markers. Attach ribbon or string for hanging.

I would estimate the skill level as follows

Kindergarten and Preschool: can handle the decorating, the gluing might need to be done by an adult or older child.
1st -3rd grade: can do the project on their own with white glue
4th grade and up: can use the glue gun if you trust them.

You know your children, use your judgement.

[Tweet "Adorable Angel Ornaments made from uncooked pasta. cute and easy! #kidscrafts #Christmas #crafts"]

7 Vintage Health Ads to Make You Laugh (plus Friday Frivolity)

Nov 10, 2016 · 10 Comments

Have you ever thought about health claims from 30, 40 or even 100 years ago and asked yourself WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? Our Friday Frivolity Host theme is "crazy health advice" this week, so I decided to gather some of the wildest vintage health ads that will leave you shaking your head at the audacity of the claims.

Vintage print health ads with audacious medical claims: Dr. Pepper, 7-UP, Le-Mar Reducing Soap, Blatz Beer, Lucky Strike and more. — Full of nourishing malt and appetizing hops.

[Tweet "Vintage Health Ads that will make you laugh... or cringe. #humor #advertising"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have FIVE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My feature this week is 5 Perfect Sewing Projects for Beginners from Keeping it Real. I am ready to head to the fabric store now to get the materials to make these, especially the fabric bins.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Her front door is ready for November with a simple Thanksgiving Turkey Door Hanger .

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin'

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! Sarah is actually taking a month off of the party to work on NaNoWriMo, but if you or one of your children are preparing for the SATs she reviews two SAT prep books from the perspective of an SAT tutor.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! Lisa reviews the Lost My Name personalized books you can order for a child in your life.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! She has a list of Saturday Linkies (blog hops, link parties, etc.) for all of the Bloggers in the bunch.

crystal-from-1

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Crystal is a wife and homeschooling mom to three kids and a dog. On Sharing Life's Moments she hopes to inspire you to make the most of your moments by sharing hers. You'll find inspiration about homeschooling, book and movie reviews, recipes, life hacks and more. This week she reviews the homeschool study guide Cooking Up History.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

Take a Hike at the Beautiful Santa Rosa Plateau

Nov 8, 2016 · 7 Comments

Nestled at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in Southwestern Riverside County, California 9,000 have been set aside as an ecological reserve to protect native plant habitats and animals. The Santa Rosa Plateau is an important educational resource and a beautiful place to hike or bike, or even ride your horse (if you have one).

I'm embarrassed to admit that we live just a few miles from "the Plateau" and this is only the second time I have visited. This blog is filled with pictures of the California native plants we have planted in our yard instead of water sucking turf grass. So, when my son's third grade teacher asked if I wanted to chaperone the field trip I jumped at the chance, and made sure to grab my camera.

Tips for Hiking the Santa Rosa Plateau

Getting to the Plateau is easy: exit the 15 Freeway at Clinton Keith Rd. and drive a few miles west. And you are there!

Bring along some water and maybe some food, but be sure to bring out all of your trash!

Dress in layers that can be easily removed and put back on. Closed toed shoes and long pants are a must. Unless you like stubbing your toes and getting scratched up by chaparral.

A camera and binoculars are highly recommended.

Visit the website before you head out so you have a better idea of what to expect and what to do.

First stop should be the Visitor Center on your first visit. They have maps and displays and docents to answer your questions, as well as restrooms.

Otherwise it is basic hiking etiquette: stay on the trails, leave nothing behind and take nothing out with you.

Take a Virtual Hike of the Santa Rosa Plateau

My first trip was to the Vernal Pools, which are amazing and I can't recommend highly enough if you are in the area in Spring. Especially if we get some rain, but not too much so it wipes out the platforms over the pool.

This trip we stayed closer to the visitor center and walked around the Granite Trail Loop. Not a very long or strenuous hike, but there was plenty to see.

The Santa Rosa Plateau located near Murrieta, CA in the Santa Ana Mountains is a great place to hike and learn about California's history and native ecology — Before we head out, a word of warning. Remember this is their home (along with rattlesnakes, tarantulas, coyotes, ....).

toyon — Toyon, a.k.a. Christmas berries. The ones in my yard have already turned red.

zauschneria — Zauschneria, hummingbirds love these trumpet flowers.

[Tweet "Learn about California's history at the Santa Rosa Plateau near Murrieta, CA. #hiking #nature #photography"]

Where are the animals?

I did mention this was a field trip with third graders, didn't I? While it was great to have a docent led tour, hiking with a noisy group of eight year olds tends to send the animals into hiding. And I don't blame them, ha ha.

[Tweet "Take a virtual hike of the Santa Rosa Plateau in Southern California. #california #nature #hiking"]

Our hike was short, but we learned a lot. J has plans to take Daddy back once he has some time off. If you are in the area I hope you stop by too.

shared on Photo Friday

7 Funny Time Change Memes to Help You Cope

Nov 3, 2016 · 11 Comments

When it's time to change you've got to rearrange who you are into.... oops wrong time change! Last weekend the UK changed their clocks back to standard time and this week it is our turn here in the US. And you know the Friday Frivolity hosts had to celebrate. I have shared some Daylight Saving Time memes in the past. But, as we enter my most dreaded time of the year, I have some more Time Change memes to help ease the transition to earlier sunrises. Just trust me, that isn't a good thing in my house.

Funny Time Change memes - since we can't stop the time change we can laugh about it to ease the transition — NOW is the correct time for this post, not in March when I first saw it.

[Tweet "Funny time change memes to make the transition to Standard Time easier. #timechange #funny"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have FIVE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My feature this week is Diary of an Autism Mom from Thinking Outside the Pot. As an Autism Mom, I can identify with all of the things Charlene talked about. Struggling to figure out what it is, then the moment your heart breaks when you learn it is Autism and you question everything you have done your child's entire life, and then the realization that it is not the end of the world and your child is still awesome even if his brain works a little differently than most other people.

The Hosts:

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Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Her front door is ready for November with a simple Thanksgiving Turkey Door Hanger .

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Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She shares what's been on her mind lately from ice cream sandwiches to Beauty and the Beast to Parks and Rec on Netflix.

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Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! This week Lisa she shares a fun craft to go along with Madeleine's Christmas, I just lover her book and crafts choices for kids.

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Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! Daddy takes over the blog and shares what a day in the life of a Stay at Home Dad is like.

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Crystal is a wife and homeschooling mom to three kids and a dog. On Sharing Life's Moments she hopes to inspire you to make the most of your moments by sharing hers. You'll find inspiration about homeschooling, book and movie reviews, recipes, life hacks and more. This week she shares some DIY Gifts using adult coloring book pages.

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An InLinkz Link-up

Simple Felt and Burlap Thanksgiving Turkey Banner

Nov 2, 2016 · 6 Comments

I actually finished the November "wreath" before the first of the month this time around. Yeah me! Like the other door decorations I have made this year, this one cost me nothing. But, even if you had to buy some of the supplies it still shouldn't cost more than $5-$10. And I am thrilled at how our Thanksgiving Turkey Banner came out.

Materials for Thanksgiving Turkey Banner:

12" cardboard circle (recycled from a frozen pizza)
cardboard or craft foam for the body and sign
½ yard approximate burlap (to cover the circle and sign)
brown felt or flannel to cover the body
felt fall leaves
2 google eyes
red pompom
yellow craft foam scrap
paint or markers
string or ribbon
glue

Directions for Thanksgiving Turkey Banner:

Once it is all dry, hang it on the door to greet your guests this month.

[Tweet "Simple Thanksgiving Turkey Banner, made with burlap and felt leaves. #thanksgiving #craft"]

Other easy and frugal door decorations we have made this year:

Hilarious Halloween Candy Memes plus Friday Frivolity

Oct 27, 2016 · 4 Comments

Woot! Woot! We have a new Friday Frivolity Host joining us, Crystal from Sharing Life's Moments. Be sure to pop over to her site for great life hacks, homeschooling tips and more. Our host theme this week is about Halloween and/or Halloween candy. I am all about the sweets with some fun Halloween Candy memes.

14681619_1105943666170733_8196299982040083436_n — Hopefully the world hasn't really come to this.

1384094_429417373835489_754399509_n — The most terrifying part of the holiday season.

pixie-stix-halloween-candy-meme — Ohhh! I hate it when that happens!

halloween-2014-best-funny-memes-12 — Doesn't everyone?

szeyf — My husband when I caught him last weekend. But, he didn't look all that guilty...

that-face-you-make-when-your-kids-catch-you-eating-their-halloween-candy-meme-30524 — Who me?

when-you-buy-halloween-candy-to-hand-out-as-an-adult-144075 — It's a conspiracy I tell you!

tumblr_mqzph4mwiw1r2w6qbo1_400 — I love it, especially my Homemade Candy Corn.

[Tweet "It's all about the sweets! Funny Halloween Candy memes. #funny #halloween"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have five hosts and co-hosts we will also have FIVE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

My feature this week is this fun Monster Brains Munchie Mix from Living on Cloud Nine. I can completely understand why Andrea says it is the most requested room mom snack ever. Too bad we can't bring homemade goods to the classes in our district because my son's class would love this. 🙁

The Hosts:

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Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Still recovering from a bit of a head cold, she tells us what she really wants when she is sick.

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Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She reviews Halloween movies The Visit and Cabin in the Woods and tells you which to watch.

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Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! This week Lisa reviews Rick Warren's The Lord's Prayer Board Book (and offers her own fun printable).

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Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! She gives her a Halloween twist to her love of dolls with her latest post Guide to Miniature Doll Coffins.

crystal-from-1

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Crystal is a wife and homeschooling mom to three kids and a dog. On Sharing Life's Moments she hopes to inspire you to make the most of your moments by sharing hers. You'll find inspiration about homeschooling, book and movie reviews, recipes, life hacks and more. This week she reviews Middlebury Interactive Language Program for teaching Spanish.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

What I want when I am sick.

Oct 25, 2016 · 10 Comments

My sweet little buggaboo shared his cold germs with me... like he does just about every single time he gets sick. After spending two nights nursing him it is my turn to be waylaid.

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We all know moms can't take a day off, but it doesn't stop me from fantasizing about what I really want when I am sick.

Some people like to be fussed over and pampered when they are sick...

My husband and my son both want me to hover over them checking their temperature, massaging them and cuddling them. Not me.

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I just want to crash on the couch and watch mindless TV.

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Maybe a little nap.

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And a hot bubble bath would be nice.

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Some ramen noodles to soothe my throat.

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And a Hot Buttered Rum or two.

But with me being sick while he was off school for a teacher inservice, what I really need is...

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[Tweet "What a mom wants when she is sick. #humor #momlife"]

Crazy Pet Costumes plus Friday Frivolity

Oct 20, 2016 · 3 Comments

After our Scary Movie theme last week, the Friday Frivolity Hosts are keeping in the Halloween Spirit with "crazy costumes" this week. So many fun ways to interpret that one, but whenever I'm in doubt, I fall back on animals. For your weekend enjoyment here are some crazy pet costumes.

Image result for funny cats wearing costumes memes — I'm sure most animals feel this way when their owners torture them like this.

Image result for funny pet costumes memes — Gotta give the nod to this owner for his knowledge of Greek Mythology.

Image result for funny animals in costumes memes — Who wears it better the guinea pig or the horse?

Image result for funny animal costumes memes — Dress to impress!

Image result for funny animals wearing costumes memes — The entire flock in coordinating rain coats and hats....

Image result for oompa loompa dog — As if Willy Wonka weren't freaky enough.

[Tweet "Crazy Pet Costume Memes: funny photos of animals in costumes. #animals #petcostumes #humor"]

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

A Tooth Fairy Manifesto -- Looking for a written terms and conditions agreement from the Tooth Fairy for your child? Look no further, moms and dads. {posted @ Unremarkable Files}

My pick this week is the legal documentation from the Tooth Fairy from Unremarkable Files in the Tooth Fairy Manifesto. Be sure there are no little ones around when you read gems like:

"I will not leave glitter footprints, sugar-free lollipops, signed "I Lost a Tooth!" certificates, rhyming treasure hunt clues, stuffed animals, little toys from Oriental Trading Company, or photoshopped pictures of me hovering over your sleeping body."

The Hosts:

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Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! If you are looking for some great children's books she has Awesome Reads for 3rd Graders Recommended by 3rd Graders.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin'

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She has some lovely Inspirational Printables for you and a review of her monthly goals.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! She has a fun Clean Up Rhyme Printable to help parents that might be struggling with the tidy time battles.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! She has a post up this week about all doing our part for the environment with the #brightFuture Challenge.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

Awesome Books for Third Graders Recommended by Third Graders

Oct 18, 2016 · 9 Comments

The transition from picture books to chapter books has been a little challenging for us. He likes his pictures and any book without them "has too many words". I know I am not the only parent (or grandparent or aunt/uncle) that wonders what would be an interesting grade level appropriate book for my kid to read. To help out, I went to the source to come up with a list of awesome books for Third Graders recommended by Third Graders.

The list came about when I needed to create a class decorated pumpkin for a school function. The easiest way I could think of to have all 25 students participate was a pumpkin decoupaged with all of their favorite books.

Well, I tried. Seriously, this project and the school carnival are the main reasons I did not want to be a room mom! UGH!

But, I digress! Let's talk third grade books. All of the links below are affiliate links on Amazon, I get a percentage of any purchase through the links (more info here). Most of them are also available through Scholastic Books. So if your school orders from there, you might be able to get them cheaper and the class will earn free books. Or print this list and take it with you the next time you go to the library.

Books:

Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak was mentioned by two of the students. My son was horrified when he saw my list, "A book with no pictures? How awful! Books have to have pictures." But the book is so silly and fun I know he'd love it.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards (yes, that Julie Andrews)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Katie DiCamillo

Pokemon Deluxe Handbook

Football Superstars 2016 by K.C. Kelley

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Book Series:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney was the hands down favorite of this class - mentioned by eight of the students.

Battle Bugs by Jack Patton

Pokemon I Choose You

Plants vs Zombies: Timepocalypse by Paul Tobin

Spirit Animals by Brandon Mull

The Puppy Place by Ellen Miles

Black Lagoon Adventures by Mike Thalon

Beyonders A World without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Three more not mentioned by this class, but favorites of ours and other third graders we know:

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie by Zack Zombie

The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne

[Tweet "Recommended Books for 3rd graders by 3rd graders. #chapterbooks #reading #goodreads"]

I'd love to add more to the list. What early chapter books did you or your kids like?

Five Scary Movies that Scared Me Away from Scary Movies

Oct 13, 2016 · 8 Comments

This week the Friday Frivolity hosts are taking a slight departure from the fun and happy and talking about scary movies. I am a movie wimp. I do not like scary movies, particularly horror/slasher ones. Real life is scary enough. The presidential election? Healthcare premiums? IEP meetings? *shudder* I watch movies for escapism and enjoyment. Scary movies just aren't fun for me. But, I dug deep for you, dear readers, and found the courage to came up with five scary movies that scared me away from scary movies.

Sleeping with the Enemy

I watched this one night on TV... alone ... at night... Luckily, I have an amazing husband so my spice cabinet is a glorious mess and my bathroom towels are always crooked.

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Fatal Attraction

Glenn Close? the bunny? Many male college mates were scared to fidelity after that movie because they were afraid their girlfriend or the hook-up might go over the edge. So some good things happened because of it.

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The Birds

Credited my Alfred Hitchcock loving husband for forcing me to watch this one when he found out I hadn't seen it. I still get a little nervous when I see too many birds all gathered together.

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Psycho

This movie in color would not have been as freaky. The sequels in color just didn't have the same edge. But the shower scene still gives me goose bumps, even though I remind myself the blood is only chocolate syrup... only chocolate syrup... only chocolate syrup.

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Silence of the Lambs

If you've seen the movie, you know what line preceded this and you probably cringed and thought about fava beans and Chianti.

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[Tweet "Five scary movies that scared me away from scary movies. #movies #horror #thriller"]

Pretty tame list, huh? How about you? Are you a fan of horror films or psychological thrillers? What are your favorites?

Now on to the link-up! 😀

Featured Post from Last Week:

In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts and co-hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other four blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

Looking for some Halloween inspiration? Two of our favorite Friday Frivolity linkers (linker-uppers? partiers? regulars?) Raising Fairies and Knights and A Bountiful Love have a fun party for you to go check out with lots of food, crafts and fun. Bloggers can drop their own Halloween links as well.

The Hosts:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram

Audrey is a wonderfully eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! This week she shared made a Halloween Wreath from an old dryer vent. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin'

Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! She has some lovely Inspirational Printables for you and a review of her monthly goals.

Facebook // Twitter //Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! She reviews Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents by Gary Chapman author of Five Love Languages.

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram

Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes at Babi a Fi on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! She wrote a stirring piece on National Coming Out Day that reminds me our countries aren't that different after all, unfortunately in some cases.

Now time for the new stuff!

An InLinkz Link-up

Upcycled Dryer Vent Halloween Wreath

Oct 10, 2016 · 2 Comments

This Upcycled Dryer Vent Halloween Wreath is another one of my frugal door decorations using items around my house. You may have seen the dryer vent pumpkins on Pinterest or other social media channels, but I decided to turn the concept into a wreath. And instead of buying the dryer vent new, I used the one that was replaced when we got a new dryer. From trash to treasure!

hallween wreath on a door with text overlay "dryer vent Halloween wreath"

Dryer Vent Halloween Wreath Supplies:

dryer vent (used or new)
orange spray paint
brown fabric
decorative ribbon or fabric
Halloween stickers or other decorations

Dryer Vent Halloween Wreath Directions:

This is what the dryer vent looks like when it is properly installed on your dryer. It is a bendable tube of metal to direct the exhaust from the dryer outside.

From trash to treasure - an old dryer vent becomes a festive Halloween wreath. Halloween craft, dryer vent pumpkin, easy Halloween decoration.

Since I used on old one for the project my first step was to rinse all of the lint out from the inside. After it dried I shaped it into a circle. To seal the ends I used duct tape. Hey, do you suppose that's how it got it's name...?

Then I used up the last of the orange spray paint.

I ignored the duct tape for the most part when spraying.

Because I knew I would need to cover it with the brown fabric anyway. I just made a simple loop and safety pinned it in the back.

Then I tied strips of purple Halloween fabric around the" stem".

And it was done....

But I decided it was a little too plain, so I dug out my foam Halloween stickers for a bit more color.

And found a wooden bat for us to paint and glue on too. And a little fake spider web.

Three weeks to enjoy it until it is time for a Thanksgiving themed door decoration.

blog

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Photo Software: Movavi Photo Editor

The Photos

[Tweet "Holding Back the Years: A funny tribute to 80s music. #humor #80smusic"]

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Funny Coffee Mugs

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What does Comic Sans look like?

Do people really hate Comic Sans that much?

Is it ever okay to use Comic Sans?

Do fonts really matter that much?

How do I choose a font for my blog (or research paper, graphics, etc.)?

Beads, Masks and Hats

Activities

Food

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Supplies

Directions

Cost breakdown

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Have you heard that Lady Gaga is fat?

Third Grade Fashion Police

Trolls and bullies

I'm proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too.

The most important person to love is yourself.

Be you, and be relentlessly you. That's the stuff of champions.

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January's Pictures

But wait, there's more...

Follow the fun

Tell me:

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Baby Lasso Diaper Changing Assistant

Apptivity Seat

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Everyday Use

Party Time

Kitchen Remodel

What stupid things did people say to you when you were pregnant?

What should you say to a pregnant woman?

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Blog Analysis

Break Down the Tasks

Look at My Life

Create a Schedule

Review

Will you join me?

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Fitness Goals

Blogging Goals

Other Goals

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