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    Crazy Hairstyles: Princess Leia Edition - Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Apr 28, 2016 · 8 Comments

    Crazy Hairstyles: Princess Leia's Buns - funny memes about Princess Leia's cinnamon bun hairstyle.

    The Friday Frivolity host theme this week is Crazy Hairstyles. And who had a crazier hairstyle than the cinnamon bun sporting Princess herself, Leia Organa.

    Oh yes, I remember it well. I wanted to be Princess Leia so badly for Halloween 1976, like most other girls I imagine.

    Like most girls of that era, this is what I wanted to be.

    star_wars__princess_leia_by_masterof4elements-d9le1wq

    Unfortunately, I was sporting a Dorothy Hamill cut on my sun-streaked light brown hair. So, we tried one of mom's wigs. But it had short hair too.

    Scan
    I obviously was having fun so who cares that we didn't nail the 'do!

    She is a Disney Princess now isn't she? *shudder*Disney-Princess-image-disney-princess-36565629-831-587

    Who wears it better?ecb025e7183e59b81ccf26e4f4f6d465 il_fullxfull.616986435_romr kitty-costumes-star-wars-adorable-princess-leia

    [Tweet "Memorable hairstyles: Princess Leia's cinnamon buns #hairstyles #starwars"]

    This song has been in my head since I first saw this meme.Princess-Leia-I-Like-Big-Buns

    No lie, I do like giant cinnamon buns ... like these...

    Princess Leia Chocolate Cinnamon Buns with Nutella Frosting from Fiction Food Cafe.Don't worry, I wouldn't show that picture without providing a link to the recipe. Kudos Fiction-Foods, these look amazing.
    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!


    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!

    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 has a simple upcycled strawberry basket craft for kids to make for May Day or Mother's Day.




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! If you have been thinking about starting a capsule wardrobe she has some inspiration for you.

     

     

    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! She has some great ideas for a Date Night or Family Fun Night with her monthly Passport series. This month she takes us to Africa.



    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 reviews Nom Nom Reusable Pouches on her blog this week.




    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!




    Featured Post from Last Week:

    In a fun twist, since we now have four 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! 😉

    Give Back and Change Lives this Mother's Day-NoSmallLife

    My featured post this week is: How a Mother's Day Gift Can Change 63 Lives and 8 Communities from No Small Life. If you follow me on social media you have probably seen me post about this one already. Chris and Megan share four companies you can purchase a gift from that will give a hand up instead of a hand out to some inspiring folks.

    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:

     

     

    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!
    [Tweet "Come join the Friday Frivolity - the #linky party for all posts fun, funny, hopeful and happy!"]

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Kids Craft - Strawberry Basket Craft for May

    Apr 28, 2016 · 12 Comments

    Kids Craft: Strawberry Basket Craft for Mother's Day and May Day. upcycled craft, recycled craft.

    If you are looking for a fun craft for your kids for May Day or Mother's Day, I present you with the classic, berry basket May Basket.

    Kids Craft

    When I used to teach day care we did a lot of crafts with strawberry baskets and those little square milk cartons, mostly because they were so plentiful. But, most stores now-a-day sell berries in a those clear clam shells to protect them better in shipping. Some farmer's markets and fruit stands still use the old fashioned baskets and I have been hording them.

    This project is great for working on fine motor skills, something my almost 8 year old still needs to work on. Depending on what you use for weaving even preschoolers can make this one.

    We made these for grandmother gifts for Mothers day so we made some flowers with his picture on them. (Note to my mother: pretend you are surprised when you get this next week, okay?) To use it for May Day you can put fresh flowers inside instead. Then, per tradition, you leave it on someone's door step as a surprise.

     

    Supplies:

    plastic berry basket
    ribbon, raffia, construction paper cut in strips, etc.
    card stock
    pencil
    scissors
    green chenille stems
    glue or tape
    photos (optional)
    tissue paper
    Weave the ribbon in and out of the holes in the strawberry basket.

    maybasket (4)

    Decorate it with anything else you desire. We glued a ribbon around the top.

    maybasket (3)

    Draw a flower.

    maybasket (6)

    Cut it out.

    maybasket (5)

    Glue or tape the photo to the front of the flower and the chenille stem to the back to make a flower.

    maybasket (2)

    Stuff the basket with tissue paper and stick in the flowers.

    maybasket

    [Tweet "Kids Craft: use a strawberry basket to make a simple basket for #mayday or #mothersday"]

    Happy Mother's Day to the moms and grandmas out there.

     

    Frugal Fix: Typing Table (a Tale of DIY Don't)

    Apr 25, 2016 · 5 Comments

    Frugal Fix: Typing Table - fixing a water damaged antique typing table the hard way. DIY Fail DIY Disaster DIY Don't

    Frugal Fix: Typing Table or How I Repaired a Water Damaged Table the Hard Way

    Frugal Fix Typing Table

    I have been getting a little restless with the decor in my home as I mentioned when I redid the pictures in the upstairs hallway. By the way, that project came out so good, my husband wants me to move those pictures to the living room and the family pictures upstairs. Or maybe he just doesn't like looking at our relatives...

    Anyway, this post is about the typing table. I inherited this from my grandparents, which is the only reason I knew what it was. There is a matching chair in another room.

    About a dozen or more years ago, I had a tabletop fountain on the table that leaked and by the time I noticed had ruined this table. I couldn't just toss it because of the sentimental value. So, we've kept it covered so no one would see the damage. Of course the laminate top was still buckled making it precarious to place a drink on it without fear of it toppling.

    Frugal Fix(11)

    I decided it was time to try to remove the damage and stain it, if possible. My back up plan was to cover it with tile or wood if the water damage was too bad or the wood underneath was ugly. But, I was really hoping the stain would work because it was cheaper and easier. I pried the easy part off with a screw driver.

    This is where the DIY fail comes in. Well, not really a fail because the end result was a win. Maybe a DIY Disaster? Probably a DIY don't. I am sure there is a better way to do this, but all I could come up with that I had in my house was a hammer and a flat head screw driver.

    Frugal Fix(5)

    For two hours I chiseled away and removed as much of the damaged layer as possible. If you want the specifics, I held the screw driver at about a 25-30 degree angle and tapped it with the hammer. Only missing and hitting my hand few times.

    Frugal Fix(4)

    I then sanded down the remnants for a nice smooth surface

    For the most part the top was in good shape. I could live with the two different colors, as a matter of fact, I think it added character. What I didn't love was the gap between the boards and the big gouge I made when chipping off the top. I wanted the top to be as antiqued looking as the rest of the table, but that gouge was pretty deep. So, I filled in the spots with gobs of stainable wood filler and sanded it down once it was dry.

    Frugal Fix(7)Frugal Fix(6)

    Then I stained it. And it was beautiful. Frugal Fix: Typing Table - fixing a water damaged antique typing table the hard way. DIY Fail DIY Disaster DIY Don't

    A little too beautiful to match the rest of the well worn table. So I did something very painful to me after all of that hard work making it perfect: I scratched up that gorgeous smooth stained  surface with a screw driver and some sandpaper. Frugal Fix(2)Frugal Fix(3)

    And now it is back in place as an end table and can safely hold a drink... on the coaster of course.

    Frugal Fix(9)

    Next up in my remodeling efforts is the mystery behind the cloth sitting next to the table.

    collage of waterstained table repair

    Lip Sync Memes and Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Apr 21, 2016 · 9 Comments

    Teddy Ruxpin lip synch

    Time for another Friday Frivolity Linky Party. The hosts are really enjoying all of the great posts our bloggers bring every week. And we are enjoying the host theme every month. At least I am. Except for this one: lip sync, lib dub or dance offs. Sigh!

    I am the oldest member of our quartet and was a bit stumped with the prompt. This is the only thing I could think of at the mention of lip sync:

    milli vanilli

     

    I remember the scandal surrounding Rob and Fab being stripped of their Grammy. I didn't know this bit of trivia though. But if Brian Williams says it....

    Brian Williams lip synch

    I was in high school doing my best to rock, rock til I dropped to Pyromania when Teddy came on the scene...

    Teddy Ruxpin lip synch

     

    I may be old and my memory may be fading, but I do remember this.

    funny-grumpy-old-man-meme

    So, I guess I have to pass on this week's host theme, since I am more like this lady.

    old lady cookie recipe

    Who am I kidding? Head over to That Recipe if you want cookie recipes. I have plenty over there.

     

    [Tweet "Lip sync? Lip Dub? Say what now? Man, I am old... #humor #lipsync #memes"]

     

    If you want to see some fun lip sync, lib dubs and dance offs, be sure to check out Babi a Fi, Devastate Boredom, and Syncopated Boredom.

     


    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!


    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!

    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 continues her lectures on drought tolerant gardening with photos of some of her favorite plants.




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! She wrote about the 5 best Trader Joe products you have never heard of. 

     

     

    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! If you need more comedy movies in your life after last week's Friday Frivolity, Lisa has five of her favorite comedy movies.


    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! Are you interested in UFO's? I am! One of her recent posts is about 10 Weird Welsh UFO Encounters.



    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!




    Featured Post from Last Week:

    In a fun twist, since we now have four 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! 😉

    Heres-a-list-of-novel-home-inventions-I-need-someone-to-invent-now

    My featured post this week is: Novel Home Inventions I Need Someone to Invent by Experienced Bad Mom. "Dust repelling baseboards" - YES!! Bathrooms that clean themselves." Yes, please!

     

    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:

     

     

    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!
    [Tweet "Come join the Friday Frivolity - the #linky party for all posts fun, funny, hopeful and happy!"]

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Photos of My Favorite California Native Plants

    Apr 19, 2016 · 6 Comments

    Photos of California Native Plants in a home landscape. Toyon, Chitalpa, Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Zauschneria, Erigeron

    In honor of California Native Plant Week I thought I'd share with you some photos of my favorite California native plants, all of which just so happen to be in my backyard.

    Photos of California Native Plants in a home landscape. Toyon, Chitalpa, Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Zauschneria, Erigeron

    Last week I posted some photos of the overall landscape in place in our yard since we switched to a drought tolerant garden using mostly native plants to our area 10 years ago. Today, I thought I'd share with you some of the individual plants. We live in what is known as the Coastal Sage Scrub region.

    Here are some of the plants that can be found in that environment.

    natives1
    New leaf growth on a Sunset Manzanita (Arctostaphylos). This variety is a small shrub, but they can vary from 1 foot to 10 feet.
    natives4
    Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) in bloom. The manzanitas in my yard bloom in white, pale pink and a dark pinker.
    natives2
    Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) in bloom. This plant is a large bush with feathery almost grass like branches that blow in the wind.
    Photos of California Native Plants in a home landscape. Toyon, Chitalpa, Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Zauschneria, Erigeron, Salvia, Fallugia Paradoxa
    Those delicate white flowers on the Apache plume turn into plumes. The wind will blow the seeds to propagate more plants (like a dandelion).
    Incorporate native plants into your landscape for a beautiful drought tolerant garden. #xeriscaping #nativeplants Click to Tweet
    natives6
    A bee enjoying the lilacs (Ceanothus). California lilac blossoms are tiny compared ot midwestern lilacs and the smell is not quite as pungent.
    natives5
    A darker colored lilac bloom. In the summer the plant drops its blooms and many of its leaves and goes dormant in order to survive the dry heat of our summers.
    natives9
    Wayne Roderick Daisy (Erigeron glaucus) also called Seaside Daisy. The plants are only about a foot tall and like it a bit cooler than my inland summer temps, so I keep them in the shade next to the neighbors lawn so they get supplemental water.
    California native plants are as varied as the state's climate. #xeriscaping #californianativeplants Click to Tweet
    natives8
    Chitalpa (Chitalpa X Chitalpa tashkentensis) is a small tree (10-15 feet) with big pink blossoms.
    natives7
    Zaushneria is not nicknamed hummingbird fuchsia for nothing! The hummingbirds love them.
    natives3
    Toyon or Christmas berry (Heteromeles arbutifolia). I have two and they are HUGE bushes (8+ feet tall).
    Heteromeles arbutifolia, Toyon or Christmas Berry
    In the winter the white flowers on the Toyon turn into these bright red berries, much to the delight of the native bird population.
    bee flying in salvia
    Salvia (sage) are a favorite of the bees. And, yes, you can use the leaves for cooking too.

    As I said in my post about converting to California native garden "You don't have to limit yourself to rocks and cacti to have a drought tolerant garden."

    My Five Favorite Guilty Pleasure Movies plus Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Apr 14, 2016 · 7 Comments

    Five favorite guilty pleasures movies. Movies I shouldn't like, but I do.

    This week the hosts of Friday Frivolity are compiling lists of their favorite movies or comedies. I decided to go with my "guilty pleasure" movies. Goofy, silly, no social redeeming value, but yet I find myself watching them over and over if they are on TV. Yes, I am old school and don't use NetFlix or any of that fancy hi-tech streaming stuff. I only figured out how to do that in the last month. True story.

     

    McClintock - John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara

    I am not sure if this movie could be more politically incorrect. Advocating spanking a woman to tame her? This movie would never be able to be made today. As a woman I should be appalled at this misogynistic movie. But, it makes me laugh. I know it is wrong.

    mcclintock

    History of the World Part 1 - Mel Brooks and a whole bunch of other people.

    I could have made an entire list of Mel Brooks movies, including Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, Blazing Saddles, etc. But, this one is my favorite. Pure campy craziness. "It's good to be the king".

    history of the world Flash Gordon - Sam Jones and Max von Sydow

    Ok, I admit it, some of the appeal of the movie is the soundtrack. "Flash... aa-aaa... save each and every one of us!" I miss you Freddy! But, the campy fun reminiscent of the old Batman TV show keeps me coming back time and time again.

    Flash-Gordon-Poster

    Stripes - Bill Murray and Harold Ramos

    I don't want to admit how many times I have seen this one. Completely improbable and disrespectful to the men and women that serve in our Armed Forces. "You know son, I've noticed your always last."

    stripes

    Caddyshack - Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight

    So much inane fun, especially the battle of wits between Carl the Groundskeeper and the gopher. Poor Carl never stood a chance... ha ha.

    caddy shack

     

    How about you? What are your guilty pleasures movies? Anything you care to admit to?

    [Tweet "What are your favorite "guilty pleasures" movies? Here are 5 fun ones. #movies #guiltypleasures"]

     



    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!


    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!

     

    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 shows off her Drought Tolerant California Native Garden in her latest post.




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on!  She has a book review on Corridor of the Night by Anne Perry (book #21 in the William Monk series) you might want to check out.

     

     

    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!  Have you ever made your own crackers? Lisa has a recipe for Homemade Wheat Thins I want to try.



    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 presents a very in depth look at the British education system for fiction writers. I am not a fiction writer but I thought is was fascinating!




    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!




    Featured Post from Last Week:

    In a fun twist, since we now have four 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!  😉

    5-Ways-Banish-

    My featured post this week is: Five Ways to Banish Bedtime Monsters from Homeschool Preschool. We never faced this problem when J was little, but I thought these ideas would be a great way to handle a rather common child development issue.

     

    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: 

     

     

    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!
     
    [Tweet "Come join the Friday Frivolity - the #linky party for all posts fun, funny, hopeful and happy!"]

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Drought Tolerant Gardening with California Native Plants

    Apr 12, 2016 · 11 Comments

    Drought Tolerant Gardening with California Native Plants: having a water wise garden doesn't have to be rocks and cacti.

    While Northern California may have received plenty of rain this winter, the El Nino seems to have missed Southern California again this year. While we did get more precipitation than we have in the past few years we are still in a drought and we will be for the foreseeable future. Homeowners and businesses would be well advised to reconsider their landscaping to preserve natural resources and reduce their costs and yard maintenance.

    So many people mistakenly believe that in order to have a drought tolerant garden you have to cover your yard with rocks and cacti. WRONG! Leave the cacti in the desert and embrace the California plants that are native to your area. And for nature's sake, take a look at this before you consider fake grass!

     

    Drought Tolerant Gardening(2)

     

    Nine years ago, my husband and I tired of our building standard lawn and generic plants. It was boring to look at it, took plenty of water to maintain and needed weekly maintenance. So, we called Greg Rubin from California's Own Landscaping. Out came the patchy water sucking mono-culture lawn, and in came the beautiful plants that make up the coastal sage scrub plant environment where I live.

    munofore.com(2)  munofore.com

    [Tweet "A drought tolerant yard doesn't have to mean rocks and cacti. #californiandrought #landscaping #nativeplants"]

    munofore.com(1)

     

    Now it's like living in my own private nature preserve. There are some bare spots that need a little life, like to the right of the waterfall and pond in that last picture. But, for the most part I have beautiful looking and smelling plants year round.

    Benefits to replacing turf grass with native plants:

    • water savings - I water once ever 5-10 days depending on the season. I even go longer than that in the summertime because these plants are naturally adapted to long dry summers. That's when they go dormant.
    • time savings - no weekly mowing! (except the small patch of grass still in the front yard). About once a quarter something needs to be pruned: the lilacs in summer, the Apache plume in winter, etc. But, that's about it.
    • no soil amendments, fertilizer or pesticides needed - these plants are naturally acclimatized to the weather and the soil. They thrive in this environment whereas many traditional landscaping plants would need water, soil treatments, etc in order to thrive.
    • money savings - less water, less maintenance and no additional chemicals all mean I spend less money.
    • native critters love it! - do you like birds and bees and butterflies and lizards and ladybugs? They love the native plants because it is their natural habitat. They might come for the native plants, but they also patrol my edible garden too keeping the pests to a minimum. Except the dreaded hornworm.
    • Easter egg hunts - Just as they were putting the finishing touches on the yard, we found out our son was on the way. We were a little nervous not to have a yard full of grass for our son to play on when we found out he was on the way. But I have the best Easter egg hunts! And my son and his friends love exploring nature and hanging out by the pond throughout the rest of the year too.

    [Tweet "Replacing turf grass with native plants will save water, time and money. #californiadrought #gardening"]

    Drawbacks to a non-traditional landscape:

    • no bounce houses or blow up pools. We've tried, but our yard is on a slant in both front and back so these just don't work for us.
    • plant selection and maintenance information is not as abundant as "traditional" big box store plants. But, there are more and more resources becoming available the longer this drought lasts.

    Resources for California native plant selection and maintenance:

    DISCLOSURE: As I stated above the yard was designed and installed by Greg Rubin. No one is sponsoring the post, these are just my real opinions.

    Online

    • If you want to see pictures of California native plants and some of the critters that enjoy them, look no further than this blog. I have plenty of photos for you.
    • Las Pilitas Nursery - many of my plants were purchased at their Escondido location. When we redid part of the front yard, we consulted with their website and with them in person for plant selection. The site has  oodles and oodles of information and pictures about so many native plants.

    Books (Amazon affiliate links, I receive compensation if you purchase through these links)

    • Greg Rubin's first book The California Native Landscape. This book will give you some great design ideas if you want to do something a little more formal and less au natural than my yard.

    • Greg's newest book will be here in a few days and I can't wait. The Drought Defying California Garden focuses more on the plants themselves.

     

    Nurseries

    Unfortunately Las Pilitas is closing their Escondido location, so my favorite place is gone. But, it wouldn't really change my recommendation anyway, which is to find a place near you. You will have the best luck finding knowledgeable help and plants for your particular climate at native plant nurseries close to you. If you have a good nursery to recommend, feel free to add them in the comments.

    Hopefully I busted a few misconceptions about the California native garden, and perhaps even encouraged you to get rid of some of those water guzzling non-native plants.

     

    ----

    This post was shared on The Homesteader Hop

     

    Save

    Ugly Cakes plus Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Apr 7, 2016 · 7 Comments

    Our host theme this week for Friday Frivolity is Pinterest Fails. You know when you try a recipe or craft project from Pinterest and it is a huge disaster. Pshaw, I don't need to look any further than my own blog for material. I might be a Food Blogger, but I am also the world's worst cake decorator. No really, I am. But the cakes usually taste good.

    It is okay to laugh at my Cake Disasters, because I certainly do.

    ugly cake - elmo
    Elmo and Dorothy for his 3rd Birthday. I tried to cut it out of a round cake plus three cupcakes. And since I can't pipe worth a darn I tried fluffing the frosting to look like fur.
    ugly cake - castle
    The next year I opted for one of those shaped cake pans, but my cake decorating skills did not improve. Told you I can't pipe. Thank goodness he chose a blue castle or it might have looked rather phallic.
    ugly cake - monster
    Got the idea for a monster eye cake on... Pinterest. U-G-L-Y you ain't got no alibi.
    ugly cake - donnie
    He had just lost his first tooth and he drew out the exact cake he wanted me to make. NAILED IT! (BTW, the recipe for the TMNT M&M cookies is over on That Recipe)
    ugly cake - seuss
    Have you figured out what these are supposed to be? Green Eggs and Ham. Sigh, the idea seemed so good in my head.
    ugly cake - spider
    The winner of the ugliest cake I have ever created goes to this Spider Cake. Actually there is a funny story behind it (as well as a great chocolate cake recipe).

     

     

    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!


    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!

    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 refreshed some old gold picture frames to redo her hallway on the cheap.


    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! Sarah talks about Konmari, minimalism and staying organized.

     

    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! Looking for some great bedtime books for little ones? Lisa has a great list for you.
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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 on Babi a Fi! Jessica compiled a list of 10 awesome red headed female super heroes for her red headed daughter to admire.

     

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉
    ol91dvxlchw


    There were so many amazing links last week I had a hard time choosing. But I really loved this kitchen shelf from My DIY OL. I'd love to have this rustic look in my kitchen.

     

    Now time for the new stuff!

    This is 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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

     

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

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Picture Frames: From Glitzy Gold to Faux Wood

    Apr 4, 2016 · 6 Comments

    Picture Frames Redo - from gold to faux wood. Simple and cheap picture frame redo.

    Have you ever felt the urge to change things up in your home but haven't wanted to spend a lot of money to do so? The urge to refresh my home has been pretty strong lately but the budget is screaming no way! So, I have decided to do a few things, without spending a lot of money to do so.

    First up on my project list is the upstairs hallway, which is basically just a dimly list passage way to the back bedrooms. When we moved in I put some Monet prints and cards into some cheap gold frames and have pretty much ignored it ever since. I have been taking some nice photos of my yard lately, but the gold just would not have done them justice. I could have spray painted them another color, but I wanted something a little more rustic. picture frame before and after

    Instead of the gold frames blending into the pale yellow walls, the new darker frames make the pictures pop! And surprisingly the hallway actually seems brighter.

    How I created the look

    I took the glass and prints out of the frames then took those outside and spread them out on my trusty drop cloth from the Mushroom Kingdom project, plus a few others over the years.

    picture frame - gold

    I slathered on some white paint plus primer leftover from the Mushroom Kingdom, intentionally leaving streaky brush strokes.

    picture farme - white

     

    After it dried overnight, I wiped on some stain leftover from the outdoor furniture and didn't wipe it off. Yup, I didn't wipe it off. I know I am supposed to wipe it off, but I wanted the streaky look.

    picture frame - stain
    photo credit, my almost 8 year old (nice job, Champ!)

    Then I let it dry overnight outside. I should have waited another 24 hours or more, because the smell is still evident in the hallway.

    Here is another shot for comparison:

    picture frame redo (before during and after

    [Tweet "Picture frame redo: transform cheap gold frames. #DIY #crafts"]

    picture frame redo

    I will be posting more of my little projects soon. I hope it inspires you to make a few small changes to brighten your home.

     

    Fun Faux Foods for April Fool's Day

    Mar 31, 2016 · 8 Comments

    Fun Faux Foods for April Fools Day or any time. April Fools Day food pranks. Plus linky party for all things fun, funny, happy and hopeful.

    I am not a big fan of April Fools Day or pranks in general. Maybe I had some mean spirited pranks pulled on me as a child that have damaged my psyche forever. Maybe I was born without a prank appreciation gene. Who knows. So getting in the spirit of our Friday Frivolity host theme was a bit challenging for me. In the end I opted for Fun Faux Foods.

    Nothing mean spirited like the Chocolate Pie in The Help. Just fun foods that look like one thing but are actually another.

    Start off the day with a breakfast of poached eggs (yogurt and a peach), frozen cereal and undrinkable juice (gelatin) from Clean and Scentsible.

    April-Fools-Day-Breakfast-3
    from Clean and scentsible

     

    Alphabet Soup (pudding with cereal letters) from Party Pinching

     

    from Party Pinching

    A whole chicken meal complete with fried chicken (rice krispies treats), corn on the cob (candy corn) and baked beans (pudding and candy) from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons.

    kfcWATERMARK41
    from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons

    Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Icing from Frosting and a Smile.

    Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Icing
    from Frosting and a Smile

     

    Pepperoni Jalapeno and Jelly Bean Pizza with Anchovies from That Recipe (that's me in case you didn't know)

    Pepperoni Jalapeno and Jelly Bean Pizza with Anchovies (Pizza Cookie)
    from That Recipe

    [Tweet "5 Fun Faux Foods for April Fools Day #fauxfoods #aprilfoolsday"]

     

    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!


    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!

    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 repurposed a worn out garden hose into a fun spring gardening wreath.


    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! Sarah talks about adult coloring books, puppy potty bags and Downton Abbey in her latest post.

     

    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! In her ongoing Passport to Fun Date Night series, she created an Irish themed date night. So many fun ideas.
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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 on Babi a Fi! She has a hysterically accurate (for me at least) list of 10 Signs You Know You Are a Blogger every Blogger will identify with.

     

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

    The Funny Side of Sleep Deprivation from Stay at Home Yogi

    My choice is The Funny Side of Sleep Deprivation from Stay at Home Yogi. This was a no-brainer for me since I spawned a non-sleeper..

     

    Now time for the new stuff!

    This is 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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

     

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

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Repurposed Garden Hose Wreath

    Mar 28, 2016 · 10 Comments

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

    It's almost a new month which means it is almost time for a new wreath on my front door. This time around I went with something I saw on Pinterest years ago: a Repurposed Garden Hose Wreath.

    Repurposed Garden Hose Wreath

    Gray isn't exactly my first color choice for this, but the whole idea behind my wreaths this year is to make do with what I already have. And I had a pretty badly beaten gray house.

    gardening wreath(5)Unlike the Valentine's Wreath and Easter Wreath I made previously, I did actually spend some money on this one. Five dollars for the gardening tools and gloves. Our kids tools are too battered and broken.

     

    To make this, I started by coiling the hose until I got the dimensions I wanted and tied off the end.

    gardening wreathThen I used gardening shears to trim the hose.

    gardening wreath(1)I debated going with green duct tape, zip ties or the green gardening twine to hold the hose together. In the end it was a combination of zip ties...

    gardening wreath(2)(which I ended up hiding with the gloves and mini pot) and the garden twine.

    gardening wreath(3)I had a tiny little clay pot I wanted to use, but couldn't figure out how to glue it on securely. Instead I had a little seed starter pot that I cut in half.

    gardening wreath(4)I filled it with foam, stuck some plant tags in it and added some moss to cover the foam.

    gardening wreath(6)

    I glued on some seed plastic seed packets (the paper ones will not hold up, I'm sure) and tied on the tools and gloves to finish the look.

    gardening wreath(7)

    [Tweet "Repurpose an old garden hose to make a festive gardening themed wreath. #gardening #DIY"]

    My 7 year old was so excited about a new wreath for the door that he almost looked up from his game to see the finished project before he exclaimed "Looks great, Mom" in that monotone "don't bother me I am playing voice" us Moms know all too well.

    Well, I don't care if he or his dad aren't interested. I like it. And so does my mommy who got a sneak peek via text! ha ha!

     

     

    Lies Parents Tell Their Children plus Friday Frivolity

    Mar 24, 2016 · 10 Comments

    Besides the three characters (Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy) I don't tell J too many little white lies. I am more of a "because I said so kind" of mom. I am also a non-judgemental mom. If you stretch the truth to keep the peace in your home, I have no qualms about it. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. With that said, our Friday Frivolity host theme is Lies Parents Tell Their Children memes.

    Calvin and Hobbs
    This is definitely the situation in our house. I will break out the science and hubby will change the subject.
    2B701EED00000578-3201022-Another_parent_told_their_child_Chuck_E_Cheese_is_only_for_birth-a-19_1439822005006
    This one is soooooo tempting. But, I usually stick with "over my dead body" or "ask Daddy to take you".
    2B701EC600000578-3201022-Another_white_lie_that_is_common_among_parents_is_if_the_ice_cre-a-15_1439821993153
    I have friends that told their kids it was a music truck that just went around playing music for everyone to enjoy and dance to. Then Dora told them the truth! grr
    1-Parenting-Lies
    Unfortunately this is actually the case for most of the battery operated dollar store nightmares he gets from certain relatives.
    554943_10200888809759984_907604348_n
    Yup, I really want TMNT and Mario EVERYTHING....

     

     

    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!


    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!

    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 waxes poetic about Life Lessons Learned in Stitchery this week.


    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! Sarah reviews a wonderful book I'm Happy For You (Sort of... Not Really) by Kay Wills Wyma.

     

    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! She has a fun learning activity centered around Dr. Seuss's ABC Book that can be adapted for any ages.
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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 fascinating history of the British Music Scene from the invention of the phonograph to today.

     

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

    5 Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week

    Guilty Chocoholic Mama shares 5 scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes with us for Chocolate Chip Cookie Week. I chose this post for one simple reason: CHOCOLATE!!!!! (c'mon, you had to see that one coming).

     

    Now time for the new stuff!

    This is 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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

     

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

    An InLinkz Link-up


    8 Life Lessons Learned from Stitchery

    Mar 24, 2016 · 7 Comments

    8 Life Lessons Learned from Stitchery - comparing life to cross stitch, embroidery, crewel and needlepoint.

    As I was finishing up this project recently and stressing about all of the mistakes I realized there are quite a few life lessons to be gleaned from stitchery, whether it is cross stitch, needlepoint, crewel or embroidery.

    stitchery

    Truthfully my mind wanders when I am backstitching. But, I still thought it might make a nice blog post even for those that aren't into stitchery.

    Tangles and knots happen more frequently when the string is too long.

    Have you ever cut the floss (thread, yarn) too long because you want to change needles less frequently? Not only does it stretch your arm to make those first few stitches but the string invariably gets tangled and knotted far more frequently than if I'd cut it a bit shorter.

    Whenever I take on too many tasks at once I often find I can't handle it all and end up with a jumbled mess.

    When you try to pull that string too much to get "one last stitch" out of it, the stitch ends up too short and taut and just "wrong".

    Guilty in both life and stitchery. Whenever I try to squeeze out just one more stitch to finish this one little section that one stitch looks tight and short and it looks off compared to my other (fairly) even stitches.

    I am just going to quickly mop the kitchen floor at midnight. How did I miss that entire section in the middle? I have a housefull of guests coming in an hour and I am trying to finish this post (yes THIS POST, true story). I couldn't remember my next point and the typos were coming fast and furious. I need to know when to stop.

    Every project is made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of little stitches.

    Every sewing project is made up of so many little stitches that you need to make over and over again. You can't be overwhelmed by the number of stitches you still need to make or you will never get it done.

    My life is (hopefully) made up of thousands of days to come and each one is important in some way to the entire picture. I can't get so absorbed in all that I haven't done and still want to do that I don't act. It is the sewing of the little stitches and the taking of little actions that add up to the whole picture.

    [Tweet "Your life is made up of many days, focusing on one bad day doesn't give you the whole picture."]

    Sometimes you need to step back and look at the whole project instead of constantly zeroing in on the individual stitches.

    As I was working on yet another leaf I thought to myself, "if I have to look at the color green for one more second I am going to scream". And then I took off the hoop and saw how the project was taking shape. Wow!

    I can't get so focused on the minutiae of daily life that I don't take some time to look at the big picture. Life is beautiful even if the day or hour or minute is rough.

    It is better to catch any mistakes early before you start compounding on them.

    crossstitchI miscounted somewhere at the top of one of the arches and didn't catch it until I was at the bottom. Should I rip out all of those stitches or make a small adjustment to get back on track? Can you tell what I did? I'm not telling.

    Unfortunately, life doesn't come with a seam ripper. Some words and deeds can't be undone. When I took the worst job I'd ever had I couldn't just go back in time and make another choice. I should have cut it off sooner than I did, learned from my experience and moved on. I did eventually, but it was harder to do the longer I waited.

    It is still beautiful even if it has "mistakes" and isn't exactly like the pattern.

    I have several projects around my house that I've made that I know have mistakes in them, but looking at them years later I couldn't tell you where they are. All I see is the complete picture. Does it matter that my finished project doesn't look exactly like the pattern created by someone else? Even if I had created the pattern and actually sewed it differently would that make it less beautiful?

    My Grandma Ruth used to call her mistakes her signature, but I am going deeper than that. Just because my life didn't follow the pattern "suggested" by a certain guidance counselor who shall remain nameless, or even the one I had created for myself early in my life doesn't mean it hasn't turned out the way it was meant to be. I have adjusted the pattern to suit my changing needs and life circumstances. Some things worked, some didn't. The picture is still turning out quite nicely and I can always make more adjustments if I want to.

    [Tweet "Don't be afraid to adjust the plan you or someone else may have made for your life. #lifelessons"]

    Behind every stitchery project is a not as pretty picture.

    Flip over any stitchery project and the back isn't as lovely as the front. When you finish the project and sew it into the pillow or put it in a frame and hang it no one else sees what is behind the scene. No one else knows the hours you put in making stitch after stitch. No one else sees the mistakes or knots that aren't supposed to be there.

    What I see of someone else's life isn't the entire picture. I don't see the mistakes, the struggles, or even the hidden joys they choose not to share. I just see a small glimpse of their reality. I see Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman blogger and TV show host extraordinaire. I don't see that she accidentally burns toast unless she humbly posts a picture. Which she did recently. <3

    And that is all anyone sees of mine too. People don't know that we have had several sleepless nights in a row unless I tell them. They don't know all of the funny happy moments that make up my day either because I can't possibly share them all. Nor should I.

    A good soak and some stretching can work wonders.

    I somehow got a little smudge on one of the cream sections. I wasn't going to check the fingerprint, it is even money that it matched a certain 7 year old who picked it up without noticing his dirty fingers. And then there were the hoop marks from leaving it in one place too long. A gentle hand wash and good stretching later made quite a bit of difference.

    Some solid stretching, particularly chest openers for me, followed by a long soak in a hot bubble bath and I am a new woman. Last night is was a quick shower followed by a solid night's sleep and I was able to sit down first thing this morning and finish this post in a few minutes. All of the thoughts were able to flow today and I am glad I walked away from it yesterday before our party.

    [Tweet "A good soak and some stretching can work wonders in sewing and in life. #lifelessons"]
    I hope this gives you some perspective you can walk away with for your own life. Or at least let's you know there is someone else out there that struggles at times to remember to look on the bright side.

    I was featured at Laugh and Learn Linkup: Join us every Tuesday to share your favorite home or family posts!

    Funny Gardening Memes Just in Time for Spring Planting

    Mar 17, 2016 · 7 Comments

    Funny Spring Gardening meme collage

    The Friday Frivolity crew has Spring on our minds and in our posts this week for our weekly theme. For me, the best part of Spring is the garden. So I compiled some funny gardening memes for you.

     

    funny gardening memes
    They are not a sponsor, I just thought this was so true.

     

    funny gardening memes
    I had no choice since El Nino was a bust in my area.

     

    funny gardening memes
    Luckily, we don't have rabbits...

     

    funny gardening memes
    it just wouldn't be a meme round up without him...

     

    funny gardening memes
    hopefully... hopefully...

     

    funny gardening memes
    Something to consider with container gardening

     

    funny gardening memes
    Don't worry cat lovers, I've got one for you too.

     

    funny gardening memes
    And one for my sci-fi fans.

     

    funny gardening memes
    And those worried about Zombie attacks.

     

    funny gardening memes
    As much as I enjoy gardening, sometimes this is the only planting I want to do.

     

    Funny Gardening Memes to get ready for spring! Click to Tweet

     

     

    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!


    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!

    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 has some gorgeous green photos of spring growth in her garden in honor of Spring and St Patrick's Day.


    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! Sarah reviews a wonderful book I'm Happy For You (Sort of... Not Really) by Kay Wills Wyma.

     

    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! She has a new 5 after 5, Broadway Edition where she picks her favorite Broadway shows. Plus she offers a challenge to join her in her 5 after 5 lists every week.
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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! You need to read her post about not being Pinterest Perfect and not worrying about it. What she said...

     

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

    Pinnable

    Jessy from The Life Jolie shared some great tips and recipes for Freezer Meals that makes me want to go buy another freezer. Seriously, good tips, go check it out.

     

    Now time for the new stuff!

    This is 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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

     

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

    An InLinkz Link-up


     

    Gorgeous Greens - Spring Garden Photos

    Mar 17, 2016 · 1 Comment

    Gorgeous Greens - Spring Garden Photos - strawberries, grapes, peas, manzanitas, coffeeberry

    In honor of St Patrick's Day and the first day of Spring right around the corner, I thought I 'd share some gorgeous green spring garden photos with you.

    grapes
    Vitis vinifera (Thompson seedless grapes) RAISINS! at least that's what I will probably make with the fruit in the summer.

     

    strawberry
    Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) I grabbed a few sets of bareroot strawberries and I don't remember which this one is. Hopefully it will live and we will get a strawberry or two this year.

     

    artichoke
    Cynara scolymus (Globe artichokes) So far I don't see any flower stalks but the plant is HUGE this year.

     

    sweetpea
    Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon (Sugar Snap Peas) from Mary's Heirloom Seeds (not a sponsor, just a recommendation if you are looking for organic non-GMO seeds)

     

    coffeeberry
    Rhamnus californica (California coffeeberry) No, it doesn't really grow coffee beans.

     

    manzanitaberries
    Arctostaphylos - (manzanita) They do look like little apples, don't they? They are only about ¼ inch across.

     

    sunsetmanzanita
    Arctostaphylos sunset (sunset manzanita) I love that the new growth on this plant looks like a sunset and then turns green.

    Proud Irish Girl and Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Mar 10, 2016 · 9 Comments

    It's Friday Frivolity time and we have an Irish theme in honor of St. Patrick's Day next week.

    Last year I did the Ancestry DNA test and discovered I am 31% Irish, the most of the other ethnic groups in my profile. I know you are looking at the profile picture over there on the left thinking dark skin and hair? Irish? Hey, the DNA doesn't lie... And the looks probably have something to do with another 60% being French, Italian and Iberian Penninsula.

    I may not look typically Irish, but trust me, I resemble these remarks:standards b9417c40635c7bf29723f66844ef9c00 ankles 76800d1b083afe15d3162b9cf1ae3f7c 100b4cb9eaa9a8a28384622f20a5ad27tumblr_mk4vvxfmDO1s1b8sgo1_500

    Irish girls rock! Click to Tweet
    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!

     

    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!

    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 shares a few simple tricks to make your social media feed a happy place again.




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin'

    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! Sarah also posted about happiness this week with a post about The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

    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! Do you want to know how to convert a bread machine recipe to conventional baking? Lisa has you covered.
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin' // Instagram



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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 wrote a few great posts this week I love, an inspiring post about International Women's Day and an even more inspiring post about her battle with depression.

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

     

    Free St Patrick's Day coloring pages and printables
    Keeping with the St. Patrick's Day theme, my feature is Free St. Patrick's Day Coloring Pages and Printables from Alicia at Your Vibrant Family.

    Now time for the new stuff!

    This is 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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

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

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Make Your Social Media Feeds Happy Again

    Mar 8, 2016 · 16 Comments

    Is your social media filled with clutter and negativity? Do you repeatedly see posts and ads for things that bore you (or worse anger you)? Is it starting to impact your attitude?

    I was about ready to log off permanently, which would be a death knell to the blogs. Instead, I decided to take control.

    Use the power of social media algorithms to ensure you see what you want to see on your social media feeds.

    There is a simple little trick to make much of the negativity go away and be replaced with things you actually want to see. Are you ready?

    Click on what you like, ignore what you don't.

    Yes, it really is that simple. Why?

    It isn't just the ephemeral concept of a Positive Mental Attitude attracting positive happenings. It is a little thing called 'algorithms'.

    Stop crying fellow bloggers. The word gives me the shakes sometimes too. You can make the algorithms work in your favor.

    For those not in the know, I am referring to the formulas the social media sites and ad servers use to determine what to show you. The best way for me to explain it is in the words of Johnny Mercer's immortal tune

    Accentuate the positive
    Eliminate the negative
    Latch on to the affirmative
    Don't mess with Mr. In Between

    Accentuate the Positive

    Have you ever noticed that the moment you search for something like "hotel rates in San Diego" you suddenly start seeing ads for hotels and other San Diego attractions everywhere online? Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc. show you more of what you search for and click on.

    If you buy new toilet seats you start to see ads for home repair (true story). If you click on cat memes, they think you like cat memes so suddenly your news feed (or suggested pins, etc.) are filled with cat memes. If you share a recipe from a food blogger's page (That Recipe for example, wink wink), you will start to see more posts from that page.

    Rule: Click on things you like and want to see in your news feed.

    Eliminate the Negative

    This is the most important one. If you don't like it, don't click on it. I know, I know. It is hard. I am definitely guilty of doing this.

    What did the idiot politician say now? What did that famous for being famous celebrity do this time? Ugh! this meme offends me so I will comment that it offends me and share it telling everyone how it offends me.

    WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! If you click on it, if you comment on it, if you share it they think you want to see more of it.

    At this time, they cannot tell you actually don't like it. Any interaction indicates you want to see more of it. Using the new FB "likes" doesn't tell FB you don't want to see more posts like that. You interacted so they assume you want more.

    Are there pages on Facebook that you followed but rarely see posts from them? You didn't interact enough with them so they dropped off you newsfeed.

    Consider hiding, unfollowing, and unfriending people and pages that continually post things you don't want to see. I have done it in the past with the local paper that posted controversial issues in every post in order to get comments and likes - bye bye!

    Eight months before the presidential election and I have a dozen friends and family members that are driving me crazy with their relentless partisan political posts. It is literally all they post about these days. And I can only ignore it for so long. They continually bash the candidates they don't like. SURPRISE! Social Media counts this as a mention and not only do they see more about that person it increases that candidate's popularity.

    Rule: Ignore what you don't want to see. Consider unfollowing people/pages that make you upset.

    Latch on to the Affirmative

    Clicking on what you like not only helps define what is shown to you, it also influences what is shown to other people with similar interests to you. The social media algorithms show people "popular posts". The more popular the posts, the more it gets shown. Both to you and to everyone else.

    The concept is pretty universal and not limited to social media. The more popular something is, the more it gets talked about and the more it is shared the more popular it becomes, and so on and so on. As I said above about the politics, it doesn't matter if the talk is negative or positive, publicity is publicity.  Refer to that "K" family in Hollywood that are famous for being famous. They don't do anything to make the world a better place, but everything they do is talked about. If we all stop talking about them and clicking on articles about them, will they go away?

    Do your little part for increasing the popularity of things you like by sharing them. This will increase the likelihood that your friends and people that like the same thing as you will see it and share it. Don't like it, keep scrolling.

    Rule: Share what you love to increase it's popularity.

    Don't Mess with Mr. In Between

    Who is the Mr. In Between on social media? The bane of my existence... click bait.

    • Wait until you see what she makes with these
    • See what she does with a can of milk in just 3 minutes
    • Big companies hate him
    • See How One Man Made $$$ In His Bedroom
    • Insurance Companies Hate This Trick
    • They thought it was garbage but you'd be amazed at what it really was
    • You may already be a winner!!
    Some of those might look entertaining, but unless you are sure you want to see more posts like that KEEP SCROLLING! I have no real idea what I will find when I click on the link. And more often than not it is just a colossal waste of time. That can of milk in 3 minutes? A 3 minute video of someone explaining how to use a crock pot to make dulce de leche with a can of sweetened condensed milk that actually takes HOURS to complete.
    Rule: if you aren't sure what the post is about, ignore it.

    Spread Joy Up to the Maximum

    I have been trying to follow these rules the last few weeks and slowly but surely it is taking effect. Now, I am off to find those pages that have dropped off my feed and like a bunch of their posts so they start appearing again.

    Oh, and as a reminder, if you like this post, SHARE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    First World Problems - Starbucks Edition plus Friday Frivolity

    Mar 3, 2016 · 12 Comments

    Humorous Starbucks memes - first world problems: Starbucks controversy and obsessions.

    Our host theme for Friday Frivolity is First World Problems. Be sure to check what the other hosts have to share on the subject.

    There were so many ways I could have gone with this prompt. And then I saw this post from my one of my neighborhood groups on Facebook.

    FWPNothing screams FWP to me like Starbucks.

    My neighbors take their Starbucks VERY seriously. This happened a few years ago.

    starbucks

    ONE THOUSAND PEOPLE signed a petition to keep the neighborhood Starbucks open!!! SMH!

    I'd be completely embarrassed, except I know the people in my neighborhood are not the only ones to freak out about all things Starbucks.

    794da383-indiana-jones-and-the-starbucks-cup-of-controversy c78ecb8e11bbfe6a717059e751e01baffb85c602e66927b74664142cf516b3f6

    Humorous Starbucks memes - first world problems people obsess over Starbucks.

    tyevl9fe19608-in-light-of-the-recent-starbucks-controversy

    That's not entirely true. I do like the coffee. I just won't pay that kind of money. Now, if someone else is treating...

    [Tweet "First World Problems: Starbucks edition. #starbucks #humor #coffee"]

    ---

     

    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!


    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!

    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! I posted a Festive and Frugal Easter Wreath I made this weekend to inspire you in your Spring decorating..




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! She takes us on a Virtual Winter Sales Shopping Trip - Scarves and Gloves $10 and under!

     

    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! Read about her Switzerland themed date night with her husband. Such a fun idea.


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



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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! Do you need some new books to read? Go see her post "What I've Read This Month". I am in awe of how much reading she does, and I added quite a few more books to my Goodreads.

     

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉


    Moroccan Chickpea Stew

    I chose this scrumptious looking Moroccan Chickpea Stew from The Life Jolie. I am really into Moroccan spices lately and I always need some meatless meal ideas this time of year.

     

    Now time for the new stuff!

    This is 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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

     

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

    An InLinkz Link-up


     

    Butterflies and Bees in the Garden

    Mar 3, 2016 · 4 Comments

    Papilio eurymedon in Salvia (pale swallowtail butterfly in sage blossoms)

    Whenever I do a photo post I try to  link up on Photo Friday over at Pierced Wonderings. Even when I don't link up I like to go look at the gorgeous pictures Jen and the others share.

    Last week I was awed by the critter photos on Inspired by June. I was amazed at her patience and skill at getting shots of the butterflies and bees especially, because the ones in my garden never seem to stay still enough for me to snap.

    But, she inspired me to give it a try. And this time of year the Salvia blossoms are quite tempting to the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. So, when I saw a butterfly fluttering around the backyard, I grabbed my camera, zoomed in and started snapping.

    bee flying in salvia
    a little blurry, but I love the lighting
    bee in rosemary
    this bee is enjoying the rosemary blossoms
    Papilio eurymedon in Salvia (pale swallowtail butterfly in sage blossoms)
    YES! I got a clear shot.
    Papilio eurymedon in Salvia (pale swallowtail butterfly in sage blossoms)
    And then, he/she moved around to the front blossoms. SCORE!

     

    Not as spectacular as June's photos but I am proud I actually managed to get some pretty shots.

    I posted the butterfly shots on Instagram and asked what kind of butterfly it was, because I like to know these things. A lepidoptery student quickly identified it as Papilio eurymedon (pale swallowtail).

    These photos help show why I encourage everyone, especially Californians in this drought, to plant native plants to your area. If you plant them they will come...

     

    Festive and Frugal Easter Wreath

    Feb 29, 2016 · 6 Comments

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

    It is almost time to replace the Valentine's Day wreath on my front door with something for the new month. I decided to skip over St. Patrick's Day this year, even though I am 31% Irish, and move on to Easter.

    Like the Valentine's Day wreath I decided not to spend any money and only use what was in the house.

    Festive and Frugal Easter Wreath pin

    This ended up being a mother-daughter project, even though my mother had no idea.

    The Decoupaged Eggs

    I had a bunch of decoupaged styrofoam eggs that my mom had made me last year.

    decoupaged easter eggs

    Instead of displaying them in a basket or bowl somewhere I thought this would be a nicer way to show them off. To make them she cut out some tissue paper and paper napkins.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    Then applied to the styrofoam egg with some watered down white glue and added ribbons, stickers and other decorations.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    The Wreath

    To make the wreath, I wrapped an old falling apart grapevine wreath with some white netting.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

     

    Then I hot glued the eggs around the wreath.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

     

    I made a little Happy Easter sign by decoupaging a fabric scrap to a piece of cardboard and trimming it once it was dry.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

     

    For the bow I folded some green wired ribbon accordion style and sewed one end.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

     

    Then I opened it and fluffed it up until I got the look I was going for and hot glued it on the wreath.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

     

    And finally I wrapped some pretty see through pansy ribbon around the wreath because I just wasn't feeling the white mesh.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

     

    [Tweet "Festive and Frugal Easter Wreath - #crafts #diy #easter"]

    I hope this inspires you to rummage around the materials you already have in your house to make your own free decorations to brighten your home and remind yourself that Spring is on it's way.

    More Spring Inspiration

    For more Spring, Easter and St Patrick's Day recipes, crafts and decorations check out my Pinterest Board.

    Follow That Recipe's board Spring/Easter/St Patrick's Day on Pinterest.

    Fashions I Am Glad Are Gone and Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Feb 25, 2016 · 10 Comments

    Fashions I am glad are gone: vintage fashions such as ruff collars, cod pieces, hoop skirts, bustles, corsets and more. Plus Friday Frivolity Linky Party

    Since we are in the midst of "Red Carpet Season" at the moment, the Friday Frivolity crew chose Fashion Flubs as our theme for this week. Be sure to see what goodies the others have shared this week.

    Since I am a self professed  fashion disaster (jeans/yoga pants, t-shirt and pony bun on most days) I couldn't bring myself to question the fashion taste of others. Well at least not anyone who might still be alive to read this and get their feelings hurt.

    Instead I give you some vintage fashions I am glad are dead and buried.

    King Henry VIII with shoulder pads that put Alexis Carrington Colby to shame (it's an 80's reference - google it youngsters!), a stylish codpiece that can't be unseen, plus enough bling to be a rap star.

    henry viii

    Not to be out done be her fashion forward father I give you Queen Elizabeth I: high forehead, pasty white skin (covered in copious amounts of white make up in later years to hide the small pox scars), and a neck buried in yards and yards of lace. At least I hope she has a neck under there. Wait a minute, if the ruff comes back maybe it will keep me from being able to put food in my mouth. Hmmm... Nope still glad it is gone! And what's up with the rat crawling up her arm? Creepy!

    Eliza15

    Imagine Pennsylvania in early July (translation hot and humid), no air conditioning, and a room full of men in wool suits and powdered hair/wigs. I've been in the replica Independence Hall in Buena Park, California. It wasn't a big room. I can't even imagine the smell. Ugh! So glad my husband does not feel the need to cover his head in white powder. Ah-choo!

    signing-of-declaration

    Meanwhile in France we have the lovely Rococo styles. She needs a ruff collar to help her hold her head up with that do! And then there's the hoop skirts. Hey ladies, let's make our entire lower half 3-4 times bigger than it is. How were you supposed to move in those things!? Oh wait they weren't. I'll get back to that in a bit.

    french 1780

    Eventually we ditched the ridiculousness of hoop skirts and devised contraptions to just make our derrieres look big. Sir Mix-a-Lot may like it, but no, just no.

    bustles-1

    And to contrast with our big rear ends we could have teeny tiny waists thanks to the torture devise known as the corset. Lined with whale bones to improve posture and laced so tight your internal organs moved and ribs possibly cracked. Is this the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition or does she just look like she could topple over at any second?

    Edwardian_Corset

    And finally, the Bloomer. I feel a tad guilty adding this one. Fashion-wise I am glad it is gone. Feminist-wise I am really glad it is gone. But I am so grateful to those that wore it and all it came to symbolize! From Wikipedia:

    Also called the "Turkish dress", "American dress", or simply "reform dress", bloomers were an innovation of readers of the Water-Cure Journal, a popular health periodical that in October 1849 began urging women to develop a style of dress that was not so harmful to their health as the current fashion. It also represented an unrestricted movement, unprecedented by previous women's fashions, that allowed for greater freedom—both metaphorical and physical—within the public sphere.

    Long feminist lecture short, the Bloomer became the fashion symbol of the Women's Suffrage Movement. It literally enabled women to move and breath and it came about at a time when they wanted legal rights too, particularly the right to vote.

    I'd still rather wear my yoga pants and Freddy and the Bi-Ped 2016 t-shirt when I go off to vote in the upcoming election instead of this ensemble.

    BloomersBut it was infinitely better than the ridiculousness it replaced.

    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!


    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!

    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! Her latest post let's us peek into some of the humorous items in her SPAM folder.




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! Did you see her adorable elephant collection last week on Friday Frivolity? So cute!

     

     

    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! Check out her If You Give a Moose a Muffin Cause and Effect Box, a fun activity tied in with the book by Laura Numeroff.



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



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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 great explanation of Domain Authority that every blogger should read.

     

    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉

    Best-Personal-Finance-Books-to-Get-Out-of-Debt

    I chose The Best Personal Finance Books to Get Out of Debt from Jamie at Medium Sized Family. If you don't carry any debt, congratulations. For the rest of us, Jamie shares a list of some books to help you pay it all off.

    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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:

     

    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!
    [Tweet "It's Fashion Friday on the #FridayFrivolity #linky party"]

     

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Pretty in Pink - Plum Blossom Photos

    Feb 22, 2016 · 11 Comments

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

    It is pink time in my neighborhood. In middle to late February the non fruiting plum trees lining our street begin to bloom. Bright cheery pink blossoms abound. And the smell is magnificent.

    Pretty in Pink - Plum Blossoms

     

    According to Epoch Times:

    The plum blossom has been an important symbol in Chinese culture. As a “friend of winter,” the plum blossom most vividly represents the value of endurance, as life ultimately overcomes through the vicissitude of time. The fragrance of plum blossoms “comes from the bitterness and coldness,” as the Chinese saying goes. Souls are tempered in the depth of experience, growing in inner strength and unyielding courage.

     

    The show is short lived, only a few weeks. So, I grabbed my camera on a bright sunny day and started snapping. And aside from the first few pictures, I tried to go with a blurry ephemeral look instead of my usual ultra realistic photos. M'eh, I am trying to experiment a little and stretch my photography skills a little bit at a time.

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    [Tweet "Brighten your day with pink plum blossom photos. #photography #flowers"]

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

     

    Photos of plum tree blossoms, a "friend of winter", symbol of endurance - pink flowers - photography - flower photography

    I hope the photos brightened your day like the tree does for me every time I walk outside. It may not seem like it to those in colder climates, but Spring is on the way sooner rather than later.

    I'll be back in a few days with more garden photos for my monthly garden update. Hope to see you back then.

    Wild for Wild Animals plus Friday Frivolity

    Feb 18, 2016 · 8 Comments

    Chocolate Cream Pie, A love Story from Guilty Chocoholic Mama

    Welcome to another fun week of Friday Frivolity, the linky party for all things fun, funny, hopeful and happy. We are so excited to add another host, the awesome Jessica from Babi a Fi. If you have linked up here before, chances are Jess has commented on your post and we are so glad she is joining us permanently.

    Our hosts' theme this week is Wild Animals. I had a hard time trying to pare down my choices, there are so many fun ones! But I didn't want this post to be too long.

    funny-animal-meme-pictures-012-016
    My family when we try to take a picture.
    every... single... time...
    every... single... time...
    enhanced-buzz-9753-1359500073-0
    It is the East and Goldilocks is the sun!

     

    And as for the rest, I deeply apologize for any earworms incurred from viewing the following memes:

    Real-Life-Ice-Age-Animals-Funny-Wild-Animal-Picture-Nice-Caption  Funny-Animal-Pictures-02 funny-animal-pictures-with-captions-008-020-e1421774156611

    I-will-always-love-you-funny-animals
    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!


    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!

     

    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! Her latest post let's us peek into some of the humorous items in her SPAM folder.




    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on!  This week she introduces us to her newest puppy Jayne and offers great advise for those considering adopting through a shelter and those considering adding a second dog.

     

     

    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!  She has a review of a great early childhood book on the presidents called This Little President that you should check out if you have toddlers and preschoolers.



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



    Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes 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 enjoys making miniature doll houses and she offers us a sneak peek into a Mother and Baby room for her Mountfield Doll House.


    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have three hosts we will also have THREE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there!  😉  


    Chocolate Cream Pie, A love Story from Guilty Chocoholic Mama

    My feature is Chocolate Cream Pie: A Love Story from A Guilty Chocoholic because, well, CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE... I have a husband that is pretty similar so I definitely know where she is coming from.

    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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome!  There are three rules only: 

     

    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!
     [Tweet "Start your weekend off on a happy note with the #FridayFrivolity #linky party"]

    An InLinkz Link-up


    Need a laugh? Check your SPAM folder.

    Feb 16, 2016 · 12 Comments

    Funny SPAM e-mail examples including Amazon orders for a Tesla, a $36 computer and Trump's Brain Pills

    Yes SPAM is annoying and clutters up your inbox, but it can also be downright humorous at times. Here's a look at some from my inbox.

    Funny SPAM e-mail examples including Amazon orders for a Tesla, a $36 computer and Trump's Brain Pills

    This gem sharing last year's vacation destination popped up today.

    humorous SPAM e-mail
    It's been 85 degrees F for the last week here in my area. Maybe a cruise to the arctic circle is just what I need right now.

     

    I assume this was a phishing expedition. The question is should I do my Brando in a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or...

    What was the bride wearing? Khakis? She sounds hideous!
    What was the bride wearing? Khakis? She sounds hideous!

     

    And another case of mistaken identity.

    You are invoicing your mother?! the shame!
    You are invoicing your mother?! Have you no shame?!

     

    Oh darn, my account has been locked by ID Appel Service from On Microsoft

    If you have seen my wardrobe you might think I do need Costumer Service desperately.
    If you have seen my wardrobe you'd know I need Costumer Service desperately.

     

    Was this because I laughed when the IRS called to collect for back taxes and threatened to call the sheriff to arrest me immediately? (Hint: the IRS never calls or sends e-mail)

    spam - district court
    I feel sorry for the naive people that still don't know NEVER CLICK ON A ZIP FILE!!!!

     

    I am not even sure this e-mail knows what it is selling: a computer for under $37, a golf club or dinner at a restaurant near Gaylord Resorts?

    spam - schizo
    Do they throw in a free order of skillet cornbread if you order both the computer and the golf club?

     

    I did not take advantage of any of the above offers for my husband's birthday. Apparently, I got him a car... on Amazon.

    spam
    Hmm, I wonder if there was a problem with my one-click ...

     

    Where do I even begin? an arthritic plastic surgeon? college graduates hunting durban?

    spam - your boss plastic surgery
    My boss is a 7 ½ year old that better not be working the cupid night shift.

     

    Besides, who needs plastic surgery when all I have to do is "drink (2 a day)" of this magic elixir.

    spam - whale
    Do I look like a killer whale with sharp enough teeth for biting off your hand so you can't insult me anymore.

     

    And more insults. Apparently, Jean James thinks I am not very bright.

    spam - get smarter
    I am smart enough not to click on your e-mail and I didn't need 3 days to figure it out.

     

    If I really wanted to increase my analytical thinking skills I just need some of Trump's Brain Pills.

    This one is just too easy...I'll let you make your own snarky comment here.
    Nope. This one is just too easy... you can make up your own comment here.

    Lovely Love plus Friday Frivolity

    Feb 11, 2016 · 14 Comments

    All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

    Since everyone is celebrating the love of my life's birthday this weekend, the Friday Frivolity crew is dedicating our posts to "LOVE"...

    Wait, you mean all of the hearts and flowers and pink and red everywhere are NOT for my husband's birthday? Hmmph! to hear him tell it from the second that first Valentine's Day item goes up in the store it is all to celebrate him.

    He is joking, of course. For the first 10+ years of our relationship I spent "the most romantic day" of the year the same way he had since he was a child: at his parents house with his entire family singing him happy birthday over a chocolate cake his mother made in the shape of a heart. Every... Single... Year...

    For him, it was either grin and bear it or dare offending his mother. Finally, I think one of his older sisters suggested that she might like to go out on a date on Valentine's Day and then we were finally able to do what he always wanted to do: nothing.

    The anecdote may explain my choices below. Full of love with a little bit of humor too. Which is actually our secret to 28 years together and counting.

     

    Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.

    Now I finally understand the theory of relativity. Maybe I should go back and try Physics again. Or maybe not.

    An archeologist is the best husband any woman can have; the older she gets, the more interested he is in her.

    She has a good point. Maybe that's what Miss Marple was holding out for, a nice archaeologist to appreciate her.

    Men are from Earth. Women are from Earth. Deal with it.

    Not laugh out loud like some of Carlin's musings, but you have to admit he has a point. It's hard to find common ground when you think you are both from completely different worlds.

    [Tweet "Men are from Earth. Women are from Earth. Deal with it. George Carlin #relationships"]

    Why does a woman work ten years to change a man, then complain he's not the man she married?

    Why do we do this to ourselves, ladies?! Love each other for who you are, faults and all.

    Marriage has no guarantees. If that's what you're looking for, go live with a car battery.

    Great advice from one of my favorite authors. The marriage vows say for better or worse for a reason.

    All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

    I define "now and then" as everyday, don't you? (If you are curious that's a delicious Gluten Free Quinoa Chocolate Cake in the background) .

    [Tweet "Wise and often witty observations about love. #love #irony #humor"]

     

    Now on to the link-up! 😀


    The Hosts:


    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram
    I'm an 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! Lent has officially begun so that means Spring Break is almost upon us. I have some ideas for Spring Break Vacations for Families.
    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin'
    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! She is adjusting to life with a second puppy right now! Eeek. Go check out her Football/Soccer memes from last week if you missed them.


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

    Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and wonderfully 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! I will be making her Heavenly Whole Wheat Herb Bread soon!


    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have three hosts we will also have THREE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉


    My featured post this week is........

    This adorable recycled Valentines Love Bug Craft from Samantha at Motivated Days. I think it is a great project for toddlers to older kids. And I have been told Grandparents love this kind of things. At least my son's grandparents. Valentine Love Bug from Samantha at Motivated Days


    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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:





    [Tweet "Get excited for #FridayFrivolity - the linky for all things fun, funny, happy & hopeful!"]

    We're so happy you're here! Let's have some fun. 😀


     

    An InLinkz Link-up


    See you next week!

    Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families

    Feb 8, 2016 · 10 Comments

    Suggestions for Spring Break Travel locations for those with children, including theme parks, zoos, museums, and more.

    One place you probably don’t want to be during spring break is anywhere near Florida! That may be the place for college students, but it’s probably not the destination you would choose if you have a family. Instead of choosing potential party places, try one of these spring break travel ideas for families.

    Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families

    Beaches

    If you’d still like to go to the beach for spring break, remember there are more beaches than merely those in Florida. Ask a travel agent if they can suggest less crowded beaches that would be appropriate for families. You may be surprised at the number of lesser-known beaches your family can enjoy.

    One beach you might want to visit is Galveston, Texas. You also may want to consider any beach north of Virginia Beach as college students prefer to congregate in specific areas. On the West Coast there are plenty of family friendly beaches (our favorites are Mission Beach in San Diego and Oceanside Beach further north in Oceanside). It’s not necessary to travel to an ocean to enjoy the beach. Many lakes also have beaches. Check in your own state and see what is available.

    Theme Parks

    Many parents enjoy taking their families to amusement or theme parks for spring break vacation. If you have small, school-age children, you probably have already heard about the Disney properties. We have enjoyed Legoland in Carlsbad, CA with our school age son. Six Flags or Universal Studios are good choices for families with preteens and teenagers. Of course, there’s also Dollywood in Tennessee for families who appreciate entertainment and concerts or even Branson, Missouri (a favorite hang out for our family in Kansas with older children).

    Just be sure to read my post on How to Annoy Everyone at a Theme Park so you know what NOT to do.

    Zoos and Aquariums

    Every state has at least one zoo your family could visit. If you’re not aware of the zoos in your state, head over to The Official USA Zoo Directory. They list every zoo in the country. If you live outside of the United States, look on the internet for the zoo nearest you.

    Another option similar to the zoo your family might enjoy is going to an aquarium. There are several of them around the country to choose from. While at the aquarium, you and your family can see a large variety of fish and aquatic life you may not get to see otherwise.

    National Parks

    There’s no reason you can’t explore your own state for spring break. Visit the National Parks in your area. You can learn about the state you live in as well enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Some National Parks offer nature trails and other attractions. If you have a 4th grader be sure to check out the Every Kid in a Park program for free admission. There are also overnight accommodations at many parks, so you can enjoy time away from home.

    Other Ideas

    Take a trip to the visitor’s bureau in your town. They will likely have brochures for museums or attractions in your own state or those nearby. Many museums have hands-on exhibits for young children, so you may want to check a few of those out.

    Many people want spring break travel ideas for families which will be enjoyable but not break their budget. Your family can have a lot of fun exploring attractions a little closer to home and still travel. Think of the activities your family enjoys and then find places you can visit which will meet those interests, whether they’re far away or nearby.

    [Tweet "Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families #springbreak #family #travel"]

    What are your favorite hidden treasures for Spring Break travel with families?

    Football Follies and Friday Frivolity

    Feb 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

    Football Downton Abbey meme

    Wow - way too much alliteration in that title!

    But it is Hyper Bowl weekend, in case you hadn't heard, and hyperbole is the name of the game. In honor of the "Big Game" the hosts of Friday Frivolity will have a football theme this week. Be sure to check Devastated Boredom and Syncopated Mama to see what they have to share.

    We will not be watching the NFL Championship Game this year, we haven't in years. And these memes are dedicated to those of you out there, like us, that could care less about the game or concert.
    super-bowl-meme-about-super-bowl-memes

    FYI - the Giants' Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training on February 18th this year.

    super-bowl-humor-excitement-hometown-team

    Be careful ladies, some husbands might get a little touchy if you do this.

    super-bowl-humor-hid-remote-during-football-game-cartoon

    Oh please, can I have one?

    super bowl

     

    M'eh, my Facebook newsfeed witl explain anything I missed.

    bear

    Some people watch the game just for the commercials.super-bowl-joke

    And my personal favorite:touchdowtonabbey

     

    [Tweet "Football funnies for people that don't like football. #humor #football"]

    Now on to the link-up! 😀


    The Hosts:


    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram
    I'm an 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! My latest posts is a glimpse into my California native garden in January.
    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom
    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google +
    // Bloglovin'
    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! She has a great inspirational quote printable you will want to print and place somewhere you can see every day. 


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

    Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and wonderfully 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 Piquant Pate recipe that would be great for your Football party this weekend.


    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have three hosts we will also have THREE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉


    My featured post this week is........


    This great Renoir Art Project for Kids from The Sunny Patch. I am a big fan of the French Impressionists, and I am an even bigger fan of introducing children to the masters and learning art techniques from them. Trust me your kids will learn without knowing they are learning with this project.

    Renoir Art Project for Kids from the Sunny Patch



    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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:





    [Tweet "Get excited for #FridayFrivolity - the linky for all things fun, funny, happy & hopeful!"]

    We're so happy you're here! Let's have some fun. 😀


     

    An InLinkz Link-up


    See you next week!

     

    6 Inspirational thoughts from Amy Poehler - Friday Frivolity

    Jan 28, 2016 · 4 Comments

    inspirational quotes from Amy Poehler

    For our Friday Frivolity host theme this week we chose Amy Poehler. Well, Lisa and Sarah chose, I had to Google her. No offense, Amy! I am an old lady with a 7 year old. He gets the TV during the day and I just enjoy the blessed silence once he is in bed.

    I did some searching around and found out she is an amazingly brilliant, funny and inspirational woman. And that is the way I am going with our theme today - her inspirational quotes. Be sure to check out Devastated Boredom and Syncopated Mama to see what they have to share.

     

    wpid-quote-amy-poehler-when-youre-a
    Motherhood doesn't have to equal guilt?! What a concept.

     

    amy-poehler-cheetah-rooting
    Oh I wish the major political parties would learn this!

    [Tweet "Rooting for other people's failure does get in the way of your success." #AmyPoehler"]

    amy body image
    Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative and don't mess with Mr. In Between.
    Amy-Poehler-image-amy-poehler-36132279-850-478
    I learned so much from some of the low points in my life.

     

     

    amy-poehler-time_0
    One of the worst aspects of the American culture is to always focus on the "more".

     

    being amy
    This is such a great lesson, and one I still need to learn.

     

    [Tweet "Inspirational quotes from Amy Poehler. #inspiration #amypoehler #quotes"]

    Now on to the link-up! 😀


    The Hosts:


    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram
    Audrey is an 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 latest posts is a free cross stitch pattern that would be great for Valentine's Day.
    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom


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



    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on! She has a free inspirational quote printable you want to print and frame somewhere you will see every day.


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

    Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and wonderfully 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! Her most recent post is about Latticed Learning.




    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have three hosts we will also have THREE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there! 😉


    My featured post this week is........


    Granola Bar Printable Valentines from So Much to Make. You can use your own granola bars or just use store bought ones.

    Valentines' Day printables from So Much to Make



    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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome! There are three rules only:





    [Tweet "It's time for #FridayFrivolity - the linky for all things fun, funny, happy and hopeful! We pin every post!"]

    We're so happy you're here! Let's have some fun. 😀


     

    An InLinkz Link-up


    See you next week!

     

    Love Heart Cross Stitch Pattern - Free Printable

    Jan 26, 2016 · 11 Comments

    Cross Stitch featuring the word love spelled out in hearts.

    Simple Heart Cross Stitch Pattern is an easy weekend project that can be used for Valentine's Day, weddings and much more.

    I have been spending so much time cooking and blogging, that I haven't done much crafting the past few months. But that all changed when I decided to create a Valentine's wreath without spending any money.

    Which eventually led to my creation of a free cross stitch pattern for you.

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

    Valentine's Day Wreath

    First up is the wreath. The red and white wreath used to be a Christmas one, but honestly I never loved it. I am going to put those snowman parts on something else later in the year.

    20131130_144237

    I rummaged through my craft closet and found some cream and pink ribbons and mesh.

    I made some rose ribbons, but I won't post the instructions for those because I am not sure I would make it that way again. Try these instructions from Homemade Gifts Made Easy instead.

    Even with the roses and mesh I still felt it was missing something, so I decided to create this simple cross stitch pattern.

    Love in Hearts Cross Stitch Pattern

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    Tea Staining Cross Stitch Fabric

    All I had in the house was white cloth, but it didn't fit in with the "Antique Rose" look I was going for. So, I brewed some strong tea and soaked the white cloth for a few minutes, then rinsed it and let it dry.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    Much better!

    SAM_8913 (800x584)

    The Love Heart Pattern only took a few hours to stitch up once the fabric was dry.

    I finished it by stretching it and gluing it to a piece of cardboard. A few squirts of the glue gun later and I had a free to me Valentine's Day decoration.

    You can download the pattern here.

    I think the pattern would make a lovely card or bookmark as well. What would you make with it?

    Inspiring Quotes by Women plus Friday Frivolity

    Jan 21, 2016 · 7 Comments

    Jane Austen: Success supposes endeavor.

    Every week on Friday Frivolity, your hosts try to write about the same subject. Same concept, three different interpretations. Be sure to check out what Sarah and Lisa posted too.

    This week it is Inspirational and Encouraging memes. I decided to make a few of my own with quotes from some very inspiring women:

    Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it. Julia Child

    I am a food blogger, of course I am leading off with Julia Child. Truthfully, she has been one of my heroes since my youth. She didn't even launch her cooking career until she was in her 40's. And her passion for food definitely showed in her books and shows, which inspired an entire generation of foodies and continues to inspire generations later.

    [Tweet "Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it. #JuliaChild "]

     

    Dr. Joyce Brothers: Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.

     

    For you youngsters out there, before Dr. Phil, Dr. Joyce Brothers was the pre-eminent TV psychologist. And how can you not love a woman whose television career was launched by winning the $64,000 Question based on her knowledge of BOXING TRIVIA? This quote speaks volumes for the power of positive thinking.

     

    The Most Effective Way to Do it is to do it. Amelia Earhart

     

    Amelia Earhart's ending may not have been what she wanted it, but she wasn't afraid of failure. She died trying. Sometimes we just need to jump in a venture with both feet even if we might fail.

     

    Jane Austen: Success supposes endeavor.

     

    [Tweet "Success supposes endeavor. Jane Austen #success #quotes #austen"]

    I am a Jane-ite so I had to fit Ms. Austen in here. This particular quote is from Emma, which is one of my favorite novels. Austen had a great knack for cutting to the heart of the matter and this quote sums it up. You won't be successful if you don't act.

     

    Erma Bombeck: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.

     

    If I can't be Julia Child, I want to be Erma Bombeck. Wry and witty and a delightful ability to turn the most mundane task into a hysterical anecdote. Who else could create a hysterical essay about changing the toilet paper roll? And I have no doubt God felt she fully used every drop of talent he gave her.

     

    Harriet Beecher Stowe: Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

     

    [Tweet "Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. #quotes #success"]

    I am embarrassed to admit, I have actually never read Uncle Tom's Cabin. I am adding it to my Goodreads list, I promise. I love this quote: just keep going even when it seems tough.

    -----

    Now on to the link-up! 😀 


    The Hosts:

     

    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom

     

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

     


    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on!  She has another edition of Crazy Things I've Seen in Texas that you should check out, if you dare, ha ha!




     

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

    Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and wonderfully 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 Picnic Perfect Chicken Salad recipe that uses one of my favorite herbs: tarragon! YUM!




    Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Instagram
    Audrey is an awesome, 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!  My latest posts laments the struggles of a California winter (or the lack there of) with some funny Winter memes.




    Featured Post from Last Week:
    In a fun twist, since we now have three hosts we will also have THREE FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other two blogs to see if you were featured there!  😉  

     

    My featured post this week is........

     

    How to help a NICU Mom from Stay at Home Yogi. It is great advice no matter the reason someone has a loved one in the hospital. I've done the hospital vigil thing (not in NICU, but for hubby) and would have loved someone to help me like this.

    how to help a NICU mom

     


    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 three posts, and old posts are always welcome!  There are three rules only: 

     




    [Tweet "Get excited for #FridayFrivolity - the linky for all things fun, funny, happy & hopeful!"]

    We're so happy you're here! Let's have some fun. 😀


     

    See you next week!

     

    Proud to be a Winter Wimp! Funny California Winter Memes

    Jan 20, 2016 · 10 Comments

    funny California Winter memes

    The Snow of the Century is preparing to hit the East Coast, and my friends and family are getting ready.
    funny winter memes

     

    Meanwhile, here in Southern California it is predicted to be 75 degrees tomorrow:

    funny California Winter memes

    funny California Winter memes

    funny winter memes

     

    [Tweet "My favorite part of winter is watching it on TV from California. #winter #humor"]

     

    funny California Winter memes

    funny California Winter memes

    [Tweet "Californians don't know winter. And we like it that way. #humor #winter"]

    funny winter memes

    Stay warm and safe my cold climate friends.

    Friday Frivolity - New Year's Resolutions Funnies

    Jan 14, 2016 · 4 Comments

    The blog party for all things Fun, funny, hopeful and happy

    Welcome to the brand new Friday Frivolity! The blog party for all things fun, funny, hopeful and happy! We go live at 8pm Central every Thursday night on three blogs and we want your fun and happy and inspirational posts to get the weekend off to a great start.

    We are introducing a new twist to the Blog Party idea - Weekly Themes. Each of us will have our own take on the same theme every week. This week's theme is New Year's Resolution funnies.

    Friday Frivolity - New Year's Resolution Funnies

    Be sure to check out what Lisa at Syncopated Mama and Sarah at Devastated Boredom have shared for even more fun.

    I am a bit cynical about the whole concept of New Year's Resolutions, so my choices tend to be a bit on the snarky side:

     

    I love Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes

     

    th
    Option B! Choose Option B!!

     

    Funny-2014-new-year-resolution - Copy
    I have always been partial to 1024 x 768 , but I am aiming higher this year.

     

    CD8290l-f
    We've all been there...

     

    no resolutions
    And now I can get on with the year...

     

    Now on to the link-up! 😀 



    The Hosts:


    Friday Frivolity Host Sarah Eliza from Devastate Boredom


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




    Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living a life full of all of her favorite things... friendship and connection, laughter, books and music, furbaby love, minimalism, wellness pursuits, Paleo-ish cooking, and on and on!  Curious about how to create a capsule wardrobe without losing your mind??  Check out her series here!




    Facebook // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin

    Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and wonderfully 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!  Lately, she's been busy mastering the art of homemade cheese-making.  Check it out!



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

    Audrey is an awesome, 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 latest post is an insightful collection of tips for researching your ancestry.  Don't miss it!  



    Featured Post from Last Week Time:

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


    My featured post this week is........

    workout app header

    Top 3 Favorite Free Workout Apps from Megan at No Small Life. I might joke about New Year's Resolutions, but now that my plantar fascitis is finally healed (almost 9 months!) it is time to start working out more! I have only used one of these and am looking forward to trying the other two. I like variety in my workouts.

     


    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 just here to have fun, skip the rules and start clickin'! 


    Bloggy buddies, thanks for coming to par-tay! You are welcome to link up to three posts, and old posts are always welcome!  There are three rules only: 




    [Tweet "Get excited for #FridayFrivolity -the #linky for all things fun, funny, happy & hopeful! Join us! Hosts COMMENT & PIN "]



    We're so happy you're here! Let's have some fun. 😀




    An InLinkz Link-up


    Come Join the International Bloggers Association!

    Jan 6, 2016 · 6 Comments

    Join the International Bloggers Association to team with bloggers throughout the world in different niches to grow your blog.

    Would you like to join with other Bloggers throughout the world to help make each others blogs awesome? Do you want more training and resources to help your blog grow? Would you like to expand your reach globally and team with other like-minded bloggers?

    Consider this a personal invitation to join us in the International Bloggers Association.

    IBA Social Media

    There are a lot of blogging networks out there, I belong to a few of them and enjoy the associations immensely. There are a number of things that make the IBA unique:

    • International emphasis - they have bloggers from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, United States to name a few.
    • They want men! And women too. Many blogging networks are geared toward women only. There is nothing wrong with that, I belong to two of them. But most of the time, I blog for everyone and I always enjoy a variety of perspectives.
    • All niches welcome! I blog about food over on That Recipe and a variety of topics here. But, I enjoy reading all types of blogs: travel, homeschooling, technology and even fashion and beauty (not that I follow their advice - oops!).
    • They aren't an advertising network. They can offer suggestions for working with advertising networks and brands and other ways of monetizing your blog, but that's not it's emphasis. One network I belonged to seemed to be in it only to sell you their latest "tools". The IBA isn't in it to make money off of you.
    • They truly want to help you make your blog successful. The network I mentioned above that wanted to sell me the "tools" also was convinced there is only one way to monetize your blog (build it up fast and then sell it!).

    One thing that might make you hesitate is the $10 annual membership fee. I know what you are thinking. Other networks are free, I don't make any money blogging I can't afford that expense, are you crazy - no one pays for anything on the net!?, blah blah blah

    Believe me, there aren't too many people that are as frugal as I am. This is the woman that has a freezer full of bones and vegetables to make stock because I refuse to pay even a few dollars for something I can make at home.

    But, this was different for me. I see it as a Professional Organization more than just a social network. When I was in Human Resources and in Education I belonged to a few professional groups and never thought twice about paying the dues. I was tapping into their knowledge and influence which was an immense benefit to me.

    Another way to justify it is as part of my training budget. There are plenty of free trainings out  there, and often times you get what you pay for.  Many are simply teaser campaigns (share one concept and then try to upsell you into a full expensive course). They have lots of training posts on the IBA blog that is open to the general public, plus some secret tips for members. PLUS other members are always willing to offer their insights if you have any questions.

    I had the advantage of networking with many of the IBA members before the membership fee was installed - they are all amazing, knowledgeable and incredibly supportive.

    The IBA is still developing and I am proud that I got in on the ground floor and am helping it to grow into one of the most beneficial association for bloggers out there.

    I am not going to list all of the benefits and programs currently in place and in development. Stop by the site and check it out. Leave me a comment here, or send me a private message if you have any questions.

    I really hope you consider joining us.

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    Dec 29, 2015 · 7 Comments

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    We finally made it back down to San Diego's Balboa Park to visit some more museums with our Balboa Park Explorer's passes.

    The Rueben H Fleet Science Center

    We started at the Reuben H Fleet Science Center, which is a highly acclaimed hands on learning center. Unfortunately it was a bit of a bust for us. We arrived shortly after opening and had to stand in a 20 minute line to get in because there was only one person selling tickets. While I stood in line, the guys hung out in the Cafe.... where J watched a video of how Dippin Dots are made.

    A mere twenty minutes into the museum, after a cursory glance around, he was done and ready to go get his Dippin Dots as promised. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!

    bernoulli experiment

    We knew better than to fight it, so we got our hands stamped to have the option to come back, then grabbed J his Dots and a pineapple scone for us to split. The scone was $3 and I think it had been sitting there for at least a week. The biscotti would have been a better choice because at least that is supposed to be hard.  At least J was happy with his choice!

    eating dippin dots

    eating dippin dots

     

    But, he still had no interest in going back inside. He probably thought he had to wait in the line again which was still out the door an hour or more after opening.

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    Instead we headed to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum which is normally closed on Mondays but was open for the holidays. Now this was fun, at least for me. I have no idea what the guys did, they just took off on their own while I took pictures.

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    [Tweet "The San Diego Model Railroad Museum: a must visit for all train enthusiasts. #trains #museums #sandiego"]

    Most of the trains in these photos are N scale (which is 1:160 scale). Many of the displays showcase scenes from the local area and its railroad history:

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum
    Palomar Observatory

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

     

    Home for the Holidays Exhibit

    And there was a special "Home for the Holidays" exhibit featuring Department 56 miniatures and train themed holiday displays. Oh it made me long to set up a massive display of my own! But, unless I want Ninja Turtles and Mario and Luigi battling their way through my scenes, I will need to wait a few years.

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum San Diego Model Railroad Museum San Diego Model Railroad Museum San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

     

    Sigh, I could have spent hours in there!  But alas, this little guy was ready to go home.

    mom and son selfie

     

    Plus M and I were starving since all we had to eat was a few bites of stale scone.

     

    You can view pictures of our previous visit to Balboa Park's Spanish Village Art Center here:

     

    SSpanish Village Art Center

     

    Save

    December 2015 California Native Plants Photos

    Dec 19, 2015 · 4 Comments

    Arctostaphylos, Manzanita beginning to bud

    It's just an incredibly beautiful winter day here in Southern California so I grabbed the camera and took some shots of my California Native plants to share with you.

    While it is winter and snowing and plants are dormant in some areas, here in my yard the California Native plants are just starting to awaken from their summer hibernation. Hopefully, the promise of an El Nino year with lots of rain will come to pass and I will have a plethora of blooms to show you in the spring.

    For now here's what's going on in my yard:

    Heteromeles arbutifolia, Toyon or Christmas Berry
    Heteromeles arbutifolia: Toyon or Christmas Berry.

    A rather appropriate name wouldn't you say?

    Fallugia Paradoxa plume
    Fallugia Paradoxa: Apache Plume.

    The plants on the north side of the yard were ready to be cut back for the year today. But, those on the south are still blooming and pluming... at least a little.

     

    California salvia - sage
    Salvia - sage

    I thought the Salvia plant in this area was long dead, but low and behold this little one decided to prove me wrong.

    I was surprised to spy a few blossoms on this Salvia Bee's Bliss
    Salvia Bee's Bliss

    I was surprised to spy a few blossoms on this Salvia Bee's Bliss.

     

    California lilac - Ceanothus
    Ceanothus, California lilac

    I lost four large lilac plants this year. I suspect Argentine ants taking advantage of the drought stress. But, those that remain are starting to get new leaves.

    Arctostaphylos, Manzanita beginning to bud
    Arctostaphylos, Manzanita

    Some of the Manzanita bushes are beginning to develop tiny buds this time of year.

    Some of the Arctostaphylos (Manzanita) are beginning to develop tiny buds.
    Arctostaphylos, Manzanita

    A different variety of Manzanita beginning to bud.

     

    Insect resting on an Arctostaphylos

    A few branches away from the last shot, I spied this little one playing peek-a-boo with me. A grasshopper, I think.

    purple flower stalk

    This plant is in the herb garden. It is not a California native, but it is drought tolerant. I just can't remember what it is at the moment. And the photo came out so nice I decided to include it with the others.

    [Tweet "Some California Native Plants photos to brighten your day #plants #flowers."]

    I hope you enjoyed the garden tour. Especially those of you with a blanket of snow covering your yard.

     

    Gifts in a Jar - Relaxing Herbal Milk Bath Mix

    Dec 14, 2015 · 5 Comments

    Gifts in a Jar - Relaxing Herbal Milk Bath Mix. Powdered milk and Epsom salts combined with herbs or even dried herbal tea make a soothing bath mix.

    Looking for a simple but special homemade gift? How about Homemade Milk Bath Mix?

    Gifts in a Jar - Relaxing Herbal Milk Bath Mix. Powdered milk and Epsom salts combined with herbs or even dried herbal tea make a soothing bath mix.

    You toss a few ingredients together in a jar, add a pretty label (like this free printable one), decorate the jar with some nice ribbon and/or material and POOF! you are done.

    They get to soak away the stress of the holidays in a soothing milk bath that is relaxing for the mind and skin.

    I have quite a few Gifts in Jars recipes on That Recipe, including a bread mix, a bean dip mix and a lovely sugar scrub recipe that can be changed up with different herbs and flowers. But this one contains Epsom salt, which can be used as a laxative, so I didn't want to put it on the food page. Not that most people would think milk bath would be edible, but you never know.

    I like to use Celestial Seasoning's Tension Tamer Tea (affiliate link!!!) to make this or dried lavender blossoms from my garden. Pick a tea or dried flowers that smells nice and relaxing to you. My husband does not like the smell of lavender, go figure! So, I definitely do not use it in my bath mix for personal use. But, most people find it a calming scent.

    You are welcome to use essential oils if you prefer, but I like the more rustic look and feel of the herbs.

    [Tweet "Gifts in a Jar - Relaxing Milk Bath Mix. Treat a loved one to a spa treatment in a jar. #gifts #homemade"]

    Relaxing Milk Bath Mix

    This makes enough to fill a 1 cup jelly jar, which is about two baths. Double it for a pint jar and quadruple it for a quart jar.

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup powdered milk (cow's milk or goat's milk)
    • ¼ cup Epsom salts
    • ¼ cup baking soda (or cornstarch or ground oatmeal)
    • 1 or 2 chamomile tea bags or 1 or 2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms (something that smells nice and soothing)

    Directions:

    In a small bowl combine the milk, Epsom salts and baking soda. Open the tea bags and empty the contents into your hand. Rub your hands together, crushing the tea or flowers finely into the bowl (or use a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder). Mix ingredients together and pour into jar. Decorate as desired.

    Label the jar with the instructions: Add ½ cup to a hot bath. Relax and enjoy.

     

    And that is all there is to it.

     

    Having Some Fun with the Christmas Decorations

    Dec 11, 2015 · 1 Comment

    It might be difficult for you to get into my house past the Ninja Turtles and Santa guarding the entrance way a la Home Alone...

    Lego figures guarding a doorway

    So, I offer you a sneak peek of some of my Christmas decorations this year.

    My amazing Godfather bought my son a Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar this year. We set it up next to the nativity set we bought him to play with years ago.

    Christmas Decorations

    All of that birthing and walking and shepherding can really take it out of you, so everyone needs to lie down and take a nap... every night...

    This morning the Storm Trooper climbed on top of the Christmas Tree.

    Perhaps he was just trying to imitate Mikey atop our 7 foot tree. The egg beneath him was hand carried by my mother-in-law from a ChristKindl market years ago. He also scaled passed several other highly breakable ornaments to reach the top.

    Oh I..I...I...I wanna be like Mike... wanna be like Mike...

     

    And some people wonder why we do not have an Elf on the Shelf (do not touch? ha ha ha ha ha!)

     

    Christmas Tree Stair Riser Decor

    Dec 10, 2015 · 5 Comments

    Christmas Tree Stair Raiser Decoration - decorate your stair risers for the holiday with this easy to customize idea.

    This Christmas Tree Stair Riser Decoration adds a festive touch to an often overlooked area..

    Christmas Tree Stair Raiser Decoration - decorate your stair risers for the holiday with this easy to customize idea.

     

    I got the idea at Halloween from Hoosier Homemade.

    Ghosts - Goblins - Bats - and Witches Brew :: Greet your guests and trick-or-treaters will these easy to make Halloween Decorations! Create these fun Halloween DIY Decorations with only a few supplies! Grab the kids! It's time to decorate for Halloween!First I calculated the number of risers times my desired height. I went with a six inch height to give me a little room at the top and bottom. Multiply by 15 , carry the 3 and... the whole design needed to be 90 inches.

    I glued two pieces of butcher paper together 90 inches long.SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    Then I drew a sketch of a tree and covered it with green construction paper.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    Added some construction paper decorations.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    [Tweet "Decorate your stairs for the holidays with this easy Christmas Tree craft #christmas #crafts"]

    And the basic design was done.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    All that was left was to cut the full size poster into 6" pieces.

    SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

    Then tack them to the stairs (I used fun tak).Christmas Tree Stair Raiser Decoration - decorate your stair risers for the holiday with this easy to customize idea.

    [Tweet "Don't forget the stairs when decorating for the holidays! #christmas #crafts"]

    Be the Boss of Your Social Media

    Dec 7, 2015 · 1 Comment

    Be the Boss of Your Social Media Sharing Plugin

    Who is the Boss of your Social Media Sharing efforts?

    You or the Social Media Sharing plugin? (Please tell me you have a Social Media Sharing plugin!)

    Do you tell people what to share from your site on Social Media or do you leave it up to them?

    Make full use of your social media sharing plugin to increase site traffic. Blogging tips. Social Media guide.

    You need to be the BOSS to help get your message spread on Social Media. Don’t leave it up to the plugin authors. Don’t trust the people sharing your content. Take control of your Social Media Shares today!

    Not sure what I mean? Head over to the International Bloggers Association and I will tell you more.

    Click for more

    I am not waiting to celebrate Christmas

    Dec 2, 2015 · 5 Comments

    It's about the Memories not the gifts. Stop stressing about the perfect Christmas gift and spend time with your family instead.

     

    Don't let the stress of holiday preparations steal your Christmas joy. Make the preparations part of your celebration and enjoy all season long.

    I will not be reserving my celebration of Christmas for December 25th this year. I refuse to spend a month stressing over all of the seemingly endless preparations for one single solitary day:

    • put up the decorations outside:12246952_175718996111915_5833160980705358739_n
      • test all the lights,
      • replace broken bulbs,
      • remember how the animated figures reassemble (again!),
      • try to bite my tongue as my husband stops every 5 minutes to check the overall effect and ask what I think.
    • get the tree up:
      • rearrange the living room several times to find the right spot for the tree,
      • assemble the tree,
      • unpack the ornaments,
      • make a family event of decorating the tree, finish by myself when they lose interest after 10 minutes
      • rearrange the ornaments they did put up so there are no bare spots and not 5 of the same type of ornaments in the same area,
      • inspect tree daily from all angles to see if ornaments still need to be moved.
    • craft ornaments and other decorations:IMG_20140404_105952
      • venture into the closet of doom (craft closet) to find the supplies
      • gather all of the empty toilet paper rolls from the different bathrooms
      • sift the the recycling bin so I can "upcycle"
      • hunt through my Pinterest board to try to find the pins to make all of those adorable ideas I saw throughout the year guaranteed to entertain my child and deck those halls,
    • get the Christmas cards out:
      • take the perfect family photo,
      • edit it over and over,
      • design the card,
      • have them printed,
      • pray they come with envelopes this year,
      • then address and stamp and get them to a mailbox blocks away since our outgoing slot is barricaded since our blocks mailbox was broken into in January
    • bake for neighbors and teachers:tray of Christmas cookies
      • find out everyone's favorites,
      • hide the ingredients from the boys,
      • prepare the dough,
      • bake the dough,
      • throw out the burnt ones
      • wrap them up and deliver
    • shop for and wrap the gifts:
      • oh please don't let him ask Santa for the impossible to find gift this year
      • look for the best prices
      • brave the crowds or order online and pray they are delivered on time?
      • be sure to have two different kinds of wrapping paper in case..., uh...hmm... cough...  in case Santa needs me to wrap the gifts from him this year so they look different than the ones from Mom and Dad
    • plan and prepare the Christmas meals:
      • are we eating here or going somewhere
      • who is coming
      • search the blog and cookbooks for the perfect meal or dish
      • spend all day Christmas in the kitchen preparing it then cleaning up
    • and don't forget at least 100 photos of each and every one of the above. Because if you don't document it, it didn't happen and Christmas will be ruined... FOREVER!

    Hustle, bustle, hurry, get it done, don't forget anything, or anyone. Christmas Day must be PERFECT!!

    For what? a few short hours of joy on one single day only to be left with a feeling of emptiness by nightfall?

    Nope! I refuse to play that game this year.

    Don't let the stress of holiday preparations steal your Christmas Joy!

     

    Last year I broke down and cried mid-December because of the Christmas cards. They were ugly, we didn't get a single family picture all year, they didn't come with the envelopes, they were late going out, blah blah blah!

    I let my Christmas joy be stolen over Christmas Cards!

    A hysterical tear stained mess because of CHRISTMAS CARDS!!!!

    [Tweet "Don't let the stress of holiday preparations steal your joy this season. #christmas #stress"]

    It's about the Memories not the gifts. Stop stressing about the perfect Christmas gift and spend time with your family instead.

    No, I am done with that nonsense.

     

    Instead, I am taking a cue from the Liturgical Calendar and I will be celebrating Advent, a period of preparation for 4 weeks, followed by the Christmas season which begins on Christmas Eve at sunset and lasts until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.

    And, I vow to enjoy each and every one of the preparations along the way.

    • I am going to help my husband load up the front of the house with lights, and spend some time each night walking around the neighborhood enjoying the decorations of others. As long as it isn't below 45 degress, because I don't do cold.

    Christmas lights

     

    • I am going to relive the wonderful memories of this year as I design our Christmas cards, which may not arrive at their destinations until Valentine's Day.
    • I am going to make some ornaments I have pinned or designed in my head, or maybe I will get to them next year since I already made this one....

    Bird Family Grapevine Wreath Christmas Ornament

    • I am going to sit and sip on my favorite holiday beverage in front of the decorated tree and enjoy spending time with my family. Though I do reserve the right to occasionally move ornaments to the "correct spot" because I can only be so accommodating...
    • I am going to bake some of our favorite goodies and share with people I care about. If I don't make every single one, m'eh there is no law that says I can't make gingerbread in July if I want it. Is there? As a food blogger I should know these things.

    gingerbread

    • We will go to at least one mall, not necessarily to shop, but to enjoy the holiday decorations. We will probably visit Santa when he stops near our house on December 8th, unless he comes too late, because I am not messing with bed time on a school night! And if we miss our photo op, oh well.
    • We will get together with our family and friends during the season and enjoy the time we are spending together instead of being concerned that it is not on the 25th.
    • There will be presents under the tree Christmas morning. Luckily there is no "must have" this year like the Jumping Frog Stretchkins of two years ago. They might take 4 days to unwrap as in years past, or they may be opened in 5 minutes like his birthday presents this year. Whatever...under the Christmas tree

    [Tweet "I plan to make this the best Christmas ever, by not striving to make it the best Christmas ever. #christmas #holidays #stress"]

    I plan to make this the best Christmas ever, by not striving to make it the best Christmas ever. And I am pretty sure my husband and son will appreciate the difference.

     

    A little perspective from the garden

    Nov 17, 2015 · 4 Comments

    Wayne Roderick daisy - Erigeron glaucus

    For anyone exposed to media of any kind this week there is no denying things have been overwhelmingly morose. Besides the happenings in World News, personally things have been a little bothersome too. Add in the lovely menopausal hormone fluctuations and I was headed for a meltdown of epic proportions.

    And then I went outside.

    At first, I saw a few plants that may not survive this drought and more than a few weeds, including this Mexican Evening Primrose that I have been trying to eradicate from my yard for 10 years! Annoying little rhizome that lurks under the soil waiting for any water to burst forth and take over my garden again....

    Mexican Evening Primrose

    Sigh! But, I chose not to focus on those. Instead I saw my olive tree finally bore fruit! Only 4 olives, but that's 4 more than last year!

    2 ripe Mission olives

    The Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is winding down for the year, but in the midst of the spent plumes, there are still a few buds waiting to open.

    Fallugia paradoxa - Apache Plume

    And the leaves of the pomegranate tree are beginning to yellow and drop.

    yellow pomegranate leaves

    But beneath those leaves lie 5 or 6 HUGE (as big around as my hand) pomegranates almost ready for harvest. Which is 5 or 6 more than last year.

    pomegranate fruit on tree

     

    Slowly the Negative Mental Attitude started draining from my body as the Positive Mental Attitude took hold.

    Perspective. Life sucks sometimes. Bad things happen to good people. Death is a part of life. We can be overwhelmed by the negative around us or we can accept it for what it is and try to find the beauty.

    [Tweet "We can be overwhelmed by the negative or accept it for what it is and seek the beauty. #happiness"]

    Do you see the dead Wayne Roderick Daisy (Erigeron glaucus) in the center? or the two buds on the sides?

    Wayne Roderick daisy - Erigeron glaucus

    How about here?

    Wayne Roderick daisy - Erigeron glaucus

    Is this nothing more than dead spent flowers?

    dried chive flowers

    Or do they hold a secret for future generations?

    chive seeds

    Just a small shift of the camera can change the entire view.

    When life becomes overwhelming and depressing, I encourage you to shift your focus. Step away from the media. Get outside and discover that there is always something positive and beautiful if you take the time to look for it.

    [Tweet "A small shift in focus can change the entire picture - and your outlook. #photography #happiness"]

    For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.

    William Shakespeare, Hamlet

    2015 Ornament Exchange Link Party

    Nov 14, 2015 · 2 Comments

    Here it is after two awesome weeks of sharing: the Final Round Up of all the amazing ornaments exchanged this year in the 2015 Ornament Exchange. We've added all of the ornaments in the exchange to the Link Up below and we encourage you to share yours too.

    Ornament Exchange Link PartyWelcome to the first 2015 Holiday Ornament Exchange!

    Want to see all the amazing ornaments we have shared?

    We are linking up all of our ornaments in the link below so everyone can see all the beautiful handmade and/or store bought goodies we came up with!

    Let's all get inspired this season!

    The Hosts of the Exchange~Ornament Exchange Hosts

    My Pinterventures | Made in a Day | The House Down The Lane | The Kolb Corner | Intelligent Domestications | Where The Smiles Have Been | Ash and Crafts | Inside the Fox Den | C’mon Get Crafty | Olives-n-Okra

    We want to say a huge "Thank You" to all the blogs that shared the exchange announcement on their sites, we could not have done it without you! Hugs! Ornament Exchange Helpers

    Lexi Michelle Blog | B is 4 | Xo, Lorey | Craving Some Creativity | Cherishing a Sweet Life | Our Crafty Mom | MidMichigan Mom


    Make sure to visit all the other wonderful bloggers of the 2015 Ornament Exchange! All of their incredible creations are linked in the link party below.

    DIY Adulation | The Farmhouse In The Field | Tastefully Frugal | My Sweet Things |Christmas Tree Lane | Simply Kelly Designs | Munofore | Decor To Adore | Tulips & Orchids | Rhinestones & Sweatpants |Happily Ever After, Etc. | From This to That | DIY Just Cuz | This Design Journal | I am Homemaker | Organized by Sunshine | Displaced Yinzer | My Life From Home | Nets Blog About Jnets Line | 10 Acres and 6 Chicks | Books and Life | Gardenchick | Two Purple Couches | DIY Just Cuz | Across the Blvd | Kentucky to Cali | Insolence + Wine | Our House Now a Home | Weekend Craft | Mary and Martha's House | Random Bits of Happiness | Dragonfly and Lily Pads | Garden Matter | Recipe For a Sweet Life | Mama's Journey | Amber Downs | Toolbox Divas | Craving Some Creativity | Vikalpah | Flourish & Knot | Raising Fairies and Knights | Blue Willow House | The Road to Domestication | Love My Messy Messy Mess | An Oregon Cottage | Home On The Corner | Fearlessly Creative Mamma | The Evolution of Mom | The Green Mountain Couple | Simply Home Love | Run with Jackabee | simple.pretty.life | The Chilly Dog | Try it - Like it | Gypsy Road | Playfully Tacky | Wife Mommy Me

    [Tweet "Get inspired for the holidays with the 2015 #ornamentexchange. #christmas #linky"]

    We want to see your ornament tutorials too! Show us your creations by adding your post to the party below! Please add only ornament tutorials to the party. Thank you!

    An InLinkz Link-up



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