Mention Monday

So, it's true, technically Monday is over, but that does not stop me from wanting to post anyway. For today is Mention Monday. Every Monday, I will mention some of my favorite blogs, etsy shops or websites. I want to bring attention to a fabulous Etsy shop BookInz. I love to read and these bookmarks are fabulous. Plus, since the customizing options are limitless, they are the perfect for gifts. This one is probably my favorite in their shop: Keeping Score BookInz. If you get the chance, go checkout their selection of unique and fun bookmarks.

Superbowl Selection Sunday

I am not much of a football fan, but I do know how popular the Superbowl is. Although, if I do watch it, it's only because I am at a party and enjoy seeing the commercials & half-time shows. I am sure that I am not the only one since Superbowl parties seem to be getting larger and more creative every year. In honor of those with creativity, talent and apparently, lots of free-time, here are my selections for Awesome Superbowl Party ideas.

5. Football Pizza

4. Crab Football Spread

3. Super Bowl Snacks

2. Cookies & Cream Cheese Football

1. Football Field Replicas with Food

These are all so fabulous and if I have more time next year, I may give a few of these a try. Number 1, the football field party tray is simply amazing! If you have any ideas or pictures of things you did this year, please send them to me and I will be happy to share. Hope everyone has a great day and fun at their Superbowl events.

Snapshot Saturday

I really wanted to be able to post a picture or two from my new birthday present. However, my hectic schedule did not allow me to take any. So instead, I am posting pictures of my birthday present instead. My old camera bit the dust a few months ago. I finally decided to get the camera I really wanted. Here it is the Sony NEX-5N. I am in love! Now I just need to find some free-time to get to learn how to use all of it's amazing features.

Five Favorites Friday

Two days of posts in a row, off to a great start. My Friday blogs will typically be short and sweet with Five Favorites, Facts or Fotos that you might find interesting, humorous or inspirational.

1. Gigil (pronounced GHEE-Gil) is a Tagalog (Filipino) word which roughly translates to "trembling or gritting of the teeth in response to a situation that overwhelms your self-control". We don't have an exact word for it in English, but it's a feeling we are all familiar with. A perfect example is when you see an adorable baby or little puppy and you just get so excited by the cuteness that you want to squeeze them, pinch their cheeks or nibble their toes. I know I have felt this too many times to count, so why don't we have a term for this in America?

2. The elbow has very few nerve/pain receptors. If you sneak up behind someone and lick their elbow without their knowledge, they will never feel it. They have to see or be aware it is being done so the brain can stimulate the receptors to feel it.

3. A Native American tribe in South Dakota collects bottle caps left by campers, using them as currency. Several banks in the area now recognize the caps as legal tender. Now that is an excellent way to recycle.

4. The human brain is fascinating and even more interesting is how the development in a child's brain can be changed by their experiences.

Did you know?

a. A stimulating environment for a child can make the difference between a 25% greater ability to learn or 25% less in an environment with little stimulation.

b. The capacity for such emotions as joy, happiness, fear, and shyness are already developed at birth. The specific type of nurturing a child receives shapes how these emotions are developed.

c.  Children who learn two languages before the age of five alters the brain structure and adults have a much denser gray matter.

d.  A study of one million students in New York showed that students who ate lunches that did not include artificial flavors, preservatives, and dyes not only improved their memory and ability to focus, but they did 14% better on IQ tests than students who ate lunches with these additives.

5. For my 5th, I am choosing to share a Foto I like.

Have a Fantastic Friday!

Thursday Thoughts

New year. New Month. New Blog. New Post.

Out with the old and in with the New.

This year, for me, is all about trying new things and bringing about much needed changes to the old. I decided that the best way for me to get in the habit of keeping up my blog is by starting fresh, with a clean slate. So, here it is, the beginning of my daily blog...

Tonight was my monthly meeting with the Etsy Fort Worth team. I love getting together with the group and being around so many creative minds. After having to miss so many last year because of my class schedule, I am thankful to be able to start attending regularly again. Since the topic for this meeting focused on blogging, it made me remember how much I used to love writing and how much I really wanted to keep an active blog. There were lots of great ideas, suggestions and discussion about the in's and out's of setting up an account, creating templates, how to attract new followers, etc. While, there was some difference of opinion on certain details, a key area of agreement was on the importance of being organized and creating a schedule.

I am sure that I will have some days where getting anything posted will be a challenge. However, I am going to try my best to stay on track. Just to keep me accountable, I am creating a theme or themes for each day of the week. I realize going from no writing to writing seven days-a-week is quite ambitious. I think if I aim high, I might have a better shot at reaching my goal. My goal is to post at least 5 times a week. My schedule may change over time as I get used to writing again, but my initial plan is to follow my daily themes and keep it simple. So please be patient and check back often for my new postings.

A Week of Writing:

Selection Sunday

Mention Monday 

Trends & Tips Tuesday

Working Wednesday

Thoughtful Thursday

Five Favorites Friday

Snapshot Saturday