Valentine's Books and Crafts for Kids

Hi Y'all!

I am finally getting posts up in advance. They aren't as frequent as I would like, but it's progress. 

We have had such a great week with homeschooling. My girl is finally getting it! She is actually asking to read independently and doing it! Not just skimming over or re-reading the same book she's had memorized since last year!

This is huge for her! Of course, it makes my heart smile too! I may get another reader in the house. (high hopes)

Being mom and teacher gives me another reason to scope out books for her. I go through a series of variables. 

Are they the right reading level?

Can we use it as a lesson or tie it into what we're working on?(she loves non-fiction)

Does it look like she would be interested in it?

I love that most children's books have a lesson or moral to the story type of theme, but they also make it light, funny, or wacky to get kids to really think and analyze the story. 

Reading books to or with a child is a great opportunity to ask some awesome questions!

You'd be amazed at the insight you can get from your child's responses.

How did that make you feel?

How could you have helped xyz?

Would you like to go there someday?

Could you be friends with someone like that?

These are just some example questions. I know you can come up with a ton more.

Love is an amazing topic to learn about! Is it a noun or a verb?

I love this question. For myself, it is a verb. An act of doing or showing.

What do you think? Both? Could be.

Books can help you learn all different types of love!

I started looking up on Pinterest, Valentine's ideas for kids

I actually was shocked that most of the pins were for books about Valentine's Day!

Also, we actually own a bunch of them!

Here goes my mom brain!

I started searching around on Thriftbooks and made up my own list.

I found over 300 children's books listed! Over 300! Just on Valentine's Day. 

There absolutely is a book for every child to get interested in!

Here is a list of the ones we are going to read this year.

Our Top 7 Choices

Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool

A Crankenstein Valentine

Nate the Great and The Mushy Valentine

Mr. Goat's Valentine

Rhyme Time Valentine

God Gave Us Love

Love Monster

I hope you'll check out our list and let me know which books you chose!

I'm working on an idea of a book swap for kids. Keep that in mind for the future if you'd be interested!

I also found some fun craft ideas to share.

Take a look, Pinterest: Valentine Kid Crafts

Happy Reading and have a blessed weekend!

Big List of Valentine's Day Books

Starting the year being productive

 Welcome 2022!

Happy New year to everyone!

I hope everyone had blessed holidays in December. I know we sure are blessed. There were cookie parties, games, laughter, love, and some gifts. I do appreciate that getting older it feels so good to be the giver, but I won't turn down a few great gifts.

I am so excited to start my year off being more productive, and hopefully organized. 

I finally got a new desktop computer. Well, new-refurbished, but so far I'm pleased. I mean, it works, and I totally hooked everything up myself. The cords were a pain, but I figured it out in less than a day!

I ended up getting an HP, just because we've had several printers from them, and we've never had a problem with the brand. We just couldn't afford a whole brand-new HP desktop. Hence, eBay refurbished 

It is so nice to jump on here and actually get things done. Not sitting here F bombing under my breath and controlling the urge to throw it out the window! It seriously was so frustrating and a huge setback.

Almost everything I needed to accomplish was computer related.

Whether it was writing for my blog, book reviews, homeschooling material or websites, getting my crochet patterns, materials, etc., it was such a daily struggle! Every. Single. Day.

Now, that the computer issue is solved, I can move along and get productive!

I've already printed out about 4 new crochet patterns. Mostly Valentines and plushies. You can see my inspiration board here:

CWM Crochet Pinterest Board

I'm still in love with the Premier Parfait Chunky yarn. You can go see the snowmen I made with it. They are so soft and snugly!

Snowman Plushie

Oh! I got another great yarn/project organizer for Christmas too!

This one is bigger than my older one, so I can work on bigger projects, or projects with several color skeins at once.

Mine came from AliExpress

I love this site so much! They are the best place to get everything from safety eyes to hooks and stitch markers! I cannot tell you how much I have ordered from them!

I am using my time more wisely, so I've also been working on homeschool for the new year. We pretty much roll our own way, but we definitely use the internet. I find charts, worksheets, classroom decor, record logs, science activities, from TeachersPayTeachers

I do have my own little shop started. Now, I will be able to get more material made, so much faster!

I cannot tell you how excited I am! This truly is a blessing for me and this new year! This computer will absolutely be worth the money!

Look at me making Pinterest pins using Canva!

This is the best site to create all different types of graphics. They even have pre-sized templates, so you can just click what you need(Pin, FB header, etc) and get creating!

So, so worth it.

Now that I have my first official 2022 blog post ready, using my new computer, I can hit publish!

I have lots more to do today! Enjoy the weekend and definitely be watching for posts more frequently!

National Espresso Day(recipes included)

National Espresso Day

November 23, 2021

Did you know there was a day set aside just to celebrate Espresso? Neither did I. 

Espresso is, originally, a type of coffee that is made with a special machine in which the hot water is pressed quickly over the coffee grounds, creating a richer, thicker, and creamier drink.

The word espresso is a borrowed word referring to coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee. The method of quickly pressing is similar to doing what English call "express" or the Italian word "espimere".

The first espresso machine was invented by Luigi Bezzera in Italy, in 1901. His objective was to shorten employee breaks and speed up productivity.

Ok y'all. I am starting this post with one of those I was today years old moments!

How have I gone 41 years, and be an admitted coffee addict, and I did not know you could have an actual Espresso machine in your house!

I mean, I knew there was a special machine and technique, but I did not realize there were different sizes, types, and prices!

When I think of an espresso machine/maker, my mind instantly goes to some massive contraption in a busy little cafe'. All the levers, and gadgets, and the steam!

While doing my research for this post, by simply googling the word espresso, a ton of espresso machine/makers came up under Google shopping!

I mean tons! Big, little, pricey, affordable, electric, stove top...

How did I not know this? I never thought there was such a thing that a middle class household could afford or have the counter space for!

I'm so hooked. I have been now searching, researching, and deciding which one I want! I love the idea of the mini version of an actual café looking espresso machine, like this one,

Farberware traditional espresso maker

or if I want something a little more vintage looking to go better with my kitchen.

Primula stove top 6 cup espresso maker

I have an electric stove, so either choice would technically be using electric, although the first choice claims to have a cup of espresso in under one minute. That leaves the question, speed over aesthetic. For me anyway.

Now that I know we will be adding one of these, you know I had to go over to Pinterest and find some easy and yummy recipes.

And...before I share those, let me just let you in on another little secret. I had no idea that a cappuccino, mocha, macchiato, and lattes, are all  types of espressos, and are made using an espresso machine(jaw drop)

Please tell me I'm not the only one.

Now, I'll share a few recipes with y'all.

Honey Cinnamon Latte

Paris black Chocolate Macchiato

Vanilla Espresso Martini

Y'ALL, I cannot with these recipes! This could quickly become a problem. LOL

As if I need another excuse to live by the name CoffeeWastedMomma!

I'm gonna be unstoppable!

Join me and let's compare. Does anyone already own one? Do you have a favorite recipe?

I would LOVE to know! 

Now, Go celebrate National Espresso Day!

National Coffee Day!

National Coffee Day!

It's gonna be a great day!

Hi y'all.

I really love doing these "Fun National Holiday" posts. It's just fun to celebrate and learn something new.

You know this will probably be one of my favorites.

National Coffee Day began on September 29, 1983, in Japan as a way to promote fair trade and to raise awareness for the plight of coffee growers. 

The beginnings of coffee:

It is believed that in Ethiopia, Kaldi, a goat herder, noticed his herd having an energetic manner and being unable to sleep after eating berries from a certain tree.

It is said that Kaldi shared his finding with an abbot, who proceeded to make a drink from the berries, and discovered he could stay awake longer hours during prayers.

Coffee moves east:

After word spread of this energizing drink, "coffee" spread to the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, Egypt, Turkey, and, Syria in the 15th century. This is around the time that coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh which were used as entertaining and meeting houses.

By the 17th century it had been brought to Europe, quickly became popular and spread across the continent.

Some were feared or were suspicious of the beverage and referred to it as "bitter invention of Satan".

Coffee quickly replaced the breakfast beverage of beer or wine, and people became more alert and able to focus on their work.

By the mid 1600s there are reported to have been over 300 coffeehouses in London alone!

Modern day coffee:

Coffee was brought to what is now New York, by the British around the mid 1600s, although it didn't gain popularity as quickly here.

It wasn't until 1773, when the colonists revolted against a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III. The revolt, known as the Boston Tea Party, would forever change the American drinking preference to coffee. 

By the 1800s coffee was produced and shipped all over the world.

The first coffee maker, made in 1818 was the percolator. Invented by a Persian metalsmith. His percolator design is still used today.

Here's my favorite part!

In 1886, Joel Cheek, began making Maxwell house. He named the brand after the famous hotel.

The first espresso machine was made in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera.

In 1971 the first Starbucks opened in Seattle, Washington.

In 2020 studies showed that Folgers Coffee was named the most popular brand among Americans.

We know that today we can choose from a wide variety of coffee drinks. You can get it hot or cold. Regular or decaf. Breakfast, mild, medium, Columbian blends.

There are frappés, lattes, iced coffee, espressos, cappuccinos. There are even coffee flavored energy drinks, but I'm still unsure why. Coffee is already a caffeine.

Oh, and the creamers, sweeteners, and more! There are a ton of ways to enjoy your coffee.

On a regular day, I'm a Maxwell House, bold blend, with half-and-half.

If it's from a coffeehouse, usually I'll go for basic iced coffee, one shot sweetener, and cream.

I do occasionally get one of the seasonal or fancier choices, usually something mocha or white chocolate, but I have to be careful. I mean, I am the #coffeewastedmomma

So, I have to limit myself...

I do.

This is the coffee maker that I own, and we love it. My daughter and I love the single brew/Kerig for our "fancy coffees", and I love the programmable 12 cup side. My husband leaves at 5am, so having his coffee already to go when he is, works great!

Plus, he only takes about 8 or 9 of the cups, so when I get up at 6am, the other 3/4 cups are still hot and ready for me. It has a two-hour time after brewing, and then the burner shuts off automatically.

Hamilton Beach Flexbrew Coffeemaker

My daughter has really been wanting one of the iced coffee makers, but we've not found an affordable one. Also, I'm not sure if we would use it enough to make it worth it, or we'll use it way too much!

Either way, I'm holding out on that purchase for now.

What is your favorite coffee maker?

I love going to Pinterest to find new, easy recipes for coffee drinks. Especially now, with the holidays coming around, and all the warm flavors being more available.

How do you like your coffee?

Do you have a favorite drink recipe you'd like to share?

Does anyone buy coffee beans and grind them at home?

I would LOVE to do this more. I do own an antique coffee grinder, but it is a more decorative piece than functional.

Any recommendations on a new one?

Here is a bit of my coffee obsession. I love collecting coffee mugs. The wackier, the better.

Hope everyone enjoys their day!

Celebrate National Coffee day!

Make sure to comment your favorite or choice of coffee for today!

The Wonderful Days of Fall, and All It's Warm Aromas

 It's officially Fall Y'all

That's right. It's here!

Were you ready for it? I am always going back and forth with this one. I feel like Summers get shorter and shorter.

I've always said Spring is my favorite season, for many reasons. My birthday is in Spring. Easter, which is my favorite holiday. I love when all things are blooming, sprouting, and peeping back out. It's a time to start fresh and get out there. 

There was also a designated vacation(Spring Break)!

I still consider Spring my favorite, but Fall is definitely growing on me as I get older.

Who doesn't want a natural clock telling them it's time to slow down, let things settle, and take a break! Amen!

Let me tell you, we need it!

We need that time to relax, rest, and reflect.

There are so many wonderful things going on that really bring the season to life, for me.

One of my favorite things about Fall is all the amazing scents that come with it!

1. First, for me, is sweet harvested hay! Oh, the nostalgia!

If you grew up on a farm, have driven down a country road, or ridden on a hayride, you'll understand.

If you know, you know. 

2. The smell of a bit ole pot of chili.

As I've gotten older, chili has definitely become one of my Fall favorites.

We are always busy, and winding down the day with a meal that you didn't have to stand and cook for over an hour is a win. Crock pot, slow cooker, whatever you call it, it's my best friend.

This is the Crock-Pot I've had for years. Simple 8 quart from Walmart. Not fancy, but it is well-used.

Plus, you really can't mess it up. Add whatever you want, beans, veggies, meat, spices.

3. While I'm talking about cooking, well go to baking.

I am admittedly the worst baker. I burn the pre-cut, break and bakes. No lie.

Daughter #2 and the hubs are the bakers. I love all the Fall pies. Apple or pumpkin, Yum! I'll take both.

4. I'm in Ohio, so if you have a fireplace, you use it! I cannot remember a Fall where you didn't smell firewood. It's just one of those staple smells. Even if it isn't a fireplace inside, someone is having a "bon fire" somewhere near. It's that distinct, sweet, burning smell.

5. Leaves are another distinct smell. Specifically wet leaves, if you're in Ohio. We seem to get more rain at the end of Summer, and into Fall, than we do in the Spring(most years).

PSA: my husband wants to personally thank the person who invented the leaf-blower!

I can only describe the scent as crisp, sweet, and humid.

6. Candles! I actually say Yum!, even though you don't eat them. If I could, I probably would!

Seriously, just the names of these sound sooo good! Apple cider, berries, pumpkin spice, cinnamon roll, hazelnut mocha, chai, fireside, toasted marshmallow, pumpkin banana scone. The list could go on and on!

Just go! Go check out these Yum Candles!

Yankee Candles

7. Lastly, and maybe my second favorite, is hot drinks!

Whether it be a pot of coffee(year-round for me), hot apple cider, a good ole chai latte, pumpkin spice frappé, or homemade hot cocoa, I'll take any of them!

What is your favorite "Fall" beverage?

Do you have a recipe? 

I am going to embrace this Fall. It has been one crazy busy year, and I'm ready for shorter days, and more indoor activities.

I plan to spend as much time as I can curled up in my fuzzy pants with my Chai latte and a good book!

What are some of your favorite Fall activities?

If you love Fall decor and are looking for some new things, check out Shein (10% off your first order), or Society6 

Both of these sites have some of the best Fall and even Halloween decor items. Everything from pillow covers, wall art, throws, coffee mugs, to door mats and outdoor flags.

Such cute stuff!

Be sure to let me know how you feel about Fall/Autumn.

I love to hear from you!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Be blessed.

10 Books Titled "Never Let You Go" : The List I made

 10 Books Titled, 

Never Let You Go

by a variety of authors

Hey y'all.

Have you ever been looking for a certain book, but you can't exactly remember the Title? You just kind of have a vague idea of what it was called or what the main theme was.

I honestly do that a lot. I am constantly seeing #bookcoverporn, some great review posted, ads for new books coming out, or someone sends me recs.

I love it! I love it all! I know on my last day, my TBR list will still be in the hundreds. I read 2 or 3, and add 5 more before the week is done.

That is exactly how this post came about. I remembered this book that I wanted to post over on my Facebook page, but I could not think of the title!

Never Go Away?

Never Let Her Go?

You'll Never Go?

You get the idea. So I'm scrolling through my Goodreads app(I get distracted looking through all the books I want to read.), and then I just decided to go look over on Thriftbooks.

I just typed in Never Go titles and a whole page of books titled...

Never Let You Go or I'll Never Let You Go pops up. 

The very first one is the one I had been searching for! Yes!

Then, I couldn't just ignore 9 other books RIGHT THERE baring the same title! All different authors. A slew of genres. From suspense to children's books.

Hence, my list of 10 books titled:

Never Let you Go

1.Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens

2. I'll Never Let You Go by Mary Burton

3. Never Let You Go by Monica Murphy

4. I'll Never Let You Go by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

5. I'll Never Let You Go by Marianne Richmond

6. Never Let You Go by Emma Carlson Berne

7. Never Let You Go by Erin Healy

8. Never Let You Go by Andrew Grey

9. Never Let You Go by Katy Regnery

10. Never Let You Go by Patricia Storms

There actually were more than 10, but I was trying to keep the list fun and manageable.

I hope you enjoy this list!

Happy Reading!

Save a tree, save a buck.

Buy Used Books!

I've Been Reading: Book Reviews

 

Hey all,

I hope everyone is getting more reading time in than me. I feel like I am pulled in so many directions lately. My favorite things to do for myself are crochet, write/blog, and read! The latter I haven't found much downtime to do.

I used to be able to zone the world out and be completely engrossed in anything I was reading. Now, it seems every little thing irritates me when I'm trying to read. The train or traffic outside, phones ringing, kids arguing, T.V. up too loud, or just my brain in over-drive.

Lately, I've been depending on audiobooks to get in my reading. Our library has an adequate amount of books you can download through the Libby/Overdrive app, and it is 100% free! Bonus! Libby also has ebooks. There are several other apps. Audible, Scribd, NOOK, Storytel are a few I've seen on Google Play store.

The last two books that I have really enjoyed are,

Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

This is Dolly's latest book. Did you know she has written 7 books? Including two children's books. I had no clue!

It's no secret that Dolly Parton is so loved in our household. My 8-year-old wants to BE Dolly Parton when she grows up. No joke.

I came across this book while scrolling through Libby. It always shows books that may interest you, based off previously read audiobooks. I read a ton of memoirs, bios, and autobiographies. It is one of my favorite genres.(people's stories/lives fascinate me)

Then I download it and realize Dolly is also the narrator of the audiobook! Yes. Bonus!

This one really does make you feel like Dolly is right there with you. Just chatting away. She is so confident and comfortable in herself. I just love her.

Her message has always been, everyone is different. Everyone has their own story. Everyone makes mistakes. Don't judge, love more. Love life, love each other.

I definitely recommend the audiobook over the physical book. 

The Loyal Wife by Natalie Barelli

Another of my  favorite genres is definitely Thriller/Suspense/Mystery.
This one has it all.

Mini synopsis:

Trusting her wasn't a mistake. Betraying her was.

She thought she had the perfect marriage...

Tamra knows something about Mike. Something he did. Something evil. And she was prepared to carry the secret to her grave.

Not anymore.

This is the first book I have read by this author, but it probably won't be my last.

She definitely can grab you from the start. The middle got a little slow and ehh, but it did have a twisty ending. 

Again, this one I chose the audiobook, so maybe the narrator during multiple characters is what got fuzzy for me. It was still a 4/5-star book for me.

I hope you'll check these out. I'm glad I found them. Audio or physical, maybe even ebook(I haven't done those much), I recommend them both.
I actually did begin reading an actual book this week, When August Leaves by Amy S. Foster.
Hopefully, I'll get it read and be able to post a review.

Do you prefer audio to physical books?
What's your favorite genre?
Happy reading!

National Onion Rings Day!

 It's National Onion Rings Day Y'all!

(I promise, not all the National Day posts will be about food. I hope!)

I gotta be honest with you all. Up until about seven or so years ago, I would've been all... "Uh, ew! Onion rings?!"

I have no idea why. It just wasn't my thing. I'd always choose fries. I mean seriously, who wouldn't if given the choice? ("Would you like french fries or onion rings?")

Fries, definitely, fries!

Right?

Okay, so now I may choose onion rings, but I'm still pretty picky about them.

It has to be the right texture, size, and flavor.

It's either a yes or a big Nope for me. I definitely prefer an actual onion ring versus the minced onion.

There are a few local places that can really persuade me with their recipes.

Jolly's is a local root beer drive-in joint that has some pretty good, golden crispy, just salty enough onion rings. 5/5 for them!

Mad Mike's burgers is another local place that has some pretty good ones. I'd have to go 4/5 for them. Only because they are one of those that have jumped on the "onion rings go on a burger" wagon, and I'm just not feeling that.

Red Robin is my big chain choice for onion rings.

I'm going to have to call out Sonic and Burger King as my No-Go onion rings.

I don't know if it's the whole pre-made, packaged bit or what, but I just can't do them.

Sorry, not sorry.

I've also found a wonderful, keto-friendly recipe for Air Fryer Onion Rings!

London has some great recipes. Make sure to check her page out.

If you don't own an air fryer yet, go grab this one!

Seriously, this is amazing. Easy to use, easy to clean, and it is a 6 in 1!

You can use it as an air fryer, broiler, roaster, dehydrator, baking, and also reheating foods.

Start out using it to celebrate National Onion Ring Day. Tomorrow, try something new!

Let me know how it goes! I'd love to hear feedback and share pics!

Do you have a favorite dipping sauce? I'm pretty basic with Ketchup. What should I try?

Recipe: Jello Flavored Candy Popcorn! Yum!

Super Gooey Jello Candy Popcorn 

Hi Y'all! I am super excited to share one of our favorite snack recipes with you!

It is so yummy. Super easy and doesn't take a lot of time.

My sister had a birthday party for my niece this past weekend. The theme was all things junk food! Pretzels, pizza, ice cream, cake, and...popcorn! Well, and unicorns, of course!

She calls at the last minute and asks us to make a ton of microwave popcorn. 

We popped 6 bags...

We came home with 3... as in 3 huge ice cream tubs full(we recycle) of popped popcorn!

I just couldn't let it sit and go stale and be wasted!

So, we decided to go for our old tried and true recipe. We whipped up our yummy Jello Flavored Candy Popcorn. 

We used Raspberry jello for this one! See in the picture that wonderful shiny pink? It tastes as good as it looks!

Here is my recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 bags of popped microwave popcorn
  
• 1 1/2 cups light Karo/corn Syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package of Jello(any flavor)

Directions:

• Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
• Spray the paper with any cooking spray
• Pour out your popcorn onto a sheet and set aside
• On medium heat, mix corn syrup and sugar in a sauce pan
• bring to a boil, stir until all sugar is melted 
• add entire pack of jello powder
• allow to boil and mix well until all jello is dissolved
• remove from heat
• carefully drizzle or pour mixture over popcorn slowly and as evenly as possible(Extreme Caution! It is boiling sugar!)
• using a spoon or spatula, toss and coat all popcorn
• Allow to cool or refrigerate a few minutes(I like it a tad still warm)

That's it! It is so easy and only takes about 10 minutes!

Remember, you can try any flavor and the colors are amazing!

(corn syrup makes everything shiny!)

Enjoy your very own fun treat!