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!

Crocheting for Christmas and getting caught up. Crochet Snowman Pattern

Christmas Crochet

 Hi Y'all! Wow! How are we so close to the end of this year?!?!

This whole year has flown by. I stay pretty busy throughout the year, so I always feel so rushed towards the end. There is always something I never got around to, or kept putting off for later, thinking that I'd have more time.

You'd think I would realize by now, that isn't going to happen. My 2022 goal is to not overload myself. I want to set realistic goals, work on my time management, and seriously get more organized!

Every year I have this list of projects, whether homeschool, craft, reading, or blogging. I know that they need to be prepared and completed WAY before they are actually useful. (e.g. Christmas things should be finished by Halloween and published)

I know this and I try, but seriously get behind every time. 

This particular crochet post has been in the making for quite some time! The two main reasons I am just posting it late December are, 1. My computer is an old piece of fruitcake! And 2. I am no photographer.

Top of my list is a new desktop. I know, laptops. That just isn't for me. The photos, well I'm learning about light boxes and angles. I'm improving.

On to the crochet...

There are patterns that I absolutely follow to a T. Then there are patterns I play around with and tweak to my liking. Lastly, sometimes, I can just come across a picture of crochet and figure it out blindly, no pattern. I just go with shapes and piecing it together.

The pattern I used for this snowman came from Amigurumiforum.com They have a ton of patterns. I believe, both free and paid.

Honestly, I did pretty much follow this pattern, with the exception I wanted to see it a bit larger, so I went up to an I hook. Although, next time, for the nose and arms, I recommend no bigger than a G

(mine was done accidentally. Just forgot to go down a hook size)

Crochet Snowman Pattern

One of my favorite things about anything that I crochet is being able to choose colors, and customize them the way I want them. This one was super fun. I let my daughters decide the colors for the hats, and scarfs(I altered the "snood"). These are so soft and snuggable.

My new obsession with yarn is the super soft "baby" yarn.

Here are the yarns I used for my snowmen.

Premier Parfait Chunky

in white(body), chocolate(arms), and, tangerine(nose)

This yarn is AMAZING!

Red Heart with Love Metallic

in red and purple

I definitely will be making more of these! I hope you enjoy them as much as we have. Not only that, but I'd love to see pictures if anyone tries this pattern.

Be sure to go see Nataly Dastous and give her credit for the pattern.

She has some great patterns posted.

Happy Crocheting and Happy Holidays!

I've Been Reading: Book Review

 The Vampire Knitting Club(series)

by Nancy Warren

paranormal/cozy mystery

audiobook

Tangles and Treason~Prequel/ Book #0.5

The Vampire Knitting Club~Book #1

Quote:

" I needed comforting after discovering my boyfriend of two years, Todd, had stuck his salami in someone else's sandwich. I refer to him now as my ex-boyfriend, "The Toad".~ Lucy Swift

Book Blurbs:

From #0.5

Tangles and Treason

In Elizabethan Oxford, Sir Rafe Crosyer is on a secret mission for the queen. He also wants to secure Constance's hand in marriage, not only for love, but for her safety, for there are rumours afloat that Constance is a witch. When he is attacked and left for dead, not only is his love in terrible danger, but also his queen. Unless he takes the unthinkable step...

From #1

The Vampire Knitting Club

At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past(Todd the toad) and an uncertain future(she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she is going to do.

My Review:

I'm giving both of these books a solid 4 stars.

These are the first two books in Nancy Warren's The Vampire Knitting Club series.

There are a total of 13 books, or 15(counting the two .5 books)

The complete list is here:

Nancy Warren series in order

I actually happened to find the first book by accident on my library app. I tend to always have some audiobook downloaded on Libby. Lately, I hardly have time to sit down with a physical book.

There are a ton of apps you can download with thousands of audiobooks for people always on the go.

By my mistake, I accidentally read book #1 first, not realizing there was a prequel.

I definitely am excited to continue onto book #3 and see where this series goes.

These two are, absolutely, cozy mysteries. Somewhere between Ghost Whisperer and any of the Hallmark murder/mystery series(usually based off books anyway), or a good Murder She Wrote.

You can certainly wrap up one of these "who done it" books in a few hours or a day.

That's one thing I liked about the first two. It is an enjoyable, fast-paced, light read, or listen, to keep your mind engaging.

There isn't any huge twists or mind-blowing moments, but that isn't what they are intended to be.

The characters are relatable, and each one has a purpose in the story. I'm not a fan of books that add characters just for word count r to fill a gap in a scene.

I always think, where'd they go? or What was that about?

Give them a purpose, or just omit them.

Sir Rafe Crosyer is a classic loyal servant/hero caught with two missions, protecting his queen and his love.

Lucy is a late twenties' gal, just out of a bad relationship, looking for solace and time to figure things out.

Gran is a typical grandma, knitting, sweet, caring, but with a magical twist

You'll have to read the books to get more characters.

I only gave them 4 stars because, again, I read the books out of order, not realizing there was a prequel. I definitely think it needed to go further with Rafe's character. I'm not 100% happy about how book #1 kind of drops him and starts off with a whole new story.

I can't get too much into that without spoilers, but if you read them(you should), then you'll see what I mean.

That's really my only complaint. Again, these are cozy, light reads, great for anyone looking for fast-paced, fun series.

Go and check them out. Remember, there are 15 books!

Always be watching for new book reviews!

                              

Manners Matter! A list of Children's books to read.

Mind Your Manners, Please!

Teaching children a few basic manners goes a long way.

    I am always trying to find a great lesson to teach my daughter. She is homeschooled, so it is my job to be mom and teacher. One thing we have always taught our daughters, is manners.

Yes, I am the mom who says things like, "That's not ladylike." You can call it old fashion or sexist, or whatever you want. I use it, it works, and we believe in it.

Manners are so important in everyday life. It should be a habit that is universal, but it has to be taught. Manners aren't something children are born with or something they just know.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Teaching manners could be as simple as reminding a child to say please and thank you.

It can also be more difficult, as in teaching them not to interrupt someone when they are in a conversation.

There are a ton of manners that are fairly common and universal.

1. Say please and thank you

2. No hitting/biting

3. No screaming

4. Respect yourself and others.

5. Try to share

6. Table manners. Sit still, don't play with your food, etc

7. No burping or slurping

8. Use kind words

9. Help others

10. Do not stick out your tongue or roll your eyes

I'm fairly certain we all want children to understand and follow these, but we need to teach them.

As you all know, I am a total Book Nerd! Books are my go to for so much.

Teaching is one of the ways I use books daily.

Here is a fun list of a few books we either own, have read, or will be getting here soon!

I think my favorite one is the Dude, That's Rude!

You'll definitely have to check some of these out.

Whoopi's Big Book of Manners by Whoopi Goldberg

Emily's Everyday Manners by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post

Dude, That's Rude by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick

Manners Can Be Fun by Munro Leaf

My Mouth is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

The Bernstein Bears Forgot Their Manners by Stan and Jan Bernstein

A Child's Book of Manners by Ruth Shannon Odor

The Thingumajig Book of Manners by Irene Keller

Manners Are Important For You and Me by Todd Snow

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper

These are just a few of the many books available.

I almost always buy my books from Thriftbooks.com

I just love old books!

Buy used!

Save a tree. Save your money!

I hope you find the perfect book for you to teach a child about manners.

Do you already have a favorite? I'd love for you to share.

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 Vinyl Record Day

 National Vinyl Record Day!

How cool is that?

I've always been pulled back into my childhood when I think about vinyl records. Being born in 1980, to me, it was the time of change between 8 tracks and records. Although, that really isn't factual.

8 tracks actual came out in September 1965, and records were out way before that. Almost 100 years before that.

My mom had/has a TON of records. Have you ever seen a picture or scene in a movie where the girl is laying in her room with records everywhere? Piled or strewn around as she listens. Yup! That was my mom,...and my sister and me.

The first record ever made wasn't even made of vinyl. Nope, it was made from shellac. Many inventors had been trying for years to find a way to record sound and be able to play it back.

Thomas Edison actually did record himself saying a piece of the nursery rhyme, Mary Had a Little Lamb, on a phonograph in 1877.

10 years later in 1887, German inventor, Emile Berlinger created the first device that recorded and played back sound on a lateral-cut flat disc, the forerunner of the modern record.

He founded the United States Gramophone Company in 1894.

It really is fascinating. Whether you speak German or not, it is pretty cool to hear the first recorded record.

CLICK HERE

In 1948, Columbia Records released the first actual record made from Vinyl.(Shellac records stopped being produced completely in 1960)

Vinyl is Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)

This was a huge upgrade. Prior to vinyl, shellac records could only hold/record 1 song on each side. Approximately 5 minutes of music. Vinyl made it possible to record whole albums of songs.

Can you imagine being a teenager during this time?

It would be like in the 90's when we didn't have to rewind or fast-forward our cassettes. We could just choose a number of the song we wanted on a CD and play it right where we wanted it to start.

These kids would be mind-blown!

There are now, 7 main types of records.

LPs-long playing

10 inch(long playing microgroove records)

7 inch-singles

12 inch-albums(single cut at 45 RPM)

EP-extended play(somewhere between single play and LP)

Flex Disc(flexible, super thin disc)

Dub Plate(popular with DJs)

From 1887 until the 1960s records and record players were improved and standardized, with 33 and 45 RPM records supplementing most other formats in the years after WWII.

What we see today is pretty much been the standard record since around 1970.

Even with records remaining and being considered durable, we've still been through 8 tracks, cassettes, CDs, and MP3 players.

Surprisingly, in 2020(wasn't a total bust), vinyl record sales actually surpassed the sale of CDs.

Surveys have shown it isn't Gen X or Boomers doing the majority of buying, either. It actually is Millennials doing all the vinyl record buying!

Retro is in, I guess. I'll take it. 

Again, there is something totally nostalgic about a vinyl spinning out our favorite tunes.

A couple of the biggest selling albums today are,

Michael Jackson-Thriller

The Beatles- Abbey Road Anniversary Edition

If you don't have a record player, there are tons of options available from new, vintage or used.

Shut. The. Front. Door!

Check out this vintage looking gramophone!

Vintage Gramophone @HomeDepot

Gorgeous!

I would love it!

I could also go for something more modern and retro, like this

Crosley Journey Turntable in Turquoise

Both are beautiful, and I can see myself listening to records for hours!

What is your favorite style?

Do you still own any "Vinyl"?

I hope you've enjoyed learning as much as I have. Happy National Vinyl Day!

National "Get Out of the Doghouse" Day!

 National Get Out of the Doghouse Day!

Why do we use this phrase, and where did it even start?

I'm so glad you asked. I'm going to fill you in soon. I have always been one of those people that like to know the how's and why's before I share any information. I have to at least try to dig into the history or facts about what ever it is. 

 E.g. Why do people say someone is "piss poor" or that it is "raining cats and dogs"?

Those are a couple of fun ones I looked up. You'll have to do your own digging on those and maybe some others.

Now, back to today's fun saying.

"Get Out of the Doghouse"

It is celebrated every year on the third Monday of July.

The phrase is known to be used when someone(spouse, friend, other), is in trouble or out of favor with the other. It is used as a punishment for their transgression. A shaming tactic.

I'm sure we all know what it means or how it is used, but do you know why we say it or where it started?

Would you believe it began in a classic children's book we all know, fairly well, I'd say?

It all started in 1911 in the story of Peter Pan, written by J.M Barrie.

That's right!

In chapter 16, Mr. darling is feeling guilty that the children flew away, and he consigns himself to the "doghouse" or kennel, as is the case in the book.

Quote:

"When the children flew away, Mr. Darling felt in his bones that all the blame was his for having chained Nana up, and that from first to last she had been wiser than he. Of course, as we have seen, he was quite a simple man; indeed he might have passed for a boy again if he had been able to take his baldness off; but he had also a noble sense of justice and a lion's courage to do what seemed right to him; and having thought the matter out with anxious care after the flight of the children, he went down on all fours and crawled into the kennel. To all Mrs. Darling's dear invitations to him to come out, he replied sadly but firmly:

"No, my own one, this is the place for me.""

This may be why we associate the phrase more toward men. Who knows?

This is where the phrase or the idea originated, but the first actual printed "in the doghouse" verses Mr. Darling consigning himself to the kennel; actually can be found in James. J. Finerty's 1926 glossary of the language of criminals, Criminalese, in which being "in the doghouse" is described as being "in disfavor"

Not a big gap between Children's class literature and Criminal language.

Funny how that happens. 

The next confirmed print of the term is found in 1933 in an Iowa newspaper, Waterloo Daily, in which the "poor French ambassador" is being described as "still in the doghouse."

Books used for references:

Peter Pan: With original 1911 illustrations

How to Stay Out of the Doghouse by Josh Rubin

Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms

I think the phrase has definitely become more popular, and widely used, over time.

We've probably all said it once or twice, whether we put someone there, or were there ourselves.

I hope you've enjoyed today's post and our fun facts about our National Fun Holiday.

National Different Colored Eyes Day!

 National Different Colored Eyes Day!

Y'all! I am so, so super stoked to do this one! 

If I had a dollar for every time someone has looked straight at me and asked, "Do you know your eyes are two different colors?"(Here's your sign!)

I would be one rich momma! Yup!

Yours truly!

This day was meant for me!

The medical term is actually Heterochromia. It means a variation in color of the iris. The word is derived from Ancient Greece where "heteros" means different and "chroma" means color. 

Heterochromia is determined by the production, delivery, and concentration of melanin(pigment). It may be inherited, or caused by genetic mosaicism, chimerism, disease, or injury.

According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information center, most cases of heterochromia of the eye occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition.

Most cases are present from birth and are called genetic heterochromia.

People who develop it later on in life due to illness, injury, or medication are considered acquired heterochromia.

There are 3 types of Heterochromia.

Central heterochromia:

It is when the irises match each other but have a ring of different color around the pupils. Although not as striking as the other two types, central heterochromia is the most common type. For instance, someone with blue eyes may have an inner brown ring around the pupil.

Segmental heterochromia:

It is also known as heterochromia iridis, occurs when a patch of different color appears in one iris. Most common is blue eyes, with one having a brown speck or patch in the iris. This type is usually the most noticeable do to the drastic difference from one eye to the other due to the patch of color showing in only one eye.

Complete heterochromia:

It is also known as heterochromia iridum, occurs when the two irises are completely different colors.

This is the rarest type and most likely to be genetic and born with the condition. Less than 200,000 Americans have been found to have complete heterochromia.

(This is the type that I have)

There are quite a few celebrities that actually have heterochromia. Some are extremely noticeable, as in David Bowie(complete), while another like Simon Pegg's(segmental) are not as extreme.

A few more to list are:

Mila Kunis

Jane Seymour

Dan Aykroyd

Joshua Henderson

Kiefer Sutherland

Elizabeth Berkley

and 

Christopher Walken

There are several more you can read about and learn the types they have, which were born this way and which acquired it from injury or other.

Celebrities with Heterochromia

I learned that even with all of these well known people, and myself having heterochromia, it is still considered a rare condition. 

Heterochromia affects less than 1% of total human population!

I know some of you are thinking...because, I have heard this a million times.

"Wow, I've seen dogs with that!"

Yes, I'm sure we've all seen a dog or cat with different colored eyes. It definitely is more common in animals. I just didn't want to get into a whole other part of DNA and genetics with this post. You can learn more about heterochromia in animals by clicking the link a little farther down the page.

Since, I do actually have this, I wanted to learn more and share what I found.

You can always do some extra digging to find out more.

Here are just a couple refs. I pulled up.

American Academy Ophthalmology(AAO)

Heterochromia in Animals

I hope you've enjoyed today's post and maybe even learned something new.

I know I found a few statistics I didn't know and a few celebrities I wasn't aware had heterochromia.

Do you know anyone with this condition?

I'd love to hear about it.

Share pics/email or just comment and let me know!

Here's my little selfie collage!

National Sugar Cookie Day!

 Ohhhh, Sugar Sugar... Cookie

Today is National Sugar Cookie Day!

To celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day, I thought I would share a little about myself and my family before getting into our history and fun facts' part of the post.

I don't know about anyone else, but sugar cookies are a staple food in my family! We have a secret Mamaw recipe. Don't ask for it, I won't give it out, but I guarantee you, if you come over on ANY holiday, there will be sugar cookies to taste!

I'm not even kidding. My Mamaw has 3 of those Christmas variety popcorn tins absolutely full of cookie cutters. She also has given a few to the grandkids to use in their homes. I could easily guess, she has 100s of cookie cutters.

If she is rockin' her shower cap and whips out the rolling pin, it is on!

Go time!

It is such a special time for all of us. Not only is it fun and yummy, it is a great time to be with family. It is also a pretty good skill to know. Baking!

Well, I didn't exactly master that one. If it was my job to bring cookies to the school party, you'd be getting store bought. I just cannot do it! I, either end up with one huge pancake cookie or they are dry and burnt.

I'll leave the baking to the family pros and stick with the easy, cheater kind if we aren't having a family cookie party soon.

Pilsbury Ready to bake* Sugar Cookies

The sugar cookie is believed to date all the way back to the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

German Protestant settlers created round, crumbly and buttery tasting cookie that came to be known as the Nazareth Cookie. The sugar cookie is, basically, what I call the "original cookie". It really is amazing just as it is. Warm, sweet, and just soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Don't look at it as a plain, basic cookie. Look at it as the base or starting point of a ton of cookies!

Take your "basic" sugar cookie dough and add to it.

Add peanut butter= peanut butter cookie

Add chips=Chocolate chip cookie

Add cinnamon=Snickerdoodle

Add oats and raisins= Oatmeal/raisin cookies

You get the idea. One other way to jazz up your sugar cookie is icing it.

Today, sugar cookies have become an art form, with making and decorating for people of any age.

Cookie decorating dates even farther back than the sugar cookie. It seems around the 14th century, Switzerland had cookie molds that they used to impress biblical designs into cookies.

If you are the type to put "icing" on your cookie, it may be fun to know that icing actual came before frosting.

Icing was first used around 1683, while frosting was first attested in 1750.

I am a fan of old-fashioned buttercream icing.

It could be, just nostalgia, but it will always be my favorite.

What type do you prefer? Frosting, icing, buttercream, cream cheese, whipped.

If you aren't a baker, be sure to click the highlighted link above to grab some easy break and bake sugar cookies!

Do you have a certain holiday that brings out your baking skills?

I'd love to hear about it. Any tips for the non-bakers out here?

Have a great day and go celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day!

National Bikini Day!

 National Bikini Day!

Hello, and welcome to our next National Fun Holiday.

I actually found out a ton of interesting things about the bikini. I was trying to figure out the best way to give you all this information and keep it in order. Since I found bits and pieces all over, I didn't want to give it to you that way. I've decided to do this post in a written timeline sort of way. Bear with me, we'll get there!

When asked, when did the bikini start or How old is the bikini most people, myself included, probably assume around the mid 20th century.

Well, we aren't completely wrong.

Let's get started on this timeline.

5600 BC~ Evidence of bikini-style women's clothing has been found that far back. Illustrations of women wearing these garments during sporting or competitive events in the Roman era have been found in several locations, the most popular being, Villa Romana del Casale.

I'm not great with numbers, so I hope I'm putting these in the correct order. biggest first, lowest later? Is that right? Until AD?

1400BC~two-piece garments worn by women for athletic purposes are depicted on Greek urns and in paintings.

Active women of ancient Greece wore a breastband called a mastodeton, which continued to be used as an undergarment into the middle ages. Bottom garments were called subligaria. Which is similar to the "high waisted" brief style.

286-305 AD~ During an excavation in the 1950/the 60s there was a mosaic artwork floor discovered depicting 10 women in athletic style garments in an obvious competition. 

It has actually been dubbed, "Bikini Girls".

Nowhere in history, to this point indicated "bikinis" were made or used for swimming or sunbathing. they were more likely a sporting uniform garment.

Jumping forward. I honestly couldn't find anything else until the 1900s. 

1946~

Now, we get to the actual BIKINI!

July 5, 1946, in Paris, the bikini made its debut.

French designer Louis Reard named this new two-piece swimsuit after Bikini Atoll, where the USA conducted atomic tests. Thinking it would make an explosive statement. (He wanted to name it "atom") True story, although I don't think it would have become as popular.

Europe enthusiastically donned the new two-piece swimsuit, other countries, including the United States, weren't quite ready for such an immodest garment.

Several countries actually banned the buying and wearing of any such garment.

There are still a few that it is illegal to, even today.

Actress Carole Landis

1954~

 French film The Girl in the Bikini starring Brigitte Bardot, showed one of the first bikinis ever seen on television. Bardot has been credited with popularizing the bikini and making it a classic summer style.

1960s~

By the 1960s the United States and other countries had gone bikini bonkers!

Beach-themed movies poured out in abundance!

~Where the Boys Are

~Gidget Goes Hawaiian

~Bikini Beach

~How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (I'm a bit scared to ask about this one)

~Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine

~For Those Who Think Young

~The Horror of Party Beach

~Clambake

~Blue Hawaii

~Beach Blanket Bingo

~A Swingin' Summer

~Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (Y'all, I can't make these up.)

I'm sure there are a ton more! It is clear that the United States lost all public modesty in the 1960s!

~1988

By then, the original designer had died, and his company had folded. Still, the bikini made up 20% of swimwear purchased that year.

~1990s

With people becoming more conscious about UV rays and skin cancer, the more modest "tankini" or fuller tops became popular. 1997, Malia Jones appears on the cover of Shape Magazine wearing the halter top two-piece bikini for rough waters. Setting, a short-lived hype.

~2000s

People seemed to move away from the risks and bikinis again became skimpy and revealing

~ the 2020s

Most popular bikini styles for today's women

Tie front/High waist

One strap top/Hipster bottoms

Squareneck top/Standard Bikini bottom ~ this one is my personal favorite.

Today, you can find just about any type of bikini.

Skimpy, sporty, modest, thong, string, strapless...

They say there is a swimsuit for every girl and every body type.

I have a few styles that I'm comfortable in, but it definitely is a struggle. Our bodies sometimes change as quickly as fashion. (or the image of our bodies, more likely)

Anyway, I say

~WEAR THE BIKINI~

Have fun. Be comfortable. You go do your thing!

I really do have so much fun getting pulled down the rabbit hole with these posts!

#historynerd

Please, like, love, comment, share!

I love feedback. 

To celebrate National Bikini Day!!!

It's going to be 92F here in Ohio today!

I definitely will be rockin' my bikini, hangin' out in the kiddie pool today!

International Joke Day!

 Today is

International Joke Day!

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Water.

Water who?

Water you asking so many questions for, just open up!

A joke by definition is a display of humor in which words are used within a specific and well-defined narrative structure to make people laugh and are not to be taken seriously.

Jokes come in a variety of styles, themes, and subjects.

Riddles, knock knock, Yo momma, wit-wordplay, what do you call a... , the blonde, the rabbi, satire, puns, why did the chicken cross the road...

There probably is a joke about everything! From corny to raunchy, there is some type of humor for everyone.

Want to hear the oldest "Yo Momma" joke? (Ancient Rome, between 63BC to 14AD)

"The Emporer Augustus was touring the Empire, when he noticed a man in the crowd who bore a striking resemblance to himself.

"Intrigued he asked: Was your mother at one time in service at the palace?'

"No your Highness,' he replied, 'but my father was.'"

Ouch! Burn!

Have you ever wondered how jokes got started? Who was the first to have a sense of humor?

Historic researchers have dated the earliest written joke back to 2300B.C., during the Old Babylonian period. 

The joke goes, "Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband's lap."

Y'all men have been telling fart jokes and cracking on their wives since 2300B.C.!

Guys, you weren't funny back then, and you still aren't! (usually) Ha!

The oldest joke book dates back to the 4th or 5th century AD.

Philogelos (Greek for love of laughter), is a collection of 265 jokes. The book is not attributed to a single writer, but many.

You know the phrase, that's the oldest joke in the book?

Well, it's not THE oldest joke, but one of the top 10 oldest jokes actually is

"An intellectual came to check in on a friend who was ill. When the man's wife said that he had departed, the intellectual replied: 'when he arrives back, tell him that I stopped by.'"

and it's in the book!

During the 15th century, the printing revolution spread across Europe following the development of a movable type printing press. Printers turned out "jestbooks" along with Bibles to meet both lowbrow and highbrow interests of the people.

Did you know jokes are good for your health?

It's true.

Laughter really is the best medicine!

Laughing is a natural stress relief. Laughter can lighten your mental stress, but it also causes physical changes.

Some short term results are:

1. stimulating your organs by intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles

2. Releases endorphins

3. Activates and relieve your stress response helps regulate your heart rate

4. Soothe tension. laughter stimulates circulation and aid muscle relaxation

Long term effects:

1.Improve your immune system. Positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress.

2. Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.

3. Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations

4. Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illness. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.

There you have it! The history and benefits of jokes!

If you're looking for new material or just to brush up on some old ones, check out a couple of these joke books.

Crazy Kids' Jokes

Naughty Adult Joke Book #1-10

What is your sense of humor "type"?

Corny, witty, dry?

I'm definitely a corny joke type. Although I can handle a good "adult" joke at appropriate times.

What is your favorite joke?

Be sure to comment and share with us. 

Have a Happy International Joke Day! Make someone laugh!

I will leave you with this one.

"What do you call a three-humped camel?"

Pregnant

Not the best, I know. Send me a better one!

National Waffle Iron Day!

 National Waffle Iron Day!

Not to be confused with National Waffle Day, which is August 24th

I want to start off by saying, this post subject is one that I really got into researching. I'm a geek for useless(and not-so) facts!

I love discovering history. 

Who was the first to...

How was X started.

Where was the first X

I have so many questions!

I found the history of the waffle iron quite fascinating.

Culinary historians believe what is now called waffles and the iron to make them can be dated back to ancient Greece

Chefs roasted flat cakes called obelios between metal plates attached to long wooden handles over a fire and they weren't as sweet as a modern waffle.

Around the 14th century, wafer irons were flat, sometimes circular, and usually made to imprint elaborate patterns, including coat of arms, landscapes, and religious symbols.

Over time, these wafers became thicker and were more of the modern waffle. Early waffle irons were hot, heavy, and dangerous.

Many people suffered serious burns due to lifting and trying to turn the hot irons.

In 1869, Cornelius Swarthout patented a new and improved stove-top waffle iron!

His invention looked nothing like modern electric models. Fashioned to sit on wood or gas stoves, the cast-iron plates were joined by a hinge that swiveled in a cast-iron collar.

Quote from his patent "

The nature of my invention consists in providing a handle, connected with and forming part of a waffle-iron, by means of which the same may be readily turned over without danger of slipping and without the possibility of burning the hand. It also consists in providing a device, by means of which the upper covering portion of a waffle-iron may be raised, so as to expose the interior, for filling, or for removing the waffle when done without danger of the cover slipping back, and without burning the hand."

The next big upgrade was in 1911 when General Electric developed a prototype of the first electric waffle iron. They didn't start production until 1918.

From then on, waffle irons have been upgraded and improved.

We've come a long way with the waffles.

In doing the research, I found a ton of antique waffle irons on both Ebay and Amazon.

I have to say, this little one is my favorite. Modern technology with a retro charm.

Dash No-Drip Waffle Maker 

or even this one

Double Hearts Waffle Maker

I hope you've had as much fun as I have learning all about the history of the waffle iron.

How do you like your waffles?

1. Traditional, butter, syrup and/or powdered sugar

2. Freshened up with fruit and whipped topping

3. Trendy with the chicken and waffles crowd

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?

Dear America Book Series

 

Dear America Book Series

I know this isn't my usual spot for book reviews. You can view those here: A Novel Experience 

 I wanted to do a little showcase on these great books. I'm calling these a series, although they actually are stand-alone. I definitely recommend buying as many as you can!

I have 3 daughters, am a self-taught history buff, and an unapologetic book hoarder.

According to Goodreads, there are 43 books. We probably own 15 or so and have read more of them.

These historical fiction books are fascinating. They are full of wonderful information on some of America's biggest historical moments!

While the protagonist is usually a fictitious, young girl writing in her diary, the historical events are factual and many of the names are also real people.

I actually just finished reading another one of these books, which is mainly the reason for this post.

I wanted to hop on here and share this one.

Dear America, A Time For Courage

The Suffragette Diary of Kathleen Bowen

Washington, D.C, 1917

written by: Kathryn Lasky

I honestly was just drawn into this book from the beginning. There is so much information that I learned.

A few of the things I am taking away from this book.

The suffragette movement was so much more than just women wanting to be legally allowed to vote.

Women were not allowed to sue anyone, have mortgages, and were often denied higher education. Women were also required to quit their jobs once they became married at one time in history.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first to hold a meeting for woman's rights in her home. The meeting, held in July 1848 held over 300 women and 40 men, including Frederick Douglas.

Lucy Burns was arrested with many other women. In 1917, she led many of the women prisoners on a hunger strike that eventually led to their pardons and release from jail.

President Wilson did not support the Women's movement and often refused to listen or acknowledge the picketers and spokespeople.

Women picketers were called unwomanly, pathological, diseased, dangerous, among other things.

Women today still fight for equality.

 

As you can see, this book alone is full of wonderful history.

I would love for you to check out more of these books here.

More Dear America Books!

Have you read any of them?

Which is your favorite?

National Fudge Day!

 It's National Fudge Day!

I know I missed a few days last week, but I'm trying to focus posts on either things I know about or things I'm interested in learning about. Or, just something that looks fun!

I do know about fudge!

I think of fudge as something nostalgic. It reminds me of Mamaw's kitchen, being at fairs or flea markets, going on vacation, and watching the confectioners churn chocolate those huge brass vats!

Fun Facts(Wiki):

Fudge originated here in the United States in the late 19th century.

Its popularity was partly due to the decreasing costs of refined white sugar, and partly because it was easily made at home without any special equipment.

 Mackinac Island Fudge, located on Mackinac Island, Michigan was the first candy shop established!

Founder, Rome Murdick was also the first to use a marble slab to make the fudge. This not only gave the fudge a unique flavor but also let customers watch it being made!

I think one of the things that attract people to fudge is its diversity.

You can start with any base(chocolate, peanut butter, or vanilla) and add in just about anything to jazz it up. Try adding crushed cookies, fruits, nuts, coconut, marshmallows, baking chips, candies, even liqueurs, and anything else that sounds yummy in a piece of fudge!

I went over and grabbed a couple recipes for you to check out.

For those that want quick and easy.

Easy 2 Ingredient Fudge!

For the more adventurous.

41 Delicious Fudge Recipes

If you're like me and love fudge but have no desire to actually make it...

Go here! 

Great selection of fudge! Yummm!

Make sure to comment and let me know how you are celebrating National Fudge Day!