Father's Day Favorites

What are you going to get Dad for Father's Day this year? Please don't say a tie, cause I promise you he doesn't want one. He also doesn't want a hammer, and whatever you do, don't buy Dad soap on a rope. He might act like he is thrilled, but deep down he will be disappointed by any of those ideas. Instead check out some of these Dad tried and approved Father's Day Favorites.

Does Dad love to cook? Then give him a few bottles of the best olive oil that we have tried to date. Lanconiko is family made and of the utmost finest quality. My husband was crazy about the Black Truffle Infused Olive Oil as it adds so much flavor to almost any dish! Order online for about $22 a bottle.

If Dad loves a good joke, then he will consider this You're So Punny Dad joke book the holy grail of affordable father's day gifts. For under $8 you can get this from Amazon. Dad will delight you with numerous new Dad jokes in the months to come. That alone makes it a must buy book for your Dad.

Any guy who loves to be in the great outdoors can appreciate a well made hat. My husband can't say enough about this Gear Top Safari/ Fishing Hat. It is comfortable, keeps the sun off his face and looks pretty stylish too. Order it from Amazon for under $20.

Charge all of Dad's devices with ease with these awesome Defender charging products. The Dual Wireless Charger is a game changer as it can accommodate charging without the hassle of cables. Order online or find it at stores like Best Buy.

If Dad is missing out on his stint in South Florida this season, why not bring the memories and flavors of a cup of tea and a few scones to his door? My husband whimpered over these mouth watering scones! Get a sampler for about $36, delivered to your door right from Erika's Tea Room.

Who has better jokes? Dads or their kids? Why not let them challenge each other to see who gets the most laughs with this Don't Laugh Challenge Joke Book. Get a copy from Amazon for about $8 for loads of laughs this summer.

If Dad likes to play games, he will welcome this super fun strategy game The Alpha by Bicycle. Give Dad the chance to unleash his inner wolf and collect the most food to win. This involving and fun game retails for about $30. Buy it online for your loads of competitive fun with your father!

Give Dad's best friend fur-ever a treat to make the day a tail wagger. We highly recommend trying the line of goodies from Bow Wow Labs. One dog digs the bully sticks. The other melts for Bow Wow Treats. Both make Dad happy to see his dogs delighted. Order online; treats are about $8 a bag or $20 a 3 pack and you can also get the bully buddy for safer bully stick chewing.

Treat Dad to something sweet with an assortment of chocolate bars from Sugarpova. We loved the Milk Chocolate with strawberry bars and also the tasty gummies! Order online or find at retailers like Target. Bars start at $3.50 and are so worth it!

Dads have lips too, so why not offer him a funny twist on moisturizing and sun protection with a Fish Slime Lip Balm assortment? Priced at about $8, this three pack of chap stick will have a smile on Dads lips for sure.

Dad will love this fuss free solution for his hair. In:dex by Dex smells really good, it gets even the sweatiest of hair clean and moisturized. As a bonus you can use it as a body wash too! Order it online for about $35, and while you are at it, check out their other products that are free of parabens, detergents and sulfates. 

Take the guesswork out of hair care for your Dad with this premium line by Masami. My husband and son are crazy about this Mekabu styling cream. It has great hold and a really pleasant smell. Order it online for about $36. 

Give Dads social life a boost with this really fun and revealing game that is all about social interactions and scandalous truths. The next time he is hanging out with his friends and they play Ask Me Anything, they are sure to have a ton of laughs. Order it online for about $30. 

Tell Dad how you really feel while giving him a great tumbler for on the go drinks. He can keep his favorite cold or hot drink at the perfect temperature with this really durable and handsome tumbler for the best dad ever from OneBttl. Order it online for about $25.

Sometimes Dad needs a chance to chill; this When Dogs Fly coloring book is the perfect way for him to relax while getting creative. This adult coloring book combines dogs and planes for a fun time that practically flies off the page. Order it from Amazon for under $15.

This Father's Day give Dad the gift of story time with this adorable book called Sometimes We Do. My kids loved hearing Dad read this book, which models positive interactions with teaching math between fathers and children.

Give Dad a step up from his standard bag of beef jerky with this nothing short of delicious Moroccan Beef Jerky. My son was crazy for this and really hated to share with his dad. So, if you have hungry boys in the house, get an extra bag! Order it online for about $9 a bag.

Take the fuss out of Dads grooming rituals with Up Front Cosmetics. They make shampoo bars that are amazing but the conditioner bars are a must have for camping, or just quick showers that don't need any packaging that ends up in a landfill. Find these and a variety of other products online, prices for the bars are about $14.

Give Dad the gift of great hair with some of the best smelling botanical shampoos, conditioners and hair care products I have ever tried. But do yourself a favor and buy some for yourself too, cause Fruity Roots is THAT GOOD! Order it online for about $14 a bottle. 

Active guys are going to love this alternative to metal rings. Groove Life has some super comfy and stylish rings that you don't have to worry about damaging. Buy a special guy in your life one, or a few for about $35. They have so many cool styles and options that he will never argue about wearing his ring again. Order online for 1 to 2 days shipping.

Alister for men makes some of the best smelling shampoos, body washes and lotions ever. Dad will bask in the fragrance and the lady in his life will dig the pheromones infused in it! Order the deluxe set for $80 and have her calling you Daddy all day long.

If you have a favorite idea for Father's Day, I hope you will tell me about it in a comment! Which is your favorite idea on this list?

Probably Jakarta has more than Bali...explore it

What comes to your mind when you think of Indonesia? It is Bali, right? But instead of it why don't you fly into Jakarta this 2020 and see what it has? After all, it is the capital city of Indonesia and has a more lively life than Bali. 

Here are few most visited places where you can bring back your life after boring lock down and quarantine. 

The National Monument:

This 132 meters iconic landmark is where you can kick start your journey to explore Jakarta. Constructed in honor of independence struggle you can just enjoy the amazing view of architecture from the ground itself or move to the top to see how beautiful and vivid the city is. It has untold importance in the hearts of locals and is the most visited spot not only by tourists but also the Indonesians. The best way to capture the visiting memories of this place is by visiting it at night to see its beauty magnified by lights. 

Istiqlal Mosque:

This marble wonder was built in 1978 and is the biggest mosque across Southeast Asia. Your Indonesia trip isn’t complete without paying a visit to this beautiful holy place. It can accommodate 200,000 people at a time and has an astonishing courtyard with decorative minarets and designer marble. The interiors of it with attractive Islamic designs are another wonder. The design and architecture are what that makes this mosque unique. 

Merdeka Square:

Spread in more than 1 KM it’s a perfect respite after your tiresome Jakarta exploration. Just go there and relax for some time and see the magic it brings to your mind. In case you have been to Tiananmen Square, Beijing and gotten that peace of mind then for sure you will also enjoy this place. You will get 5 times more than what you got in Beijing as it is 5 times bigger to Tiananmen Square.

Filled with footpaths, wooded areas and remarkable water spots probably you need more time and a comfortable shoe pair to walk around and explore this splendid hangout. It is also the best hangout to spend some time with your soul mate. 

Thousand Islands:

Your perfect escapade from the fast-paced life and it is usually something different to what you see in the mainland city that’s always happening. Situated on the city’s north coast these islands are places to stay close to nature. You have marvelous forests, serene golden beaches, yummy restaurants and more importantly lush greenery. Here, nature provides you with the chance to dip in the sunshine and relax to your heart. All nature lovers, photography freaks and trekkers don't miss this place.

Taman Mini Indonesia Park:

You need not read books or roam about the whole of Indonesia to know the culture and history of the land just visit this park and your cultural tour is finished. It is spread in 250 acres and gives you complete Indonesian tradition and heritage in on ego. It has IMAX theater, a detailed replica of the country’s archipelago, a cable car for you to roam and a conventional theater with one event or the other. 

So, with all these what more does one need. 

Ancol Dreamland: 

Irrespective of your age this is your theme park to visit. A visit here is a must when you are moving with kids. It has bowling arena, Ocean Dream Samudra, Fantasy World, Water Adventure Park, lot many roller coaster rides, beaches and aquarium. Apart from all these attractions it also gives you a chance to escape the harsh humid climate of the country as long as you are here. 

National Museum of Indonesia:

Close to Merdeka Square, this museum is the place where you have the chance to see historic exhibits. It has an incredible compilation of artifacts which present a detailed view of the country’s cultural lineage and history. If exploring history is your choice then this is a must-visit. While the Hindu-Buddhist architecture of the museum will mesmerize you the treasure room with breathtaking golden objects will astonish you. You also have a collection of prehistoric objects, ancient ceramics and weapons to stare at.  

To wind up your Jakarta visit, finish it with a visit to Jakarta Chinatown to explore Chinese traditions and culture in Indonesia. A visit to this place is like seeing Indonesia and China at once. 

10+ Tasty Sheet Pan Meals to Make

If you are looking for a delicious dinner idea that will dirty very few dishes, then you are going to want to check these ideas out! I found 10+ Tasty Sheet Pan Meals to Make that you are going to want to try! These are all totally delicious dinners and they are so easy to clean up for the win!

Guys, I love my family. Like I love these people more than life itself. But, I am tired of washing their dishes and I have cooked a million meals since quarantine started. And I am over it all. I miss restaurants so much.  While they are open with limited seating here, I am still not taking my kids out just yet.

Sheet Pan Dinners have become my saving grace. They are so easy to make and there is basically no clean up.I have found some amazing options. From pork chops to salmon, these dinner ideas are perfect for feeding a family without the fuss. If you use a paper plate to make things even easier, there will be no judgment on my part. Make sure you click through the links to visit the posts. Share your favorites to show some love to the bloggers.


Pork Chops with Broccoli by Lynchburg Mama
Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake by Delicious on a Dime
One Sheet Asian Chicken by Domestic Superhero
One Pan Chicken Shawarma  by Spend with Pennies
Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos by We Dish It Up
Cajun Shrimp Sheet Pan Meal by Taste Galaxy
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas by Love Bakes Good Cakes
Chicken and Apple Sheet Pan Dinner by Tastes of Lizzy T
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies by Live Laugh Rowe
Lemon Garlic Salmon by Love Bakes Good Cakes

Looking for more tasty stuff?
Don't miss these reader favorites:
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Blackberry Cheesecake Floats

Pine Cone Rescue Fine Motor Activity

This easy fine motor activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy without requiring any special materials! This Pine Cone Rescue is great for quarantine, or anytime you need to challenge little learners with simple supplies.

This is a super easy to set up activity, but let me be honest, this is HARD! It will challenge the kids and their fingers!  Last week my kids were restless and they were looking to argue with each other and I whisked them outside for a walk, hoping to get the ants out of their pants. 

It didn't work; they had a fight or three in the middle of the street. As the 6 year old picked up a pine cone to throw it at her older brother, inspiration hit me. Busy work was exactly what they needed!

Supplies:

Affiliate links are used, if you buy, I earn a small advertising fee.

Rainbow Loom Bands

Pine Cones

Directions:

Place the small rubber bands around the pine cones.

Add more bands for older kids, and fewer for younger kids.

Encourage your kids to rescue the pine cone.

Be sure to dispose of the bands properly after removal because they can pose a hazard to small kids and pets.

Removing the bands is challenging! So, this is a great activity for kids of all ages. 

You can find more boredom busters for kids here
Mermaid Tail
Leaf Foxes
Easy iPad Stands

Queen of Hearts Bookmark

These easy no sew queen of hearts bookmarks are perfect for making and sharing! Give a few as a gift, or keep a few near your bookcase.

Summer is here and I am loving the lazy mornings by the pool. As soon as the kids get up they are want to jump in and spend the day there. We often joke they are going to grow fins if they don't come out and dry off for a little while. I don't mind sitting pool side, observing the kids and reading a book.  So, in the warm months, book marks are essential to my life.

I wanted to make something a little bit fancier than a paper bookmark so I checked out my craft supplies and decided to make a few of these. They were so easy and required no sewing, but are substantial enough to not fly away on a windy day.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will earn an advertisers fee.

Supplies:

Wide Ribbon

Hot Glue Gun

Jump ring and clasp

Charm

Directions:

Cut a section of ribbon that is twice as long as the average book.

Fold the ribbon in half and liberally add hot glue.

Fold the ribbon over on to the hot glue and press.
At the end of the ribbon, insert a necklace clasp so that it just  barely hangs out of the ribbon.

Secure with hot glue.

Attach a jump ring to the clasp.
Attach the charm to the jump ring.
Secure with hot glue.

These are great for stashing around the house, where ever you like to relax and read.

These no sew bookmarks are also awesome to share. My husband is a school librarian and we love to make bookmarks to share with the kids, so I have a stockpile started for the day our kids can return to school and enjoy a visit to the school library.

You can find more craft ideas here

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Mermaid Tails

Paper Pizza Craft for Kids

8 Ways to Revamp Your Home and Reflect Your Family

A house isn’t really a home until you decorate it and make it your own. It takes months, sometimes,
years of tinkering with spaces before it becomes a space that you and your family can enjoy living in.

This is why you shouldn’t feel pressured to have everything set up in your home right away. Years later,

 you might come across a beautiful rug from your trip --one that you’ve always dreamed about and now
 it’s sitting beautifully beside your bed. Or you might receive a unique vase from a beloved family
 member, and you find that it perfectly suits your living room. There is always something to add to make
 your home reflect your family.


However, if it feels like your space is looking lackluster lately, there are some things you can do to
change that.


1. Add in personal mementos
Fll in dead spaces with your personal favorite items --things that bring you joy whenever you look at
them whether it’s your favorite books, a memorable item from your travels, a postcard from a friend,
your favorite scent. You’ll enjoy your home more when you catch sight of these items.


2. Get rid of the unnecessary
There are things that bring you joy, then there’s those that you feel ambivalent about, or really dislike.
Have a discussion with your family members so they have a say on the items they want to keep. Then
 by the end of it, dedicate a day to getting rid of this stuff. You can put them up for sale or donate them to
 your nearest charity.


3. Vote with your money
Anything that you bring into your home, make sure that it is in line with what you believe in. For example,
 if you’re trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, only purchase furniture that’s either secondhand or
 has been sourced ethically and made with sustainable materials. You only want to use products that reflect your family’s values. It just feels good to do so and makes domestic living more harmonious.


4. Take on a  DIY project
Dedicate a day in the week to work on the decor that you want in your home. There are plenty of DIY
projects you can work on. You can repaint your dresser, repurpose that extra wood in the garage, or
create a customized piece of furniture from scratch. Take your time on these as you want a finished
product that you’ll want displayed in your home.


5. Grow your own herbs
Take an inventory of the herbs that you often use in cooking and add pots of these in your kitchen. You’ll
 love watching them grow every day and it just feels great grabbing a few sprigs of herbs you need for
 that meal that you’re making.


6. Place flowers in a vase
Not the fake kind, please. The real thing is much, much better. Grab a bouquet of flowers from the
market and place them in a nice vase to put in your living room or kitchen. It instantly spruces up a
 room and will make you smile every time you come by it.


7. Frame pictures and artwork
Do you have a favorite print you’ve always wanted to display? How about some family vacation photos
 you’ve been meaning to get printed out? Now is the time to get them framed and display them on your
 walls. This adds warmth to a space and makes the space truly your family’s.


8. Light up a candle
Find a candle with your favorite scent and one that all your family members love. Light it up every now
and then so that it leaves a nice scent every time you enter a room. Every time you get a whiff of these
 fragrances, it’ll remind you of the cozy home you created with your family. 

Bonus:

Want to spice up your home decor? Try something unique, something you’ve never done before, like

using gorgeous Roman statues or figures. They will add character and a museum vibe to your interior 

decoration. You can top them off with other artworks, like paintings and sculptures, to complete the 

art-gallery look.

Which of these tips do you love the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Night King Cocktail Inspired by Game of Thrones

This eye catching cocktail is perfect for sipping while you binge watch reruns of Game of Thrones. Made with heavy cream, vodka and blue curacao, it has a delicious bite that leaves you wanting more.

My husband is a serious Game of Thrones fan. He loved the books, was enthralled by the series and has managed to develop quite the collection of merchandise from the show. He loves it so much that I have felt guilty for some time about not watching with him. It would have been nice to have someone to talk to about the show I suppose. 

So that was a wife fail. To make up for my lack of enthusiasm, the last time he was tuned in, wishing for different outcomes and additional episodes, I made my way into the kitchen and made him a cocktail. I wanted it to feel fitting for a serious fan, and I had limited info to go off of. 

I had seen the Night King a time or two, and I was inspired by the blue curacao in my home bar. A quick survey of the fridge told me I had ample heavy cream and with that, this cocktail was born.

• Ingredients:
• 4 ounces of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 ounce of vodka
• Blue curacao

• Directions:
• Whip sugar, and heavy cream until you have a nice thick whipped cream .
• Fold in the vodka.
• Transfer to a glass, carefully drizzling as much blue curacao on as you like. I kept it light for the swirling effect.
• Serve ice cold. 
• A spoon or straw is helpful for consumption.

Find more recipes here
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Haunting Halloween Cocktails

15+ Amazing Wine Cocktails

A glass of wine is nice, but these cocktails take it a step further to create something truly special. Make a few to sip with someone special, or try them all, spread out over the course of the summer. 

I love to mix drinks for the people in my life. It is fun to share  new concoctions and I love to see what I can come up with based on my home bar. Honestly though, I rarely indulged myself.  Then Covid-19 happened. Life got completely out of whack in a flash. By April I had begun making a cocktail for myself every day around 4, just to keep my even keel.

I found 15 amazing wine cocktails to try at home. I love how these are a good way to finish off a bottle, and when we are back to entertaining, I know several of these will be presented, with LOVE to my friends!

From Guava wine margaritas which happen to sound divine,  to a Moscato Sangria that goes down so smooth, there is something on this list for everyone. I know you will find one you love!

Guava Wine Margaritas by Growing  Up Bilingual
 Strawberry Lime Bellini's by Plating Pixels
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria by Growing Up Bilingual
Wine Lemonade Cocktail by Food Wine and Sunshine
Spiced Pear Bellini by Cupcakes and Cutlery
Pineapple Moscato Sangria by The Taylor House
Spanish Rose Sangria by Bacon is Magic
Honey Peach Sangria Slushies by Snappy Gourmet
Basil Raspberry Sangria by Swirls of Flavor
Easy White Wine Spritzers  by My Kitchen Love
Sparkling Raspberry Wine by 5 Minutes for Mom
Berry Red Wine Spritzer by Girl Gone  Mom
Raspberry Lime Wine Spritzer by Centsless Meals
Cranberry Orange Sangria by The Taylor House
Moscato Sangria by Bolder Locavore

If you are looking for more great cocktail recipes check these out.
Blueberry Vodka Lime Sorbet

Blueberry Gin Fizzers

How to Create the Perfect Area for Entertainment

How to Create the Perfect Area for Entertainment

Ready to throw the party of a lifetime this summer? We all are pretty tired of being cooped up by now and are ready for the drama to be over with. It's time for some fun with friends and family, but how do you plan on entertaining them when the time comes? 

1. Choose an Entertainment Location

Want to grill outside on the patio with a beachside view? Or, do you want to feel cozy with a warm fire burning in the corner of the room? When it comes to entertaining your guests, the setting is just as important as the great conversations you'll have with family or friends. Think about how you'll arrange the area, which themes you'll use, and what measurements you'll need for furniture before you buy any new décor. Your guests will vividly remember all the great times you've had to spend time together in your party room. 

2. Create an Open Floor Plan

Want to set up a cozy area to relax with friends or family? Enclosed spaces and tightly-knit furniture may not be the right way to go. According to RealHomes.com, creating an open floor layout can increase living space in your entertainment room without you having to bump elbows, yet provide enough room for your guests to feel comfortable moving around or having a conversation. Consider adding lighting to dark corners, as well as decorative rugs, structural posts and floors that flow from one room to the next or outdoors to invite guests to move freely. 

3. Buy Sophisticated Furniture 

Once you've set up the trims, textures, and other mood effects, you can begin adding something like these teak rope outdoor furniture sets that match the feeling of the environment. Choose sofas, chairs, or end tables that contrast with the flowers and other parts of your garden. Don't opt for two-tone color schemes though. Instead, try to diversify the color schemes to add touches of aesthetic appeal.

4. Deck It Out with a Home Theater System

Rattle the floors with heart-pumping action or outrageous comedy flicks for your guests to enjoy with the home theater system of a lifetime. Custom home theater solutions in Utah and elsewhere can help you to set up a smart 5.1 beam audio surround set with voice assistant to capture sound at crystal-clear highs and lows for movies, or you could choose a bass-packed 5.1, 7-set speaker system to blast your music and rock the party. If you don't want to bother setting up the system yourself, buy your set from an authorized dealer. 

5. Don't Forget That Minibar

If you're ready to go full circle at your parties, you can't forget to put in that minibar that everyone will frequent as they laugh at the post-quarantine drama. Nothing is better than letting go of your problems around great company, and your bar can serve you personally when you need to relieve stress at home after work. Add plenty of glassware and refreshments before you throw your end of the world party, just in case everyone in the neighborhood wants to visit your rockstar dwelling. 

It's a Whole Lot of Fun and a Bag of Chips

Making your place the heaven of get-togethers doesn't only mean you'll enjoy your time in the room — it also means enjoy setting it all up with some good friends.

Blueberry Lime Soda

This blueberry lime soda syrup is so easy to make. It is perfect for a refreshing drink that you will want to sip all summer long!

We have a drink machine in the kitchen, and it is pretty great. I love making caffeine free soda to serve the family. It is fun to mix up a batch of syrup drawing inspiration from seasonal produce. This recipe came together with only 3 ingredients to create something sweet, tart and completely delicious!

After you make this, you might never buy a prepacked syrup for your soda stream machine again. This is so easy to make and tastes totally amazing! With only 3 ingredients and a few moments of time, this might be your new favorite.

Ingredients:
One fresh lime
2 cups of blueberries
2 cups of water
2 cups of sugar

Tools:
A mason jar or something similar for storing
A mesh sieve/strainer
A medium size saucepan

Directions:
Combine water, sugar and blueberries in a saucepan.
Over medium heat,  cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Allow the mixture to cool for about 20 minutes.
Place the mesh sieve/strainer over the mason jar.
Pour the liquid into the sieve, allowing it to drip into the jar.
As you go, you will crush the fruit to drain the liquid. I use a small mason jar for this.

Allow to cool completely then store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.


To use, add one to two ounces of syrup to your drink mate or soda stream with 12 ounces of water, then carbonate.

If you do not have a drink machine, no worries! Add this to sprite or carbonated water for a really delightful summer treat!

Don't miss my other homemade soda steam syrup recipes. Reader favorites include:

Cherry Orange Soda

Strawberry Peach Pop

Peach  Soda

Memorial Day Coloring Page

Memorial Day is near, so I have a super cute and easy coloring page to share with you for your little ones. Print off a few and color them to decorate your windows or fridge. These are perfect for adding a little Americana flair to your space, in an easy to decorate manner for the smallest hands.

Since the corona virus pandemic has been keeping us away from our friends and neighbors, we have been finding creative ways to connect and say hi to the people around us. We write greetings on the street in front of our friends homes, telling them we miss them. We have video chats and make time to gather online for games and school. We put teddy bears in our windows in March. 

Now that the weather is getting even warmer, more people are out for walks, so adding some colorful flags to the windows seemed like a great way to pass a few minutes of time, while giving the dog walkers and scavenger hunters in the area something to admire.

Print as many as you like. Feel free to pin this image to your coloring page board, and hopefully in the years to come we can share them at school and with our friends. 

Encourage your kids to decorate the flags in red, white and blue for Memorial Day, or in any pattern they like. I would love it if you take a pic of your finished project and share it on my facebook page.

Print the Happy Memorial Day Flag Coloring Page here

You can find all of my free coloring pages here

Reader favorites include:

C is for Cat

J is for Jam