Gifts For Him

This is part one of a two part blog. The holiday gift giving season is just around the corner. Have you even started your shopping yet? Many have not, so I am hear to help...

I started with Gifts For Him, because that seems to be the hardest. I grew up in a house full of girls, but am a mom of a house full of boys (plus one girl), so I know!

So...what to get that special guy? By special I mean, Dad, Brother, Husband, Son, Uncle, Son in law, Brother in law, etc....

Money is always a good thing. The last few years, that is pretty much what my kids want...and need, and that is what they got. I do like to get them a little something though, and I like to give things that are a bit different, yet something that is not a waste....something that they can use.

Ties, video games, and clothes are among various other things you can get that guy in your life, but those are pretty much the expected...but I like the unexpected, so here are a few ideas for those of you that are like me....

The first thing I want to show you is a key chain, made from guitar strings. Now these are a fun conversation piece, and could not only be given to your favorite musician, but anyone who loves music at all!

The next thing I want to suggest is also made of used, cleaned music strings....

Music String Bracelets!

A few of the guys at our local music store asked if I would make them one, and they love their bracelets.

This next idea is a Christmas ornament, but can also be used as a car ornament...you know those things people hang from their car mirror? Living in Louisiana, we have a TON of LSU fans....hence, the purple and yellow colors. I can make ornaments to suite just about any fan...weather you are a Broncos fan, Dolphin fan, or even wanting the colors of your favorite high school team.

Speaking of ornaments...here is an ornament that would be a great topper on a package, and then hang in your car. Just a drop of your favorite essential oil on this terracotta clay piece will make your car smell soooo nice! One could even hang this around their neck. I know I like to wear these, especially when I'm having respiratory issues, I just add a drop of my favorite oil to assist in breathing, and it's there when I need it. I do make these into necklaces too.

If you are interested in any of these ideas, they are available on my TappingflamingoBling Facebook page. I also have an Etsy shop and my Tappingflamingo Instagram has a ton of stuff on it. You see something you like...let me know.

So, I hope this helps you out, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season....

Happy Halloween!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Kwanzaa!

Happy New Year!

The Pediatrician's Guide to feeding Babies and Toddlers

Practical Answes to Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating, and More
      by Anthony F Porto, MD MPH and Dina M Dimaggio, MD

I am a new grandma, and when I saw this book up for review I was so excited about it! The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers is a great resource for new moms as well as experienced grandmas. Anthony Porto and Dina Dimaggio, both MD's, have put together a great book with a plethora of information. The chapters are divided into age groups...0 to 3 months, 4-6 months, 7-8 months, 9-12 months, and chapter 5 addresses the toddlers. Each chapter talks about the milestones of that age group, and also some of the challenges...which they give some answers to many of the challenges that come up. At the end of each chapter are some recipes. In chapter 1, the recipes are mainly for the parents...but can be given to your baby when they are older. I can't wait to try the Oatmeal Power Cookies on page 55. I think they would even be good as a breakfast....yum! The other chapters have some pretty good looking recipes that not only your child will like, but the whole family as well!

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Gift Ideas From TappingflamingoBling

Alligator Gar Jewelry

Another Book Review...."spark joy; an illustrated master class on the art of organizing and tidying up" by marie kondo

I received the book, Spark Joy; An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo some time ago. I chose this book  because we recently moved, and I need to do some "tidying" and get rid of stuff. I thought this book would be a huge help. Funny thing is, one of the first things the author says is to not wait until you move to get organized...oh well...

Marie Kondo's strategy is different than what I have seen other organizers do. I've always been told that going room by room is a good way, but the author says to tidy up by category. I actually think this might just work for me. The sentimental things should be the last thing one goes through, because we tend to get distracted with these items....makes sense to me!

I just took a road trip and read through Spark Joy, and have now made up my plan to get organized.  I hope I can stick with it. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
  

Measuring Your Hand For Guitar String Bracelet

Carnival Magic Day 3 of 7 Days; Costa Maya