R-n-R Reviews

NaNoWriMo

2009-11-09T14:43:00.003-06:00

Posts may be sparse this month due to the fact that I'm participating in National Novel Writing Month. I had participated once a few years ago but didn't make the goal of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. I doubt very seriously that this year will be any different, especially since I got started late. However, I obviously like writing and thought it might be fun to try.

I'm up to 2430 words, which is a little discouraging but, again, it's just for fun. If, by some small chance, I were to make the goal, one of their sponsors, CreateSpace, "is offering all NaNoWriMo 2009 winners a free proof copy of your manuscript in paperback book form. They'll even cover basic postage!". Something to think about if you had a book idea rattling around in your head. Sometimes competition can be a great motivator.

Adorable Kid Finds

2009-10-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

My son's b-day is coming up, so I have been on the lookout for some unique gifts and thought I'd share my finds:

Polliwalks- I love these!!! It's getting a little late in the year for them now; but next year, I'm getting some for sure.

Funky Moose (UK) sells these adorable " daysacks". They have a cow one and turtle one too, all so cute. They actually have a lot of cute things, but I'm not big on ordering toys on-line just because you can find cool toys everywhere. These bags are a different story. Thanks to Giver's log for the find. She has a whole article on neat backpacks.

Apparently, I like the bee theme because I am also drawn to Kidorable's bee umbrella. You've probably seen Kidorable rainwear and things around, but thought I should mention it for those who hadn't.

Dad Can Do

2009-09-06T21:30:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! I just signed up at Dad Can Do, a very cool site dedicated to help dads connect with their children by offering tons of craft/project ideas that dads can do with their children.

More specifically, Chris Barnardo runs the site and, in his words:

Dadcando.com is intended to be a resource resource for all dads, but with a special emphasis on helping the single and or non-resident fathers who have contact with their children (non-resident fathers are those who are separated, divorced or widowed, who live apart from their partner and do not have their children to live with them).

Though I am a married mother, my father had children from a previous marriage that I know he wished he'd been closer to before he passed. So, I find this to be a site and a cause, if you will, that is well worth supporting.

Of course, that is not the only reason to love this site. From a crafter's point of view, the project ideas are awesome. I originally happened upon it while looking for ideas for my Harry Potter Party and was blown away by the originality. I, honestly, looked everywhere for ideas and found that the ideas here were on a whole other level. Here are a couple examples of what I'm talking about:

"Moody's Mad Eye"

Lumos Wand

& Box

Of course, projects are not limited to Harry Potter theme, there's Prince Caspian's Sword from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, a papier mâché robot head from the movie Robots, an alethiometer from Golden Compass. Then there's spaceships and rockets and all kinds of paper plane designs.

My newest project happens to be a dinosaur party for my son and there's some great dragon stuff that I think could easily be tweaked for dinosaurs. For example:

Eggs with stands

Decorative Pouch
Filigree Egg Case

This is just a taste of what this site has to offer. Dad Can Do also has recipes and party planning tips. It really is a must see site. I promise you will end up bookmarking this one.

Cool Jewelry Round-Up

2009-08-31T22:34:00.001-05:00

I don't usually post on jewelry because I don't wear alot of it, but I came across these things and even I like them.

I love the stuff at HeadlessTessDIY on etsy.

Devil and Mouse has some great macabre jewelry that is perfect for Halloween. Of course, I'd wear them anytime.

Tattoo inspired jewelry by Orangyredink at etsy. I love it. I have a couple tattoos myself and think this is a great alternative to the pain of the real ones.

"Complete Party Planner" by Annabel Karmel

2009-08-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

I recently read Complete Party Planner by Annabel Karmel and was happy to see she also has a web site with fun and nutritious recipes for kids.

I thought I'd include a couple of my favorites with Halloween in mind:

Eyeball Cupcakes- Of course there are so many things you can do with cupcakes but I found these to be great inspiration.

Brain Cakes -How fun are these? I love, love, love them!

Rive Magazine: Art Round-Up

2009-07-18T21:36:00.007-05:00

This week's art round-up is from Rive Magazine, including altered art Collage work by Alexander Korzer-Robinson:

I have done something similar a long time ago so, of course, I'm drawn to it. Mine (below) is actually an altered cigar box with a paper bag book, complete with removable shaker brain and trap door.

Chadwick Tyler's Photography:

I love old glamor and the fact that this series of photos is haunting only heightens the appeal for me.

Printed tights by Studio m + o:

I wouldn't have ever thought to try and purposely put veins on my legs before, but there's something wrong about it that I love.

Record Silhouettes by Carlos Aires:

I also had to include this stop animation video by Bang-yao Liu:

Typically, I don't like adding videos but I did stop and watch this and was glad I did. At first I thought "who has time to do this?". Then I thought "I do" and yet I don't use my time doing anything as creative.

This googly eye pic gets my vote for funniest because I often wonder why the world can't be just a little bit more fun, like something from the movie Toys. So, this is as close as I get:

Free eBooks thru Google Books: Craft Books

2009-06-20T15:35:00.001-05:00

While I've been aware of sites where you can read books for free on-line, I haven't paid too much attention to them. I'm big on libraries and the old fashion idea of reading...with an actual book in hand. Frankly, I stare at a computer screen too often to want to read anything of real substance this way. I do, however, read blogs and forums, anything that can be done relatively quickly.

So, that being said Google books does offer free books, more importantly to me, they have some craft books. These are great for referencing once you have to take the real thing back to the library.

Titles include, The Michaels Book of Arts & Crafts and The New Book of Image Transfer just to name a couple.

Here's their complete list of craft books. Of course they have all kinds of books of every subject as well.

Crafty Nest

2009-06-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

I found a new site that I'm loving! I've actually blogged about Crafty Nest before, but I just can't get enough. Check out some sample posts and bookmark her for sure. She rocks!

Postcard “tapestry” tutorial. This could just as easily work for photos or any kind of memorabilia.

faux capiz shell lampshade tutorial

Handmade stencils tutorial

Hanging Jar Lights- Super easy, but with big effects. You could use a wide array of jars and some wire.

Pants hangers + drawer pull picture hangers. This would be nice because the pics could easily be switched out and with a rapidly growing baby boy, I am looking for something I can keep updated quickly.

Wooden tissue box cover "transformed from eyesore to mod"

Free People: Art & Inspiration

2009-06-13T22:03:00.010-05:00

I do a lot of posts on crafts, but I haven't focused too much on arts. However, I was looking over on Free People's blog and it might have persuaded me to do so. Here's just a taste of some of the things I, personally, found inspiring:

Photos by Stuart Gibson

This is Kelburn Castle in Scotland, which in June 2007 was partially painted by the Sao Paolo Crew, who are Brazilian graffiti artists.

I love this because I am constantly saying to my husband that the world should be more fun. My favorite part is, by far, the girl's face at the top. Even if you don't like this type of art, you have to admire it's uniqueness.

Crayon art by Christian Faur

Sand art By Jim Denevan

Silhouette Masterpiece Theater by Wilhelm Steahle. Hi-larious!
Hey, you gotta keep your sense of humor.

43 Things

2009-06-03T22:17:00.004-05:00

I found this new site I love. It's called 43 Things and it's just a list of things you'd like to do. The site helps you mark progress and gives you a little taste of others with the same goals. I like this idea a lot, especially after reading The Amazing Race's host Phil Keoghan's book, "No Opportunity Wasted". In it, he talks about making such a list and I've been keeping a rough sketch ever since.

My first goal:

I’m wanting to get tattoos to represent the elements. So far I have a dragon breathing fire. I have a memorial tat in mind to represent earth. I’m not sure about water and air just yet though I do have ideas. I think I’ve found who I want to do the rest, but she has a long waiting list. So I guess the next step would be to get on the list.

Of course, that's just fresh on my mind, but I have much grander ones to come.

Couple artistic sites I'm diggin'

2009-05-09T21:56:00.009-05:00

At The Wurst Gallery's website you can see examples of artwork found at thriftstores that has been re-worked into personal masterpieces. You just mouse over the originals to see the new artwork. It's really a neat idea because so much of the artwork at thriftstores may never be bought and displayed again otherwise.

I have actually done a version of this myself, though I didn't actually incorporate the original so much as I just used the framing to make gifts for people. I didn't think to do before pics...unfortunately. Here is the final products however:

I Shop Indie is exactly what you might think. It's cool stuff made by artists. I really like it, though I use it more for inspiration than anything, as I do with most sites. here's some examples of their products:

Stamp Out Hunger & The Bread Art Project

2009-05-08T14:12:00.004-05:00

In honor of tomorrow's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive that's going on tomorrow (May 9th), I thought I'd post about an interesting site I found. The site's called The Bread Art Project and it's just that, a place where you can make art out of toast, or bread.

For every piece of bread art created, the Grain Foods Foundation will donate $1 to Feeding America (up to $50,000). You can do this through the bread art site or Go With The Grain. I would do the latter because I tried going through Bread Art and I had problems saving, but that could have just been me.

Here's my masterpiece titled, "My Boys":

Now as far as Stamp Out Hunger goes, place your bags full of non-perishable foods next to your mailbox tomorrow for your carrier to pick up. No glass jars and no expired foods. Refer to the above link for more info.

Super Cool Teen Decor

2009-02-16T22:51:00.009-06:00

I came across this site, PBTeen while I was looking up kids decor and man, it's awesome! Whether you have a teen or you're just young at heart, you should check it out.

For instance, they have these ipod plush dolls like the ones to the right. I actually have a monkey like this that I got at Pottery Barn in my baby's room and I love it! The speakers are surprisingly good.

Even if you don't want to buy anything, the site can provide great inspiration for things you could do yourself. Here are some examples of what I mean:

These could be super easy to do and could probably be done with things you already have around the house. You just gotta keep your eyes open. I know I'm going to. That hat rack will be mine, oh yes, it will be. Of course, I'll put my own spin on it.

Swagbucks: search & win /Alternate emails

2009-02-02T22:38:00.006-06:00

I've been using Swagbucks as a search engine for awhile now. When you do, you can win "swag bucks". These bucks can be used to buy prizes. They have xBox 360s, iPhones, gift cards, movies, shirts, and much more. Here's the complete list of prizes offered now.

All you have to do is search, like you would anyway, and the bucks will pop up. I like it because they're easily won. I win them everyday, and I'm not doing anything special to get them.

You can also get bucks by using their site to recycle your cell phones and to shop. Click below if you're curious. Hey, it can't hurt.

Now if you're like me, then you don't like giving your email address to anything and everything on the internet. That's why I have 2 accounts, 1 for me business and 1 for all the stuff I sign up for. As you can imagine, I don't check the 2nd as much and don't care that it gets bombarded with junk mail. Just a suggestion.

Choosing a Template, Layouts, Screenshots, and more!

2009-01-29T23:00:00.000-06:00

I'm looking for a new template for one of my other blogs, On My Lists (below). I thought I'd share my resources as I come across them.

When choosing a template, you should consider if you want 2 or 3 columns, things like that. I like 3. You can always add another column and make changes of that sort yourself later. I've done that before, but it's just easier to find what you want already "laid out" for you.

Do try and get something simple enough that you can make changes to the header and background, etc. if you want to. This is the mistake I made with my current layout, it's too complex for me to make changes.

You don't need to care about the pictures used in the layout chosen. If you are somewhat savvy on the computer, you can change that stuff easily. Instead, you should focus on the layout, or arrangement. There are all kinds of little quirky things that can make a template special. That's what matters.

That, and the design should make sense for the subject. Currently, RNR Reviews is a magazine style template. I did the header, the colors, but liked that the 2 columns on the side with space below for ads, etc.

With On My Lists, I'm obviously wanting something that looks listy. Yeah, I think that says it all. Seriously though, I'm thinking paper, pad, something like that. Nothing too complex this time because I dread having to change the template. It can be very easy, but I have a lot of widgets and stuff that I have to make sure all transfer correctly. I'll probably have to do a new header and re-arrange things. It can be a time-consuming pain, to say the least.

Here is a list of places I am looking at for possible templates:

I like BTemplates alot. They have a ridiculously large selection. I'm thinking I may find something there.

Createblog has some original stuff I've been seeing pop up here and there on other people's blogs. I really like some of the layouts myself, but they're not right for what I'm looking for.

eBlog Templates has a lot of choices. I don't love the way the site is set up though.

Final Sense is pretty repetitive aka all the designs are very similar.

Our Blogger Templates has a good assortment of ones I've never seen before.

Pyzam has a lot of different backgrounds but the layouts are all too similar for me.

Suck My Lolly has some cute stuff, pretty simple, but cute. Much like Gisele Jaquenod. Her designs are super cute. Too cute, in fact, because you want to keep it the way it is. The problem with that is then it's too recognizable. That is also one of the problems with my blog I'm trying to change. I see tons of people with that same template and it sucks.

Wishafriend is "cute" and would be totally awesome ...if I was 16. Go to Pimp-my-profile if you're 18.

BloggerBuster has a great resource list of sites to get cool templates that I often refer to.

I should mention that if you want to create screenshots like the ones shown in this post, go here for the easiest instructions ever!

Fun Things to do / Possible Gift Ideas

2009-01-21T23:31:00.005-06:00

Put your kids face on the cover of Parenting Magazine. Step by step guide here.

Note that you can do this on your own with photo software. I mention it because with Valentine's Day coming up, there are tons of things you could do with this.

To the right is an example of one I did for X-mas 2007.

Now, for the more thrifty giver, with less time on your hands, here are some tips on saving money on tickets to concerts, movies, etc.

Fun with Photos for FREE!

2009-01-20T22:37:00.002-06:00

In honor of the inauguration, get Obaminized with this site that takes your photo and does it in the same likeness as Obama's.

Not to be outdone by the Simpsonizer that turns your pics into Simpsons characters. Or turn your pics into comic strips at comeeko

Dumpr has some cool stuff you can do with your photos. Mostly fun stuff. If you want the really cool stuff, there is a small fee, but it's still worth checking out the free stuff.

Graphita has some playful ways to personalize your photos, much like pikipimp.

You can join Flauntr and get 30 prints for free! Voucher Code: FREEPRINTS.

This is just the beginning of this list. I intend to add more as I find them myself.

Peanut Butter Recall Expanded

2009-01-20T22:08:00.004-06:00

Go here to check the list of food items recalled due to the Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak.

I know my family's worried because ...well, we're a paranoid bunch, but we've also been very sick lately. I don't believe we've had any of the products listed, so (cross your fingers) it's not Salmonella.

Free Movie Rentals via Redbox

2009-01-19T13:47:00.011-06:00

Here are the new Redbox codes for FREE movies:

K6W3G4 (Monday Jan. 19th 2009 ONLY, ends at midnight)

MCDWNTR (McDonald's ONLY)

Redbox gives out these codes every Monday when you sign up at Insideredbox.com. You can look at what other codes are working for Redbox here.

Check out the new movie releases here.

-OR-

If you go to redbox.com you can views all their movies

-AND-

You can even reserve movies at the location next to you. So you don't have to feel rushed to make decisions with a line of people at your back. It's nice!

Valentine's Day, Kids Creations and other useful sites

2009-01-17T00:02:00.007-06:00

Much like thisnext.com, you can get great, unique ideas for gifts and things @ gifts.com.

If you're looking for Valentine's ideas, this is the place to go. Find things like personalized memory lane art (left) and novelty golf balls (right). What says love better than smackin' a few balls around with your face on `em? I'm just joking but there are some really good ideas there.

Kids 5-14 can write, illustrate, and publish their own books @ tikatok.com

Kids 4 and older can design comic strips @ makebeliefscomix.com

Create your own crosswords @ readwritethink.org

Get electronics tips such as what to do if you spill a drink on your keyboard or how to get a disc out of your computer if it's stuck @ goodhousekeeping.com/wired

Baby Gifts & Essentials

2009-01-06T21:56:00.014-06:00

I realize it's a little past the time but I thought I'd share my opinion of some of my 15 month old's X-mas toys. My sister got him the Playhut Carnival Ball Zone that I wanted for him, thinking that if I was a kid, I would have loved it and he does.

The problem is keeping the balls in the "zone". I thought that the netting would help but the pit actually has a blow up cushion underneath that tilts when he gets out and there go the balls with him. So, it's turned into Living room Ball Zone. It's okay though, as long as he loves it, that's all that matters.

One of the things we got for him was the V-Tech SmartVille Alphabet Train Station. Now, he already has something similar that you can walk with, but this has a lot of added activities and that's what I was looking for because I am a stay at home mom and some of these things get boring fast.

So, I wanted something that could be used for many things, play time, education, etc. That, and I had a hard time finding great things for his age group. It's like he's too old for baby stuff, but too young for the really cool toys. This is really cool though because there's lots to do.
Now, his B-day was a couple months before Christmas and I got him Parents Busy Zoo. It's just like the ones in the doctor's offices that every kid flocks to, but we never think to get one. Well, I did and we all love it! Everyone who comes over plays with it.

I'm not sure when, but my niece got him the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Learning Table and I also recommend this toy. He gets very serious "stirring the soup", but he's probably going to be retiring this toy soon to make room for all the other stuff that seems to be taking over my whole house.

Now, before you jump to the conclusion that my son is spoiled, you should know, he's worth it :)

I also wanted to mention that I got this baby catalog from One Step Ahead baby products and I have to say I'm impressed. I don't typically buy from catalogs so I looked up the website and I do believe I'm going to buy some baby proofing items.

They really have a good selection of things I haven't seen in the stores. They have all kinds of stuff though, clothes, toys, etc. You should check it out here. Just thought I'd mention it in case there are some other overly cautious parents out there, like me.

More Gifts from Instructables.com

2008-12-13T23:03:00.003-06:00

Keyboard thumb tacks, but this could be anything. Use your imagination. Use game pieces from that game that you can never play because the pieces aren't all there. Get how to here.

Word Art- Make a picture made of a collection of words. This one takes a photoshop type program, but if you're good at that then it should be easy. Instructions here.

Neat Wrapping & Gift Ideas

2008-12-12T22:52:00.005-06:00

I was looking at instructables.com for instructions on one thing and, like always with sites like that, you find yourself on something completely different by the end of it.

So, I find myself on Christmas ideas and I found this great idea that I had to share. This is a guide to show you how to put a "rip cord" into your gift wrapping so people can simply pull the string and open the gift in one single step. How awesome is that? The better question is why didn't I think of that? You can find the post here.

Now, I also found this great gift idea that I love, love, love! This post shows you how to make photo tiles that are as easy as can be. You just need tiles, tissue paper, glue and some time.

Pandora.com

2008-12-05T22:30:00.002-06:00

I've listened to Yahoo's launch music station for years until now. My husband introduced me to Pandora. While you can program launch to play music that suits your taste based on ratings you give artists that they play, Pandora takes that theory and fine tunes it. You pick an artist or a song and it can start a station based off that. Then you rate songs, good or bad, and it customizes based on that.

What's great about it though is how consistent the station is. I put in People In Planes, for instance and everything they played is exactly like that type of music and I like almost everything they play. Launch, however, could throw some stuff at me that they couldn't think I liked based on things I had rated. Plus, Pandora doesn't have commercials. Launch charges you if you want that feature. So, I highly recommend checking it out if you like to listen to new music while on the computer.

Playlist.com

2008-11-20T22:40:00.008-06:00

You may have already discovered this site, but if you haven't, you should definitely check it out. Basically, it's just what you think the site would be. You can look up your favorite music and create a playlist that you can add to your blog, myspace, etc.

Here's mine:

Now I know you're probably going to think I have multiple personalities because I like just about everything, except country. But who knows, I tend to go through phases, so nothing's ever ruled out. Right now, I love the blues but I also like anything fun. Music that doesn't take itself too seriously, like Brit Rock. In my mid twenties, I loved the hard stuff. In my teens, I was all about grunge. Before that, I loved rap.

Just to point out, there are some sadder songs that are special to me because they helped me get through my Dad's death. Kirk Frankin and Pearl Jam were especially helpful. I don't know, maybe they will help someone else out there.