Tomorrow, August 1st is National Homemade Pie Day!

Pies bring a lot of joy to people - and while you may not want to bake a pie when the outside temps are high, there are many wonderful recipes for pies which do not require baking. I am very happy to share with you one of my family's favorite summer pies - Lemonade Ice Cream Pie, but first, let's look at a few fun pie facts - did you know . . .

Today is Share a Hug Day!

 

While every day is a day to hug those you love, in my opinion, today is a day to especially focus on hugging others, "to encourage people to show affection to each other."

Daysoftheyear.com says, "There’s something amazing about a hug which just makes the day so much better. Maybe it’s the warmth of someone you care about being close to you, maybe it’s the feeling of security and solidarity which happens when you’re surrounded by the arms of others, maybe it’s the fact you can’t give one without getting one back. Whatever it is, there’s never a bad time to share a hug with someone who’s willing to give or receive one. Share a Hug Day is your opportunity to politely offer someone else a hug when they look like they’re feeling down!" Hugs are SO beneficial - let's learn a few more things about hugs - did you know . . .

Fun Facts about Grandparents & Why What They Do Matters!

Clearly, from the things I write about, I sincerely believe grandparents need to focus on handing down confident faith to their grandchildren. There are reasons I believe this - some of them are . . . 

Summer Reading - I Dare You NOT to Yawn

If you are looking for a fun, slightly different bedtime story which will have you laughing definitely take a look at the book, I Dare You NOT to Yawn, by Helene Boudreau and illustrated by Serve Bloch. I received this book a few years ago for review and it had me laughing - right out loud! I read it to my husband and he ended up laughing, too! I love unexpected books which actually have a definite ring of truth to them and this is one such book!

Summer Reading - The Baby That ROARED

I read and review a LOT of books for children . . . since I love books, this is something I enjoy doing! However; every once-in-awhile a book comes along which is a true delight and occasionally one comes along which makes me laugh out-loud! The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock and illustrated by Nadia Shireenis one such book!

Try Pair Eyewear and Save $25!

This past January when I had to get new glasses, I decided to try Pair Eyewear. This line of glasses was designed to have magnetic top frames which you are able to change out for an entirely new look and style - it is SUCH a fantastic idea! It is like getting an entirely new pair of glasses for only $25 or $30 - the cost of a new topper. I have to say, I absolutely LOVE Pair Eyewear!

Summer Reading - If You're Groovy and You Know It, Hug a Friend

Any day is a great day for a hug and this book is all about hugs, so I'm very happy to share it with you again today. I have long been a big "fan" of picture books. If you are able to combine a fun story with colorful illustrations, well, I am likely to like the book. I do not believe it is ever truly possible to outgrow an excellent picture book - just because the book was written for children ages three to five, it does not mean a grandma will not also enjoy the book. In fact, I am fully convinced all picture books should include "grandmas" when it lists the ages for whom the book is written!

With all of this in mind, when I had the opportunity to select a few books from Scholastic to review and review, I just had to ask for the book I'm reviewing today . . . and I am SO happy they sent it to me!

Truths about Grandparents . . .

 

This morning I was thinking about being a grandma and what an amazing blessing it is, so I looked up a few quotes about grandmas/ grandparents and thought I'd share some with you . . .

Summer Reading - A Dog is a Dog

When it comes to books for young children, A Dog is a Dog by  Stephen Shaksan  has to be on my list of "favorite things"! I love the simple text which is sure to keep you guessing - and flat out laughing!  A Dog is a Dog is clever, fun and unexpected . . . the ending is a "hoot"!

A Dog Is a Dog is sure to leave children and adults guessing and laughing . . . because a dog is a dog, unless it's a . . . 

just for fun - Today is National Dog Photography Day!

If you have a dog in your family, then today is just the day to take photos of them as it is National Dog Photography Day! You are able to learn about this day at the following link - but I thought I'd also share a few fun facts about dogs from AKC with you . . .

Summer Reading - No Dragons for Tea

As I wait for more books to arrive for my Summer Reading Reviews, I'm very happy to let you know about another book I reviewed two years ago from Kids Can Press - No Dragons for Tea by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Martine Gourbault. This story is fun and teaches children important fire safety skills . . . 

Today is a Great Day to Make Your own Book!

If you are looking for something fun you could do today with the children you love, consider doing something creative - make your own book! Consider making your own unique story or sit down together and make your own unique "twist" of a favorite book. When my grands were younger they loved Dr. Seuss' There's a Wocket in My Pocket - and one day they made their own version of this story - complete with fun illustrations!  

First, some history of books, which I found on-line . . .

Bob, Not Bob! from Jambo Books

 

I'm waiting for a few more books to arrive for my Summer Book Review, so today I'm sharing again a fun book from Jambo Books - they have a wonderful book club for kids - Bob, Not Bob! written and illustrated by  Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, and Matthew Cordell.

grandma's cookbook - No-Bake Cookies!

Around my house there is a cookie which whenever I make them, never stays around for long . . . the no-bake cookie! And, since today is going to be hot - in the 90's with dew points in the 70's which means it will also be humid - a no-bake cookie is definitely the kind of cookie to make if you are making cookies today! Try my grandma's recipe with your grandchildren . . . it is sure to become a family favorite!

Summer Reading - The Birds of Christmas

While Christmas is still five months away, this new book from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong and illustrated by Mira Miroslavova is a beautiful book to enjoy any time of year with it's timeless presentation of the birth of Jesus.

Today - July 23rd - is Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day

There are SO many ways to combine peanut butter and chocolate for truly enjoyable treats - whether you make cakes, cookies, candies, pies - all are wonderful for sure! So a special day to celebrate this tasty combo makes perfect sense. I'm going to share with you my family's favorite recipe for homemade peanut butter balls, but first, let's look at some fun facts for peanut butter and then chocolate - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - Late Today

Today I'm happy to let you know about another new book from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers - Late Today by Jungyoon Huh, illustrated by Myungae Lee, and translated by Aerin Park.

Tomorrow - July 23rd - is Vanilla Ice Cream Day, So Make Lemonade Pie!

Yes, tomorrow is Vanilla Ice Cream Day, and while you could certainly enjoy a bowl of vanilla ice cream - possibly topped however you most enjoy - you could also use this day to make Lemonade Pie! You will learn more about vanilla ice cream at this link, but I thought I'd share a few fun facts as well - did you know . . . 

Summer Reading - Consider the Birds

Saturday I received three more books from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, so today I'm going to let you know about the first one - Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant and illustrated by Julianna Swaney.

Fluffy Cinnamon Biscuits!

Okay, I admit it, I have always struggled to make a perfect, fluffy biscuit. My biscuits typically turned out resembling a rock more than anything you actually wanted to eat. But, I found a recipe one day and discovered, not only was it easy and quick, but the biscuits turned out fluffy and wonderful! Plus, when you add cinnamon and make a little icing on the side for the children you love to top their biscuits with as they like, it makes a fantastic breakfast biscuit! So, of course I have to share this recipe with you.

Summer Reading - Do Your Ears Hang Low?

For the past few weeks I've been sharing book reviews with you in my Summer Reading reviews. Reading to and with the children we love is one of the most important things we can ever do to help them speak sooner, develop a larger vocabulary, begin to read, and do better in school, so reading to and with them in the Summer - and all year - is one of the best ways we are able to spend our time with them. Since I'm waiting for more books to arrive, today I'm very happy to let you know about a book I reviewed a few years ago from Union Square Kids - it was one of my grands' favorite books! Do Your Ears Hang Low? illustrated by Jenny Cooper is a "must-get" book and is sure to be a favorite of the children you love, too! 

Today is International Chess Day

All three of my grands enjoy playing chess. They often want to play chess with me when they are at my house - primarily because they always beat me. My middle grand has won games with me by making fewer than five moves - I still do not know how they did that! My oldest grand likes to play chess with me - he also often beats me with fewer than ten moves. My youngest grand will play chess with me IF he is able to start without his queen - the last time we did this he managed to get two queens back, and yes, he won. 

There are many reasons teaching children to play chess is something which benefits them - did you know . . . 

Summer Reading - Do NOT Open This Book!

 

I have reviewed this book before, but as I think about books my grands have loved which I am able to recommend for Summer Reading fun, this one is definitely a book I happily recommend! It was sent a few years ago for review from Scholastic - and today I am very happy to let you know about, Do NOT Open This Book!

Tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day!

By the way, did you know tomorrow, July 20th, is National Ice Cream Day?! I do enjoy a nice bowl of ice cream, but since I've been focused on losing weight (I've lost 100lbs since the start of 2020!), I rarely eat this sweet treat. I have found, however; sorbetto on a stick - especially the mini-size only has 50 calories per serving! Hooray! 

But back to ice cream - let's look at some ice cream fun facts - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - My Heart is Like a Zoo

Every once in awhile a book comes along which is so unique, so delightful, so much fun . . . My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall is one such book, so today as I wait for more books to arrive for my Summer Reading reviews, I'm very happy to let you know about this book.

Water-Wars for Hot Summer Fun!

Many places in our country are downright hot today, so, what might the children you love want to do if it is a warm, sunny, even a hot day and they are at your house? 

Play in the water! And, not just play in the water, but use squirt guns if you have them.

Summer Reading - Duck!

A few years ago I received a box of books from Candlewick Press - I am "re-sharing" one with you today for my Summer Reading posts which I absolutely loved!  Duck! by Meg McKinlay and illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom is most certainly a book you will want to have in your own library - and give to your grandchildren as well.

Hot Summer Fun!

In many parts of the country it is hot, so . . . what could be more fun than making and playing with sponge bombs! I found this link on  Pinterest, but when I tried to follow it to the site with the directions, it told me it had been reported the site had spam, so I found another one for you!

Summer Reading - Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad

Last year I received a package of wonderful books from Penguin/ Random House Canada/Tundra and today I'm sharing with you again about one of the books from last year - it was so excellent, it is absolutely well worth getting for the children you love if you didn't last year. One of the best and most important things we are able to do for the children we love is to surround them with books from their youngest ages, read to and with them, because when we do they will begin talking sooner, they will have a larger vocabulary, will begin reading sooner, and will do better in school. Plus, all this reading and spending time together will help build strong relationships with you and the children you love.

So, this Summer be certain to surround the children you love with books - such as Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad by Anna Humphrey and Irma Kniivila.

grandma's cookbook - Creamy Mocha Coffee Caramels

I'm not sure which word "grabbed" your attention - "creamy", "mocha", "coffee", "caramel" or all four of them, but they certainly "grabbed" my attention when I came across them on Pinterest! 

Summer Book Review - We're Not Weird

Today I'm happy to share with you a very interesting book from Holiday House - We're Not Weird - Structure and Function In the Animal Kingdom by Michael Garland. This is a book which will amaze the children you love - and you, too!

Today July 15th is Global Hug Your Kids Day!

Now this is a "day" this grandma is very willing to celebrate - although, for the most part, I hug grown kids and grandkids nearly every weekend when they are here - I'm sending virtual hugs to them today! So, to celebrate this wonderful day, let's look at some of the benefits of hugs - did you know . . .

Summer Book Review - Bear and the Three Goldilocks

I received a fantastic book from Holiday House which I am SO happy to let you know about - it is my favorite book I've reviewed so far this summer - Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino - and yes, it is a "take" on the old familiar story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But, don't worry, it is filled with humor which will have you - and the children you love - laughing for sure!

grandma's cookbook . . . Apple Dessert!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday, so I made an apple dessert for him and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. I live in Michigan . . . otherwise known as Apple Country, so I have to have at least one go-to apple recipe! For me, it is my Apple Dessert . . . I know, not an incredible name, but it does taste incredible! It is very simple to make and if your family likes apples, it is a dessert they are sure to love!

Summer Book Review - Can You Find the Black Cat?

I'm happy to share with you today a fun board book from tiger tales - Can You Find the Black Cat? by Danielle McLean.

just for fun - No-Bake Berry Pie!

 

Today we are celebrating my amazing husband's birthday (his birthday is actually on Monday, but the family is coming together today to celebrate!) One of his long-time favorite desserts is Cherry Cream Cheese Pie, which I made for us to enjoy today, so I thought I'd share the simple recipe with you which you may top with any berry you like - cherry, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry - whatever you like. Yes, I know, the berry pie we typically think of is a baked, traditional pie, but in case you have a craving for a berry pie, but are looking for something just a bit less traditional, check this recipe . . . 

Summer Reading - Barnaby Unboxed!

Tundra Books sent me a new book for review - Barnaby Unboxed! by The Fan Brothers, so today I'm happy to let you know about it.

grandma's cookbook - Heart PB & J on No-Knead Artisan Bread

Sometimes when my grands were younger and I was thinking about what to fix for them, I forgot the one important thing to remember . . . keep it simple. Children usually do not care if something is elaborate or took a long time to prepare. They are often delighted with simple things . . . such as heart PB & J sandwiches!

Summer Book Review - Don't Wake Up the Tiger

I have another fun book from Candlewick Press which I'm happy to share with you today - Don't Wake Up the Tiger  written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. This book not only has a fun story with colorful illustrations, but it engages children in the telling of the story, making it very memorable!

grandma's cookbook - Refreshing Blueberry, Green Ice Tea!

It is supposed to be hot and humid where I live today, so I thought it sounds like a good day to share my favorite recipe for blueberry tea with you! 

Whether it is hot and humid or even when it is cold outside, this tea is a delicious and refreshing drink. Try this recipe with your grandchildren . . . it is simple, quick, and so delicious! A big added "plus" is the health benefit . . . blueberries and green tea are so good for you! My husband never liked tea, until I made blueberry tea for him! Now he drinks my tea instead of pop! My grandsons love this tea, too . . . and the only sweetening comes naturally from blueberries . . . not sugar!

Summer Book Review - The Beautiful Layers of Me

I have another book to share with you today from Candlewick Press - The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. The story and illustrations in this book are both beautiful and combine to teach an important lesson.

Make a Difference Today!

While today really is not National Make a Difference Day - it is actually the fourth Saturday in October, I do believe every day is a day to make a difference, so let's make a difference today! National Make a Difference Day says; "Initiated in 1990, this is a national day devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. The activity can be almost anything. On this day, millions of Americans participate in community improvement projects taking the form of clean-ups, fix-ups, painting and repair in poorer neighborhoods, parks and municipal facilities. It doesn't matter what project you take on. It doesn't matter whether you help a non-profit organization, the community, your town, nursing home, a church, a food kitchen, or any other group in need. What matters is that you participate."

Summer Book Review - Put Your Shoes On

I'm happy today for the opportunity to share a fun and unique yet common book with you today from Candlewick Press - Put Your shoes On by Polly Dunbar - and illustrated by Polly AND her child! Yes, Polly AND her child illustrated this book and this is one of the unique things about Put Your shoes On and one of the things which will cause you and the children you love to love this book!

Today is Not the International Day of Awesomeness, But Let's Celebrate Anyway!

The International Day of Awesomeness is actually on March 10th, but I do think every day is a day to celebrate the people in your life and of course they are awesome, so why not make a point to celebrate them today! When I first saw this "special" day, I wasn't sure if I'd write about it, but then I saw the following quote on the web page for the day; "No one's perfect, but everyone can be awesome!" and knew I had to write about it!

First of all, what a great quote! It is true, none of us are perfect, but we can all be awesome! I know my grands are awesome - at least to me! Take some time today to let your grandchildren and other family members and friends know how awesome they are to you . . . which makes you pretty awesome, too!

I thought it would be fun to share some of the information with you which I found on the International Day of Awesomeness' web page . . . 

Summer Book Review - M is for Mango

I'm very happy to share with you a fun book for young children from Candlewick Press - M is for Mango by Atinuke and illustrated by Angela Brooksbank. If the children you love are learning their letters and particularly love monkeys and mangos, then this is a book which could quickly become one of their favorite books.

just for fun - Today, July 8th, is National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day!

Mmmm! I do enjoy chocolate and almonds, so a day to celebrate these delightful treats sounds like a good idea to me! Especially since chocolate is good for you and almonds are good for you . . . combining the two has to mean this sweet treat is actually good for us . . . right??!!!

I thought it would be fun to share some almond fun facts with you on this delicious day - so I looked on-line for some info to share! Did you know . . .

Summer Book Review - Yeti Is NOT Ready for School

I am very happy to share with you some wonderful books for Summer (and any time) reading with the children you love. This first book, Yeti Is NOTReady for School, is from Random House Books for Young Readers. Now, I have to say, I lived for several years in one of the most beautiful places on the face of the Earth - Northern California - the true North at the top of the valley which runs the length of California. There are mountains on three sides - and when I say, "mountains", I mean MOUNTAINS! Mt. Shasta to the North is over 14 thousand feet tall! 

Today is World Chocolate Day! Celebrate with the Best-Ever Chocolate Cake!

Today is World Chocolate Day, so in honor of this most important day, I'm re-running my recipe for the best-ever Chocolate cake! Don't you just love chocolate cake?!!! Aren't there days when chocolate cake is the best thing you could possibly eat? Well, I do love chocolate cake and there are days when chocolate cake most certainly does put a smile on my face - although since I've been working the past five years to lose weight (and have lost 100lbs), I rarely eat it, but I do fix it for others.

So, when I found the recipe I'm sharing with you today and tried it . . . well, I knew I had to share it with you because it is the best chocolate cake I've ever had! (I found the recipe in my Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book) What could be a better way to celebrate World Chocolate Day, than with the Best-Ever Chocolate Cake???!!! :-) Or, if you have a special event coming up where a chocolate cake would be the perfect addition . . . or, if you would just like to brighten your family's - and your own - day, bake up this best-ever chocolate cake! But first, some chocolate fun facts . . . did you know -

The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys Adventures!

   

Recently I shared how when my grands were young and at my house for a sleepover, we typically made up stories at bedtime. They almost always had monsters or dinosaurs in them. One night when my oldest grand was six, my middle grand was three, and my youngest grand was one, we were getting them into bed when my oldest grand said there was a monster under my middle grand's bed! This was not what my middle grand wanted to hear, so I said there could not be any monsters under the bed because the monsters were at their poppa's and grandma's house getting ready for bed on their sleepover. My grands found this idea very interesting, so of course, our bedtime story for the night had to have little, ginormous, humongous, hairy, one-eyed monsters getting ready for bed and being scared because they thought they saw, teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, not-so-hairy, two-eyed people under their beds!