Blog - MiMi-a great name for grandma

Photo Keepsakes with Chatbooks

April 9, 2025 / Shelly Latinovich / 3 Comments

I am willing to bet that 99% of the people that are reading this blog post have a TON of photos stored on their phone right now! Do you find yourself making promises such as, “I am going to get these organized one day?” I am so guilty of this! I LOVE pictures so why don’t I take the time to organize them…well I have gotten started creating photo keepsakes with Chatbooks and am LOVING it!

Scrapbooking is a definite love of mine, but I tend to have a hard time keeping up with it. I will still scrapbook from time to time because I just personlly enjoy it. However, since I am not good at printing pictures out as often as I should, the ease of creating memory books without printing is a game changer!

“Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.” — Anonymous

How Does Chatbooks Work? ~

It is amazing how easy it is to put a book together. Decide what pictures you want to put in a book and upload them to the app. I decided to set mine up on a monthly basis. It took a little bit of time, but I created folders on my phone for every month in a given year. With this method, I am able to name each book on the binding with the month and year. You, of course, can decide how you want to arrange yours.

Here are some ideas of how you may want to organize your books:

Make a book for each child’s birthday.
Create a book for each trip you take.
Have one done for each child each year. What a fun way to see how they grow from year to year!
Gift one to the grandparents
Put together a bunch of images of your child and their friends. They can then gift the book to them as a present for a unique gift idea!
Organize them by months within each year.
Add pictures of their artwork throughout the year to keep as great memories!
Put a beautiful wedding book together to give as a post wedding present.

The ideas are endless. Deciding the layout you want may possibly be the most time consuming part of the process.

Chatbooks Monthly Subscription ~

My daughter, Karleigh, decided on doing a monthly subscription for the birth of her baby (our super cute little grandson! ❤️). This is a fantastic idea to organize their growth through the first year of their life. Of course, even better to keep up with it every year!

Choosing how you want to label each book on the binding is also a plus. As you can see below, she chose to print the name, month and year of each of her books. Don’t you just love how they are fun to look at and also decorate with?

Of course, you don’t have to do the monthly subscription but it does help you to stay more on top of getting it done! Those months slip by so quickly! You will have the option of doing monthly subscription, series subscription or ordering as you wish at any time.

What I Love About Chatbooks ~

DISCLOSURE: This site contains product affiliate links for Amazon and other companies. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Use this link to check out the numerous Chatbook options!

The ease of putting your photo books together is a definite plus. Also, the fact that they have “Toddler Insurance” is wonderful for when your toddlers love the chatbook too much. I’m sure you are saying to yourself right now, “Why would I buy insurance for a book?” ha ha! There is no extra cost…it’s more of a guarantee that they will replace a book if damaged if it is within the first year of original printing.

Will the kids love them that much….a definite yes! Believe me, they will LOVE looking at them all of the time. My grandkids enjoy looking through mine almost every time they are at our house.

I also love that they have a wide range of prices but no matter which style of book you choose…they are all good quality! Another perk is the fun blog that they offer on their website. It is filled with family advice, DIY ideas for adults and kids, travel and photography tips.

Classic Photo Books ~

This is the option that I choose to use. You will have the option of adding a designer cover or choose on of your photos in the book as your cover. As you can see from the crazy fun pics of my grandkids with a toilet in the field, I opt for a picture on the front.

Once all of your pictures are added you have the option to preview it and rearrange the pictures as you desire. It’s truly just a super easy process and I get excited to add new ones to our collection!

“A good life is a collection of happy memories.” ~ Denis Waitley

Definitely the gift that keeps on giving!

Well, what are you waiting for???? Gather up those pictures and get your picture keepsakes started!

Happy Photobooking ~

Mimi

Love, Mom ~ A Book Review

April 1, 2025 / Shelly Latinovich / 2 Comments

This girls loves a good psychological thriller…and author, Iliana Xander, certainly delivered! I had not heard of this author before discovering this book that had me hooked from beginning to end. Of course, I had to research Iliana only to discover that there are currently two books published….I just LOVE finding a new author….don’t you? Let’s dive into Love, Mom ~ A Book Review with study questions too if you are going to read for a book club!

Love, Mom: A fast-paced psychological thriller with several twists

$2.99

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This site contains product affiliate links for Amazon and other companies. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Thank you for supporting my small business!

01/17/2026 09:06 pm GMT

CHARACTERS IN “LOVE, MOM” ~

Mackenzie Casper – protagonist
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Casper – author and mom to Mackenzie
Ben Casper – wife to Elizabeth and father to Mackenzie
Evelyn Casper – grandmother of Mackenzie
Laima Roth – Elizabeth’s agent
EJ – Mackenzie’s best friend
Professor Robertson – instructor
Tonya Shaffer – resident in group home with Elizabeth
Monica – EJ’s ex-girlfriend
Minna – maid to the Casper family
Dr. Pecora – Elizabeth’s therapist
Mrs. Cavendish – elderly lady cared for by Tonya
Grunger – super of Elizabeth’s building in earlier years
Dianne Jacobsen – housekeeper at group home
Garret – Ben’s friend
John Robertson – worked at coffee shop
Detective Jiminez – detective

A QUICK NOTE OF DISCOVERY ~

I love to include most to all of the characters in my review in hopes that it helps you, my reader, to refer back to at any time you are in question of particular names. I feel this is helpful while reading (if there are a lot of characters) and also it serves as a great reference during book club discussions. Interestingly enough, this is the first time in doing this that as I listed all of the characters I found most of them to relate to Elizabeth Casper, instead of the protagonist. Just a thought I wanted to share.

PLOT ~

Mackenzie’s mom, Elizabeth (Lizzy), dies in a questionable accident. She struggles to understand why she can’t feel like she is adquately mounring the loss of her mother. She’s always had somewhat of a distant relationship with her…but it’s her mom…and she just died! Shouldn’t she be feeling more pain about this loss?

Not long after her death, Mackenzie starts receiving letters in an envelope labeled From #1 fan XOXO. Each is signed Love, Mom. While she (along with us readers) is very anxious to figure out who is hand delivering these letters, she is also enjoying getting to know her mom better through them. These letters are actually from her mother’s journal, many written from when her mother was pregnant with her.

As Mackenzie, alongside her friend EJ, dives further into her mother’s past, they both start realizing that Lizzy’s first #1 Best Seller Lies, Lies & Revenge is actually written about her own life. Deep family secrets emerge that Mackenzie was never aware of. Secrets starting from the group home, Keller Foster Care, and moving on through the years from there. As stated in the book, “Sometimes to understand your present, you have to look into the past.” Buckle up my friends….it’s going to be a fun ride!

Check out this unique gift idea from TheHeartFilledHome for all of your favorite readers! What an absolutely unique and clever idea by TheHeartFilledHome!

CONCLUSION ~

While there were some slow spots in this book, I very much enjoyed all of the twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought you read the last twist, along came another one. I enjoyed the relationships formed and also felt anger at the ones that were plain evil. Each person introduced had a well formed relationship to the overall story. Author, Iliana Xander, has another book, “Man of the Year,” which I am looking forward to reading as well when it comes out June 2025! You can preorder with the link below:

Man of the Year: A gripping psychological thriller packed with twists

$3.99

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12/24/2025 03:07 pm GMT

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ~

(Warning: Spoilers in the following questions)

Lizzy Casper, famous autor, slips and hit her head on a rock, killing her. Did you find this plausible or did you question it from the beginning?
What are your feelings on Ben Casper, husband? Is he to be trusted?
Someone desecrated one of Lizzy Caspers photos, was this a publicity stunt by the PR firm or is it someone that was stalking her?
What were your first thoughts about who was hand delivering the mysterious letters?
Did your opinion change regarding question #4 as you got deeper into the book?
Have you “idolized” what you thought was a perfect family at any time in your life only to find out later they were very dysfunctional as the Casper family turned out to be?
Mackenzie was brutally hurt by 3 boys. Should she retaliate? Did she retaliate?
She receives a note saying “I know what you did to those 3 boys in the barn? How do you think you would have reacted to the letter….challenged the person regarding what they knew or try to sweep it under the rug?
In Letter #4 it states, “Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to kill my boyfriend like I do in my books?” Did you believe or not believe she had actually performed this act when you first read it?
Do you think a large percentage of fictional stories stem from real life events or no?
Has there ever been a book that resonated strongly with you that you wondered if it had actually stemmed from a real life event? Which book was it?
Did you think we would meet Tonya’s baby that was given up for adoption at any point in the book? Was there a specific character you believed might be him if you did think so?
This story had several good twists. Which one were you most surprised by? Which one did you guess early on?
What were your thoughts on Tonya early on in the book? Did those thoughts change after finishing?
When Ben Casper first runs into Professor Robertson later in the book, did you suspect anything at that moment?
An entry was written, “You know what’s worse than murder? Burying someone alive.” What are your thoughts on how this took place in Love, Mom by Iliana Xander?
The final letter….OMG! Did you expect this? (Let me refresh your memory…”Maybe, just maybe, and please forgive me for this my beautiful girl, but maybe Ben has nothing to do with you at all. Love, Mom

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. As always, I would love for you to drop your thoughts in the comments below. A good book discussion is always enjoyed!

Happy reading my friends ~

Mimi

A Very Bad Thing ~ A Book Review

October 29, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 0 Comments

When I saw this book on Amazon First Reads, I kept asking myself, “Have I read any J. T. Ellison books?” Her name sounded familiar, but a quick check proved that I had not read any…..now I’m asking myself, “WHY haven’t I read any J. T. Ellison books?” Oh my goodness, I’ve read quite a few books this month, but this is the first one I have reviewed because I LOVED it! Let’s talk about A Very Bad Thing ~ A Book Review!

The synopsis starts with this sentence: A great writer knows when to deliver a juicy plot twist. But for one author, the biggest twist of all is her own murder….ok, you got me! I’m ready to sink my teeth into this juicy story! The characters are introduced and come to life before your very eyes. Some I liked right off…others not so much!

A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison

$4.99

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01/17/2026 10:09 pm GMT

Characters in A Very Bad Thing ~

Columbia Jones – Author and protagonist
Darian Jones – Columbia’s daughter & publicist
Riley Carrington – Staff writer for East Fifth Magazine
Maisie Carrington – Sister of Riley
Mason Bader – Columbia’s bodyguard
Ruby Erickson – Organizer of events
Mary Preston – Head of publishing house
Oliver – Lawyer & Riley’s boyfriend
Nick – Riley’s boss
Detective Sutcliffe – Denver Police
Yvonne Maxwell-Dodd – Darian’s grandma in England
Kira Hutchinson – Bakery Owner
Luke Hutchinson – Kira’s husband and runs the ranch
Karastan – House manager
Dr. Vanessa Duran – Lead medical examiner
Rami – Works front desk at Riley’s building
Knox Shepherd – Convicted of 2nd degree murder
Emily Shepherd – Knox’s wife
Tamsin Shepherd – Daughter of Knox & Emily
Devon Mears – Abused wife
Benjamin Mears – Devon’s husband
Victor Guul – Lifelong attorney for Columbia
Liam Reeves – Columbia & Riley’s IT guy – Owner of 49 Spiders
Skye Abbott – Private Investigator
Vonda West – Client from Vic’s firm

Thriller Book Gifts Thriller Candle Funny Decor Book Lover Gift for Her Reading Avid Reader Bookish True Crime Book Club Gift

$24.99

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09/10/2025 10:00 am GMT

What Led To Columbia’s Demise ~

Columbia Jones is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her current book, Ivory Lady, is not only another hit, but has a movie deal already in the works. On the last leg of her book tour, everyone notices that she pauses as a man stands in the crowd. Who is this mysterious man and does he have anything to do with Columbia being found dead the next morning?

As each character is developed, we find ourselves wondering, is this the person that is guilty of murder? Then this line is read from Columbia’s own handwriting, “If you’re reading this,it’s because my sins have caught up to me.” Columbia was a very loved author…what sins could possibly make someone want to murder her. Was it indeed murder?

New & Old Relationships ~

Suddenly, new people are entering the scene, from the reporter hired to write about Columbia to the fans that are part of the VIP experience that get to meet her face to face. Let’s not forget about the stalker. But is it one of these “newbies” or is it someone that has been a part of Columbia’s life all along? Columbia has skeletons in her closet that leaves numerous people with reason to want her out of the picture.

The Will Is Changed ~

Anytime a will is changed secretly it always leads to speculation…this is no different. Darian is confused and angry. Letters start being delivered regarding the reading of the will. Why is Darian, the only daughter, just now learning about the revision and who are all of these people being invited to the reading?

Conclusion ~

This book had me reeling until the very end! I was a bit confused at first when the murderer comes to light and there were still so many pages left in the book…..hmmm!

Discussion Questions ~

Who all did you feel had a motive to kill Columbia?
The Dedication in her book, Ivory Lady, states: to J.C. It’s all because of you. Did you figure out who this was before the end of the book?
Riley’s notebook is stolen and a note is left in it to call a specific number and make sure she is alone, who did you think this was from at the point this happened. Were you surprised nothing was stolen?
What were your thoughts when you learned there was a conflict of interest with Oliver?
Did you feel the story in the draft of Legacy was giving facts about Columbia’s earlier life?
The manager had requested Detective Sutcliffe. What was the manager’s connection to all of this?
What are your thoughts on all of the videos being tampered with in every location?
A package is delivered to Kira’s dad’s house… what were your thoughts when you first read about this?
Was it right in your eyes that Benjamin Mears was killed?
Luke didn’t elaborate to Kira about getting “last minute tickets” to the VIP experience. Would you have discussed this with your spouse beforehand if you found this a little sketchy?
Riley always feels slighted by her mother over preference to Maisie. Do you feel this is a common feeling for adopted children?
What are your thoughts on Knox Shepherd getting more time in jail than Devon Mears?
What is Liam’s connection to Columbia? Did he have sufficient reason to be angry with her?
Going back to the reading of the will being moved to Maine, on an island…what were your thoughts at that point about who the guilty party was?
Who wrote more of Columbia’s books….Columbia herself or her daughter Riley?
How did Columbia know that her life was about to end?
Who was your favorite character?
Were there any characters that you changed your opinion about as the book unraveled?
At what point did you figure out who all were daughters of Columbia?
Did the final twist at the end surprise you?

3 Ghostly DIY Crafts for Halloween

October 12, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 0 Comments

It’s almost here again….HALLOWEEN! I love everything Halloween….and if you are reading this, that means you do too! YAY! I get mesmerized each year when new and fun decor comes out in the stores, but I also LOVE making my own ghostly decor so that my house is unique. This year I bring you 3 Ghostly DIY Crafts for Halloween….let’s go!

Ghosts in Frames ~

Items Needed:

Different sizes of frames
Black cardstock – plain or glittery
Various colors craft paint
Craft paintbrushes
Scissors
Glue stick
Black marker

Easy peasy guys…you can either trace a ghost on an old book page or paint your own little ghost on a piece of black cardstock. Cut your cardstock to the size of your frames. You can, of course, use scissors, but I much prefer to use a paper cutter to get it the correct size with nice straight edges. Below is the one I use.

FISKARS Precision Paper Trimmer.

$38.42

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01/17/2026 05:02 pm GMT

Next, decide if you want to paint your ghost or cut it out of an old book page. Or…maybe you wanna do a couple of both! A quick Google search of ghost images will get your creative juices flowing. I drew my own, but you can also use a stencil or cookie cutter. If you choose to use an old book page, once you have drawn your ghost, cut it out and glue it on the cardstock. For painting, I would suggest drawing the ghost first and then painting.

Once you have created your ghost, use your marker to draw eyes and a mouth if you wish. It’s fun to make different faces for each one. Next put your cardstock in the frame. Seriously guys, one of the easiest and cutest Halloween decorations…and very unique!

Ghostly Candle Tapers ~

There are a lot of ghost candle tapers in the stores, but why not create your own whimsical candle? Another super easy Halloween craft that uses minimal supplies!

Items Needed:

White candle tapers
Baking dish (long enough to fit candles in)
Hot water
Black marker

I purchased the box of white candle tapers below to make my ghostly candles. I knew I wouldn’t use them all, but I know some more fun crafts will be coming later to use them.

24 Pack Tall White Taper Candles, 10 inch (H)

$13.58

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01/17/2026 05:03 pm GMT

Add some very hot water to your pan. I used a casserole dish so it could be a little deeper. Place a candlestick in the hot water and let it soak a bit. This will soften the wax so that you can mold it to your desired shape. Plan on letting it soak for at least 15 minutes.

Once the candle feels malleable, remove it from the water and dry off a bit. Start shaping the candle to your desired shape. If it breaks, you can cut it off at the crack and just make a smaller candle. I also glued one that I broke. Work slowly…this is the key. The more patient you are, the better it will turn out. If needed, place it back in the water to resoften it.

Once you have achieved your desired shape, draw a ghost face on it and you are done! *The water will have wax residue in it, so don’t empty it in your sink….we don’t want clogs!

Fabric Ghosts Table Decor ~

Items Needed:

Fabric – different types you can use: cheesecloth, sheer, burlap, cotton
Scraps of fabric (about 15″ long) in various holiday colors
Ribbon
Wooden dowel rods
White foam balls
Wooden base with hole the size of the dowel rods OR small bud vases
Black marker
Jute

Choose the size of dowel rods you want to use. Below are the ones I used. Once again, I bought a larger pack because I know I will be creating some more holiday fun with the extra supplies. For the white balls, I ordered a pack with different sizes to create various ghostly heads.

Wood Dowel Rods 50 Pack 1/4 Inch 12 Inch

$5.49

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01/17/2026 10:07 pm GMT

20 Pieces 5 Sizes White Foam Balls

$9.49

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01/17/2026 10:07 pm GMT

Push one dowel rod through the white foam ball until it is snug on the rod. Then place the dowel rod (with head on it) into the base. You will need two different fabrics to create the body. A solid one for the first layer, and a sheer or gauzy type for the top layer. I draped the material (uncut) over the “ghost body” to determine how long I wanted each layer to be. Cut the fabric to desired length.

Layer the non sheer fabric over the foam ball. Next, layer the sheer fabric over the top. Tie the jute directly under the foam ball. I used a long piece of jute so that I could create a bow, however, you can cut it shorter as well and just leave the jute hanging down the front of the material as well.

Next, either rip or cut small cuts in various places around the sheer material to give it a “tattered” look. You can also rip from the edges to give it a frayed look. Tie various strips of cut material or ribbon under the jute, letting it hang down the front of the ghost. Draw the face over the top of the material. Now how cute are these little guys?

Other Fun Halloween Crafts ~

Ok, now your creative juices are flowing right? Here are some other fun ideas for you to craft! Enjoy!

You’re going to love making these Halloween Spell Books!

Here is a fun yard skelton…very unique! Meet Mr. Bones!

Do you have some fun DIY Halloween craft ideas to share? I would love to see them….let me know all about them in the comment section below!

Happy Crafting My Friends ~

Mimi

Compliment Cash – For Kids!

September 4, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 8 Comments

I know you are probably asking right now, “Mimi, what on earth are you talking about?” Well, follow along as I roll “Compliment Cash – For Kids!”… which is my new fun idea to:

Keep in touch with the grandchildren (whether you live close or far away)
Praise their accomplishments (big or small)
Continue “snail mail” fun…as I always say….kids LOVE getting mail!

I consider myself very lucky in that our grandchildren all live close! However, I still love to send goodies and such to the grandkids via “snail mail.” Even though we are in a very “tech-savvy” era, I can attest to the fact that there is pure glee on those kids’ faces when they receive mail…in the old fashioned mailbox! So this, my fellow “grand” friends, can be fun regarless of how close you live to your grands.

Compliment Cash – For Kids!

As we know, kids need a lot of praise on a daily basis. In fact, I am a huge Dr. Phil fan, and one of my favorite sayings of his is, “It takes a thousand attaboys to erase one negative.” Kids NEED positive reinforcement! Those parents and teachers out there are doing a great job of this, as they are with them daily, but why not add more praises from the grandparents?

I’m not saying a simple stated compliment isn’t good enough….or that the child needs to receive something every…single…time they do something good. However, how fun is it to raise the bar once in awhile and give them some real “shout outs.” Put a little pep in their step when they are recognized for something. Here are some examples of accomplishments you may want to applaud ~

Received a good test grade
Reached a goal they had set
Finished a book they’ve been working extra hard on
You noticed them going out of their way to be kind
They helped out around the house without being asked
Accomplished some great feat in their extra-curricular activities
Faced a fear
Donated their gently used toys/clothes
Showed special kindness to a sibling

The sky is the limit…these are just some ideas. I am sure that within each family, you may have some other great accomplishment ideas for your grandchilren and the activities they are interested in.

How It Works ~

First of all, stock up on some envelopes and stamps. Maybe even some fun stickers to make the mail look more exciting to the kiddos! Next, tune your ears into what those kiddos are doing and what they are accomplishing! You may actually witness something yourself, or it can be something that their parents shared with you.

Print out several pages of the “Compliment Cash” and cut out the individual bills with point designations. Decide how many points you feel each accomplishment is worth. There is no set worth for each good deed. Basically you need to decide how quickly you want them to reach their goal. You may want it to go quickly to keep them enticed or perhaps you want to draw it out a little bit to add some anticipation.

Write a little note and attach the points (cash) they have earned. Stuff the note and bills in the envelope, address it, stamp it….add some fun stickers and send that baby on its way. Next stop…..your grandchild runs to the mailbox and is delighted to see they received mail and it’s full of all the good feels!

Free Compliment Cash Downloads ~

Free Compliment Cash Printout

Free Compliment Cash Direction Printout

The Note ~

The note you send can be as simple as a piece of plain paper that says, “I’m so poud of you for getting an A on your Math test.” Maybe you have a bunch of blank note cards that can be used to write how proud you are inside. Another idea is to use a piece of card stock, cut it into shapes with decorative scissors, attach a few stickers and then write how proud you are! Seriously, there is a plethora of ways you can get the message across. Just write their name, what you are proud of them for and insert “cash” with the points they have earned.

You will want to stock up on lots of alphabet stickers. This pack from Create 365 should last a long time! I use these on both the cards and the envelopes. The kiddos get even more excited if they open up the mailbox to discover a personalized letter!

Links ~

Below are some links for easy access to supplies listed above!

A Cherry On Top is one of my favorite go to’s for all my crafting needs. Here is just a very small sample of some of their amazing stickers ~

Train Themed Birthday Party

July 13, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 2 Comments

Choo choo trains….one of the best toys that has transcended time! Our son was obsessed with Thomas the Train (back in the day), so you can imagine how excited I became when our grand, Owen, also became obsessed with trains. Of course, once one of our grandkids have a theme they love, our daughter takes off to create a birthday party that they will always remember. Such was the case with Owen’s train themed birthday party!

We happen to have Owen and Pappy that share this birthday which doubles the fun! The party is so much more fun if you dress to match the theme….am I right?

Train Themed Decor ~

I have always been a fan of life size cutouts. Throughout the years we have had so much fun working these into the decor…whether purchasing them or making our own from large boxes. This lifesize train became the perfect focal point for the party room. Various colors of balloons and a balloon strip were used to flock both sides of the oversized train to help complete the party vibe!

Cardboard Train Life Size Cutout Standup

$49.95

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01/18/2026 04:02 am GMT

Crates of train toys and a train pop-up tent were set out in the party room to enhance the fun. This allows for free play, which is especially helpful with the younger age groups.

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Pop Up Tent Easy to Setup Playhouse for Kids | Red Train Toy with Two Entrances

$35.99

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01/18/2026 12:05 am GMT

Tablescape for Train Themed Birthday Party ~

Plastic railroad track aisle runners were placed on benches along both sides of the table. (This served as a fun seating area….but also saved those fabric covered benches! 😉) A simple black plastic tablecloth was used to cover the table. A fun display of wooden crates filled with trains hats, whistles, bandanas, and other train items created a fun centerpiece!

Train Party Tablecloth Runner

$8.99

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01/18/2026 12:04 am GMT

Adding a couple of lanterns in the middle tops off the festive train birthday table!

Birthday Party Gift Bags ~

Gift bags do not have to be handed out at the end of the party. Using the items you have made/purchased can help enhance the festive table. Take home gifts for the party goers included:

Red Bandana
Train Whistle
Conductor Hat
Chocolate “Lumps of Coal”
Gift Bag with Wooden Nameplate (kids LOVE items with their names on them!)

I can hear you saying now, “But what if they forget their gifts when it is time to go home?” I get it…no one wants to deal with a screaming child that has left their goods behind. While this is indeed a possibility, I will say that every time Lauren has done this for her party themes, those kids tend to remember before they leave that they have some loot to take home with them.

Train Themed Birthday Party Food ~

As always, Lauren ordered these AMAZING cookies from Becky at Becky’s Cakes n’ Caboodles. If you live around the Indianapolis area, you seriously need to check out her food artistry.

We made RR Crossing Oreo cookie suckers. These turned out so cute and were so easy to make. An icing pen was used to make the lettering on top. The choice was made to not do everything “train” themed for the savory foods, but a quick look on Pinterest can give you some great ideas if you choose to do that as well!

We, of course, added in a lot of savory foods as well. I would love to say that the kids partook of those just as much….but who am I kidding???? This helped the adults to relax and enjoy the party just as much! Although, if you take a close peek, you will notice that mini cocktail weiners covered in crescent rolls are included in the spread…..this is always a child favorite! Maybe not super healthy, but something to balance out all of the sugar intake!

Since this birthday party was primarily kids aged one to four, there were not a lot of “planned” activities. When children are that young, it seems to work better if you just set out different play items and let the children play at their will. This helps the flow of the party and creates less frustration for you as the party planner.

However, if you are celebrating kids a little older with the train theme, here are some fun games to think about!

Pin the Choo Choo on the Track, Train Theme Party Game 40 Stickers, 37 * 24in, X-Large Poster Train Birthday Party Activity

$13.99

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01/17/2026 05:02 pm GMT

Railroad Party Crossing - Steam Train Birthday Party Scavenger Hunt

$14.99

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01/18/2026 05:03 am GMT

All in all, it was a very fun train themed birthday party for our little Owen with the great big smile! He was indeed a happy boy as were all of his friends!

Happy Celebrating My Friends ~

Mimi

Shark Week Craft – Moving Paper Shark

July 3, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 7 Comments

Shark Week is just a few days away! How many of you like to indulge in all episodes aired regarding the life of sharks in the deep dark ocean? We try to watch as many episodes as we can to learn about these fabulous beasts. Of course, the shark themed food and crafts are a big part of this week for us as well. This year we are going to be making a Moving Paper Shark for one of our Shark Week Crafts!

When I first saw this fun paper craft, I knew it was definitely going on the schedule of fun shark week crafts. There are several steps to completing this awesome craft, so I have separated it into sections and included a lot of pictures. It is SUCH A FUN CRAFT! I put letters and measurements directly on the paper to make it easier to follow, however, you don’t need to do this on yours. If you choose to do so, then I suggest you write them in pencil so you can erase them after assembly.

Materials Needed ~

Colored paper (I used cardstock) – blue, red, white
- 1 blue piece measuring 8 1/2 X 8 1/2
- 1 blue piece measuring 3 1/2 X 8 1/2
- various blue scrap pieces
- 1 red piece measuring 3 X 3 1/2
- 1 white piece – to make 4 strips each measuring 5″ X 1/2″
glue stick
scissors/paper cutter
googly eyes
ruler

Directions for Moving Paper Shark ~

Shark Body – With 8 1/2 X 8 1/2 Paper

Turn the 8 1/2 X 8 1/2 piece of paper diagonally in front of you
Fold corner B over to corner D. Run your finger over the crease to ensure the crease is strong.
Open the paper back up flat on the table.
Fold corner B to center crease, run finger over crease and unfold.
Fold corner D to center crease, run finger over crease and unfold.
Fold corner B back over to corner D and then flip paper over so that the longest side of the paper is directly in front of you. Corner B will be pointing up to the top.
Leaving about 2 1/2″ on the right side, start cutting strips from bottom fold to middle crease. This is creating the moving part of the body and the uncut portion on the right will become the snout of the shark.
Flip paper back over and unfold.
Glue whole section of Corner B (from tip to first fold).
Bring Point D to B by tucking section D down and glue to B, forming the body of your shark.
Once it is glued, corner C will be the only corner sticking out, which will become the snout of the shark.
Turn it over and set aside.

Underside of Shark Mouth – With 3 1/2 X 8 1/2 Paper

Fold 3 1/2 X 8 1/2 paper in half by bringing Side A over to Side B.
Open and cut on fold, making 2 pieces.
With one of the cut pieces, fold paper in half lengthwise.
Starting at one end, cut in a somewhat rounded shape up to the top.
Open up and glue end of straight edge to underside of shark’s face.
Trim any excess on sides

Fins – With Scrap Paper

With the scraps of paper, cut out 1 dorsal fin (for top), 2 pectoral fins (1 for each side) and 1 caudal fin (for the back) I freehanded mine as I found it easier.
Glue the fins on.

Shark Mouth ~ With Red Paper

Cut a piece of red paper about 3″ X 3 1/2″. Cut it to fit inside the mouth, shaping the top of it to a point.

Shark Teeth – With White Paper

Cut 4 strips of white paper about 5″ long by about 1/2″ each. You can measure the sides of your shark mouth to be more precise if you wish.
Place all 4 strips on top of each other and cut small triangle shapes all the way down the length of the paper, creating pointy shark teeth.
Glue each strip inside the mouth. After the glue dries on the bottom set of teeth, gently fold them up

Shark Eyes ~

Glue 2 googly eyes on each side of the shark snout.

Other Shark Craft Ideas ~

I have been posting about shark week over the last several years. We love everything about shark week with snacks and crafts! We did a different type of shark with a moving mouth in 2021. Click here to see the shark with moving mouth craft we did a couple of years ago!

Another fun post was one filled with fun shark game ideas (along with some free printables). Click here to see the fun shark game ideas! Clothespin sharks are fun too….Check them out here!

Don’t forget to include some of these games to your week to enhance the fun:

Shark Bite -- Roll the Die and Fish for Colorful Sea Creatures Before the Shark Bites Game! by Pressman Blue Sky, 5"

$14.97

Buy Now

01/17/2026 05:03 pm GMT

Late for the Sky Sharkopoly

$33.99

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01/17/2026 06:03 pm GMT

Fun Shark Facts to Share ~

Did you know there are more than 440 known species of sharks living in all the diferent seas on earth?
Shark teeth continuously grow back…you will never see a naturally toothless shark.
Sharks don’t have bones!
When you flip a shark upside down, they go into a trance-like state, called tonic immobility.
Not all sharks have the same teeth.
Scientists age sharks by counting the rings on their vertebrae.
Sharks can only swim forward.

Shark week is a great time to understand more about the amazing life of sharks. We fear them, but there are a lot of misconceptions about these beasts! If you haven’t ever watched any episodes during shark week, give it a try this year! They are truly fascinating!

Are there any shark crafts you have done that you just love? I would love to hear about them and see a pic….post it in the comments below!

Enjoy those sharks~

Mimi

DIY Upcycled Yard Skeleton

June 12, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 22 Comments

I know…I know….it’s summer…so who is thinking about Halloween? I am! It certainly doesn’t hurt to start planning your new and exciting Halloween projects…especially if you are crafting a fun and unique DIY Upcycled Yard Skeleton. Follow along on how to make your own skeleton using materials you might have normally thrown away!

As you probably already know, I am in a Sustainable Craft Challenge Group. Julie, from Sum of Their Stories, gives us a theme each month to create an eco-friendly craft. We are given a date to have it done by and all of our posts go live at the same time. It’s so much fun to see what everyone comes up with. The girls in this month’s challenge are:

Julie from Sum of Their Stories Upcycled Strawberry Vase

Gail from Purple Hues & Me Plastic Soda Bottle Floral Candleholder

Terri from Our Good Life Recycled Altoid Tin for the Perfect Father’s Day Gift

Mel from Decor Craft Design DIY Raised Pot for Summer Decor

Christine from Christine’s Crafts Create a Cute Basket from an Aerosol Lid

Allyson from Southern Sunflowers DIY Shell MIrror for Coastal Design

Jo from A Rose Tinted World How to Make A Crumb Quilt – Make a Scrappy Quilt Block

Be sure to check out all of the links above that created wonderful items from this month’s theme: Trash to Treasure!

DIY UPCYCLED YARD SKELETON ~

I have tried, unsuccessfully, to keep my small potting bench in one piece for a few years now. I am not good at bringing things in during the cold winter months so I end up with a few casualties when each spring rolls around. The good thing about this is that it leaves fun material behind to repurpose! This is how my DIY Upcycled Yard Skeleton came to life!

Items Needed ~

Scrap wood pieces of various sizes

Nails

Hammer

Wood Glue

Spray Paint or craft paint of choice

Craft Paint for face

Paint brushes

Directions ~

The potting bench needed to come apart (well at least what was left of it!) I got to work pounding on the remains of it to get all of the wood slats apart. *Here’s a bonus….I have friends who pay to go into a room and tear stuff up to get their frustrations out….it’s called a “A Rage Room.” I will admit that this sounds a bit fun, but if you are a crafter, you can do it in your own surroundings without paying for it! 😉

There are many outdoor items that can be used for this fun Halloween craft…potting shelf, chair, old flower boxes, etc. After deconstructing your old item, rearrange the individual pieces to see how you would like it to look. Lay them out and rearrange until you get the shape that you desire.

I focused on the wheel of the potting bench…this was the whole inspiration for the skeleton. I was expecting a funky look…this is my vibe. However, you can definitely go with the look that fits you best. That is the fun part of this….getting creative! After setting his “bones” into place, I did decide that I need a little bit more room for a good skeleton head. I have some old unfinished wood disks from an earlier project. Using wood glue, I affixed it to the wheel to make a more definite head shape.

Now it is time to put the rest of the body together. I measured out what size nails I needed and started hammering each body part into place. I used extra wood glue on some of the slats that were a little on the thin side to help hold them in place. You need to be careful about the size of nails you use when using thin wood to ensure it doesn’t splinter and thus not hold the nail.

Ready to Paint ~

Using white spray paint, I began covering the body. The wood from the potting bench soaked up the paint, so I had to spray several coats. I decided that I didn’t want to cover it entirely in paint as I wanted a more rustic look. Painting it a thick white would be cute as well….once again, it all depends on the look you are wanting to achieve. My original intention was to paint it completely white and then sand the edges. However, I liked how the paint soaked in and already gave it a rustic look.

Craft paint was used to create his face. I chose to go with a more cartoonish look with glow in the dark eyes as I have my little grands that enjoy all the Halloween decor. I would suggest do a search on different skeleton faces to decide what type of face you want to give your little guy (or gal!)

Give Him a Name ~

I had to fight myself not to name him Skelly. This is the name I have used in past posts for Halloween fun that I like to do with my grandchildren. Skelly visits at different times throughout the month of October bringing fun Skelly Skeleton themed things. The kids absolutely love Skelly and I absolutely love creating all the fun ideas! Check out some of my posts regarding Skelly here…

The Original Flat Skelly Skeleton Post!

Flat Skelly Skeleton is BACK!

Anyhoo, I decided I would give this rustic guy his own name….so please meet Mr. Bones! A thick piece of rope and a sign were added for extra flair!

Items You May Need to Make DIY Upcycled Yard Skeleton ~

I happened to have everything I needed on hand, however, below are some items that may need to be purchased if you are not a craft hoarder like myself!

Hanging Chalkboard Signs,Memo Message Sign, Vintage Erasable Message Board Sign with Hanging String for Wedding Kitchen Home Party Decoration (Rectangle 03)

FolkArt Acrylic Dark Paint, Neutral Glow

As always, I hope you enjoy the fun crafts that are shared in this blog. Please let me know if you create something yourself…I would LOVE to see it!

Happy Crafting ~

Mimi

Southern Girls Always Survive ~ A Book Review

May 14, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 4 Comments

Southern Girls Always Survive was sent to me to read and provide my honest review. Thank you to Self-Publishing Services for entrusting me with this opportunity. I enjoyed this debut novel by Rocky and Mary Kennedy Yost and am providing my book review below.

CHARACTERS IN SOUTHERN GRILS ALWAYS SURVIVE~

Cecelia “Hilly” Garland – protagonist, part of lthe “12th Floor Girls”
Mary Frances Garland – Hilly’s mother
Mr. Allard Aiken – Attorney/running for State Senate
Rolle Gilchrest – fellow classmate of Hilly
Andrew Gilchrest – Congressman and Uncle of Rolle
Julia Larson – College friend of Hilly – part of the “12th Floor Girls”, works at Capitol Cafe
Kate McGowan – College friend of Hilly – part of the “12th Floor Girls”
Bebe Bevan – College friend of Hilly – part of the “12th Floor Girls”
Kathleen Conrad – President of Columbia Hall – part of the “12th Floor Girls”
Dina Matthews – College friend of Hilly – part of the “12th Floor Girls”
Marlee “Easy” Phillips – College friend of Hilly – part of the “12th Floor Girls”
Eadie Mansfield – College dorm housemother
Mona Derrick – College dorm housemother
Douglas Nash – Senator & Hilly’s part-time boss at college
Elona Nash – Wife of Senator Nash
John Mitchell – Attorney General
Martha Mitchell – wife of John Mitchell
Cole P Harrison, III – Lawyer, on staff for Attorney General, Ex Green Beret
Annie – a “seer”
Wilford Haskins – retiring Senator
Skyler Tillman “Tilly” – Cole’s coworker – counselor
Jessie Laborde – drug dealer
Martee – Hilly’s best friend in Aspen
Max Verdell – Aspen Mayor
Mamie Ingram – Gift shop owner
Douglas Tremayne – Pro-growth group Captain
Jack Stolman – No-growth group Captain
Stanfield Connors – DEA Agent
Saint John – Ex Green Beret – Cole’s employee
Zeno Reese – works for DA
Liz Stine – Investigator
Zelda – Rolle’s girlfriend – daughter of a NY Congressman
Jude Prosser – Attorney
Zeno Reese – Fake Assistant DA
Viva Vickers – high school friend to Hilly – real estate agent

SYNOPSIS ~

Hilly Garland is a Southern Belle headed out to the University of South Carolina. A horriffic experience with a fellow classmate in the summer leading up to college leaves her hurt and a bit scared. The “12th Floor Girls” enter her life at just the right time, helping her to regain her life back. As she creates new relationships in love and friendship, she learns to navigate new trials and successes through her college career and beyond.

BEFORE COLLEGE ~

Finishing high school with excitement, Hilly is still somewhat sad about leaving her mother behind. Her dad has been gone for three years and it has just been the two of them. Being from the “poor side of the tracks,” she somehow managed to escape the advances of the privileged Rolle Gilchrest…well almost!

THE 12TH FLOOR GIRLS ~

Julia Larson was the first to discover the hell that Hilly had gone through prior to getting to University. She took her under her wing and a strong friendship was immediately formed. Next to join the group was Kate McGowan from Jersey and the California Barbie doll, Bebe Bevan. Kathleen Conrad was one of the few sophomores on the 12th floor, so she was quickly elected to the office of president in the dorm. Rounding up the group was Marlee “Easy” Phillips from New Jersey and Dina Matthews, a preacher’s daughter.

POST GRADUATION ~

Before beginning their new careers, most of the girls decided to vacation in Colorado for ten days. This also became the beginning of Cole Harrison and Hilly’s whirlwind romance. Despite Hilly’s frightful past, Cole helps her to get over her demons as they fall completely for each other. Hilly learns to trust completely in Cole, in spite of his job. Hilly decides to stay in Aspen, Colorado for good!

RETURN TO VIRGINIA ~

After many years of bliss for Hilly, tragedy finds her once again. Once she gathers her wits about her, a return to Virginia is needed. Tilly purchases and old inn and renovates it with visions of the new Cafe Virginia. The 12th floor girls reappear in true fashion in support of their long time friend. All are proud of her as she carves out a new life in her old hometown, even amongst the one who had brought her so much pain in her earlier years.

Kate started wondering if there were others that went through the same pain as Hilly? Is the life of the privileged covered up to save disgrace against the familly…especially if politics are involved? The group of girls decide to investigate this further in hopes of protecting Hilly and any other victims. However, as stated in the book, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. They quickly discover there is much more to the privileged political family they all knew.

Southern Girls Always Survive

$14.99

Buy Now

01/17/2026 06:03 pm GMT

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ~

Do you believe how Hilly handled her situation with Rolle was the best way to handle it?
Taking into account both Hilly and Rolle’s lifestyles, do you think she had a chance to get justice?
Do you think she would have a better chance of getting justice in today’s times vs. in the 1970’s?
If your political party choice differed from your partner’s, could you stay with this person for life?
Would you be able to look over Cole’s way of making money as Hilly did?
Hilly started noticing an issue between Connors and Cole…how long did it take you to realize what the issue was between them?
Were you surprised to discover Cole’s hidden profession?
Do you consider it a different crime to be involved in Watergate vs. being a drug dealer?
After experiencing such a traumatic experience as Hilly did, do you believe it is possible to ever totally get past it?
Would you like to be a juror in a case such as Ted Bundy’s? Would you attend as a spectator as Martee did?
How do you feel you would react if you ran into Ted Bundy on the street?
Saint John placed Voodoo Annie’s talisman in Hilly’s palm and continually chanted, “Eita-ko-sah-nug-ma.” What do you think this meant?
What did Saint John mean when he told Hilly he was going hunting?
Is it justifiable that money made the wrong way goes to the right places?
How would you react if asked to sit down and dine with Jackie O?

SOUTHERN GIRL GIFTS ~

Did this Southern Girls Always Survive book hit home with you? Are you a Southern Girl….or do you know a real Southern Girl? Here are some fun gift ideas with the southern girl theme:

Western Cowgirl Hat Cup

$10.99

Buy Now

01/17/2026 06:04 pm GMT

Western Romance Bookmark Set

Buy Now

CLOSING ~

Have you read Southern Girls Always Survive by Rocky Yost and Mary Kennedy Yost? I would love to hear your thoughts and discuss the questions above! Drop a message in the comments below!

Happy Reading My Friends ~

Mimi

Unique DIY Mother’s Day Planter

March 27, 2024 / Shelly Latinovich / 6 Comments

Do you find yourself looking for something new and different for mom each year when Mother’s Day rolls around? Me too! Let’s face it….you know mom will be happy with whatever you gift her, but sometimes you just need that something that’s a little extra. The good thing is, I think I have hit the jackpot with this one! Every mother is sure to love this unique DIY Mother’s Day Planter!

Bonus: while this is indeed a great Mother’s Day gift, it is also a great gift for many other occasions as well. A beautiful flower or plant potted in a moss covered tea cup and saucer…perfection! Heck, you may even want to make one and gift it to yourself…it is that pretty!

Supplies Needed ~

Dried moss
Teacup/coffee mug
Saucer/plate
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Empty water bottle
Scissors
Ribbon of choice
Metal tag
Chalk marker
Chalkboard labels
Bumblebee embellishment
Flower/plant of choice

Below are links to some of the items that you may not have on hand. Sometimes I have luck in finding some of these item at places like the Dollar Store, but if their supply runs out, it is always good to have another location to find everything!

Chalkboard Label Stickers 96pcs - 9 Assorted Shapes in 3 Sizes with 2 White Chalk Marker

SuperMoss (21580) Sheet Moss Dried, Natural, 2 Ounce

White with Black Dot Organza Ribbon Polka Dot 3/8 inch 25 Yards

Directions to Make Moss Covered Planter ~

Covering one section of the cup at a time, layer hot glue and then place sections of dried moss over the glue. Continue this process until the entire cup and handle are covered in dried moss.
Use the same process to cover the saucer/plate. I used a plastic plate for this step.
Cut off the top 1/4 to 1/2 of a water bottle. Turn it upside down in the teacup so that the drinking spout is facing the bottom of the cup.
Fill the water bottle section with pea gravel/small rocks and potting soil. This will help in the drainage of water to keep plant healthy and happy.
Plant your flower/plant on top of water bottle.
Affix the chalkboard label to the center of the metal tag.
Write your sentiment of choice with chalk marker. Be sure to let it dry so you do not smudge it before the next step. **It took me a couple of labels before I perfected my sentiment due to the fact that if you don’t write slowly, it can easily create unwanted chalk residue around the lettering. Take your time on this step.
Tie a ribbon around the mug, being sure to run the ribbon in side of the handle of the mug. *One thing I learned while making my DIY unique Mother’s Day planter is that you want to keep the bow at a moderate size. I tend to love big, elaborate bows, but this seemed to hide the beauty of the planter.
Before making your bow, run the end of one side of the ribbon through the hole in the metal tag. Push the tag up the ribbon until it reaches the knot of the bow.
Finish tying the bow.
Add the bumblebee to the label.

Extra Mother’s Day Fun ~

A few years ago, I found myself researching more about the tradition of Mother’s Day. I must say that I learned some history about it that I had been unaware of. If you are interested in reading more, please check out my Mother’s Day Controversy post! It gives some fun facts BUT also lists some other fun ideas for gift giving on this very special day of remembering and honoring our mothers! These ideas include both gifts that you can purchase or do as an act of love without spending money!

Is your mom an avid reader? I also have a very fun post on creating some photograph book marks. Be sure to check it out….

Zany bookmark fun with photographs!

As stated earlier, this fun moss covered teacup planter can be made for Mother’s Day or anytime you are looking for a unique gift to give to someone special. Give it a try….I bet you will find yourself making more than a….that is one as a gift and one for you! 😉

Have you ever hosted a Mother’s Day Brunch? Antique Farm House has some FABULOUS ideas to aid in the hosting as well as unqiue gifts to gift that Mom is sure to love. Check out their Mother’s Day Sales Event here……Antique Farm House Mother’s Day Ideas

Did you make this beautiful planter (or any of the other ideas listed in this post?) Come back and let me know how it went!

Happy Crafting My Friends ~

Mimi

How Does Chatbooks Work? ~

Chatbooks Monthly Subscription ~

What I Love About Chatbooks ~

Classic Photo Books ~

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CHARACTERS IN “LOVE, MOM” ~

A QUICK NOTE OF DISCOVERY ~

PLOT ~

CONCLUSION ~

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ~

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Characters in A Very Bad Thing ~

What Led To Columbia’s Demise ~

New & Old Relationships ~

The Will Is Changed ~

Conclusion ~

Discussion Questions ~

More Good Reads ~

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Ghosts in Frames ~

Items Needed:

Ghostly Candle Tapers ~

Items Needed:

Fabric Ghosts Table Decor ~

Items Needed:

Other Fun Halloween Crafts ~

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Compliment Cash – For Kids!

How It Works ~

Free Compliment Cash Downloads ~

The Note ~

Links ~

Train Themed Decor ~

Tablescape for Train Themed Birthday Party ~

Birthday Party Gift Bags ~

Train Themed Birthday Party Food ~

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Materials Needed ~

Directions for Moving Paper Shark ~

Shark Body – With 8 1/2 X 8 1/2 Paper

Underside of Shark Mouth – With 3 1/2 X 8 1/2 Paper

Fins – With Scrap Paper

Shark Mouth ~ With Red Paper

Shark Teeth – With White Paper

Shark Eyes ~

Other Shark Craft Ideas ~

Fun Shark Facts to Share ~

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DIY UPCYCLED YARD SKELETON ~

Items Needed ~

Directions ~

Ready to Paint ~

Give Him a Name ~

Items You May Need to Make DIY Upcycled Yard Skeleton ~

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CHARACTERS IN SOUTHERN GRILS ALWAYS SURVIVE~

SYNOPSIS ~

BEFORE COLLEGE ~

THE 12TH FLOOR GIRLS ~

POST GRADUATION ~

RETURN TO VIRGINIA ~

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ~

OTHER GREAT READS ~

SOUTHERN GIRL GIFTS ~

CLOSING ~

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Supplies Needed ~

Directions to Make Moss Covered Planter ~

Extra Mother’s Day Fun ~

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