Archives for March 2014

Power Up Your Grandkids With Power Rangers Super Megaforce!

Disclaimer: I am part of a the Saban Brand-Bassador program, and I received promotional items to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for reading.

If you are a grandma or grandpa who is looking for things to do with your young grandchildren, The Power Rangers Super Megaforce season 21 premiered on February 15th at 12 pm/11C on Nickelodeon. If you missed that date you can watch or DVR the encores of new episodes every Saturday at 8pm/7C. That way, you can have a Power Rangers Super Megaforce marathon next time your little rangers come to visit.

In the last episode of last season, the Power Rangers defeated the evil Warstar Villians. Now in Power Rangers Megaforce, Pince Vekar arrives with a massive alien armada to conquer Earth. With the help of their supernatural guardian Gosei, the Power Rangers have been given special morphers and keys that let them morph into Super Megaforce Rangers. Using these keys, they also have the new ability to morph into AMY team of legendary rangers from the past. They gain access to their incredible powers, weapons, Zords, and Megazords.

In addition to the series, there are downloadable coloring sheets that you can make into a mask. While you’re making the masks, you can plan easy movement and exercises that you can do together for added fun, and that will make you the best grandparent, ever!

The Power Rangers Deluxe Legendary Morpher is available at Toys “R” Us and Target.com and retail for $34.99 Kids insert the keys to activate light and sounds. The Morpher recognizes Rangers from 20 different Power Rangers seasons. There are more then 60 keys available. The Power Ranger Deluxe Legendary Morpher includes 2 Ranger keys.

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My Personal National Craft Month Challenge: Do More For Me

Karen · 3 Comments

I have been giving this a lot of thought, ever since I learned that March is National Craft Month. I know I am not the same physically as I used to be, and I may never be back to my whole self again. I struggle with that knowledge every single minute of every single day. I often walk into my sewing room and just sit in the chair for a few minutes. I look around me and see all my favorite things in there. My sewing machine. My trusty seam ripper (Yes, even though we have a love hate relationship, I still miss that old fool), all the lovely lovely fabric piles. And I make myself miserable when I do that.

A project for me--wall hanging organizer — A project for me–wall hanging organizer

Well, then this notion of National Craft Month came along, and I started thinking that maybe I could start with baby steps. Now, my idea of sewing is to get myself in the mode, cut out a hundred (okay, maybe 5 or 10) projects so that as soon as I finish one, I can pick up the next one and not lose momentum. And sit in that sewing room for hours on end, only coming out for nourishment and to use the bathroom. But then I thought that maybe, if I change my attitude and my modus operandi, I might be able to accomplish something in just thirty minutes a day. I have been in this thinking spree for a few days now. And then, I saw this post today. And I knew it was time for me set out on my journey up that damn mountain. If I never get out of the recliner and try, I will never make anything for sure.

I am going to start out with a goal of just thirty minutes a day. 30 minutes to cut, or pin, or stitch, or press, or whatever it is I need to do to MAKE SOMETHING. Or to FINISH SOMETHING. That is where part of my depression comes from: not being able to DO SOMETHING. So, I am going to start by just doing something for thirty minutes a day. I have a kitchen timer I can set, and when that thing dings, it’s like the end of the round in boxing–I’ll slink off to my recliner, my corner, and just rest for the remainder of the day.

I really don’t know what I will do first. I have so many things on my list, but the most pressing are these: Finish Parker’s quilt; finish Seth’s quilt; cut fabric for Emily’s quilt; make a circular needle case for Becca; make shirts for Parker, Spencer, Owen, and Michael; make a dress for Amelia; make an iPad cover for me. And many more things for Emily, Sarah and the other Sarah. It might take me all year to do this, but the end result will be a happier me.

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Never Been Stitched: 45 No Sew & Low Sew Projects

Karen · 1 Comment

During National Craft Month, I am trying to bring you more things crafty. Never Been Stitched: 45 No-Sew & Low-Sew Projects by Amanda Carestio is full of easy to make crafting projects.

The book is divided into sections on things to Wear, Decorate, Play, Carry, and Give. There is a wide variety of things to make that are both functional and beautiful. You’ll be proud to make any of them to use for yourself or to give as gifts.

Ms. Crestio talks a bit about the techniques used in the two categories of crafts, No-Sew and Low-Sew. The No-Sew techniques include using grommets; bonding, fusing, and gluing; and braiding, tying, folding, and knotting to complete these projects. She says ” There’s nothing more involved here than what is required to make your basic fourth-grade friendship bracelet.”

For the Low-Sew projects, you will use hemming, applique, and simple embroidery to make some beautiful handmade items.

Some of the projects that caught my eye are the Tank Top made from a pillowcase; a woven leather cuff bracelet; Queen Anne’s Lace Panels; and a no mess message center. You can download instructions to this cute upcycled shirt project here.

Never Been Stitched: 45 No-Sew & Low-Sew Projects by Amanda Carestio retails for $17.95 and be purchased at Amazon.com

If you’d like to win a copy of this book, use the Giveaway Tools entry form:

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Basketball Memorabilia and Accessories

Karen · Leave a Comment

Real sports fans enjoy collecting various items that can have a lot of intangible value. Basketball fans often enjoy collecting NBA memorabilia and other items that can be sold later on at great prices. Of course, the emotional attachment to a particular item may be worth more than the monetary value. An official licensed basketball is a very popular collectible item that’s related to the NBA. Such basketballs may actually be used to play professional games during the season.

Fans can get a real feel for holding an actual NBA quality basketball. Such an official basketball can also be brought to an NBA game and perhaps signed by a coach or player. An authentic signature makes any basketball a very popular collectible item. In fact, it’s a good idea to store autographed basketballs in a special protective display case made of transparent glass or acrylic.

Bubble heads are also very popular collectible items related to the NBA. Fans can collect these figurines that are fun for people of all ages to look at. An entire team’s roster can be collected in the form of bubble heads. These figures make excellent additions to an office desk at work.

Stuffed animals are also popular NBA themed collectibles. For example, these toys are available in designs that are inspired by the mascots of NBA teams. Stuffed toys make excellent gifts for young children that are enthusiastic fans of basketball.

Posters, prints and plaques are also popular basketball memorabilia. Such items may reflect the players and coaches of a particular season. After several years, a collection may include all of the different rosters of a particular franchise. Wall decals and stickers are also great collectible items.

An NBA fan can decorate the entire bedroom wall with life size stickers of the top players from the league. Similarly, the logos of NBA teams are available in decals and stickers that can be applied to the exterior surfaces of vehicles. Speaking of cars, there are plenty of automobile accessories that have NBA themes. For example, custom license plate frames can have the logos of specific teams. Similarly, the floor mats can have the logos of teams. Steering wheel covers and seat covers can be designed in various NBA themes that include official league logos, team graphics and other designs. Trying to shop NBA collectibles is an example of basketball fans looking for fun and cool items.

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Wood Watches By JORD-Review and Giveaway

Karen · 8 Comments

I received product in exchange for this post, which I am giving away to one lucky reader.

If your guy, son, husband, brother, father, or friend, is having a birthday during March, I’m sure you are looking for something nice, unusual and unique for him. These wood watches from JORD are really all that and then some. Although they are for men, I have been admiring them for myself. I like the bold look and natural feel of them. I think you will too, when you take a look at their website and see how nice they look.

sully-18-front-angled — The Sully Cherry and Maple

I was surprised at how many different colors of wood they have used to make their watches.

delmar-2-front-angled — The Delmar in Bamboo

94a-5-front-angled — The 94A in Chocolate

This is the description of the 94A on the JORD website:

Why have that wood grain on the dash when you can have it on your wrist. The 94A series includes a brilliantly etched, multi-colored, metallic face. Square, scratch-proof glass, secure Citizen Miyota movement with date. Stainless steel clasp fastens securely with a simple pinch.

Hardened, Scratch-proof glass face: 26mm x 33mm

Wood frame / bezel: 48mm x 42mm

Band width: 26mm – 37mm transition design (5pc links)

Lug ends: 42mm

Stainless face

Single action clasp

3-hand Citizen Miyota movement with date window

Includes stained bamboo display box

These watches retail for $129 -$249 and can be purchased online at JORD

One lucky Fabgrandma Facebook Fan will win the Sully in Cherry:

The Sully series is a classless blend of casual and professional. Choose from a variety of wood options. Includes Citizen Miyota movements and date window. The contrasting colors make this an obvious wood watch from a distance. Trying asking someone for the time and then say, “silly me, I forgot I’m wearing my watch.”

Hardened, Scratch-proof glass face: 33mm diameter

Frame / bezel: 41mm diameter

Band width: 25mm

Lug ends: 51mm

Single action locking clasp (stainless steel)

3-hand Citizen Miyota movement

To enter to win this watch, use the Giveaway Tools entry form, and like Fabgrandma on Facebook.

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Van der Hagen Enterprises Shaving Set Giveaway

Karen · 76 Comments

I received a Van Der Hagen Shave Kit as compensation for this post.

Is the guy in your life one of those men who grows a beard all winter, so that he can shave it off on the first day of Spring? Then he might be just the guy to use a Van Der Hagen Shave Set with a badger hair brush. The set includes the brush, a shaving mug, Hypo-Allergenic shave soap for lathering up, and combination brush & razor stand (also available with a Boar brush). And if he one of those guys who shaves every day, then he will love this set even more.These and other Van Der Hagen products are available to purchase at Amazon.com. To find other places to buy online, and retail stores in your area, check here. This shave kit will make a great Spring celebration gift, or just a nice everyday item to get for your guy.

One Fabgrandma readers will win the Premium Shave Set shown above. Just use the Giveaway Tools entry form to enter.

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It's National Pig Day! And I'm Celebrating By Telling You About My Favorite Barbecue Places

Karen · Leave a Comment

Hudson’s Hickory House

Hudson’s Hickory House, 6874 Broad St, Douglasville, GA 30134 770-942-4828

I don’t know how long Hudson’s Hickory House has been in business, but I know that when my Mom and Dad moved to Douglasville, Georgia in 1963, they were selling barbecue by the pound. Mama would go there on Friday nights sometimes and get a couple of pounds of chopped pork and some of those greasy fries, and all of us kids would be licking our lips over them. My favorite thing to get here is the rib plate. And always with a giant glass of iced tea.

Emily, Spencer and me in 2011 at Hudson's — Emily, Spencer and me in 2011 at Hudson’s

When my children were growing up, I did the same thing–chopped pork and fries, and we made sandwiches at home. Fabgrandpa and I eat there every time we find ourselves in Douglasville around dinner time. Yum!

Wallace’s Barbecue

Wallace’s Barbecue 3035 Veterans Memorial Highway Austell, Georgia 30168 Phone: (770) 739-1686

Wallace Barbcue (photo from Wallace Barbecue website)

Every time I am near Austell, I try to go eat at Wallace Barbecue. They have been in business since 1966, and have some of the best barbecue in the area. My favorite thing to get there is either a pig stuffed baked potato, or a pig salad, made with chopped pork. They have delicious hand cut french fries, too. I used to go to this place for lunch when I worked on Thornton Road for Bellsouth. I also love their thin vinegary sauce. Another yum place!

Bilbo’s Barbecue

Bilbo’s Barbecue 769 Atlantic Avenue, Bremen, GA 30110 770-537-4180

Bilbo’s Barbecue is located closer to us, in Bremen near the intersection of Hwy 78 and Hwy 27. We stop in there sometimes on the way home from Wal-Mart or my doctor’s office. They have some good chopped pork, ribs, and the cheesy pork french fries are enough for a meal all by themselves.

Turn Around Barbecue

Turn Around Barbecue 2390 Hwy 78, Tallapoosa, GA 30176 770-574-9966

We go to Turn Around Barbecue about twice a week for breakfast, but sometimes when we are there closer to lunch time, I have the barbecue rib plate. Their ribs are fall off the bone tender, and juicy, and delicious. Surprisingly , I don’t have any pictures from Turn Around, but Marie Let’s Eat has some good ones on their blog review. They are open on Friday nights now. If you are in town around lunch time, try them out. In additon to barbecue, they have some pretty dang good fried catfish, and a meat three veggies menu that changes every day.

So there ya go, some of my favorite barbecue places. What are your favorites? Do you like the chain barbecue places or the mom and pop owned ones? What is your favorite barbecue dish?

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March Is National Craft Month!

Karen · Leave a Comment

I am really excited about March this year. While it is National Craft Month, and that by itself makes it a great month for me, all these things happen in March too:

National Pig Day March 1
My granddaughter, Sarah’s, 15th birthday March 3
Mardi Gras March 4
National Frozen Foods Day March 6
International Women’s Day March 8
Johnny Appleseed Day March 11
Fabgrandpa’s 65th birthday March 13
National Quilting Day March 15
St. Patrick’s Day March 17
National Poultry Day March 19
First Day of Spring March 20
International Earth Day March 20
National Pecan Day March 25
Something On A Stick Day March 28
I Am In Control Day March 30
Take A Walk In The Park Day March 30

That’s just a few of the fun and weird special days happening in March. And I have some weird and fun posts coming up to commemorate some of those days. But before I jump into March, I have some loose ends from February to take care of. I have some reviews, and a couple of giveaways to do. Once those are done, I can’t wait to talk about crafts, crafty foods, and silly stuff.

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