Happy Easter!

My mum sent me this awesome video about coloring eggs with silk neckties so we just HAD to try it. I have to say, it was much easier, a lot cleaner, and the result is AWESOME.

It took:

a dozen WHITE eggs
6 neckties - silk and the more colorful/brighter, the better
white cotton (we used muslin scraps from other projects)
string
4 c. water
1/4 c. white vinegar

Here's the awesome video from the SALT project that gives the detailed directions.

Supplies!!!

Make sure you get everything together before you start - have 12 squares cut from the neckties (large enough to cover an egg) and 12 squares cut from the muslin.

Wrap a square of silk necktie around an egg and tie the top with string.

Then wrap the string around the egg to hold it in place.

Wrap the egg in the white cotton square and secure it with some more string (or a rubber band). Set it carefully in the pot of water and vinegar. We were able to do this together as a family :) We only lost one egg!

All set in the pot of water and vinegar!

Bring the water to a boil and then let simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and unwrap your eggs!

Our eggs turned out awesome! No dye on our fingers and plenty of pretty colors!!!

And if this project isn't enough to make your easter special, how about a mug of bunny....our newest family member...

Obsession #43 - The Walking Dead

Admittedly, I'm borrowing a lot of this post from one of my other blogs but it seems more relevant here...and...I've received a lot of backlash over the post so I'm going to rework it a bit and expand. I may let the kids comment at some point but they kinda just go into that "Don't kill Glen or Carl or Maggie or Darryl" place.

See, it's time to face facts, I'm a terrible mom. I allow my kids to watch The Walking Dead and consequently must be stoned. Surely I am going to "mommy hell." for allowing my kids to watch something so awful.

Except that I don't think it's awful. And here's why:

1. Zombies are the new cool. When I was a kid, we watched Freddy, Michael, and Jason tear, cut, and shred teens. When I was Autumn's age, I started reading Stephen King books and let's face it, they aren't for the weak of heart.

The zombie mythos is being marketed to every age range in every medium possible (Plants vs. Zombies, Monster High, Alice in Zombieland...need I go on??). At school they talk about zombies, draw zombies, and write about zombies. Bottom line, my kids are into zombies and they are going to find a way to access all things zombie so why not be a part of their discovery? Why not be there to help explore and answer questions?

My daughter getting her zombie on as "Zombie Sophia"

2. TWD is about more than zombies, it's a social study. It's kind of like disguising vegetables so the kids will eat them....hiding lessons in TWD, who woulda thunk it? I'm not saying TWD is on the same level as After School Special but our kids are living in a different time with different problems. We've addressed issues about defending yourself/your family, how far you'd go to survive, first crushes, and the importance of being honest. I never know what I'm going to get out of them after an episode but I look forward to it. The important thing is that we watch the episode together in case something doesn't settle right with them.

My son impersonating "Carl."

3. The fandom is incredible. My kids are so different but they agree on The Walking Dead. It is one of a few things we can enjoy together and that means they can cosplay on the convention circuit. My kids have accompanied me to more than a few events at this point and TWD fandom never disappoints. They've met some of the actors and I have to say that for the most part, TWD has some of the nicest celebs we've encountered.

My kiddos acting up at Horrorhound

4. It is just fun. Though we never get to watch TWD on the night it airs since we don't have cable, the kids and I don't mind. Waiting allows us to pick the best night for our schedules and plan the perfect meal or snacks. Homework is done, clothes are ready for school the next day, and everything is set out before we even start the show so nobody misses anything.

I'm going to argue that this is one thing I'm doing right as a mom. My kiddos and I bond over the The Walking Dead and the best part of that statement is "bond." How many of my wanna-be-shamers can say the same thing?

Book Review: Everybody's Got Something by Robin Roberts

I should probably preface this review by saying that I have been a fan of Ms. Roberts since she joined ESPN. Seeing a talented woman discussing sports on a national platform was inspiring and motivating. Then she joined Good Morning America. She’s been inducted into the Women’s BasketballHall of Fame and named one of ESPNW’s Impact 25 (2014). From reporting on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath to hosting the Academy Awards preshow, Ms. Roberts has brought a special kind of grace to national media.

But none of this is why I recommend her book, Everybody’sGot Something.

Robin Roberts was very open about her battle with breast cancer. Now she opens up about family life and her battle with myelodysplastic syndrome – say that five times fast. Everybody’s Got Something is a candid look at how Ms. Roberts fought the toughest battle of her life. She’s candid and optimistic when reflecting on each step but also grateful for the help she received from so many people.

Everybody’s Got Something is a must read for anybody facing an uphill battle – and these days, isn’t that most of us?

I give this four top hats out of five :)