Book Review: Wizard and the Lizard, The Magic of Marvelous Manners

Katie Reed is back with the next installment of her magical book series, Wizard and The Lizard. In this book, you meet two new characters, Mage and Page, and the four magical words that can change your life- “Please”, “Thank You”, “Excuse Me” and “Sorry”. The story starts off with the lovable main characters, Wizard and Buddy the lizard, then pulls the reader into a playful lesson about manners being like magic that can strengthen friendships. It’s a perfect way to introduce an important message that all young children should be aware of.

After reading the book, I wanted to have a little fun with the magic words we learned and talk about the importance of growth as a person and in relationships. So to drive the points home, my daughter and I picked out some flowers packets and planted them like the magic words to see them grow into something beautiful. We used recycled plastic items so we could reuse them as well.

As for the book itself, I just have to say the cover is gorgeous! After working alongside Candy Keane to illustrate our own children’s book for the first time, I’ve learned to appreciate a good font! As for the new magical stars of the book, Mage and Page, I love the color and designs for these fun characters! Illustrator, Jenna Wing-Hu drew them to be so charming. They are perfect to help teach etiquette is a fun way!

As a mother, I realize keeping our little monsters in line can be a hassle. I love books that open my little one’s eyes to vital lessons like how to be a kind and good person. The Magic of Marvelous Manners fits right in to our library and not only brings a smile to my little girl’s face but adds some magic words to her vocabulary.

Available at Amazon

Florida Shark Teeth Hunting

When most people think of Florida, the beautiful beaches are one of the first things that come to mind. People think of sand, waves, and fun in the sun. For me, the beach brings to mind one of my favorite things- shark teeth!

Shark teeth hunting is a favorite past time shared with my family and I love teaching my daughter about all the teeth and fossils she can find! I often find people from Flordai who say they’ve never found a shark tooth. My family loves helping newbies out, and I love educating people on how they can join in. So here are my tips for finding your own teeth or fossils on your next beach trip.

Timing

You can go any time of the year which is another thing I love about shark teeth hunting. Whether the hot summer or chilly winter, the beach can be enjoyed and the hunt is on! It’s the time of day that plays a bigger part for me. The tides switch between high and low every 6 hours. We have our best luck at low tide so try going 1-2 hours before low tide (google low tide for your beach) so the water is pulling back while you search. It gives us a wide space of sand to explore and it exposes a nice new layer of beach cleaned by the waves.

Summer or Winter, you can’t pick a bad time for beach combing.

Prioritize

You can occasionally find a shark tooth sitting prettily on a smooth span of empty sand, but I tend to have the best luck in the clusters of shells that gather in spots at random. No surprise, there will be thousands of shells in these groups so focus on two things.

Color. Though shark teeth may come in a variety of colors (white, brown, gray, black), most are black. I focus on that color against the majority of white and tan sand and shells.
Shape. Look for triangles and points. If you have not noticed, teeth are pointy! Narrowing your search to black triangles will hopefully help look for the tooth among the shells.

Take it slow

There are a lot of teeth out there but they are hiding. It’s a game of Eye Spy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sand between your toes as as you search the sand for a prize. You never know…you may find “the big one”!!

My best find so far. A broken megladon tooth on New Years Eve

Tips #1 You never know where shark teeth will show up, but you may want to try less populated areas that have had less human activity for more luck. Try a local park with beach access to explore instead of the busy beach full of spring breakers.

Might even find rare porcelain from a sunken ship??

Tip #2 Don’t forget to bring something to carry your treasures. Our family recycles old gum and mint containers which are perfect to not lose a tiny tooth you try keeping in your pocket.

As I mentioned before, besides shark teeth, you can find sting ray barbs , puffer fish mouth plates, and vertebras!

Get out there and enjoy this beautiful word! It is a wonderful way to spend quality time and teach our children something new without spending a dime! Do not forget to keep the beach clean so we can enjoy it for generations to come.

Happy (early) St. Patrick’s Day!

In days of old, me and my honey would be sporting green at some local pub while drinking green beer, but things look quite different after becoming a mom. As much as I love sharing those goofy memories with my now spouse, I love creating goofy new ones with my daughter. One such tradition we started over the years is setting up a leprechaun trap.

I don’t know who created the first laprechaun trap craft but they are all over Pinterest and super adorable! I love the creativity it inspires in my child as she plans out latches, trap doors, and camoflauge for the perfect setup. Several years ago, our first trap was just a shoebox, but now they sell leprechaun traps with decorations included in the craft section of most stores or find a pop-out trap on the back of a box of Lucky Charms.

This year’s trap has escalated quite a bit.

This year we took the easy route and followed the instructions on the back of the Lucky Charms cereal box for the trap. I say “easy” but we did go a little extra by making the box green, added popsicle sticks for support, and then including a moat with sharks ::shrugs::. Maybe it’s a Florida thing. At the grocery store my daughter kept searching for leprechaun bait so I grabbed the only thing magical and green (Sno Balls) and called it a day. Pro-tip: microwave a Sno Ball for 10-15 seconds. Yum!

Every year we set up our trap a little early and I will leave out proof of the leprechaun’s presence. Sometimes he leaves a surprise in the toilet, foot prints by the stove, or a treat in exchange for the one he ate in the trap. My daughter has gotten so excited to see what the leprechaun does each night, sometimes I wonder if she enjoys it more than Christmas. She definitely thinks the leprechaun (now named Lucky) is in cahoots with the Elf on the Shelf.

Along with all the fun, I wanted to incorporate something educational so we took a trip to the library to pick out some books on the history of St. Patrick’s day and borrowed a CD of beautiful Celtic music. It’s been a fun way to learn about another country and we are definitely including celtic music for a calming alternative to the radio.

What are some fun ways you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Children’s Book for Geeky Families

Surprise!! I illustrated this lovely adventure called “I’m Going to My First Comic Convention!”, and I’m finally sitting down to talk about it!

Children’s book written and illustrated by two geeky moms!

This year has been a whirlwind with work, family, and a changing world along with a pandemic! I don’t really know how we did it but I can say I’m lucky Candy Keane asked me to be her partner in this endeavor. Together we took on this challenge to write, illustrate, and publish the whole thing ourselves. There were many roadblocks and interruptions but looking at this book in my hand is a powerful feeling of accomplishment.

Like any good story, let’s start from the beginning. Candy Keane is a local mom who’s been a professional in the cosplay scene for some time. When she reached out to me, I was flattered. I call myself an artist but i always do it with an ounce of doubt because i didn’t go the traditional route. I don’t have a degree in art- just a passion that is now split many ways due to a busy life as a working mom. I actually illustrated some books years ago, before a full time job and family occupited most of my time, but this opportunity lit a fire to get back into what I love again- illustrating.

*When moms are writing a book, you got to keep the kids entertained*

So we met up at a bounce gym to let the kids run amuck (#momlife) while we got to planning. Candy revealed her story which follows Keelan, a little boy infatuated with the super-hero mascots for the comic convention coming to town. The big day comes and each page of the book is meant to display an exciting activity of what to expect at a convention- from buying treats in the vendor room to trying out new video game exhibits.

Sketches, inside the book, and printed copies!

We began storyboarding visuals to match the pages. The subject matter was right up our alleys and our image of how this book would come together seemed to click in place.With story and ideas in hand, I got to drawing. I was given lots of artistic license to play with perspective and composition which was fun! I also loved sneaking in my personal favorite fandoms into the book Check our the book to see if you can spot them! I also loved adding guest appearances like professional artists from the Florida area which really made the book have this community representation and feel for our very fun, local scene.

Thank you to author and sponsor, Katie Reeds who makes a quest appearance!
https://www.katiereedauthor.com/

With a global pandemic slowing down the world over the past year, conventions almost seem like a thing of the past, but I’m looking forward to the day to safely explore a convention again with my little one. Until that day comes, check out our book to fill that con void!

Available at Amazon at tinyurl.com/firstcomiccon

Book Review: Wizard and The Lizard by Katie Reed

I got the chance to read the brand-new children’s book series, Wizard and the Lizard by author Katie Reid. Katie is not only creative but supportive of fellow authors (more about that later)! We read her second book first (Wizard and the Lizard: Wacky Weather) which is actually about the main characters dealing with a literal storm raining on their picnic and as someone born and raised in Florida, I can totally relate with the ups and downs of ever-changing weather!

This book is a fun adventure with Wizard and his friend Buddy the lizard and their shenanigans as they try to change the weather so they can enjoy their day outside! Now that I’m the mother of a 5-year-old who wants nothing more than to play outside, I frequently experience the frustrations of the rain putting a damper on our outside adventures! Their attempts to bring out the sun got the whole family laughing at the silliness of their antics. It’s a lighthearted story that will get your child giggling over goofy spellcasting and the unexpected friendship between a wizard and his friend lizard.

This book series is great for any fantasy-lover like myself. Nothing like a good, old-fashioned wizard with his castle and potions to make me reminisce of classics such as Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, and maybe even act as a steppingstone for your little ones who may someday feel drawn to them as well. In summary, Wizard and the Lizard is a fun, fantasy adventure perfect for little ones with a lesson about friendship and loving yourself.

Lastly, by reading this fun series as a family we learned that my husband has an impressive wizard’s voice! He had my daughter and me laughing with each page, and we had to share a quick reading with you all…if my husband and daughter can control their giggles! Check out the video on my Instagram!

As I mentioned earlier, Katie is supportive to fellow authors like Candy Keane and myself as we progress to publish our first ever children’s book ! Her support will actually give her a cameo in our upcoming book and I’m so excited to share it with you! So go support Katie and you can get her book here!

Toy Story 4: See You [Space] Cowboy

As I mentioned in an earlier post, our family designated July 2018-2019 as “The Year of Disney” by buying annual passes for my daughter’s 4^th birthday instead of putting that money towards a one time, birthday party. With July now here, the countdown has begun, and we are making an effort to squeeze in as many trips to Disney to experience all the magic before the clock strikes midnight (our passes expire July 13^th ). Our most recent trip was a focus on Disney’s Hollywood Studies and the new Toy Story Land.

Woody greets you at the entrance to Toy Story Land

Jesse and Rex will chat if you stick around long enough

To infinity and beyond!

Quite appropriately, we saw Toy Story 4, the final installment to the Toy Story series, prior to our trip which made it all the more special. I don’t want to give any spoilers for the movie, but I will say it was my favorite of the 4 part series. I don’t know if it is because I have grown up with the characters and seeing the final movie was like a sweet farewell to part of my childhood, or maybe because Toy Story 4 focused on some very meaningful themes (rejection, acceptance, and healing) that I myself could relate to from my own experiences (there you go again Disney making me feel things!!). I can say that I was thrilled at the thought that my Toy Story adventure started at the age of 8 (I even had all the toys!) and I now get to share the magic of Toy Story with my daughter.

Slinky Dog Ride

Trash ❤

The slinky ride is full of fun designs

Toy soldiers are everywhere

Toy Story Land is a colorful submersion into the world of toys with life-sized versions of common childhood necessities (crayons, Uno cards, dominoes, etc.) all around. You will spot the stars of Toy Story where you can hear them chatting if you stick around to listen. Of course, the stars will come out to play and put on performances like the Army Men drum procession that entertains as you wait for your next ride. The main attractions are Alien Swirling Saucers (a new take on the Magic Kingdom Tea Cup ride), Toy Story Mania (a new and improved take on the Magic Kingdom Buzz Light Year Space Ranger Spin), and Slinky Dog Dash (Kids must be 38” tall and we made the cut!) which we loved. It is fun, it is entertaining, and it’s got a bit of a wait time for rides (“Thank you!” to whoever decided to add umbrellas along the path of Toy Story Land. That Florida heat is no joke!), but check it out!

Meet Jesse in Toy Story Land

I have been chosen!

Woody and Bo are back!

Tell me what you thought of Toy Story 4, Toy Story Land, or what was your favorite Toy Story movie?

#Disney #Toystory #Momblog

Hoggetowne Medieval Festival

Every year, the Gainesville fair grounds steps back in time to become Hoggetowne , a medieval world full of fantastical characters and mythical creatures. I first started going about 10 years ago and I have been returning nearly every year, dragging along friends and family members ever since. Now we look forward to it all year, and here are my favorite parts of the Hoggetowne medieval festival to check out.

Costumes

Get out your royal robes, cloaks, and elf ears! Some visitors to the medieval faire look like they walked of the set of Game of Thrones and it’s so exciting to see the lengths people go to to get into character. Of course, it’s absolutely acceptable to wear whatever is comfortable, but why pass up on an opportunity to be fancy? For my first visit, I threw together a gypsy-like costume. Now, every year, I try to make something different!

Shopping

If you’re looking to purchase a costume, Hoggetowne is a great place to start building up a fantastic wardrobe. Vendors offer some amazing quality items such as unique props, leather works, and weapons are available. I like to see what each of my friends are drawn to. The guys now have kilts, another has a penchant for buying swords, and I took home a monstrous eye patch to add to our collections. Some day, I swear I’ll take home a pewter goblet I’ve been eyeing them every year and someday I’ll have one so I can be the real queen of our castle (home).

Grub

Eat, drink, and be merry! I like to do so by grabbing a turkey leg and paying a visit to the local pub! Set up at either end of the event are make-shift pubs where locally brewed beer can per purchased and enjoyed with a “stinger” of honey-mead wine that creates a whole new concoction to enjoy. Specialty mugs and even a bottle of mead are also available for sale. And don’t forget, “Huzzah to the tipper!”

Play

Hoggetowne offers a number of activities such as axe throwing, carnival games, and dragon barrel rides. My favorite activity by far is archery.

Anyone can step-up and try their hand with the bow to attack the guards of the enemy castle. With the guidance of an instructor, you too can shoot the guard of the watchtower. If your aim shoots true and you hit the knight in the head, you will receive a commemorative wooden token for your troubles. Each year offers a new token design to add to an archer’s collection.

Entertainment

Any medieval festival wouldn’t be the same without a collection of wild and entertaining performers. Our of our favorites includes the Birds of the Gauntlet, which is a live performance of falconers with their beautiful, trained birds of prey. Mixed in with the show is a great message about animal conservation. Visitors can stop by their tent and meet the stars up close!

Next up is the Davince Brothers. This show is led by the amazing Bob who pulls the audience in to tell a love story that’s full of shenanigans and something about a donkey. You will cry laughing.

Best for last, our caravan of friends always makes it a point to see Barely Balanced. This team of acrobats never fail to amaze with their flexibility, balance, and strength nor their ability to get a packed out audience dying with laughter. A visit to Hoggetowne without them just would not be the same.

Hoggetowne medieval faire has become a tradition! Check it out if you are in the area between the end of January and beginning of February every year. It is a chance to step away from the distractions of the modern world and visit one of history, fantasy, and fun.

#momblog #momlife #igers #florida #fun #familyfun

GAAM Love Night- A Token of My Affection

GAAM Love Night was a time to celebrate love of friends, partners, and –of course- video games! Held at the contemporary Aloft hotel, 400 visitors gathered together to party and play the night away. Every GAAM event is unique but one thing does not change, it ss GAAM’s desire to be original and do good! For this event, I’ll share how GAAM raised money for local LGBTQ group, JASMYN, and how a group of invitational GAAM artists got together to give visitors a token of our love.

Traditionally, GAAM features artists who create and donate one-of-a-kind creations inspired by video game favorites to go up for auction for charity. GAAM Love Night was no different, but unlike the main GAAM event, the Love Night found a creative way to raise money by auctioning off GAAM Stars for a group date like no other! Promised with a night of fun, winners threw down cash for a good cause. There’s always a few surprises thrown in to every event. For Love Night, winning bidders even got bottles of Carve Vodka to take home!

https://www.facebook.com/MarkParianiProductions/ — Photo by Mark Pariani Productions

There’s always some element of art at every GAAM event, and I’m very proud and blessed to say I had the chance to head up the art direction for Love Tokens for this year’s GAAM Love Night! Taken from the early 19th century concept of ‘love tokens’ that were used to share one’s affection with another, I combined this idea with my love for games to create GAAM Love Tokens. These tokens featured characters from Overwatch, Sailor Moon, Zelda, and Final Fantasy for attendees to share with a special someone or take home as a keepsake of a fun night! To make this happen, I had an amazing team of talent to create the art for each token. Artists include: Fluffy Butt Arts, Kami Comics, Hannah the Bird, and even GAAM founder himself.

To get a special love token, attendees took part in silly challenges like “do your best Fort Night dance” or “recite a haiku, sonnet, or rap to the closest person”. It was a great way to spark some fun throughout the night. If you would like a Love Token, you never know when they may show up again! Limited GAAM swag has a way of rolling over to the next event!

2018 GAAMYs

Some people get excited for the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, or CMA’s, but nothing gets me more excited than the GAAMYs!

trophy

To understand, I would have to first explain a little bit about GAAM which stands for games, art, and music. GAAM is an event local to Jacksonville, Florida that started in 2012 as a way to get people together to enjoy video games while also raising money for charities. Along with music, dancing, costumes, and art, these events are a lot of fun but require a lot of work to pull them off. Back then, the GAAM auditions were looking for models for their promotional material. Being the huge nerd I am, I submitted my mine and my husband’s pictures for fun. Over time, we went from models to attendees and now volunteers for the greatest event Jacksonville, Florida has had in years! The rest is history.

Credit to Mark Pariani Productions

As a ‘Thank You’, the founder of GAAM started “The GAAMys”, asa night to celebrate everyone’s hard work and showcase some stars who make GAAM possible every year. Models, “volunstars”, and stars chosen from the community gathered together, dressed to impress, to praise those in this wacky community for all they do. And what better way to celebrate than with the yummiest pizza (shout out to GLHF), macaroni and cheese, and a visit from The Rock!

Credit to Mark Pariani Productions

Here’s to another successful year and many more!

#gaam #igersjax #jaxfl #jacksonvillefl

Kindness Rocks

Have you heard of Kindness Rocks? Well you may have found a colorful rock in a store or along a walkway and never realized you were blessed with one of these little pieces of art! Some mystery artist left it there to brighten your day. These artists get rocks and decorate them with pictures and sayings before hiding them in public for someone to find.

9 rock found.jpg — Zoe finds a Kindness Rock at a playground

What started as a little art project, has become a family tradition for us. We have spent many evenings painting rocks and hiding them around town. We have even been lucky enough to see some of our rocks discovered to the delight of the lucky finder!

Pictured our some of my favorite rocks I have made. It is easy to make your own, inexpensive to start, and a great way to spread some cheer. Here are a few tips to get started.

1. Picking the right rock
Any rock will do but we prefer, smooth river rocks that are not porous which allows for better paint application. We found a local gardening store that let us pick out any rocks we wanted and sold them by the pound which was cheaper than buying by the bag at a typical home improvement store.

2. Picking your paint
It took some time and experimenting but we’ve found our favorite go-to paints for rocks. We love POSCA as well as Artistro acrylic paint pens which are so convenient and come in vibrant and quick setting colors. The points also allow for fine details or print.

3. Setting the rock
A rock can make for a beautiful blank canvas, but if you want an alternate color, you can save time and get a lovely smooth finish, by spray painting a lot of rocks first. Once dry, paint as usual.

It is as easy as that! If you need some help, search Facebook for a local rock group by county or city. Join in and get rocking!

That Nerdy Mom

Mom+Nerd+Artist