fun

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.

Wizard And The Lizard The Magic of Marvelous Manners

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

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.

Out first leprechaun trap in 2018

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!

Chomp Chomp

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.

Leprechaun shenanigans

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?