Big Ideas For Little Ones: Rain Sticks and Bottle Rockets

It's mid summer and chances are your kids are back from camp and bored with just about everything. We found a couple cool and cheap activities to keep them occupied, and don't tell them, but they may learn something new too! This post is from the University of Michigan health blog and you may recognize the little Martha-in-the-making who is demonstrating. She is Sophie, the daughter of my friend and former featured lady here on the blog, Erika Laszlo. Now go shake up some fun!

Posted by Meredith Schlabig, MT-BC, Music Therapist
University of Michigan Health Blogs

Posted by Camp Little Victors Team 

University of Michigan Health Blogs

Etchings From the Man Cave: John Varvatos

johnvarvatos.com

This guy is just plain COOL. Maybe I'm partial to John Varvatos because he is a Detroit native (ok, I am), but lets face it the fella defines "swagga." As an award winning fashion designer. His influence is definitely old school motor city rock and roll, not in a glitzy glam way. Varvatos designs with an aesthetic that is true to his Midwest roots. Its a mans-man style that is functional and comfortable but tough and has a beat all its own. Clothes a guy would actually wear. His pieces are on trend but not trend-y.  He made the lace-less Converse popular and continues to design cutting edge looks for the classic brand. His latest campaign features musicians Gary Clark, Jr. and the legendary Jimmy Page. Pretty solid endorsement, don't ya think? 

Now, John Varvatos has taken on the ultimate homage to Detroit through his collaboration with Chrysler on the Limited Edition John Varvatos Chrysler 300C and he is legit. This isn't just a "here's my name now go market it" venture. Varvatos is a car enthusiast who even spent time working for the automaker during his youth. The signature details in the vehicle include all the elements that his fashion line is known for. "The seats match the rich leather of jackets.  The dashboard mirrors the face of timepieces. The metal trims are inspired by the titanium bottle accents of fragrances." -johnvarvatos.com

If a Varvatos 300C isn't in the budget, you can still impress the ladies Varvatos style. This week curl up on the couch with your gal and turn on "Fashion Star." You can impress her with your knowledge of the wickedly talented John Varvatos, one of the shows celeb judges. You'll probably earn some points for watching it with her of your own free will too. The bonus, you can absorb more of J.V.'s signature style pointers and impress your lady at the same time! (Just a little insider tip from yours truly. Glad to help.) Rock on!

The HomeMaker Playlist: Home

Its Saturday! What better time to kickoff the HomeMaker Playlist. I chose this song for a couple reasons. Seems fitting and a bit of an anthem for the blog. Home can be anywhere and anything. It also brought to mind a moment I had during our recent move. My now husband and I were making our way to our new home state of KY. I was following behind in my car and chuckling at the back of his head along side the back of our dogs head.  Quite a pair. This song came on and it struck me. Prior to the move I was a little nervous anticipating how I would like it and missing my life back in NC. Hearing this I suddenly thought of my hubs and knew that he would make anywhere we were together, home and I, for him.  It was all good. So, that's why I blog about home its our power source, encompassing all that is important to us, tangible and intangible. Thank you for taking your precious time to read my little blog and I hope that you find your happy home.