Book Ideas to Read with Dads and Dad Figures

May 16, 2022 by Leave a Comment

This Father’s Day, why not give something to read with the dads (or dad-like figures) in their lives? This is a gift that will endure long after Sunday is over, since time and bonding would be included in the act. These are some fun new books that your dad(s) might enjoy. Check them out-

Papa Pizza Mouse by Michael Garland (Holiday House, for ages 0–3, available 05/31/2022)

Now a bite-sized board book, Papa Pizza Mouse offers new families their first chance to bond over a love of New York, pizza, and a NYC slice that is worth fighting for. When the whiskered hero of this story uncovers one of the greatest treats New York City has to offer a forager—a discarded slice of pepperoni pizza—the danger to bring it home to his family is all worth it! It’s up to the tiny Pizza Mouse to get the slice safely home to his family . . . via the A train, of course!

Ready! Said Rabbit by Marjoke Henrichs (Peachtree, for ages 2–6, available 05/24/2022)

An excellent read aloud pick for dads and their little loved ones to celebrate each other, charming flaws and all. It’s a lovely day to visit the park, but will Rabbit and Dad ever be ready to leave the house? Rabbit could take his ball to the park. But his favorite elephant would be just perfect, too, if he could find it. Uh-oh! Now Dad needs his jacket…and his glasses. And wherever did his keys go? A tale of patience to share between a dad and child; readers will laugh along with playful jibes at relatable, dawdling behaviors.

Uncle John’s City Garden by Bernette G. Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison (Holiday House, for ages 4–8, available now)

How does this city garden grow? With help from L’il Sissy and her siblings—and love, love, love! A celebration of nature, family, and food. Bernette Ford’s autobiographical story is a loving glimpse at a girl, her siblings, and her uncle, and their shared passion for farming. L’il Sissy’s fascination with measurement, comparison, and estimation introduces children to STEM concepts. And the progress of Uncle John’s garden introduces readers to the life cycle of plants. And the progress of Uncle John’s garden introduces readers to the life cycle of plants.

Song for Jimi: The Story of Guitar Legend Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Smith, Jr., illustrated by Edel Rodriguez (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, ages 7 and up, available now)

Jimi Hendrix’s talent was epic, and so is this lyrical account of his life, with spectacular artwork by Edel Rodriguez— including a poster underneath the jacket. From his turbulent childhood through his epical appearance at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals, Charles R. Smith Jr. covers it all in this rich and rhythmic account of a singular life, accompanied by the psychedelic splendor of Edel Rodriguez’s acid-tinged illustrations. This unique mix of rhythm and rhyme captures the essence a rock icon.

When Grandfather Flew by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Chris Sheban (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, for ages 4–8, available now)

A grieving boy remembers his grandfather and the hobby they shared, in this moving evocation of love and loss by a Newbery Medalist. Milo’s grandfather is fascinated with birds. He admires their freedom and never loses an opportunity to point out the things that make them special. He can’t see like he used to, so Milo helps him. One day when Milo comes home, Grandpa isn’t there, but when he sees a Bald Eagle swoop through the sky above, he knows Grandpa got his wish of being reborn in the skies.

Tuesday Is Daddy’s Day by Elliot Kreloff (Holiday House, for ages 3–7, available now)

A sweet autobiographical story celebrating LGBTQ+ parents, coparents who live apart, and the shared love that keeps families together no matter where they live. Becky has two rooms: one at Mommy’s house and one at Daddy’s apartment, which he shares with his partner Harry. Daddy usually picks her up after school on Tuesdays, but one Tuesday mommy is there instead! What’s going on? Becky likes everything to be the same, but soon learns change can lead to a happy surprise!

Adventures with My Daddies by Gareth Peter, illustrated Garry Parsons (Peachtree Publishing, for ages 4–8, available now)

This authentic bedtime read aloud is perfect for LGBTQ+ and adoptive families. Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an endearing, diverse family as the bedtime stories they read burst into colorful life. Together, the daddies and their little one battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon, and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down to sleep in a wonderfully cozy ending.

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, for ages 4–8, available now)

What if words got stuck whenever you tried to speak? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to? When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he’d like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Poet Jordan Scott writes movingly in this powerful and ultimately uplifting book, based on his own experience.

Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter (Peachtree, for ages 4-8, available now)

Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do?

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Skincare for Men

February 23, 2022 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to beauty and wellbeing, it’s not just for the girls. Men, get in on the self-care act with skincare products from vegan and cruelty free brands Isa Lazo and Masktini.

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This Isa Lazo Skin Toner is the perfect way to elevate your skincare routine because it is a gentle composition of rose water, witch hazel, and a complex blend of botanical extracts. Filled with antioxidants, rose water helps preserve a radiant glow. Simply use after cleansing your skin to refresh and prepare for moisturizer.

Take your glow on the go with Masktini’s Woke Bae. This whenever moisture spritz is perfect for throwing in your gym bag… or spritzing whenever. This invigorating formula contains an advanced complex containing hyaluronic acid and collagen-boosting marine algae polymers to instantly plump away fine lines. Simply spritz on after the gym and glow all day.

My husband and I regularly do facemasks- you may think I’m just saying that, but if you follow me on IG, FB, or Twitter, than you know it’s true, lol. My youngest son, now 14, used to participate regularly, but now he’s a TEEEEEENAGER, so. Once in a while. It’s good to have gender neutral masks or aimed at men, as some can be very sensitive about that sort of thing. But even for men like my guys who are pretty secure in themselves, it’s nice that it’s not all flowers and etc. Check it out for Father’s Day or whenever you need to buy a gift.

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Looking for a Gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day? Photo Gifts and Decor for 2021 from Mpix

May 3, 2021 by 3 Comments

Looking for a great and personal gift to give your partner, parents, or loved one? How about checking out Mpix to see what they offer? They offer professional photo prints, books, gifts and prefabricated gallery walls all under the umbrella of the number one professional photo lab in the country – Miller’s.  I had my son’s newborn photos done by Millers (just coincidentally) and I loved them. They did such a great job and were so patient with him (and me, the new and nervous/anxious mom).

photos via Mpix.com

We recently had the opportunity to try out Mpix, and while my order hasn’t arrived yet, I will certainly update the post once it has arrived. I didn’t want to wait to post until  received it, because right now you can save %25 just by opening the website! As soon as you open the page, they give you a great deal for %25 off as well as free shipping over $49.

Not something to wait and pass up. The site was easier to use on the PC- I had a problem trying to log in and/or create a username and password while on my phone. It didn’t work from my husband’s phone either, so either the site is glitching out when it comes to android phones, our phones specifically, or maybe it doesn’t like phones that use autofill? We didn’t have the change to to to type, it would just shut down the keyboard each time. However, as soon as I got on the PC, it ran smoothly and without any issues.

Besides traditional canvas or photo prints, you can order lots of cool things such as collage art, pictures on wood, photos on metal, acrylic, and a number of other choices. We had a hard time choosing, but ultimately chose to try the wood because I don’t have anything like that in the house and it seems both pretty and whimsical.

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We chose a photo of myself and my husband with two of our dogs on a recent day out at a park. Normally, everything is all about the kids, the kids, the kids- but it was nice to have myself in a photo for once, honestly, haha. Also, I’m trying to get all the dogs AND recent pics of all the kids on the wall- no small feat considering they are at “that age”- you know what I mean. So, a move in the right direction for that small goal.

Head over to the site, check it out and see what you think your person would like best- or maybe pick something up for yourself as well, why not? The prices are good, may as well. Visit https://www.mpix.com and save yourself some money while still getting the gift mom, dad, your wife (etc) will like best.

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ECO-FRIENDLY STEEPED COFFEE GIVES BACK – 20% OF SALES DONATED TO FEEDING AMERICA

April 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment

For thoughtful gift ideas that check all the boxes, look no further than Steeped Coffee (www.SteepedCoffee.com). The innovative startup is committed to premium coffee, convenience, and environmental stewardship in equal measure. So, when you introduce the coffee lovers in your life to Steeped, it’s a win-win for them and the planet. And, in an effort to fight hunger in America, the coffee company has launched its Packs for Good program, committing 20% of all sales to Feeding America for hunger relief (steepedcoffee.com/packsforgood).

What sets Steeped Coffee apart is its proprietary brewing method that does not require machines or brewing equipment, made much like tea. The coffee comes in single-serve bags that are nitro-sealed to ensure absolute freshness. It’s a uniquely “unplugged” coffee experience, from the award-winning packaging made using compostable and renewable materials to the non-GMO filters. All it takes to brew a perfect cup is hot water and a few minutes, and at the end of the day, there are no wasteful plastic pods accumulating in waterways or landfills.

Best of all, each Steeped Pack contains hand-roasted, ethically sourced, Direct Trade coffee that’s precision ground to showcase the distinctive flavor profile of every crafted blend. Whether you’re looking for light, medium, dark, French roast, or even decaf, there’s something for you.

So instead of racking your brain for the perfect gift, visit the Steeped website and make someone’s day while also being eco-conscious! With plenty of one-of-a-kind items, it’s the simplest way to give the gift of Coffee without Compromise this holiday season. Here are 5 gift ideas for the coffee lovers.

The Mug and More

Start with a vessel they’ll love and fill it with packs of Steeped Coffee. Selections include the ceramic Steeped Diner Mug (perfect for homebodies) or the Steeped Miir Insulated Camp Mug (for the adventurous type).

The Steeped Lineup Sampler

A great way for newcomers to discover the roast that suits them best, the Steeped Lineup includes five alluring blends ranging from Light, Medium, Dark, and French Roasts to the Swiss Water Processed Decaf.

The Steeped Coffee Subscription

What could be more convenient? They can choose their favorite roast and have it delivered straight to their doorstep as often as they like with the ultimate flexibility to switch roasts or pause their subscription at any time.

Steeped Home Kits

This indulgent gift has everything they need to make the perfect cup: a “smart” electric kettle or elegant stove-top kettle, a Steeped Coffee Subscription, and two high-end mugs.

Two Double Wall Tasting Glasses

Experience coffee like never before with this set of two double wall tasting glasses. The flared lip delivers coffee to your entire palate in order to taste the full spectrum of coffee flavors.

These Fellow double wall tasting glasses are cool to look at and cool to the touch, even while you’re drinking your hot cup of Steeped Coffee.

Features of Steeped Coffee include:

  • Hand Roasted Specialty Coffee: no instant powders, just delicious coffee
  • No Machines Required: unplugged single-serve convenience
  • Guilt-Free Packaging: made using fully compostable and renewable materials
  • Nitro-Sealed: removes oxygen, stopping the clock on freshly ground beans
  • Full Immersion Filter: renewable plant-based non-GMO compostable filters that regulate ideal water-in and maximum flavor-out
  • Ultrasonically Sealed: no glues, staples, or wasted materials for max steeping
  • Precision Ground: consistent water-cooled grinding to the micron
  • Pre-Portioned: optimal SCA recommended water-to-coffee ratios
  • Barista Approved: continuously tested by multiple independent specialty coffee Q-graders for freshness, quality, and taste
  • Just + Water: a simple cup

About Steeped Coffee

Steeped, Inc. based in Santa Cruz, California, is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation focused on every detail from farm-to-cup and beyond, to bring people the most convenient, high quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably packaged products available. Steeped Coffee is the new single-serve coffee standard helping to make quality coffee accessible within Guilt-Free Packaging. The proprietary Steeped Brewing Method delivers 100% freshly roasted, precision ground, and nitro-sealed specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Full Immersion Filters. Steeped Coffee is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by just adding water, with no machine needed.

Steeped Coffee is available on Amazon with Prime Free Delivery, at premium supermarkets, luxury hotels, and offices with craft coffee and at-home services. Through licensed partnerships, Steeped, Inc. works with over 200 specialty coffee roasters to share its technology and brewing method around the globe. For more information, visit steepedcoffee.com. 

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Dads are FREE at MEDIEVAL TIMES for Father’s Day!

June 11, 2019 by Leave a Comment
What better way is there to celebrate dad than to make him feel like a king?  Treat dad like royalty this Father’s Day at Medieval Times!  Hope you can please let your readers know about this special Father’s Day promotion.  Thank you!
Available for all shows now through June 16, Dads are FREE at Medieval Times with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket.  Just use the codeDAD19 to take advantage of this great special offer.
A special upgrade package is available for an additional $25 which includes:
  • Framed photo of dad and family
  • 25 oz souvenir glass stein with the choice of draft beer or soda
Everyone in your party does not need to upgrade to the package.  Guests can purchase packages online, by phone, or at the door.
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Fathers Day Gifts He Will Love

June 10, 2019 by 2 Comments

With Father’s Day right around the corner, here are some fun and funky gifts we think Dad will love.

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee? The only thing with coffee can be, as we get older (aging like fine wines, of course) sometimes the acid or the caffine can be less then ideal. You can try a low acid brand like trücup low-acid coffee in either regular or decaf to help with those problems, while not sacrificing on taste.

These low acid coffee options remove what can be harmful or painful for some people’s stomachs, like those who have acid reflux, GERD, IBS, or about a zillion other stomach issues. I know it can get to me, personally. With bold or mild, espresso, decaf, and other choices, there is one that is sure to tickle dad’s fancy. Using a natural steam process to remove acids, but leaving in all the flavors and aromas, your dad will enjoy this healthier, low-acid coffee alternative. Check out https://trucup.com to choose your dad’s favorite roast.

Taking dad out on the town? Check out Tenth Street Hats for something to help him stand out. From the classic to the bold, traditional or funky, these hats are well made and will be a hit- a for sure conversation piece. Some of the best sellers as per the company-

“All-American Dad: Our high quality, American-made Biltmore Collection includes classic, colonial styles in materials ranging from luxurious fur to breathable straw.
BBQ King: For the dad leading the Memorial Day, July 4th and every BBQ this summer, our Sun Protection hats with UPF50+ keeps him protected while he’s grilling (so he doesn’t roast too).
Cool Dad: From our fedoras to our bold prints, our Staff Picks are perfect for cool dads who aren’t afraid to make a statement and accessorize.” Outdoorsy Dads:  for all the dads that love the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with this list of the best fathers day gifts.

Fun loving dads will love a cool statement piece. Standing out from the crowd these days isn’t easy, but doing it with style is always preferred. Head to https://tenthstreethats.com and see what your dad would love.

From the classic to the outdoorsy, Mountain Khakis has durable, long lasting clothing men everywhere will enjoy wearing. Timeless designs that will last him ages (because honestly, many men are not the most avid shoppers), these clothes are destined to be favorites. They feel nice as well- soft and light, breathable and comfortable to wear, they are exactly the kind of clothing my husband likes to wear, and he is incredibly picky. The clothing runs as to size, so pay attention to the charts, or ask if you are unsure. You can find something for any occasion or just lounging around.  Check out https://www.mountainkhakis.com and pick out what you think your dad will like. 

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Awesome Gifts for Fathers Day

June 17, 2015 by 2 Comments

Disclosure- We have received the below in order to facilitate reviews.  All opinions are our own and honest.

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For dads that game- Assassins Creed

I have long been a fan of the Assassin’s Creed series.  From the intricate plot weaving throughout time,  which involves the mysterious assassins in their awesome hoodies and incredible skills, to it’s incredible action adventure game play.  Throughout the games there are two factions which are warring- the assassins and the knights.  This is the overall idea behind the games, but it is so much more complex then that.  The games are so much fun to play, with each game in the series feeding into the next.  The most recent addition to the series is Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China.  This game picks up with Shao Jun, who is the last in the Chinese Assassin’s Brotherhood.  After meeting with Ezio Auditore (from previous games) she is ready to use her new Assassin’s skills and China will never be the same.  The game style of Chronicles China is markedly different from most games in the line, as this is a 2.5D platformer, where jumping and doing as assassin’s do is a blast, in intricate detail, and wonderfully illustrated.  This is the first in the Chronicles trilogy which will be followed by India and Russia at a later date.  All three will be sporting the 2.5D styling, which I am personally loving.  This game is rated T for teen and is a bit on the violent side, with splashes of violence sporadically throughout the game.

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For dads who game on the go- New Nintendo 3DS XL

Nintendo has released their new and improved 3DS XL system, called -easily enough- the New 3DS XL. This system is unique for a few reasons, including more gaming power, faster hardware, improved 3D experience, and even a few new buttons thrown into the mix for more precise control. The 3D XL has been improved upon with face tracking abilities, so now the 3D view the player gets from having the system right in front of them can be seen when not in exactly the right place, adding to both the realism of the 3D as well as the sharpness of the picture.

In addition to the 3D the buttons added is a new c-stick, which acts as a sort of joy stick but is smaller and flat, as well as the addition of 2 shoulder buttons. This brings the grand total to two per shoulder, which is awesome. For those of you who are enjoying the new amiibo’s (and let’s face it who isn’t?) there is built in amiibo support. Something to keep in mind is the new 3DS XL is the future, so new games will support only the new system. So far one of the stellar titles available exclusive to this system is Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, which is an incredible game.

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For the Neat Freak dad- the Dyson v6 Absolute

You might think your vacuum is fine, but dad disagrees- or maybe you are in need of a new one.  Either way, the Dyson V6 Absolute is quite the piece of machinery packed into one slim, lightweight body.  Most vacuums will either pick up tiny dust or the biggest stuff- but nothing in between. This one…this one is amazing.  It is so small and lightweight (just 5 pounds), I didn’t think it was going to do much- and it was cordless, which to me, also means less power.  But I was wrong, oh so wrong, and I am in love with the new Dyson.  It is so easy to use, and has two heads, including a soft roller that won’t scratch your floors. It moves easily across all floor types- and even smaller throw rugs- and has a hygienic bin that is easy to empty. The other cool thing is that you can see all the junk you vacuum up, so if you suck up a LEGO or something, you can get it pretty easily.  (I also like seeing what is vacuumed up- an odd sense of satisfaction, maybe.)  No bags mean less money to spend, just dump the canister when you are done.  It holds a charge for 20 minutes, and it’s battery is so  efficient that it was awarded an energy star.   Give dad MORE POWER this year- %75 more power then the V6 and still more effective then most vacuums out there, removing 99.97% of particles(*as per Dyson), and leaving you with cleaner air (HEPA filtration) and less allergens.  Get yours at http://www.dyson.com/ for $600.

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