Ugly, fat Barbie doll? Will kids want normal non-glamour dolls for Christmas?

 A revolutionary toy hit markets--ugly fat Barbie, says CNN November 20. Will she be on little girls' Christmas wish lists like her glamourous predecessor? You decide. Actually, ugly is the wrong word for the Lammily doll. She's not repulsive, just average looking, with warts and acne and all. The anti-Barbie isn't fat, either, unless you call normal proportions "fat." Unlike Barbie's mutant- large boobs, emaciated butt and waist and elongated legs, Lammily has a bigger butt, smaller breasts, thicker legs, even the dread cankles. Girls can further normalize her by adding zits, scars, tattoos and (gasp!) cellulite. Ugly, fat Barbie doll? Will kids want normal non-glamour dolls for Christmas? 

Top 10 Halloween costumes for 2014 - Grand Rapids Holidays

Are you a trend-follower or trailblazer when it comes to Halloween costumes? If you answered "trendy!" here's the list of top 10 Halloween costumes for 2014. Party City, a one-stop purveyor of all things holiday, lists what's hot and flying off their shelves this year. We'll take it in backwards order, just to keep the suspense.  Top 10 Halloween costumes for 2014 - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Free Printable Strawberry Shortcake Coloring Pages, Vintage Dolls and New Ones - Bubblews

Strawberry Shortcake has been loved by children since 1979, when American Greetings featured her on a greeting card. Then Kenner toy company designed a set of dolls each with different fruity dessert names and dressed in color matched clothing. Some had a companion animal pet with a matching dessert name. If I remember correctly, the dolls smelled like their fruit, too! In that spirit of memorabilia, here are Free Printable Strawberry Shortcake Coloring Pages, Vintage Dolls

Free Printable Star Wars Coloring Pages to Celebrate Star Wars Episode VII

Are you a Star Wars geek? I remember my dad taking me to see the first film in the theater (a big deal, him not being a movie type of guy). We felt kind of silly seeing a "space" show---echoes of cheesy 60s sci-fi worried us that Star Wars might be similar But we both loved it and cheered aloud all the way through (also out of character for two anal retentive, uptight Hollanders!) I have gone on to raise a family of Star Wars nerds.



Are you looking forward to the long-anticipated Star Wars Episode VII coming out December, 2015? Many of the original cast returns including Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca--and my favorite Star Wars character) and Anthony Daniels (C3PO).



The movie series began in 1977 with episodes IV--Star Wars, A New Hope, V--The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and VI--Return of the Jedi in 1982 (I think). In the late 1990s, the series restarted with the next three episodes, which were actually the first three in the story series: I--The Phantom Menace, II-- Attack of the Clones and III--Revenge of the Sith. The Clone Wars brings the Star Wars series to a new genre: animated cartoons. Star Wars characters return in The Clone Wars, plus some new folks.



For all you Star Wars fans in the galaxy, here are websites and links with close to 200 free printable coloring pages from all six episodes plus many from Clone Wars. Free Printable Star Wars Coloring Pages

Free Printable Planet of the Apes Coloring Pages Retro Coloring Books

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" opens this week and if promises hold true, it's going to be epic. I remember the old Planet of the Apes in 1968 with Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall. The original screenplay was written by Rod Serling (of Twilight Zone fame). Others had a go at POTA sequels--including Tim Burton in 2001. Not a sci-fi or POTA fan, myself. But I did love coloring pages. Still do. So, here are  Free Printable Planet of the Apes Coloring Pages (click here for links) for YOU! (Image from Hunter's Planet of the Apes Archive--thanks, Hunter!)

Free Printable Classic Disney Movie Coloring Pages

Remember those old Disney classics: The Love Bug, That Darn Cat, Herbie Rides Again, Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and others? And how about the old full-length cartoons? Robin Hood, The Aristocats, 101 Dalmations, The Fox and the Hound. So many wonderful movies from '60s and early '70s.



The first movie I ever saw, at six, was when I lived on a remote Alaskan island with my mom. The "movie theater" was a church hall, folding chairs and a portable screen. The film was "Son of Flubber." Later when we returned to Michigan, mom and I would go to Saturday matinees. We could see a double feature, have popcorn, pop and candy for under $2 each. If you share my love of old Disney movies, here are Free Printable Classic Disney Movie Activities

Free Old School Father's Day Gifts, Do-With-Dad Activities

Yanno, they say women are romantic. But so are a lot of guys, especially older ones. I'm not talking girly romantic, but they are sentimental. Particularly about stuff from childhood (have you SEEN the man's closet--overflowing with moth-eaten toys

!) So if you're looking for low-cost Father's Day gifts? (Hint--third Sunday in June, don't forget!) why not take dad on a walk down memory lane with these retro gifts and crafts! Free Father's Day Gifts, Do-With-Dad Activities from A-Z+

Father's Day Gifts at Old-Fashioned Prices--Under $10

I've always loved making, buying, giving gifts. I was a creative child with lots of funky ideas about what my family would like as presents. I shunned the traditional tie and pipe on Father's Day. But holidays usually find me with more people to remember than money in my purse. Here are Father's Day gifts at old-fashioned prices. Under $5 to $10. Okay so back in the day, it was a buck. But you get the point. Nice gifts for dad, father-in-law, grandfather, step-dad, uncles, brothers, minister, priest, rabbit, special guys--all at budget prices. 50 Father's Day Gifts Under $10

Printable Mother's Day Crafts Make Happy Childhood Memories

I've always loved making crafts since I was a little girl. I especially liked making gifts for people on holidays and birthdays. I wasn't very artistic, but my heart was in it. Do you like making crafts. Do you have kids who like crafting? Well, hint, hint, Mother's Day is just around the corner. How's about printing free Mother's Day crafts from the internet to make for mom (grandma, auntie, godmother, step-mom, dad's girlfriend?) I'm sure those ladies would love a homemade gift as much I did when my kids were young. With computers and home printers making printng so easy, it's at your fingertips. I would have thought I'd died and gone to heaven to get my hands on free printable crafts! Click here to find printable Mother's Day greeting cards, paper crafts, origami, photo frames, scrapbook stuff, party decorations, flower baskets, gift boxes and more.  Free Mother's Day Crafts for Kids to Print

Free Printable Mother's Day Arts and Crafts Activities

I've loved making crafts and shopping for holidays since I was a kid. I especially liked Mother's Day (second Sunday of May) and Father's Day (Third Sunday in June). I remember one Mother's Day, I bought my mom a single blood-red washcloth at the corner store (very little money, had I, but lot's of ideas). If you find yourself short 'o cash, as I did, then why not print and make arts and craft for mom or dad? These are great  holidays for kids create cards and presents. Here's a list of free printable crafts, greeting cards, decorations, activities, games and presents for Mother's Day. Make cute crafts for moms, grandmothers, aunts, God-mothers, teachers, day care providers, any woman that you want to remember this Mother's Day. Moms will love the homemade, kid-created gifts of love. Then visit again around Father's Day for dad-themed crafts! Free Printable Mother's Day Craft Activities

Free Printable Muppet Coloring Pages for Muppets Most Wanted

I loved the Muppet Show and movies. The characters are spinoffs of Jim Henson's Sesame Street muppets. Many are voiced by the same actors. The Muppet Movie, A Muppet Christmas Carol (Michael Caine as Scrooge) and Muppet Treasure Island (with Tim Curry as Long John Silver). My kids liked the Muppet Babies craze of the 1990s. Who could resist lovable Kermit and the bombastic Miss Piggy? Or eccentric Gonzo and his chicken Camilla, wise-cracking Fozzie Bear, Rizzo the Rat and Rowlf the jazz-playing pooch. Sargent Floyd Pepper, Zoot, Dr. Teeth, Janice and the Muppet band The Electric Mayhem is priceless. Animal the crazy drummer has become a cult icon. My Muppets favorites were the Swedish Chef and Beaker (who lived in fear of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's quack experiments). Now in 2014, we get "Muppets Most Wanted" with Tina Fey and Ty Burrell (Modern Family).



I've been on a quest for 1980s retro coloring pages this summer and I'm pleased to bring you links for free printable Muppets coloring pages.  Free Printable Muppet Show and Muppet Babies Coloring Pages

Beloved Childrens' Poetry from Around the World

I've loved poetry since before I can recall. It's always been infused in my life, through verse and song. Poetry is the color of music, the rhyme of the rainbow, and the rhythm of life. Poetry is ambrosia and nectar, the food of the gods, nourishment for the soul. Children feel poetry in their souls. Poetry is dance and movement and music and art all in one. I dug through my poem memory to share these beloved children's verses.

Childrens' Poetry from Around the World 

Flashback to Soupcon Supper: Leftover Use-Up Pizza Muffins

On busy days, my frugal Hollander mom used to make a recipe that her frugal Hollander mom made on Wash Day (Monday if you know the old household tasks poem).  I passed this recipe on to my frugal kids. Grandma called it Soup Can Supper. I changed it to soupcon (French for "small") supper. This quick easy meal uses up leftovers too and that is music to the thrifty Dutch heart. We didn't eat a lot of pizza when I was young. Grandma's was made with canned soups. So I ramped it up to modern times with the pizza theme. Soupcon Supper: Leftover Bread Use-Up Pizza Muffins

There Are Many Ways to Say I Love You, Thank You Mister Rogers

 've had that Mister Rogers song stuck in my head today. "There are many ways to say I love you. Many ways to say I care about you. Many ways, many ways, many ways, to say....I love you." He proceeds to list nice things children and adults do to share love. Just a simply, kiddie ditty. Nothing fancy-schmancy. But that's how Mister Rogers taught his pearls beyond compare--in the PBJ sandwiches of childhood.  There Are Many Ways to Say I Love You - News - Bubblews

Recipes for Oobleck: From Dr. Seuss Bartholomew and the Oobleck

Dr. Seuss celebrates his birthday on March 2. We celebrate Dr. Seuss legacy of literature. Dr. Seuss's charming fable Bartholomew and the Oobleck is pure fun. Here are recipes to make oobleck with your children, homeschool or students. What is oobleck? Dr. Seuss is not only a wit with cartoon drawings, but he's pretty creative with words too. Oobleck is just what it sounds like: goopy, gooey, slimy putty flubber. And Oobleck has a mind of it's own as poor Bartholomew discovers. Celebrate the wonder and magic of Dr. Seuss in your homeschool or classroom. Read  Recipes for Oobleck: From Dr. Seuss Bartholomew and the Oobleck

Be Careful What Names You Apply and Self-Apply

Volumes have been written about what to name babies. And volumes should be written on what NOT to name them. I have a friend who has been trying to stay on top of weird kid names, but that's a Herculean task with. It's a lot of work --as soon as you nail one set, another bunch crops up. Now I don't say it has to be like it was when I was young--12 standard boy and girl names and woe be it to anyone with a different one. Like Marilisa. But still, Be Careful What Names You Apply and Self-Apply Picture is Little Miss Marilisa at three.

Did you Play Powder Puff Football?

  I'm dating myself big time, but hey, at almost 50, every reference is. I've been reading a lot about football. Which is a thing I know next to nothing and care even less about. I had two encounters with the game. I played touch football in 8th grade and Powder Puff in 12th. Neither was a great experience, in retrospect. For laughs and memories, read on   Anyone Beside Me Play Powder Puff Football?

Winter 2014 is a Day at the Beach Compared to the Blizzard of 1978

You know how kid memories seemed so vivid and extreme? Then you got older and realized that your young mind might have exaggerated the experience? In 1978, I was 13 years old and in 8th grade at Grand Haven Junior High (now White Pines Middle School). In that winter, I remember what seemed to us the winter 'storm of the century'. But living in Michigan, snow and snow storms are a way of life. I thought my memory may be hazy and that the storm wasn't as bad as I remembered. I couldn't remember when it hit, only that we were back in school after Christmas break and baby new year was 1, 978 years old  30th Anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978