Paper Clip Weapons

One of my boys is quite obsessed with paper clips.  He uses them to make all sorts of contraptions, intermingling them with erasers and whatever extra bits he can find.  I hope these amazing paper clip sculptures by Brett featured on Boing Boing will give him some new inspiration.

Tyler Florence Fresh Start

Wondering what to serve for dinner?  We recently discovered Tyler Florence's new cookbook, Start Fresh: Your Child's Jump Start to Lifelong Healthy Eating.  While the title suggests it is for little kids, there are two sections of family meals that my boys have LOVED!  Our favorites so far are the strawberry muffins, turkey meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting, and the turkey meatball stroganoff.  Check Tyler out on the Today Show for videos and recipes here. 

Straw Airplanes

Looking for a fun activity this weekend?  How about straw-paper airplanes?  All you need is a straw, some heavy paper (cardstock or index cards will do the trick), scissors, and tape for an afternoon of fun!  Thank you All For the Boys!

Bohm Stirling Engines

My little mechanical engineers were fascinated by the Bohm website and their Stirling engines.  These engines run using a vacuum created by hot air.  The design was patented in 1816 by Robert Stirling, but the basic concept has been around since the Egyptians.  Wow.  You can read more about it on the Bohm website and check out their amazing engines and contraptions.  Build your own, buy it constructed or just revel in the amazing coolness of it all!

Neat-oh!

 

We just found Neat-Oh!  Our lives are about to change...I have visions of organization and clean rooms...well, at least the boys might LIKE to put things away using these really cool storage solutions.  From LEGO®s to Hot Wheels, they have you covered.
 

Lego Camper Van

Can I say, WE WANT ONE!  I mean, we ALL (boys and me) want one of these new sets!!  It has every detail of the original vans, including a pop-up top, sink, and even those cute plaid curtains.  Check out the YouTube Video  and other details at  The Brothers Brick!

The Title Says it All...

"Dear Boys, Quit Peeing on the Floor," the latest post from one of my new favorite blogs, The MOB Society, brought a smile to my face.  I just love my boys! BTW-MOB stands for "Mothers of Boys". 

Snack Stations

I promise, just one more post on lunches.  I've had a bit of an obsession lately.  I think after watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, I have guilted myself into limiting the boys' time in the cafeteria line this year...Real Simple posted these great ideas about keeping snacks at the ready for hungry boys: there are refrigerator and pantry options to inspire you.  Thanks, $5 Dinners!

Follow Up-Lunch Containers

 

So, after my post about lunch containers, I ventured to Walmart just to check out what was available for lunches there.  I had been thinking about getting the EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Box Containers  for the boys when I found THESE!  Ziplock brand with three compartments.  They fit perfectly in the boys' lunchboxes, seal each compartment tightly and they were less than $3.  For TWO.  Oh Yeah! 

Jellyfish Pets

I've heard of goldfish, geckos, and even hermit crabs as pets, but never jellyfish.  We have seen them on display at many aquariums around the country, and I am in awe of their simple beauty.  Now you can have them as pets.  The designer is currently raising funds to have these aquaria commercially built, and for $350 you can reserve your own, complete with food and jellyfish.  Not cheap, for sure.  But, who else do you know with a pet Jellyfish?  Thanks, Gizmag.