Button Stacking Fine Motor Activity

This button stacking activity is easy to set up and is really fun for little hands. With basic household supplies you can set up an activity that will challenge fine motor skills in your kids while giving them a fuss free boredom buster.

Summer is here, but, really, it feels like summer has been here for months already with the school year going as it did. My kids have been getting a little restless.  I have been finding easy ways to entertain them, and give them the quiet play options like this button stacking activity.

Kids of all ages will love this activity. It is perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners as it works their fine motor and pincer grip.  It is just as fun and beneficial for elementary aged kids because it gives them a chance to practice working with fragile materials like brittle spaghetti. My kids like to challenge each other to see who can build the tallest tower the fastest.

This post uses affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission.

Supplies:
Dry spaghetti
Play doh
Buttons

Directions:
Flatten a can of play doh.
Insert two dry spaghetti noodles into the play doh.
Offer your child a pile of buttons.

Encourage them to thread the buttons on the pasta. See how many they can stack up without breaking the pasta.
Or encourage them to make a pattern of colors for variety.

Or encourage them to race!

See who can make the tallest stack of buttons without breaking the pasta!

Find all of our fine motor activities here
Veggie Garden Sensory Bin

Fine Motor Counting

Wine Fairy Gift Basket Ideas

Has the wine fairy trend taken over in your community? It is so much fun! I have been making baskets to share with strangers since covid started. I am obsessed! I have found some fantastic goodies to include, should you be moved to get in on the secret sister, wine fairy movement.

My friend Kristy invited me to join a facebook group in March called Secret Sisters Pay it Forward. At first, I kind of rolled my eyes at the idea. But, I found myself scrolling the posts after cocktail hour. Within an hour, I was ordering goodies and making a basket for a mom of two girls who happened to live on the next street. 

Things may have spiraled from there. I joined another group, started building baskets and sneaking them on porches of perfect strangers. I have even been blessed to be visited by the wine fairy!

 Here are some of my favorite items to include. Affiliate links may have been used in this post, or samples may have been sent.

With  dining options limited, why not gift a little gourmet with Lanconiko olive oils and balsamic vinegar. I have used many kinds of olive oil, but this is one of my favorite brands. Order it online for about $22 a bottle

Bicycle playing cards are a great goodie to include in a secret sister basket. They can be enjoyed solo or with a friend and during times of social distancing can surely offer a fun way to pass time. Buy them from retailers nationwide, or order a special deck from Bicycle.

Kabaki Kenyan Purple Tea is perfect for sharing with a secret sister. These are really good purple tea, that feels fancier than the standard bottled version. There are several great varieties available. Order them online for under $20 a 6 pack.

Adding some Sugarpova bars, truffles or gummies to a wine fairy gift basket is a recipe for delight. These are such good, high quality candies that everyone will love. Order online, or find a retailer near you on the Sugarpova site.

Wine Fairies can deliver comfort as well as good booze. Yogalastics is one of my favorite hair tie brands for good reason; they are so comfy! Order a few packs to share, and to treat your hair to no pulling, less slipping and no headaches from your hair ties for about $12 a pack.

If you want to add a one of a kind greeting to your secret sister, wine fairy basket, these quirky ones from A Couple Puns are perfect. Order these spunky and adorable cards from Amazon at 5 for $20.

While it might seem like a strange thing to gift a stranger, the Restroom Kit is a handy and thoughtful way to spread cheer. I mean, even strangers need to potty on the go, and this is a sanitary way to do it. Order these online to give wipes, paper and a seat cover as needed, anytime, anywhere. 3 packs are $11.

Give your secret sister a secret weapon with these hang over preventative gummies by Always Toast. These are a great and delicious way to make sure that when the wine fairy visits, the next day is as pleasant as can be. Find them online.

Surprise a secret sister with a delicious assortment of bubbly drinks in cute little bottles with these offerings from Mionetto. I could sip the rose all day. These are perfect for a treat, or making a tiny celebration feel uber elegant. Check out the collection online to purchase or find Mionetto in stores.

Groove Life rings are my latest obsession; I love them so much because I work with my hands a lot. It is not uncommon to find me sawing something, mixing cement, or even building with pallets. All of that action can be disastrous to my jewelry. Groove Life rings are perfect for hands on chicks like me. There are so many styles to choose from from men and women! Add one to a gift basket for a wow moment that is a big win for the wine fairy. Order them online for about $35 each.

Mimosas are perfect with brunch right? Who ever said Mimosas aren't perfect for anytime, any day? Ohza brings the bubbly favorite to wine fairy gift baskets with ease this summer. Available in 3 ah-mazing flavors, you can order these for about $36 a 12 pack. Buy online, or locate a store near you from the website. 

If you have been making wine fairy baskets? I would love to hear what you are including in yours!

Father's Day Favorites

What are you going to get Dad for Father's Day this year? Please don't say a tie, cause I promise you he doesn't want one. He also doesn't want a hammer, and whatever you do, don't buy Dad soap on a rope. He might act like he is thrilled, but deep down he will be disappointed by any of those ideas. Instead check out some of these Dad tried and approved Father's Day Favorites.

Does Dad love to cook? Then give him a few bottles of the best olive oil that we have tried to date. Lanconiko is family made and of the utmost finest quality. My husband was crazy about the Black Truffle Infused Olive Oil as it adds so much flavor to almost any dish! Order online for about $22 a bottle.

If Dad loves a good joke, then he will consider this You're So Punny Dad joke book the holy grail of affordable father's day gifts. For under $8 you can get this from Amazon. Dad will delight you with numerous new Dad jokes in the months to come. That alone makes it a must buy book for your Dad.

Any guy who loves to be in the great outdoors can appreciate a well made hat. My husband can't say enough about this Gear Top Safari/ Fishing Hat. It is comfortable, keeps the sun off his face and looks pretty stylish too. Order it from Amazon for under $20.

Charge all of Dad's devices with ease with these awesome Defender charging products. The Dual Wireless Charger is a game changer as it can accommodate charging without the hassle of cables. Order online or find it at stores like Best Buy.

If Dad is missing out on his stint in South Florida this season, why not bring the memories and flavors of a cup of tea and a few scones to his door? My husband whimpered over these mouth watering scones! Get a sampler for about $36, delivered to your door right from Erika's Tea Room.

Who has better jokes? Dads or their kids? Why not let them challenge each other to see who gets the most laughs with this Don't Laugh Challenge Joke Book. Get a copy from Amazon for about $8 for loads of laughs this summer.

If Dad likes to play games, he will welcome this super fun strategy game The Alpha by Bicycle. Give Dad the chance to unleash his inner wolf and collect the most food to win. This involving and fun game retails for about $30. Buy it online for your loads of competitive fun with your father!

Give Dad's best friend fur-ever a treat to make the day a tail wagger. We highly recommend trying the line of goodies from Bow Wow Labs. One dog digs the bully sticks. The other melts for Bow Wow Treats. Both make Dad happy to see his dogs delighted. Order online; treats are about $8 a bag or $20 a 3 pack and you can also get the bully buddy for safer bully stick chewing.

Treat Dad to something sweet with an assortment of chocolate bars from Sugarpova. We loved the Milk Chocolate with strawberry bars and also the tasty gummies! Order online or find at retailers like Target. Bars start at $3.50 and are so worth it!

Dads have lips too, so why not offer him a funny twist on moisturizing and sun protection with a Fish Slime Lip Balm assortment? Priced at about $8, this three pack of chap stick will have a smile on Dads lips for sure.

Dad will love this fuss free solution for his hair. In:dex by Dex smells really good, it gets even the sweatiest of hair clean and moisturized. As a bonus you can use it as a body wash too! Order it online for about $35, and while you are at it, check out their other products that are free of parabens, detergents and sulfates. 

Take the guesswork out of hair care for your Dad with this premium line by Masami. My husband and son are crazy about this Mekabu styling cream. It has great hold and a really pleasant smell. Order it online for about $36. 

Give Dads social life a boost with this really fun and revealing game that is all about social interactions and scandalous truths. The next time he is hanging out with his friends and they play Ask Me Anything, they are sure to have a ton of laughs. Order it online for about $30. 

Tell Dad how you really feel while giving him a great tumbler for on the go drinks. He can keep his favorite cold or hot drink at the perfect temperature with this really durable and handsome tumbler for the best dad ever from OneBttl. Order it online for about $25.

Sometimes Dad needs a chance to chill; this When Dogs Fly coloring book is the perfect way for him to relax while getting creative. This adult coloring book combines dogs and planes for a fun time that practically flies off the page. Order it from Amazon for under $15.

This Father's Day give Dad the gift of story time with this adorable book called Sometimes We Do. My kids loved hearing Dad read this book, which models positive interactions with teaching math between fathers and children.

Give Dad a step up from his standard bag of beef jerky with this nothing short of delicious Moroccan Beef Jerky. My son was crazy for this and really hated to share with his dad. So, if you have hungry boys in the house, get an extra bag! Order it online for about $9 a bag.

Take the fuss out of Dads grooming rituals with Up Front Cosmetics. They make shampoo bars that are amazing but the conditioner bars are a must have for camping, or just quick showers that don't need any packaging that ends up in a landfill. Find these and a variety of other products online, prices for the bars are about $14.

Give Dad the gift of great hair with some of the best smelling botanical shampoos, conditioners and hair care products I have ever tried. But do yourself a favor and buy some for yourself too, cause Fruity Roots is THAT GOOD! Order it online for about $14 a bottle. 

Active guys are going to love this alternative to metal rings. Groove Life has some super comfy and stylish rings that you don't have to worry about damaging. Buy a special guy in your life one, or a few for about $35. They have so many cool styles and options that he will never argue about wearing his ring again. Order online for 1 to 2 days shipping.

Alister for men makes some of the best smelling shampoos, body washes and lotions ever. Dad will bask in the fragrance and the lady in his life will dig the pheromones infused in it! Order the deluxe set for $80 and have her calling you Daddy all day long.

If you have a favorite idea for Father's Day, I hope you will tell me about it in a comment! Which is your favorite idea on this list?

Probably Jakarta has more than Bali...explore it

What comes to your mind when you think of Indonesia? It is Bali, right? But instead of it why don't you fly into Jakarta this 2020 and see what it has? After all, it is the capital city of Indonesia and has a more lively life than Bali. 

Here are few most visited places where you can bring back your life after boring lock down and quarantine. 

The National Monument:

This 132 meters iconic landmark is where you can kick start your journey to explore Jakarta. Constructed in honor of independence struggle you can just enjoy the amazing view of architecture from the ground itself or move to the top to see how beautiful and vivid the city is. It has untold importance in the hearts of locals and is the most visited spot not only by tourists but also the Indonesians. The best way to capture the visiting memories of this place is by visiting it at night to see its beauty magnified by lights. 

Istiqlal Mosque:

This marble wonder was built in 1978 and is the biggest mosque across Southeast Asia. Your Indonesia trip isn’t complete without paying a visit to this beautiful holy place. It can accommodate 200,000 people at a time and has an astonishing courtyard with decorative minarets and designer marble. The interiors of it with attractive Islamic designs are another wonder. The design and architecture are what that makes this mosque unique. 

Merdeka Square:

Spread in more than 1 KM it’s a perfect respite after your tiresome Jakarta exploration. Just go there and relax for some time and see the magic it brings to your mind. In case you have been to Tiananmen Square, Beijing and gotten that peace of mind then for sure you will also enjoy this place. You will get 5 times more than what you got in Beijing as it is 5 times bigger to Tiananmen Square.

Filled with footpaths, wooded areas and remarkable water spots probably you need more time and a comfortable shoe pair to walk around and explore this splendid hangout. It is also the best hangout to spend some time with your soul mate. 

Thousand Islands:

Your perfect escapade from the fast-paced life and it is usually something different to what you see in the mainland city that’s always happening. Situated on the city’s north coast these islands are places to stay close to nature. You have marvelous forests, serene golden beaches, yummy restaurants and more importantly lush greenery. Here, nature provides you with the chance to dip in the sunshine and relax to your heart. All nature lovers, photography freaks and trekkers don't miss this place.

Taman Mini Indonesia Park:

You need not read books or roam about the whole of Indonesia to know the culture and history of the land just visit this park and your cultural tour is finished. It is spread in 250 acres and gives you complete Indonesian tradition and heritage in on ego. It has IMAX theater, a detailed replica of the country’s archipelago, a cable car for you to roam and a conventional theater with one event or the other. 

So, with all these what more does one need. 

Ancol Dreamland: 

Irrespective of your age this is your theme park to visit. A visit here is a must when you are moving with kids. It has bowling arena, Ocean Dream Samudra, Fantasy World, Water Adventure Park, lot many roller coaster rides, beaches and aquarium. Apart from all these attractions it also gives you a chance to escape the harsh humid climate of the country as long as you are here. 

National Museum of Indonesia:

Close to Merdeka Square, this museum is the place where you have the chance to see historic exhibits. It has an incredible compilation of artifacts which present a detailed view of the country’s cultural lineage and history. If exploring history is your choice then this is a must-visit. While the Hindu-Buddhist architecture of the museum will mesmerize you the treasure room with breathtaking golden objects will astonish you. You also have a collection of prehistoric objects, ancient ceramics and weapons to stare at.  

To wind up your Jakarta visit, finish it with a visit to Jakarta Chinatown to explore Chinese traditions and culture in Indonesia. A visit to this place is like seeing Indonesia and China at once. 

10+ Tasty Sheet Pan Meals to Make

If you are looking for a delicious dinner idea that will dirty very few dishes, then you are going to want to check these ideas out! I found 10+ Tasty Sheet Pan Meals to Make that you are going to want to try! These are all totally delicious dinners and they are so easy to clean up for the win!

Guys, I love my family. Like I love these people more than life itself. But, I am tired of washing their dishes and I have cooked a million meals since quarantine started. And I am over it all. I miss restaurants so much.  While they are open with limited seating here, I am still not taking my kids out just yet.

Sheet Pan Dinners have become my saving grace. They are so easy to make and there is basically no clean up.I have found some amazing options. From pork chops to salmon, these dinner ideas are perfect for feeding a family without the fuss. If you use a paper plate to make things even easier, there will be no judgment on my part. Make sure you click through the links to visit the posts. Share your favorites to show some love to the bloggers.


Pork Chops with Broccoli by Lynchburg Mama
Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake by Delicious on a Dime
One Sheet Asian Chicken by Domestic Superhero
One Pan Chicken Shawarma  by Spend with Pennies
Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos by We Dish It Up
Cajun Shrimp Sheet Pan Meal by Taste Galaxy
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas by Love Bakes Good Cakes
Chicken and Apple Sheet Pan Dinner by Tastes of Lizzy T
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies by Live Laugh Rowe
Lemon Garlic Salmon by Love Bakes Good Cakes

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