The girls of Heartlake city are especially close to their animals.
They take care of them in the vet. They show them off at the show. But
most importantly, they make homes for them.
Since Mia has her Puppy House, one of the girls needed to house the
bunny. That task was left to Andrea. Her bunny house has everything it
could possibly need to take the best of care of the adorable little guy.
Building the Set
The set involves three elements you can pose in any direction. There
are two fence sections that each has a small tool. These fences help
frame the bunny’s house or to incorporate in to a larger set.
The third and final element is the house. It features a small yard,
water bottle, house with ramp, and a little gate door to let the bunny
out and play.
Play Features in the Set
The play features are designed perfectly for role-playing. Andrea can
feed the bunny a carrot or refill the water bottle with a bucket of
water. When it is time to clean up, there is a broom to use.
Open and close the gate to let the bunny in and out of its small
home. Andrea can even reposition the fences to change how the larger
play area is set up. There is no action element, but in truth it doesn’t
need one.
Interesting Parts in the Set
The parts that hold the most interest are the bunny and the minidoll
accessories. There is a red bucket with pearl gold handle, a simple push
broom, and an orange carrot with a green top.
The two white fences also make a nice addition especially for
suburban house buildings. The bright colors are always a nice prize for
any Friends set. However, this set only has a few brightly colored
elements.
Minidolls in the Set
Andrea has purple sandals with light brown skin. For hips she has a
light blue skirt. Her torso has a green tank with musical notes and
butterflies painted in dark green. Her arms and hands are in light brown
just like her legs. Her head is light brown with blue eyes and light
pink lips. Her hair is long curly hair in dark brown.
Ratings
Originality: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. This is similar to the Mia’s Puppy House, but it is a completely different animal.
Play Value: 4 out of 5 Studs. There are lots of role-playing elements
which tend to make better play features than action elements.
Design: 4 out of 5 Studs. The design is simple but well thought out.
One of the coolest designs is the water bottle for this set.
Unique Parts: 3.5 out of 5 Studs. The red bucket and bunny are the
things to look for in this set, but it is small and you can’t expect to
get a lot.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Studs. This set has a surprising depth to
its play potential. The parts are not all bad either. At its price, it
is worth it.
Recommendations
There has yet to be a serious sale on Friends sets. Considering they
are doing something a bit different with them, it is hard to say what is
a good deal. All in all, you will not be dissatisfied with this set.
It’s a good value for the money.
Friday 19 July 2013
Save Money
The back to school season is in full swing, which means parents and
kids are flocking to the store to stock up on supplies and buy a some
new wares for their wardrobes. This could be a particularly costly time
of year, especially in a household with several children. WIth a little
planning and patience, this time of year does not have to break the
bank.
Shop Early for Supplies
It's tempting to wait until the first day of school to get supplies, but doing that often causes parents to put convenience ahead of cost. You also run the risk of not being able to get the best deals, as they have already been sold out. Shopping ahead of time allows you to compare prices on several brands of the same items in several stores.
Many teachers don't vary their requirements from year to year, therefore if your older child has had the teacher already, you have a pretty good gauge of what to expect and can shop before the year begins. Many teachers are also putting their lists online, that way parents can shop ahead of time, and have their child prepared from day one. Even if you don't have a list ahead of time, the standard items won't change. Shop ahead for pens, pencils, folders, loose leaf paper, binders and spiral notebooks.
Buy Supplies in Bulk
Buying supplies in bulk from an online wholesaler or a discount warehouse is a great way to save. The price per piece is cheaper, and there's no expiration date, therefore you might not even have to shop the following year! Buying in bulk also allows you to send a set of supplies to school and keep another home, providing your child with the consistency of having all the supplies he or she may need for homework without having to tote things back and forth.
Buying in bulk also allows you the opportunity to rack up rewards in some stores, therefore earning discounts and coupons for later purchases. If you are a single child household, buying in bulk might seem like a bit much for one student. A great idea is to share with a friend and split the cost. You could even alternate the shopping trip from year to year, perhaps saving yourself money and the hassle of dealing with the crowds from time to time.
Save on Back to School Clothing
Many child experience a significant growth spurt over the summer, therefore buying too far ahead of time is not feasible for a growing youth. However, shopping ahead of time for items that they aren't likely to grow out of quickly, such as socks and underwear, allows you to comparison shop for the best deals along with not being hit with one big bill at once.
It's best to establish a budget before hitting the stores, that way you are less likely to over spend. Shopping at consignment shops, or discount stores such as Marshall's or TJ Maxx allows you to let your child occasionally indulge in top name brands but at a huge discount, sometimes up to 80-90%. Another way to save is by engaging in a clothing swap with friends or your local church. Children grow so quickly that it's likely the clothing they receive in the swap has been worn minimally and is often in "like new" condition. Sometimes, there are still tags on items!
Back to school season is here, which means clothing, supplies and crowded stores. This time of year doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. With a little planning and some strategizing, back to school shopping won't leave your wallet empty.
Shop Early for Supplies
It's tempting to wait until the first day of school to get supplies, but doing that often causes parents to put convenience ahead of cost. You also run the risk of not being able to get the best deals, as they have already been sold out. Shopping ahead of time allows you to compare prices on several brands of the same items in several stores.
Many teachers don't vary their requirements from year to year, therefore if your older child has had the teacher already, you have a pretty good gauge of what to expect and can shop before the year begins. Many teachers are also putting their lists online, that way parents can shop ahead of time, and have their child prepared from day one. Even if you don't have a list ahead of time, the standard items won't change. Shop ahead for pens, pencils, folders, loose leaf paper, binders and spiral notebooks.
Buy Supplies in Bulk
Buying supplies in bulk from an online wholesaler or a discount warehouse is a great way to save. The price per piece is cheaper, and there's no expiration date, therefore you might not even have to shop the following year! Buying in bulk also allows you to send a set of supplies to school and keep another home, providing your child with the consistency of having all the supplies he or she may need for homework without having to tote things back and forth.
Buying in bulk also allows you the opportunity to rack up rewards in some stores, therefore earning discounts and coupons for later purchases. If you are a single child household, buying in bulk might seem like a bit much for one student. A great idea is to share with a friend and split the cost. You could even alternate the shopping trip from year to year, perhaps saving yourself money and the hassle of dealing with the crowds from time to time.
Save on Back to School Clothing
Many child experience a significant growth spurt over the summer, therefore buying too far ahead of time is not feasible for a growing youth. However, shopping ahead of time for items that they aren't likely to grow out of quickly, such as socks and underwear, allows you to comparison shop for the best deals along with not being hit with one big bill at once.
It's best to establish a budget before hitting the stores, that way you are less likely to over spend. Shopping at consignment shops, or discount stores such as Marshall's or TJ Maxx allows you to let your child occasionally indulge in top name brands but at a huge discount, sometimes up to 80-90%. Another way to save is by engaging in a clothing swap with friends or your local church. Children grow so quickly that it's likely the clothing they receive in the swap has been worn minimally and is often in "like new" condition. Sometimes, there are still tags on items!
Back to school season is here, which means clothing, supplies and crowded stores. This time of year doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. With a little planning and some strategizing, back to school shopping won't leave your wallet empty.
Grandparents' Day
Whether kids are two or twelve, these craft activities for kids allow
them to make personalized gifts for their grandparents. In the United
States, Grandparents’ Day is always the first Sunday in September after
Labor Day. In 2012, that day is September 9. Of course, these crafts
also work at birthday presents and holiday gifts.
Easy Crafts for Kids that Use Photographs
Kids should look for photographs of themselves doing a variety of different things (playing sports, appearing in the school play, wearing the sweater that grandma gave them for their birthday). If you don’t have photograph paper on hand, print the pictures on regular paper.
Coasters – Find a coaster or a large mug or glass that you can trace. Draw a light line with pencil around the best part of the photograph and then carefully cut (you can use scissors with a decorative edge). Bring the rounds to the office supply store and get them laminated. When you cut out the coasters, leave a narrow margin of the clear laminate around each picture.
Placemats – Make a special placemat for your grandparents by creating a collage of different pictures glued onto an 11” x 14” sheet of construction paper. It is okay to allow some of the paper show through. If you want, you can cut the pictures to different shapes or even cut around the subject of a photograph for variety. Bring the placemats to the office supply store and get them laminated.
Painted Crafts for Kids
Handprint art makes for a loved and cherished keepsake because it shows how the child is growing. You can print on tote bags and tee shirts, but also think about printing on the sides of planters, on the cover of photo albums, on the fabric for a pillow cover, etc.
Use acrylic paint, which will hold up to getting washed. Pour a small amount of paint on a paper plate and spread it thin with the back of a plastic spoon. Have your child press their hand into the paint and then on the object to be printed. If the child is old enough to write their name, have them do so with a small, stiff paintbrush. Adults can paint on the name of younger children.
The above Grandparents’ Day crafts for kids can be done by an only child or they can incorporate the images or handprints of several children in a family. Always remember to write the year, in permanent marker, somewhere on the item so it can serve as a keepsake of the child.
Easy Crafts for Kids that Use Photographs
Kids should look for photographs of themselves doing a variety of different things (playing sports, appearing in the school play, wearing the sweater that grandma gave them for their birthday). If you don’t have photograph paper on hand, print the pictures on regular paper.
Coasters – Find a coaster or a large mug or glass that you can trace. Draw a light line with pencil around the best part of the photograph and then carefully cut (you can use scissors with a decorative edge). Bring the rounds to the office supply store and get them laminated. When you cut out the coasters, leave a narrow margin of the clear laminate around each picture.
Placemats – Make a special placemat for your grandparents by creating a collage of different pictures glued onto an 11” x 14” sheet of construction paper. It is okay to allow some of the paper show through. If you want, you can cut the pictures to different shapes or even cut around the subject of a photograph for variety. Bring the placemats to the office supply store and get them laminated.
Painted Crafts for Kids
Handprint art makes for a loved and cherished keepsake because it shows how the child is growing. You can print on tote bags and tee shirts, but also think about printing on the sides of planters, on the cover of photo albums, on the fabric for a pillow cover, etc.
Use acrylic paint, which will hold up to getting washed. Pour a small amount of paint on a paper plate and spread it thin with the back of a plastic spoon. Have your child press their hand into the paint and then on the object to be printed. If the child is old enough to write their name, have them do so with a small, stiff paintbrush. Adults can paint on the name of younger children.
The above Grandparents’ Day crafts for kids can be done by an only child or they can incorporate the images or handprints of several children in a family. Always remember to write the year, in permanent marker, somewhere on the item so it can serve as a keepsake of the child.
The Ghost Train
In the search for the highly destructive moonstones, the heroes must
track down one of the most ominous vehicles, the ghost train. This
spectral locomotive is not restrained by tracks. It goes where it wants,
when it wants.
It has a crew of three lost souls. They don’t take too kindly to unexpected passengers. Although the ghosts have a perfect seat on their terrifying train for such visitors, with bars to keep the guest safely locked in.
Building the Set
There are two vehicles in this set. The first is a red plane. Given the detail work, it looks to be a cross between something from a steampunk universe and a crop duster. A large barrel is mounted on the back which is then connected to two nozzles on the plane’s wing tips. The landing gear is stationary as is much of the plane. The model is rather solidly built and will handle a great deal of rough play.
The other vehicle in the set is the train. Hands down, the best part of this set is the engine. It is done in a western design with glow-in-the-dark bars, face, and flame. Throw in skeletal bones and barbs and you’ve got a very sleek design. However, this is not really carried through to the rest of the train.
Unlike the engine, the cars that it tows have rubber wheels not suited for a track. Two of the cars look like amusement park rides. Their flapping wings are amusing, but only solidify the impression. The last car you build redeems the train a bit. This is a prison car with many gruesome details of barbs and skeletal doors.
Fortunately the engine is so awesome that you can easily forgive the rest of the train. The detail work alone makes up for a good portion of what you pay.
Play Features in the Set
Fly the plane around while one of the heroes hangs from the chain. Spin the propeller and imagine dusting those ghosts with whatever is in the barrel.
Meanwhile, the wings flap madly as the spectral train steams along powered by unholy energy. Turn the lights out and watch the train glow to life. Some of the parts are bright enough to illuminate the space around them. And if the heroes are foolish enough to get caught, then into the prison they go.
Interesting Parts in the Set
The glow-in-the-dark elements are a definite highlight in this set. This includes the ghost sheets, the face on the front dish of the train, the four long bars on the back of the engine, the large flame with inner glowing core, and the various cones.
There are also a few nice train elements like the cow catcher and train wheels for the engine. You will also get a lot of round and macaroni bricks to help make up the barrel of the engine.
Those who like accent elements can feast on a variety of bones and barbs. While the plane will give a host of tiles, slopes, and minifigure pistols which are used also for accenting.
Even though the wheels for the back part of the train may not look that great, they are fairly uncommon elements. The tires especially don’t see much daylight in that particular style. Likewise, the ball connectors that keep the train together are often used sparingly.
Minifigures in the Set
There are five minifigures in this set. Three of these minifigures are identical ghosts while the other two are the heroes. The heroes you get are Ann Lee and Frank Rock.
Ann Lee has sand blue hips and legs. The pattern on the legs is garlic, stakes, and buckles. Her torso is white with white arms and yellow hands. The torso is painted on the front and back. It features a white blouse with a red corset, and necklace. Her head is yellow and double-sided. One side has a scowl while the other has raised eyebrows. Both sides have a scar over the left eye. Her hair is dark orange with a messy swept-up ponytail and bangs. There is also a clip on top of the hair where she has a flat silver harpoon.
Frank Rock has olive hips and legs. There is a chain and knee pads with rivets on the legs. His torso is dark brown with yellow arms and yellow hands. The torso is designed like a flight vest with a dirty undershirt. His head is yellow with two sides. One side has sunglasses and scratches with a grin while the other has no glasses and looks determined. Both sides have face stubble. His hair is black and styled to be swept back with a forelock.
The ghosts have solid white hips, legs, torso, arms, and hands. Its head is black with no face. All the ghosts have a solid one-piece sheet that covers most of their body. There are ruffles through the sheet, holes around the eyes and mouth, and a slight tuff at the back of the head. All three ghosts are identical.
Ratings
Originality: 5 out of 5 Studs. This is a completely novel design that has never really been done before.
Play Value: 4 out of 5 Studs. There are some really great play features, but you may have to hold back because of the slightly more fragile decorative elements on the train.
Design: 4 out of 5 Studs. Half of the design is rock solid while the other half is whimsical. Therefore you are stuck with a model that is designed halfway between the two.
Unique Parts: 5 out of 5 Studs. There are some very unique elements in this set along with some highly entertaining elements as well. Good for building and collecting.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. This has the action elements of all the Monster Fighters sets while still pulling off some very cool features.
Recommendations
As it is, this may not be one of your top picks given the price; however, when compared to previous monster related LEGO sets, it should easily double if not triple in price when it is discontinued. Collectors, builders, and fans would be well served to get their hands on a copy.
It has a crew of three lost souls. They don’t take too kindly to unexpected passengers. Although the ghosts have a perfect seat on their terrifying train for such visitors, with bars to keep the guest safely locked in.
Building the Set
There are two vehicles in this set. The first is a red plane. Given the detail work, it looks to be a cross between something from a steampunk universe and a crop duster. A large barrel is mounted on the back which is then connected to two nozzles on the plane’s wing tips. The landing gear is stationary as is much of the plane. The model is rather solidly built and will handle a great deal of rough play.
The other vehicle in the set is the train. Hands down, the best part of this set is the engine. It is done in a western design with glow-in-the-dark bars, face, and flame. Throw in skeletal bones and barbs and you’ve got a very sleek design. However, this is not really carried through to the rest of the train.
Unlike the engine, the cars that it tows have rubber wheels not suited for a track. Two of the cars look like amusement park rides. Their flapping wings are amusing, but only solidify the impression. The last car you build redeems the train a bit. This is a prison car with many gruesome details of barbs and skeletal doors.
Fortunately the engine is so awesome that you can easily forgive the rest of the train. The detail work alone makes up for a good portion of what you pay.
Play Features in the Set
Fly the plane around while one of the heroes hangs from the chain. Spin the propeller and imagine dusting those ghosts with whatever is in the barrel.
Meanwhile, the wings flap madly as the spectral train steams along powered by unholy energy. Turn the lights out and watch the train glow to life. Some of the parts are bright enough to illuminate the space around them. And if the heroes are foolish enough to get caught, then into the prison they go.
Interesting Parts in the Set
The glow-in-the-dark elements are a definite highlight in this set. This includes the ghost sheets, the face on the front dish of the train, the four long bars on the back of the engine, the large flame with inner glowing core, and the various cones.
There are also a few nice train elements like the cow catcher and train wheels for the engine. You will also get a lot of round and macaroni bricks to help make up the barrel of the engine.
Those who like accent elements can feast on a variety of bones and barbs. While the plane will give a host of tiles, slopes, and minifigure pistols which are used also for accenting.
Even though the wheels for the back part of the train may not look that great, they are fairly uncommon elements. The tires especially don’t see much daylight in that particular style. Likewise, the ball connectors that keep the train together are often used sparingly.
Minifigures in the Set
There are five minifigures in this set. Three of these minifigures are identical ghosts while the other two are the heroes. The heroes you get are Ann Lee and Frank Rock.
Ann Lee has sand blue hips and legs. The pattern on the legs is garlic, stakes, and buckles. Her torso is white with white arms and yellow hands. The torso is painted on the front and back. It features a white blouse with a red corset, and necklace. Her head is yellow and double-sided. One side has a scowl while the other has raised eyebrows. Both sides have a scar over the left eye. Her hair is dark orange with a messy swept-up ponytail and bangs. There is also a clip on top of the hair where she has a flat silver harpoon.
Frank Rock has olive hips and legs. There is a chain and knee pads with rivets on the legs. His torso is dark brown with yellow arms and yellow hands. The torso is designed like a flight vest with a dirty undershirt. His head is yellow with two sides. One side has sunglasses and scratches with a grin while the other has no glasses and looks determined. Both sides have face stubble. His hair is black and styled to be swept back with a forelock.
The ghosts have solid white hips, legs, torso, arms, and hands. Its head is black with no face. All the ghosts have a solid one-piece sheet that covers most of their body. There are ruffles through the sheet, holes around the eyes and mouth, and a slight tuff at the back of the head. All three ghosts are identical.
Ratings
Originality: 5 out of 5 Studs. This is a completely novel design that has never really been done before.
Play Value: 4 out of 5 Studs. There are some really great play features, but you may have to hold back because of the slightly more fragile decorative elements on the train.
Design: 4 out of 5 Studs. Half of the design is rock solid while the other half is whimsical. Therefore you are stuck with a model that is designed halfway between the two.
Unique Parts: 5 out of 5 Studs. There are some very unique elements in this set along with some highly entertaining elements as well. Good for building and collecting.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. This has the action elements of all the Monster Fighters sets while still pulling off some very cool features.
Recommendations
As it is, this may not be one of your top picks given the price; however, when compared to previous monster related LEGO sets, it should easily double if not triple in price when it is discontinued. Collectors, builders, and fans would be well served to get their hands on a copy.
Women Of Influence
Grandmothers and older unrelated women can exert a steadying influence
that moderates many of the stresses that affect the next generation.
Their influence and values can guide; their practical wisdom is of great
value to young families.
A women's role in life changes
Women in modern societies now usually live long and healthy lives so it is not uncommon for them to spend around a third of their life post-menopause. These years are as an important a time for them as they are for their families. Their life, family experience and wisdom pass values and cultural traditions to the next generation, usually, combined with a great deal of practical help.
Older women in the workforce
In some situations older women may continue to work so they can contribute financially to their extended families who may be struggling with the cost of raising a family and housing.
Retirement can mean a change in role
After raising her own family a women’s place in society becomes one of being the useful experienced older woman; perhaps the grandmother or friend who, now that she has time, can support her extended family. Occasionally there may not be a direct relationship and sometimes this support is given at arms length but it can mean being directly involved with a young family. These women are usually well equipped with life experience for a valuable role as carers or mentors.
A Time Of Freedom
For many woman their post-menopause years can be one of the better times in their lives as they now enjoy freedom from pressing family issues and they are probably as well off financially as they are ever going to be. Now, free of work they have time to enjoy interests or shared activities with friends just for fun and companionship. They can now also make themselves available for their families and perhaps some voluntary work.
These women can be relaxed about their input now because they usually see themselves as being at arms length from most problems. This degree of separation can shield them from the stress and worries of their vicarious family involvement but doesn't lessen the value of their input. At this stage of their lives they have the life experience to be understanding and accepting. By now they know themselves, know what they want and expect and are relaxed and settled about life and friendships. Their experience, compassion and understanding can be a very steadying influence within family and society.
History Can Continue
Having a cool headed matriarch in a family is invaluable when it comes to infusing cultural attitudes and life skills into a family. The pattern they and their partners set throughout their child raising years is likely to establish a blueprint that is followed by their off spring even though it might appear to be spurned at first. The younger generation need to spread their social, moral and political wings as they find their place in the world but often, despite themselves, they end up adopting many of the conventions of their upbringing. Of course, many older men are often exceptionally good in this role also.
The Link Between Generations
A friendly non-judgemental older person such as a grandmother, aunt or family friend can often have a rapport with a young person in a way that a parent can’t. They can share confidences and offer guidance in a low key way that can be very helpful to young people who are often reluctant to discuss things with their parents that they perceive might cause a fuss. Trouble prone adolescents may often find a non judgemental grandmother a valuable friend.
Young Children Need Grandmothers
The role of grandparents is very important when it comes to the nurture of children, Even if they live some distance away grandparents play an important role as the long distance influence and occasional visits can be very important to young children and a help to young mothers. Grandmothers often seem to be closer to grandchildren than grandfathers. Their keen interest in the children's activities, school reports and so on is greatly valued by children. Women seem to communicate easily with children but grandfathers also have an important role here. A friendly caring adult male is also an extremely valuable asset to families.
Many young mothers are keen to have a mature, friendly and supportive adult(s) on their side as they try and keep their young family on track to be good, well behaved socially adjusted people. Positive reinforcement and support from a grandmother is invaluable.
More Than Babysitters
The role of grandparents, especially grandmothers, in helping raise their grandchildren seems to be increasing as young parents increasingly try and combine work and child rearing. Grandmothers are also valuable transporters of children to extra-curricular activities, babysitters, shoppers and general family personal assistants. This loyal fully involved help for a family cannot usually be obtained elsewhere. It is not unknown for grandmothers to give up some or all of their work or spare time to help their extended family.
Grandparents will sometimes even relocate so they can play a role in raising their grandchildren as it is common for young people to live a considerable distance from their parents. Often relationships are formed and families started an ocean apart from the grandparents and often it is only feasible for the grandparents to move closer.
The Lifeboat
If a young persons relationship fails they often turn to family for support until they are able to re-establish themselves.
Evolutions Role
Over the millennia women likely evolved to have a long life after menopause when their usefulness proved to be valuable for the survival of their descendants. It seems unlikely they could help the survival of future generations if they were continually with child themselves. Even in a time of plenty the value of an older woman to a young family is too important to be overlooked.
The Role Changes Again
By the time their own children start getting old enough to become grandparents themselves these influential older women’s role will have gradually diminished and the need for their support will have largely ended. By this time they will be of an age where they will now be content to sit back and quietly enjoy their extended family from a greater distance. Their families may still seem to orbit around them even, if at times, the younger generation appears to be from a different planet. By now their role will have switched from involvement to admirer and encourager.
Men Benefit Too
Another often overlooked role of older woman is that of caregiver to their men folk. Without a good woman to, if not to run their life but at least try and influence it, many older men would not eat well, may not exercise and might even become rather solitary. By subtly or otherwise influencing the diet, drinking habits and lifestyle of their partners, caring women can and do play a big role in keeping men healthy.
Obviously there is an advantage for both in this as it often results in healthier older men and more likelihood of partners having a healthier time together as they grow into old age. It also means a reduced chance of one having to look after a semi-invalid partner or it means their retirement activities are not limited by the ill health or lack of fitness of a partner.
The role of caregiver seems to sit very comfortably with a lot of older woman who have a natural concern for their partner’s and extended families welfare.
Don’t Forget The Old Guys
Looking after people is a wonderful way to express ones love and there are a good many men who go to great lengths to support and care for their partners and families. Old guys can be pretty good partners and granddads too!
Grandmothers – this list is from http://www.grandmotherproject.org
A women's role in life changes
Women in modern societies now usually live long and healthy lives so it is not uncommon for them to spend around a third of their life post-menopause. These years are as an important a time for them as they are for their families. Their life, family experience and wisdom pass values and cultural traditions to the next generation, usually, combined with a great deal of practical help.
Older women in the workforce
In some situations older women may continue to work so they can contribute financially to their extended families who may be struggling with the cost of raising a family and housing.
Retirement can mean a change in role
After raising her own family a women’s place in society becomes one of being the useful experienced older woman; perhaps the grandmother or friend who, now that she has time, can support her extended family. Occasionally there may not be a direct relationship and sometimes this support is given at arms length but it can mean being directly involved with a young family. These women are usually well equipped with life experience for a valuable role as carers or mentors.
A Time Of Freedom
For many woman their post-menopause years can be one of the better times in their lives as they now enjoy freedom from pressing family issues and they are probably as well off financially as they are ever going to be. Now, free of work they have time to enjoy interests or shared activities with friends just for fun and companionship. They can now also make themselves available for their families and perhaps some voluntary work.
These women can be relaxed about their input now because they usually see themselves as being at arms length from most problems. This degree of separation can shield them from the stress and worries of their vicarious family involvement but doesn't lessen the value of their input. At this stage of their lives they have the life experience to be understanding and accepting. By now they know themselves, know what they want and expect and are relaxed and settled about life and friendships. Their experience, compassion and understanding can be a very steadying influence within family and society.
History Can Continue
Having a cool headed matriarch in a family is invaluable when it comes to infusing cultural attitudes and life skills into a family. The pattern they and their partners set throughout their child raising years is likely to establish a blueprint that is followed by their off spring even though it might appear to be spurned at first. The younger generation need to spread their social, moral and political wings as they find their place in the world but often, despite themselves, they end up adopting many of the conventions of their upbringing. Of course, many older men are often exceptionally good in this role also.
The Link Between Generations
A friendly non-judgemental older person such as a grandmother, aunt or family friend can often have a rapport with a young person in a way that a parent can’t. They can share confidences and offer guidance in a low key way that can be very helpful to young people who are often reluctant to discuss things with their parents that they perceive might cause a fuss. Trouble prone adolescents may often find a non judgemental grandmother a valuable friend.
Young Children Need Grandmothers
The role of grandparents is very important when it comes to the nurture of children, Even if they live some distance away grandparents play an important role as the long distance influence and occasional visits can be very important to young children and a help to young mothers. Grandmothers often seem to be closer to grandchildren than grandfathers. Their keen interest in the children's activities, school reports and so on is greatly valued by children. Women seem to communicate easily with children but grandfathers also have an important role here. A friendly caring adult male is also an extremely valuable asset to families.
Many young mothers are keen to have a mature, friendly and supportive adult(s) on their side as they try and keep their young family on track to be good, well behaved socially adjusted people. Positive reinforcement and support from a grandmother is invaluable.
More Than Babysitters
The role of grandparents, especially grandmothers, in helping raise their grandchildren seems to be increasing as young parents increasingly try and combine work and child rearing. Grandmothers are also valuable transporters of children to extra-curricular activities, babysitters, shoppers and general family personal assistants. This loyal fully involved help for a family cannot usually be obtained elsewhere. It is not unknown for grandmothers to give up some or all of their work or spare time to help their extended family.
Grandparents will sometimes even relocate so they can play a role in raising their grandchildren as it is common for young people to live a considerable distance from their parents. Often relationships are formed and families started an ocean apart from the grandparents and often it is only feasible for the grandparents to move closer.
The Lifeboat
If a young persons relationship fails they often turn to family for support until they are able to re-establish themselves.
Evolutions Role
Over the millennia women likely evolved to have a long life after menopause when their usefulness proved to be valuable for the survival of their descendants. It seems unlikely they could help the survival of future generations if they were continually with child themselves. Even in a time of plenty the value of an older woman to a young family is too important to be overlooked.
The Role Changes Again
By the time their own children start getting old enough to become grandparents themselves these influential older women’s role will have gradually diminished and the need for their support will have largely ended. By this time they will be of an age where they will now be content to sit back and quietly enjoy their extended family from a greater distance. Their families may still seem to orbit around them even, if at times, the younger generation appears to be from a different planet. By now their role will have switched from involvement to admirer and encourager.
Men Benefit Too
Another often overlooked role of older woman is that of caregiver to their men folk. Without a good woman to, if not to run their life but at least try and influence it, many older men would not eat well, may not exercise and might even become rather solitary. By subtly or otherwise influencing the diet, drinking habits and lifestyle of their partners, caring women can and do play a big role in keeping men healthy.
Obviously there is an advantage for both in this as it often results in healthier older men and more likelihood of partners having a healthier time together as they grow into old age. It also means a reduced chance of one having to look after a semi-invalid partner or it means their retirement activities are not limited by the ill health or lack of fitness of a partner.
The role of caregiver seems to sit very comfortably with a lot of older woman who have a natural concern for their partner’s and extended families welfare.
Don’t Forget The Old Guys
Looking after people is a wonderful way to express ones love and there are a good many men who go to great lengths to support and care for their partners and families. Old guys can be pretty good partners and granddads too!
Grandmothers – this list is from http://www.grandmotherproject.org
- All cultures recognize the critical role of grandparents as guides and advisers to the younger generations.
- In all cultures grandparents play gender-specific roles related to child development.
- Grandmothers are responsible for transmitting cultural values.
- Grandmothers’ child-rearing expertise is acquired over a lifetime.
- In all cultures grandmothers are involved in multiple aspects of the lives of children and families at the household level.
- The roles of grandmothers appear to be universal whereas much of their knowledge and practices are culturally-specific.
- Grandmothers are both directly and indirectly involved in promoting the well-being of children.
- Grandmothers influence the attitudes and decisions made by male family members regarding children’s well being.
- All grandmothers have a very strong commitment to promoting the growth and development of their grandchildren.
- Compared to younger women, grandmothers generally have more time to spend and patience with young children.
- Most grandmothers are interested in increasing their knowledge of “modern” ideas about child development.
- Grandmothers’ knowledge comes primarily from their own mothers and their peers.
- Many grandmothers have a collective sense of responsibility for children and women in the community.
Vampyre Castle
One of the most monstrous sets in the Monster Fighters line has to be
the Vampyre Castle. This is a full open-style play set where you have
the interior rooms on one side and exterior walls on the other. Some
castles that LEGO has made in the past were constructed with a closed
design where the play set is almost entirely exterior all the way around
the model.
If you like the story of the Monster Fighters world, this is where the final showdown takes place. All the moonstones needed to open the portal have been gathered. Now it is up to the heroes to put a stop to Lord Vampyre’s evil plans.
Building the Set
This set can roughly be broken down into two major areas. First up is the car. This is the vehicle the heroes plan to storm the castle with. It has a sleek design even with its weird action elements. It has a very low center of gravity which means it may have problems over some surfaces, but the design is so solid that it can handle rough play.
The second model is the castle. Now this part can be broken down into various stages, but the end result is what’s important. The evil aspect of its construction comes from the dark color pallet and the asymmetric design. There are numerous spires and towers that give the castle a lop-sided appearance which adds to the cool factor.
Like most recent LEGO castles, the design is modular so that it can be snapped apart and reconfigured to whatever layout makes sense to you. The only limitations are the two end caps. They are oddly designed so that they only connect with either the far right or left of the castle sections.
The stickers add a surprising amount of detail to this design. Many of these glow in the dark along with a few other parts. For some, this may just be one more castle. But if you are a consummate fan of old architecture, there may be something in the model for you.
Play Features in the Set
Out of this set, the simplest play element is the car. It can drive around and it has a net cannon. This in itself is interesting, but not nearly as in-depth as the castle. Not only does it have action elements, but there are also nice scenic spots for roleplaying with the minifigures.
Here is a brief rundown of the scenic elements. There is a prison, library/study, bedroom, coffin room, gate, treasure room, map room, cauldron cooking spot, and pipe organ. In addition there are a wide range of places to place and connect the bat monsters. LEGO went out of its way to create perches for the bat monsters’ legs to hang from.
As for action elements, there is a hanging chain that can hold a minifigure and be cranked up and down over the prison, and then another room has a trap door that empties out onto a spike pit. A rock wall that can be blown away from the push of a lever, stairs that can move out of your way, the horrible portal that has a spinning action as well as the ability to flip all the moonstones out of your way. And last but not least, there is a jumping spider that can be fired off like a missile.
Interesting Parts in the Set
A castle fan will love the wide range of gray elements in this set. LEGO has even provided the masonry brick in light bluish gray. There are also some cool rounded windows with a variety of latticed and shuttered panes, creepy gate doors, the new coffin and coffin lid combo, glow-in-the dark rat and spider.
Other elements that glow in the dark include the dish with the night sky design and a good portion of the stickers. Just make sure to use a flashlight or portable light to charge up the stickers since the castle is not easy to move around.
For those who like stairs, you get a normal set of stairs and the round keyhole shaped steps. Then there are the walls. Tons of corner panel walls. This will definitely help in the tower building process. Cones also make a big appearance in this set. They can also help with the tower design.
For big roof pieces there are two black three-sided roofs. These are like the ones found in many of the Harry Potter castle sets that were released in 2010 and 2011. And to end things off, you even get a spiky bush and mushroom top dish.
As for minifigure accessories, there is the hammer that looks like Thor’s from the Super Heroes line, a foil that was seen in the Collectible Minifigures Series, potion bottle, sword that is done in the Highlander Collectible minifigure style, and a transparent green goblet. This goblet has a much more rounded shape than the goblets fans are typically used to.
Minifigures in the Set
There are seven minifigures in this set. One is a skeleton, two are bat monsters, then there are two heroes and two vampires. Lord Vampyre, his wife, and the two bat monsters make up the more interesting minifigures.
The skeleton has the standard clip-on skeleton legs in white. The torso is white with a basic ribcage and ball joint shoulders. His arms are white with the ball joint socket. His head is white with the standard skull pattern.
Doctor Rodney Rathborne has sand green hips and left leg. His right leg is a flat silver prosthetic leg. His torso is light bluish gray with white arms and yellow hands. There is a pinstriped vest, red tie, and pocket watch painted over a white undershirt. His head is yellow with sideburns, moustache, and a few wrinkle lines. He has a smirking expression. He also wears a light bluish gray bowler hat.
Jack McHammer has sand blue hips and legs. The legs feature a belt, pockets, and silver kneepads painted on the front. His torso is green with a checkered shirt and brown vest. His left arm is green with a yellow hand while his right arm is a mechanical flat silver with a dark bluish gray claw. His head is yellow with very bushy facial hair and wrinkles. He also wears a dark bluish gray knit cap.
Lord Vampyre has black hips and legs. On the front of his legs are the bottom edges of his coat. His torso is black with black arms and white hands. On the front and back of the torso there is painting. It is designed to look like a black jacket, over a red vest, over a white ruffled shirt, with a red cravat, and gold pocket watch. His head is white and is double-sided. Both sides have fangs and red eyes. One side has an open mouth while the other side is closed. His hair is black slicked back with a widow’s peak. His cape is black with scalloped edging and a high collar.
Lord Vampyre’s Wife has a dark red dress slope. It is painted with rips in the skirt to reveal a pink and red underskirt. Her torso is dark red with dark red arms and white hands. The torso continues the dress with a bodice that is pink and red. She has a red necklace. The detailed painting is on the front and back of the torso. Her head is white with red lips, fangs, and red eye shadow. One side is smiling while the other has an open-mouth angry expression. Her hair is black and long. It goes down the back and over each shoulder in the front.
There are two identical Bat Monsters. They have dark brown hips and legs. Their torso is dark brown and painted on the front and back. It is painted to look like a hairy muscular torso. Their arms are new with an upraised wing design. His hands are reddish brown. His head is reddish brown and has red eyes, fangs coming out of a slightly open mouth with fur lines around the forehead and cheeks. His hair/ear piece is dark brown with oversized ears and hair that is swept back.
Ratings
Originality: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. The castle may not be the most original, but its asymmetrical design and story makes it rather special.
Play Value: 5 out of 5 Studs. It’s a good sign when you have to make a list just to cover all the play features a set has.
Design: 4 out of 5 Studs. The set looks fantastic and there are so many ways you can add to it. However, to get the look right you’ll most likely need multiple copies of this set.
Unique Parts: 5 out of 5 Studs. This set is jammed with unique and uncommon elements in a good quantity.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. This castle has much more personality than many other castles LEGO has created. If you aren’t a fan of castles though, this may not be for you.
Recommendations
This is definitely one of those sets that comes up once in a blue moon. Monster Fighters is currently taking up LEGO’s adventure line slot so it won’t stick around for too long. It’s good to pick up these sets with high personality, especially if you like them, since they have such a limited shelf life. Of course, they can widely range on collectibility after they get discontinued. So if you are a collector, just know that it is a gamble to wait for a sale.
If you like the story of the Monster Fighters world, this is where the final showdown takes place. All the moonstones needed to open the portal have been gathered. Now it is up to the heroes to put a stop to Lord Vampyre’s evil plans.
Building the Set
This set can roughly be broken down into two major areas. First up is the car. This is the vehicle the heroes plan to storm the castle with. It has a sleek design even with its weird action elements. It has a very low center of gravity which means it may have problems over some surfaces, but the design is so solid that it can handle rough play.
The second model is the castle. Now this part can be broken down into various stages, but the end result is what’s important. The evil aspect of its construction comes from the dark color pallet and the asymmetric design. There are numerous spires and towers that give the castle a lop-sided appearance which adds to the cool factor.
Like most recent LEGO castles, the design is modular so that it can be snapped apart and reconfigured to whatever layout makes sense to you. The only limitations are the two end caps. They are oddly designed so that they only connect with either the far right or left of the castle sections.
The stickers add a surprising amount of detail to this design. Many of these glow in the dark along with a few other parts. For some, this may just be one more castle. But if you are a consummate fan of old architecture, there may be something in the model for you.
Play Features in the Set
Out of this set, the simplest play element is the car. It can drive around and it has a net cannon. This in itself is interesting, but not nearly as in-depth as the castle. Not only does it have action elements, but there are also nice scenic spots for roleplaying with the minifigures.
Here is a brief rundown of the scenic elements. There is a prison, library/study, bedroom, coffin room, gate, treasure room, map room, cauldron cooking spot, and pipe organ. In addition there are a wide range of places to place and connect the bat monsters. LEGO went out of its way to create perches for the bat monsters’ legs to hang from.
As for action elements, there is a hanging chain that can hold a minifigure and be cranked up and down over the prison, and then another room has a trap door that empties out onto a spike pit. A rock wall that can be blown away from the push of a lever, stairs that can move out of your way, the horrible portal that has a spinning action as well as the ability to flip all the moonstones out of your way. And last but not least, there is a jumping spider that can be fired off like a missile.
Interesting Parts in the Set
A castle fan will love the wide range of gray elements in this set. LEGO has even provided the masonry brick in light bluish gray. There are also some cool rounded windows with a variety of latticed and shuttered panes, creepy gate doors, the new coffin and coffin lid combo, glow-in-the dark rat and spider.
Other elements that glow in the dark include the dish with the night sky design and a good portion of the stickers. Just make sure to use a flashlight or portable light to charge up the stickers since the castle is not easy to move around.
For those who like stairs, you get a normal set of stairs and the round keyhole shaped steps. Then there are the walls. Tons of corner panel walls. This will definitely help in the tower building process. Cones also make a big appearance in this set. They can also help with the tower design.
For big roof pieces there are two black three-sided roofs. These are like the ones found in many of the Harry Potter castle sets that were released in 2010 and 2011. And to end things off, you even get a spiky bush and mushroom top dish.
As for minifigure accessories, there is the hammer that looks like Thor’s from the Super Heroes line, a foil that was seen in the Collectible Minifigures Series, potion bottle, sword that is done in the Highlander Collectible minifigure style, and a transparent green goblet. This goblet has a much more rounded shape than the goblets fans are typically used to.
Minifigures in the Set
There are seven minifigures in this set. One is a skeleton, two are bat monsters, then there are two heroes and two vampires. Lord Vampyre, his wife, and the two bat monsters make up the more interesting minifigures.
The skeleton has the standard clip-on skeleton legs in white. The torso is white with a basic ribcage and ball joint shoulders. His arms are white with the ball joint socket. His head is white with the standard skull pattern.
Doctor Rodney Rathborne has sand green hips and left leg. His right leg is a flat silver prosthetic leg. His torso is light bluish gray with white arms and yellow hands. There is a pinstriped vest, red tie, and pocket watch painted over a white undershirt. His head is yellow with sideburns, moustache, and a few wrinkle lines. He has a smirking expression. He also wears a light bluish gray bowler hat.
Jack McHammer has sand blue hips and legs. The legs feature a belt, pockets, and silver kneepads painted on the front. His torso is green with a checkered shirt and brown vest. His left arm is green with a yellow hand while his right arm is a mechanical flat silver with a dark bluish gray claw. His head is yellow with very bushy facial hair and wrinkles. He also wears a dark bluish gray knit cap.
Lord Vampyre has black hips and legs. On the front of his legs are the bottom edges of his coat. His torso is black with black arms and white hands. On the front and back of the torso there is painting. It is designed to look like a black jacket, over a red vest, over a white ruffled shirt, with a red cravat, and gold pocket watch. His head is white and is double-sided. Both sides have fangs and red eyes. One side has an open mouth while the other side is closed. His hair is black slicked back with a widow’s peak. His cape is black with scalloped edging and a high collar.
Lord Vampyre’s Wife has a dark red dress slope. It is painted with rips in the skirt to reveal a pink and red underskirt. Her torso is dark red with dark red arms and white hands. The torso continues the dress with a bodice that is pink and red. She has a red necklace. The detailed painting is on the front and back of the torso. Her head is white with red lips, fangs, and red eye shadow. One side is smiling while the other has an open-mouth angry expression. Her hair is black and long. It goes down the back and over each shoulder in the front.
There are two identical Bat Monsters. They have dark brown hips and legs. Their torso is dark brown and painted on the front and back. It is painted to look like a hairy muscular torso. Their arms are new with an upraised wing design. His hands are reddish brown. His head is reddish brown and has red eyes, fangs coming out of a slightly open mouth with fur lines around the forehead and cheeks. His hair/ear piece is dark brown with oversized ears and hair that is swept back.
Ratings
Originality: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. The castle may not be the most original, but its asymmetrical design and story makes it rather special.
Play Value: 5 out of 5 Studs. It’s a good sign when you have to make a list just to cover all the play features a set has.
Design: 4 out of 5 Studs. The set looks fantastic and there are so many ways you can add to it. However, to get the look right you’ll most likely need multiple copies of this set.
Unique Parts: 5 out of 5 Studs. This set is jammed with unique and uncommon elements in a good quantity.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. This castle has much more personality than many other castles LEGO has created. If you aren’t a fan of castles though, this may not be for you.
Recommendations
This is definitely one of those sets that comes up once in a blue moon. Monster Fighters is currently taking up LEGO’s adventure line slot so it won’t stick around for too long. It’s good to pick up these sets with high personality, especially if you like them, since they have such a limited shelf life. Of course, they can widely range on collectibility after they get discontinued. So if you are a collector, just know that it is a gamble to wait for a sale.
Make Autumn Flowers
These autumn flowers look like they are made from paper or ribbon but
you really use dried corn husks. You’ll want to save as many leaves
from the corn that you can get; it is always better to have more than
you think you’ll need. Don’t worry if they tear when you are shucking
the corn, just set them aside. If your grocery store sets out a barrel
so people can shuck their corn at the store, you can probably collect as
many leaves as you need.
Fall Craft Supplies
If possible, you want to set the husks in the sun for two or three days. You can also allow them to air-dry in the house.
Set out newspaper and place the husks in a single layer. Turn them once or twice a day so they don’t get covered with mildew.
Once they are dry, you can set them in a shoebox until you are ready to use them.
Autumn Flower Craft
Fall Craft Supplies
- Dried corn husks: you’ll need approximately 20 leaves for each flower
- Small pinecone (or a circle of construction or scrapbook paper)
- Skewers, floral wire or chenille stems for the flower stems (think about whether you want to wrap the stems around another object)
- White craft glue or a glue gun and adult assistance)
- Food coloring
- Scissors
If possible, you want to set the husks in the sun for two or three days. You can also allow them to air-dry in the house.
Set out newspaper and place the husks in a single layer. Turn them once or twice a day so they don’t get covered with mildew.
Once they are dry, you can set them in a shoebox until you are ready to use them.
Autumn Flower Craft
- To color the cornhusks, mix food coloring and water and soak the husks until they absorb the color. You’ll now have to allow them to dry, as you did before. Dried cornhusks better absorb the dye.
- Cut 20 or so petals, using one leaf for each petal, which should be the length of the husk. Cut the ends of the petals into rounded or pointed shapes.
- Take the pinecone, the center of the flower, and poke the pointed end of the skewer into the pinecone. Glue in place. (If you are using wire, follow the directions, just use the wire.)
- Set aside the worst-looking petals (perhaps they have insect nibbles or they are split) and save them for layers two (and three) of your flower’s petals.
- Using half of the petal you cut, glue one petal at a time to the center pinecone. Make a complete circle of petals.
- Allow the glue to dry. Then, add a second layer of petals, positioning them so they can be seen between the first layer of petals. You can even add a third layer of corn husk petals to fill in gaps.
- Cut a wider leaf-shape from one of the husks to make a leaf or two for your flower. Glue the leaves beneath the petals.
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