BeamMeUpMom

I made a vest for my husband's wizard costume for the final book release party. I don't want to use a standard button or zipper closure. I'm looking for something unusual and/or clever to help add to the quirky wizarding look we're going for. Maybe something like a frog closure but not a standard frog.

Thanks in advance!

She loves all things geek, has seen MIB, MIBII, all of LoTR (but she read the books first), the Indiana Jones Trilogy, etc.. BUT these have less adult material than they could. AND this movie is rated PG under the old rating system that still let a fair bit of gore and adult content by under that rating. My husband and I don't remember the movie well at all and there's an event later at which this parody plays (in other words, no time to rent and watch it first or we would).

What are your thoughts? If you think it's not a good choice, give specific examples of content that may not be appropriate rather than your personal value judgments. Thanks.

I'd like to use foods and flavors not derived from plants in the onion family. I LOVE onions (heck, some of my family farm onions) and will have a separate bowl of chopped onions to add into things for those who like them (family who eat, sleep, and breath the stuff) but I want the food to taste great all on its own as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would like references to actual scientific studies. I asked this question before and people answered "ask the parents" and that' s problematic because the parents who allowed their kids to watch it are fans of it and won't be giving dispassionate answers. They may also not catalog the psychological impact on any measurable, transferable scale.

I have dug around on the web and found no references to studies of this nature. Has anyone done one? If you haven't and are doing work in psychology or social work, a study on this topic would be interesting.

Opinions on this topic vary and I don't want those. I want to know what studies are saying. Thanks!

I'm looking for summer hats with brims to make for newborns.

Several of my neighbors have cats. These kitties have taken to digging around in my flower beds. My dog offers them no deterrent as she likes to "play" with them.

I've heard that pepper spray and even just sprinkled peppercorns can deter some animals. Is this a safe option? I'd rather not resort to chemicals or stand guard over my plants and asking neighbors to keep their cats under control is just silly. Are there better options?

I also have a neighbor dog that constantly escapes and knocks over the garbage cans in the alley. I was considering spraying the cans and the surrounding area with it too.

I have a blog from a free service (blogspot). Now and again I get emails from people asking me if they can put up a link to something I've posted (like crafting instructions) or to my page in general. I'm curious who else may be linking to my page. Is there any way of finding out?

I bought some recently which has the recalled product code. However, I think I bought it after the recall began and assumed it would be safe since it wasn't recalled. Now I'm annoyed. What day did the recall begin, anyway?

The real reasons were that it was a huge commute (50 miles each way), I have a health issue and seeing my doctor meant missing an entire day because of the drive (the drive itself, did my health no favors). Also, the political environment was changing and becoming difficult to work within. I had an opportunity to leave and doing contract work from home while I look for another "real" job nearer to home.

I guess it's the particular phrasing that I'm having a problem detailing. I want to be honest but not ruin my chances. I don't want to say the commute was a problem because travel to conferences is often a part of my job. I don't want to say health problems because my health is well-managed but I need to see doctors monthly or more. I don't want to look like an opportunist who'll leave for contracting work. I'm only doing contract work as a way to sustain me until I can find a job at a local company or in city government. Thanks!

I am working with an individual who is always behind in his work and it affects others. He doesn't get paychecks out on time and this dramatically affects everyone's lives (as you can imagine). He is always trying to give people religious advice like it or not. There are plenty of people who aren't religious but are good workers and generous, kind people but he's on their backs that they aren't religious enough.

If someone asks about the irregularity of the pay, he tells them they should pray and they'll get salvation. Pray? When he isn't doing his job and that's why they are suffering? He thinks that by praying he'll get his job done faster when he doesn't actually do his job and blows his time not working. Yet, he feels he's above reproach but he is the source of suffering.

Anyway, I'm looking for the equivalent quote(s) to toss his way and make him see that if he doesn't put forth effort, he can't blame God that his job isn't getting done.

Location of quote too please.

I'm doing a sewing project for my niece's birthday. She'll be five. She's fairly average and this is for an elastic waistband so it doesn't need to be precise. I want it to be a surprise so I don't want to ask for measurements. Thanks.

...sort of like in the border around the business card in the Santa Clause 2, in which the words are very tiny and hidden in the image of the line. However, I'd like to see if there are more elaborate pictures with many more words.

No scented items and all of those "natural" additives are a no-no because of a skin issues. She wants bath stuff she can use but what should I put in the basket? I have a loofah on a long handle and that's about it so far. Thanks.

Stuffed animals, purses, etc. or anything else that seems cool for 8-10 year old girls would all be appreciated. I have a variety of scrap fabric that I want to use. Thanks!

My favorite is the Muppet version. It's got great music and humor. We watch it every year.

I'm giving my niece and nephew gift cards for Christmas. However, I think the gift card should at least have some interesting enclosure (in case they don't get a choice in how to spend it--like if they need new jackets or something). What would be some good ideas? They are 11 and 4.

I'm looking for inspiration.

My youngest daughter has a beloved stuffed animal that belonged to her older sister. It's very beat up. I'm quite good at sewing but I'm unwilling to take up the task of fixing this little guy. He needs lots of new stuff and it's got to be done by someone who can do it right. Anyone have any recommendations? I know it's going to be a spendy repair bill but I can't think of a better gift to both of the girls than giving their stuffed friend a facelift.

It doesn't have to be a book and it doesn't have to be a book on writing either. I'm looking for a gift for my daughter's 15th birthday. What would you give to a teenager like her that would be memorable and, hopefully, loved?

I'm trying to convince them otherwise. They are now afraid of color and no matter what I do, they keep going for neutrals. The place will have no intimacy or warmth and the palette of colors is now drab and tired looking. What would you do to convince the owners otherwise?

I've brought them to other places with color and they liked them but they are reluctant with their own place insisting that they'll put color on the walls later. I know it's just that they fear color. They have 15 foot high ceilings in their place and it's going to be a sea of white. Help.