It may be hard to believe, but spring is on the way! To get ready for St. Patrick’s Day, bright and colorful flowers, and warm weather, here are 8 rainbow crafts that are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.
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“I believe a strong woman may be stronger than a man, particularly if she happens to have love in her heart. I guess a loving woman is indestructible.”
—East of Eden
Come back every Tuesday for “The Bees Knees”, where I post the best quotes from my favorite movies, TV shows, songs, and books.
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Looking for some quick weeknight meal ideas? Shrimp are the perfect solution! Perfect for pairing with pasta, veggies, or just chopping up and putting on a sandwich, shrimp are affordable and cook up super fast.
These tasty shrimp recipes make tasty meals for any night of the week and you’ll love how easy they are to make.
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Easy Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
Sheet Pan Shrimp Broil
Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Easy Baked Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp Scampi with Tomatoes and Arugula
Cajun Fried Shrimp
Shrimp Stuffed Avocado
Blackened Shrimp Skewers
Ceviche Style Shrimp Cocktail
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Baked Shrimp and Veggies
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado, Mango and Pineapple Salsa
Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips.
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Death…it freaking sucks, ami right?
It’s inevitable. It’s unknown. It’s scary and dark and real and it’s the final ending for the entire human population…maybe the one thing that we all have in common.
For years books and movies have tried to make death more…comfortable. They’ve tried discussing topics like the afterlife, reincarnation, heaven and hell, and so on to help make death not seem so final. Now I’m not here to start a big debate on my views of life and death, but I think we can all agree that coping with death, whether that be the death of a loved one or the acceptance of death of self, is certainly a hard road to go down…
Ranging from loss of self to loss of hope, these 16 books about coping with loss and death have really opened my eyes to acceptance and understanding. Some made me mad enough to talk about my feelings, others made me cry so much that I had trouble even finishing the book, but they all helped me cope with my situation in some way, shape, or form.
I personally never really thought about death until my dad died. He was the first person who was close to me that I lost. When he died, I had no choice but to turn to books because that’s what comforted me…and I hope these books comfort you as well.
Being Mortal
In Being Mortal, author and doctor Atul Gawande tackles maybe the hardest question about aging and death: how medicine can improve life and dying with dignity. An eye-opening look at elder care and end-of-life decisions, this book is so important for anyone and everyone to read.
The Girl with Glass Feet
On the remote and snowbound archipelago of St. Hauda’s Land, Ida Maclaird is slowly turning into glass. While searching the forest for a cure, she meets a man who ends up falling in love with her. What results is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about what we will do, no matter what the circumstance, for those we love.
Tuesdays with Morrie
What would you say to a dying mentor? Many of us don’t have that chance, but Mitch Albom did. In Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch visits his mentor and old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, every Tuesday, just as they did back when he was in school. Their visits end up becoming one final lesson on how to really live.
Life of Pi
Though Life of Pi isn’t a book about death in the most straight-forward way, I still find it a beautiful work of fiction that explores the issues of spirituality, survival, and acceptance of fate. The ending left me questioning a lot about my own spirituality and I loved the internal struggles that made Pi Patel such a relatable character.
Big Fish
In his prime, Edward Bloom was an extraordinary man. He could outrun anybody. He never missed a day of school. He saved lives and tamed giants. Animals loved him, people loved him, women loved him. He knew more jokes than any man alive. At least that’s what he told his son, William. But now Edward Bloom is dying, and William wants desperately to know the truth about his elusive father—this indefatigable teller of tall tales—before it’s too late. The story that is all of our grandfathers, Big Fish is tender, bittersweet, and a tale bigger than life itself.
The Book Thief
Set during World War II in Germany, The Book Thief is told from the perspective of the Devil and tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. An unforgettable story about death and the afterlife, The Book Thief is maybe the best piece of Holocaust literature I’ve ever read.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Several days before Christmas 2003, author Joan Didion and her husband John Gregory Dunne saw their one and only daughter come down with a life-threatening disease that left her on life support. Days later, John Gregory suffered a massive and fatal coronary. Struck with such loss in such rapid succession, Didion attempts to make sense of those few weeks and months before, during, and after that fateful winter in her book, The Year of Magical Thinking. A beautiful testament to a family that was completely shattered, but somehow found the strength to pull through, this book will definitely touch your heart.
A Blessing on the Moon
Death is merely the beginning of Chaim’s troubles. In the opening pages of A Blessing on the Moon, Chaim is shot along with the other Jews of his small Polish village. But instead of resting peacefully in the World to Come, Chaim, for reasons unclear to him, is left to wander the earth, accompanied by his rabbi, who has taken the form of a talking crow. Chaim’s afterlife journey is filled with extraordinary encounters whose consequences are far greater than he realizes.
The Last Lecture
Based on the extraordinary final lecture by Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch, given after he discovered he had pancreatic cancer, this moving book will inspire readers to live each day with purpose and joy.
Red Hook Road
When a newly married couple dies on the way to their wedding reception, it’s up to their newly joined families to come together and now plan the couple’s funeral. A haunting book that you will power through in no time, Red Hook Road is up there with Ayelet Waldman’s finest stories about loss and grief.
The Lovely Bones
A haunting tale of loss and understanding, The Lovely Bones is a beautiful story of a girl not ready to let go of her hold on life and the people she loves. Told from her perspective after her brutal rape and murder, The Lovely Bones is an interesting exploration on heaven and the afterlife.
The Painted Drum
When Faye Travers is called to appraise a collection of artifacts, she stumbles upon a haunting drum that seems to call out to her. Compelling and unforgettable, The Painted Drum explores the often fraught relationship between mothers and daughters, the strength of family, and the intricate rhythms of grief we all seem to feel at certain points of our lives.
The Little Prince
The Little Prince is one of my favorite books, and is actually the first book I read that made me cry. A touching story about an adventurer who stumbles upon a little prince who inhabits a tiny planet, this book is an exploration into acceptance, love, and making peace with letting go.
A Monster Calls
A haunting and darkly funny novel about loss and death, A Monster Calls is about a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected visitor that helps him question everything. Phew, this one is rough guys.
Lincoln in the Bardo
A story that intertwines history, death, and spirituality, Lincoln in the Bardo is told from the perspective of several characters – both historical and invented – to answer the question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point: How do we live and love when we know that everything we love must end? A book unlike anything I’ve ever read before, Lincoln in the Bardo is a visual story that will magically come to life in your mind.
Bridge to Terabithia
A story about pure friendship, Bridge to Terabithia is a story that will tug at your heartstrings. A story about a boy and a girl and the imaginative world they live in, this story is up there with Where the Red Fern Grows as a book that teaches kids that death, loss, and maybe most importantly, friendship, are all very, very real.
Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a “Bee Happy” post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.
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Cranky! Today marks what would have been Steve Irwin’s 56th birthday. Best known for his TV show The Crocodile Hunter, Irwin was a famous wildlife conservationist with a variety of TV shows and appearances. He and his wife, Terri owned and operated the Australia Zoo and appeared side by side in a collection of TV documentaries and specials about Australian wildlife.
On September 4, 2006, Irwin was pierced in the heart by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary film titled Ocean’s Deadliest. His death was a shock to several fans, including our entire family. The Crocodile Hunter was as much a part of our Saturday morning ritual as was drinking coffee or eating breakfast together.
Thankfully, Irwin’s family continues to carry on his legacy of wildlife conservation and, in order to celebrate Irwin’s birthday and legacy, here are 14 snappy facts about The Crocodile Hunter himself!
Not surprisingly, Steve Irwin grew up at a zoo. His father was a wildlife expert (he studied reptiles) and his mother was a wildlife rehabilitator. When Irwin was a child, his family moved to Beerwah, Australia to open the Beerwah Reptile Park, which eventually became the Australia Zoo.
As a matter of fact, Irwin met his wife Terri at the Australia Zoo. Born in Eugene, Oregon, Terri was also passionate about wildlife conservation. She opened and ran Cougar Country, a facility that helped rehabilitate foxes, raccoons, bobcats, bears and more. On a trip to Australia to visit the zoo, Terri met Steve during one of his crocodile shows. She instantly fell for him and the couple got engaged just four months later.
The first episode of The Crocodile Hunter was filmed on Steve and Terri’s honeymoon. The Irwin’s were just as passionate about wildlife as the show portrayed them to be, so there was no question when they were planning their honeymoon…they just did what they loved to do.
While the show was popular in Australia, it was also extremely popular in America (duh), as well as 130 other countries around the world.
While Irwin would wrestle with some of the deadliest predators on the planet, he wasn’t totally fearless when it came to the animal world. He had a slight fear of parrots and got some pretty horrible bites during his time working with wildlife.
While on a fishing trip with his dad, Irwin caught a turtle that didn’t look like anything he had seen before. They sent a photo to a herpetologist who confirmed it was a new species never before seen. In honor of Irwin, the title was named Elseya irwini, or Irwin’s snapping turtle. You can see one at the Baltimore National Aquarium if you’re not an Aussie.
There’s also a snail named after his famous catchphrase, “Crikey!”, the crikey steveirwini.
Irwin’s daughter, Bindi Sue, was named after two of his favorite pets – a saltwater crocodile named Bindi and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Sue.
Although the Irwin’s were happily married, they did not wear wedding rings because they didn’t want their jewelry to pose a hazard to them or the animals.
In 2005, Irwin provided the voice of an elephant seal named Trev for the 2006 animated film Happy Feet. The film was dedicated to him, as he died during post-production.
In 2017, it was announced that Irwin would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously.
Irwin was buried in a private ceremony at the Australia Zoo. The gravesite is inaccessible to the zoo’s visitors.
Irwin’s best friend, Wes, is the director of the Australia Zoo. Irwin actually saved his life when Wes was attacked by a crocodile during a flood at the zoo.
Irwin died after being attacked by a stingray, however, his death was said to be only the third known fatal stingray attack in Australia and the 17th in the entire world. After his death, several stingray were found mutilated on the shores of Australia, most likely an act of violence by fans of his.
Sometimes you just need a little fun in your life! Check back every week for a new “Just Bee-cause” post, where I discuss everything from celebrity news to favorite videos and websites!
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Clay crafts may sound old-fashioned, but there are actually some super cute things you can make with polymer clay.
From jewelry storage to actual jewelry, these 8 cute AF polymer clay crafts will have you stocked up on clay in no time!
Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.
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Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
–Teddy Roosevelt
Come back every Tuesday for “The Bees Knees”, where I post the best quotes from my favorite movies, TV shows, songs, and books.
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Our wide collection of presidents have gathered up quite the palette. From hoe cakes to cherry ice cream, this collection of some of the presidents’ favorite meals is sure to get you in the mood for President’s Day!
*While several sites and books list various “favorite foods” of each respective president, I did my best to find those with recipes or those I found in two or more places.
George Washington
Hoe Cakes
John Adams
Baked Salmon
Thomas Jefferson
Waffles
James Madison
Chicken and Okra Soup
James Monroe
Fried Chicken
John Quincy Adams
Fruits and Crackers
Andrew Jackson
Lamb Chops with Rosemary
Martin Van Buren
Classic Donuts
William Henry Harrison
Roast Wild Duck
John Tyler
Grateful Pudding
James K. Polk
Classic French Omelette
Zachary Taylor
Hominy
Millard Fillmore
Beef Stew
Franklin Pierce
Fried Clams
James Buchanan
Peach Charlotte
Abraham Lincoln
Sliced Apples
Andrew Johnson
Popcorn
Ulysses S. Grant
Rice Pudding
Rutherford Birchard Hayes
Fresh Coffee
James A. Garfield
Fresh Bread
Chester A. Arthur
Coffee and a Roll
Grover Cleveland
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Benjamin Harrison
Oysters
William McKinley
Steak
Theodore Roosevelt
Hard-Boiled Eggs
William H. Taft
Grapefruit
Woodrow Wilson
Chicken Salad
Warren G. Harding
Knockwurst and Sauerkraut
Calvin Coolidge
Roast Beef
Herbert Hoover
Gumbo
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Cream Chipped Beef
Harry S. Truman
Hot Cereal
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Chicken Noodle Soup
John F. Kennedy
Broiled Bacon
Lyndon B. Johnson
Chicken Chop Suey
Richard M. Nixon
Fresh Fruit
Gerald R. Ford
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Jimmy Carter
Pork Chops with Cornbread Stuffing
Ronald Reagan
Mac and Cheese
George Bush
Pork Rinds
Bill Clinton
Soft Shell Tacos
George W. Bush
Biscuits
Barack Obama
Nachos with Guac
Donald J. Trump
Cherry Ice Cream
Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips.
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I could write every day for the rest of my life about empowering books for women and STILL not touch on everything out there on the market. However, I have read a handful of books that have inspired me and motivated me to make changes in my own life, and I’m here to share them with you today!
Here are 17 books with serious girl power that will give you all the feels!
Why Not Me?
Mindy Kaling
Mindy’s just a girl who loves eating McDonald’s and is just trying to figure it all out like the rest of us. In the sequel to her first best-selling book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy explores the challenges of her adult life as only she can…with literal laugh-out-loud humor and wit that makes her our #1 BFF.
Yes Please
Amy Poehler
Get to know the woman behind some of our favorite SNL characters and my personal soul mate, Leslie Knope, in this scrapbook-style autobiography filled with hilarious stories and full-color photos and illustrations.
How to be a Bawse
Lilly Singh
Get the lowdown on how YouTube star Lilly Singh conquers it all, from exuding confidence to kicking out the haters.
I Am Malala
Malala Yousafzai
If you read only one book on this list, make it this one. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for pursuing an education, tells her story and discusses her dreams for making the world a better place. This woman…she’s everything.
Wildflower
Drew Barrymore
Get to know Drew on a personal level with this collection of stories told by the woman herself. From her unbelievable childhood to her challenges growing up in Hollywood, this book is sure to shock and inspire.
A woman tries to come to grips with her abusive past in a collection of illustrations that will break your heart.
Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress
Susan Jane Gilman
This is the collection of short stories you’ve been looking for…a coming of age tale that, for once, isn’t about finding the perfect man.
It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War
Lynsey Addario
How has photographing war shaped Lynsey Addario’s life? In this visual essay of her time spent overseas, Addario explores what it takes to find courage and passion amidst a war-torn country.
The Opposite of Loneliness
Marina Keegan
Published after her tragic death five days after graduating from Yale, The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan is a collection of short stories that showcase a talent lost too soon.
Unbearable Lightness
Portia De Rossi
Actress Portia De Rossi talks about her years of struggling with weight loss and gain, and how simple life changes ended up changing her life completely. This one’s a tear-jerker.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s brilliant autobiography will certainly make you thankful for all the good things in your life. Through all of her struggles and hardships, Angelou somehow still finds the magic within, and this book is a true testament to her inspiration.
Bossypants
Tina Fey
With an iron fist and a great sense of humor, Tina Fey has conquered the small screen, the big screen, and every theater in between. Her struggles were real and her challenges were real, but she’s no stranger to strapping up those big girl pants and getting shit done.
Solar Storms
Linda Hogan
This coming-of-age story about a Native American family of strong and powerful women is on my list of books that changed my life. It is filled with such brilliant and underrated wisdom.
The Nazi Officer’s Wife
Edith Hahn Beer
A Jewish woman hides her religion from her husband, who happens to be a Nazi officer. A true story of utter heroism and survival, The Nazi Officer’s Wife is up there as one of the best Holocaust books I’ve ever read.
How to Make Love Like a Porn Star
Jenna Jameson
You certainly know Jenna Jameson, but chances are you don’t know the strong woman behind the star. In her candid autobiography, Jameson talks about her quick rise to fame and how she maintains her image and reputation in a world constantly trying to bring her down.
My Life in France
Julia Child
Learn about Julia Child’s travels and excursions in France in her adorable tell-all book, My Life in France. A love letter to France and the art of French cooking, this book is best read with a big cup of coffee and a delicious croissant.
A Little Bit Wicked
Kristin Chenoweth
The little star with the huge voice dishes about life on Broadway and her rise to fame as one of the most powerful singers of our generation. Talking about everything from her start in opera to her somewhat recent run as Glinda in Wicked: The Musical, Chenoweth talks about her life in stages.
Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a “Bee Happy” post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.
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This coming Monday is President’s Day…so what better way to celebrate than to take a look back at those men who have held this office before and learn something weird and wacky about them?
Illustration credit: Patrick Moberg
From George Washington to Donald Trump, here are 44 Fun Facts about POTUS’s past and present!
George Washington was one of our sickest presidents. He suffered from diphtheria, tuberculosis, smallpox, dysentery, malaria, quinsy (tonsillitis), carbuncle, pneumonia, and epiglottitis, just to name a few.
John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved into the White House in 1800 and became the first presidential couple to occupy the home…but he only got to enjoy the comforts of The White House for four months before his term ended.
Thomas Jefferson was a science enthusiast and loved technology and innovation. One of his favorite machines was a rotating book stand that held up to five books at a time.
James Madison once graced the front of the $5,000 bill. However, the government stopped printing these in 1945.
James Monroe was one of three of the Founding Fathers to die on July 4th. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826 and Monroe died on July 4, 1831.
John Quincy Adams loved skinny dipping. Every morning at 5:00 am, he would swim in the Potomac River – naked.
Andrew Jackson was a convicted killer. A man with a horrible temper, he actually killed a man in a duel in 1806 for insulting his wife, Rachel, who died shortly before Jackson took control of the country.
Martin Van Buren was the first American-born president, becoming the first candidate born after the American Revolution.
William Henry Harrison had the longest inauguration speech to date (90 minutes) but the shortest term. His tenure as president lasted only 33 days before he died.
John Tyler was not a well-liked president. In fact, many considered him a traitor to the US. His obituary stated, “He ended his life suddenly, last Friday, in Richmond – going down to death amid the ruins of his native State. He himself was one of the architects of its ruin; and beneath that melancholy wreck his name will be buried, instead of being inscribed on the Capitol’s monumental marble, as a year ago he so much desired.” Wow. He was even dubbed “His Accidency”. Yikes, John Tyler.
James Knox Polk spent most of his young years sick in bed and didn’t start formal educational training until about 18 years old. His wife, Sarah Childress, was extremely well-educated and would often help Polk write speeches and letters.
Zachary Taylor was nominated for president without being formally told of his nomination. The now deceased Whig Party chose him to be president, even though he wasn’t at their convention. They sent him a letter, but didn’t pay postage. When the letter arrived, Taylor refused to pay for the postage and didn’t technically find out about his nomination until several weeks later.
Millard Fillmore was one of three presidents who did not have a vice president (Tyler, Johnson and Arthur were the other three).
Franklin Pierce was said to have the best hair of any US president. One witness described it approvingly as a “mass of curly black hair” combed on a deep slant over his wide forehead. So, essentially, Pierce perfected the comb over.
James Buchanan was the only president who was a life-long bachelor.
Abraham Lincoln was a licensed bartender.
Andrew Johnson became mayor of Greeneville, Tennessee at 22 years old…despite never attending a day of school in his entire life.
Ulysses S. Grant lost everything to a scam artist after his run as president. In order to make money for his throat cancer treatments, he contacted Mark Twain to write his memoirs.
Rutherford Birchard Hayes eliminated booze at the White House. He wanted to maintain the dignity of the office by removing all beer, wine and liquor from the kitchen. Wine would sometimes be served for State dinners or visitations, but the president and first lady would not partake.
James Abram Garfield’s mother was the first president’s mother to attend her son’s inauguration.
Chester Alan Arthur owned at least 80 pairs of pants. I don’t think I even own 80 pieces of clothing…
Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms (he was both the 22nd and 24th president).
Benjamin Harrison is the first and only president thus far to hail from Indiana.
William McKinley‘s inauguration was the first to be filmed.
Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest president in our history, taking office at the age of 42 after McKinley’s death.
William Howard Taft clocked in at about 354 pounds, but lost about 70 pounds after his presidency. He did so by cutting out bread, potatoes, pork, and liquor…so, like, the best things.
Woodrow Wilson is the only president thus far to earn a Ph.D. degree.
Warren Harding was known for having extramarital affairs. Interestingly, the Republican Party paid off one of Harding’s mistresses to keep her quiet while he was running for president.
Calvin Coolidge was the only US president born on the 4th of July.
Herbert Clark Hoover was fluent in Chinese and would often speak Chinese with his wife in the White House when they wanted a private conversation.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was distantly related to his wife (Eleanor Roosevelt) and 11 other presidents.
Harry S. Truman married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth “Bess” Virginia Wallace, however she did not enjoy her role as First Lady and spent as little time in Washington as she could get away with.
Dwight David Eisenhower spent 35 years in the military and served in both World War I and World War II; however, he never saw a day of active combat.
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John Fitzgerald Kennedy is the only US president to have a Purple Heart, which was awarded to him after he was wounded in action in August 1943.
Lyndon Baines Johnson bought his wedding ring at Sears for $2.50.
Richard Nixon was a Quaker. As a boy, Nixon went to Quaker meetings four times on Sundays and played piano at church services. He enrolled at Whittier College, a Quaker institution, and attended mandatory chapel hours every day.
Gerald Rudolph Ford was the only president to also be an Eagle Scout. Scouting was so important to Ford that, at his funeral, an honor guard of about 400 Eagle Scouts stood watch during the procession.
James Earl Carter founded the Carter Center, which has played an active role in human rights and disease prevention issues globally. Carter actually won a Nobel Prize in 2002 for his decades of work fighting for democracy, human rights, and economic and social developments.
Ronald Wilson Reagan was said to be a great kisser by one Shirley Temple. In 1947, they starred in the film That Hagen Girl, where the 36-year-old Reagan married the 19-year-old Temple. Though Temple said he was a great kisser, the film was a box office flop and was key in starting the decline of both of their film careers.
George Herbert Walker Bush was captain of the Yale baseball team and he actually met Babe Ruth several months before Ruth’s death.
![Image result for george bush yale baseball]](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/11/08/0a/11080adc8a072a635a33cfa5dcab58ea.jpg)
William Jefferson Clinton, despite his personal scandal, left office with the highest end-of-office approval rating of any US president since World War II.
George Walker Bush‘s 2002 State of the Union Address was the first to be broadcast live on the internet.
Barack Obama collects Spider Man and Conan the Barbarian comics.
Donald Trump owns around 18 golf courses around the world.
Sometimes you just need a little fun in your life! Check back every week for a new “Just Bee-cause” post, where I discuss everything from celebrity news to favorite videos and websites!
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The Hob-bee Hive 