Tag Archives: puzzles

Photography Potpourri: The “S” Curve and Photo Puzzles

THE “S” CURVE In a previous blog I discussed the importance of proper composition and the use of the “Rule of Thirds.” Another helpful composition tip is the use of the “S” curve. For example, S-shaped roads, waterways, even train tracks can help spice up otherwise boring shots. “S” curves give a photo much welcome “depth.” And they are easy to capture provided you are willing to move around a bit. Don’t hesitate to bend down or climb an embankment (preferably one that is sturdy) in order to frame the “S” shape just right. Another way to add depth to … Continue reading →

LDS Puzzle Pals – MaryAlice Wallis and C.G. Lindstrom

Are you looking for a way to get your children to search the scriptures that won’t end up in World War III or at the very least, a whine/complain session? Have Sunday afternoons become as dreary as the Death March? Or are you just looking for some family fun? Hot off the press comes “LDS Puzzle Pals,” a new idea in entertainment the market has long needed. Each puzzle in this book is based on a scriptural theme or topic, and you must use your knowledge of the scriptures to solve them. You are given references to help you find … Continue reading →

Brainstorming – What Counts?

We talked about brainstorming earlier and stimulating your brain. We talked about how it enhanced your mood and boosted your confidence, but what counts as brainstorming? Let’s chat. Brainstorming Brainstorming itself is the act of generating new ideas or solutions for a problem. For example, let’s brainstorm about why we might need to brainstorm. Brainstorming gives us an opportunity to consider our options Brainstorming gives us options we might otherwise dismiss Brainstorming does not require absolutes or perfect ideas Brainstorming can help you create new ideas Brainstorming requires little more than a few minutes of your time and some writing … Continue reading →

Puzzles & Brainstorming Can Really Give You a Boost

Did you know that when you’re really dragging or finding it hard to pluck up the motivation to do anything that a sound session of brainstorming can not only boost your mood, it can enhance it – creating an environment where you are more mentally and physically alert? School Days I was reminiscing the other day about when I was in school. For five years, I was in a program that started every morning with a series of logic problems that grew increasingly complex along with two-minute mysteries and more. During my recovery from surgery, various friends and family members … Continue reading →

Toys ‘R Us 3 Big Puzzles for $19.98 Shipped

I love puzzles. Always have. Their tactile nature makes them a must-have for kinesthetic learners. Spatial learners can be just as quick, especially with puzzles that have a smaller number of pieces. The only time I hated puzzles was putting together a 1000 piece one only to find there were only 998 pieces! That’s why, while I purchase a lot of things second hand, I prefer to get puzzles new. Right now, Toys ‘R Us has a couple of deals going on, and they’re combinable. First, there is free shipping on all Melissa & Doug toys. If you’re familiar with … Continue reading →

Tangrams

Tangrams are an ancient Chinese puzzle. They are also called the Seven Board of Cunning and the ingenious puzzle figure of seven pieces. A square is cut into seven geometric shapes – two large right isosceles triangles, a medium triangle, two small triangles, a parallelogram, and a small square. Each of the seven pieces is called a tan. The shapes are rearranged to form familiar objects like cats, candlesticks, bridges, diamonds, hexagons, and birds. Using these shapes or tans to make other shapes is a great exercise in spatial pattern recognition. It challenges the player to think in new ways, … Continue reading →

Kids Need Brain Fitness, Too

The old motto of use or lose it applies to our brain as much as it does our body. We know that if we don’t exercise our bodies regularly, they won’t stay in tip-top shape. The same thought applies to our minds, especially the growing and developing minds of our children. Their brains are constantly developing, learning, growing and changing. We need to help them tone and strengthen it and this isn’t just about education and going to school. There are plenty of ways we can promote brain fitness in our homes and with our children. The following are a … Continue reading →

Puzzles, Puzzles, Puzzles

We like puzzles in this family. When I was growing up, I remember vividly sitting at a table with my grandmother working on the latest 5,000-piece masterpiece. She loved doing puzzles, any kind of puzzles. We did puzzles that featured works by Monet, Matisse and even Picasso. Once or twice we did some crazy twisting puzzles by abstract artists. We also did puzzles on the sea, on horses, on dogs and in the early 1980s, I remember doing puzzles that included the engagement pictures of Charles and Diana and one of a photograph of their wedding. 10 Piece Puzzles When … Continue reading →

Boy Toys versus Girl Toys

It can drive you nuts when you are out shopping for baby and you see the gender separation of toys even at such a young age. You may wonder what’s going on if your male toddler enjoys playing with baby dolls and is it okay that someone gave your baby girl a play set of tools? The trick here is to realize that there’s a ton of research in this area, but most of it is undependable. Babies develop at different rates and are affected by everything from their environment (including whether they have siblings), to their parents to the … Continue reading →

Computer Generated Crafts

Your computer is a great resource for craft projects. Not just because you can find fun stuff online, but also because of the fun stuff you can create. Using clip art or Web Dings found in your software programs, you can print out plenty of cute images to use in creative ways. Make a Countdown Calendar Design a calendar, and then print pictures to cut out that you can use to mark each day off the calendar as you count down to a special event. Cut out carrots for the Easter Bunny to count down until Easter (a little late … Continue reading →