Duct Tape Mania

A few years ago, duct tape was known as the stuff that was used to fix pipes. But now, for duct tape lovers it is much more than that. Creative people all around the world have figured out how to make purses, bows, glasses cases, flowers, and even clothes out of the tape. Companies like Duck Tape and Scotch have printed designs on the tape (like zebra and paint splatter) and it comes in many colors.

Here are my current duct tape choices

I am one of those duct tape lovers. One of my favorite things to do is make duct tape gifts for my friends and family. Every time I make something with duct tape, I get better. For example, at first when I made purses, I used tape to close it. After some experience, I have decided that using velcro is the best way.

Aside from making fun things, I love teaching people how to make duct tape things too. That is why I am doing this post. I want to teach YOU! After I get some comments, I hope to start posting tutorials. Before I can teach you, I need you to comment on what you want to make. I can teach you:

1. bracelets
2. bows
3. flowers
4. dolls
5. purses (tote bags, messenger bags, and personalized bags)
6. glasses cases
7. bookmarks
8. and more!

These are examples of the purses that I have made

Please comment and let me know what tutorials I should make. What have you made with duct tape?

More duct tape creations

Taste Testing The Yardbird

Two years ago, my family started watching Adam Richman's Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel. Since then, I have been to 8 restaurants in 5 cities that were featured on either that show or Richman's newest show, where he searches for The Best Sandwich In America.

During the competition in The Best Sandwich In America, Richman went to 10 regions in the United States and picked his favorite sandwich in each region.  Then, in the final episode, he did a special tournament similar to the NCAA Basketball Tournament to eliminate all but three sandwiches.  The Top 3 were a pork sandwich from Philadelphia, a chicken sandwich from Savannah, Georgia and The Yardbird chicken sandwich from Slows BBQ in Detroit.

The pork sandwich from Philadelphia ended up winning. Even though The Yardbird didn't win, it looked so amazing on TV and I really wanted to try it.

The Yardbird right before I ate it

Last night, my family ate dinner at Slows BBQ. I ordered The Yardbird exactly like Adam Richman got it.  When our food came to the table, I first tried the mac and cheese, which Richman has said is his favorite anywhere, and I liked it a lot.  Then, I took my first bite of The Yardbird.

Love at first bite

It tasted so good and everything was so flavorful and delicious.  My favorite parts were the chicken and the bacon.  After I had taken a couple of wonderful bites, I decided to use Richman's signature BITE scale to describe how good the sandwich was:

B (Bread) - Very good and not too overpowering so you can focus on the interior.

I (Interior) - The flavors all blend together perfectly and the chicken is just right juiciness.

T (Taste) - Absolutely amazing. I was in love during the first bite. I could take the delicious chicken, bacon, mushrooms and the mustard sauce.  My mouth felt so happy.

E (Experience) - I loved all of the food that I tasted from my family's plates. It was fun being in Detroit and I got to be with my family while enjoying the delicious Yardbird.

If you go to Slows, here is what you should get.  For sides, waffle fries and mac and cheese.  Put the apple flavor BBQ sauce on the fries.  For meals, in addition to The Yardbird, try the baby back ribs.  The ribs' outside have wonderful spices.  Remember to get there fairly early or there will be a long wait.

Do you like Adam Richman's shows?  Do you have any experiences to share?

Dreams Come True with Honus Wagner

The day I learned about Honus Wagner, in the book Honus and Me, by Dan Gutman, I was intrigued about him and wanted to learn more.

Honus Wagner was one of the best shortstops of all time. It also fascinated me that even though he was an astonishing player, he doesn't come to mind at the top of most people's lists like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

The most interesting thing about Honus isn't his career stats but his baseball card. The Honus Wagner T206 baseball card is the rarest in the world. It's so rare that one recently sold for more than $2.3 million.  The reason it is so rare is because he didn't want kids getting a card that came with cigarettes.  Most baseball cards in the early 1900s did.

After finding out this information, I decided that I really, really, really wanted one of these cards.  I knew that unless I came out with a book series more popular than Harry Potter, I would never have the money for one.

When my dad and I went to Pittsburgh to see the Tigers play the Pirates this summer, we went to the Heinz History Center. There was a huge exhibit about sports.  Immediately I found my way to the baseball section, hoping to see information about Honus Wagner because he played for the Pirates.  And I did.  I saw his old uniform, glove, and a baseball that he played with. There was also a cut-out where you could stick your head in an opening and wear his uniform.

Me as Honus Wagner in Pittsburgh

Today, I was at my cousin's Lauren's house for her baby's 1st birthday party. And Sean, Lauren's husband, showed me his ginormous baseball card collection.  He had thousands of box sets of cards from the 80s, which he sells.  And I thought that was a lot of baseball cards.  Then, he showed me his personal collection in another room. As soon as I walked in, I was in love. ❤ I started looking at many of the cards and saw some rare cards.  Then he showed me his most valuable three. First he showed me a Joe DiMaggio card, then a Mickey Mantle card, and finally a Babe Ruth card!

Then, I told him my dream about having a Honus Wagner baseball card, and he showed me high-grade replica Honus Wagner (the T206). Wow!  Even though it was a replica I thought it was so cool.

As we were saying goodbye, Sean asked me to come over to him.  He gave me a gift I will never forget, that replica card he showed me earlier. I was super-duper excited.  And I kissed it.

The replica of the Honus Wagner T206 Card

And though I might never have an original, I now will treasure this forever.  But, if my blog turns me into a famous author, you just never know....