My oldest grandson is currently skiing in Colorado with family, but just before he left, I gave him an early birthday gift, thinking he might enjoy having it with him during long airport waits and in the evenings after a fun day of skiing. My friend, Pam, told me about this game, The Genius Square, commenting how fun it is, and she was right! (Thanks, Pam!)
It only takes around 30 seconds to understand how its played, so you get to the fun part (playing the game) right away! My grandson and I played three games in a row, then he raced downstairs to the movie room where his brother was watching a movie to play the game with him. If you need a gift for someone, kids or adults, you’ll find this game available here: The Genius Square.
When I first moved into the Dollhouse, I purchased a mattress, expecting it to be somewhat temporary. Well, here we are, almost two years later, and I still haven’t moved to Ohio. When I adopted the kitties, they were only 7 weeks old. They were very good about using the various litter boxes I had around the house, but early on during that first week home, one of them—not sure who—thought the soft blankets and sheets on my bed were their potty.
The wet spot was tiny since they were so small. I washed the blankets, the sheets, and the mattress pad, but then it happened again. I finally figured out that the mattress pad I had on the bed, which I thought was waterproof, was not. That makes sense since I never buy waterproof mattress pads, so not sure why I had assumed that. So that meant the little tinkles were going through into the mattress. Argh. No wonder whoever was doing it kept being a repeat offender.
The spot was small, so I purchased a cleaner that was especially designed to eliminate cat urine, and it seemed to do the job—no more accidents. I had been thinking of getting a new mattress prior to adopting the kitties, since the one I purchased two years ago had become a bit softer than I prefer. I looked it back up online and discovered I had purchased a medium-firm mattress when I really prefer an extra-firm mattress, as I have on my bed in Georgia. So, I decided to go ahead and order a new one, and this is the one I chose. I’ve been sleeping on it for a couple of months now, and so far, it’s been great. It is extra firm, just as described, so this is not the mattress for those who like a softer mattress. If you need a mattress and prefer an extra-firm one, you’ll find more information about this one here: Extra-Firm Queen Mattress.
In February, I purchased this adorable kitty basket to hold some of the large toys that Beatrice and Agatha love to play with in the movie room.
Agatha decided to jump in and scope out what was in the basket as I was taking a photo. lol They always have to be in the middle of whatever I’m doing.
If you could use a large basket for storing pet toys, knitting, laundry, or whatever, you’ll find this adorable basket here: Kitty Basket, Great for Toys, Laundry, Storage.
At the same time that I purchased the larger basket, I also purchased this smaller/shorter one, so the kitties could easily reach their toys whenever they wished.
That has worked out great, and they often step right into it to find the toy that they want. This basket would also be great for little kittens since it’s not too tall. You’ll find this cute basket here: Short Cat Toys Baskets.
Speaking of toys, one of their absolute favorite toys is these colorful, plastic springs. They are obsessed with them, so I purchase them in large quantities since they have a way of vanishing under sofas, chairs, and closet doors.
Apparently, springs are a favorite of a lot of cats since they have a 4.9-star rating after 2,566 reviews. I purchased a small packet of springs from the adoption center when I adopted the kitties. I asked if they were safe, wondering if kitties could chew off a piece. They assured me that they were, and so far, the kitties have never been able to bite off a part of them. They are extremely durable! If you step on one, it collapses and springs right back into shape afterward. They are almost impossible to break or damage. Agatha and Beatrice chase them madly around the house—it’s hysterical! Cat spring toys are available here: Cat Toy, 100 Plastic Springs.
It took several tries before I found a container that I really like for storing their Science Diet kitten food. Most were too small or too heavy. This one felt just right, and I love how the whole top opens back when it’s time to refill it. You’ll find this container available here: Container for Cereal or Pet Food.
If you have cats, can’t recommend this pet tunnel(s) enough! They LOVE this thing! We toss springs and other toys into the center, and they dive in for them. They also love to hide in them if two little boys are trying to pick them up when they aren’t in the mood. lol It compacts down to the size of thick dinner plate for storage, although the cats enjoy it so much, I leave it out full-time. You can read more about it here: Kitty Tunnel.
A few months back, I shared this fun sign I purchased for the movie room. I’ve so enjoyed it that I wanted to mention it in today’s favorites post. Here’s a close-up that I took, but it looks way better in person than any photo I can capture since the light freaks out my camera.
Here’s a distance view to show the size. It’s a nice size! Ignore how it looks in the photos since my camera can’t capture how pretty and vibrant the colors are when I stand back for a larger view. I love it and so do the kids! Adding a lit sign to a movie room adds such a fun element to that space!
If you have a room where you love to watch movies, you’ll find this awesome sign here: Cinema Sign for Movie Room.
The mystery puzzle I ordered arrived, and I couldn’t wait to dive in! I had one problem, though: my youngest grandson and I had started working on a puzzle a few days before they left for their ski trip, so my puzzle board was already occupied. I managed to remove the puzzle without breaking it apart by adding the top cover of the puzzle board over the puzzle, latching it in place, then flipping it over so the puzzle was upside down on the top. When my grandson returns, I’ll reverse that to place it back on the puzzle board. (Mystery puzzle is available here: Murder Mystery Puzzle.)
Off topic, but had to share this photo. The cats love jumping on the table that holds the puzzle board, then reaching underneath between the board and the table to play footsie with me while I’m working on a puzzle. I’m not kidding when I say they keep me in stitches allllll day long! They are so much fun!
So I did “a thing” a few days ago! Since both my grandsons love working on puzzles whenever they are visiting, I decided to buy a second puzzle board, so I will never have to disturb whatever puzzle they/we are currently working on.
After looking/reading about a lot of different puzzle boards online, I decided to go with this one since it has some additional features that I thought would be great in the future. It comes with its own stand, so I won’t need a table on which to sit it. The stand is adjustable, so I’ll be able to work a puzzle either standing or sitting. It’s a fair amount larger than my other puzzle board, and it rotates. That means I’ll be able to work even larger puzzles, including vertical ones. My current board is big enough to work a 1,000-piece White Mountain puzzle with what White Mountain calls “Larger Pieces,” but it doesn’t work for 1,000-piece vertical puzzles. I normally do horizontal puzzles, so that hasn’t been a big deal, but I may take a look at some of the vertical puzzles now that those will fit on the new board. The new board will supposedly even work for 2,000-piece puzzles, but that may not be for the White Mountain “Larger Pieces” puzzles. I’m not sure if WM makes their 2,000-piece puzzles in the “Larger Pieces” size like they do their 1,000-piece puzzles. Update: I returned this board. Read more about that here: Some Things Just Don’t Work Out, But Thankfully, I Found Something Much Better.
Back in Georgia, I have some really nice, large sorting trays. Unfortunately, those are no longer being made, or at least I was unable to find them anywhere. I’ve been looking on and off for months, and it appears someone has finally filled that void. These 8 trays measure 15″ x 10.5 inches each. I love larger puzzle sorting trays since they will easily hold a 1,000-piece puzzle, even when the pieces are the larger size. I usually place the edge pieces on my puzzle board as I find them during the initial sorting process, then the non-edge pieces usually fill all of the large trays. It’s so nice to start a puzzle with all the pieces lying flat and fully visible. You’ll find the large sorting trays that I’ve ordered (since my others are still in Georgia) here: Puzzle Sorting Trays. I think these are arriving today, too. Can’t wait to try them for my next puzzle!
The folding card table chairs that I ordered for the card table in the movie room arrived today. They are a little on the small side, but I like their design. We’ll see if they make next month’s favorites list. Happy shopping! See you tomorrow for Tablescape Thursday!
It’s so much fun seeing your kitties & their escapades! I love that they run & chase & pounce on their toys. I’ve never had a cat, but I’ve had dogs for 58 years, & its always such a treat to see their individual personalities!
Interesting you just posted about mattresses, as I will need to replace my mattress before too long. Currently I have a Beauty Rest Black, which I purchased a little over 10 years ago. It’s an innerspring mattress with a pillow top, and I bought it when I was working out regularly, and in much better shape. I realized that generally, the more muscular you are, a firmer mattress is more comfortable, and I prefer a mattress on the softer side. Interesting. It’s also an extra deep, or thick, mattress, which I will never buy again. I think extra deep mattresses are just a gimmick. You cannot rotate it the same way you rotate thinner mattresses. I have a Temper Pedic mattress in another room, but it’s one of their original mattresses, and memory foam mattresses sleep hotter – something I don’t like at all. They now have a Temper Pedic Breeze which sleeps much cooler. The thing I don’t like about memory foam mattresses is that you cannot clean them like you can normal mattresses, and I’m a nut about having things super clean. There are so many choices now! Needless to say, this has made shopping for one much more challenging. I know that many people buy mattresses online, but I have trouble with that. I really feel like I need to experience what they feel like before buying. Sorry for my long post. I almost feel like I could write an entire thesis on mattresses!
P.S. Your cats are adorable!
That is the same puzzle board I purchased from Wayfair in 2024, I love it!
Hi Susan! I’m so glad that you adopted the kittens together! They hit the “fur mom” jackpot when they got you! Have you given any more thought to moving permanently to Ohio? You seem so happy to be close to the grands! I know we are after 2 years I can’t imagine not being a part of their lives. You’ve got to get them before they are too old to want a grandmom around all the time! Mine are 15 and 17 now and I think we were lucky to embed before it was too late.
Several years ago I purchased the puzzle board and sometime later, the sorting trays for my husband. He has been using them for all that time and still comments on how great those sorting trays are. Always enjoy your recommendations!
I have that puzzle board and love it!! Especially the feature where you can rotate it to do the vertical puzzles. And being on the cart you don’t have to put it on a separate table.
My only disappointment so far is that when it’s turned vertically, you can’t tilt the board, so it’s like having to do a puzzle on a flat table again. Am I missing something on that? Is there a way to tilt it in vertical mode?
Bits and Pieces has just produced a puzzle board that tilts no matter if it’s horizontal or vertical. https://www.bitsandpieces.com/products/deluxe-swivel-puzzle-easel
The ideal puzzle setup for me (if I had the space) would be to have the Bits and Pieces board atop one of those desks that can be raised and lowered with a remote. I doubt I’ll ever raise this board (the one I just purchased) to work a puzzle standing because it’s so difficult to do by yourself. The board is heavy and it’s really hard to get it level since there are 4 separate controls (on the legs) to adjust when raising and lowering it. Wish someone would invent a puzzle board that was a combination of the new Bit & Pieces puzzle board that I linked above, AND a stand that can be raised/lowered via a remote…the way some desks can. I would love that!
Aww, Susan. You’re welcome. I’m glad Court is enjoying the puzzle square so much.
I have a newish mattress, which I find very comfy, but I am having a terrible time finding sheets to fit it properly! I have already been through 3-4 sets and none are ideal. I’ll keep searching. Ever since they started making mattresses at various thicknesses, the sheet issue has been a nuisance. Grrr.
The kitties really are so adorable. They are especially pretty and their antics are hilarious. The little paw reaching from below the puzzle table just melts my heart, lol. Love all the cute accessories and toys you’ve gotten for them.
I have a number of those prokeeper canisters! I have been using them for several years and never been disappointed. I keep them in my little pantry with things like flours, various sugars, even a tiny one for baking soda. I think you’ll be pleased with them for the long term.
All the puzzle accoutrements are great! That table with the built in puzzle trays looks wonderful. I hope you like it. I’m disappointed for you that since you ordered that one, you have apparently found one that might be even better, Maybe someone will post an answer for how to tilt the board in the vertical position. (Actually, this was bugging me so I went to Amazon and asked Rufus and he said it does tilt in the vertical orientation. But he didn’t say how! At least you now know and can find out. Maybe someone on youtube has a video.) Good luck. Hug the kitties for me.
Interesting! That would make me feel better about it if I could figure out how to make it tilt in the vertical position.
It was a bit of nightmare to put together, the few photos in the booklet photos were dark and didn’t show closeups of the important steps, and there was very little wording. I had to take it apart at one point to flip over a section that I had install upside down. I’m sure I have it built correctly, but still haven’t been able to figure out how to tilt it while in the vertical position. I’ll have to ask some of the folks who have said they have this particular board.
Ugh! I hate “instructions” like that. I have had to deal with them a number of times, as well. Very frustrating. Yes, hopefully someone will be able to answer that for you because that could open up a whole new world of puzzling for you.
I’m so glad you adopted those sweet cute kitties. You’re a great mom to them so they show you appreciation with their playing. Keep posting them on your blog. I have 3 precious cats.