Friday Frivolity: Olympics

This week we're talking about the Olympics. I decided to go with the mascots, because nothing says an international sporting occasion like a weird cartoon character designed to shift truckloads of merchandise.

Some of them have actually been pretty sweet. I mean just look at this little cutie, currently on display at the Munich Museum:


His name is Waldi and, designed by Otl Aicher, he was the mascot of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Others, like poor Schuss (pictured below), were rather wide of the mark.

Some suffered from trying too hard, like Wenlock and Mandeville, the mascots for the 2012 London summer Olympics. They're supposed to represent the Industrial Revolution - don't ask me how - and are named Wenlock (who chose a name that rhymes with one of the UK's favourite swear words?) and Mandeville for the Stoke Mandeville Hospital and Games, the precursor to the modern Paralympics. Unfortunately, by the end of 2012 it was better known as Jimmy Savile's - the figure at the centre of a huge child abuse scandal - stomping ground, proving that these mascots just couldn't catch a break!


Others suffered from just not trying hard enough... Amik, the stylised beaver mascot of the 1976 Summer Olympics, definitely falls into this category:

This year we have Vinicius and Tom. According to Wikipedia: Vinicius's design represents Brazilian wildlife, combining "the agility of cats, sway of monkeys and grace of birds." The character's arms and legs can stretch unlimited distances. Vinicius's mission is "to spread joy throughout the world and celebrate the friendship that flourishes between people from all over the world." ... Tom's design represents the plants of Brazilian forests; any object can be pulled out of the leaves on Tom's head. His mission is "to inspire everybody to use creativity and determination to always reach further and have fun."

What do you think? Are they winners? :)

Now on to the link-up! :D

  The Hosts:
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Jessica is an amazingly funny and smart blogger from Wales who writes on a whole range of topics -- from entertaining vintage nostalgia, to technology tutorials, to book reviews, to raising her adorable munchkin, and so much more! This week she's asking, do manners maketh baby?

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Sarah Eliza is on a mission to Devastate Boredom by living life with laughter and intention! Her blog is your spot for Capsule Wardrobe how-to's and inspiration, humor, encouragement, life-hacks, Read / DON'T Read book reviews, and more! This week she is launching an exciting new newsletter for fashion lovers!
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Audrey is an awesome, eclectic blogger, who not only can cook up a storm over on That Recipe, but also writes at Munofore - "MUsings NOt FOod RElated." Munofore touches on humor, parenting, crafting, holiday ideas, tutorials, and more! Be sure to check out her review of Sarah's new book, Secrets of the Capsule Wardrobe.
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Lisa is an awesomely hilarious and wonderfully authentic writer who marches to her own drum on her blog Syncopated Mama, providing an "un-labelly spot" for all the happily off-beat folks out there who have been wishing to find kindred spirits. She shares her adventures building a natural home, teaching her adorbs daughter, establishing and refining positive communication skills, camping, creating, cooking, and so much more! This week she wants us to Bring Back the Hankie with this frugal upcycling trick.

And a huge welcome to the #FridayFrivolity co-host for August!

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Rebecca is a fun and eclectic blogger who writes about family life in North Wales on her blog, Becster! Her posts encompass parenting, travel, product reviews, tips for landlords, pop culture, and even her love of Formula 1 racing! I'm loving these Christmas Present Ideas for Toddlers.

Calling all bloggers looking for an upbeat and supportive group of pals to join in hosting the weekly #FridayFrivolity par-tay! We are hoping to add to our ranks of dedicated hosts and co-hosts, and would love for you to consider joining the fun! Co-Hosts are welcome on a temporary basis (usually a month), while Hosts make a more ongoing commitment. :) Swing by HERE to express interest and ask any questions!

Featured Post from Last Week:  In a fun twist, since we now have four hosts we will also have FOUR FEATURES.... but you will have to go check out the other three blogs to see if you were featured there! ;)

'Self-Sufficient Homesteading - Realizing a Dream'

by Our Simple Homestead.

There is so much useful advice here on to live more simply - and more efficiently!

Now time for the new stuff! 

This a link-up for all things funny, fun, encouraging, hopeful, and happy. That includes free printables, giveaways, and other fun stuff to make us SMILE and start the weekend off on the right foot.

If you're here in search of fun and uplifting reading materials, skip the rules and just start clickin'! 

Bloggy buddies, thanks for coming to par-tay! You are welcome to link up to three posts, and old posts are always welcome!

There are three rules only:

An InLinkz Link-up

If you want to let others know about the linky, feel free to grab the badge!

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