MommyCoddle

Show Me A Story (and a giveaway!)

I'm reading the book Captains Courageous right now. I picked it for two reasons. One, I was standing in front of the bookshelf outside the bathroom (Yes, outside the bathroom. We are overrun by books in this house.) at ten o'clock at night having just finished with one book and desperate for another before-bed read. Two, my grandmother loved Rudyard Kipling. So obviously, I want to love Rudyard Kipling, too. 

If you haven't read the book, the cliff notes are that a very privileged boy who has never raised a finger in work his entire life is thrown from an ocean-liner and picked up by a boat of fisherman. In the middle of their fishing season, there is no way they'll turn around to take him back to America, where he was headed. So he is put to work on their boat, a completely foreign concept to him. The book is about this boy discovering the self-respect that comes with work and being part of something, of earning his keep and contributing to something bigger than himself.

But woven into the book is the art of storytelling. Months at sea, on a small fishing boat with a handful of other men, storytelling becomes their entertainment, their way to unwind. The men sit around in the evenings taking turns--one tells stories of the war, another of his farming life back home, another of his haunted experiences at sea. Even this boy, Harvey, weaves elaborate stories of his own, of the privileged life, of magic and money and extravagances these simple fisherman can't even fathom. 

Since being given the chance to preview Emily Neurberger's book Show Me a Story , several months ago, I've been more attuned to the art of storytelling--in these fisherman in Captains Courageous who lock into the words of a story and find themselves lost inside the storyteller's words. As a mother, whose children beg over and over for that story from my childhood about my lamb that was injured before my first show. As a witness to the stories my children escape into in the midst of play. 

Storytelling is a creative, imaginative and important part of our lives. Not only is it a way to entertain or to pass down stories from our personal history, it is a way for us and for our children to exercise our creative muscles. 

Emily Neuburger has a passion for storytelling. Not only that, she's passionate about giving children ways to spark their creative storytelling abilities. I'm sure we've all experienced it--oftentimes the hardest part of writing or telling any story is determining where to start. "But I don't know what to write about..." is a constant refrain from my children. 

But Emily's book Show Me A Story is page upon page of ways to jumpstart a child's storytelling and writing. Our copy has been floating around my house for weeks, most often in the hands of my ten year old. She's been inspired by it, by the ideas and activities on the pages. It's not rare for me to hear, "Where's the modpodge? Do we have any cardboard in the recycling bin? Can I have that canning jar? Where's the felt?" all inspired by the projects she finds on the pages of Emily's book. 

Show Me A Story is all about helping children create the framework for a story. For inventing characters and plots and conflicts and settings for stories to take place. Her ideas are simple, frugal (chances are you already have everything you need), beautifully photographed and described. They are projects that jumpstart a child's creativity, embracing the imagination that is already there, but sometimes just needs to be awakened. 

There are a lot of books that pass by my desk, but Emily's has been one of the most accessible. It has been one that has been snatched up and inspired an immediate need to create. To me, that is a sure sign of a well-written book.

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I'm so happy that Emily and Storey Publishing have graciously given me the chance to give away a copy of Show Me a Story to my readers. Simply leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered. I'll select one random winner on Friday.

Kids' Crafternoon Blog Tour

I'm really excited to share with you the newest round of crafty books from Kathreen Ricketson of whipup.net fame. It makes me really happy to see Kathreen continue to delve into the world of creativity with children because I truly believe she has an intuition and knack for bringing amazing ideas and inspiration to little crafters. 

The Kids' Crafternoon series is published by Hardie Grant and is currently available in two titles, Papercraft and Sewing. (Beading and Felting will be released later this year). The books are aimed at ages 7-12 and the projects are meant to be completed, beginning to end, in one afternoon. And I can tell you, as a mother to four children, I really appreciate this concept. Not only because it means I can reclaim my kitchen table in time for dinner, but also because I believe it is important for children to experience the full creative process from idea to fruition without losing heart or motivation somewhere in the middle. 

Kathreen worked with people in the craft community from all over the globe who contributed to the 25 projects in each book. The projects are designed to be pretty gender-neutral and appealing to both boys and girls, and come in varied complexity. 

In Papercraft you’ll find monster piñatas, kites, pop-up cards, origami lights and much more. Just grab some paper, scissors and glue and get creative with the fantastic projects inside. In Sewing you’ll find iPod creature cosies, bunting flags, personalised brooches, pet pillows and plenty more - all you’ll need is some fabric, a needle and thread.

These books would make a great addition to a crafting library, (or homeschooling art curriculum...hmmm), or great books to pack away for birthday gifts. 

You can find them on amazon or booktopia! 

Only a few more stops on the Blog Tour.....and be sure to check the tour "archives" for projects from the books, giveaways and more photos!

july 22nd | poppytalk

july 23rd | picklebums

july 24th | little eco footprints

july 25th | bea spoke quilts

july 26th | maya made

july 27th | checkout girl crafts

july 28th | the red thread

july 29th | we wilsons

july 30th | maggie makes

july 31st | mmm crafts

aug 1st | domesticali

aug 2nd | floating ink

aug 3rd | elizabeth abernathy

aug 4th | that's me!

aug 5th | the long thread

aug 6th | hannah fletcher etsy shop

aug 7th | pm-between the lines

aug 8th | go make me

Action Pack giveaway!

 

I was really excited when Kathreen contacted me about sharing her new project from WhipUp--Action Pack--with all of you. The opening page of the magazine says it all :

This action-packed mini-mag for kids will inspire creativity and healthy habits, as it feeds inquisitive minds and challenges the imagination. 

Issue I features activities and crafts with paper and beeswax--(perfect timing as I have a ton of leftover beeswax from Christmas gifts.) The chapters include Crafts, Science, Cooking, Facts, Art and Printables. The layout of the magazine is beautiful. The artwork and illustrations are clear and enticing and remind me of something from the pages of my long-ago favorite Martha Stewart Kids. This issue ties in crafts with beeswax, and recipes and facts about honey and bees. 

It is clear from the pages of this magazine that Kathreen really knows how to inspire creativity in kids. This mini-mag is well thought-out, beautifully presented, and I can't wait to see what other Action Packs come in the future. 

Kathreen is generously giving away 5 copies of Action Pack to five lucky readers! Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. I'll announce the winner on Friday. Meanwhile, you can purchase and download your own copy of Action Pack for just $5 from the whipup shop and get started crafting right away! 

The 5 winners are:

Laura who said: Ooh, I saw something about this about a week ago and thought it was such a neat idea. I don't have children of my own, yet, but I am studying to be a teacher, and this would be such a great resource for teaching, as well as for when I get to be a mother someday. Thanks a bunch!

Stephanie who said : My daughter might be a little young yet but I bet we could find a few things in there to have fun with!

Gypsy Forest who said : I know some kiddos in my house who would LOVE to check out this magazine :) What a fantastic giveaway.... and I am glad to have found your space too ;)

Amanda {the habit of being} who said : we have lots of beeswax on hand from making lip balm and hand creme - i'm sure my kids would like to put it to good use!

Alina who said : ooooohhh, how fun? Thanks for the giveaway :)

Please send me an email mommycoddle *at* gmail *dot* com so I can pass your email address on to Kathreen!

Find a source for local beeswax at localharvest. It is also available at craft stores. 

Disclaimer: Kathreen sent me a preview copy of Action Pack for this review...and I loved it. :)

a recipe journal

I've talked on here quite a few times about recipe boxes and my desire to have one long-lasting recipe box that I envision being passed down and around, among my children. (Although for this to truly happen, it would probably be a good idea if I started following a recipe instead of always "winging it" in the kitchen.) 

Anyhoo, leave it to Lotta to come along and inspire me some more, and to get my wheels turning once again when it comes to documenting, savoring, and saving my "work" in the kitchen.

If you have not yet cracked the pages of her Handmade Living book, do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy. In fact, if you're anything like me, I should have simply purchased the book to begin with instead of paying all fines for the multiple times I have checked it out of the library....

Every page is full of inspiration and ideas. 

But one that has stuck with me these past few weeks is her recipe journals--clipped recipes, hand-written notes, ideas, sketches. I love everything about this idea. And I love the idea of a shelf full of years of kitchen journals.

What about you--do you keep something similar to this? How do you record your work in the kitchen?

Rules for My Unborn Son

(I promise, there is nothing subliminal in the title of this post. I'm not hinting at anything.)

But I am LOVING this book that arrived in the mail last week. It is written by Walker Lamond and each page holds bits of wisdom that he has written for....his unborn son. 

From St. Martin's Press, it is called, Rules for My Unborn Son .

Here are a few samples, though it was hard to pick just a few. Things every man and boy should know, don't you think? :

Never pack more than you can carry yourself.

Be a vigorous dancer. However, you're under no obligation to join a conga line.

Don't pose with booze.

Don't shout out requests at rock shows.

You can't cram for a dental exam.

Have a signature dish, even if it's only one.

Write letters. On paper.

Take your sunglasses off indoors. This includes elevators and planes.

Be nice to your sister. You are her cheerleader, confidante, and bodyguard.

Never respond to a critic in writing.

This book is packed with great advice and wisdom. Dan and I found ourselves sitting at the dinner table a few nights ago reading and nodding our heads as we flipped through every page. It made me wonder what advice I'd put in a book for my daughters. It made me wish the book were required reading for manhood. 

I think it would make a great shower gift, a great birthday gift, a great father's day gift. I'm adding it to my list and sending my copy on to one of my favorite men, as soon as I read it a few more times. 

And who knows, I may be asking for it back in a few weeks time....

I'm curious, what advice would you put in a book for your son or daughter?What bits of wisdom would you want them to carry through life?

Show & Tell : ReproDepot Pattern Books

 
I'm sure many of you have seen the new ReproDepot pattern books--Flora and Folk -- floating around blog land. They are truly amazing books that come with a CD containing more than 200 patterns that you can print and craft away with. They have the wonderful appeal and charm of vintage-inspired design and graphics. I love them. I'm already thinking of a million things I could do with the patterns--silhouettes of the girls, a paper chain advent calendar for the holidays, Christmas cards, or a new blog banner, perhaps?

The images have some licensing restrictions--they are intended for personal use, though there is a small provision for individual craftspeople to make limited edition handmade items for resale using the patterns. The details of those terms are provided in the back of the book.

The designs included in the books have been selected by ReproDepot founder, Djerba Goldfinger, and the book also contains several inspired project ideas and tutorials created by Mollie Green.

Though it will be hard to part with, I have one copy of the Flora Pattern book, that I'd like to giveaway to one MommyCoddle reader. *But there is one tiny catch--I am personally shipping out the book, it is not coming directly  from Chronicle Books, so I'm asking the winner to be willing to pay shipping charges. Thank you!*

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of one of these books that offer unlimited crafting potential, leave a comment, I'll announce the winner on Monday.

friday favorites ( on a monday )

Hello and wow. I started this post on Friday, and now it is suddenly a new week. I survived what was being called the "hottest week of the Summer". Phew. Our house is pretty bearable for having no air-conditioning, but there were a few days there that I was pretty pathetic. I hope we're over and done with that. My brain fries in this heat and humidity.

Because it's been awhile, a few favorites and discoveries to share with you!

The butterfly traffic in my garden. I keep wanting to pick some blooms to bring inside, but I hate taking them away from the butterflies and honeybees.

Seeing my oldest on the soccer field.

Petite Pattern Book - Simple & Natural and Free Style Scraps - Girlie --books from RAM publications.

They are great little books full of patterns and drawings--and each book comes with a CD tucked in the back cover, so all the designs and artwork are yours to use! (for personal use only, of course)

 

 

Make stationary, design your blog banner, create cute labels for your child's schoolbooks, print onto fabric. The ideas are endless. Such a great little resource to have tucked away. I love mine.

Penny Leaver Green sewn pictures.

Bird Jam : I've written about it before, but it still is getting a lot of use in this house.

A new food blog : Under the High Chair

Vroom Solo: Okay, I have to confess, this was sent to me for a review. But if I didn't really love it, I wouldn't share it here. It's like a miniature central vac for any room of your house. It tucks under your counter, inside a cupboard, wherever is convenient, and has a retractable hose. I have mine in our upstairs laundry room/bathroom. Between the lint and junk that falls out of the dryer, the number of haircuts that I give in that room and all the traffic, it's probably one of the places I vaccuum most often. And of course, the vac is never close by. This is such a convenient little gadget (with incredible sucking power). I really, really like it.

A Cetacean Study by enormouschampion

A good reminder, for me, for all of us.

Happy Monday, friends!

Show & Tell : Good reads from Chronicle Books

I have three great new books to share with you this morning, from Chronicle Books.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace have teamed up again to create another amazing tale called, Little Oink It is the story of a tidy little pig who loves to clean. But his parents remind him that as a pig, he must learn to make a proper mess.

Amy and Jen are also the creative talents behind Little Pea and Little Hoot, and Little Oink follows right in line with these best-loved books. My children request a reading from these stories so often that I have them committed to memory.

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When I was an elementary school teacher, I remember how helpful it was to find a series of books that my students latched on to. It was a sure-fire way to encourage a reluctant reader and it gave others something to look forward to. I have a feeling that this new series from Chronicle Books, Horse Crazy , by Alison Lester, will be such a series for many children. The books are about two best friends, Bonnie and Samantha who live in a small town in the Australian bush and are crazy about horses. The books are sweet and fun and Emma has then tucked away in a drawer beside her bed--waiting for the day she can dive into them with a little more ease.

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The last book I want to share with you is called, Secrets of Simplicity : Learn to Live Better With Less, by Mary Carlomagno. The book is helpful resource that guides you through the journey of simplifying your life and bringing you to a healthier, more meaningful place. Secrets of Simplicity is a practical, interactive guide, but it also strives to get to the heart of the matter as to why our lives (and our closets) are overflowing with too many things. It is a book to move through slowly, taking in the ideas and wisdom that it offers.

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And thanks to Chronicle Books, I have one copy of each of these titles to share with you. Leave a comment and I'll pick three winners (one for each title) on Monday.

Happy Weekend, friends.

Show & Tell: Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing for Baby

I was so excited to get a copy of Lotta Jansdotter's most recent book called, Simple Sewing for Baby . If you've seen anything by Lotta Jansdotter--her other books, her website, you know her work has a simple, practical and stylish aesthetic. I have always been inspired by her simple designs and straight-forward approach to making things.

In the foreward, Lotta talks about the reasons that drove her to put together this craft book--the same reasons that I believe drive most of us to create handmade toys and clothes for our own children, and others:

I realized that there isn't all that much cool or original stuff for somebody who doesn't like pink or light blue and doesn't want bows or duckies plastered on everything. Okay, there are some things....but they will set you back an arm and a leg, and I just can't let myself spend that kind of money on something that will be used for only a few months."

Let me just say, the book is everything you'd expect it to be. Amazing projects, clear directions, beautiful photographs and illustrations. I often find myself picking up craft books, only to find that I'm interested in maybe two or three projects inside. But this is a book where I find myself wanting to try each project.

Whether you're expecting a baby, wishing for a baby, have a baby, have a friend with a baby, want to convince a friend to have a baby, or need a great shower gift--this book is lovely and inspired.

And you can pretty much guarantee that the first project on my sewing table, will be a pair of the simple bloomers. Maybe, if I can't convince a certain toddler to wear diapers and clothes, I can at least talk her into a cute pair of bloomers.

*The book has 24 projects for toddlers to newborns. Patterns are included in a front pocket inside the book.

And guess what? I have TWO copies to giveaway. Thank you, Chronicle Books! You know the drill--leave a comment, I'll pick the two random winners on Friday!

Show & Tell: Good books for kids

This new book Duck! Rabbit! by Chronicle Books has my kids cracking up and begging for another reading. Maybe it's because I'm a stellar storyteller, or maybe it's because Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who wrote two of our favorites (Little Pea and Little Hoot ) has done it again with her great sense of humor. The classic optical illusion (drawn by Tom Lichtenheld), and banter between the two "characters" in the story is classic and my kids loved it. But we'll leave the answer up to you--is it a duck or is it a rabbit?

You can get a sneak peek for yourself here:

The other new books that have been making the rounds at our kitchen table are these amazing Rosie Flo coloring books. I honestly don't know who has more fun with these, the girls or me. The outfits and illustrations in this book are amazing, and children (or their parents) only need to add the missing "body parts" and color the clothing and accessories. There are three versions of this book...

the original

the garden coloring book

and the Animals Coloring Book

Here are a few peeks into the original, and one that Emma worked on today:

         

    

And I'm excited that Chronicle Books has given me one copy of the original Rosie Flo coloring book, and one copy of Duck!Rabbit! to give away...two winners!! You know the drill, leave a comment. I'll announce two random winners Monday afternoon.

Happy weekend, friends!!

Saturday Morning Book Talk

When Trish Collins from TLC Book Tours approached me about being a stop along a book tour for Kathryn Maughan's Did I Expect Angels, I was excited for the chance to be a part. I love the idea of a book winding its way through the blogosphere, being read, reviewed, commented upon. Just another way this blogging world is unique and full of wonderful opportunities.

I think I read this book in under a week--which is saying a lot considering the fact that my only reading opportunities come when I climb into bed each night. Usually, I spend the first two minutes figuring out where I left off in a story and the next two minutes struggling to keep my eyes open until I realize I'm completely asleep with a book balanced on my chest.

Did I Expect Angels, is the story of a wife and mother dealing with grief and depression. One evening, as she travels through her local store to buy pills to end her life, her plans are interrupted by Henry, an elderly Costa Rican who works at the store and somehow senses her situation and need. Though she tries to put up a fight, he takes her to coffee at a local diner and tells her his amazing story that in some ways, parallels her own.

The book flawlessly flashes back and forth between their two stories as you are carried deep into the emotional journey both characters have traveled. The book is hard to put down and Maughan manages to write about the characters as if she has lived and breathed their lives.

I found myself wincing at some of the moments in the story, especially those as the main character deals with her grief, and her need to be mother to her only daughter. Her half-hearted efforts to pull herself together are excruciating but understandable. You feel frustrated with her. You find you're rooting for her.

Though this review sounds like the book is a depressing ride through grief and life struggles, there is redemption at the end. But it is by no means a light and cheerful read, throughout. However, I think that Maughan's amazing character development is a thrill to read and even offers insight into the hearts of those dealing with grief and depression.

Thank you, Trish, for giving me the chance to experience some of Kathryn Maughan's work. It was a pleasure. And it is a pleasure to pass on this good story to all of you, as well.

You can find the book here.
And read a little bit about Kathryn Maughan and how the book came to be here.

a few good reads for you, for me

A good family friend, Sarah, has just started blogging in the last few months as she courageously (and with a lot of spunk and style) battles breast cancer. Yesterday, I was catching up on her blog and I read a post about how good it felt for her to do "normal" things. She was just starting to feel better after a recent treatment and was so excited to be able to vacuum and change sheets on the bed. Reading that post was the reminder I needed this week. Here I am dragging my feet and grumbling through my "normal" day's activities but reading Sarah's blog entry quickly brought everything into perspective for me. It was a much needed little kick in the pants, slap in the face. Thank you, Sarah.
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When Dan and I moved from Wisconsin to the farm apartment, we only brought the necessities. We were putting our house on the market weeks before everything fell apart and we blindly thought we would be reunited with our stuff in just a matter of months after the house sold. Hahaha!!! So here we are, two years later and the reunion has just begun. (though not because we've sold the house!) But one of the things we didn't intend on leaving behind were several large boxes of children's books. It wasn't until we started unpacking and saying, "Where are all the girls' books???" that we realized we'd forgotten them. So this week, Dan has been bringing over a box or two in the evenings for the girls to dig through. Oh, it's so much fun!

Since my pre-mommy days were spent as an elementary school teacher, I have quite the collection of books and I'm finding many multiple copies as I dig through boxes. So, as I come across them, I figure I'll share some of those extra copies here with all of you. The two I found in the first box, ironically, are about the same topic--Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition whose goal was to cross the Antarctic continent on foot. If you don't know this story, you must read a book on it. It is an amazing story of willpower and strength and courage and leadership and adventure. Dan and I have this book which you should definitely check out, if only for the amazing photography.

But moving on, I have two children's books about this story to share today. The first is called, "Trapped in the Ice", which you can read about here. It is an easier read, soft cover picture book.

The second is called, "Shipwreck At The Bottom of The World". It is also a soft cover book, but definitely more in the young adult category or maybe a read aloud. Read about it here. It has some of the amazing photography that you'll find in the book Dan and I have.

So if  you're interested in one of these books let me know in the comments. If there are more than one or two of you, I'll just draw a name again.

Now do me a favor...I looking for a good book to read. What are you reading these days? Any suggestions?

the birds and the bees

The birds:
I made cutting boards for my family two years ago in this sparrow shape and I've been wanting to do something else with it ever since. So last week when I had my sewing machine out, I tried a swallow-shaped pillow. However, I don't think they are going to work as a pillow. I haven't stuffed them yet, but I think they'll lose their shape and charm when stuffed. Now I'm thinking they'd make a great applique on a pillow....any other ideas?

My purpose for having out the machine was to make two of these friendly little turtles--a favorite homemade toy in our home, who are now wrapped up and safely on their way to a very, very, VERY patient family.

The bees:
Melissa sent me an email this week, asking me to blog about a very important project. The Great Sunflower Project is an effort to attract and count honeybees in personal and community gardens. If you sign up for the project they will send you a free packet of sunflower seeds to plant in your garden (or even a pot on your deck). All you need to do in return is take two bee counts (according to their simple instructions) and send in or fill out their online count. The whole count will take less than 30 minutes. I'm going to do it as a school project with Emma and Mary. I hope you'll join Melissa and me and be a part of this important project. (I'd love to know if you decide to join in!) Here is an article in the NYTimes about our honeybees in peril.

The birds and the bees:

First of all, no. I am not pregnant. But that doesn't stop me from getting inspiration from an amazing new book that April at Chronicle Books sent me last week. The book is called Nursery Style and it is by Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter of the California-based store, Serena and Lily. I love these kinds of books because I find so much inspiration and ideas packed into them. And I love paying attention to the little details--the artwork, the pillows, how the toys are put away, how an armoire is utilized, the curtains.

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Even though the book is aimed at nursery design, there are still so many great ideas in this book for anyone decorating a home with and for children.(stefani, I thought about you with those silhouettes in image 3. Can you do that?! :) So baby on the way or not, this book is full of beautifully designed living spaces, new ideas and fantastic tips and hints for decorating. And April, I want everything on page 74 and 75.

Happy Weekend everyone. Sign up for your bee count, read a good book and take it easy.
See you Monday.

Creative Family

I had the amazing pleasure of getting a review copy of Amanda's new book , The Creative Family, in my mailbox last week. I have been carrying the book around with me everywhere I go, slipping in a few more pages as time allows. Things are underlined, starred, pages are dog-eared and the cover is already tattered from marking my place as I move through her book. It is like holding all the inspiration and ideas from her blog in your hands; having it on your lap to easily flip through or revisit a favorite part.  And that is what I've found myself doing this past week. Feeling the need for a recharge, I grab her book and open to my place and find a little inspiration or idea that helps me push back into my day.

Amanda approaches motherhood, creativity, and the work of raising our children with tenderness, care,  joy and intentionality. And her book is a reflection of that spirit. It is wonderful to read Amanda's words and thoughts on making by hand, dress up play, sewing with children or falling in love with the woods, and then turn the page to find one of her favorite projects or activities.

The Creative Family, is one of those books I think every mother(and father) needs to read. It is a reminder of the curious, tenderhearted, open minds of our children, and the important task we are given in shaping and guiding their young lives.

Every so often, I'll read a book and come to a passage or an idea and think, "That, right there, made the whole book worth it." Sometimes I'm tempted to close the book at that place and soak in the words I just read--so that I really remember them. That experience happened to me several times reading this book but the first time was in the beginning, reading Amanda's thoughts on gratitude. It made me remember that teaching my children gratitude and thankfulness is one of the greatest gifts I can give them. She says, "Practicing gratitude in our families can help our children...giving them a lifelong gift that will nurture all of who they are."

It reminded me of a favorite quote from Wendell Berry's Andy Catlett that I have scribbled in my journal, "No one who has gratitude is the onliest one. Let us pray to be grateful to the last."

Amanda's book is everything I expected after being a regular reader of her blog, and more. It is a gift of inspiration and encouragement in the blessed gift of nurturing the creative lives of our children and our families.