Making it Up As I Go

A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis: A gorgeous little kid’s story about a penguin named Edna who decides to look for “the something else”- something not like the white, black, or blue that make up her days and nights (the ice, night, and water). It’s short, the art is lovely, and it contains such a wonderful lesson about widening your horizons to look for truth.

Wheat Thins Flatbread Tuscan Herb flavor: My new favorite food. Seriously, so so tasty. Z even likes them, and she doesn’t eat “herb-y” things.

The Cricket’s  Orchestra by Meaghan Smith: I’ve been listening to this album non-stop all day. It’s part 30’s big band, part rock-a-billy (only 1 song’s worth), part blues, part some other things I’m too lazy to think of. Lots of piano, lots of instruments, and a gorgeous old school sounding voice.  It’s total and utter Maryanne music. And it’s only $5! What do you have to lose? I mean, other than $5? It’s SOOOO good.  Listen to Heartbroken (my favorite) at the link.

The Vintage Pearl’s personalized necklaces: I got these for all the women relatives this year for Christmas. The quality is great, and they turned out truly lovely.  Now to get one for me!   (Actually, I’m looking at this one, (with “connect”, of course) but that’s another discussion entirely!)

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids: This book is amazing. It’s so inspiring, and exactly what I needed to be reading right now. The main concept is that kids are bombarded with too many toys, too much information, too many activities, too many choices, and that by simplifying in all of those areas and introducing more rhythm and routine into the day, they will better thrive (and so will parents and family life). Instituting even a couple of the suggestions have made a world of difference in our house.

That’s all I’ve got for now- what do you recommend today? 🙂