Different kinds of people and their different ways of living are among my main interests, and I've been reading about a variety of demographics in the past two months. The Book of Guys by Garrison Keillor I remember really enjoying this book of short stories the first time I read it, several years ago. This … Continue reading Book Reviews: Guys and Womanhood, Grown-ups and The Child’s Child, and Tripods!
Think!
Book Reviews: 4 British Books
Although I've never been to Great Britain, books by British authors have been on my shelves since I was very young. The first ones I read to myself were from the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton, when I was in first grade; I remember that after the first few pages, I stomped off to … Continue reading Book Reviews: 4 British Books
Book Reviews: Mysteries and Mars
These aren't the only books I've read in the past few months, but I noticed two themes that led me to group these reviews together. A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin This classic mystery was written in 1953, and reading it in the original edition (courtesy of Daniel's mother) helped me get into the … Continue reading Book Reviews: Mysteries and Mars
‘Becca Misinterprets the Signs
I was happily distracted from the boring biological activities of the next two minutes by imagining my vacation to The Restooms. These must be a series of interconnected caves of unusual smoothness and beauty, furnished with embroidered silk pillows for lounging.
10 Book Reviews by a 10-Year-Old
This is a guest post by Nicholas Efran. His book reviews are a lot more succinct than his mom's! If you want to know more about the books, you can ask Nicholas in the comments. key:⭐️=1 star 🌜=1half star 😥=so sad 😠=makes me so mad 👎=thumbs down 🆒=cool book 💯=100 Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library … Continue reading 10 Book Reviews by a 10-Year-Old
What I Read Recently: Adult, Tween, Baby, and Architecture Books
I've only read two books to myself in the past month, but I've been reading to both of my kids, too, and looking at some floor-plan books, so here are two book reviews in each category. Books I read to myself: The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards begins during a snowstorm in 1964, when … Continue reading What I Read Recently: Adult, Tween, Baby, and Architecture Books
Books I’ve Been Sharing with My 10-Year-Old
I wrote Great Chapter Books for Kids when Nicholas was four years old, thinking I'd add to it later or make it the first post in a series...and I keep meaning to get around to it...but meanwhile, I'm going to use the Quick Lit Linkup as motivation to write about what I've read to Nicholas, … Continue reading Books I’ve Been Sharing with My 10-Year-Old
28 Book Reviews!
For some reason, growing a new life makes me want to read books I've never read before. Starting last fall during my exhausted queasy phase and continuing up until now, when Lydia is seven months old, I've reread only a few books and read many more that were new to me. Only a few of … Continue reading 28 Book Reviews!
Things Not To Do: Fiction Writing Edition
Well, I was really hoping to write a nice long post for the What I'm Reading series at Modern Mrs. Darcy, where Anne and her readers talk about the books they've read recently, on the 15th of each month. I've read a whole lot of new-to-me books this year, because having viral bronchitis for the … Continue reading Things Not To Do: Fiction Writing Edition
Easy Dental Health Tip for New Moms
When you're taking care of a little baby, it can be hard to get around to doing basic things like brushing your teeth--you seem to always have your hands full, and then when you finally get a moment, you forget or you're too tired! One thing I have learned is that I am more likely to do something if I can reach it quickly when I get a moment to set down the baby. It feels like a big deal to go do something several rooms away or on another floor of the house. Keeping supplies near me makes me more likely to use them.
Is email better for the environment?
Paperless systems are very popular these days. Paper is made from trees, and although trees are a renewable resource, they take a long time to grow compared to the amount of time we might use a sheet of paper. Recycling paper uses a lot of chemicals, energy, and water, although it is still less wasteful … Continue reading Is email better for the environment?
Vegetarianism and Animal Rights: Explaining to Children
Welcome to the June 2014 Carnival of Natural Parenting: Kids and Animals This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared stories and wisdom about kids and animals. *** When my cousin Samantha was three years old … Continue reading Vegetarianism and Animal Rights: Explaining to Children
GAME SHOW!! with math practice
My third-grade son and I came up with a game that was a lot of fun and valuable math practice and physical exercise for him, while being very easy for me and using only a few basic supplies that were easy to set up and clean up. This is a perfect activity for families in … Continue reading GAME SHOW!! with math practice
A Laundry Line-Drying System that Will Work for YOU!
Have you been wishing you could save money, conserve resources, and make your clothes last longer by line-drying your laundry instead of machine-drying it--but you just can't figure out how to fit a clothesline into your home configuration and weekly routine? I am here to help! My new guest post at Live Renewed gives you … Continue reading A Laundry Line-Drying System that Will Work for YOU!
Help Save the Animals!
My eight-year-old Nicholas created this picture that he wants you to share everywhere and put in a place where you will see it often. He wants you to think, every time you see it, about what you can do to help animals of all kinds to be safe in this world we share. How can … Continue reading Help Save the Animals!
6 Unnecessary Types of Cell Phone Call
Three years after I explained how I survive everyday life without a cell phone, I'm still doing fine without one. I recently took a three-day vacation by myself, and as I often do when traveling alone, I borrowed my partner Daniel's cell phone for the trip. However, I found that none of the times I … Continue reading 6 Unnecessary Types of Cell Phone Call
Why I Don’t Drop Acid
From the time I first learned what LSD is until just a few days ago, I had thought of it as one of the many interesting experiences Earth has to offer and put it in the category, "Things that aren't a high priority for me to try but that I might get around to, someday, … Continue reading Why I Don’t Drop Acid
Fluxx: A Fun Card Game for Everyone!
If you've never played Fluxx, this holiday season is the time to start! It's now easier to buy and less expensive than ever before. A new edition of Fluxx has just been released in Target stores, and until December 8, 2012, it is on sale for only $4! After that, it will be $10, still … Continue reading Fluxx: A Fun Card Game for Everyone!
The Toilet Seat Position Problem, Solved!
It's an age-old battle of the sexes (well, at least as old as toilets with hinged seats): When a male has raised the toilet seat, should he then lower it, showing courtesy to females sharing the bathroom? or should the female take responsibility for checking the position of the seat before she uses it, showing … Continue reading The Toilet Seat Position Problem, Solved!
Welcome to Earth Suburb.
This is one of my favorite games. I like to build these maps using the cards I designed in 2001. I must have built hundreds of suburban developments by now, but I have never posted enough photos to give a clear idea of what this free card game is really like. At first, it may … Continue reading Welcome to Earth Suburb.
The Earthling's Handbook 