Wabibito -- A creative resource for parents

When I was asked by Ruth Haske, the author of Wabibito, I got pretty excited.  My kids and I are always looking for crafts and things to do.  Typically our resource is craft books from the library, which basically can be hit or miss as to how good they are.  We typically stick to seasonal crafts, and Wabibito falls right in line with the kinds of things we're always looking for.

This is more than just a craft idea book.  This is a Waldorf inspired, seasonal idea book for children, whether you homeschool or not.  There are ideas here for children as young as 2, to as old as 10 and older.  There's also a reading list of wonderful books, and recipes.

My son just turned 10, and readily leaped at a fun project that included nails and hammers.  I can't think that he's actually used a hammer before, I was so glad to have a quick and easy craft that taught him these life skills.  I approved of this project because it used a can from our recycling, and cost us nothing to turn it into artwork.

Her directions to complete this simple and creative project were easy to understand.  I sat back, and watched him go.  Initially he had a hard time with the hammer, and cans can be slippery when you're trying to hammer a nail in them.  My seven year old daughter wanted to do her own lantern, and is still working on completing hers.  She wanted to nail it herself, so I started every dot of her design for her, so she had little dents to nail into.  Helped the nails from slipping all over the place.

There are so many other light projects for the winter months to help add some sparkle to your home in fun crafty ways.  I'll be sure to show off post pictures of them when we complete them. I will be looking back in the spring to see what she comes up with next!!

Organically Raised -- A book review

A few weeks ago I was approached by author Anni Daulter to do a review about her new book, Organically Raised.  I'm always thrilled to meet mom's with a similar outlook on food and children as I do, and I knew by the title, she was just that person.

Let me take you back seven and a half years.  My son was born in the middle of winter, and I was a working mom.  I was a full time high school teacher who had just had the biggest life changing moment in my life: Motherhood.  I immediately wanted to give my son the healthiest start in life that I could.  Life is hard, and I knew with good eating habits his life would not be as hard as some.  Organic foods hadn't hit the typical grocery shelves, so I had to search off the beaten path at the tiny "Natural Foods Stores."  Most farmers in Northern Virginia at the time had not started to make the transition to a pesticide free way of farming, so even the farmer's market at times was a bust.  I learned as I went, hunting down things when I could.  Most people thought I was crazy.

Fast forward now to present day.  Less people think I'm crazy, and after family and friends did their own research,  I've received apologies.  We are a whole foods organic household, bottom line.  My kids know it, and are proud of it.  So what does this have to do with this book?

Anni's book is the epitome of this.  Why should you eat organic? Why antibiotic free meat?  Does your household diets change with the seasons?  Have you ever tasted conventional baby food?  It's nasty!

If your a new mother or a seasoned mom of many, you need this book.   There are baby food recipes, but there are many healthy homemade recipes for older kids too.  It's never too late to start healthy eating habits.

I spoke of my own experiences because I couldn't help but to think that I wish I had this book seven and a half years ago.  It answers the simple questions like, when to start introducing your child to solid foods, and offers suggestions as to what to try.  Her philosophy on making baby food that actually tastes good instead of the tasteless stuff sold at the store.  This book is filled with peaceful "mama mantras" to use while your cooking as well.  I know that our future hopefully holds at least one more baby, and I'm so glad to say that I have a spare copy of this book to share with you.

This Thursday, I'll be sharing some of my own cooking adventures with Anni's book, and I'll be hosting a giveaway so you get to see this beautiful book first hand.

For more information on Anni and her books check out her blog and her book website:


http://www.annidaulter.com/
http://www.organicallyraisedcookbook.com/

Get Real -- a book review

Earlier this month I was approached by Running Press to write a review about Mara Rockliff's newest book Get Real.  This book's target audience is for teens and preteens,  presumably age 10 and up.

Rockliff brings serious issues on the table from, the truth in advertising, where your favorite clothes, food, even candy come from.  She discusses genetically modified food, factory farming, and what fair trade market is.  She explains the power of the consumer dollar, and how our purchases effect the market.  This book is an easy text of what every consumer should know.  Yourself included.

What I like the most about this book is that she's not lecturing.  She's explaining, and in simple terms that your preteen, or teenager can understand.  She gives vivid examples of poverty around the world, ones that I believe will hit home with kids.  You will want to discuss this book with your child should you get it, and I highly suggest you do.  It's overwhelming to begin being green (it's not easy being green...sorry I had to), many people don't know where to start, so they don't.

I can't recommend this book enough.  It has information everyone needs to know, especially children.  This book is packed full of wisdom that will help your child make better consumer decisions as they mature into adulthood.

About the author: When she's not spreading dangerous ideas, Mara Rockliff can be spotted loading up on books at her town library, biking to a nearby farm for fresh ingredients for homemade ice cream, or fixing yet another mug of fair trade tea.  In real life, she lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her family.  Online, you'll find her at http://mararockliff.com/getreal.html.