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hobbies

Earth Day, Goodwill and a Puzzle

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A few months ago, we made our way to Goodwill to look for lamps. While we were unsuccessful with the lamps, we did find some puzzles and books. We were able to find a book of Nursery Rhymes for Caroline, The Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies for George, and this awesome 3D Globe Puzzle for Russell.

Yesterday, I was trying to find something to do for Earth Day with the kids, when Russell suggested we do the earth puzzle since we hadn’t tried it yet. ‘What a great idea!’ I thought. I mean what better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a reused puzzle of the Earth. Russell is a genius.

While I realized that this puzzle was kind of difficult for the age range of my kids (540 pieces), they were extremely helpful by taking the pieces out, flipping them all over, and then they sorted the puzzle by the numbers printed on the back of each piece into groups. (NOTE: If you’ve never done a 3D Puzzle before, they are often numbered as they must be put together in a certain order so they do not collapse).

My favorite part of doing the puzzle was talking about Earth Day with the kids. When George asked about it, I said that it is a day where we celebrate our planet. We then talked about things that we could do help keep the Earth happy and healthy. This activity was perfect for opening up the conversation. Which I will say doing any kind of simple with my kids lends it self to conversation.

We started after lunch, and worked on it all afternoon taking breaks to play outside and take naps. We were able to finish before bedtime.

They were so excited.

What did you do with your family mark Earth Day?

What I’m Reading

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I love to read!

My love of reading stems from childhood. Some of my favorite gifts as a kid were books. I would spend hours inside in our living room reading book after book. I can remember my parents begging me to go outside and enjoy the day, so I would bring my book outside.

As I grew older, I continued to read. Not nearly as often as I used to, but I am proud to say that I try to always have a book that I’m currently reading on my bedside table.

Since I get this question all the time, I thought I would share what I am currently reading.

The book that I am reading right now as in what is on my bedside table is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. So far, I really love the approach of this book. While many of us can say we are happy, who wouldn’t want to be happier?

For Christmas, I received Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. This book is like a cooking encyclopedia. I know “reading” a cookbook is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love to flip through the pages and read the entire dessert section or flip through all of the vegetables.  I will try to soak in all the information or directions. I have found that reading cookbooks this way has helped me absorb tips that I can use with other dishes I make. Also, the recipes are divine. I cannot wait to try the Ratatouille. To think, I will be making the same recipes as the Queen of the Kitchen just gives me goosebumps.

 

This book I purchased awhile back, and was able to attend the book signing. Sherry and John Petersik of Young House Love are, in my opinion, DIY royalty. The book signing was in November, but I was finally able to read it. The pictures are beautiful, and I absolutely love love love the inexpensive tips for home decor.

Next up is How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy. My partner in crime, Colleen, let me borrow this book a few months ago before starting her PhD program knowing I would like it and knowing that PhD does not = leisure reading time. I have to say, I really enjoyed parts of this book. There are parts that were no longer relevant to me now, but will be great tips for Coco as she grows into a young lady. This would be a great gift for a young woman headed off to college.

Finally, I just had to purchase Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich. I have read the entire Stephanie Plum mystery series, and I recommend if you like comedy and quick  reads you should read them too. I love her style of writing as well as the characters. Hilarity is spelled L-U-L-A!

Next up on my plan is to head to the library and get some comedy books. This is a genre that I have been reading since high school. I love to read books by famous comedians such as Tina Fey, George Carlin, and Bill Cosby. I find the writing clever and who doesn’t love a good laugh?

What are you reading currently? What is your favorite cook book? Who is your favorite comedian?

Time to go, I have to finish this book!