FOR THE LOVE OF FRIDAY

Hello! I know, it's been forever  awhile. I was doing things like...moving.

But! We're all settled in, and I'm planning (hoping?) to be writing and reflecting more here. Let's do a  For The Love Of Friday post, to get back in the saddle, yes? Let's ease in.

Reading: I've been reading the Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny and am currently on number 9. I love these books, but especially how the author's story telling has sharpened over the series. The first books are good, solid story telling, but the last couple are amazingly well written.

I'm cooking out of Run Fast, Eat Slow. EVERY SINGLE RECIPE so far has been delicious.

Current Favorite: Flu Fighter Chicken and Rice Stew

I'm also browsing my trusty copy of McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container book. It's my all time favorite gardening book and I cannot wait for spring to get here!

(It slowed last night. This followed: 78 degree temperatures, high winds, rain, and tornado warnings. All in the past week.)

Listening: The Minimalists Podcast. I'll be writing about it more (hopefully), but we've been on a huge get-rid-of-all-the-things kick, so I've been drawn to this podcast. It can be a little...wordy?...but the overall theme is enjoyable. And I do love the home tour on their website!

Wearing: Neal got me a new Kate Spade watch for my birthday (because I may or may not have dropped my other one in a gardening box, which he then found a week later) It's the horoscope line (Capricorn for the win!). It's no longer available on the Kate Spade website, but you can get one-half off!-at Nordstrom Rack. Despite normally having my phone with me, I love wearing a watch.

Want List: Le Creuset Skillet, & new converse. 

Come back Monday, and I'll have some B+ Goals for you (hopefully)!

B+ GOALS: OCTOBER 2016

It's fall, ya'll! That means mums, pumpkins, crisp air, and rainy afternoons around these parts. I love October-it's hard not too.

October also means it's time for a new round of B+ Goals, where we celebrate "done is better than perfect," But first, let's review September:

1. Focus on health.  A. I'm almost done with my Whole 30 and have been working out 5 days a week ALL MONTH.

2. Blog 3+ times a week. B+. I haven't missed a week, but I haven't managed to go three times a week every time. I'll keep trying in October!

3. Have a celebration Back to School Dinner. A. Check! This was an easy one though; it's a solid family tradition.

4. Read together in the evening. B+ We've managed too most nights, but still haven't finished The Penderwicks. Hopefully the library will let us renew it again!

5. Clear out all the fabric and etsy shop things from our closet. C. I started, but am no where near finished.

Onto October! I always feel like October is a solid get-things-done kind of month. We're pretty settled into our school/work routine, the holidays are far enough away not to stress about yet, the weather is mild. Here's what I got:

1. More yoga. I've been doing yoga for 15 years, but the past six months I've cut back a lot because I've been focusing on more cardio and weights. But my flexibility is suffering for it. Instead of doing the Tone it Up Fall Challenge like I was originally planning, I want to focus on doing more yoga, at least twice a week. (I use the Pocket Yoga App, which I LOVE.)

2. Read Food Freedom Forever. I'm running a book group on this new book from Melissa Hartwig on facebook - feel free to join, we'd love to have you: The Happy Healthy Book Club. I'm really looking forward to this one!

3. Figure out a better system for organizing all the school papers that come home with my children. Every. Single. Day. So many papers! I have to find a system.

4. Start planning Dylan's birthday. He's going to be TEN. It's going to be a big one and I want it to be a good one for him.

5. Clear out all the fabric and etsy shop things from our closet. Need to finish this one.

Hooray for fall and October!

Bonus Life Lesson: When in doubt, ask yourself, "What Would Anne Shirley Do?" and you won't go wrong.

Free printable from Kayla Aimee Writes: here

HOW TO BUILD A WORK SALAD

I take a lunch to work every single day, and a great salad is ALWAYS part of my weekly rotation, no matter what the season. There's lots of advice out there on how to build a brown bag lunch salad salad, but I always follow these three rules:

1. Dressing on the bottom of the container (day of ONLY). 

2. Tons of greens

3. Three toppings, including at least one protein

Let's build a  lunch!

Step 1:

I've made my own salad dressing for the past few years. This is a Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette from the Whole 30 book, but most of the time I just use olive oil, a big squeeze of lemon, and salt and pepper.

Step 2:

For lunch salads, I buy the containers of pre-washed mixed greens to make it quick and easy in the mornings.

Step 3:

Topping 1: Grilled chicken from my meal prep.

Step 4:

Topping 2: Walnuts. I love using nuts in place of croutons.

Step 5: 

Topping 3: Avocado. I keep the peel on and dice right inside. Then I place it face down on top of the salad, and it stays nice and green until lunch time. I just squeeze it out and toss it together!

I started cutting back on salad toppings after reading one of my all time favorite books: An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler. She actually thinks you should use only one, maybe two other ingredients when making a lettuce salad, so I'm cheating a bit here with all that protein.

Happy, healthy work lunch.

Happy salad making!

B+ GOALS: MAY

Remember how I was all excited that almost spring is here? How it's been above 70 more than once? Remember how hopeful I was? I am such an East Coast amateur.

Because I 100% had to wear a wool sweater to a Little League game on Saturday because it was THAT cold.

May, I have high hopes for you and I have goals. Hooray for B+ Goals! 
At the beginning of every month, I post my "B+ Goals" for the month. These are goals that I try to achieve with grace, and with the mentality of better done than perfect. You can check out the lovely ladies behind this, Sarah R Bagley and E at Teaching Sam and Scout, and link up with other B+'ers!

So first, let's review April's Goals:

1. Stay on top of our daily schedule AND make a solid work plan for the Etsy shop. We did really well with our daily schedule, but at the cost of me being exceptionally slightly cross many evenings. It's baseball season, and if you have a child/children in Little League, you know exactly what I mean. If you don't, know that baseball, while the greatest of the sports, consumes your entire family's life from about March-June (and potentially longer) and tries to eat your soul. So many practices! So many games! I love it, but, real talk, it's overwhelming.
As for the Etsy shop. It's currently in Vacation Mode and will be for the next few weeks. I'm looking at some really big changes for it, and I'll provide more info as I move forward with them.
Grade: B+

2. Keep working on my community project.  I've started working in earnest on this! Hopefully over the summer all of the plans will be solid. (What I'm doing is putting together backpacks filled with basic essentials-pajamas, toothbrushes, shampoos, etc.- for foster kids in our area for when they enter a new placement.)

Grade: B

3. Exercise two time a week. Yes! Did it!

Grade: A

4. Eat Whole30 Monday-Thursday. I did this....about 50% of the time. So not a total fail?

Grade: D

5. Plan out my garden. Yes! And I also started actually planting it. I plan on finishing it up over the next few weeks since I think that worry of frost should be over (Please dear Lord and dear Universe, no more freezes, thank you. Sincerely, Michelle)

Grade: A

6. Participate in the #RockYourHandwriting challenge on Instagram. Did it! You can see all my challenge prompts on Instagram (@junenovember).
Grade: A

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Alright! Let's check out what I got planned for this month! I'm feeling a bit ambitious :)

1. Do the Tone It Up Bikini Series Challenge. I started this last Monday! It's an 8 week Challenge and I'm loving it. I did one of their Challenges in the fall and fell in love with the TIU workouts and community. This new, get ready for summer Challenge is just what I need to really start focusing again on healthy choices. And speaking of healthy choices....

2. Finish another Whole 30. I did my first Whole 30 last August and have done a couple half ones since, but I'm wanting to do a full 30 day one again. For real. No cheat days, no quitting because there's a party, NO EXCUSES. I started last Tuesday and finish up on May 26.

You can follow me on Instagram to see updates throughout the month about both of these goals. (@junenovember)

3. Organize our game closet. It's a disaster area and needs to be overhauled.

4. Have a yard sale or donate all the stuff I've put aside. My friend wants to have a yard sale together and we've been waiting for nice weather to have one. But, if it doesn't happen by May 15, all this stuff that's been piling up is headed to donations. #KonMari

5. Use my "real" camera more. I have a really nice camera that I used to use all the time, but these days I default to my IPhone 99.9% of the time. I want to get back in the habit of taking nice photos with my nice camera.

6. Get to the library. We were in a really good habit of going to the libray once a week last summer and fall, but fell out of it. Instead of buying all our books, I need to be using our local library! Havin' fun ain't hard when you got a library card. (Isn't that little saying adorable? Except for the cringe worthy grammar?! Just say no to Ain't.)

Hooray for May!

FAVORITE THINGS: APRIL 2016

Guys, I JUST KNOW that spring, real spring is almost here. The trees are getting leaves, flowers are popping up, we've had a few (very few) days get into the 70s. Winter is behind us, thank the Lord and the Universe, because I cannot deal with even a hint of any more snow or ice. No more, I say. NO MORE.

Here's a round up of things I'm loving for this (beginning) of s-p-r-i-n-g.

Favorite Things I Read: For The Love, Jen Hatmaker This book resonated with me hugely. It spoke right to me and I absorbed it all right into my heart. (Good Lord, that sounds mushy. But it's true!) If you're looking for a book that really speaks to you about having grace and that makes you laugh, this is it.
Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka This book was lyrical, sad, and completely beautifully written. It is written in a plural voice ("Some of us..."), which I found to be a complaint of some readers, but which I found to be even more intriguing. It tells the story of a group of Japanese woman from the 1920's through the 1940's, who come from Japan and live their ordinary, yet tragic/beautiful lives. I loved it.

Favorite Household Things: Mrs. Myer's Handsoap in Peony. The smell is ah-mazing. And this "Sun Kissed" scented soy candle from Target is also fantastic.

Favorite Things For a Healthy Life: I started the Tone It Up Bikini Series 8 Week Challenge. I love the Tone It Up workouts and community, if you're interested look them up on Instagram @toneitup!

Favorite Things For the Garden: I started planting my garden this month. Lettuces and peas are in, and a few flowers, including these Morning Glories. I'll be planting more this weekend!

Favorite Things For an Organized Life: Pilot G-2 07 multicolor gel pens These are awesome for my bullet journal because they are bold but don't bleed through pages.

Favorite Beauty Things: While I still love my Urban Decay Smoke Eye palate, it was feeling a little dark for (almost) spring. I picked up a Maybelline The Blushed Nudes palate. While the quality of the shadows isn't as high end as the Urban Decay ones (nor was I expecting them to be) they're still really nice and good quality. And I love the colors; they're perfect shadows for (almost) spring at a great price.


Have a great weekend guys, and check back on Monday for a B+ Goals post!

READING LIST: WHAT I'M READING IN APRIL

Here's what's on my night stand this month. I went to the book store and...came out with all these and a few dollars lighter (except Jane Eyre, that's a reread).

I finished my Reading Challenge and was considering doing a Part 2. But you know what? I had to force myself to get through Great Expectations. And since I find reading to be one of my life's greatest pleasures, I'm just not going to force myself to read books I truly despise. (You may be thinking, "Michelle, why didn't you just take Great Expectations off your list??" and that would be a valid and intelligent question. However, I am a Upholder and I couldn't bring myself to do that.) So instead, I'm choosing to read books that sound lovely and that I want to read for readings sake, not to fulfill certain categories that I have conceived. And give myself the chance to put down books that I truly hate and call it done. And not feel bad about it.

Currently, I am rereading  my beloved copy of Jane Eyre.

Jane is one of my all time favorite characters. And considering that this story is COMPELETLY wackadoo in the abstract, but reads beautifully and convincingly in context just goes to show that Charlotte Bronte was a master writer.

"I need not sell my soul to buy bliss." Or to read Charles Dickens ever again.

Next on my list:

-When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi Everyone is talking about this book-it's all over Instagram and blog reviews and in book clubs.

-The Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka I've been looking for more Japanese stories/authors to read and this one caught my eye. The premise is: Japanese, mail order brides in 1920's California. It sounds fascinating.

-For the Love, Jen Hatmaker I don't talk about religion (or politics, that saying is 10000% true) in public if I can avoid it. To me, and this is totally a personal thing, faith is very private. I, personally, get more from it that way. But I do like to continue to be inspired in my faith and I adore Jen Hatmaker on social media, so I'm excited to read this book with her perspectives on grace in our everyday lives.

-The Cuckoo's Calling, Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) This has been on my to read list since it was released, but I never got around to it. But come on, it can't be anything but good. J. K. Rowling? British detective story? Hard cover book on sale for $5.99?? YES.

What are you reading this month?

PINS + LINKS

It's been a slow week blog wise around here. I'm reworking somethings with the etsy shop so it's currently in "vacation mode" (don't worry if you've already made an order!); if you are interested in any orders or have any questions, please feel free to email me here: my.june.nov(at)gmail.com

Now, on to Pins + Links!

1. ALL of these biographies of woman look intresting. Especially interested in : Marie Curie, Zelda, and Charlotte Bronte 2. Avocado Chicken Ceaser Salad 3. I wore my hair like this on Monday and it was super cute 4. DOWNTON ABBEY how I will miss you.

Link Love:

1. This video was an eye opener.

2. This was so beautifully written. I cried.

3. I loved this interview with Colm Toibin and Alice Walker!

4. Anthropologie Hacks for the home.

5. E at Teaching Sam and Scout nailed it about working moms and sick kids.

Till next week!

PICTURE BOOKS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Teaching our girls about being strong and proud starts at home, and I firmly believe that reading together is an essential part of that.  In honor of International Women's Day, I've rounded up some of our favorite picture books for little women (and men) in your life. We love all these stories and the sweet, strong, female characters that are the leads in them.

Sheriff Callie, The Cat Who Tamed the West. Sheiff Callie is a popular kid's television show, and this book tells her story of coming to a town and becoming the Sheriff by being both brave and kind.

Olivia and the Fairy Princesses, Ian Flaconer We love all the Olivia books, but this one is our current favorite.

The Magic School Bus, (series), Cole and Degen Ms. Frizzle loves science and is an excellent teacher plus these books are full of great facts.

I Am Ameila Earhart, Brad Metzler A perfect introduction to the aviator's life story.

Miss Rumphius, Barbara Cooney Beautiful illustrations and a fantastic story keep this book an eternal favorite.

Pride and Prejudice, a counting primer, Jennifer Adams My daughter's first introduction to Lizzie and Co.

Ally-Saurus and the First Day of School, Richard Torrey A story about being yourself and finding your people-even as a kindergartener.

Lady Bug Girl, series, Soman and Davis Ladybug Girl is our current favorite character. Lulu is just a regular girl working through emotions like fear, sharing with friends, and overcoming obstacles. We love her!

Flora and the Flamingo, Molly Idle A beautiful picture book about not giving up.

READING LIST: WHAT WE'VE BEEN READING IN JANUARY

Kids: Home by Carson Ellis

 

 

Carson Ellis is one of my favorite illustrators and I immediately snatched this book up when I saw it on a shelf at our local bookstore. The story about different homes is sweet and funny and the illustrations are lovely.

 

 

Me: Humans of New York Stories, Brandon Stanton

 

 

 Do you follow Humans of New York? You should. Brandon Stanton is a photographer and story teller who photographs individuals and then tells a story from their lives. Stories is a completion of the webpage. I finished this in one lazy afternoon; the stories and photographs are equally beautiful, tragic, funny, and touching.

 

Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin

 

I finished Better Than Before (check off one of the B+ Goals for this month!) and I absolutely loved it. It totally resonated with me-figure out your personality tendency and build your goals from there. Reading about people's tendencies was fascinating; I could immediately see not only myself but my husband and best friends crystal clear in the descriptions (I'm an upholder-by FAR, the husband is a questioner.). By knowing my tendency, I've been applying a lot of her other ideas to my life and it's a game changer. I highly suggest this book if your looking for a way to figure out better habits and how to stick to them!

 

I've started the next book in my Reading Challenge and will probably be finished with it soon; it's a good one!

 

What are you reading?

2016 READING CHALLENGE // PART 1

 

Welcome to the first annual June November 2016 Reading Challenge! As I mentioned in my B+ Goals for January, reading is an important part of my well being. It's one of the things that truly brings me enjoyment. And while I have always taken time to read, I'm feeling a little stale. I reread a lot (I may know Anne of Green Gables by heart), but I need to branch out and read more new books. I also want to add more non fiction to my reading list this year and really try to enjoy it.

 

I'm setting up a reading challenge for myself by choosing a theme for each month of this year, here are the first six themes:

 

-A book to inspire me

-A book given to me by someone else

-A book about finances

-A book I've been wanting to read but haven't

-A book that I've started but haven't finished

-A book that's a classic

 

And here are my choices:

 

 

To Inspire: Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin

This book about habits is, so far, amazing. I loved the The Happiness Project and this follow up book by Rubin isn't disappointing. It feels like a real game changer.

 

Given To Me: Circling the Sun, Paula McLain

My husband gave this to me for Christmas and I can't wait to read it. I loved The Paris Wife (also by McLain) and am looking forward to this story. Plus, Downton Abbey is getting ready to end this season (NOOOOOO!) and I'll need a 1920's lifestyle story to replace it.

 

Finances: Smart Money Smart Kids, Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

The husband and I have taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course and it was a big eye opener. We've followed his practices since. I've been eyeing this book written by him and his daughter for some time and am looking forward to reading it and applying the lessons to our kids in money management.

 

Wanting but Haven't: Brooklyn, Colm Toibin

I want to read this before I see the movie, which looks lovely.

 

Haven't Finished: Masterminds and Wingmen, Rosalind Wiseman

I've mentioned before that I've been reading this on and off. Well, I've been reading it on and off for over year :/. Time to buckle down and finish it!

 

A Classic: Great Expectations, Charles Dickens

Confession: I've never read any Dickens (except A Christmas Carol). It's time!

 

I'd love for you to join me in the 2016 Reading Challenge! I'll be posting updates throughout the year and would love to see what you're reading too.

 

READING LIST

Currently on my Night Stand:

Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery. The Anne books are always what I pick up to read in between books. I've read the entire series multiple times. I love these stories and can't wait to pass them down to my children. I sort of try to live by the mantra "What Would Anne Shirley Do?"

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo. I read this book this past spring and was completely inspired by it. I've already done the clothes part of the book (we ended up with about 20 bags of clothes between the four of us!) and plan on going through the rest other steps this winter and spring. I don't thank my shoes everyday, but the idea of only having things that "spark joy" is amazing.

Dorthea Lang, A Life Beyond Limits, Linda Gordon. I've admired Dorthea Lang since I was a teenager and am excited to get into this biography of her. I read the introduction and I'm saving it for holiday reading!

Masterminds and Wingmen, Rosalind Wiseman. This book is written by the same author of Queen Bees and WannaBes. It talks about how boys think, the struggles they are facing, and how we can help them through it. I've been continually reading this along with whatever else I'm reading (I read more then one book at a time.) and love the ideas it presents about rising a son.

What are you reading?

Raise a Reader: BOOK SERIES FOR BOYS



My son is a big reader, which is fabulous. Finding book series for boys that are 1. not gross out books, 2. not fantasy/magic books 3. not books for "your reluctant reader!" is not so fabulous. My son loves true stories, facts, and ideas, and there doesn't seem to be a huge market for that geared toward our sons (book publishers - pay attention! Our boys are smart. They like reading. GIVE THEM SOMETHING GOOD TO READ.)

However, we are determined readers and have found these five fantastic series:

1.I Survived, Lauren Tarshis. This series of books takes some of histories disasters and events, such as the Battle of Gettysburg and Hurricane Katrina, and tells the story through the eyes of a boy. The details are both age appropriate and accurate and the stories are thrilling for kids. This is my son's favorite series currently. 2. Alvin Ho, Lenore Look. The main character in these books, Alvin, is scared of everything, making him shy at school and any other public place. But at home, with his family his true colors shine. I love that this character is Asian American-a rarity in kids books in general. The books are both funny and touching. 3. Who Are/Was/Is...?, various authors This are simple biographies about famous people ranging from Albert Einstein to Jesus to Derek Jeter. Current favorite is: The Wright Brothers. 4. The Magic School Bus, Joanna Cole and Bruce Degan. Both my kids love all these books. MS. Frizzle and her class are classics and the books are chock full of facts and humor. 5. Eyewitness Books, various authors. Dylan loves these books, they are what he always checks out from the library.

What are your favorite books for boys?

FAVORITE THINGS: JUNE

 

 

Ya'll, SUMMER IS HERE. Swimming, barbequing, gardening, outside until the sun goes down SUMMER. I'm enjoying every. single. minute. of it.

 

Here are my June favorites:

1. Beach Blanket Bingo One Piece from Mod Cloth. I'm a little bit in love with Mod Cloth in general (the shoes!) and a lot in love with this suit. It fits perfectly (order up a size like the comments advise!) and is super cute. I can't seem to find a two piece that fits properly, so I spent the money on a great one piece. I'm never going back! I receive compliments every single time I wear this and it stays put. // 2. Grapefruit and Sumac Salad from Plenty More. Go to summer salad. //3. So despite the fact that it's summer, it still rains here all the time. So non-sandal foot wear is part of my summer wardrobe. Plus, there is lots of walking here, and flip flops are not made for lots of walking. I love my rose gold TOMS. They are no longer available (sad face) but I have my eye on the Classic Red as a second pair (TOMS is donating to the Special Olympics with every purchase of the Classic Red right now!)//4. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. Fantastic read. I loved the main character, and the descriptions are amazing. I enjoyed Eat, Pray Love a couple years ago and this novel doesn't disappoint. // 5. Monogramed tote from MJ Custom Embroidery. My friend Morgan does amazing embroidery! I picked up this awesome tote from her to use this summer as a pool bag and I love it.

 

Favorites Around the Net:

Instagram: @elsiejoy, inspiring maker with fantastic photos

Pinterest: skinnytaste, awesome & healthy recipes

Blog: Iowa Girl Eats

 



FAVORITE THINGS: JANUARY

 

Oh, January. You start out so darn hopeful. Ideas of clean closets, organized workspaces, new healthy recipes, running on a regular basis again: all glitter before me, with a will and hope and starry eyes. But in the end, you always just have me pining away for summer days and wanting to eat carbs.

 

(And I don't even want to talk about the snow. Someone hold my earrings, because I hate snow and am about to beat it down. Everywhere I go, my refrain is, "I'm from CALIFORNIA." Which translates to "I am grouchy and I don't understand how to function in a bulky coat and for the love of God can someone explain to me why it is SO HARD to put mittens on a preschooler!? I'm sorry/not sorry.")

 

Anyway.

 

These are my favorite things from January:

1. We've eaten the Pioneer Woman's Pot Roast a bunch of times this month, and it is hand's down the husband's most favorite meal ever. It is so perfect for a cold night!//2. On my birthday, we went to MOMA (amazing, wonderful) and I picked up a Moleskin Classic Lined Notebook in the gift shop, something I've treated myself to the last couple years. I do list journaling, and this is the perfect notebook for it.//3. Dylan started taking guitar lessons. I feel that his practice book is really adding to the décor of my home. I LOVE the graphic on this book.//4. I read Kate Morton's The Secret Keeper. I've managed to read a lot of not so great fiction lately, and this book made up for it. Great story! //

5. Downton Abbey is back and that mean's reading Tom and Lorenzo's take on it every Monday. Highlight of the week. If you watch Downton (if you don't, I'm not sure we can be friends), you need to read these recaps.//6. Meghan Trainor's Title Album is fabulous.//7. Neal bought me Burberry Brit (the eau de toilette, which I love because it's a bit lighter then the perfume) and the smell is incredible.  

 

Favorites Around the Net:

Instagram: @womenirl HILARIOUS.

Pinterest: New York and Paris Board 

Blog: Teaching Sam & Scout

 

 

READING LIST: FIRST THOUSAND WORDS IN FRENCH

 

 

First Thousand Words in French is well loved in our house.
We bought it last year when my son expressed an interest in learning French. The book is not only a helpful resource for teaching simple, everyday French vocabulary words, but also as a beautiful picture book for the children to pour over.

Each page spread introduces a new theme: the grocery store, a farm, the beach, school. Colorful illustrations show how all the words come together. In the borders, certain objects are highlighted, with the French word clearly labeling it.

 

 

The pictures are fantastically detailed and the book is worth buying for this alone. My two year old loves to poor over the pages looking for the pictures from the borders.

The book includes a full glossary of all the words and a pronunciation guide. There is also a link for an internet pronunciation guide where children (and adults!) can listen to the words be pronounce properly.

The children can, literally, look at this book all day. A constant question from my daughter is, "Where is my French book!?". They choose to read it and look at the pictures even when we are not practicing French. And that they are truly learning vocabulary form it? Win/win.

 

BOOKS FOR BOYS

 

 

My son started reading his year. Really reading. Sit down with a book and read the whole thing himself reading. And I was so joyful, bursting with happiness really, because reading is such a gift that I have wanted so much for him.  Watching him read, sounding out words, knowing that he can do it, is not only a gift for him, but a gift for me to watch.

We've spent a lot of time lately looking for not only books at his reading level, but books for boys at his reading level. Here are some of our favorites.*

Here's what my son's reading right now.

 

1. Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes, Eric Litwin.  Pete the Cat was a BIG DEAL on the kindergarten circuit. We love all the Pete books, but right now with school approaching, we're rereading School Shoes. These are great books about not letting the little things get to you.

 

2. How Rocket Learned to Read, Tad Hills. Rocket is a dog that is learning to read. Dylan likes this book especially because it encourages the reader to sound out the words (D-O-G, R-E-D) and it was one of the first books he was reading words in on his own.

 

3. Race Team (Step into Reading), I'm not a huge fan of character books personally, but my son loves reading about familiar characters. The Step into Reading books are great for him, because he can read them completely himself, and the characters make the books fun for him.

 

4. Bernstein Bears Series, Stan and Jan Bernstein. Classics. These books are slightly challenging for an early reader (which is good).

 

5. Close Up Sharks, This book focuses on facts about sharks in an easy to read format. It was a set of three about marine life. Dylan loves books about facts, so these are a perfect fit.

 

6. I Can Read! Biscuit Books, Dylan is a big fan of books about animals, and finds the Biscuit stories funny.

 

7. The Big Green Book of Beginner Books, Dr. Seuss. These classic stories come in one big book. Dylan loves this because there are several to chose from, and there is something about reading from a "big" book that makes kids feel smarter and more accomplished. These stories are also funny and familiar to him.

 

*I'll be writing more about the challenges we face with reading and boys in the next coming weeks.

10 GREAT BOARD BOOKS FOR TODDLERS

1. My Little Animal Book, Roger Priddy. We've had this book since my son was a toddler (he's 6 now) and it is one of our best loved books (hence the duct taped spine). Full of photographs of all type of animals, it's a book that can be looked at for an hour, over and over again.

2. Moo Baa La La La, Sandra Boynton. A big favorite. The simple, silly words and animal sounds are a hit.

3. Planting a Rainbow, Lois Ehlert. I love Lois Ehlert illustrations. This story is a beautiful one, full of flowers and colors.

4. Baby Signs For Bedtime, Linda Acredolo & Susan Goodwyn. While we don't do baby signs much, my daughter loves to look at this book with pictures of babies getting ready for bed.

5. Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown. The ultimate soothing classic.

6. Goodnight Gorilla, Peggy Rathman. This picture book has few words, but always makes my little girl laugh.

7. We're Going On a Bear Hunt, Helen Oxenbury. My husband's favorite book to read to the kids.

8. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type, Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin. This one is funny enough for both kids (and their parents).

9. Pantone Colors. This book is full of gorgeous Pantone color swatches, and really shows color learners all the different shades.

10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle. Of course.

CELEBRATING...FANTASTIC MR. FOX

 

We just finished reading Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox to our son, and decided to have a little celebration because we loved the book so much*. And what does one serve at a party for Fantastic Mr. Fox? Chicken and vegetable pie fit for a Feast**, bien sur.

Chicken, of course. And carrots for the rabbits.**

 

I had these Woodland Animal Cookie Cutters, which just happens to have a fox. So we used that to cut the vents in the top of the pie.

 

 

And of course, apple cider. Though not hard, as it is in the book. We wouldn't want any disgruntled rats showing up, now would we?**

 

 

 

Good book, good food. What else do you need for a cause to celebrate?

*It was also a great way to convince my son to eat chicken and vegetable pie, which is not a favorite of his.
**If these Feast/animal references sound crazy, please read Fantastic Mr. Fox for clarity. :)


Chicken and Vegetable Pie
adapted from Real Simple

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
3 heaping tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups milk
1 10oz bag frozen peas
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
salt and pepper
1 9inch store bought pie crust, thawed if frozen

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Heat the oil and butter is a large, heavy bottomed pan ( I use my cast iron skillet) over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, but not brown (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
Add the chicken stock and cook until incorporated into the flour/vegetable mix, about 5-7 minutes. Using a whisk, add the milk and simmer until the sauce has thicken, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and peas, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a shallow 1 1/2-2 quart baking dish (I use a pie dish).
Lay the crust on top, pressing to seal. Cut several vents in the crust. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake until bubbling and the crust is golden, about 45 minutes.

 

Poor Mr Fox. His tail was the first to go.