Bloody Bandages and Imagination
Posted by Danielle Bean in Just me on Tuesday, August 10, 2010
(See writing sample at bottom of post)
My kids like to write and share stories with each other and their friends. I don’t think too much about it, especially in the summertime when we take a break from official “schooling.”
The other day, though, when I happened upon 11-year-old Ambrose’s writing notebook which had been left open to this page, I paused. I read these few lines and could not help but... READ MORE
Better Than a Necktie
Posted by Danielle Bean in Family on Wednesday, June 16, 2010
In working out the details for our Father’s Day celebration this year, I have been having fun perusing craft ideas for kids.
There are tons at Family Fun, of course. My favorite is the Duct Tape wallet.
We made this craft a few years ago, so I can tell you it actually works. Using only duct tape (and what Dad doesn’t love duct tape?) you can make a nifty little wallet. You can then fill it with photos,... READ MORE
Takes The Cake
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Food on Thursday, June 03, 2010
Among the delights of living in freedom is that whatever activity can be devised, somewhere someone will take it to undreamed of heights of perfection.
Take for example Jim of Jim’s Pancakes, who has elevated the simple act of making breakfast for his daughter into an art form.
The ferris wheel is only the to-date most complicated construction. Click through to see more delightful examples of his... READ MORE
Upside-Down Fun
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Food on Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I laughed aloud when I saw this recipe on Serious Eats for a Doughnut Upside-Down Cake. Despite the name of the website, I thought the whole thing had to be a joke.
But no, someone really made a doughnut upside-down cake. It’s just like pineapple upside-down cake, apparently - same caramel-like topping, same method - but with doughnuts instead of pineapple rings.
The author’s comment on the doughnut... READ MORE
Whittle While You Work
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, November 03, 2009
If you are starting to compile your Christmas lists, I am here to recommend this handy gem: The Little Book of Whittling.
The boys in your life will definitely love it (and so, perhaps, might your husband, daughter or really adventurous mother-in-law).
We got this book for our oldest son a few years ago and every one of our boys has spent some time seeking inspiration from within its pages. If you trust your son with a pocket knife, you cannot go wrong with this book. You will be amazed by the vast assortment of products the art of whittling can produce—and maybe offer me a hug when you realize the peace and quiet it will afford your home.
Birds on Wire Write Musical Composition
Posted by Danielle Bean in Just me on Thursday, October 15, 2009
“Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires,” says Jarbas Agnelli. “I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit) ... I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating.”
Check out the results:
Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.
HT: Melanie Bettinelli’s tweet
Just for the Fun of It
Posted by Danielle Bean in Food on Friday, July 17, 2009
Part of the fun we’ve been having here while the kids and I are visiting my sister in Connecticut has been ... creative baking!
I love to make fun cookies and cupcakes, but the truth is, I never seem to have much time for it anymore.
When I first saw this recipe for adorable watermelon cookies last month, I decided I would make them for the Fourth of July ... didn’t happen.
So then I decided I would... READ MORE
Positively Enchanting Pixar Short
Posted by Danielle Bean in Reviews on Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Partly Cloudy is the Pixar short that precedes the popular Pixar movie Up currently in the theaters.
Can I just say I LOVE this little story? It’s not only funny and creative, it’s positively enchanting. And it has a powerful message too.
I don’t mind telling you that, as a mom who struggles to embrace some of the more “painful” aspects of her vocation, the inspiring message behind this bitty film left me teary-eyed in the darkened theater.
Creative Re-use
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Food on Thursday, July 02, 2009
Last night my parents went to a potluck at their church. My mom took along a Mexican-rice style dish.
It was delicious, which I know because I tasted it. But the amazing part was that except for the rice, the dish was made entirely of leftovers from my mom’s fridge.
I like to think I’m pretty good at being creative in the kitchen. Last week I needed to use some leftover salami, and I improvised... READ MORE
Poster Paint Jesus
Posted by Danielle Bean in Just me on Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The rain has finally done us all in. When the kids suggested painting the other day, I couldn’t even muster up my usual protest about the mess. I just let them.
And here’s what I had the pleasure of watching little Daniel create: It’s Jesus, he told me. And those are his outstretched arms.
I love it.
And that’s why I’ve added it to the pictures I’m sharing over at Faith & Family Connect. I’ve created a Kids Art group where moms can scan and share their kids’ art projects. I’m really looking forward to what other families will have to share there.
