A Playful, Earth-Conscious Resource For Your "Ing" Journey

Giving Thanks

November 21, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Today’s Book Blurb is about a beautiful book that is perfect to read around Thanksgiving. It is called Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp. This book is a Reading Rainbow book, which I always love. (Even though the show isn’t on anymore, I seek out books that were featured on it. Children recommended books to the viewers and talked a little about why they liked the book. I have yet to be disappointed by a book that has the Reading Rainbow symbol on it.) Giving Thanks sends a grateful message for all things in our world. I enjoyed reading this book to my students because it helped us really focus on all that we have to be thankful for. Additionally, it was a great tie-in to our unit on Native American culture. The words and illustrations are crisp, clear, and soothing. I really like Giving Thanks, as do Baby Ap and Baby Er. It holds their attention and entertains them. If you are ever searching for a simple book about all of the gifts we’ve been given, then look no further than Giving Thanks.

Weekend What-To-Do: November 19-20

November 18, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Antiques At Kimberton Show

This Saturday, November 19th, from 9am – 5pm shop for antiques at the Kimberton Fire Company & Fairgrounds in the Covered Bridge Room located at 2276 Kimberton Road in Kimberton. The antique show has approximately 70 dealers offering quality antiques and collectibles. The antiques show is held twice a year – March and November and admission is $5. CONTACT: Lori Boger at 717-468-4731 or visit here.
Holiday Shopping Boutique & Craft Fair
This Saturday, November 19th, from 9am – 2pm do your holiday purchasing at Brandywine Wallace Elementary School at 435 Dilworth Lane in Downingtown. This event is held annually, the third Saturday in November.You are invited to participate in the 3rd annual Holiday Shopping Boutique fundraiser sponsored by the Brandywine Wallace Home and School Association. This event will feature arts and craft vendors. Early registration is recommended. There is a juried show. Go here for more information!
Our Lady of Consolation Christmas Craft Fair and Bazaar
This Saturday, November 19th, from 9am – 3pm spend some dough at the Schneider Parish Center on Cemetery Road in Parkesburg. This event is held annually – the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This 21st Annual Craft Fair and Book Fair benefits the Early Learning Center at Our Lady of Consolation. There are two floors of treasures, food, and a visit from Santa Claus!
Fall Foliage Express
This Sunday, November 20th, 12pm – 1pm hop on the train at Market Street Station located at 230 E. Market St. in West Chester. See the Chester Creek Valley’s autumn beauty from the comfort of a heated train. The 90 minute round trip train ride will take you to the village of Glen Mills and return. During your brief layover in Glen Mills you can explore the historic Pennsylvania Railroad station as well as a picnic grove along the Chester Creek. Tickets cost $12.50 for Adults and $10.50 for children ages 2-12. Toddlers ride free! Go to their website for more details.

Healthy Baby Lotions

November 16, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

With winter weather nearly upon us, the time has now arrived for dry skin. Happy Holidays! Baby Ap seems to be very sensitive to the change in seasons. I’ve noticed some dry skin on her abdomen and it’s only the end of November. In an effort to combat this issue, I’ve been searching online for some healthy, homemade recipes for baby lotion. (Ultimately, any of the lotions I found could be used for any member of your household, not just the little ones.) I hope to ease her patches of dry skin and prevent further outbreaks. Here, I love the moisturizing milk bath suggestion. (I might even try it out myself if I can find an evening for a little soak.) It sounds so soothing. I plan to also try the oatmeal bath and the natural healing wipes solution. The two lotions mentioned here also look to be helpful. Finally, I found the step-by-step directions listed on this site to be clear and easy to follow. I like how you can add in your own ingredients to meet your needs as far as oils and scents go. I know that it would be easier to just use pre-packaged, store-bought baby lotion. (I still have a few bottles left from my baby shower that we do use in a pinch.) But, if I can save some money and ensure that all the substances that come into contact with my babies’ skin are safe and effective, then there really is no other choice. Homemade baby lotion it is!

Star Wars Crafts

November 15, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

So, as previously stated, I’m a HUGE fan of Star Wars. Total nerd, I know. We have many Star Wars figurines and bobble heads throughout our home. Our bookshelves have multiple Star Wars books (my two favorites:  this and this.) My husband bought me a hat similar to this for Christmas two years ago. As mentioned in a previous post, our 5 lb. yorkie is named Chewie and so on and so on. While perusing different craft project ideas on the web the other day, I came across this set of Star Wars crafts and called out: “Thank the maker!” in pure delight. I am so going to make the Dagobah terrarium and Wampa snow globe. If I could sew, I’d definitely fashion myself a Jabba the Hutt body pillow. I then began ferociously searching for all things Star Wars crafts. This website was by far the most impressive. Wait until you see the jack o’ lanterns and snow sculptures! Dig deeper into the site and you are sure to be amazed. (The pet costumes are ultra impressive, as are the Death Star dress and all of the baked goods.) If you are a Star Wars fan (or maybe some loved ones in your life are) and you’re looking for some creative ways to showcase your (or their) true love for the galaxy far, far away, try one or more of these droidacious ideas out. They’ll have you using the force and avoiding the dark side in no time.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

November 14, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Acrostic poems are one of my favorite kinds of poetry. I always encouraged them in my classrooms, no matter what age of students I taught. They appeal to everyone, are fairly easy to write, and have a simple beauty when read. Today’s Book Blurb is about the book Autumn:  An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur. This book is perfect for this time of year and is filled with lovely little poems about all things to do with fall. The illustrations are eye-catching and appealing, connecting with the meaning of the text. I recall reading it several years ago as a third grade teacher when we were working on acrostic poetry. I think introducing young children to all sorts of poems and writing concepts is very important. Not only does it encourage risk-taking when composing written works, but it also gives children a sense of pride when they create a piece that is different and unique. I highly recommend Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic and suggest you set aside some time to jot down a few acrostics with your little ones. It will be fun for both you and them.

What I Wish

November 13, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

What I wish:

- you always see the world as an amazing place with endless possibilities

- you forever know how uniquely special, talented, and intelligent you are

- you love with your whole heart your whole life

- you never settle for less and never sell yourself short

- you motivate others with your inspiring integrity and honest leadership

- you approach all of life’s experiences with positive energy and unending passion

- you treat all those you encounter exactly how you want to be treated

- you never stop learning, asking questions, or seeking solutions

- you truly know and understand that no matter how old you are, no matter where you go, no matter what you do, no matter who you become, you will always have me –  loving and supporting you – arms always open to hug and embrace you – ready to tell you just how beautiful and wonderful you are, that everything will be alright, and not to worry about a thing

Weekend What-To-Do: November 12-13

November 11, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Applecross Country Club Craft Show

This Saturday, November 12th, from 10am – 4pm shop till you drop at the Applecross Country Club Craft Show located at 160 Bollinger Road in Downingtown.
Pope John Paul’s annual Holiday Craft Fair
This Saturday, November 12th, from 9am – 3pm peruse through the many wares of over 150 crafters at Pope John Paul High School. The school is located at 181 Rittenhouse Road in Royersford. Visit their website for more information.
DescriptionWe will have more than 150 crafters selling their magnificent hand-crafted items. For the children, the event will include a Santa’s Workshop, including pictures with Santa! Delicious food and baked goods will be available. It will be a day of fun-filled holiday shopping and entertainment to get you into the spirit of the season!
Collegium Charter School Winter Craft and Vendor Fair
This Saturday, November 12th, from 9:30am – 2:30pm enjoy yet another craft fair at Collegium Charter School at 500 James Hance Court in Exton. If you are looking for even more holiday crafts, then this might be the place for you!