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

Terrariums Are Terrific!

November 8, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

I’m always looking for ways to add a little live green into our home. I have to admit I do not have the greenest thumb so any type of plant that requires very little maintenance is my favorite. I do well with succulents and hardy vines (hardy being the key word there.) I was poking around online recently and came across this link and felt inspired. It gives great suggestions for creating terrariums, small living ecosystems that you can grow pretty much anywhere. I love the ornaments, jewelry, lamp, and magnets shown on the above link. Talk about inviting some nature in! I soon found lots of great resources about terrariums. One of the best is located here, which provides information about different containers, themes, and plant selections. I also liked the history behind terrariums on this website, as well as, the helpful hints given. A terrarium is a great project for children, especially during the long winter months. Not only is it fairly easy and highly rewarding, but it nurtures a love of living things and requires some responsibility. Here you will find some instructions for terrarium creation, along with fabulous ideas for containers. Terrariums also make beautiful, thoughtful gifts that keep on giving the whole year. (Thanks, Cousin Eddie.) This website highlights the truly “green” nature of terrariums. You not only foster a living environment filled with all sorts of greens, but you can re-use found objects, minimizing waste and saving money. Green, green, and more green..you can’t beat that!

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

November 7, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? is a fantastic children’s book and the focus of today’s Book Blurb. It is written by Steven Jenkins and Robin Page. This book gives excellent information about a variety of different animals. Children love to guess which animals’ features are being shown on the pages. (At least that has been my experience when reading this to my students when I was teaching.) At the back of the book, you can read additional facts about the creatures mentioned in the earlier pages. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? encourages young readers to think critically about how animals use their tails, eyes, ears, and more. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and dynamic. If you know a young reader who enjoys reading about animals and learning new things, check this out from your local library or get a copy. It’s a good one!

With New Eyes

November 6, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

I am happy to announce that Baby Ap and Baby Er can now experience the world in a whole new way: sitting up unassisted. They no longer need me (brings a tear to my eye) or a pillow to keep them from toppling over. I love seeing my two little girls sitting on the floor playing with their blocks and interacting with each other. It’s like two small little ladies catching up or sharing some secrets. They can more easily play with one another now and see more of what is going on around them. There’s nothing quite like coming into the room and seeing them all picnic-like on the blanket. I enjoy sitting with them and observing them as they take everything in. They really help me see how wonder-full life really is.

Weekend What-To-Do: November 5-6

November 4, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Crafter’s Bazaar at Shamona Creek Elementary School

This Saturday, November 5th, from 12pm – 4pm check out local vendors as they sell their wares at Shamona Creek Elementary School, located at 501 Dorlan Mill Road in Downingtown. There will be door prizes, as well as food and beverages available for purchase.
Church Craft Show
This Saturday, November 5th, from 9am – 2pm shop till you drop at Central Presbyterian Church’s 17th annual craft show. Central Presbyterian is located at 100 W. Uwchland Avenue in Downingtown. There will be handcrafted items, jewelry, house number plaques, honey products, and more. For more details, call the church at 610-269-1576. Proceeds from the craft show will enable the Central Working Guild to continue to provide assistance to groups within CPC that have special non-budgeted requests.
Immaculata Symphony Fall Concert
This Saturday, November 5th, at 7:30 pm in the Alumnae Hall of Immaculata University treat your ears to beautiful sounds. The concert is to be a thrilling one with Verdi’s dramatic Overture to “La Forza Del Destino.” Dvořák’s popular Symphony No. 8 completes the program with its joyous melodies, sure to become a favorite of all. Go here for more information. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for students and children under 12 are free.
Pirate Adventure Family Day
This Sunday, November 6th, from 11:30am – 4:30pm have some pirate fun at the Brandywine River Museum off of Route 1 in Chadds Ford. Create your own pirate hats and look for treasure hidden throughout the special exhibition. N.C. Wyeth’s “Treasure Island, Classic Illustrations for a Classic Tale” will be on display through Sunday, November 20th. The exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the publication of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”. The museum is open daily 9:30-4:30. There is an admission fee, but admission is free for children under age 6 and for Brandywine Conservancy members. Museum admission is free on Sunday mornings through November 20th from 9:30-12:00. For more information go here.
Chester County Concert Band Fall 2011 Concert
This Sunday, November 6th, from 2:30pm – 5:30pm enjoy lovely music at Fugett Middle School at Paoli Pike and Ellis Lane in West Chester. 30 years and counting… The show will be featuring great hits for the entire family to enjoy!

Little Egg Harbor Soap Company

November 2, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Not too long ago, my mom bought me one of the best body butters I have ever had. It smelled so good that I wanted to eat it! (I didn’t, of course, but the scent was divine.) She purchased it in Smithville, New Jersey, while out there for a visit. The body butter was Little Egg Harbor Soap Company’s Coconilla Body Butter. It is a rich blend of high-grade natural vegetable oils and aloe. The combined scent of coconut and vanilla was pure heaven (think vanilla icing topped with smooth coconut). I liked it so much that I used it up within just a few short weeks while I was pregnant. I have yet to try their other products, but I’m sure that I’d love them just the same. They have multiple types of beauty products, including shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and more! You can visit their online store here. I really like that technically it’s a local company since it is based out of Marmora, NJ, and that all the products are petroleum, sulfate, paraben, and cruelty free. If you hurry, you could take advantage of their 14th birthday sale and get 25% off your purchase. Their products would make fantastic gifts for the holidays, so head on over and check out their inventory. You’ll be hooked!

Miss Rumphius

October 31, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

Today’s Book Blurb is called: Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. This is a beautiful children’s book that has left an impression on me. I first read this book years ago when I was student teaching and I still remember every detail. I don’t have a copy of it yet, but hope to get one for Baby Ap and Baby Er. Miss Rumphius is a story about achieving your dreams and leaving your personal imprint on the world. You will fall in love with Miss Rumphius and her decision to plant lupines for all to enjoy. This book’s illustrations and message will stay with you long after reading through its pages. It is a must-buy for any children’s collection.

What You’ve Taught Me

October 29, 2011 by buckbuckgoose | 0 comments

What you’ve taught me:

- what it means to be a family

- how strong of a woman I am (physically, emotionally, spiritually)

- that waking up with a smile (specifically yours) is the only way to wake up

- how much I truly love your father (especially when I see him with you)

- what it feels like to be filled with complete pride and joy

- the true meaning of the word “mother”

- that every single thing in life is magical, even a simple shadow on the wall

- the fact that time passes by so quickly

- how to make the most of each moment

- that my heart has the capacity to love more than I ever thought possible

- what it means to have patience, compassion, and empathy

- how to see the world with new eyes and a broader vision

- the reason why I was born

- that dreams are fulfilled and wishes do come true (you are my miracles)

Thank you.