{link list} 5.16.12 Edition

I love link lists. There’s nothing better than word of mouth, so when a blogger
recommends a recipe, a new shop or a great read, I am all about it! Here are a
few things I’ve come across this week…

1. We’ve finished PreK, but the boys still ask to “do school” on nearly a daily basis.  I’m thinking of incorporating a special craft time 2-3x a week to hold them over until the fall.  This activity using Harry the Dirty Dog looks really fun.  Playing in dirt and then eating bone-shaped cookies?  They’d be all about that!    

2. After a very thorough cleaning out of my closet, I realized I am in dire need of new sandals.  I like these, but my cheapo self cringes at the price. 

3. I am still plugging away in my current book, but am already looking to my next choice.  Right now it’s between Ellis Island: A Novel and Angel Sister.  Have you read either one?

4. I’m always looking for creative gifts for kids.  This DIY Detective Kit would definitely be a hit with the boys in this house!  I like that the kit could totally work for girls too, though.  Did you ever read Cam Jansen growing up?

5. Oh, if only I had the time to do this beautiful embroidery!  If you’ve read this blog for even a short amount of time, you know how much I admire Mother Teresa.  Maybe I’ll get the itch to start it this summer.

6. New recipes on my to-try list: Cheddar Baked Chicken and Mexican Chicken Soup.

7. It was providence that I was watching this video on Young House Love’s blog last night.  Mark has been complaining about needing a haircut for a week now, but hates shelling out the money.  When he turned to me and said, “Hey! You should try to cut mine!”, I was skeptical (read: terrified I was going to really mess up).  But I followed the directions and verdict: he loves it!   

8. Quote of the week: “To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony.” -William Henry Channing