Progressive Pioneer

Rabbit

So, despite my inability to sew buttons onto a few dresses (still not done...), Sam somehow caught me at a good moment and convinced me to help him sew a rabbit for Viv.

Turning Oppression into Opportunity

There are certain things about life here on earth that are sometimes just too awful, too gut-wrenching, too unbearably sad for me to even think about.  Too many of these things have to do with women.  And although it's hard for me to think about all the suffering that is happening, right now, at this very moment as you are reading this, I want to do something. 

Music Help, Please (and a confession)

I used to be really into music.  Then somehow, after I had kids, I just lost it.  I don't think I've listened to anything but NPR on the radio since I've been married!  And now, all of a sudden, I'm reconnecting with my music-loving self.  Only, I have no idea what to listen to!

Summer Vacation

I'm taking a little summer vacation.  Well, not really, life still continues as normal, I just won't be visiting this space quite as often.  I sure wish I was off to fritter away hours and days just reading on the beach!  Someday though, someday I will spend an entire summer at the ocean, with a sandy stack of books.

Ink & Paper

Love this.

 

ink&paper from Ben Proudfoot on Vimeo.

Dress Making (and Buying)

Remember how I cut out all those dress pieces and stored them in baggies until a rainy day?  Well, the rainy day kind of came and went...

The Friday Make and Do

Sam has always loved being read to and he's now at the age where we can start reading longer, chapter books.  Here's a great list of read-aloud books for three to eight year olds. 

Lobster Omelets

I returned home from the fabulous Symposium on Books for Young Readers tonight to find this email from my dad:

Sun Catchers

From Arianne:  We're always looking for ways to bring nature exploration indoors.  I made a natural specimen set (instructions below) this week for the light table.  But then our basement flooded on one side and the sewer backed up on the other. Really.

The Friday Reunion

Two Fridays in a row, sorry guys! I promise a good Make and Do post next week. This weekend we're at the Thompson Family Reunion! Hope you're having a great weekend wherever you are!

Inspiration: Fancy Drinks

I'm not a drinker, but I've always loved "fancy drinks," anything in stemware, with a garnish, even a twisty straw makes me happy.  Yesterday's sparklers, parades and fireworks put me in the mood for festive drinks and lights strung across the yard!

Fairy Mobile Tutorial

Imagine looking up and seeing a sky full of fairies hovering above you. These are the things that spark a child's imagination. And it's easy to make your very own fairy mobile!  This project is great to do with children ages 4-10 or for a friend who's expecting. What a fun baby shower gift or blessingway project it would make!

Here's what you need:

Complete Plant Protein Pilaf

I went to a lecture last year by Joann Seal and was recently reminded of this brilliant idea.  She created several combinations of beans and grains suitable for each blood type (There's a book called Eat Right for Your Type that addresses this).  Each combination is a complete protein, and all from plants.  I created my own, mostly from what was lingering in my cupboard (does anyone else have a cupboard full of those health food store bulk baggies?).  I didn't worry too much about blood type (one thing at a time!), but here's what's in our new favorite side dish.