Reading…

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Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too), by Keith Negley

DSC_0002I came across this book by accident, and knew it would be perfect for Emil for Christmas. It is a simple, colorful, vibrant book, beautiful to behold, but more importantly, it is touching and emotional. Throughout, classic “tough guys” show different emotions: the homesick astronaut, the frustrated, disappointed pirate, the race car driver who bawls his eyes out as he loses a race. One character appears terrified, another downright depressed. But all display their emotions clearly for the young reader to see. I think a book like this is a true gem for teaching little boys that self-expression is for everyone, tough guys included. DSC_0003DSC_0004DSC_0005

We all need a good cry sometimes. We feel the feelings…DSC_0007

“And it’s ok to show them…”

If you have a little tough guy in your life, I highly recommend this one!

Seven Sisters/The Basic Goods Giveaway!

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Today is Day 8 of the Dream Shop Collective, which means there’s only one more giveaway after this one! Today, Seven Sisters is giving away a $100 gift card to their store! Above are some lovely suggestions, but I’d spend mine on these sheer socks by Darner (or this floral version), which would look amazing with clogs, and this Farewell soy candle

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Head over to The Basic Goods blog to enter to win this gift card!

Circus Weekend Shenanigans

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Circus performances for all this weekend! All three of our boys had shows, which was very special since Emil is now in on the action. And boy, did he take advantage of the limelight! Being the youngest in his class, he hammed it up and made the crowd go wild for unexpected reasons (the goofiest faces, smiles, and positions). Perhaps his next act should be clowning. DSC_0222DSC_0241DSC_0095DSC_0076DSC_0077

Andrew’s mom drove all the way from Ohio to see the boys perform, and they really enjoyed having her here. We all enjoyed having her here! It was so much fun to share this part of our life with her — turns out we spend a long time at this place lately!
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Milo’s show was pretty impressive. He and his partner have been working so hard on their partner acrobatics act. And Andrew has taken time every night (even from afar while he was out of town for the entirety of last week) to help walk Milo through it all, practicing handstands and hula hooping. The difficulty in the balancing and body awareness required for the act took a lot of work and made us all appreciate what the higher level circus kids do, how they make it look so effortless when indeed it is the opposite. DSC_0253DSC_0336DSC_0349DSC_0332DSC_0323DSC_0318DSC_0307DSC_0290DSC_0284DSC_0368DSC_0376 

They did a great job, we all had a blast, and now we look forward to the last week of school before holiday break! The gift-giving, the dinners with friends, the celebrating of those we love, the excitement of Christmas morning. I’m ready for it all (though admittedly, not on top of the present part yet)! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Grain/Pretty Little Fawn Giveaway!

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Day 7 of the Dream Shop Collective is a very groovy set that would be perfect for that soul sister in your life! Today Grain has teamed up with Pretty Little Fawn to bring you the opportunity to win all of the following: Mongolian copper bells ($12), lavender candle ($12), sage smudge stick ($8), eye notebook ($16), stud earrings ($24), and lunar body oil set ($55).

Head over to Pretty Little Fawn to enter!

Also, be sure to check out Grain’s vintage clothing selection — it’s pretty fantastic. I had my eye on this delicate Edwardian silk blouse for awhile now… which I just bought with the DREAMSHOPCOLLECTIVE discount, and it is absolute perfection! I can’t wait to wear it with high waisted jeans and skirts, even layered on top of a solid colored dress. This one is similar, if you like the style!

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Good luck my friends!

Pitchforks and Pomegranates/Windy Peak Vintage Giveaway!

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It’s Day 6 of the Dream Shop Collective, and oh my goodness, this is one after my own heart! Today, Windy Peak Vintage is teaming up with Pitchforks and Pomegranates blog to give away all of the above items: a vintage Eddie Bauer leather pack ($57), 3 beautiful wooden hangers ($15), a set of 3 vintage glass bottles ($13), a beautiful quartz necklace ($18), a vintage scarf ($14), and wooden bead earrings ($17).

Head over to Pitchforks and Pomegranates to enter!