Appalachian Chic

The Hapiness Project...

  Two weeks ago I walked into our local Barnes and Nobles and a book caught my eye. It was in the New's Year's resolution area, just one book all by itself. The book was begging me to pick it up. 

 I think things are placed in your life to help you to become a better person, more aware, but you have to be willing for the change. Was it just in that time in my life, my mid-life to question. Question, have I lived my life the best way possible.

  So this book the Hapiness Project has made me aware...

                   

                The Hapiness Project by Gretchen Rubin                                                                                        

Afternoon in the Garden

 

   Yesterday afternoon my son Jack and I went to our local library to study wildflowers. We collected his journal ,art supplies, and found a spot near the gardens. Our library's gardens is filled with native plants that are taken care of by our master gardeners.

 

  We talked about native plants and what they are called, how wildflowers seeds are spread, and what types of insects we find in our gardens.

 

   Jack spotted a few Cicada shells laying around the trees, and we listened to the sounds they make. 

 

 

     Jack drew Black Eyed Susan's in his journal.

 

   We found some great books that we would like to share with you on the topics of late summer gardens, gardening, and insects.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Insects in Action By Thea Feldman

The Big Wish by Carolyn Conahan

Inch by Inch By Leo Lionni

The Unbeelievables by Douglas Florian

Release

  Yesterday I was getting ready turn onto our main road to go home. On the right side I saw a little box turtle getting ready to cross onto the road. Yes even in Washington DC there is wildlife! I quickly put on my hazard lights explained to my Mom the rescue operation since I was driving and she quickly got out and rescued the little lady in distress. The kids and I took her to our local park with woods and streams and let her go! What a wonderful feeling! The kids said good bye and said well wishes to our little lady!

Finding my Inner Child

   This week I am finding my inner child. I took a peaceful walk in the rain, I rode the waves, and explored tidal pools! Have you searched deep inside and found yours?

Joel is so Inspiring!

 

Spring is Here! Spring is Here!

 We are starting to see crocuses peep out along with a few daffodils. Inspired by the season of spring, we made a daffodil bunting.

 

Only a few supplies are needed.

• Paper
• paint/crayons 
• scissors
• glue 
• paper egg cartons or orange/dark yellow styrofoam egg cartons
• tape to adhere flowers to string
• string for hanging       

 

First trace your flowers from a pattern. You can make a star shaped petal pattern. Or you can use this one provided. Then get our your paints/crayons and color the petals. Cut, adult supervision/adults only.

Then cut out egg shape cartons for inside of petals. Paint them orange.

 

Let your flower parts dry. Then frolick in the sun!

After some playtime we decided to add some few details, fun mark makings.

Glue flower parts together. We liked using a new glue by Elmer's called Glue All. It's a sturdier more powerful glue. Let them dry, and play in the sunshine! Yeah, more playtime!

After all this playtime. Jack needed a nap. While he napped Momma attached the flowers to some left over green wool yarn. I used masking tape, you can use any type as long as your flowers stick.

Now hang your spring project up for everyone to see! We hung ours in Jack's playroom, to spice it up a bit!

A Day at the Museum

  Jack got to spend a morning at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum with his little cousin, Olivia. One of his favorite exhibits is the stuffed Giraffe.