"Rags to riches" is a universally appealing theme in Western literature. How satisfying it is when the good guy is rewarded not only with a happy life, but a material windfall as well. The humble tailor must rise to a prince; the poor orphan girl will discover she's an heiress. The starving shoemaker will become fabulously wealthy and never want for anything again. After recently finishing The Inheritance (written by a 17-year-old Louisa May Alcott) and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Continue Reading
TAN’s Book of the Year, Plus a $1.00 Calendar and Planner Sale
I was intrigued by TAN's choice of Meditations on Death by Thomas a Kempis for its 2023 Book of the Year. The title catapulted me back to my teenage years, reading Flannery O'Conner's humorous short story, The Life You Save May Be Your Own. A Coffin for a Bed? It's a tale about two people who each want something very badly - specifically, an automobile and a son-in-law. Shiftlet, the young drifter who has cast a covetous eye on the car own by Mrs. Lucynell, eagerly takes up her offer to Continue Reading
Fall Favorites: A Big Round-Up of New Product Releases!
It's not just back-to-school season; my family does a lot more baking and book-reading and game-playing as the days get cooler and shorter. The products I'm sharing with you today range from the useful to the beautiful, and most of them are probably brand new to you! Loopy Hoopies From the makers of the Original Marble Spinner comes the Loopy Hoopie, a combination fidget and skill toy for ages 6 and up. Enjoy the sensory experience of a smoothly spinning marble, safely enclosed in its Continue Reading
6 New Cookbooks for Your Fall Kitchen + a Giveaway!
Do you spend more time in the kitchen when fall and winter arrive? I love to prepare more soups and chili, cookies and pies and breads. If you're in need of some inspiration, take a look at these five new cookbook releases from America's Test Kitchen and Simon & Schuster. There's something for every budget and diet. The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook America's Test Kitchen Available for $19.99 at Amazon From seasonal-ingredient-focused meals and desserts to one-pot dinners Continue Reading
Science for All Ages: Apologia Astronomy
Apologia has a full line-up of colorful, engaging science texts, including Astronomy, Botany, Zoology 1: Flying Creatures, Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures, Zoology 3: Land Animals, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry and Physics. Exploring Creation with Astronomy, which we received to review from the generous crew at Timberdoodle, is recommended as an early text given its easier-to-understand subject matter. There are a LOT of science programs out there, so what makes Apologia a wiser Continue Reading