Category Archives: Posts

becoming a reader

September 20, 2015Postsbook list, books, library bookssusan

I had resolved to read more books. I wanted to read more books and less blogs I would say but then go for months without finding one. Sometimes I would get one from the library or thrift shop but I felt like it was kind of slow going until this year when maiki bought me a Kindle. I was not into the idea at first because I did not want to spend money on e-books. I never imagined that I would be able to check out books from the library, but found that the Oakland public library had a large number of e-books available to borrow and the process was super easy. Once I started reading with the device I noticed that I was sailing through books. Now the list of books that I have read since amazes me and I am so happy to say that I am now a reader.

Books Read in 2015

All Joy and No Fun

Coraline

The Year of Magical Thinking

The Signature of All Things

Jane Eyre

A Tale of Two Castles

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

Danish Way of Parenting

A Little History of the World

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

A Tale for the Time Being

All the Light We Cannot See

flying a kite

September 14, 2015Postsberkeley, caesar chavez park, emma clover, kite, maiki, susan magnoliasusan

shopping for kids clothing

September 4, 2015Postsmelijoe, ruby's gardensusan

I found the site melijoe.com the other day and have become obsessed with the adorable clothes that they offer. They have Petit Bateau and Carrement Beau clothing and Aigle boots that I have my eyes on. They show prices in USD and there is a range of clothing with brand name offerings as well as affordable ones. I love to look but will probably not order unless I buy a few things since the shipping is a flat rate. So many cute peter pan collars and stripes and classic cuts.

I don’t usually buy new clothing but it can be worth it for well made pieces that don’t go out of style since they can always be traded in for something new. I have had good luck with resale shops in Berkeley and Oakland and right now Emma has two adorable cardigans from Boden and Oilily (both about ten dollars) that I really wish I could borrow. FYI if you do live in the area, Ruby’s Garden is the best resale shop that I have found. It is on Telegraph in Temescal and they give you credit to purchase any of the clothing in the store and not just the used racks. However the gently used clothing racks do not disappoint. It is hard to visit and not come out with something. ^_^

emma in photos, august 2015

August 23, 2015Postsemma cloversusan

At maiki’s work, with Dr. Bonyfide. ^_^

Eating breakfast with bunny. We are getting lots of grapes from our CSA this month!

Trip to SF to eat at the La Boulange cafe before they are closed in September. 🙁 no love for you Starbucks.

Walking through the Yerba Buena gardens to the playground. Emma loves the climbing wall and big slides.

Lots of stamping going on around here. We just got some new ones from this Etsy seller and they are wonderful!

Enjoying a linzer cookie heart before music class.

Reading Chi’s Sweet Home on the bus.

Bees on my mind

August 18, 2015Postsbeessusan

I am interested in seeing this movie “Vanishing of the Bees.” And I was fascinated by this article about the “Worlds First Bee Highway.” The more that folks can be encouraged to do on their own the better.

The Oakland Museum of California has a great exhibit on bees right now. This Ted talk about why the bees are disappering plays on a loop where Clover and I read the Magic School Bus book about bees. Its so sad to listen to but gets me thinking more and more about the bees which I never have before so it has been a great benefit.