Countdown to Halloween

I am a recent subscriber to Family Fun magazine. I don't have a full-fledged family yet (meaning little ones) but I love, love, love their craft ideas.

I used to frequent the YMCA before moving and someone would bring in their old Family Fun magazines for the magazine rack. On more times that I can count I would think of how I could possibly sneak the magazine out or possibly just rip out a couple pages. I could never bring myself to do it, so I subscribed on my own.

While checking out the FamilyFun.com website this morning I came across a calendar that is updated every day in October with a new craft. Hello after school activity. I need to get myself some youngins'.

Books: Newberry Winners

In my former life, I was a fourth grade teacher. I taught Language Arts (as well as every other subject) and immersed myself in the bookshelves at the elementary school. What I found were wonderful and inspiring books for children.

Last year I decided to read books from the Newbery Award winners list. The Newbery Medal is awarded each year by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Here are the books I've read so far. In order from the oldest to the newest (by date).

1941: Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry

1945: Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

1957: Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorenson

1961: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

1968: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

1971: Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars

1972: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien


1978: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

1979: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

1984: Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

1990: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

1995: Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

1996: The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

1998: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

1999: Holes by Louis Sachar

2002: A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

2004: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
I could tell you what I thought of each of these books, but I won't. There is a reason these books made the list. They are amazing and thoughtful and I'm glad to have them in my collection.

Etsy :: Halloween

Every year at this time I get the urge to decorate my house (and myself) with all things related to Halloween. This year, I plan on doing a little shopping over at Etsy. Here are some of the things I love.

Happy Jack-O-Lantern Night Light by Mariposa Avenue

Pumpkin Hat by Karlen Knits
Candy Corn Soap by Smokey Mountain Scents

Black Cat Halloween Earrings by Under The Looking Glass
Use the links above and support the Etsy community.

Password Log

This product almost made me laugh when I saw it. My husband totally needs this people. He tries to be all sneaky and have a million different passwords so that no one will ever hack into any of his accounts. Heaven forbid someone steal his espn password.

I don't even know if espn has a password. It was just an example.

Behold the password log from See Jane Work.

Writing your password down and sticking it to your computer monitor sort of defeats the purpose of a password.

Keep usernames, passwords, account numbers, and more in a place where you can find them (but the temp who uses your desk after hours can't), with the Password.log from Buttoned Up.

Sized to fit in your handbag or desk drawer (one that locks) the Password.log has plenty of space for all your personal and professional log-in info.

50 pages.

Measures 3.5"h x 7"w x .25”d

The search for the perfect calendar

I fully admit that I have an office supply problem. I hoard things such as permanent markers, paper clips, sticky notes, and calendars.

I have searched for years to find the perfect place to write down my appointments, dates, etc. It has not been an easy process. Once I'd buy one, I would be so into for a brief moment in time. I'd fill it out and a few weeks later, I'd forget about it and move on to another. Nothing ever felt quite right.

And then, I stumbled across this lovely at Paper Source. I have officially fallen in love. I write my to-do list down and mark things off with a highlighter. I'm going on my 3rd week now, and things still look good. Cross your fingers for me. I think this one might be a keeper.

Get your own at Paper Source

Padding Compound

After reading this post on The Small Objects blog, I knew what I had to do. I needed my own padding compound and immediately went to buy some at Amazon.com.It just arrived in the mail yesterday. I can't wait to share with you all the lovely notepads I will make for my family and friends!

It's October

There is something about this time of year that makes me want to throw a party. Complete with hay bales, apple cider, a big pot of chili, and pumpkin carving! I've already gone apple picking once this year and as soon as I work my way through the 50 apples sitting in my kitchen, I will probably go again.

Check out these ghoulish things that Paper Source is selling.

Spooky Bat Stickers $12.50

Fright Night Sign $8.50
Scaredy Cat Placecard Holder $12.50
Can't forget the invite $18.50 for a box of 8

All images and information: Paper Source