While being somewhat of a minimalist, there are quite a few things I love collecting. If lingering down an aisle at the thrift store my eye always goes to vintage art prints, antique stone crocks and chipped amber bottles. I also have a thing for long vintage floral skirts and old furniture that has just the right amount of patina. My stash of soft, oatmeal colored wool is growing rather large so I can make some pretty knits this winter and my cupboard of scrap fabric is bursting with tiny flowers and ginghams for pillow cases (and perhaps a few dresses for Stella once I learn the pattern!). I also love collecting inspiring quotes, memoirs of travel writers, used cookbooks with wine stains on the pages, French drink ware, essential oils for our medicine cabinet, tiny vessels for flowers, and articles on how to best roast a chicken. Thomas Keller’s is by far the winner in my opinion. I’ve got a journal full of random thoughts I’ve collected throughout my years of motherhood and a few folders on my desktop for interesting bits I’ve read online. I just love collecting. I really do.
In light of my love of keeping such things, have decided it would be rather fun to start sharing some of them here with you in a new series called “SHOW & TELL”. Every now and again, perhaps once a month, I am going to share some things I’ve collected throughout my days here with you, the majority of the items being articles and links and inspirational odds and ends to help lift your spirits and stretch your mind. Once in a while I’ll share all the items I’ve recently thrifted, maybe other times all the types of new sewing patterns I’ve accumulated. I don’t know, I really want to make this series a fun one that touches more on whimsy than structure. I just love sharing things that make me happy, things that make me think, and things that make me look at the world in a different, more optimistic way. Here is what I’ve recently gathered…
- “We Ask Our Kids The Same 3 Questions Every Night” is an article my mom sent me not too long ago and I thought was quite thought provoking. With Stella in part-time Kindergarten (we home school a few days a week as well) I’ve been thinking a lot on how to talk with her about school and things she did that day apart from the laundry list of to-do’s. What do you think about asking your kids how they failed? Never before have I thought about this nor heard about it, but reading I was reminded of a book I once read called The Help when Aibee says this to Mae Mobley. Such a good scene.
- Have you seen this movie? Andrew and I went to it a few weeks ago when it was showing at our local independent theater in KC. Such a lovely day date idea by the way. We were both so taken with the story of this film, it was poetic and refreshing and sort of therapeutic. It’s going to be one we purchase when available and dig out now and again when in need of a reset. I don’t know a lot about the survivalist lifestyle but it intrigues me! This film also inspired me to order this book and reread it this autumn. I read it once per a course requirement in my Walt Whitman and his contemporaries class at UNI. It’s worthy of a revisit for sure.
- I have been really into making big batches of stews and slow meals lately whereupon we will eat half for supper as a family, and I’ll freeze the other half for a quick meal when the day has run its course. Here are a few simple recipes I’ve been loving for the crockpot. You can’t beat chunky beef stew, basil chicken in coconut curry, and good ol’ Tuscan soup but made with sweet potatoes for a change. If you don’t have a crockpot go buy one. We use it weekly, I am currently making this lentil soup right now and it took me all but five minutes to prepare while the kids ate their toast this morning. So easy and healthy!
- I cannot get enough of this musical genuis. I am always listening to music throughout the day and could have his Spotify station on nonstop here at home. Bird’s album called “Pulaski at Night” is a favorite and one I like to put on in the mornings when I am making coffee and unloading the dishwasher. Andrew and I also love listening to these gems on the weekends together with the kids. It’s where we discover a lot of bands and get to see them in their raw state, intimately crammed in a little section of a library and recorded live. They are something else.
- Circling back to homeschooling, for those that do have you used this or similar Kindergarten supplements? I currently use some resources from the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum which we like, but are also looking for more materials that work well alongside Waldorf style philosophies.
- Here’s a great podcast about wisdom and a welcome to your heart which lead me to this rock band, who I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO. “The cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Mmmm, yes. Food for the soul.
- And last on my list for this post’s show and tell, one of the most beautiful kid’s movies I have ever seen. The babes and I have watched it several times now and each time was moved to tears. Ever since Stella was little I’ve been wanting to get the book and now, more than ever, I want to read it. Sometimes I feel like I was French in a past life or something? Anyway, I have heard there is a beautiful pop-up book out there that would make for a lovely gift and family treasure. Perhaps I will get this for Theodore when he turns three in a few weeks.
I’d love to know if this series something you as a reader will enjoy or find to be useful in this big world of blogging and link sharing? Feedback is always appreciated here. Enjoy your weekend dears, go outside and dig in the dirt or lay on a blanket under the stars with your babies. That’s what I’m going to do.
Ahdra - Love this! Such a beautiful and uplifting place of retreat you have made for yourself and all of us here. Thank you! 🙂
Samantha - I am really loving this new series and can’t wait to dig into the 3 questions article when I get home from work. You always inspire me
Carli - Such a beautiful and uplifting post Amanda! Especially love those three questions. Plan to start asking my daughter them as soon as she is old enough to understand. Thanks for sharing!
Katie D. - Love this! Thanks so much for these wonderful tidbits. Would you mind checking the link for the basil chicken curry recipe? When I clicked on it, it took me to the lentil soup recipe. Can’t wait to try both!
admin - Katie, fixed! x Amanda
Krystal - I love this blog post idea. Please keep it coming 🙂
Kelly - Love this, thank you for sharing. Please keep them coming!
Eden - Your blog is a treat! I motivate myself to finish certain unfavorable tasks by allowing myself a cup of tea and a good amount of time to read your posts. Many times the motivate me to more tasks and help me find the joy in the little. This is a great addition to your already lovely blog!
Bon Soir!
Emily - Have you tried Jamie Oliver’s milk chicken recipe? I’m very curious to hear from someone who has…it’s on my list of whole chicken recipes to try.
Naomi - Love this, Amanda. Please keep it up 🙂 It’s refreshing to see that it’s not just me who thinks like this and loves these little gems. It’s also a wonderful way to inspire and spark creativity in others. Thank you. xx
Carie @ Space for the Butterflies - Oh I love this – I’ve got things I’m drawn towards too – pretty glass and old books usually! And thank you for the thought about asking your kids how they failed; I’ve never thought of that with my three but it might be interesting to try 🙂
Amber Borycki - Love this new series! Such a great idea – shared inspiration is always a wonderful thing. Can’t wait for the next one! xo
Hayley - Love this! Your posts always offer some inspiration to my days. Can’t wait for more posts in these series!
Christie - I wasn’t able to open the link to the magical kids movie you talked about & am very curious…which movie is it?
Thanks so much!
Ashley - I think this is a great idea for a series! 🙂
Also, my husband and I just saw an article in a magazine today about Captain Fantastic and we are intruiged! We also enjoy Viggo Mortensen as an actor. So now that we have your recommendation to see the movie, we are definitely going to check it out!!
Amy - Love the new blog post! Just wondering if you could check the link for the beef stew, when I clicked on it it took me to the lentil soup recipe. Thanks
admin - Amy, should be fixed! Thanks for letting me know, I ended up linking lentil soup to a few other things too! x Amanda
Charlotte Dupont - Dear Amanda,
I loved reading your list!
I already wrote to you a few times, ´i ´m french and from what i can feel/ see /or read you sound very ” french” to me!!😊😊
I also enjoyed your article about the story nook, I’m a huge fan of Gerda Muller and I met her a few years ago, she is a very old and wonderful lady, i was moved to tears when i talked to her. I wish us to get old like her: wise and so witty!!
I’m collecting her old kids books they are just wonderful.
Have a wonderful we!!
Bisous charlotte 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷
admin - Charlotte, that is amazing! I can only imagine what a treasure that would be to meet her. We are also collecting her beautiful books and treasure them so. Have a beautiful weekend love! x Amanda
Kaitlin - Hi Amanda! I like the idea of this new series! I feel like my brain is always full of random tidbits so these posts are just my style 🙂 Can you check the link for the beef stew? It’s taking me to the lentil soup. And to share another lentil soup.. This one is fantastic and so quick!
http://ohsheglows.com/2016/04/03/glowing-spiced-lentil-soup/
admin - Kaitlin, all fixed! And thank you for that recipe, we make lentil soup a lot. It’s one of my favorites to thaw and have if myself or one of the kids are sick and need a home cooked meal super fast. I’ll be trying yours next! xx Amanda
Katie - Yes. Love this idea for a blog series! I love finding out what makes a person tick, likes and dislikes, quirks and interests… Plus, I’m totally obsessed with resources of all kinds. Articles, books, etc – give me all the resources on ______ topic I’m interested in.🤗 (I’ve once been dubbed the ‘Resource Queen’.) Looking forward to your shared wisdom/goodies – and gonna try all of these crockpot recipes!🎉 With love, Katie 🙂
Liv - This is so great- thank you! Was wondering if you know about Wild and Free?- it’s a community of homeschool mama’s that share their ideas about homeschooling- what’s been working for them- it’s really inspiring and has been motivating for me- love the idea of getting my children outside to learn and to grow independently. Just thought it’d be something you might love.
cailan matthews - I love this! Definitely my favorite kind of post. Already printing off the crock-pot recipes (so timely as I’m in such a cooking rut) and going to try the questions and can’t wait to see Captain Fantastic and we love The Little Prince, too! So, thank you for sharing. 🙂
Susan - Love this new series (and your blog)!
Michelle - Love this post!! Looking forward to this series.
Lillie - I recently stumbled upon your blog this summer and have fell in love. I don’t follow too many ‘lifestyle’ blogs (if that’s what yours qualifies as?!) but a few posts in and realizing you live in a place near where I grew up and I was hooked. You present a calming yet realistic approach I am fond of. for feedback. I like this series because 1: it allows us to learn about or see things you are currently ‘collecting’ or learning/using. 2: I like that it was posted on the weekend to allow a little more wiggle room to read through various links in the moment rather that returning to this later (or forgetting to) if this was posted mid-week. 3: it seems to be meaningful link/’collection’ sharing that has intention rather than just sharing stuff based on principal to share. Love what you are doing here!
Maria - Love it Amanda! It’s just like 6 posts in 1 🙂
Anna White - Love this new series!!!!
Danielle - We have The Little Prince pop up book! Sooooooooo gorgeous and soooooo worth it!!! It is pretty fragile though so I would keep it up high and save it as a book to read together 🙂
Ana - Hello! This is a lovely series. You have wonderful taste. I so very much enjoy the different sensory elements your blog has to offer, thank you! I especially enjoy the music and book suggestions.
Emmi - Loved it. Keep ’em coming!
Michelle - I love everything about your blog, insta, and snaps. But this! More of this! I love the idea and hope to see many more of these posts.
And can I just say what a light and inspiration you are to mamas everywhere. You feel like a kindred spirit and are someone I really look up to. I only have one (with another on the way) and I hope to be like you when I grow up! ❤️ (Though I am pretty sure I am older than you😉 ) So thank you. xoxox
Ana - Can’t wait to try that basil coconut chicken, looks delectable. Have you checked out Half-baked Harvest? A lovely food blog…check out her BUTTER CHICKEN…may be another one to add to the wonderful world of big-batch meals!
Claire - LOVE–keep it up!
Jen - Retreating to your blog, even if just for a few moments a week, is such a breath of fresh air for me, as a mom, a wife, a woman. So much that you say and do, the rhythms of your everyday, resonate with a place deep inside of me that I wasn’t listening to for years. Thank you. Please keep sharing!
Mallory - I love your blog and I look forward to your new post. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your inspirations. This week I made all 4 of the crockpot meals that you listed, they were delicious and my family loved them!
It is such a brave thing to share your heart and little pieces of your life with strangers and I so appreciate it because it is a little piece encouragement in my day, 🙂
Rachael - I am so moved by your blog and everything in it.
It is beautiful and meaningful.
It feels like a warm cup of tea.
The love for your family and children is palpable.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I wish I had a best friend just like you. <3
(I have 2 babes of my own: Evelyn is 3 and Heather is 10 mo)
admin - Rachael, I wanted to thank you for your kind note. It was so sweet to read and warmed my heart. I so appreciate it when readers take the time to reach out and share a bit of their heart here in this space. Blessings, dearest! x Amanda
Bergen - Love this series! It’s lovely to see where your thoughts and inspirations come from. Thank you for sharing and I hope that you continue to share these type of posts!
Show & Tell | Round 2 » Homesong - […] Click here to read Show & Tell | Round 1 […]
Show & Tell | Round 3 » Homesong - […] more inspiration and things to chew on from my Show and Tell Series, here is Round One and Round […]