Library Finds: International Fairy Tale and Folktale Picture Books

Random fairy tale and folktale books that we enjoyed this week. All are from different countries which is great for extending learning to geography. Preschool - grade two.

Very short and a bit silly: Tikki Tikki Tembo, a Chinese tale. The boy's purposely ridiculous long name will get a giggle with younger children, especially while the parent struggles to pronounce it!

A classic Irish tale, beautifully illustrated and medium length for older "littles": The Children of Lir

Humorous retelling for young children: The Monkey and the Crocodile: A Jataka Tale India by Paul Galdone

A tale from Spain(Moorish Iberia):Miller, the Boy and the Donkey, Based on the La Fontaine fable by Brian Wildsmith

Exciting third person, lyrical retelling of the final, "and most difficult, labor of Hercules, known as Heracles in Greek mythology, in which he must go to Underworld and bring back the three-headed dog, Cerberus". Beautifully illustrated and just short enough to catch the interest of small children. Hercules


The Magic Grove: A Persian Folktale

Lusciously illustrated Persian(modern day Iran) tale, surprisingly Christian in tone, only because I'm ignorant of Persian values and morals(I'm sure). The characters of this lovely tale of love and compassion continue to choose others before themselves despite desperate hardships. They are rewarded in the end for their kindness to some fantastic birds(of grace?) whose lives are spared.

The age old classic Greek myth, King Midas and the Golden Touch











Source of world map.

Shadow Puppets

Active storytelling.

Source: designmom.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

I'm reading Grimm's fairy tales to my daughter. I might have to try this.

Lots of ideas here.

Many free to print vintage silhouettes here.

Printable puppet stage.

Source: etc.usf.edu via Alexandra on Pinterest

Washing Painted Walls

I was thinking the only way to brighten up our walls was to repaint, but I've spent a few days wiping down the walls top to bottom, and they are so much brighter! I take the time to spot clean every week, but this thorough cleaning made a bigger impression of cleanliness. I found that a dampened microfiber towel wrung out with dishwashing soap removed dirt the best. Some of my spray cleaners that I've used in the past were too strong and caused paint to fade, especially on my door frames and wall corners in heavy traffic areas.

I rinsed the towel in clean water frequently and worked from top to bottom in a circular motion. Our walls are especially tough to clean because they are textured with plaster swirls. I use Palmolive dish soap, and this gets all the grubby hand prints, pen and watercolor marks, and other kiddie "art" out of the crevices and off of the wall.

Anyway, I think we'll get another few years out of our wall paint before I need to repaint. I got a good work out for my arms as well!

Early Spring?

View from my window today. It's oddly spring-like this winter. I've even got daffodils and radish coming up! Our spring bushes are heavy with buds. I'll be back...I've been deep cleaning the house this week, and purging collections of outgrown toys and clothes. Tomorrow is donation day.

Zero Cost Preschool Math

Source: montessorionabudget.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

My daughter is too old for this, but the simplicity of this idea caught my eye. I think those are toilet paper rolls holding the number places. The sticks are nice for little hands to hold, and not likely to be a choking hazard like small round counters. Fun for children to collect and break as well.

Printable Peter and the Wolf Puppet Theater

Source: sarahjanestudios.com via Cypress on Pinterest

Made from a cereal box, some sticks, and brads. See here.

Children's Bathroom Organization

Source: Uploaded by user via Hannah on Pinterest

I am so doing this! I'll have them use the longer space for toothpaste

Discounted Gift Cards - Money Back on Purchases

In January, people begin unloading their unwanted Christmas gift cards, so it is a good time to purchase discounted gift cards. Mostly, I use Plastic Jungle to purchase gift cards at a discount, and stick to merchants that I use regularly like Jiffy Lube, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Rite Aid, etc. Plastic Jungle is an online place to buy and sell gift cards. Plastic Jungle buys from individuals, and sells the cards at a discount online. All cards are verified and guaranteed by Plastic Jungle. I was able to get a Barnes & Noble gift card last night at an 11% discount(off face value), and it does not expire, so I can take my time using it. Since it's a gift card and just like cash, I can pair coupons with it and my member discount. This adds up to some nice savings.

Shipping is free and fast. I've had nothing but good experiences with Plastic Jungle. They offer e-gift cards as well, but I like to have the ones I can use both one and off-line.

Because Boxes are Fun and Useful

My daughter made this doll house the other day, and it works as a portable craft table as well! She has been carrying it upstairs to color or paint on it while I do chores. We've got a children's chair(thrifted for a $1.00 last week) that is just the right height for it.

To waterproof a cardboard box table, cover it with contact paper.

Source: homeliving.blogspot.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

Nature Crafting: Winter Pinecone Man

Source: make-it-do.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

Click on "Source" above to see directions.

Tea Party Kittens

Today at tea-time, I was instructed to cover the tea party with numerous pictures of the goings-on. That's Fluffy; she's one of those motion activated Fur Real cats.

It was a welcomed break from helping my son with a unit on Polynomial Algebra(gag). The (real) cat was making a nuisance of himself anyway.








This guy wasn't invited, even though he eventually grew hands to hold the cups(which seemed to improve his mood). I'll make sure he's included next time.

Winter, The Phlegmatic Temperament

Source: google.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

"...Sir Winter is also motivated by his physical being. Winter prefers to communicate in action and pictures and not as much with words. When one walks out into a winter wonderland they don’t hear the laughter of the summer brook, the chirping of spring birds, or the chattering of autumn squirrels. Instead one must switch their focus to the visual and the physical and notice the sloping snow drifts, the gently dripping icicles, and the physical beauty of each snowflake. When winter wants to communicate he does not shout, cry or laugh – he moves. Winter’s philosophy in life is “don’t talk about it – do it.”

However, as much as Sir Winter likes to keep to himself and is motivated by his own inner world, he can also be influenced to change by others. A snow-drift can be transformed into a snow-fort, a pile of sticky snow can become a snow-man, ice on the walk can be melted by salt and an avid skier can create modern art on Sir Winter’s powdery white surface. To the casual observer Sir Winter may seem impenetrable. However, to those that know him well, the secrets to bringing him out of his comfort zone are revealed. Because above all, the comfort zone is what matters most to Sir Winter."

What a wonderful description of the Phlegmatic temperament. Read more here. We've got an entire household full of Phlegmatics right down to the cat! ;) It's a winter landscape here, although my daughter has a few drops of sunshine(Sanguine).

More about the four personality temperaments(Waldorf homeschool) here.

No Sew Beginner Needle Felting

This is new to me, but looks amazingly easy! See here for photo tutorial for needle felting these bees.

Source: passengersonalittlespaceship.blogspot.com via Julia on Pinterest

How to Draw an Elephant

Source: blog.vanstee.be via Alexandra on Pinterest

As well as a drawing lesson, this would make a cute template for sewing an elephant softie toy.

Craft Some Gold Brick Bookends

Source: Uploaded by user via Myrnie on Pinterest

I need to try this. Simply spray paint a brick gold...or silver, or any favorite color.

Craft a Mini-winter Scene

Source: cfabbridesigns.com via Lamb on Pinterest

Now I just need to find a brandy type glass at the thrift or dollar store.

General Cleaning of a Room, 1918

From Household Science in Rural Schools (1918):
"Rooms which are in constant use should be swept and dusted every day. A thorough cleaning of each room in the house will be necessary every week or two, even though the room is swept and kept in order daily. First, all cupboards, drawers, and other receptacles in which articles collect should be cleaned; then all large movable articles should be dusted and moved out of the room; those that are not readily movable should be dusted and covered. The floor should be swept with the windows open; the ceiling and walls should be brushed with a covered broom, and the dust allowed to settle. The floor should then be wiped with a damp cloth on the broom. If the floor is of unfinished-wood, it will require a thorough scrubbing. After sweeping the floor and allowing the dust to settle, a small portion at a time should be scrubbed with a floor-brush and soap. When scrubbing, the grain of the wood should be followed. The scrubbing-water should be changed frequently. For rinsing and drying the floor, a cloth should be wrung out of clear water. The woodwork should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a soap that is not too strong. Soda or sapolio should not be used. The furniture should be carefully uncovered, and everything arranged in perfect order.

The things that are highest should be dusted first, and care should be taken to collect all the dust in the dust-cloth. After collecting the dust, the cloth should be shaken out-of-doors, washed thoroughly, and boiled. The dust-cloth should be dampened before using on all surfaces except the polished furniture and windows.

Sweeping should be done with short strokes and the broom should be kept close to the floor, so that the dust will not be scattered. The corners of the room should be swept first, the dust gathered in the center, and then swept into the dust-pan. The dust should be burned, for it may contain disease germs. Loose hairs and fluff should be removed from the broom after using, and it should also be washed periodically.

Small rugs should be cleaned out-of-doors. They should be swept, beaten, and re-swept, then rolled until ready to be put on the floor. If the rug is a large one and cannot be removed, it should be wiped over with a damp cloth, rolled, and the under side of the rug and the floor beneath it should be wiped.

After the room has been cleaned, the windows should be arranged so that a supply of fresh, clean air can come constantly into it. This is essential to every room in the house, if perfect health is to be maintained."

Wow! Now that's a clean room. I need a carpet beater.

Beatrix Potter and Originality

Source: lynnehoppe.tumblr.com via Cypress on Pinterest

Thank goodness I was never sent to school. It would have rubbed off some of the originality. ~Beatrix Potter portrait and quote

Sweet Chicken with Tamarind, Apricots, and Chipotle Sauce

Recipe and photo tutorial here. I haven't tried this yet, but it looks delicious. Recipe is from Pati's Mexican Table.

Printable Domino Math Recording Sheet

Source: firstgradeschoolbox.blogspot.com via Cypress on Pinterest

See here. Click on "print" at link and you'll see an option for a PDF download, otherwise it goes to a PowerPoint document which requires an app.

If you slide the page into a plastic sleeve you can use a wipe-off pen, making it re-useable without having to reprint.

Original link here.

Living History Revolutionary War Period(1776) Library Book Find(Grades 6-8)

Found at our public library today for my son(age 14): Going to School in 1776 by John J. Loeper, published in 1973. I've skimmed through it and liked what I saw. The writing is clear and crisp, packed full of historical information written in interesting small bites, shorts sections peppered with old wood cut prints from childrens' books of the time. Highly readable, light, and not dumbed down, this is a super living book for history studies, especially to wet the interest in history of that time period. Although the children's names have been changed in the book, all the the events are real, based on historical record. It covers everyday life of several children against the backdrop of the political and military drama of the Revolutionary War. This slice of life coverage helps add a face and heart to historical facts, a stepping stone to in-depth study, or adjunct to current studies.

Sections covered: The Word of 1776(historical background), Being a Child in 1776, How Children Dress in 1776, The Schools of 1776, The Teachers of 1776, The School Books of 1776, The Lessons of 1776, The Discipline of 1776, Being a Girl in 1776, and Having Fun in 1776.

Loeper also wrote Going to School in 1876, and about a dozen other living history books for children.

Dishwashing Made a Pleasure

From Things Mother Used to Make (1914).

First of all, remove all refuse from the dishes.

Place them near the sink, large plates at the bottom, then the smaller ones, then saucers.

Have a large pan full of very hot water.

Make a good soap suds by using a soap shaker.

Wash the tumblers and all glassware first, and wipe at once.

Use a handle dish cloth (which can be bought for five cents), for these, as the water will be too hot for the hands.

Wash the silver next.

Have a large pan, in which to place the clean dishes, cups and bowls first.

When all are washed pour over them boiling or very hot water, and wipe quickly.

Pans and kettles come last.

Always have a cake of sand soap or a can of cleaning powder, for scouring the pie plates and bottoms of kettles.

It is very little work to keep baking tins and kitchen utensils in good condition, if washed perfectly clean each time they are used.

Wash the dish towels, at least once every day, and never use them for anything else. With clean hot water, clean towels, and plenty of soap dishwashing is made easy.

If you live in New England, your sink will be in front of a window. Be sure and plant just outside of this window nasturtiums, a bed of pansies, morning glories, and for fall flowers, salvia. These bright blossoms will add to your pleasure while washing dishes.

More about vintage dish washing and kitchen cleaning hints here, at Vintage Recipes.

Pictured here, my next sink: farmhouse sink with double drainboards. Ideally, I'd like to find a vintage one in good shape for the rounded edges where it mounts on the wall. I don't like the utilitarian look of the angular edges.

Modern dish hand-washing tips for water conservation:

Hand-washing:

• Turn it off. Don’t leave the faucet running constantly as you soap-up then rinse off each dish.

• Divide and conquer. If you have a double-basin sink, fill one side with wash water and the other with rinse water. You can reuse the rinse water for each dish, and then reuse it again to water your lawn.

• Aerate. You can increase the efficiency of your rinsing with an aerator that limits output from 2.5 gpm to 1.5 gpm or less (going below 1.5 gpm, however, may be frustrating, given the time it would take to fill up the sink).

• Do you even need to rinse? In some European countries, water costs are so high that people wash their dishes and then just wipe the sudsy water off, without rinsing.

- From This or That: Dishwasher vs. Hand-Washing

Cute pink gloves from Oilcloth Alley.

Children's Art: Butterfield Horse from Twigs

Source: elementaryartroom.blogspot.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

We'll be making this tomorrow(first grade art). Our backyard is filled twigs after mulch mowing the Autumn leaves and oak tree debris. All that's needed is twigs, glue, and construction paper. We'll draw the picture first for an outline, and fill it in with the twigs, cut or snapped to size. I'll use some dead fluffy plant fibers(from the yard) for hair.

End of the Year Thrifty Thrifter

The end of the tax year approaches and that means a rush of last minute donations to non-profit thrift stores. If you enjoy thrift bargains, the end of this week, and the first week of January are ideal times to find many good quality items for the home and wardrobe. Some of the larger well known thrift stores will be packed with merchandise during the next week or two.

Not tax related, but I've noticed that our Craigslist had a good number more offers for kitchen ranges(other appliances) in very good condition. Many people swap out their stoves for new ones that were purchased at discounted Christmas prices. And some of them were not that old, a few had active warranties.

Are you a Night Owl or an Early Riser?

Just for fun, Morning and Evening Types: Exploring Their Personality Styles, Juan Francisco Díaz-Morales, Personality and Individual Differences:

...morning and evening types think differently. Early risers prefer to gather knowledge from concrete information. They reach conclusions through logic and analysis. Night owls are more imaginative and open to unconventional ideas, preferring the unknown and favoring intuitive leaps on their way to reaching conclusions. Social behavior diverges as well: Morning people are more likely to be self-controlled and exhibit “upstanding” conduct; they respect authority, are more formal, and take greater pains to make a good impression. (Earlier research also suggests that they are less likely to hold radical political opinions.) Evening people, by contrast, are “independent” and “nonconforming,” and more reluctant to listen to authority—which suggests that teachers may have several reasons to prefer those students who wake up in time for class. Read more here(scroll to bottom).

Hmm, I'm an night owl, but not a rebel in the strictest sense. I do like being independent and imaginative though. :)

Bringing Back the Lard

From Lard: The New Health Food?, Food & Wine online:

In response to the news that New York City's health commissioner had asked local restaurants to stop using cooking oils containing trans fats, comparing them to such hazards as lead and asbestos, Kummer proposed that we bring back lard, "the great misunderstood fat." Lard, he cheerfully reportehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd, contains just 40 percent saturated fat (compared with nearly 60 percent for butter). Its level of monounsaturated fat (the "good" fat) is "a very respectable 45 percent," he noted, "double butter's paltry 23 or so percent." Kummer hinted that if I wanted to appreciate the virtues of this health food, I needed to fry shoestring potatoes or a chicken drumstick.
Read more here.

Homemade Lard Recipes, including Polish smalec.

Salo: Salo is a traditional Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian food: cured slabs of fatback (rarely pork belly), with or without skin.

Homemade Lard(Vintage Recipes)

1910 Paper Doll Kitchen

Source: 1910 Paper Doll Kitchen via Alexandra on Pinterest

Follow link below picture to enlarge(click on "full size" at link) and save for printing.

Keeping it Simple, A 1910 Kitchen

Source: images.google.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

A 1910 New England restored New England kitchen - simple, utilitarian, warm. This is going to be the inspiration for my new kitchen(someday). I'm considering a minimalistic freestanding kitchen without traditional cabinetry.

Thinking About a Shikibuton Futon Mattress

Source: images.google.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

I've had a platform bed for years, but lately I've been thinking about purchasing a Shikibuton, an authentic Japanese mattress(futon). Unlike the American style futon, which can be very lumpy and hard, the authentic Japanese futons(Shikibutons) are very comfortable. I've slept on them during my travels as a child, and my parents had one for years as a temporary guest bed.

I've found a few companies which make these by hand in the United States. One of them is in New Hampshire, J-Living; and another hand makes these in New Jersey, White Lotus Home. Right now I'm partial to one made by White Lotus because it is thicker and comes with a wool outer layer, if desired. White Lotus Home does not add perfumes, formaldehyde, or dyes to the natural fibers and materials. They also offer certified organic cotton for a bit more. Custom sizes can be made to order.

J-Living looks like the more authentic of the two Japanese futons. It has no wool outer layer and is made only with the traditional dense cotton batting. It can be easily folded away. Futon covers can be made to order with Japanese fabric, and they sell the Kakebuton, a traditional comforter.

I wonder if these Shikibutons will feel the same as I remember? We'll be using a tatami mat as a base. Reviews on both brands of futons have been favorable, so I hope it's a good experience when we purchase these.

Instructions for Vintage Adoration of the Kings Wall Hanging

I love these vintage crafts. This one is from the early 1960's and has a mid-century modern vibe to it. Printable instructions here.

DIY Candle Stick Apothecary Jars

" You will need 3 candlesticks. They were primed, then spray painted green. The jars were old Fry's salsa jars soaked in bleach solution and labels peeled off. The lids were spray painted to match the candlesticks. Lastly, the jars were glued onto the candlesticks with gorilla glue."

Source: thisoldchair.blogspot.com via Linda on Pinterest

Indoor Garden Grow Light System

I am still mulling over the idea of an indoor vegetable garden. This adjustable height grow light looks promising, and I may get this with Christmas money. I would love to grow green peppers, carrots, and cucumber indoors during the winter. Last winter, I experimented with indoor cucumber gardening and got one small cucumber(self pollinating organic) with no grow light, but full sunlight through a southwest facing window. I bet with grow lights I'd get much more. This one below is about $50.00.

Source: amazon.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

Hydrofarm Jump Start Grow Light System