Part of being creative is absorbing the best of the world around you and discovering how you’ll radiate it back out. Here are some of the best books that have inspired me and my kids in such a way. I hope they’ll fill you to overflowing with imaginative possibilities. BONUS IDEA: Sure, it’s nice to give gifts … More 8 Books to Inspire Creativity
What does the word “Ole!” make you think of? Rejoicing, dancing, bullfights, Spain? But before it was Spanish, it was a religious chant from another country altogether.
Who doesn’t occasionally get bogged down by today vs someday, practical vs ideal, reality vs dream? It’s easy to let your left brain win out in those stacked matches. But Effie Waller Smith splashed cold water on my face with the following poetic revelation. May it inspire you to make a choice today—tiny or grand—on … More Today vs Someday
Did you know parades were originally a chance for rulers to display their military might and authority? Eventually they became associated with festivals and holidays. People used them for a chance to socialize, witness a spectacle, and have fun (as they still do). They say the original Macy’s Day Parade (1924) was the first to … More Free Seattle: Parades
I recently came across an idea-packed article on creativity rituals, which included everything from naps to bar brainstorming to frequent vacations (yes yes and yes!). They also mentioned something called an “interesting people fund,” the idea of which was taken from an interview with entrepreneur and author Ben Casnocha: By pre-committing time and money to meeting interesting … More Interesting Person Fund
It’s not often that I recommend a book so unilaterally. Frankly, I don’t recommend most books I enjoy because they’re usually too far in the realm of classic on the one end or fantasy on the other. Not true with The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Whether you’re man or woman, adventure lover or philosopher, page … More The Goldfinch
I’ll never forget the first time I realized my toddler has actually drawn a… thing. Since then, I’ve been tracking down fun ways to help her get creative and practice her hand-eye coordination. It’s never too early to prep her for epic video game nights, right? Here are a few of our favorites drawing games. … More Drawing Games
I grew up with a mom who was a children’s storytime librarian. So I can’t really pick up a kids’ book without brainstorming ways to make it interactive. The first idea below is my mom’s all-time favorite, and the others I whipped up for two of my 3 year old’s (and my) favorite kids’ books.
Here’s an idea if you need to decorate on a budget or are thinking ahead to DIY holiday gifts. I recently made a bunch of tinted mason jars in bulk for a friend’s wedding, and I was pleasantly surprised by how they turned out. We filled them with candles and used them in the table centerpieces, … More Tinted Mason Jars (in Bulk)
Have an unused wall or side of a cupboard in your kitchen? Try a little chalkboard paint for added interest, usefulness, and fun. Our toddler particularly likes her new creative play area on the other side of our fridge. We hung a
My Castle Heart Publications 