Curly Birds

New Traditions - No Turkey and Chalkboard Gingerbread

When Eric and I first got married, I was sad that we didn't have our own traditions. During the holidays we followed my family traditions when they were visiting and Eric's traditions when his family were visiting. I was itching for ‘our thing.’

Twelve years and two kids later, our own traditions are starting to emerge...

This year my sister's family is coming for Christmas and my vision of our holiday is very much seeped in Eric and I's way of doing things. Some of our own childhood favorites are maintained - we are so opening presents before breakfast. But just as special are the new traditions - like no Christmas dinner.

"No Christmas dinner?" I hear you say. That's right! A few years ago, we made the bold decision not to cook a big dinner. The girls' and I are vegetarian, we don't often roast things, and we didn't want our Christmas to be a stressful day in the kitchen. We had Christmas tacos and loved it! This year, we are having Christmas tacos again. It is our thing.

 

 

Another family tradition? These cute gingerbread chalkboard people that the girls made last year. I am looking forward to seeing how the girls' decorate them this year.

Do you have some un-traditional traditions? I'd love to hear them.

A Crafty Christmas (in 4 weeks or less)

I have to admit – I am entirely overwhelmed that Christmas is only 4 weeks away. With the girls’ birthday being on Thanksgiving, I haven't even thought about the next major holiday. 

As I want a homemade Christmas and I only have 4 weeks left, I am looking to my favorite bloggers for inspiration...

 

First off, the holiday issue of A Subtle Revelry just came out and inside is this helpful December calendar – how great is that? I will be printing it off and following it closely. I feel a little more organized already.

 

 

Since moving into our house 10 years ago, I've been trying to figure out what sort of Christmas stockings to hang. Victoria's DIY Exaggerated Stockings have given me an idea - stay tuned.

 

Now for an advent calendar – there are only 3 days until we start and I have nothing. Luckily Kate from Mini Eco has designed a downloadable paper advent calendar which is perfect for this procrastinating Mum.

 

(I also love Kate's pixel popup cards)

 

What else do I need? Yes, you’re right – decorations...

To make with the girls: a winter forest diorama by Bkids

 

Opps, I just ordered this funky wrapping paper from Anthropologie. Don't you hate it when that happens?

 

I'm ready for a cup of hot chocolate and a long winter's nap. How are your holiday preparations coming? 

A Thanksgiving Birthday

This year I had a lot to be thankful for. My sister-in-law moved to Tennessee a few weeks ago and my Curly Birds turned 6 on Thanksgiving day. We had a lovely weekend of celebrating with Eric's parents and sister.

 

I hope your holiday was filled with family, love, laughter, and food. x

Creating a Seasonal Nature Table

With each passing season, a little corner in our home slowly evolves.

As summer gave way to autumn, our nature table welcomed a little squirrel gathering acorns.

As we gave thanks for the bounty of the season, our nature table was full of nourishing food.

And, as the hedgehogs ready for hibernation, our nature table will continue to progress into winter.

 

To learn more about creating a nature table, and to see ours in full, please read my recent article on Bella Moon.

 

Bella Moon is the blog of Bella Luna Toys. And Bella Luna Toys happens to be one of my very favorite on-line shops. Owner and former early childhood Waldorf educator, Sarah Baldwin, stocks her shop with thoughtful, inspiring, and beautiful Waldorf toys.

 The buying season is upon us, and as you chose gifts for your little ones, I am leaving you with the wise words of Sarah…

As I’ve tried to stress to parents over the years, choosing toys is not about “good toys” vs. “bad toys.” Rather, it’s about bringing new consciousness to selecting children’s playthings. Is it beautiful? Does it feel good? Does it leave room for the imagination? Will it inspire imitative play? If you can answer yes to these questions, you will be providing your child with all the tools needed for years of healthy play!

 

Bella Luna Toys

 

Disclosure: while I was compensated for my nature table post on Bella Moon, all opinions expressed on my blog are my own.

An Interview on Creativity and Robots

Hi friends, I've taken a bit of an unexpected blogging break - and you know when I'm not blogging it is because I'm off making pretty things. More on that, and perhaps a little announcement, later in the week.

 

Today I'm here to share Jennifer Cooper's interview with me as part of her Creative Family Series. We talked about my creative process, family time, and why I started blogging. You can read the full interview over on Classic Play.

But before I leave you today, I have to share a little piece of Jennifer's description of Curly Birds...

 

You know how sometimes you run across a blog and think to yourself, Man, I would love to get to know the person behind it. There’s just something about their style or way of seeing the world that sucks you right in.

That’s how I feel about Helen from Curly Birds. She has a laid back, yet completely thoughtful way of looking at things. Not to mention she’s crazy talented too. After reading her blog for months and months, I happened to meet Helen through a network of friends. And I’m just going to come out and say it, I was starstruck. True story.

 

Isn't that a perfectly lovely thing to read about yourself?!! I think it might be the nicest thing anybody has ever written about Curly Birds. I have the interview bookmarked and I might visit it every time I'm feeling down. Or every day, I haven't decided yet. 

 

Be sure to check out Classic Play and Jennifer's robot shop... they are the cutest bots ever. And perfect for holiday giving.