A Random Assortment of Goodies

KY--as seen in "The Ultimate Southern Adventure: Kentucky" article referenced below. Swoon.

I’m still recovering from Christmas: the present-opening; the frantic dashes to keep my son from grabbing a priceless tchotchke (it’s a miracle I knew how to spell the beginning of that word to spell-check it)/running up the stairs/mauling a smaller baby, etc.; the gluttonous food consumption.  To ease myself into post-Christmas life I’m eating homemade fudge and buckeyes for breakfast and offering some links to random articles/products/things.

This Article:
“I’m a Muslim Mom Putting Christ into my First Christmas” was such a special read for me, particularly since I went to high school and college with Gulnaz. The article is moving and smart and serves as a great reminder that we are creating/upholding/and even writing traditions for our children. Definitely something for me to think more about.

This book:
I’m only about 20% through The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man, and it’s both extremely engrossing and informative. The nonfiction book focuses on Robert Peace, but all of the details have been provided by Peace’s loved ones, friends, former teachers, etc. This is a chronological account so I can’t give you a long-view of Peace’s life yet, but I can say that I’m appreciating learning more about the history of neighborhoods outside of Newark--including the 1967 Race Riots-- and I'm very much invested in Peace, his family, and friends. Such a great read so far.
 
These earrings:
I wrote about these dazzling earrings on my Christmas gift list, and I received a pair for Christmas (I'm 99% sure they are the Elle earrings and not Danielle, FYI). I’ve only worn them once, but let me tell you, they are gorgeous. They’re a little bit of a splurge, at least from my perspective, but I received them as a gift which makes them A++++.  Thanks to my amazing mother-in-law for giving me such beautiful ear décor!
 
These books:
Emily Winfield Martin writes and illustrates the most beautiful children’s books. I love how fanciful Dream Animals and The Wonderful Things You Will Be are and the illustrations are swoon-worthy. I bought Day Dreamers for my son this Christmas, and I can’t wait to dive in. I buy these books for my son and myself.
 
This FitBit:
I have had FitBits on and off for the last few years, and I got two FitBit Charge 2s for Christmas. I love having a watch on me at all times, particularly since I’m often waking up in the middle of the night to get my toddler, these days. This Charge 2 also has a date on the main screen, which is great since I’m a WFHM and my days often blend together.  And oh yeah, it will track my exercise habits (or lack thereof), and make me feel even better about all of the mad dashing I’m doing to prevent my son from wreaking havoc ;).
 
These Book Matching Sites:
If you’re looking for a new book to read, ask me! But if you don’t want to ask me, try these sites: http://whatshouldireadnext.com/ and http://www.literature-map.com/.
 
The State of Kentucky:
I live in Tennessee now but I grew up outside of Louisville, Kentucky, and it’s even the setting for my book. Tennessee is wonderful, but there is something so magical about returning to the place where I grew up and knowing that it’s my city. It feels like home. Check out “The Ultimate Southern Adventure: Kentucky,” and plan your next family or friend activity. Some of my favorite things to do in and around Louisville—besides hang out with friends and family—are to visit Bardstown Road (my husband and I went to the phenomenal Sapporo this weekend for our second date night post-baby), go to any of the local bookstores (including Half Price Books), and of course drop by my family’s fence company, Shuck Fence Company, and hear more about the beautiful Kentucky style board fences we’re building and check out the retail products offered at the front (I love the boots).  Hey, I had to do it.
This article gives me more incentive to play the tourist more in the place that I still call home.

So there you have it. What did you enjoy in the last few days?

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