Nook With a Book: Scarlet’s Window Box

Nook with a Book

Last week we shared Ramona’s Sweet Nest as the first installment of our Nook with a Bookseries. This week we have Jaime’s very own Scarlet sitting high in her Los Angeles window seat. This bay window was transformed from a basic sill into a book nook for Miss S with the addition of velvet cushions in a soothing grass green, tons of pillows, and a whimsical no-sew tassel garland. And in case you are wondering, yes ma’am, many of these DIY projects can be found in our book, Pretty Prudent Home!

Scarlet is at that wonderful age that still loves picture books but is also starting to enjoy chapter books, both on her own and reading with Mom. Here are two of her favorites this Summer.

SamandDavedigahole

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Charlieandthechocolatefactory

 

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Toast Tuesday: Ricotta, Honey & Almond

Toast Tuesday | Ricotta, Honey & Almond This week it’s all about a simple, easy breakfast. Start with whole grain toast and spread a layer of ricotta (I have experimented with fat free, but I feel like with ricotta, full fat is the way to go). Drizzle some honey (if you have local honey, you can call this an allergy-fighting food). Finish your toast off with a tablespoon or so of toasted almond slivers. Sweet, creamy, and crunchy – what more could you ask for?

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My Couples Retreat to Jamaica (with My Girlfriend)

Sandlas Ochos Rios Sunset I had the privilege of kidnapping one of my BFFs and spiriting her off to the land of beautiful sunsets, warm water, and rum punch for five luxurious days at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica.

A land of sunshine Sandlas Ochos Rios Beach

and rainbows
Sandlas Ochos Rios Rainbow

and fresh food
Sandals Ochos Rios Food

and love.
Sandlas Ochos Rios Jaime and Macki Who says you have to bring your husband to a couple’s resort?

Let me tell you more about my romantic getaway with my dear friend Macki… (more…)

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Some Thoughts on Summer Balance

Rumi Ahhh summer is here. Ours started on June 4th, the last day of school for all LAUSD kids. So when Chobani asked me for my thoughts on keeping a balanced life, my mind started to wander, as it does. My daughter is thrilled it’s summer vacation time, obviously. I am also very excited about having her around more, though also a little nervous, as I am every year, wondering how I am going to keep everything (work, play, exercise, learning, and on and on) balanced as our usual schedule gives way to long summer days.

Summer Reading | Pretty Prudent

I think we, as mothers, tend to worry about this more… at least more than we did back when we were young and summer was all about tank tops and fun. I don’t know that I have any answers. I hope that we find a balance this summer between my work, and my time with Scarlet. I hope we find a balance between her just playing and enjoying being seven in the sun, and also keeping up with her schoolwork skills (especially her writing… turns out this writer mama has a total math kid. Talk about balance.)
Barbara De Angelis Quote

As you know, I like to gather inspiration, as I’ve been doing for years for my Prudent Advice books. I culled through some thoughts and Jacinda made these beautiful share-able images to inspire us. Check out more of them and my thoughts on summer balance after the jump… (more…)

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Nook with a Book: Ramona’s Sweet Nest

book and nook

We are 1.5 weeks into Summer and doing well on our mission to keep up with our reading. I love to read and I’m hoping to share my passion for books with the kids. One trick I’ve found to get them into reading is to provide a comfortable spot in our home with plenty of light, snacks, and a bit of quiet. The last is not always so easy with three kids! My love of books (and book nooks) gave me the idea that I should share a few of my favorite people’s favorite reading spaces here on Pretty Prudent, and then a few of their favorite books.

First up I have one of Quinn’s besties, Miss Ramona Wills’ beautiful reading swing. Ramona’s mama Amber (Wills Casa) is a former elementary school teacher who knows a thing or two about inspiring kids to read, and designing a beautiful space in which to do it.

Ramonas-Room-45 Nook and a book

Ramona is going through her Elephant & Piggie stage. Our favorite was always There is a Bird on Your Head. But I do not WANT a bird on my head. hahaha. Those two crazy kids have such a cute and funny friendship.
Head on over to Wills Casa for a full tour of Ramona’s Room with tutorials on those curtains and the knitting needle wall hanging. It will not disappoint. And if you want to check out more of 5 year old Ramona’s favorite books, check out How I Became a Pirate and any of The Froggie Books. But seriously, why do all kids love those torturous froggie books so much?

Book with a nook

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Happy Friday from the Road

Jaime and Jacinda Pretty Prudent Jacinda and I are on the road this week. We had a blast speaking and meeting up with blogger friends at Alt Summit Summer in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.
ALT
Last night we headed out to the Land of Nod in Oakbrook, IL to craft and sign copies of Pretty Prudent Home. oakbrook

Tonight we will be in Chicago signing books and teaching a golf leafing workshop at the Land of Nod store atNorth and Clybourne from 6-8 p.m. This is gonna be a fun party, come join us!

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