the Great Read

I Heart StoryTimes To Go

2012-02-24T05:23:00.000-05:00

StoryTimes To Go

I'm interrupting our regularly scheduled Library Living At Home for important news.

If you can't make it to the library for story time, bring story time home to you.

The StoryTimes To Go kits come in a canvas tote and include books, cd and manipulative (each kit is different). We've gone more than a little bit country over Farms: StoryTimes To Go.

I've been librarying for years and just discovered this beauty. My daughter has started checking them out so she can teach her classroom.

There are over 100 StoryTimes To Go kits to drool over, on almost every subject, season and holiday you can think of. Check with your local library and share this beauty with the children you love.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Library Living At Home: Reading Aloud

2012-02-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

I'm often asked, how do you find the time to read to your children every day*?

I make it a priority, and I make it super simple.

How simple?

We read in bed.

And I keep a shelf of books right by my bed.

This quote inspired me years ago to make our home a living library:

"There were books in the study, books in the drawing room, books in the cloakroom, books (two deep) in the great bookcase on the landing, books in a bedroom, books piled as high as my shoulder in the cistern attic, books of all kinds reflecting every transient stage of my parents' interest, books readable and unreadable, books suitable for a child and books most emphatically not. Nothing was forbidden me." ~ C.S. Lewis

How and What To Read Aloud

I try for 20 minutes per child; for me that's an hour. I have regrets about how much time I spend on the internet and TV, but I never regret this time. Reading to your children will quickly become your favorite moments of the day, not to mention theirs. Not sure? Read this. Or this. And this. Need inspiration? This father and daughter encourage me to read daily.

Picture Books - Eighty percent of what I check out from the library is picture books. Why?

You are never too old for picture books. If you're walking past that section of your library thinking "too young for me" you are missing out on an endless source of educational beauty. Try this, or this, or this. We learned so much from this and this. Pictures books are priceless knowledge for every age.

Picture books are quick reads. Some nights you may not have 20 minutes to spare per child. Picture books will graciously give you peace of time. Try this, this or this.

Chapter Books - My goal is a chapter per night. I should mention that we start a lot of chapter books together, but the kids finish them on their own. Nick complains that I don't read fast enough - but this also isn't a regret. He may not have started the book if I hadn't read the first chapter.

Tip: If your children aren't begging you to read another chapter, you may have the wrong book. I have two or three back-up chapter books just in case. That is another gift from the library: trying without buying = you'll take more risks on books that you might not otherwise pick up. Try this (thanks for the recommendation, Amy, my son loved this read), this (thank you, Pam, we all loved this great read), this, or any of these.

Tomorrow I'll share Nick's shelf and how I read aloud with a 5th grader. Do you have tips on how you read aloud with your children every day? Please share!

*My Definition of Every Day: Almost every weekday night unless we are out late for some strange reason, mostly mornings on lazy weekends, and practically the entire morning and late evening during the summer months. But there are many days when we don't read - I'm not completely insane.

xoxo Michele

Library Living At Home: The Kitchen

2012-02-20T16:23:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my wild and crazy idea of sharing how we library at home.

If you are a parent, you are a teacher. The library has the tools you need to create a creative and inspiring home-school of learning without stress or spending. I'll show you how we shop the library and turn our home into an enchanted world of wonder.

The library provides the material, but you have to make it accessible. Give your kitchen a Mini Library Makeover.

Make Room on your kitchen or dining room table for a mini library. Use your favorite bookends and a bright tablecloth, even if it's really a shower curtain (mine is). Put a lamp on the table. Make it a place you'll enjoy slowing down, sipping tea and reading for five minutes.

Variety Is The Spice Of Life. Choose topics that appeal to you and your family, but select a few new genres that encourage growth. Take these great reads back to the library each week and pick up a new mini-library for your kitchen. Before long, your children will help pick the table reads.

Short Order Booking. I borrow devotionals, poetry, short stories, gardening and home design, travel guides, graphic novels and comic books for the kitchen. Breakfast usually means hurry - so handy, quick reads are perfect way to start the day for your entire family.

Kiss The Cook! While my hubby does most (okay, all) of the cooking, I completely drool over the cookbooks. Arielle and I have had a blast making bread, pies and countless treats because the library lends us this love:

Shopping the library should be exciting. I look at the shelves see small cities. What do you see?

If you have some tips on library living in the kitchen, please share. We all would benefit from your knowledge.

I want to do a linky party. Should we do a linky party? How does one go about doing a linky party?

xoxo Michele

I Heart Imperfect {Borrowed} Beauty

2012-02-20T06:54:00.002-05:00

Today I'm celebrating imperfect beauty with The Nester.

Say hey to my smoochie bunny bookend with the imperfect ear.

Knowing all of Sir Georgie's brokenness just makes me love him more. He's borrowed beauty (a great yard sale find), just like the books he supports (they came home with us from the library).

Beauty can be borrowed, that is what the library has taught me. And borrowing rather than buying has opened my eyes to another truth: sharing makes life simpler, sweeter. Really. There is less stress on so many levels when you share. Did you ever notice how serene libraries are? Yep. It's because they have perfected the art of sharing.

Thank you, Nester, for sharing your imperfect beauty with all of us. And reminding me that real friends love unconditionally. Especially when your tablecloth is really a shower curtain, and it clashes with the pattern on the lampshade. And the oranges can't stand the madness any longer so they roll across the table... but are ultimately foiled by the bulwark bananas. Madness I tell you.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

~ C.S. Lewis

Share your lovely, imperfect self with others and let the library share its borrowed beauty with you.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Library Living At Home

2012-02-19T16:24:00.004-05:00

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Lovely Lilly asked me, "What do your bookshelves say about you?" We have books in almost every room of our home, but most don't live on the shelves.

My favorite bookshelves can't be bought, but you can always borrow them.

Edvard Munch
The Ultimate Picasso

The bookshelves I heart don't even reside in my home, and yet they are my bookshelves.

If you library, they are your shelves, too.

We borrow all kinds of beauty and set up shop all over our house. I would love for you to come back tomorrow and take a peek at how we library at home. Just promise me you'll ignore the bedraggled carpets and dust bunnies everywhere.

We'll start with my Achilles heel, I mean the place with all the food...

Let's meet back here tomorrow. Grazie to Lilly for the encouragement and inspiration - you make me feel loved every day!

You can click on the links below to enjoy this entire series.

Thank you for stopping by: I'd love to hear from you.

Library Living At Home: The Kitchen
Library Living At Home: Reading Aloud

xoxo Michele

I Heart Maira Kalman

2012-02-15T19:41:00.000-05:00

Looking At Lincoln

President's Day is Monday - a perfect time to bring home this beauty from the library and savor it with your family:

Looking At Lincoln

The first Maira Kalman book I brought home from the library was The Pursuit of Happiness.

Principles of Uncertainty

She's a gift to our entire family. Her art, her ideas make us think.

Ask questions.

Discuss.

Contemplate.

13 Words

Like any great author, she inspires us to learn more about a subject.

Dig deeper.

Or just laugh out loud.

What Pete Ate A-Z

Why We Broke Up

This is my daughter's favorite book:

Talking With Artists

You can find a complete listing of all her books here.

I'm taking some time off to read and enjoy my family. Actually, I'm completely behind on doctor and dentist visits, my hair is blue from a slight mishap with at-home color in a bottle, and the dog hair under my bed is starting to bark. If you check out Maira's books from the library you won't even miss me.

I am so thankful for my bloggy friends and family.

Your encouragement is a blessing to me.

Back next week!

xoxo Michele

I Heart...

2012-02-14T22:34:00.001-05:00

Our guinea pigs.

Sweets.

Bookends.

Guitar practice.

You thought I'd say the library, didn't cha?

xoxo Michele

I Heart LOVE

2012-02-14T07:06:00.001-05:00

Gather a group of sweet hearts and what do you get? Love for others. The girls made bookmarks for our local retirement community.

Happy Valentine's Day

They were inspired by a book from the library. They used felt hearts rather than construction paper, and stuffed the hearts real puffy. But the idea started within the pages of a book. And that book came from one of the sweetest places on earth.

Libraries inspire a lifetime of learning and loving others.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Music

2012-02-13T06:25:00.005-05:00

Guitar lessons have commenced in our home, and the amount of music we check out from the library has increased. Do you remember spending half a Saturday afternoon holding that record cover in your hands and studying it as you were listening to the music? I did that with this and this and this as a child.

There are so many options now on how to receive music. If you're downloading music you are missing out on the photos, the lyrics and sometimes even a letter from the band, like on this cd from The Avett Brothers.

But if you purchased every cd that sparked an interest, chances are we'd eventually see you on Hoarders. So how do you shower your family with a myriad of musical geniuses without breaking the bank? Library.

The library welcomes us to bring home the artist and then share their beauty with others.

Last night we devoured the Grammys. In our Jammys. It never fails to inspire spontaneous dancing and shrieks of delight when Adele or Taylor Swift take to the stage. But we also discover new talent, like this duo* that rocked our socks off (they are teaming up with Taylor Swift on the upcoming Hunger Games Soundtrack). And opportunities to school our children on her and him. And him. You just know Carl and I live for these moments.

All of this musical beauty is available at your local library. What will you borrow today?

xoxo Michele

* The Civil Wars rocked the Grammys.

A Week of Wonder: The Links

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Fascinating read.

Inspired by using what you have.

Brook Shields at home. Can someone please tell me the book title on her coffee table... Orange and white flower hat?

This table runner is so swoonie.

Quietude.

This post inspired this read.

My favorite photos of the week.

Arielle and I have new obsessions.
This and that.

Can't wait to see her and her and them Sunday night at the Grammys.
These boys are performing, too.

Angelina Jolie has a crush on him. Read this, watch this and this, and so will you.

Source: Teaching Literacy

Hope your weekend is full of wonder. Visit your local library.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Valenteens and a Giveaway

2012-02-09T07:05:00.001-05:00

Source

“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.
If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world,
I would do that again by reading,
just as I did when I was young.” ~ Maya Angelou

The amazing Amy Sullivan has invited me to join her today for some sweetie Valenteen love and a giveaway. Please come over and join us!

Open your Valenteen's heart to the ultimate role model of service ~ the Library.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Coffee Table Books

2012-02-08T22:57:00.001-05:00

Annie Leibovitz

The first time I checked out a coffee table book from the library I was sweating the thought of security stopping me at the door. Was I dreaming? They were seriously letting me borrow this beauty, without paying for it?

No Small Matter

Now I don't panic while strolling out those double doors, but I'm forever awestruck at the artistry and knowledge the library lends us.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

The library caters to your interests, and carries the classics as well as modern marvels. My hubby loves photobiographies, including this and this. He's thrilled when I remember to bring home a Sports Illustrated coffee table book, especially this one. But he also loves this and this, and even this.

Hue

Have you shopped coffee table books lately? To bring home several new books for our living room every few weeks is priceless. Enjoy fashion? How about Chanel, or Vogue for inspiration.

Apollo

My children are exposed to new ideas, artists, the wonders of our world, even the great beyond. National Geographic coffee table books also make a gorgeous gift because you'll carry those images in your heart long after you've returned the book.

The Ultimate Picasso

You won't believe they let you walk out with Picasso. Take two deep breaths, kiss both your ears and thank the library fairy. His name is Ben Franklin. Love art? Don't miss this and this.

Invisible New York

If your library carries more than one book by Stanley Greenberg, do yourself a favor and check them all out.

Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange schooled my family on the Great Depression, The Dust Bowl, and the Japanese internment camps with her photographs in a way reading could not.

Versailles

The travel coffee table books take me there when my wallet can't. I share my pillow with Versailles and Galapagos because I'm bi-hemispheric and have absolutely no shame in admitting this. Oh, and this one, too.

Life Doesn't Frighten Me

The dynamic duo of Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat is our current favorite. What will you put on your coffee table from the library this week?

xoxo Michele

I Heart Maurice Sendak

2012-02-07T18:25:00.002-05:00

"Children do live in fantasy and reality; they move back and forth very easily in a way

we no longer remember how to do."

~ Maurice Sendak

I could say our youngest son grew up on Maurice Sendak. That he learned months of the year from this book, or that he learned how to count to ten with this book. But truth be told, I grew, too. Maurice makes the wild things okay for all of us. He's a gift to humanity - possibly more to us moms than we care to admit. I especially loved his interview in the back of this book.

Source

"With our dogs we wear no masks."

As a parent, I believe we wear no masks with our children. They see us clearly, and as Maurice loves to say, "Parents don't protect their children. Children protect their parents." There is an unspoken language in his art that is communicated by the heart, and it is truer than words.

I'm thankful for the library - they share almost every one of his books with us. I hope you'll share Maurice with your children today, and then come back and share with us your favorite.

My fave: Pierre.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Charles Dickens

2012-02-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

"Have a heart that never hardens,

and a temper that never tires,

and a touch that never hurts."

~ Charles Dickens

A heartfelt thank you to Beverly, our children's librarian, for reminding me that today is the 200th Birthday Anniversary of this classic author. Share him with your children today.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Sharing

2012-02-05T21:30:00.001-05:00

The library carries everything my heart desires to read, hear, watch and cook. And I believe it keeps that desire to learn alive by welcoming me to borrow its beauty, rather than own it. What has the library shared with you lately?

xoxo Michele

A Week Of Wonder: The Links

2012-02-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Our favorite song* on Just Dance 3 - now we can listen to the entire cd.

My children want this read over and over again. And again. 55 times in a week, dear friends. Fifty. Five.

Loved this post. And this one.

I'm attending this event. Would love for you to go, too.

Do you ever see just a teensy bit of a book title in a photo, like this, and then have to check it out at the library? Me too.

She posted this - and made me hungry for this.

Favorite movie of the week. Now reading the book that inspired the movie.

This post made me put this book on hold at the library.

Hubby said absolutely not to chickens. This is plan B. Always have a Plan B.

She inspires me everyday.

Hope your weekend is fabulous and full of wonder. Visit your library.

xoxo Michele

*Nightly dance contest in Arielle's room. Get your game on.

I Heart Gregor Mendel

2012-02-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

Almost 35 years passed before scientists re-discovered Mendel's experiments with peas and recognized his genius genes. You can uncover this fabulous friar at your local library and acquaint your children with the Father of Genetics.

Gregor Mendel

Who knows - it may even inspire your child to create their Math Fair project in his honor. The probability of falling in love with Gregor? 100 percent.

More math fair inspiration here.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Shel Silverstein

2012-02-02T08:32:00.002-05:00

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."

~ Shel Silverstein

His poetry speaks to the child in all of us and should be introduced to everyone you love dearly. You can find all of his beauty at your local library.

xoxo Michele

I Heart Herge

2012-01-31T22:11:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking February is going to be about all the people I heart at the library. After all, I don't love books - I love the ideas, the information, the art, the protagonists and yes, even the antagonists - I love what books hold inside the cover. Don't get me started on all the music and movies and cookbooks. Oy!

Right now I'm enjoying 10 minutes each morning sipping coffee with Snowy (he is on my mug up there) and learning about the man who brought him to life. My personal opinion: it is sooo much better than the movie.

Tintin And The World Of Herge

In the evening, Snowy and I meet up again with Arielle and share some decaf tea and read this and this. My mom sent us a gift tin of tea ~ it has been the sweetest way to end our day. Are you thinking Valentine's gifts? Me too.

Bigelow Tea

Who do you heart at the library?

xoxo Michele

Flying

2012-01-30T01:04:00.002-05:00

What a weekend. I'm still in recovery mode. The sun has barely set on my husband's birthday and the final few hours before the Math Fair tomorrow, which you know I'll be blabbering about sometime this week. Picture a shrieking nine year old girl with a hot glue gun stuck to her fingers. Yep - that was my Sunday.

My inbox had multiple emails today from dear readers asking for some of my favorite read alouds - I hope you know how much joy this brings me. While reading is subjective (and should be), there are a few authors that should be on everyone's read aloud list. Here are five that my children ask for repeatedly - and I have chosen authors that have written five or more books so you have plenty to choose from.

1. Edith Nesbit - She gets children and adults. We miss her characters terribly after finishing a book, like distant relatives that filled our house with merriment and left way too soon. The Treasure Seekers and The Wouldbegoods were my son's fave. Mine, too.

2. Rudyard Kipling - Have you read The Jungle Book aloud? Heard the sounds of the forest flow from your lips as your children hang on every word? Kipling is magic. Want something a little more advanced? Try Kim.

3. Gerald Durrell - Non-stop laughter from beginning to end. And yet we have learned so much about flora and fauna through his autobiography/novels. My Family and Other Animals was a must read that inspired this.

4. Robert Lawson - His writing is dreamy perfection.

5. Maira Kalman - I'll be doing an entire post on this author in February. Her nickname should be Peter Pan, because she makes us fly.

This list doesn't begin to scratch the surface. Please consider following me on Pinterest where you'll find many more of our family's favorite read alouds. And I'd love to follow you back for ideas and inspiration. Flying is even better with friends.

Who are some of your favorite read aloud authors?

xoxo Michele

A Week of Wonder: The Links

2012-01-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

New read for Book Club.

Scooch over, Phineas and Ferb - John has a new library interest.

Hysterical.

For when I don't feel like reading.

Listening to this while giving the guinea pigs a bath. We're swooning.

I <3 this Fashionista.

Making appetizers from here for Super Bowl Party.

This post has me wanting to move all my furniture around and buy new rugs.

She makes me hungry 2 share.

He has the award list.

Rumor has it this is a must read for local college Freshmen. And me.

Hope your weekend is full of wonder ~ visit your local library.

xoxo Michele

Quote source: erhondeau

Girl's Book Club

2012-01-26T05:56:00.004-05:00

A neighborhood friend of my daughter's started a book club for girls. Let's just say it totally rocks. They chose this perfection of a classic to get started:

My Side Of The Mountain

If you haven't read this aloud with your children (ages 2nd-5th grade is best) pick it up today at your library. Jean Craighead George's website is a wealth of knowledge, too. While at the library, look for this companion piece:

Pocket Guide To The Outdoors

Hermiones live at the library.

xoxo Michele

Want to know who inspired J.K. Rowling? Click here.

Purpose

2012-01-25T06:59:00.001-05:00

Rocket greets my husband with enviable enthusiasm every time. And even though he puts me to shame, I never tire of watching this nightly reunion. Or finding new books on man's best friend at the library to share with my family.

A Dog's Purpose

A Ball For Daisy

See Me Run

My purpose for this blog is to share the beauty of our public library system. The enthusiasm I have for reading (especially aloud with my children) is boundless.

Have you found some fantastic dog books at the library? Please share.

xoxo Michele

Young James Bond

2012-01-23T23:43:00.001-05:00

Nick dreams of playing for Coach Pete someday. But at night, when he climbs into bed and opens this book series, he is Bond. Young James Bond.

SilverFin: A James Bond Adventure

This boy is going places - sometimes without ever leaving his bed.

What adventure will the library take you on today?

xoxo Michele

Chinese New Year

2012-01-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Arielle is "Ya lie" in Chinese

We count it a blessing to learn about other cultures with a simple swipe of our library card.

Want to learn Mandarin Chinese? Click here if you live near Charlotte, NC. If not, your local library most likely has a Mango Languages program; it's free with your library card.

What The Rat Told Me - Fantastic read aloud for the entire family.

The Star Maker - Great for grades 3rd-6th.

Lang Lang - Don't wait for a holiday to discover this genius.
You can find more on our smoochie piano hero here.

Everyday is worth celebrating at the library - would love to hear what you've discovered lately at your local library.

xoxo Michele

A Week of Wonder: The Links

2012-01-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Just finished this series. Hurry up, movie!

Adore this photo.

Listening to this cd.

She always has awesome library recommendations.

Just started this book. Thank you, Tammy.

Moved by this post. And this one.

Watching this as a family. Because my daughter cherished these books.

Arielle and I have fallen in love with May B.

So happy I found this writer.

Picked up this book at the library after reading this post.

Baking love with this book.

Loving this challenge. Thrilled this bloggy friend joined us.

Reading this for book club. It took effort to get through the first 150 pages, but worth it.

Effort. All worthwhile pursuits require it, and I have decided to embrace effort like a cherished friend. What required effort in your life this week?

xoxo Michele

Library Lessons

2012-01-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

The sweetest neighbors gave us their piano at Christmas. Our daughter is psyched at the prospect of lessons, but a tsunami of regret washes over me as I remember being her age; my blazing red John Thompson's piano book battered and bruised from me drop kicking it all the way to my piano teacher's house each week, wishing I could be one of the many children in my neighborhood playing tag or riding bikes or, well, doing anything other than P@!#ANO.

Sweet redemption found me in section 786 of our local library. What once seemed like torture is now a source of relaxation.

How To Play Popular Piano

Our family calls them library lessons - a delightful, painless way to learn at your own leisure.

How will the library nurture you today?

xoxo Michele

Wildwood

2012-01-18T21:55:00.001-05:00

PBS

Crows. I see them daily, yet give them very little thought. Then our local children's librarian, Bev, recommended the book Wildwood as a read aloud with my 11 year old son and I've thought about little else since. Who knew crows could be so interesting? Intelligent?

Wildwood

This book has transported us on an unexpected and stunning journey of learning about birds. In the first chapter, the main character keeps referring to The Sibley Guide to Birds - and guess what? Our library has these books. Well, technically we have them at our house right now. Amazing, I tell you.

Wildwood

This great read was written by the singer and songwriter of the Decemberists and beautifully illustrated by his wife. It is 541 pages of unforgettable wonder.

While I am not interested in making this blog about book reviews, I am hoping to show how one book can lead to unexpected discoveries. This expedition wouldn't have been possible without our children's librarian - I don't think I would have found this book on my own - it wasn't even on my long list of future read alouds. And of course it enticed me pick up this cd of a band I adored back in my early twenties.

Wildwood

Please share - what have you picked up from the library lately that lead to accidental, glorious learning?

xoxo Michele

Little Candles

2012-01-17T07:51:00.000-05:00

Children are little candles, good deeds in a weary world. So are libraries. They carry my favorite books that introduce Shakespeare to young children. They also carry one of my favorite teacher/authors, Rafe Esquith.

Lighting Their Fires

Rafe uses Shakespeare to light the fire in the children that he influences, and if you're a parent, so should you. Start at the library, and watch your little candle's passion for the classics ignite into a flame of knowledge.

Which Shakespeare classics are your favorite?

xoxo Michele

Sharing Stars

2012-01-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

Share it. Together we can change how others see the library.

xoxo Michele

His Dream, Her Dream

2012-01-13T17:20:00.000-05:00

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The library has everything your children need to make this holiday more than just a day off from school. And if your daughter is like mine, she will request books that allow her to teach her students about a man that had a dream. That one day his children would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. You can find materials from the library here.

It is Arielle's dream for all children. Including her class below.

Have a great weekend.

xoxo Michele

Why I Love My Job

2012-01-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

Being taught how to use Mac Photo Booth by a three year old: priceless.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Job:

10. Coffee takes a backseat to imagination as the habitual stimulant.

9. Laughter rules, serious totally drools.

8. Our sad conversations are frequently sung to the tune of "Don't Cry For Me

Argentina" and our happy talks to "I'm Coming Up So You Better Get This

Party Started".

7. We roll with a tricked out red squeaky stroller. Don't hate us.

6. Hair and makeup are optional, and mixy-matchy outfits of the stretchy

variety are always in fashion.

5. Nap time. Need I say more?

4. Open mike moments are spontaneous and surprisingly entertaining.

3. ~~Party~~ Lunch hour involves bibs, sippy cups, singing frogs and dancing fruit.

2. Hugs - not handshakes - rule our world.

1. Reading is a top priority so library visits are often a daily highlight.

Do you love your job? What are your top ten reasons?

xoxo Michele

May B.

2012-01-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

Source

"There is nothing like loving children. There is nothing like loving books.

To experience the two together is a gift indeed."

~ Caroline Starr Rose

I'm swooning over this author already. I follow Read Aloud Dad and today was so inspirational I just had to share. You can read an interview with Caroline Starr Rose, discover her newly released great read, May B., and enter a giveaway. Best Bonus: She shares her top 10 read alouds; they are not to be missed.

May B.

The best part? I was able to put this awesome book on hold at our local library today. That means the superheros over at the library knew what I would want before I did and had it ordered and ready for me.

Get to know Caroline Starr Rose, Read Aloud Dad and your local librarians - your children will shower you with smooches (if not now, definitely in the future).

xoxo Michele

Hideously Balanced

2012-01-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don't)

Oh how I heart this book. Very rarely do I imagine there could be people out there that aren't in love with books (and the library) the way I am. I'm quite self-centered that way. Sorry. But this book helps break it down for me.

Warts! Now we are talking her language.

The entire book is this hideously awesome. I promise. And when you add the movie and cd and cookbook...well now you are just down and dirty ogreish.

Shrek The Musical

Miss Brooks Loves Books!

Fairy Tale Cookbooks

Shrek The Movie

This beautifully heinous material is available for those of us that have found the magic of the library, and those that are still searching (don't give up).

xoxo Michele

An extra treat!

Read A Fever

2012-01-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

The swooniest part of being sick? Having this precious boy read to me each night. He stopped by his library at school and picked out new books, brought them home and doctored me with love.

John's picks:

Interrupting Chicken

the OK book

My Goldfish

I Want My Hat Back

City Dog, Country Frog (My personal favorite)

He would make a great librarian. Or for that matter, a great doctor.

Thank you so much for all the well-wishes!

My inbox has never been so full of thoughtful friends; so happy to be back.

xoxo Michele

Slaying The Fever Dragon

2012-01-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't felt well since New Year's Eve. A low grade fever dragon has blown into my life; apparently it has unpacked a suitcase and decided to stay for awhile. So please forgive my absence as I slay the dragon with rest and more rest.

Of course I'm still reading; a little bit of this - which prompted me to want to re-read this. Oh, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this after reading these.

Hope to be back to normal by this weekend.

xoxo Michele

New Year, Old Reads

2012-01-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

You've got to love a town that has this type of sign made for it's library. Davidson has made signs with divine toppers for other important town landmarks, you can see them here, but this is my favorite.

This year I plan to read a lot more classics, starting with her. She moved over 12 times by six years of age. She grew up calling Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Thoreau neighbors and dear friends of the family (she may have had a secret teen crush on one of them). Her own personal story is as fascinating as the books she wrote. These books will give you the entire, remarkable scoop. Jennie has extended an open invitation to her Louisa Challenge in 2012 - hope you'll join us!

That arrow above is pointing to an endless treasure of borrowed beauty. But here is the best part: you get to keep the knowledge.

Where are you beginning your reading journey in 2012?

xoxo Michele

Game Of Thrones

2011-12-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

Game Of Thrones - The Dreamy "Jon Snow"

My husband loves TV.

I love books.

But we have found an HBO series (based on this book series - I loved it) that has us meeting nightly on the couch almost breathless with anticipation of the next episode. Breathless I tell you. If you have HBO, you can watch the first season right now. The second season will be out in April of 2012.

Game of Thrones

If you've read the books by the brilliant George R.R. Martin, you'll have a deeper understanding of the characters and the source behind the magic of what smoochie David Benioff has created for the TV screen.

It has sparked delightful, connecting conversations between me and Carl because he wants to know more about the background of the characters that can't be shared in the show due to time constraints - but it's all in my head and my heart from the books.

My hero, "Arya Stark".

Read the book series, available at your local library.

Then watch the HBO series with your hubby.

We have been enjoying the best date evenings - ever - right in our own home.

(This series is not for children - adults only. There is graphic fighting and the other stuff I won't mention because my mom is reading this and I don't want to embarrass her. Love you, mom.)

xoxo Michele

Little Women, Big Library

2011-12-28T14:45:00.001-05:00

Louisa May Alcott, A Personal Biography

I'm joining Jennie at Got My Reservations for The Louisa Challenge in 2012 and these two reads have excited me more about this upcoming bloggy book club adventure than I thought would be possible.

Louisa May Alocott, The Woman Behind Little Women

Did you know that she was related to John and Sam Adams? I'm pretty much a John Adams freak, thanks be to this author. Your library can supply the materials, but you bring this beauty to life.

Will you join us?

xoxo Michele

Best Friends Forever

2011-12-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

Arielle received her guinea pigs just before Christmas. She researched pets here. After careful consideration, she named them Betty and Veronica. I love how the library and reading can influence our lives, including the names of pets.

Archie and Friends

What has the library influenced in your home?

xoxo Michele

My Big Splurge

2011-12-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

Every year I splurge and buy one book at Christmas. It is a book that I had read earlier in the year couldn't forget. This year it was Ahab's Wife.

I found a first edition hardback on Amazon.com for $19. I discovered this great read from Natalie - and although I was at first taken aback by the size and weight of the book, I was hooked by the cover and then the alluring prose. It makes me wonder how many other amazing books patiently wait for me at the library to discover their stunning magic.

My daughter made me a bookmark from our favorite wrapping paper that I just couldn't live without (thanks, Beth) and now I have it close to me every day.

You can find the eazy-peazy directions for the bookmark here.

What did you splurge on this Christmas?

xoxo Michele

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

2011-12-24T19:21:00.000-05:00

Our heart is the manger.

This revelation at church today prepared me for tomorrow like never before. The messy place where all of our hopes and dreams and fears reside - where there is no room to hide - where the real us is found. He joyfully meets us there in the manger of our heart.

Merry Christmas.

xoxo Michele

Inspired To Redeem

2011-12-23T01:54:00.000-05:00

There are so many ways to re-purpose, reuse, recycle - reduce our spending during the holidays while enjoying the traditions of decorating and sharing in the magic of the season with our family.

Carl found a beautiful branch in our backyard. After spraying it with a little silver spray-paint and adding Nick's school snowflakes, popcorn that Arielle strung and a few origami birds, we have a homemade Jesus Tree. We write down our wishes, hopes and fears and hang them on the tree, and Christmas morning, poof: they vanish.

Have you priced the Lego base platforms lately? Not only are they too small to build a city, they cost more than a real home if you're talking square footage. My hubby used some plywood and casters with inexpensive moulding for trim and voila! - Lego platforms that slide underneath the bed when not in use. If you have a son like my John-John, it will double as a tricked out bodyboard.

We are blessed with an awesome Restore nearby, and when I found these cool tablecloths and some white cafe curtain lace I just had to hook them up. They are dating exclusively now but no wedding date set just yet. I'll keep you posted. Just call me the Patti Stanger of Material Matchmaking.

And these smoochie lamps from Restore with World Market shades - I'm dreaming of Michael Buble (thank you for the heads up, Lily - I saw him last night. Again. Swoon.) sitting at the piano crooning me a love song.

But my favorite way to save and share during the holidays - every day really - is right here. They bring goodwill to men, women and children by encouraging us to spend less and share more. You can borrow a collection like the one below, wrap it and put it under the tree for your children with a note reminding them of the gift of sharing and how blessed we are to have a public library.

The Lion King DVD, Musical CD, Book

The Food, Folklore, And Art of Lowcountry Cooking

My children adore gifts from the library - I'd even say that they treat the materials from the library better than they care for things they own. I hope you are inspired to share their beauty with your family now and throughout the New Year.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thank you for sharing the love of the library with me over the past six months and I'm looking forward to a lot more borrowed beauty in the year ahead.

xoxo Michele

Reindeer {And Family Dinner} Games

2011-12-20T11:05:00.001-05:00

The weather outside might be frightfully spring-like here in North Carolina, but our kitchen has been transformed into Santa's bakery. We followed the Rudolph Noses recipe over at my friend Sheila's amazing blog, Eat2Gather, and have been handing out these sweet treats to teachers, friends and neighbors - even our local librarians.

The green-nosed reindeer above was created by the precious 3-year-old that I watch during the week. You've heard of Rudolph, but are you familiar with Dudolph, Rudy's rockstar brother? Well now you're in the know.

And when we aren't creating new reindeer, we are playing games and reading books from the library while enjoying meals prepared from this cookbook:

The Family Dinner

Written by Laurie David (Larry David's ex-wife), it is so much more than a cookbook. On page 166 you'll be greeted by my favorite chapter - Read Around The Table. The library has made this gaming gala possible for our family.

How has the library helped you creatively connect with your children around the table?

xoxo Michele

No Barriers With Books

2011-12-19T01:05:00.001-05:00

“Ninety percent of who you are is invisible."

~ The Mysterious Edge of The Heroic World

Connecting with my children throughout the day happens in various ways, but my favorite is reading aloud. It marries the invisible us, the real us, and creates a beautiful bond free from the limits of flesh, form and even finances.

Over this winter break from school, amid the baking and crafting and singing and shopping, I hope you will be inspired to sit and read with your children. You'll be giving them - the invisible, ninety percent of them - one of the greatest gifts available in this life.

Your local library is a great place to start because it encourages us to spend less and share more. For more inspiration, click here.

xoxo Michele

Miracles, Movies and The Library

2011-12-17T23:17:00.001-05:00

Miracle on 34th Street

Only recently did I find out that the library carries not only one of my favorite Christmas movie classics, it carries the book by Valentine Davies that inspired the movie. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Eight days til Christmas - just enough time to read it with the kids.

And this precious book illustrated by Tomie dePaola:

The library has featured some additional books that are current and upcoming movies:

Books into Movies

This month, we're highlighting movies that were based on a book. Check out the original story at your library!

War Horse

by Michael Morpurgo

Joey the horse recalls his experiences growing up on an English farm, his struggle for survival as a cavalry horse during World War I, and his reunion with his beloved master. An excellent choice for young fans of historical fiction, appropriate for older elementary and teen readers.

In theaters December 25, 2011.

The Descendants: A Novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings

A descendant of royalty and one of the largest landowners in Hawaii, Matthew King struggles to deal with his out-of-control daughters--ten-year-old Scottie and seventeen-year-old Alex--as well as his comatose wife, whom they are about to remove from lifesupport.

In theaters January 12, 2012.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

by Arthur Conan Doyle
Brush up on your Sherlock mysteries before the movie-sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" comes to theaters December 16, 2011. Note: this movie isn't based on any particular story by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Also available in eBook, eAudiobook & audiobook CD.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson
Forty years after the disappearance of Harriet Vanger from the secluded island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger family, her octogenarian uncle hires journalist Mikael Blomqvist and Lisbeth Salander, an unconventional young hacker, to investigate.

Also available in large print and audiobook CD.

In theaters December 21, 2011.

Coming soon...

These books are also being turned into films (in development for 2012). If you haven't yet read these titles, check them out now before they're "rediscovered" by filmgoers.

Find more in the category "Reel Reads: Books Into Movies" on the Library's Reader's Club site.

Which one will you pick up at your library today? Has anyone read Abe Lincoln, Vampire Hunter?

xoxo Michele

2011-12-15T16:58:00.001-05:00

Mauricio Zamora

July 23, 1969 - November 24, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zamora family.

Holiday Faves From The Library

2011-12-14T17:59:00.000-05:00

The Family Man

After the kids have gone to bed, I love to snuggle on the couch with my hubby and a glass of wine and feast on this movie. And after hubby has fallen asleep, I savor it again. It's my newish classic favorite.

Straight No Chaser

Swoonie times infinity, that is what they are.

Southern Living: Cooking for Christmas

My daughter and I are looking forward to a week of baking and cooking starting this Saturday. New holiday memories for me and Arielle begin in the pages of this book.

Auggie Wren's Christmas Story

I swooped this off the library shelf purely for the cover, but was hooked on page one. Short, surprising, and satisfyingly unsentimental.

What favorite holiday beauty have you brought home recently from the library?

xoxo Michele

Book Bound

2011-12-12T14:56:00.000-05:00

When this precious boy gets a high fever, like he did this weekend, I'm book bound. We snuggle up on my bed. He sleeps. I read. Beverly, one of our local librarians recommended this great read last week and I'm spellbound by every page. Almost makes me wish he would run a fever for just a few more days so I could finish it. Almost.

Mudbound

What has your librarian recommended for you lately that you loved?

xoxo Michele

Every Teenager Is A Library

2011-12-09T14:11:00.000-05:00

Have you encouraged a teenager to share their talents lately? Have you reminded them what a gift they are to the world? My sweet bloggy friend Amy has invited me to hang out over on her blog today and talk about how teens are like the library. I've even included

My Top 10 Library Reads For Inspiring Service in Teens.

Sometimes we forget what an invaluable resource teenagers are of ideas, inspiration and information, not to mention their enviable energy. Like the library, they are a collection of beauty this world is in

need of borrowing.

Thank you, Amy, for highlighting and encouraging the importance of teenagers in service. Your focus and passion on serving - at any age - is exhilarating.

Photography Sources: Photographs of the gorgeous teenage girls were taken by the brilliant photographer, Megan Britt. You can find more of her inspiring, artistic portraits at http://meganbrittphotography.blogspot.com/ The rockstar library volunteer is courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This post would not be possible without the inspiration of Beth and her amazing insight into teenagers: she is my hero in real life, every day.

xoxo Michele

Christmas Cheer {Appetizers} Linky Party

2011-12-05T23:55:00.003-05:00

Plenty

I had to join Edie's fabulous linky party because:

A) Edie is just the sweetest.
B) I'm actually cooking from the library cookbooks!

This cookbook from our local library, Plenty, is a veggie-lovers dream come true. The "Very Full Tart" I'm featuring here was gone in less than 20 minutes and was a delight to make. Tarts are appetizers, right? Anything meat-free is considered an appetizer to my Italian hubby. My version is missing cherry tomatoes because I have an 11 year old son that thinks they're candy, but it was still beyond divine.

To Make a Very Full Tart:

1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
6 tbsp olive oil
1 medium eggplant cut into 2" dice
salt and black pepper
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" dice
1 small zucchini, cut into 1" dice
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 bay leaves
11 oz pie crust
8 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
1/3 cup ricotta
4 1/4 oz feta
7 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 medium eggs
1 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven 450. Cut stem and remove seeds from peppers. Place into a small ovenproof dish, drizzle with oil and put on top shelf in oven for around 36 minutes.

Mix eggplant in bowl with 4 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread in a large baking pan and place in oven on shelf beneath peppers for 12 minutes. Stir gently and then roast for another 12 minutes. Then add zucchini to the pan, stir and roast for another 12 minutes. Remove peppers and eggplant/zucchini mixture from oven. Cover peppers with foil and cool, then peel and tear into strips. Reduce oven temp to 325.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in pan on medium heat. Saute onions with the bay leaves and some salt for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn brown, soft and sweet. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaves and set aside.

Lightly grease 9-inch tart pan (I don't have a tart pan, so I used my heart tart dish). Carefully line pan with dough, pressing it into corners and leaving excess hanging over the top edge. Bake for 30 minutes with pie weights or dried beans (don't ask - I skipped this part and just poked it with a fork if it rose). Remove weights and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Then remove from oven and let cool.

Scatter onions over bottom of crust, top with roasted veggies evenly. Scatter half the thyme leaves over. Next, dot the veggies with small chunks of both cheeses and then with the tomato halves, cut-side up.

Whisk eggs and cream in a small bowl with some salt and pepper. Carefully pour into tart; top layer of tomatoes and cheese should remain exposed. Scatter the remaining thyme over the top. Place in oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden.

Allow tart to cool for 10 minutes before removing from tart pan and serving.

Warning: if you bring this dish to a party, prepare to have an invisible mistletoe dangling above your head. Tell everyone you know about this cookbook.

The Help Soundtrack

I originally paired this cookbook with music shown here, but tonight I listened to the soundtrack The Help from the library and was transported to the arms of southern angels in the kitchen.

Me? Cooking? And loving every moment? It's a miracle. The library motivates us share the delicious joy of Christmas ~ and I'm the living proof.

Thanks, Edie!

xoxo Michele

{Gratuitous} Girls On The Run

2011-12-04T22:20:00.000-05:00

Arielle ran her first 5K on Saturday, and to say I'm proud of her is a colossal understatement.

I've never ran anywhere, including that same afternoon when I thought the house was burning down. I may or may not have put a roast in the oven on broil and then drove my hubby and boys down to meet their scout troop for the parade and then couldn't get back home due to all the roads being closed for said parade. (Don't worry - the house and the roast survived).

Girls On The Run isn't really about running. It's about girls supporting and sharing with one another healthy life choices for their body, mind and spirit. The coaches provide a safe place for my daughter to discuss issues like body image, peer pressure and community outreach.

The library isn't really about reading. It's about we the people supporting and sharing ideas from antiquity to present. The librarians provide a safe place for all citizens to gain access to knowledge regardless of age, income or social status. It's a place to nurture ideas, empower creativity and connect with your community. To say I'm proud of the library is also a colossal understatement. I'm profoundly grateful.

xoxo Michele

Walking The Dog

2011-12-03T01:22:00.000-05:00

What is cuter than a puppy under the Christmas Tree, am I right? Whether you are looking for a breeder or planning to adopt, the library has you covered. Here are a few faves:

Successful Dog Adoption

The Pigeon Wants A Puppy

I Want A Dog

The Art Of Raising A Puppy

I especially love the The Art Of Raising A Puppy because they feature a rare interview with one of my favorite authors.

Is your child begging you for a pet? Have them research their pet choices.

Have a great weekend.

xoxo Michele

Making The Most Of The Nutcracker Ballet

2011-12-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

Tis the season for this classic ballet, and when you bring home the book and the music from the library, your children will enjoy the live performance even more. Not to mention how delightful it is listening to them humming Tchaikovsky as they brush their teeth, do their homework and wash the dishes. Or was that me?

xoxo Michele

Like Glue

2011-11-30T14:54:00.003-05:00

The library doesn't contain books: it is a delivery depot of memories, traditions and the magical bond of sharing.

The joy of this holiday season can be found in the simple gift of giving the best of ourselves to those we love - our hands, our words, our time.

Borrow the free beauty offered at your library today. Experience how their shining example of sharing can bring together a mother and a daughter. Father and son. A family.

A short yet sensational family devotional: Making Room For Christmas
Mother/Daughter fun: Christmas Crafts
For Fathers and Sons: Aspire and Christmas At Long Pond

xoxo Michele

A Library ADVENTure

2011-11-28T22:01:00.000-05:00

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (available in Easy Reader and our fave, Chapter Book)
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Santa's Favorite Story (my son John's favorite)
A Christmas Memory
The Best Christmas Book Ever
Little House Christmas Treasury
The Christmas Mystery (a family read-aloud favorite)
Letters From Father Christmas (fa la la la la la love this book)

For a bibliophile, there just isn't a better time of year than now for reading, especially to your children. And the library carries the classics as well as the current beauties, like these:

A Bad Kitty Christmas

Home For Christmas

The Perfect Christmas

Christmas with First Ladies (I'm dreaming of a White House Christmas)

The Year of The Perfect Christmas Tree

Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas

Comfort and Joy (my fave for me, just me and only me)

Home For The Holidays (for teens, but I loved it)

The Twelve Days of Christmas (divine)

Merrick recommended this as a family read-aloud. Can't wait to dive in.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

I'm unabashedly nutty for this book:

A Wish For Wings That Work

Nicholas wants me to read this each and every Christmas:

A Dog Named Christmas

Tomorrow, or maybe Wednesday, I'll feature some of my favorite cookbooks paired with music, so you can repeat the sounding joy in your kitchen while blessing your family with fabulous food. Please share your favorite Christmas time reads, I'd love to read them along with you. Visit your library today!

xoxo Michele

The Thanksgiving Continues

2011-11-27T19:56:00.001-05:00

He sat right here throughout our Thanksgiving dinner (the weather was so warm we ate on the back deck) and didn't bark at the squirrels or birds or clouds or the final few leaves lingering on the trees. We are still singing the praises of Dogs By Andy for this miraculous new and improved pooch.

And that awesome dog-bed? Made by the owner of this home; the fabric is designer-grade but completely washable (as well as the inner pillow - you just throw it the wash machine and it comes out beauty-full). She has a few left for sale in additional styles and sizes. Surprise your four-legged family member for Christmas by contacting Shelly at lil-ladybugs@mi-connection.com .

My reading over the holiday was a new pick from a new-to-me author, found at the library:

The Hottest Dishes Of The Tartar Cuisine

{Misleading Title Alert: This book has nothing to do with eating.}

Like an endless Thanksgiving Buffet for the hungry mind, only the library can serve up this kind of beauty without a budget. Hope you're inspired to visit them today.

xoxo Michele

Spy Vs Spy

2011-11-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

I saw this movie poster at the theater last weekend and immediately thought of this:

Spy Vs Spy

So you already know what I put on hold at the library for Nick.

What childhood memories will you share with your kids from the library?

xoxo Michele

His Grace

2011-11-23T07:26:00.002-05:00

Our Thanksgiving.

xoxo Michele

Small Glimpses of Glory

2011-11-22T04:07:00.000-05:00

Great reads can influence what you see and hear for a lifetime.

There is no better time of year than now to begin reading C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia to your children. My heart always finds home among Aslan and the characters, but especially this is so during the holidays. And our eyes are drawn up in thankfulness and wonder when we return to this world from Narnia.

The Complete Chronicles of Narnia (our family fave)
The Wood Between The Worlds
The Magician's Book
Companion To Narnia (my favorite)

If we are willing to look, there are small glimpses of glory all around us - and what we see in this world has a love affair with what our heart can see in great stories.

The library carries the classic series, along with shorter versions for younger children, companion books with swoon-worthy maps and even a critic's point of view.

Which is your favorite? I'm quite partial to The Silver Chair.
Which is your children's favorite?

xoxo Michele

Kitchen Gadgets Giveaway Winners

2011-11-20T20:57:00.001-05:00

I only had two comments and couldn't really use random.org for two people - so Beth and LeslieP: you both win!

Please send your address info to mctrovato@hotmail.com and I will ship out your gifts asap.

xoxo Michele

Cookbook Crushes {Day 07}: Bread {Almost} Alone

2011-11-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

Bread. I think I could live on it. And wine. Which explains why I need to go on a diet.

Artisan Made In Five

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day is a book that needs to be read and savored, like the dough you'll be creating, so don't expect to bring it home from the library and in 5 minutes you'll have bread. I did that. I was wrong. But not disappointed. I've always wanted to make my own starter, and this is the bread bible for beginners. It's painless and fun, I promise. And when you smell the fresh bread, your neighbors will think you opened a Panera in your kitchen. Pair it with John Lewis. And some Lambrusco wine.

Make The Bread, Buy The Butter is my BFF. Author Jennifer Reese lost her job and as she whittled back her budget she answered a lot of our questions about how to save without giving up great tasting foods. Some foods aren't worth the time or trouble to make, but bread - oh, yes sister. I'm talking to you. And you. Pair it with my new favorite musical find, Florence & The Machine.

Serious Eats

Amy's Bread is served throughout NYC restaurants and bakeries, and you don't have to be an experienced baker to enjoy her incredible recipes. Two words: fig bread. I've paired her with Led Zeppelin, because they happen to be my favorite band of all time (don't judge: they happen to be Condoleezza Rice's fave also). Nirvana, sweet friends.

The Bread Bible + John Coltrane = sublime.

I'd be happy stopping here. But my hubby wants actual meals to go with the bread and wine. Sheesh. Some people are so picky. So that is where these cookbook crushes come into play.

Make It Fast, Cook It Slow and The Italian Slow Cooker. They shine. Like the library.

This seven day series was inspired by Rosie, a fabulous local librarian, and it started here.

We have crushed for seven days on cookbooks, but truth be told, we haven't scratched the surface when it comes to how many mouthwatering beauties are sitting on your local library's shelves. And don't forget gourmet magazines like Bon Appetit - they are also available for checkout, along with their cookbooks.

Hope you've enjoyed this series as much as I have. Now I plan to take a long computer vacation and spend time with my family in the kitchen. And walk our dog.

xoxo Michele

Cookbook Crushes {Day 06}: Come To The Table

2011-11-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

Slow Food Nation's Come To The Table

My homemade bread post has to wait until tomorrow. I had to share this cookbook with you today.

Have I been living in a bubble? My children and I read several pages tonight and realized this borrowed beauty has to be shared with everyone we know. Check it out at your library today and be inspired.

Pair it with The Black Keys. I love discovering music with my son. And this band is worth introducing. Indulge me if you already have them on your playlist. Apparently I have been living in a cave.

The Black Keys

The library sets us on a yellow brick road of endless learning, and I'm dancing down that path with my family. Hope you'll discover their borrowed beauty today and share it with your loved ones.

This seven day series was inspired by Rosie, a fabulous local librarian, and it started here.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.

xoxo Michele

Blues, jazz, rock, it's all in there. The video is from an album set to be released on December 6th, but you can find their previous hits at the library. The crushing continues, sweet friends.

Summit Coffee Giveaway Winner

2011-11-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

Is #3 I am LOVD said...

Oh! You best believe I'm picking up PLENTY! Love lots of pics in cookbooks! So glad you gave Ina some well-deserved love!

November 13, 2011 3:00 PM

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

Timestamp: 2011-11-18 01:15:53 UTC

Please contact me by email at mctrovato@hotmail.com and I'll send your fabulous gifts right away.

xoxo Michele

Cookbook Crushes {Day 05}: TV Chefs

2011-11-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

TV Network Favorites

You would think this cookbook would be enough, right? Never. That is why I crush on the library. They get me and my need for hundreds of cookbooks. I hardly cook from them, much to my husband's dismay, but I certainly crush on their beauty.

Pair Complete Test Kitchen with Jack Johnson

Pair 5 Ingredient Fix with Norah Jones

Pair The Neelys with Stevie Wonder

Pair Cake Boss with Sam Cooke (my daughter's swoonie fave)

Pair Rocco DiSpirito with Dean Martin

Pair George Stella with John Mayer

Pair Gordon Ramsay with Bare Naked Ladies

Pair Top Chef with Michael Buble

Pair Jamie Oliver with Bob Marley

Pair Emeril Lagasse with Harry Connick Jr.

Pair Anthony Bourdain with The Beatles

Pair Mario Batali with Il Divo

I pair them with great music, but most of the time I'm reading and drooling over the pages with a glass of Lambrusco, while my hubby does the prep work and most of the cooking. He even does the dishes. And when inspiration hits, usually coincides with a blue moon, I'll wake up on a Saturday morning and spend 12 solid hours in the kitchen. Cooking.

You'll find one of my all-time favorite, swooning crushes here. I've actually made delicious meals from this dreamy book.

I also dream of channeling Sheila.

I think Julia Child is on to something - possibly it's fear of failure (remember my apple pie crust?). But mostly it has to do with the fact that 2 hours of work produces 10 minutes of eating and my children - unless they helped prepare dinner - look at the creation as more of a science experiment than a meal. So I'd rather have cereal. Or homemade bread, which I'll be crushing on tomorrow.

But it's all good - this series was about crushes, not cooking, right?

My favorite TV Chef Crush doesn't have a cookbook, he doesn't even have a TV show anymore, but you can find him here. Was I the only one who watched him?

This seven day series was inspired by Rosie, a fabulous local librarian, and it started here.

Don't forget to enter my giveaways, here and here.

xoxo Michele

Cookbook Crushes {Day 04}: Made To Love: Family Dinners

2011-11-16T07:10:00.002-05:00

Southern Living Busy Moms

Giada's Family Dinners

The Pioneer Woman Cooks

The $5 Dinner Mom

Classic Sinatra

Orlando Cachaito Lopez

Jackie Evancho

TobyMac

Dinner can be fun when the kids help. Notice I didn't say fun to clean up. The next visit to the library, have your children help pick out the cookbook and the music. It's usually worth the fighting and extra ten minutes. Even better, let them find the media online through your library website at home and let the kids put them on hold with their library card. When they arrive at your library, have your darlings pick them up off the hold shelf and bring them home. I guarantee you the first place they will go is the kitchen. And that helps motivate me to join them.

Nick likes this collection. Arielle adores this one. And John-John chooses this every time.

Want some more inspiration?

One lovely reader will receive these fun kitchen items designed to bring the family into the kitchen together: Nesting Measuring Cups, Veggie Cutters (to have fun with this cookbook) and Ninja Cookie Cutters.

Just leave one comment today on which family cookbook and music you are going to find at your local library. Winner will be chosen Sunday evening.

Don't forget to enter the Summit Coffee giveaway by leaving a comment here.

This seven day series was inspired by Rosie, a fabulous local librarian, and it started here.

How do you use the library to get motivated to make family meals?

xoxo Michele