Cozy, Snowy Cuddles: A Children's Book Review

What I Loved: It's a nice size, nice length of story, has rhymes on each page. The touch and feel element is fabulous-- my kids love textures, especially "fuzzy animals" like these. I like the themes of winter, animals, and cozy snuggles.

What I Didn't Love: It's not as good of quality as some board books. I like when the covers of board books are the "bubble" type-- they just seem sturdier. This one feels like it could possibly get bent, yet it's definitely thicker than basic cardboard. Although I love the rhymes on each page, I would have liked an actual story. This is simply four-line rhymes on each page describing the animals cuddling. Definitely still a sweet idea, but my daughter is starting to like the idea of stories.

Overall, not my favorite board book, but it's a sweet gift idea (and good price!) for the holidays. Little ones would definitely like the lovely illustrations and the touch and feel furry animals.

4 out of 5.

[Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for my complimentary copy in exchange for this honest and original review.]

Currently // October

It's been so long, I can't believe how the days fly by...yet the days are "not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." -Anne of Avonlea 

It's a perfect season to quote Anne, no? I have her famous October quote on my chalkboard this year. Here's what we're currently up to these days...some of our pearls slipping off a string.

wearing // the baby. haha. a lot! He still takes the majority of his naps in the Lillebaby carrier but here and there will surprise me with a longish stretch in the crib. Other than him, I want to be wearing cute sweaters and leggings as soon as our crazy weather cools down. We're still pushing 80's this week.

collecting // a handful of fall recipes to make. Little G loves to make muffins with me these days-- we made some delish chocolate chip pumpkin ones, and a few days ago I made to-die-for Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread. This weekend I hope to make Butternut Squash and Spinach Sausage Penne for dinner.

making // more time for prayer. It's an ongoing process but it's encouraging to feel closer to the Lord and to find time to seek Him even with the littles around. I'm also trying to be more intentional praying for the 40 Days for Life campaign going on right now and was able to organize a pray-from-home network of other moms who can't commit to go to the actual abortion clinic to pray on a weekly basis.

taking // life slowly. My schedule has slowed down so much the past month and I'm finding that I love being home with the kids and having a mostly free schedule. It's so much easier to roll with the craziness of an infant and a toddler when we don't have lots of deadlines. It also frees me to be more creative at home, more on top of the laundry (but never completely! ha!), host a play date, or take fun trips like to a park or the library.

planning // Christmas presents. I know, I know, I am definitely getting excited about the holidays already...it's such a great time from here to the rest of the year. I love fall, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas. And I'm getting the crocheting bug again and started on a market bag. I also plan to try my hand at rubber stamping some drink coasters. We shall see.

That's it here! What are your current pearls slipping off a string?

Linking up with another famous Anne for the Currently link-up! ;)

God Bless Our Bedtime Prayers: A Book Review

I just love this author and series of books. Beautiful illustrations, sweet rhymes, good quality board books that are just the right length for young attention spans. This particular book is about the animals at bedtime as well as different prayers to help kids learn all the things you can talk to God about. It's a lovely way to introduce bedtime prayer to children as a way to talk with God about your day, your struggles, or your desires rather than having bedtime prayer be just a mindless habit. You can never start too young to introduce your children to the God who loved them into being. Books like these are a great way to do that. 5 out of 5.

[Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for my complimentary review copy. This review contains my honest and original thoughts.]