Disclaimer: TMC was not paid for this post. These are books we are reading on our own with the exception of Homemade Cleaners and Rainbow Loom Madness, which are not sponsored but review items. Opinions on all items are TMC’s only.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. We are a reading house. There are books on tops of counters, sideboards, coffee tables, night stands and yes, the bookcases. Magazines, newspapers, kindles and tablets along with real paper books litter every room of our house and it isn’t too difficult to find someone reading at any given time. I love it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. That being said, we go through A LOT of books all the time and at a rapid rate. Here’s some of what we are reading right now.
For the Grown-Ups
When I started greening our house back in 2007 I simply used up the chemically-laden cleaning products in our home first and as I ran out of something I bought a green, non-toxic version. Years later, while I have found some stellar products on store shelves I feel even better making my own. I bought my own bottles, made some labels and with a few supplies I can create a whole household full of natural, easy to make essential cleansers.
All-Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Wood Floor Cleaner and Wood Cleaner for Dusting and Polishing.
Dionna Ford & Mandy O’Brien created a book, Homemade Cleaners: Quick and Easy, Toxic-Free Recipes, have created a book of over 150 recipes from glass cleaner and wood floor cleaner to granite cleaner that are natural and without a whole lot of money. A germ-free house is easy and still smells great (essential oils are oh-so essential) without the intoxicating, take your breath away chemicals. I love it! I have passed on the recipes, added to ones I have been using for years and it is amazing what I can still find to make using simple ingredients like vinegar, castile soap and even vodka. I highly recommend!
Pick up your own copy of Homemade Cleaners: Quick-and-Easy, Toxin-Free Recipes to Replace Your Kitchen Cleaner, Bathroom Disinfectant, Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Bug Killer, Air Freshener, and more
AUDIOBOOKS
H has a rather long commute and likes to listen to books on CD while he goes to and from work each day. These are the two in the queue in his car right now.
Runner by Patrick Lee, a suspense thriller about Sam Dryden, a retired special forces, who discovers a child on the run while out for his late-night run. From the journey takes off and well, we’ll see what happens.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt , is another long but highly-awaited book by the author. It’s about 13-year-old Theo Decker a boy sent to live with a family on Park Avenue and the accident that kills his mother and sets his fate. A fire, a Dutch painting and years that are scene-shifting and all over the place in a very wonderful way. So far H has said that it is very detailed and a book that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you have stepped out of the car. I will have to snag a copy once he is done!
For the Kids
We’re giving this book to our daughter for her 8th birthday. She loves spending time making bracelets and watching YouTube videos on how to make other creations. I think she is going to love, Loom Magic! 25 Never-Before-Seen Designs for an Amazing Rainbow of Projects John McCann and Becky Thomas which includes twenty-five new rubber band loom projects. Now she can learn to make a watch band Octo bracelet, cell phone case (not that she’ll need it yet!), a snowman ornament, pencil topper (a favorite of hers) and a whole lot more. She’s going to love it!
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I’m looking forward to reading The Goldfinch – I’ve got it on hold at the library!