Tuesday, February 15, 2011

February Book Club


The astonishing new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about a family torn apart by an accusation of murder.
They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's so verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world, and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else, but truly doesn't know how.
Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject--in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's--not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect--can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
Emotionally powerful from beginning to end, House Rules looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way--and fails those who don't.

Favorite Things Round-up

Here is a round of of some things that I am loving right now!  Happy Valentine's Day!















{1}   Smock Everyday Notebooks
{2}   Small iPod Speakers from Merkury Innovations
{3}   Jax Glasses from Crate & Barrel
{4}   Rhino Box from Jonathan Adler
{5}   The Caves Resort in Jamaica
{6}   Everything on Sweet and Saucy Supply
{7}   Boatman Geller Correspondence Cards
{8}   DIY Photo Magnets and Tacks - Martha Stewart
{9}   DIY Silhouette Escort Cards - 100 Layer Cake
{10} CouponCabin.com - Coupons for everything!
{11} Valentine's Favor Tags by greenapplepaperie on etsy
{12} Jonathan Adler Water Bottle - See Jane Work
{13} Giraffe Lamp from Jonathan Adler
{14} Calendars from Wiley Valentine

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Favorite Valentine's Day Posts

Whether you are having a party, making Valentines for friends or children's friends, or just love to look at all the pretty things that come with Valentine's Day, there are so many great resources on the internet.  Here are a few of my favorite Valentine blog posts from around the web!



































1. Vintage Flower Valentines Day Sweets Table from Hostess with the Mostess
2. Pintrest Pin by Tidymom
3. DIY Cookies by Anders Ruff
4. Valentine's Macaroons by Sweet & Saucy
5. Printable Valentine's Cards by How about Orange
6. Heart Charm Wish Necklace by Ash & Anchor
7. Valentine's Card Round-Up by Oh So Beautiful Paper
8. Romantic Vintage Valentine's Tablescape by The White Library
9. Printable Valentine Round-up by The Long Thread

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Valentine's Fruit Stickers

I came across these adorable stickers on Twig & Thistle and wanted to share!  Visit the post here for a link to the FREE pdf download and instructions! These could be used in lieu of Valentines, or just to make that special someone smile.  Enjoy!







































Pictures are all from Twig & Thistle