« July 2013 | Main | September 2013 »
As the holiday weekend breezes by, here are a few things we just had to share... enjoy!
- The Spitzer telescope is 10 years old! Check out all the beautiful images its captured since its launch.
- Take a peak at the creative spaces of the truly creative.
- This is incredible, and its made of paper...
- These look super cute, and delicious!
- Check out these great back to school crafts!
- Where art and recycling meet, beautiful art installation...
xox
~ i.c.
| |
|
Take the time. . .
. . . to soak. . .
. . . it all in.
Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday weekend full of slow summer moments. Soak up the season and enjoy the last of her gifts before the new energy of autumn trickles in.
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
xox
i.c.
P.S. Don't forget to enter our current book giveaway!
| |
|
I love books, that's why I write this blog. I also love science, which is why I picked up this book. But to say I love this book, well, that would be a gross understatement.
I resisted the subject of chemistry for the entire first semester I first took it in high school, which my grade most definitely reflected (it wasn't pretty). Luckily something wonderful happened the second semester. Perhaps a little learning by osmosis had occurred previously, or maybe I had just stared at the giant poster of the periodic table long enough, but suddenly everything clicked. Chemistry was amazing!
Amazing and fun! The table of elements became the like key code to that ultra secret language all the cool kids used in grade school, and unlike in years past, I was in on it.
That is of course not to say that chemistry isn't a challenging subject, it is! But making friends with that table and those atomic numbers is one the best relationships you can make.
And lucky for you, this book makes it easy! Visual learners will have a field day with the well represented history and uses of each element. While the truly scientific at heart will appreciate the concise language, clear descriptions, and logical layout and explanation of each element of the periodic table. And for the completely unscientifically inclined, this book is just plain cool. Our world is an amazing and wonder-filled place, and this book does a great job explaining all the different components that come together to make it that way.
Whatever kind of learner you are, or whatever your scientific inclinations, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray, definitely deserves a spot in your library. Who knows what it might inspire... you just might end up having an element named after you.
We haven't been able to put this book down since we got it, which of course means one of you lucky people is getting a copy, on us!
For a chance to win a copy of The Elements, simply leave a comment on this post by 8am MST Thursday September 5th. The winner will be chosen by random number and announced later that day.
The winner of The Elements Book Giveaway is...Karen who wrote:
"I have this book on loan right now from the library. Would LOVE my own copy!"
Thank you so much to everyone who participated!
~ Jordan
*Last time in books and stories: The Botany Coloring Book
| |
|
Last week I visited Maui to attend a wedding. The trade winds took a vacation when I arrived. The local weather forecaster described them as natures air conditioning. Having never experienced these trade winds, the ocean seemed to me to be another great way to get cool.
We took off to do a little exploring on our own and found a magical place where the ocean met Maui's native forest. This was made possible by someone who opened his private land to those wanting to find some of the islands best snorkeling.
Warnings were posted that coconuts could fall on you and...
... home made signs warned about when not to snorkel...
... flowers decorated the forest floor, but...
... it was the feather left behind glistening on the pathway to the ocean that said welcome to my home, tread lightly and with care, wonders are just around the corner.
To the wonderful people of Maui, and the kindness they extended at every turn... mahalo.
~ Deb
* Last time in Barn Stories: Fly Masks
| |
|
Summer is. . .
. . . nearly over. . .
. . . but why not. . .
. . . make. . .
. . . the transition. . .
. . . as sweet as can be?
End of Summer / Back to School Fractions Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
Frosting:
Preheat the oven to 350.
Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients (apart from the preserves). Slowly add the dry mix to the wet.
Transfer the cake batter to a greased and floured 13" x 9" x 2" pan. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Set aside to cool.
While the cake is cooling, whip the butter and slowly begin adding the sugar. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla, cream and cocoa. Continue mixing until it is smooth and very well incorporated.
To assemble your cake, slice off the edges and, using a bread knife, then slice down the middle of the cake horizontally (I chose to make a smaller cake so I used half the recipe and just sliced the cake in half vertically to make the layers). Spread a generous layer of the raspberry preserves on the bottom layer and place the second layer on top. Frost the outside using a rubber spatula for a more organic look.
Make banners with fractions on them using popsicle sticks, paper, and glue. I cut a slit in a few corks I had to help them stand, but you could also just put them in a jar or a cup next to the cake.
Enjoy!
|
With the Kids:
|
~ Sarah
*Last time in Recipes: Tuscan Fettunta
| |
|
Visit the Imagine Childhood Store: