Barbie Movie and a Barbie Birthday Cake

 

Have you seen the Barbie Movie yet? For my birthday this year, Hazel and I went to a matinee. I also decided to try to make a Barbie cake for myself. It is hard to hear some of the criticism of the movie from people who refuse to see it. For example, Rex Huppke's column in USA Today shares many of the things said about the movie. Now being a liberal and having many liberal friends, I have many friends who have different opinions. But I am going to begin by sharing a bit of my own background.

History of Rumpelstiltskin and a Feminist Version of the Story

Today I am going to share a bit of the history of the tale, Rumpelstiltskin as well as a newer version of it that will make many feminists very happy. Let's just say the miller's daughter does not marry the mean king!! Let's start with the history of the tale of this funny, little man who can spin straw into gold.

Books for Tween and Teen Girls -- Mindfulness and Puberty

Disclosure: Running Press sent me copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

As the start of school is approaching I am seeing Hazel's anxiety level rising. Socializing with other kids can be tough on her and school is probably the toughest place for her since she is with kids all day long. Add on top of it that she is hitting puberty a bit earlier than most of her classmates and she is a bit of a pile of nerves and moods. I have been trying to add relaxing and calming things to our routine although this summer routine has kind of gone out the window. Today I am going to share two amazing resources for kids like Hazel and in particular girls. The first is a book that is really for any child -- girl or boy. It is Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement and More by Mallika Chopra and illustrated by Breanna Vaughan.

Women History

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The links are affiliate links where I will receive a small percentage of any purchases made through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Crafty Moms Share!

Do you children like to read nonfiction? Hazel does. She always has. I was recently told that they now recommend that kids read 50% nonfiction. How disappointing when you look at the number of books for younger readers that are about women. There are not that many out there. However today I am going to share five nonfiction picture books and one novel that shares a bit about real women in history.  We will start with Brave Jane Austen: Reader, Writer, Author, Rebel by Lisa Pliscou and illustrated by Jen Corace. 

Happy Family Times--A Baby Shower

Have you done something fun or different with your family this week? Kelly from Happy Whimsical Hearts and I would love to hear about it. Please share it below!

This week Hazel went to her first baby shower. Although she had a chance to attend a baby shower a year and a half ago for her godparents, she was not at a point of being able to handle it that day, so she didn't. So this week, we got invited to a baby shower that the library staff was putting on for the children's librarian. Most of the guests were library staff, but somehow we got on the list even though it has been  four years since I volunteered there and the staff has mostly changed since then.

Hazel was so excited to get to go to the shower. She told everyone about it. Then while there she sat next to Ms. Bethany and also was the one who passed her which gift to open. She also enjoyed two pieces of pizza, salad, and M&M's. She was going to spend the night at Nonni's who was not happy she ate so much at the library when she had cooked dinner, but it ended up not mattering since Hazel caught yet another cold and had to come home.

For a gift, we finished up the baby quilt I started making for Hazel. Our nursery was Beatrix Potter themed so her quilt was as well. It seemed like the perfect quilt for a children's librarian. All I had to do was quilt the border and bind it. I also added some ribbons so she could use it for tummy time and give the baby something to play with.

I didn't take too many pictures at the shower, but thought I would share our mother/daughter time which was spent in a traditional female event. She loved the attention of being the only child there, but did get bored after awhile. Of course we had a long day with hair appointments (her first full hair cut), dance class and the shower. It was a fun time which unfortunately ended with her complaining of a sore throat.

The Favors

Now it is your turn to share how your family has spent some quality time lately.

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Ok, now for our PARTY!! Please share your FUN Family Times!!