Girls Who Code

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you know that the most important skill for future jobs is coding? More than half the jobs in the upper income quartile ($57,000 or more) require it currently and that number is increasing. (Source) The numbers of women in computer science majors has dropped. In 1984 37% of computer science majors were females and in 2014 the number dropped to 18%. (Source) Once again there is a gender gap and this is going to matter when our girls grow up. I remember the push in high school to get girls interested in math and science and that push is still there and it also needs to focus on coding and computers. However it needs to start even earlier. Enter Reshma Saujani. Besides being the first Indian American woman to run for U.S. Congress (she didn't win), in 2012 she founded Girls Who Code. Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization that are helping encourage and teach girls to code. Reshma Saujani is also the author of one of the books I will be sharing with you today and the author of the forward of the other book. We will start with the first novel in the Girls Who Code Series. It is The Friendship Code by Stacis Deutsch. 

Halloween Costumes from the 1950's Era

Disclosure: Oriental Trading sent me these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe fall is already coming? Schools are back in session and the weather is already turning here. I know Halloween always sneaks up on us once school starts. I am always thankful to Oriental Trading for getting our minds focused on what costume Hazel wants. This year she has been into her American Girl dolls and in particular in the Beforever dolls. She loves Maryellen's poodle skirt. She saved her money and bought the doll outfit and crinoline. She does not have Maryellen, but dressed one of her favorite dolls, Chrysanthemum, in it.

Ibn al-Haytham -- the Father of Optics and Modern Science #STEM

Do you use a camera? Do you know how we see? Perhaps you use or have used the scientific method? The man behind discovering ideas behind these things and more is Ibn al-Haytham or Alhazen (his name in Latin). He was born in Basra, Iraq in the 10th century. He was a scientist, mathematician, and engineer. He lived during the Golden Age of Islam and benefited because of the knowledge being studied and shared. 

Autumn Pumpkin Crafts & More -- a Crafty Weekends Review & Link Party

Disclosure: Oriental Trading sent me these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe August is almost over and schools are starting up? Where did the summer go? To kick into the fall season, we are sharing some pumpkin themed crafts and products. And just in case you want to really skip ahead be sure to check out our Christmas card post yesterday! I know crafters will understand the need to start those crafts early!! We decided to focus our posts around pumpkins since they work for fall as well as Halloween and Thanksgiving. We have had a lot of fun with pumpkin crafts and with pumpkins. Last year I shared a tutorial to make a fabric pumpkin. I used this pumpkin in several of my pictures. We will start with our DIY Door Pumpkin. 

Create-Your-Own Handmade Christmas Cards -- a Relaxing Saturday Review

Disclosure: Storey Publishing sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Ok, I know it is way too early to talk Christmas, however if you are a crafter you probably are already thinking about it. So today's review is a coloring book to make your own Christmas cards. And if you want to make them all to send out, you need to get started soon. Now I should mention that the past couple of years we have had a bit of Christmas in July since we have visited Santa's Village each July. Here is a picture I think might go on our photo card this year. What do you think?