The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule
If you do not have this book for your family, I highly recommend it. It is amazing, and I can't tell you how much it inspires me to be creative with my children. I LOVE IT!
Blake brings "simplicity" and traditions back to what I want my family lifestyle to be one day. That less is more, "The Joyful act of creating together can be postively magical and a truly a gift for everyone. Much of our cultural energy is spent filling our minds, hearts, and time outsideour families, as evident in the smaller amount of time families spend together at home."
I agree with so much of the family objectives Blake says in her book. I was concerned that I couldn't have enough toys for Cosette, or take her out to have a b-zillion play dates, but I realize that the time spend at home with her will be something she will remember the most. Making her everyday life, creative and a part of nature.
When I was a kid, my parents didn't always have money to go on trips everywhere, and we didn't always have the best toys. My parents were always working 60 plus hours to raise their family. However, if my parents had a weekend off. They were always inclined to take us on weekend camping trips, fishing, Cambodian cultural events, and be a part thier of a HUGE garden in the backyard. This book makes me reminiscent of those moments as a child.
I love the simple projects Blake includes in her books. She uses simple techniques and introductions to sewing, knitting, clothing construction, and so forth. Her projects don't require the reader to be an expert, but to be inclusive with your children as well. I love that Blake encourages reducing, and reusing items throughout the home.
She, also, has a fantastic blog, Soule Mama, under "Other Blogs I Enjoy" on my main page that I check daily as well. Her blog is beautiful photography, includes up-to-date things the reader can do to encourage their own family creativity.
So, please, go and check out this book, if you want to embrace the creativity in your family. I will make sure to post some of the projects I make from Blake's book.
