Happy Birthday, E. E. Cummings! The American poet was born in Cambridge, MA on October 14, 1894. Today, in his honor, I’m sharing two of my favorite E. E. Cummings poems: “anyone lived in a pretty how town” and “You are tired”. The first one is best read aloud to truly appreciate the rhythm of his words and the second is perfect for quiet contemplation.
anyone lived in a pretty how town
anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn’t he danced his did.
Women and men(both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn’t they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain
children guessed(but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more
when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone’s any was all to her
someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)they
said their nevers they slept their dream
stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)
one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was
all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.
Women and men(both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain
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Today is two of my favorites musicians’ birthdays: both John Lennon and French composer Camille Saint-Saëns were both born on October 9! John in 1940 in Liverpool, England and Saint-Saëns in 1835, in Paris, France. In their honor, click on on the videos below to listen to John’s “Instant Karma” and Saint-Saëns’ “Aquarium” from “Carnival of the Animals”:
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I put together a list of my favorite “pink” products. All of these items benefit breast cancer causes and research. Click on the links below to get shopping!
1. Deborah Lippman “Shape of My Heart” Nail Color view on www.deborahlippman.com
2. Tory Burch “Kerrington” Hard Shell iPhone 5 Case view on www.toryburch.com
3. Carolee Word Play Double Take Bangle view on www.bloomingdales.com
4. Teleflora Pink Grace Bouquet view on www.teleflora.com
5. NEST Fragrances Passion Breast Cancer Awareness Candle view on www.amazon.com
6. Nancy Rose Performance Pink Top view on www.nancyroseperformance.com
7. Pilot Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Pens view on www.amazon.com
8. Tweezerman Precision Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Slant Tweezer view on www.macys.com
9. Holst + Lee for Loft Necklace view on www.loft.com
10. Sephora “Together in Pink” Hair Ties view on www.sephora.com
11. Jane Iredale “Smell the Roses” Hydration Spray view on www.amazon.com
12. KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Pink Mixer view on www.amazon.com
13. Metrokane Original Rabbit Corkscrew in Pink view on www.amazon.com
14. NEST Fragrances Passion Reed Diffuser view on www.amazon.com
Foundation of Woolworth Building on October 6, 1911 (103 years ago today!)
These pumpkin recipes are perfect for the Fall. They’re all easy to make, vegan (dairy and egg free), and full of nutritional benefits and flavor:
Pumpkin is loaded in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): great for your eyesight and cancer prevention.
Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, keeping you feeling satisfied.
Pumpkin is a great source of Potassium- perfect for a post-workout meal.
1. Ginger Roasted Pumpkin + Quinoa Salad w/Mint, Chili and Lime by My Darling Thyme
view the recipe
2. Pumpkin Alfredo Linguini by Veggie and the Beast view the recipe
3. Five-Ingredient Thai Pumpkin Soup by Foodie Crush view the recipe
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake (vegan) by Kitchen Grrls view the recipe
I love NYC street art. My Instagram feed is filled with photos of murals, graffitied walls, stenciled images, and wheatpaste stickers that I’ve snapped while running around the city. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorites. Click on each image for links to the artists’ feeds!
Hiking with your family is a such a great way to get exercise, encourage exploration of nature and wildlife, and escape the hectic schedule of everyday life. New Yorkers have so many options right outside the city! MommyPoppins put together a great list of easy hikes for NYC families: 5 Easy NY State Park Hikes for Families in Hudson Valley. I recently visited #3, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and fell in love with the gorgeous, endless views of the valley. Don’t forget to check out my list of the Best Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speakers to help choose a lightweight, easy-to-use speaker for your trip!
1. AdventurePak by Carson {view on Amazon}
2. Backyard Safari Field Tools by Summit {view on Amazon}
3. Jamison Sneaker by KEEN {view on Amazon}
4. Natural Hardwood Hiking Stick for Children {view on Amazon}
5. Kids Helios Sun Hat by Outdoor Research {view on Amazon}
6. Kids Daypack by Osprey {view on Amazon}
7. Chandler CNX Hiking Shoe by KEEN {view on Amazon}
8. Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent (DEET-free) by Repel {view on Amazon}
9. Free, Printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt by The Bird Feed NYC {get the free activity sheet}
10. Fishing Pole Campfire Roaster by FireBuggz {view on Amazon}
11. Bug-Eye Headlight for Kids by Coghlan’s {view on Amazon}
12. Kids Magnifier by Coghlan’s {view on Amazon}
13. Kids Tracker Backpack by Lucky Bums {view on Amazon}
14. Trabagon Jacket by White Sierra {view on Amazon}
15. Lakeside Sleeping Bag by Wenzel {view on Amazon}
One of my favorite singers, the legendary Freddie Mercury was born on this day in in 1946! He was best known as the incredible lead singer and lyricist for Queen and his unforgettably unique, powerful voice ranged over 4-octaves. Today, in his honor, I’m sharing 3 amazing Queen performances: ”Under Pressure” live at Wembley Stadium (1986), “Somebody to Love” live at Montreal (1981), and “Bohemian Rhapsody” live at Wembley Stadium” (1986). Happy Birthday, Freddie!
I’m going to make a change
For once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference, gonna make it right
As I turned up the collar on my favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin’ my mind
I see the kids in the street with not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind, pretending not to see their need?
A summer’s disregard, a broken bottle top
And one man’s soul
They follow each other on the wind ya know?
‘Cause they got nowhere to go, that’s why I want you to know
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
I’ve been a victim of a selfish kinda love
It’s time that I realize
There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be, really mean, pretending that they’re not alone?
A willow deeply scarred, somebody’s broken heart
And a washed out dream
(Washed out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya see
‘Cause they got no place to be that’s why I’m starting with me
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Click the link below to download and print the free PDF.
Want more scavenger hunts? CLICK HERE
1. Etekcity® RoverBeats Mini Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
Price: $24.99 view price on Amazon
Battery Life: 7 hours
Bluetooth Wireless: 33 feet
Weight: 100 grams (.22 pound)
Pros: lightweight, non-skid bottom
2. Ultimate Ears MINI BOOM Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
Price: $99.99 view price on Amazon
Battery Life: 10 hours
Bluetooth Wireless: 50 feet
Weight: 8.2 ounces (.66 pound)
Pros: nice bass tones, stylish design, multiple colors
3. Omaker Outdoor Sport Rugged Square Design SplashProof & Shockproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $69.99 view price on Amazon
Battery Life: 8 hours
Bluetooth Wireless: 33 feet (recommended to stay within 16.5 feet)
Weight: 301 grams (.51 pound)
Pros: shockproof and splashproof!
4. Jawbone JAMBOX Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $149.99 view price on Amazon
Battery Life: 10 hours
Bluetooth Wireless: 50 feet
Weight: 12 ounces (.75 pound)
Pros: stylish design, multiple colors, great sound
5. Photive CYREN Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $119.95 view price on Amazon
Battery Life: 10 hours
Bluetooth Wireless: 33 feet
Weight: 11 ounce (.69 pound)
Pros: stylish design, multiple colors
6. The OontZ Angle Ultra Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $69.99 view price on Amazon
Battery Life: 10 hours (OontZ site says 12)
Bluetooth Wireless: up to 30 feet
Weight: 9.1 ounces (.57 pound)
Pros: lightweight, slim design
Pucker up and sip on one of these sweet & tart lemonades in honor of the holiday!
Ideas:
*Replace white granulated sugar with agave syrup.
*Serve in chilled mason jars.
*Adults- add a splash of vodka to make a cocktail.
1. Cucumber Mint Lemonade by The Little Epicurean view the recipe
2. Blueberry Lemonade by Damn Delicious view the recipe
3. Frozen Blackberry Basil Lemonade by The Kitchen McCabe view the recipe
4. Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies by Half Baked Harvest view the recipe
5. Raspberry Peach Lemonade by Delacy view the recipe
Deborah Lippmann is the go-to manicurist of the stars and the fashion industry and her high-quality line of polishes puts all others to shame. This amazing nail polish brand is cruelty-free, entirely vegan (except for the cuticle remover), and full of the most gorgeous sheer, creamy, and sparkly shades! They are easy to apply, fast-drying, and long-lasting. And, best of all- you’ll feel extra beautiful knowing that no animals were harmed for your manicure or pedicure! Here are my picks from her current collection.
Crème, Sheer, Glitter & Shimmer: Treatment-infused nail colors with Biotin and green tea. No Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, or DBP. No animal testing.
1. Before He Cheats Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
2. Between the Sheets Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
3. Mermaid’s Dream Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
4. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) Sheer Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
5. Daytripper Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
6. Happy Birthday Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
7. Shape of My Heart Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
8. Let’s Go Crazy Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
9. Flowers in Her Hair Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
10. Build Me Up Buttercup Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
11. Stop and Stare Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
12. Mermaid’s Kiss Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
The world breaks everyone and, afterward, many are strong at the broken places.
(A Farewell to Arms)
The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.
Never mistake motion for action.
Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.
I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.
Courage is grace under pressure.
It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.
Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry: Worry never fixes anything.
There is nothing else than now. There is neither yesterday, certainly, nor is there any tomorrow. How old must you be before you know that? There is only now, and if now is only two days, then two days is your life and everything in it will be in proportion. This is how you live a life in two days. And if you stop complaining and asking for what you never will get, you will have a good life. A good life is not measured by any biblical span.
(For Whom the Bell Tolls)
We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.
(The Wild Years)
One of my favorite artists, painter Gustav Klimt, was born on July 14, 1862 in Baumgarten, Austria- 152 years ago today! I’ve chosen 10 of my favorite Klimt paintings in honor of his special day. His style is perfect for introducing to children. After viewing his works (ex: Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1 is great for identifying shapes, Country Garden with Sunflowers is perfect for identifying colors), ask kids to draw their own Klimt-inspired work of art. Happy Birthday, Gustav!
