, a book I really must have.
The New York Review of Books has reissued the wonderful, whimsical Mud Pies and Other Recipes: A Cookbook for Dolls by Marjorie Winslow. My three long-time readers may remember I bought a second-hand copy of this for Luke, way back before Sylvie was born*, when it was still out of print. Lately we've been having a lot of fun trying out the recipes and I've just created a pinterest board devoted to the book. Here's one of the many delightful (but not particularly delicious) recipes.
Boiled Buttons
A hot soup that is simple but simply delicious. Place a handful of buttons in a saucepan half filled with water. Add a pinch of white sand and dust, 2 fruit tree leaves, and a blade of grass for each button. Simmer on a hot rock for a few minutes to bring out flavor. Ladle into bowls.
Other recipes include Stuffed Sea Shells, Wood Chip Dip, Fried Water, Dandelion Souffle, and Rainspout Tea.
And look how the new edition has exactly the same cover as the original, which I found on Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves:
*Whenever the topic of the time before Sylvie was born comes up, Sylvie always announces proudly, "I was a twinkle in my daddy's eye!" I told her that once, as a joke, and it has stuck. For years. Even though I have actually tried to explain, in a very basic way, of course, where she actually comes from. Clearly the idea of having been a twinkle in her previous life resonates with her. I only hope she can be disabused of this idea before she has to take Sex Ed.
Sylvie just set up our wooden manger scene, along with a couple of additions. Yes, that is Santa over to the side, resting in a pink high chair. Those are his boots (perhaps with his feet still inside them, which might be why he needs the special chair) over behind that lumpish sheep or ox. She says "They are having a party." I guess they kind of were.
Remember the ranger and the rangel?
I bought this pretty hairclip for Sylvie from Susan of DeChamp Designs at a recent craft show. Every October, Susan donates 20% of her sales to the IWK Foundation. Here is why.
Susan makes gorgeous, very intricate chainmaille and crochet jewelry, which she sells at amazing prices. Now's a great time to start your Christmas shopping with her, since you'll also be helping out kids at the IWK Children's Hospital. She's also joining our Mother Christmas Fair on November 24th at the Mahone Bay Centre.
books. (Now that is definitely a crooked house.) It can be yours for about 3000 pounds! Via Stephanie Burgis.It's official. David is the best dad in the world. But don't worry, your favourite dad can be the official best dad in the world, too. After seeing a similar design for sale on a British site (at the scary, scary price of $41 plus shipping) I asked Lisa, the graphic designer who did Sylvie's birthday invitations, to make some up for me and she's now offering them to everyone at the bargain price of five bucks!