books — The Happiest Home

Read-Aloud Revival With Sarah Mackenzie: The Home Hour Episode 41

by Meagan Francis on October 23, 2014

We all know we’re supposed to read to our kids every day, right?

But it can be easier said than done. Between tongue-twisting passages in picture books and toddlers crawling over you while you’re trying to read to older siblings, reading aloud is one of those things that can be kind of a drag for a busy mom…and it’s only too easy to let life get in the way and knock reading off the daily to-do list.

Today’s guest, Sarah Mackenzie from The Read-Aloud Revival podcast, has the antidote: a laid-back, just-do-what-you-can approach to creating a read-aloud culture in your home. As a homeschooling mom of six (including twins!) she definitely understands the obstacles parents can face when it comes to reading aloud regularly, and she has some great tips and ideas for making it easier, less stressful, and more fun for everyone.

Listen now! (Or scroll down to find links to some of the resources we discussed in the show.)

[click to continue…]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

0 comments

Halloween Costumes From Children’s Literature

by Sarah Powers October 1, 2014

Since Meagan and I both love children’s literature, we thought it would be fun to round up some creative Halloween costume ideas based on beloved children’s book characters. And since we also both favor “good enough” over perfect, we’re of the belief that costumes don’t always have to be 100% handmade OR purchased head-to-toe from […]

Read More! →

11 Children’s Books About Starting School

by Meagan Francis August 27, 2014

With less than a week until my family heads back to school, there’s a definite buzz of excitement in the air at our house…but some nervousness, too. This will be Clara’s first time in a formal school program, and what can I say…the girl is really, really into her mama. She’s excited to make new friends and […]

Read More! →

15 Read-Aloud Chapter Books That Kids & Grownups Love

by Sarah Powers July 11, 2014

by Sarah Powers In our house, bedtime stories come in the form of a chapter book read aloud to the older two kids, ages 6 and 4. Last year we went on a big Magic Tree House series kick, which made choosing the next book easy since there are approximately 4837 in the series. We were […]

Read More! →

5 Books I’ll Be Reading On Scribd This Summer (plus, a free subscription!)

by Meagan Francis June 11, 2014

This post is sponsored by Scribd. Want to have your own #ScribdSummer? You’ll find a code for a free three-month subscription at the end of this post. Happy Summer reading! Confession right up front: I am the worst at creating those “summer beach read” lists. I’m usually woefully behind on whatever the hot new book […]

Read More! →

Plan the perfect Mother’s Day – for yourself.

by Meagan Francis May 9, 2014

Mother’s Day can be tricky, yes? Maybe you’ll hold out hope that your spouse or kids will create the perfect experience for you…and then feel that soul-blackening resentment build up when that breakfast in bed is a tossed-together affair of burned toast and lukewarm coffee, and the only reason you even got that much is that you refused to get […]

Read More! →

Join my book launch team!

by Meagan Francis March 14, 2014

Update: Thanks so much to everyone who expressed an interest in the launch team! The team is now closed to new applicants, but I’d love to keep you posted about the book and other ways to get involved. Sign up for our email list and I’ll keep you in the loop! Remember Beyond Baby, the […]

Read More! →

GIVEAWAY! Notes From A Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider

by Meagan Francis February 3, 2014

Do the choices I make line up with how I really want to live? That’s the question Tsh Oxenreider asks herself – and challenges readers to ask themselves, as well – in her brand-new book, Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World. Following her journey to Turkey, […]

Read More! →

Gift idea for book lovers on your list: Scribd (free trial + giveaway!)

by Meagan Francis December 11, 2013

* * * UPDATE! * * * Congrats to reader Brandee, who won the six month membership to Scribd in our giveaway (and thanks again to Scribd for providing the giveaway)! Don’t forget – all our readers can get a 3-month free trial (instead of the normal 1-month) by using the link below. Offer ends 12/31. […]

Read More! →

Licking the Spoon with Candace Walsh: Podcast Episode 12

by Meagan Francis November 20, 2013

Finally! After a hiatus, The Kitchen Hour Podcast is back. In the intro to today’s episode I gave a little explanation of my “break” – and a peep at the exciting things ahead. So glad to be back! Today’s guest is Candace Walsh, author of Licking the Spoon: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Identity. […]

Read More! →

← Previous Entries