Headline
Memorial Day books for kids
THE WALL, by Eve Bunting A boy and his father have come to the Vietnam War Memorial to look for the boy’s grandfather’s name among those who were killed in the war. They find his name surrounded, but far from lost, in the rows of print that “march side by side, like rows of soldiers.” “I’m proud that your grandfather’s name is on this wall,” says the boy’s father. The boy agrees, adding, “but I’d rather … Read entire article »
Featured
Announcing the new Polka Dot Suitcase newsletter
Did you ever discover something you never even knew existed, but once you did, you didn’t know … Read more »
Charleston, South Carolina
It was supposed to be a late-winter getaway to cure our itchy travel bug. Who knew it … Read more »
Stone Mountain
After one last bathroom stop at World of Coca-Cola, we headed out of downtown Atlanta. Destination: Stone … Read more »
Popular
DuneCraft plant kit giveaway!
So tea has been in the news a lot recently, but once you get past the parties … Read more »
Book giveaway: The Human Body
To mark the Grand Opening of the Polka Dot Suitcase, I’m giving away one of my books, … Read more »
Book giveaway: Planet Earth
April brings showers, taxes…and Earth Day! To celebrate Earth Day this month, I’ve got two fun giveaways … Read more »
Latest
Memorial Day project with the kids
Happy Memorial Day! (A day early.) It’s always seemed a little weird to put “happy” and “memorial day” in the same sentence, but I’m not sure how else to phrase it. Tomorrow also happens to be the end of May’s Blogathon. And while that most likely means nothing to you (unless you were participating), it means I can go back to my … Read entire article »
Nomad Press
If you’ve poked (polked?) around Polka Dot Suitcase at all, you know I’ve got a couple books out, published by Nomad Press. Since we’re wrapping up the Blogathon, I’m working on little sleep last night (courtesy of a thunderstorm/deadline one-two punch), and I feel like I need a breather…I just want to direct your attention to this great little publisher. It’s … Read entire article »
Commercial free
Last night I had a commercial right in the middle of my dream. (Later, I asked Sir Buffalo Sushi, “How weird is that? I mean, who has a commercial in the middle of their dream?” He said, “You.”) I don’t even remember what the commercial was for, either. I just remember merrily dreaming my dream for the first part: Friends … Read entire article »
Cartoon vacation photos
A couple of days ago, Kristie Sloan commented and asked if I take lots of photos of my kiddos. The answer is yes and no. When we’re traveling, I bring the camera, the video camera, and the little Flip cam thingie. My intention is to take a lot of images — capture the memories and all that jazz. Trouble is, … Read entire article »
Bring a surprise to your next picnic
Since spring has sprung, picnics have become almost a weekly event — between casual picnics with friends, group get-togethers, camping outings, and the like — there’s always some reason to gather with family and buddies outside. Most of these occasions come with the “bring something to share” line — and you know by “something” they mean “food.” When I was a … Read entire article »
Parenting blogs
So, the blogathon is wrapping up — about a week left. Doing a post every day has been both a challenge and a frustration, but I’m glad I’ve almost made it. After this, hoping to go back to regularly scheduled 5-a-week. Wanted to share some of the other parenting bloggers in the group. Be sure to check out posts from yesterday … Read entire article »
Blogathon haiku
As part of the May Blogathon our leader, Michelle Rafter over at WordCount, challenged us to do a haiku post today. You know, haiku — that three-line poem encapsulating one thought in 17 syllables broken down thusly: 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. Hmm. Okay, I’m game: Polka dot suitcase Carries fun for everyone It’s blue with white dots ROFL! Oh, gosh, that … Read entire article »
LOST series finale party
As I think I mentioned before, my guys and I watch LOST. We came late to the party — had to rent several seasons’ worth of DVDs before we were completely up-to-date; this last season was the first we’ve watched in “real time.” But we’re hooked, and anxious for tonight’s series finale. Well, less anxious and more psyched. I can’t … Read entire article »
Camping and crabbing at Carolina Beach
Back from another camping expedition! Real quickie, though. We were down in Carolina Beach where the kids had a crabbing class — wading knee-deep into a salt marh, tossing bait fish out, and luring blue crabs back through the shallow waters (released them all, naturally, along with the shrimp, minnows, and snails who were also captured after fierce battles). There … Read entire article »