Two books that we have been reaching for time and again this summer are Our Great Big Backyard  and Larry Loves Seattle.  

Something about the summertime revives my eagerness to pick up a good book.  What greater indulgence is there on a summer afternoon than to sit poolside with a page-turner?  In all likelihood I will not have that luxury this summer, but I'm hoping to stock the kindle with books to fuel late night baby parties to be had.

I've rounded up some my recent reads and some old favorites as summer reading recommendations.

Over on Instagram, you can follow along with what we're reading (#pinktogreenreads) and I have also added a new tab at the top of the page called shop which will allow you to browse the books we love, old and new!

Now, I'd love to hear from you... what should I add to my list?  Are you using Good Reads?  Happy Summer reading!

Happy Friday!  We're hoping to take James Robert skiing for the first time this weekend.  I'm bummed that I won't be able to go with him learn how to go down the slopes with him, but I can't wait to see the look on his face when he goes.

Lately, we've been doing our best to help prepare James Robert for the massive changes that will happen when we bring his little brother home.  I do hope that all of our talk about it will help ease the transition and help him be excited for his new role.  I know he will be such a great big brother, but I also know it may be tough on him.

One of the most helpful things we've done is read him books about becoming a sibling.  We were lucky to receive some wonderful books from family and friends over the holidays, so I wanted to share some of our favorites.  Please do let me know if you have any others to recommend that we could add to the mix!

Some of the best family traditions are the most simple. I waited impatiently until after Thanksgiving to take our collection of Christmas books out of their box.  I may have forgotten to pack all our ornaments (they are all in storage, whoops) but the books made the move! Every year, I so look forward to cozy tales of Christmas and it's so nostalgic to read James Robert some of the books I read as a child.

Reading holiday books and doing activities based on the stories has really added to the magic of the season. We also look forward to adding a few new favorites to the collection each year and it's a tradition I can't wait to grow with us.

To my surprise, he remembered quite a few books from last year and was equally excited which made this year particularly fun.

In case you're looking to add to your collection this year, I've rounded up some of our very favorites below.  I'd love to know what your family enjoys reading at this time of year- please leave your comment below!

We treasure reading time in our family.  Happily, James Robert has always enjoyed books.  We visit the library almost weekly and he never tires of it.  I find myself seeking children's book recommendations from all my friends and love learning what other mom bloggers have on their shelves.

I'll be making the following recipe this week with goodies I picked up at the markets this weekend...

katie lee joel's healthy granola
· 3 cups rolled oats
· ½ cup unsalted hulled sunflower seeds
· ½ cup unsalted hulled pumpkin seeds
· ½ cup flaked coconut
· ¼ cup wheat germ
· 1 ½ cups chopped unsalted mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, etc.)
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon kosher salt
· 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter or canola oil
· 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
· 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
· 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, dates, apricots, figs, prunes, etc.)

The Recipe:
Preheat over to 350º. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut, wheat germ, nuts, cinnamon, and salt. In a small saucepan melt butter in the maple syrup over low heat. Stir in the vanilla. Add to the oat mixture. Add 2 tablespoons water and stir until well combined. Spread the granola evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring at 10-minute intervals to ensure uniform baking, until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool in the pan. Stir in the dried fruits.
BTW: When completely cooled, place in an airtight container. Granola will keep at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. It also freezes well for future use.

Examining the food we eat has been on of the most fundemental changes made to my lifestyle since being green concious.

Eating organic and eating locally farmed fruits and veggies has significantly changed the way I look at produce. There is a perceptable difference between the lettuce that is mass produced and shipped far away and the lettuce that is fresh, full of vitamins and more importantly taste!

On my reading list is this book: