Susan, Author at The Sparrow's Home

Integrating Gaming, Crafts and Other Real World Learning into Your Homeschool

December 14, 2016 by Susan 7 Comments

I received a free product and am being compensated for my time writing this post. As with anything on The Sparrow’s Home, my thoughts are my own.

I’ve been seeing the neatest things pop up on the blogs of unschooling families. When I see them, it can sometimes cause me to re-evaluate my own homeschooling philosophy. I’m definitely a bit of a free spirit, go-with-the-flow kind of gal. But I am also my mother’s daughter, and have a need for some organization and structure.

My boys are in high school now (my eldest graduates this year) and we are sold-out on our method of homeschooling high school. But I got to thinking…what if we had been unschoolers?

{Insert wavy arms and dream sequence music]

Almond Biscotti

December 13, 2016 by Susan 12 Comments

This almond biscotti was made for dipping. Biscotti, meaning ‘twice baked’, is a crunchy cookie perfect with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even milk!

Are you a dipper or a non-dipper?

Biscotti was made for dipping. It’s name actually means twice baked. And that’s done so it gets good and dry and crispy so it has maximum absorption. I’m particular to dipping in a hot cup of coffee, but hot cocoa is yummy too!

These cookies have a reserved spot in my gift giving lineup. They’re fun to wrap up with some hot cocoa mix and chocolate dipped spoons.

Yummy Handmade Gifts

December 12, 2016 by Susan 14 Comments

I really love handmade gifts. Love to give ’em – – Love to get ’em.

‘Cause here’s the thing…even if the gift ends up being a stinker, you still have the gift of knowing that someone cared enough about you to invest time in you.

I’ve done some sewing projects as gifts over the years: hooded towels, blankets, hanging hand towels. And I frequently gift This Herbal Salve and This Tea for Ladies. But my go-to handmade gifts tend to fall in the “kitchen made” area.

I want to share some yummy things that I like to make and give at Christmas. I’ve given every one of these as gifts. And many times, I’ll make extra as a little “gift” for my family!

Christmas Cookies: Host a Cookie Baking Day

December 7, 2016 by Susan 12 Comments

Tips, tricks, ideas and recipes to help you host a Christmas cookie party this holiday season!

Everyone has their family favorites when it comes to Christmas cookies. I am an avid baker, but even I get overwhelmed at the idea of making all the varieties of cookies that my family has come to expect at Christmas. And that’s not even mentioning the things that I make for gifts!

Years ago, when we moved back to Minnesota, I was blessed to be invited to join a group of ladies for a day of cookie baking. Everyone brought ingredients to make one or two kinds. We made them all together, then we divided them up. So we each went home with a huge variety. Genius!

Over the years, the group of ladies has changed somewhat, as has the location. I’m the current host (you must know how much I love hosting gatherings).

Triple Layer Mint Brownies

December 6, 2016 by Susan 17 Comments

It wouldn’t be Christmas around my house without these fudgy, mint brownies. They’re a rich treat that is perfect for special occasions.

My kids have not known a Christmas without these brownies. And I’ve never made them!

I’m fortunate to have a group of ladies that I get together with every year to bake, dip, and decorate our way to a tasty Christmas season. We call it “Cookie Baking Day” and my family is happy to do whatever is required to accommodate it.

My sister, Amy, makes these mint brownies every year, and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

Unconventional Christmas Songs You’ve Probably Never Heard

December 5, 2016 by Susan 20 Comments

Some of these Christmas songs will make you cringe, some will make you laugh, others will be a welcome addition to your listening repertoire. Enjoy!

These aren’t the Christmas songs they’re playing on the radio.

They’re not the songs you’ll hear at the mall.

I can pretty much guarantee that one listen to some of these will be enough. I do hope, however, that among the others you may discover something new to add to your listening repertoire.