Fed Up with Frenzy...a Giveaway!

"When well-meaning parents experience their days as a race against time, much is actually lost. 

Many of us want more connection and meaning in our families' lives, but we remain too busy to even think about achieving those things." - Susan Sachs Lipman, Fed Up with Frenzy

Sometimes you just need to find a little cabin in the woods and hide out for a weekend to recalibrate and remember what is essential in your life.  That is just what my family did this past weekend, and it was incredible. 

For me, a total nature-lover, the opportunity to spend time outdoors, with all my senses alive, connecting with the changing season was very grounding and nurturing.  The night sky alone made our camping trip so special.  The sky was full of stars beyond stars amid the swirling haze of the Milky Way, and it was beautiful.  I love reminders that we are just one small part of an immense Universe. 

But I was really pleased that the rest of my family had a great time at camp, too.  Everyone embraced the adventure of cooking over an open fire, fetching water, sleeping in the little bunks.  I was so happy that I'd tossed Suz Lipman's new book, Fed Up with Frenzy into my pack, because a section of the book is dedicated to camping together.

We followed her instructions to make "Hobo Popcorn" over the campfire, and cheered when we actually heard the little kernels popping inside their aluminum foil pouch.  Susan's years of experience as a Girl Scout Troop Leader (as well as being Social Media Director at the Children & Nature Network) ensured that her book not only included tons of outdoor activities, but sing-along song lyrics, too!  My girls loved belting out, She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain with all the silly verses.  We built fairy houses and ate s'mores and played in Watchaug Pond.

As my husband and I worked together to provide the neccessities in our rustic setting, and as we all enjoyed eachother's company and laughed and read stories around the campfire, I felt certain that all was right in the world.  Disconnected from the frenzy of daily life, I remembered what is essential in my own- health, nourishment and time to just be with the people I love. 

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Of course, we can't hide in the woods forever!  But we can definitely continue to slow down and make time for family.  Fed Up with Frenzy is chock-full of fun activities that will take your family from the woods to the kitchen, through the seasons, into the garden and back again.  Suz has included craft ideas, recipes and a wonderful collection of games to play.  Anyone seeking a little inspiration for "family time" will find it here.

And Suz has given me a copy of her book to give away to one of you!! 

Just leave a comment below, telling me how you like to just be with the ones you love. 

I'll randomly select a winner next week!