Author Archives: Stephanie

About Stephanie

I am a mother and a wife, lady scientist, gardener, fabulous cook, foodie, world traveler, and aspiring polymath. I like to ignore stereotypes, challenge the status quo and encourage independent thought.

Ten Reasons Why You Should NOT Learn to Cook

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Stephanie

Occasionally, I run into someone who claims that they don’t know how to cook. When this happens, I have to consciously fight the urge to say “So what you really mean is that you chose to NOT learn how to cook.” … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Cloud Tea Monkeys

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Stephanie

As soon as we saw the cover of Cloud Tea Monkeys, we were all captivated by the beautiful artwork and intriguing title. In the past three months, we have read the book many, many times. Every time, we are delighted with the story, … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading, Reviews | Leave a comment

A World of Pleasure in Contrariness

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Stephanie

I just watched Bill Moyers’ interview with Wendell Berry (thanks, Adriane, for sharing the link!). After reading many of his books, poems and essays, it was a pleasure to listen to this interview and hear him speak about so many things that are close … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Garden, Reading, Resources, Reviews, Science | 2 Comments

Yelapa Flashback and Book Review: Happy

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Stephanie

Because we were living in Yelapa when I ‘discovered’ this song and the mysterious workings of my inner mind, Pharrell’s song “Happy” will always make me think of Yelapa. How appropriate, no? Continue reading →

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The small things

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Stephanie

The small things add up….at least, I like to believe they do. Let girls build. They can still wear pink (or blue) AND build, design, construct, and supervise. Let boys cook. They can still wear blue (or pink) AND cook, create, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Parenting, Schooling | Leave a comment

Raise Children to Defy Stereotypes

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Stephanie

If we truly want to our children to defy stereotypes, we’re going to have to refrain from indoctrinating our children with our old dysfunctional ones. Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Parenting, Schooling, Science | Leave a comment

Bananas with thyme and circular conversations

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Stephanie

Saturday was one of those perfectly blissful days. One of those days were I wish I could bottle that feeling and remember every moment for ever. We spent the whole day together and we spent most of the day cooking. The kitchen … Continue reading →

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Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Stephanie

We reveled in no plans at all for this, our first day of the New Year. The whole family got to hang out together all day long. No work for anyone! The child loves days like that, and of course … Continue reading →

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Praising the Tree of Gifts

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Stephanie

As much as we try to encourage an appreciation of other things, it is hard to completely avoid any devotion to the altar of consumerism, at least at Christmas. Regardless of my lofty goals, our child found plenty of time to … Continue reading →

Posted in Acquisition of Stuff, Family, Parenting | Leave a comment

My Favorite Christmas Tradition

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Stephanie

I admit to having a general BAH HUMBUG attitude towards many commercialized holidays, including especially Christmas. (Disclaimer: Just to be clear, I am talking about the American tradition, not the religious holiday; in fact, this post really has nothing to do … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Parenting | 1 Comment