7 Reasons you need a Little Free Library (Plus 3 things to get you started!)

I don't know what it is about books, but I just L O V E them.  I will even admit that I love them (shopping for them, looking at them, holding them, storing them, decorating with them, owning them) even more than I love reading them. So stupid and lazy of me..moving on.

So about a year ago, a mama friend of mine introduced me to what is called a Little Free Library, and you guys....I need to convert EVERYONE!

A Little Free Library (or you can really call it whatever you want) is a little, outdoor, open-to-the-public bird house type of tiny-ish, weatherproof building where you put books you are willing to let go of and share with the community.  Then people stop by, and can take any book they want (and keep if they want), and other people (or the same people) BRING books that they are willing to share with the community as well.  So, there is ideally a constant flow of books coming in and going out. Very succinctly, the official tagline of the "official" Little Free Library  is "Take a book, Leave a book."

We built one for our front lawn last spring and you guys, it has been so much fun!!!  So here are my 7 reasons YOU need to start your own Little Free Library, along with some photos to spark some ideas!

1. It is a place you can "donate" books you no longer want -- Spring Cleaning is around the corner!

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2. It's a place to share doubles of books that you received as gifts, etc.

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(I just love LFL's that are tiny replicas of the home behind it!)

3. It's a place to find new books or maybe even old books you've always wanted to read - and they are free!

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4.. It's an awesome neighborhood community builder.  It spreads neighborhood pride, good will, and promotes an atmosphere of community awareness and sharing.  Generosity is a contagious thing...and I want THAT going around my neighborhood.

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A few weeks after we had ours up, I met a neighbor and after I explained where I lived she said "Oh! You are the one with the little library!! I posted a picture of it on Facebook and EVERYONE kept commenting on how they wished they had one in their neighborhood!!"

5. It's a cool way to meet people in your neighborhood - especially families with young kids (if you have kids, this is Very Good Information)! Seriously, we have now met almost everyone in our neighborhood because they stop by the little library with their kids (and we spend a good amount of time on our front lawn), or at neighborhood potlucks and things we are always introduced by others as "the ones with the cute little library in their front yard."  People then remember us, stop by to check it out and say hi!

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Numerous older couples have even stopped by to make sure to thank us for adding something so nice to the hood. I feel like I have gained so much more than I have put into this!

6. It teaches not only us adults, but our KIDS about sharing, community involvement, and a love for books. I can't wait to take Mia and my future kids on regular library outings, but wouldn't it also be so cool to have a mini library you can stop by within walking distance to your house - or in your front lawn??!!

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The answer is yes.  Most days when we head out to the front lawn with some toys and a blanket, Mia wants to go grab a few books from the library, which usually has a a few new ones inside.  How fun is that!?

And when she gets older, she'll learn to understand that the books, even though they are in our front lawn, aren't "our" books but for the community to share.  What a cool teaching tool, right?

7. I have not spoken to anyone who knows anything about property valuation, but in my humble opinion, I honestly think that having a Little Free Library "anywhere" in one's neighborhood ups the property value for the entire hood.

Think about it.  If you are in the market for a house, and two blocks down from a house that is for sale there is a Little Free Library - what does that tell you about the people in that neighborhood?  To me, it says : "we are generous, we are trustworthy, we are community oriented, and you will love living here!"

What could be a better way to Build, Grow, and Show a community spirit than a Little Free Library?!

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OK, so now you want one, don't you.  I know you do. Here are a few things to know, and the only 3 things you need to get started!

Good to know: 
--"Little Free Library" is a trademarked name that denotes one such library that is a part of the official LFL Network.  Being a member of this network is a $30 one-time fee, and comes with an official wooden sign you can attach to the library, as well as puts your LFL on a nationwide map.  There are also tips, brochures you can put in the library, a shop you can purchase a library from if you don't want to make your own, and a few other things that help you get started, however...

--You absolutely do not need to be a part of this network to start your own library.  You can call it whatever you want, make your own sign, etc etc.  I personally joined the network to have the sign and be on the map because I wanted to "donate" to the nonprofit that helps promote these, and I thought that was super fun and worth it to me to have the sign and be on the map, but again...absolutely Not Necessary.

--One of the things that the LFL network really stresses is that to have one such Library on your property, the idea of stewardship is really important.  Now, whether or not you join this network, I still think it is worth mentioning.

They emphasize that the owners of the library are really the Steward of the library, taking care of any needed upkeep, maybe keeping it looking nice, filled with books if it gets low, obviously providing the initial materials, etc., but it is not "their" library where others borrow books "from them."  In other words, it is the Neighborhood's Library, and the "owner" has volunteered to take care of it for everyone.

I think this is such a cool concept as well, one that I think casts a super generous and positive spirit over the whole thing, and encourages others to have a little tiny bit of ownership in it as well. Again...promoting that community spirit.

SO - here are the 3 things you need!!

Our LFL just after my dad built it, before I painted it.

That's my sister, Little Mia, and my two nieces!

1. A weatherproof, especially waterproof, box.  Most LFL's have a glass door on the front so the books can be seen.  I LOVE looking at the Little Free Library Instagram feed and #littlefreelibrary IG hashtag...especially when I was trying to design ours, but even still - they are so creative and make me so happy to see!

My dad built ours from a bunch of scrap wood, very few pieces he needed to purchase, and a picture frame for the front door!

2. Books! When we first built the library, besides adding a few books I already owned and didn't need anymore, I went down to a local thrift store and bought about $5 worth of books on a 50% off day - which was about 30 books!  I started by filling it with kids books, and now it is about 50-50 kids and adult books.

3. A sign that explains how it works.  This is super important, as even still, people ask me to explain how it works.  It just needs to be something that explains - "Please take a book to keep or borrow, and/or leave a book you would like donate" (making sure they understand they may never see this book again).

I have even considered adding a little chalk board paint to the top front of the library to explain a little more, because even the LFL Netowork's sign that says "Take a book, Leave a book" still leaves people not quite sure.  Or maybe it just needs to be in bigger letters...I'm still experimenting.

And that's it!!  This post was *not* sponsored at all....I just really love the idea of the Little Free Library and think that every neighborhood needs one.  :)

Check out the Little Free Library website for more cool photos, ideas and resources!!

And head over to the rest of the 7 Quick Takes Party at This Ain't the Lyceum!!

Halloween re-cap, this week in podcasting, and an Advent Calendar in 7QT's

1. 
Ok you guys. Don't judge me, but this song has been playing on repeat in my house all week.  I just have to share it!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKu3QjOBJW0

2. 
I am still thinking about how fun Halloween was last weekend with Mia.  We started the night off with a potluck neighborhood block party, and then went out trick-or-treating like it was our j-o-b.

I think maybe because I had Zero expectation for Mia having very much fun, is why when she started having fun, it was SO MUCH FUN!  

After her first few houses, she started getting the hang of it and  r u n n i n g  up to the houses with her little candy bag in hand.  The funny thing was, she didn't know it was candy! She just thought it was fun to grab these wrapper things out of other people's baskets.  She would keep grabbing one-by-one until she got cut off.  It was so funny.

Yes I am wearing shorts and a tank top on Halloween night.  I, too, think this is crazy.

I'm still sad she refused to wear the first costume I bought for her this year...she was just the cutest little unhappy ladybug. 

3. 
On the Podcast this week, Bonnie Engstrom shares her amazing miracle story, along with a fun conversation about blogging!!  She ends with 5 blogging tips.  She's so awesome.

She gives a super funny rendition on her blog of the hilariousness going on at her house during the interview.  It truly was very funny as it all happened, because of course there's just nothing you can do!  All the noise gave me a fun peak into what a house with many kids sounds like...and I loved it. :)

4. 
Next week - on the Podcast - you guys.  It is going to be another amazing episode.  My heart is literally bursting at the seams.  I can't tell you who it is yet, but I can tell you that you are going to Love It.

For any of you who went to college with me, you may get a hint from this photo, dug up from the deep college photo abyss. 

 Little Flowers - May 2005

And that's all I'll tell you.

5.
My last podcast take and then I promise to move on, but I am just so so excited that This Inspired Life made it to #1 on Christianity's New & Noteworthy!! <<Photo evidence to keep tucked near my heart forever because I'm such a nerd, of course.

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has helped spread the word!!! I am just blown away. Thank You Thank You!!!


6. 
Another super fun announcement. So for the past few Advents I have been looking for just the right kind of calendar for me.  One that is beautiful, decorative, and that also includes the daily mass readings. All-In-One.

Well everybody, I thought about it all year, and then finally decided a month ago to just make my own.

Eek!  I am so excited about it.  My amazing and talented friend Clarissa created the artwork, and on the backs are the daily Gospel readings and a short reflection by me.  I am selling it on Etsy, so if you're interested check it out!

7. 
Lastly, a quote by C.S. Lewis about miracles in honor of Bonnie's story she shared on my podcast this week. Because he's so awesome at making me think.

Have an awesome weekend everyone!! And GO ND, BEAT ASU!!!  I'll be there in person since it's here in AZ...pretty much deserves it's own miraculous take.  I have the best husband in the world.

Don't forget to checkout the rest of the Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!  

A Mother's Blessing

Earlier this week I was honored to be a part of a beautiful ceremony celebrating my friend Sharon. She is a few weeks from giving birth to her second child, and she wanted to do something different than a baby shower this go-around.

So some of her good friends gathered around her and threw her a Mother's Blessing.  (aka. Blessingway)  It was one of the coolest evenings I have ever experienced!  Here is a brief recap of the night in seven {Awesome} quick takes!

And thank you Sharon for letting me use your photos!! :)

1.

The night started with amazing food and great conversation.  Our favorite wine sommelier (everyone needs one of these in your friends group!) poured up some awesome wine and we started the night off right.

2.

Knowing Sharon would love it, we hired a Henna artist to paint a tattoo on Sharon's belly.

You guys. I am not exactly the type to show my bare belly during pregnancy, but I would seriously consider getting a Henna tattoo next time I'm pregnant.  It is just so beautiful!!!!

3.

After we ate, we went outside to this amazing set-up:

4.

We then each lit a candle that we had brought and went around the circle offering encouragement and our favorite things we love about Sharon.

5.

Then we each took a rock and wrote a word on it that we wanted to offer Sharon to think about, or know that we were praying for while she is in labor.  Strength, peace, grace, etc...

6. 

Throughout the ceremony there were beautiful readings from the Bible as well as from the book shown above, Jesus Calling.  Then at the end we did two things - we connected ourselves by one piece of string around our wrists, and then cut it.  We will wear it until she goes into labor.  Then we laid hands on her and prayed.

7.

At the very end of the night we took home the candle we had lit.  We are then going to re-light it when Sharon goes into labor as a reminder for us to think about her and send her positive thoughts and prayers.

You guys, what an amazing night.  I highly recommend doing something similar for any mom you know who is about to give birth.  It can be done so many different ways depending on what kinds of things the mom likes to do.

It was just such a meaningful night for everyone, and while the night was all about Sharon, it really bonded us as fellow mothers and friends.  

It was -- you guessed it --  freaking awesome.

8th bonus and completely shameless take: 

I released the 3rd and final part to the Child Development and Identity podcast series today!  It is an awesome interview, you have to check it out!!!!

In it I interviewed MaryRuth Hackett, a developmental Psychologist and mom of four.  In the 3rd part of the series we talk about how to help instill confidence and a healthy self-esteem in our kids.  We talk about things like body image, family culture, and the importance of the language we use with our kids.

Check it out! :)

...Ahem.  This is part of my current 31 Days of Awesome Kick.

Telluride Re-Cap

Last week it was time to pack up the car with food, snacks, crackers, toys, more snacks, and an audio book and head up to Telluride, CO for a friend's wedding!

It was quite the trip, so here are my favorite photographed moments in an authentically <<Quick>> Seven Quick Takes.

1.
On our way there, I watched the map attentively (also being the navigator and all) and told Joel I was very excited to stop at the 4 Corners and take an epic family photo!!!!!!!

With a sleeping Mia at this very juncture BOTH TIMES through, this is apparently as close to a family photo at the 4 Corners as I am going to get. 

2. 

I read somewhere that one of the best ways to keep little toddlers occupied in a hotel room is to unplug the phone and let them play with it.   

I can strongly attest to this brilliant idea.

3.

On Friday we had all day to hang out before the wedding that evening.  We first went to breakfast in downtown Telluride, and took the gondola to get there!

Who isn't excited for cool weather clothes!!!!???

And who doesn't think this is the scariest decent down a mountain, dangling on a cable, of all time?

4.

While we sat in some grass to eat our breakfast sandwiches, I noticed Mia walking away quite cheerfully from her baby.

And for some reason the carefree expression on her face just cracks me up! 

Me: "Mia, where is your baaabbyy????"

Mia: ".....dumdy-dumdy-dum....."

5.

That afternoon after naptime, Joel took Mia to a little lake by our hotel.  She loved the ducks!

 

...In sort of a creepy way.

6.

Then she tried out her new "peek-a-boo" pose before heading back...

7.

That night, the wedding was beautiful!!  It was near the top of a mountain, and if I hadn't been so distracted by the fact that Mia dropped my phone down the cracks of the huge deck we were on, I would've taken more scenic shots.  

^^My favorite shot of the night. You can tell she is about to be up to no good!

The trip was an awesome break from the still-100-degree heat that is September in Arizona.  But October is around the corner, and hoodies and layers and trips to the park are in our future.  I can't wait!!

PS.

I just released my 4th podcast Episode of This Inspired Life!  I'm talking with Haley from Carrots for Michaelmas about Women and the Church - it was an awesome chat!  You won't want to miss it ;)

Driving for 8+ hours with a toddler, desert rain, the podcast, and more!

Well friends, it's been an exciting week.  Let's break it down into Seven Quick Takes..

1. 
The other night I woke up in the middle of the night to a huge rain storm.  I didn't think much of it except - "Yesss.. I don't have to water the plants tomorrow." and then I went back to sleep.

Well, it was apparently a once-every-hundred-years type storm.

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2.

And apparently Phoenix is not built for that type of storm.

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Because of all this, schools were closed and people stayed home from work! It was a Real Live Arizona Snow Day!

Joel went in to work late so we had a great morning walk around the neighborhood in the post-storm muggy-ness.  I felt like I was back in the Midwest!

3.

And then it rained again the next day and Mia could not be contained.

4.

If you are reading this on the day this post is published, we are up in Telluride, Colorado for a friend's wedding for the weekend!  We went back and forth about the decision to send Joel alone, or if we should just all three go, and we decided we were gonna make a run (drive) for it all together!

This entails an 8-hour road trip (each way) with a toddler, who has never quite been contained for that long of a stretch.  We'll see how it goes!  

I've spent a good amount of time on Pinterest looking up "car trips with 16-month-old" and found some great ideas.  I'll be reporting back when we return!

5.

As many of you may have heard, I launched my podcast this week!!  

And what timing...in the same week that Jen's Sirius XM Radio show launches!  I don't know about you but I'm so excited to listen to her show.  How exciting for the audio content world eh?! ;)

If you want to check my podcast out, you can find it in the iTunes Store by searching This Inspired Life Podcast, or on the iPhone's Podcast App.  Like most podcasts, it's free!

And of course you can listen to it on the website:

www.ThisInspiredLife.net

This is also where the show notes can be found, which include links to things I talked about on the podcast, fun pictures that my guests shared with me, and other related info.

My first two interviews were SO MUCH FUN!

I chatted with Kendra over at CatholicAllYear.com and she graciously agreed to chat with me about how she talks to her kids about the birds and the bees, body parts, etc. (all those awkward things)!

And then I talked with Sheena over at BeanInLoveBlog.com about twins, potty training, and some great budget-friendly DIY tips.

They were so great, especially agreeing to be my first guests with zero other examples to help them know what to expect.  

You should check them out!!   And you guys...the next interviews I have lined up...they are going to be just as awesome.  I can't wait!

6.

If you do listen and you have a second, I would be SO GRATEFUL if you could write a review on iTunes for the show??!!

I am really hoping to make it on the New and Noteworthy section which would allow many more people to find the podcast.  I only have a few weeks to get there before I'm not considered "new" anymore, so I really need your help!

All you have to do is open up the podcast in the iTunes Store, click Ratings and Reviews, choose a star rating and write a teeny tiny sentence.  That's it! 

Again, I would be so grateful if you could help me out with this.  If you have any trouble figuring it out please let me know!

7.

Lastly, I know I've said this in my last post but if you have any ideas for guests, questions to ask (or answer), or subjects to cover I would love to hear it!!  This podcast is for You! :)

Just shoot me an email anytime. I would love to hear from you!

Have an awesome weekend everyone and don't forget to check out the other 7QT's!

Kristin

Podcast Announcement, Creepy Smiles and other Quick Takes!

Joining the party at Jennifer's this week!  



1.
I would first like to set the tone of my 7QT's with my new favorite song.  I may or may not have done a little handle-bar-percussion while listening to this during a workout this week at my very occupied gym.  Endorphins flowing. No shame.  I just love this song! (and *dislike* the video but the "lyrics" versions didn't sound the same - sorry!)

Bastille - Flaws

And this version, less percussion and more strings, gives me the goosebumps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzRBoZb3GKw



2.
Mia (15 1/2 months) has been doing some super funny things lately, including showing off her new dance moves (i.e. turning in a circle). 

Enjoy.


3. 
She has also employed this creepy-smiley look as of late:

I think it falls someplace in between..

and

4. 
For my husband who may or may not have gotten the above reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUpxmlZ2hyM

5. 
Ok, now switching gears.  Podcasts.  Some of you may not have heard of them (think: online radio shows), some of you may not care. I'm moving on anyway, because you should Totally Care (respectively)!  They are awesome.  

I love podcasts because:
1. They are free
2. I learn, learn, learn things all the time.  Free education. Easy. 
3. They can also be very entertaining, and for many podcasts that is the main point
4. They help me do two things at once - be entertained, or learn about something, while doing mindless tasks
5. There is a podcast for almost EVERYthing 
6. Podcasts are like what Netflix is to TV - you can listen to what you want, how much you want, whenever you want. 


How do I listen, and When do I find the time to listen to podcasts you may ask?

How: 

• I download them (for free) from iTunes, and then sync them onto my ipod
• I listen to them straight from my laptop's speakers via iTunes
• I stream them on my iphone via the Podcasts App (avail. for ios and android)
• I have also tried the Stitcher app which many people like.  I prefer iTunes because it has the widest selection

When do I find the time??

• Driving
• Washing dishes, making dinner, folding laundry, et.al.
• Walking around the 'hood with Mia
• Working out
• Projects like like painting, sewing, organizing, etc.

Basically, I listen to podcasts generally about 1-2 hours a day. It is sooo much better than turning on the TV, which I tend to do for background noise or while I cook. 



6. 
Even though I've written my favorites list before, it is constantly changing. These are some of my current favorites!

The Art of Simple Podcast (formerly Simple Mom)
Catholic in a Small Town
Smart Passive Income Podcast
How They Blog Podcast
The Break with Fr. Roderick
Freakonomics Radio
and my guilty pleasure...For Crying Out Loud



7.
This all leads me to the announcement (I'm sure you've been biting your nails in anticipation) :

<Wink wink>

I am about to launch my own podcast! 

EEKK!

It's called This Inspired Life and I'm super nervous, but more excited than anything.  I think it'll be sooo fun.  So if you are a fan of podcasts already, or want to give them a try, I hope you will give mine a listen sometime.

I haven't launched yet (planning on late September!) and my website is currently under construction but here's an excerpt from the About page:

About This Inspired Life Podcast:

Being Catholic / Christian is often like swimming upstream.  It's nice to know others are there with you, and that's what this podcast is all about.  We'll discuss things like parenting, marriage, current events, blogging, at-home businesses and writing books all in light of trying to live out our faith.  We'll also have some fun!

And, since it could get boring here all by myself, I have sought out some people who inspire me so I can learn a little something from them. These conversations are a huge part of this podcast, and I'm excited to share them with you.  I hope we all gain enthusiasm, motivation and courage to keep becoming "better versions of ourselves."

Links to the website and where to listen will come soon!  I am currently recording my first few episodes before I release a few at once to start, and am working on some awesome guests.  I hope you will come by and listen!!

Also, if you have any suggestions for content or guests feel free to email me anytime or comment below!  Who would you like to hear me interview??

Email: thisinspiredlifepodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks everyone! Have an awesome weekend!!

Vacation Recap in 7 Quick Takes

Hey y'all!  If you can't tell, I'm back from a 10-day trip to Georgia. I take zero responsibility for any detectable southern accent from here on out.

I'm linking up with Jen over at Conversion Diary for the vacation recap.  I know how much the internet loves those.  Here are some of my favorite parts of the trip:

1.

Cousin Time!!

Sorry about the sun girls

2.

Reading! I read 2 books on vacation (a hUUGE accomplishment for me) -



and



I loved Unplanned - Abby is so courageous and inspiring and I am so glad I finally read this!  I also liked The Lovely Bones, though I was expecting something a little different...it was much more family drama than thriller, which for some reason I expected.  But good nonetheless.


3.

Beach time on Tybee Island.  Mia loved the water and waves, and would have crawled out to sea if we didn't constantly stop her.  She didn't do too bad in the sand either and loved to dig.

 4.

Mia learning to walk!  On July 4th she decided to take more than her usual 1 and a half steps.  Now she won't stop!

5.

An afternoon trip to Savannah with my guy.

6.

Swinging on the porch swing watching everyone on the island (it seemed) walk to and from the beach is one of my absolute favorite things to do.  Here's the decidedly annual porch swing selfie:

And last year's - just for fun!

What a difference a year makes!

7.

And finally, family pics taken by Joel's sister Shelby!!  They are still being edited but here's a sneak peak:

We loved spending some awesome quality time with family and miss them already!