Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Sparkle Kitchen: Hand-Shaken Milkshakes
Whether you'd like to start your own Valentine's milkshake tradition or just whip up something fun on a Saturday afternoon, have a sweet time giving these milkshakes a try.
Storybox Playlist: Valentine's Reinvented
At Sparkle, we like to think about all the ways we can say "I love you." Here are some stories to get you inspired.
Friday's Kind Words: An Exceptional Contribution
You continue to amaze me with all that you do. It is truly an exceptional contribution to humanity! ~ Lesley
Sparkle Kitchen: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This roasted tomato basil soup is the coziest thing for a cold day. Because it's winter, I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh, but throwing them into a warm oven to roast for a few hours gives them a July kind of sweetness
Storybox Playlist: Our Best Love Stories
There's nothing like a good love story. Here are Lisabeth's five favorites - perfect for kiddos AND parents. Happy February!
Go Outside Whatever the Weather
I like extremes. I’ve loved winters along the Canadian border and I love summers in central Texas. I love it when the inside of my nose freezes and I love it when it’s so hot the air feels like a mattress hitting me in the face.
Sparkle Craft: Pocket Hand Warmers
We've created a fun tutorial for these very easy-to-make pocket hand warmers. Just pop them in the microwave or in a low oven for a few moments to warm up the rice or beans inside. They will stay warm for quite awhile and that will help keep little fingers nice and toasty — and hopefully help your family enjoy the outside longer.
Sparkle Kitchen: Hiking Food For Little Explorers Round Up
We've rounded up a bunch of wonderful on-the-go snacks that are kid-friendly and will keep you outside and moving — whatever the weather.
Storybox Playlist: Whatever the Weather
"Go Outside" - this is a common request in modern households - but one that often requires more follow up than most parents are willing to offer. Here are some stories that may help.
Grit and Stories to Inspire It
This is a question I often ask people, wondering what primary message they wish to offer the children of the world so that we can create the stories that meet the need. The answers are always inspiring and tender: nature, empathy, community, attachment, role models. The answers are all, of course, correct — and certainly worthy of a Sparkle Story.
Friday's Kind Words: Inspiring Imaginative Play
Our 4-year-old son Caspar is a devoted fan of the Junkyard. I love listening to him giggle (this morning, he was laughing at the forgetful turkey). ~Jen
Sparkle Kitchen: Healthy Winter Drinks Round Up
Just as water brings life to the farm family, teas can help us during the winter season to feel better. Often when I am feeling a little down or out of sorts, I'll make a nice herbal tea to boost my spirits and give me the energy I need to carry on.
Storybox Playlist: Grit and Stories to Inspire It
Here are four stories that can inspire grit in your family.
Sparkle Crafts: Cozy Treats for Our Animal Friends
Most furred and feathered animals are well-adapted to the cold. They have layers to keep them warm and they hibernate or migrate to warmer weather. But many of them stick around and sometimes it can get pretty cold — they might even need a cozy treat or two. Here are some of our Sparkle-inspired animal treats:
Sparkle Kitchen: Cozy Winter Recipes Round-up
Winter is in full swing and the snow is deep in many places across the country. We thought we'd inspire you to keep warm with some cozy winter recipes that will warm up not only your kitchens but your stomachs and hearts, too. Who knows? One of these recipes may become a new winter favorite for your family.
FIFTY Study Page: Tennessee — "One of Us"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry.
Storybox Playlist: Activism & Inspiration
This week we celebrate an American Institution that is at the root of our country's identity: activism. With Martin Luther King Jr. day ahead, we offer stories that focus on the men and women (and children) who have worked so hard to make the United States a better place.
Friday's Kind Words: A Bit of Joy Every Day
We wanted to extend a giant thank you for the wonderful stories you have been sharing on your daily Advent podcast. We love the variety, especially some of the older stories ~ The Perella Family
Launched! How to Be Super Book Four: The Dragon Within
How to Be Super Book Four launches today!
Healthy Sparkle Recipes for the New Year
Ready to transition from holiday habits to a more healthful way of eating? These Sparkle Kitchen recipes are easy to make with kids and so tasty. You'll have your kiddos back on track in no time.
