Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Transformation
Here are some hopeful stories that include the messiness that is transformation.
Sparkle Craft: Homemade Kid's Shampoo
Not only does it get the kids' hair squeaky clean, because castile soap rinses out so quickly, the rinsing step — which always seems to be the most tortuous part of hair washing—lasts all of three seconds, even on days when the kids have played hard or are extra grubby.
Sparkle Kitchen: Spider Monkey Fruit Salad
Indulge in a delectable fruit salad inspired by the diet of spider monkeys, complete with tropical flavors, a hint of lime, and crunchy toppings that will transport you to the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.
SparkleCast Episode 15 – An Introduction to Homeschooling with Jamie Martin
In this episode, Jamie, David, and Rebecca use the Martin & Sylvia story “A Map of the Year” to talk about planning, choosing curriculum and finding balance when homeschooling your children.
FIFTY Study Page: California- "Following your Friends"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the History of Asian immigration to the west coast and the history of World War Two - especially the Pacific campaign. We also cover details of the Japanese Relocation Camps.
Storybox Playlist: Whole World Easter
Here are some stories that celebrate the fullness of the Easter festival.
Easter Breakfast Round-Up: 9 Kid-Friendly Recipes
Explore 9 of our favorite Easter Recipes for kids. You'll find easy breakfast ideas, gluten-free options, and fun twists on traditional breakfast staples.
Friday's Kind Words: Listening Without Pause
My nine year old boy has taken to the Violet Crown/Light of Olympus/The Bridge Between, and has been listening to the stories end to end and without pause. ~Cali
Sparkle Craft: The Willowbee Cowl
This cowl is based on a classic stitch pattern called “Chinese Waves”. When knitted up in a lovely spring green — the stitches look a bit like the leaves of a willow tree, blowing in a brisk breeze.
Browned Butter Hickory Nut Shortbreads
Follow the steps from Sparkle Kitchen to make your own Browned Butter Hickory Nut Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are best when allowed to cool and eaten with a warm mug of tea or a tall glass of milk.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Fools
The fool is the innocent, the bold novice, the one who sees without the old stories, and the one brave enough to say what needs to be said. Here are some models of fools that might inspire the fool in you!
Friday's Kind Words: Wonderful Reminder
With so many of my friends afraid for their and their family's safety here, your thoughts are a wonderful reminder that not all of the media outlets are taking advantage of our easily excitable fear reaction and only reporting doom and gloom.
DIY Tibetan Prayer Flags
This week's craft project comes from the region of the “mountains that hold the sky” — it's a no-sew, backyard version of Tibetan prayer flags.
April Tips for Creating a Day of Rest
As Martin and Sylvia’s family continues their journey of building a weekly Day of Rest in their home, we see Daddy using his own skills of self-awareness and training his children to use theirs.
Sparkle Kitchen: Paella
Not only does this week's paella recipe use saffron — the precious strands of which are harvested from the center of crocuses — it also cannot be made well without another key ingredient that plays a prominent role in the story — patience.
Sibling Rivalry with Dr. Carrie Contey. SparkleCast Episode 14
Dr Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being.
FIFTY Study Page – Arkansas: "Throwing Curve Balls"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the Great Flood of 1927 and its implications for all states in the Mississippi River System.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Rivalry
There is nothing like a rivalry to get your blood boiling and motivate you into action. Here are some stories that will help you see the other side of that rivalry and support healthy connection rather than destructive competition.
Friday's Kind Words: Mirrored in a Story
We love Martin and Sylvia! As a home educating family, it is lovely to have that life mirrored in a story. ~Alice
sparkle kitchen: millet crispy treats
These millet crispy treats look a lot like the marshmallow-y rice crispy treats that you probably grew up eating. But while both treats are based on crispy puffed cereal, these millet treats are not simply a knock-off rice crispy.
