Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Sparkle Craft: Recycled Bird Feeder
Inspired by Lady Jovial's love of birds, this week's craft project—a recycled bird feeder—attempts to capture a bit of her lovely, old-fashioned sensibilities, too.
Sparkle Kitchen: Lilac Oranginas
“Orangina” is a bottled drink that originated in France. While the exact formulation now varies by the country you're buying it in, it's essentially orange juice diluted with fizzy water to make it extra refreshing. In this homemade version, though, I've added something even more special—a generous dash of lilac simple syrup.
May Tips for Creating a Day of Rest
The carpe diem spirit that comes with the spring can be a glorious thing, full of possibility and joy and long-awaited plans. But with it can also be found a shadow side of stinginess, a desperate clinging to the opportunities that come with fine weather and a determination to pursue one’s own vision of a perfect spring day at all costs.
FIFTY Study Page: Virginia "Twigs and Trees"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of African American Civil Rights, post Civil War, and examples of when a small change had huge results.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Little Acts of Service
When we serve others — in ways big and small — we all thrive. Here are some stories that have service as their center.
Beeswax Travel Candles: Kid-friendly Craft
These fun beeswax travel candles are lovely to keep as treats for yourself, but they also make a pretty, little gift.
sparkle kitchen: grilled salmon with pickled blueberries
Blueberries, huckleberry, elderberry, and wild raspberries all grow in Tlingit territory. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but really, you can't go wrong with fresh berries.
FIFTY Study Page: Connecticut "My Daughter Can"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Revolutionary War in Connecticut.
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.
FIFTY Study Page – South Carolina: "Experiment in Freedom"
In “Experiment in Freedom,” we learn about the citizens of Mitchelville, South Carolina – all newly freed slaves early in the Civil War. When the Union Army takes control of Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina, they have the challenge of what to do with the over 1,000 freed slaves that remained behind.
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!
