Reading Aloud

Russian artist Viola Pushkarova (1929-2010), humorously captures a scene that invariably happens to every parent (above).  That man easily could have been me a few years back when I would fall asleep reading to my daughter. Come to think of it, I still fall asleep reading to my daughter!

Back in 2014, I wrote about the importance of reading out loud to children, commencing at birth. No one disputes the importance of reading on early childhood brain development, and that reading enhances vocabulary and communication skills and leads to earlier comprehension of words and ultimately to higher test scores, etc.  It should be part of every parent's routine and is often a special bonding activity between parent and child. But, I am repeating myself here -- so, blah, blah...

American artist Theodore Robinson (1852-1896) who, after traveling to France, worked with Claude Monet.  The influence is clear. And the subject matter -- what's better than reading on a beautiful day, in all those clothes??

But, did you know that reading out loud is also important for adults? Research is showing that the activity of reading out loud,  employing a great number of faculties,  helps to sharpen focus, exercises  more parts of the brain and even the body, and puts to good use the underused reading faculty of intonation.  Utlimately, reading out loud helps us to remember better.  Art Markman, PhD, wrote in Psychology Today about a study in which groups of people were asked to read a list, some out loud and others silently. Those that read the list out loud remembered it significantly better than those who read it silently. Adding auditory pathways while reading outloud to the visual pathways used in both silent and outloud reading  helped to link recollection. Interesting!

For older adults, especially those coupled, reading to each other is an effective mechanism to monitor each other's brain function (sanity).  It is a worthwhile tool to make sure the brain is still holding steady.  It also stimulates new conversation, and like children, is an effective bonding  activity. But, please, no bickering here!

My work of art, absorbed in one of her favorites - the Just Grace series

Why, you may ask, am I bringing all this up?  Aside from it being an interesting topic, I, like most adults, worry that I am not finding enough space to keep up with reading. Even my leisure design magazines are piling up unopened. As fall approaches, and routines get more firmly set, I hope to carve out and dedicate more time to the important activity of reading, sometimes out loud (to my daughter mostly).

This is how our family would spend our summer afternoons reading in upstate New York...ah, maybe an extreme revisionist version of my childhood!

I read some interesting books this summer including the first installment of the popular series, My Struggle, by Karl Ove Knausgaard -- but this was not quite to my taste. Below are some books that I do recommend:

My vision of Bathsheba, in Far from the Madding Crowd

1. Far the The Madding Crowd, by Thomas Hardy. It's just brilliant writing.  I enjoyed getting reaquainted with this classic writer.  It is fascinating to alternate traditional literature with the contemporary, to enter the mind of a writer who lived 100+ years ago, and to gain appreciation for what has changed, and realized how much hasn't.  By the way,  I read Far from the Madding Crown with the express interest of having it completed before the new screen adaptation arrived in theaters. I am a sucker for beautiful period films. 
   
2. & Sons, by David Gilbert.  While this book did not receive the praise that it deserves, I think it is smart and funny and hits a note for those of us who live in New York. It delivers rich textures, although it can be a bit crass at times, as it examines two generations of monied New York men. It's worth a look. 
3. 
4. A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan.  Just read it! It won the Pulitzer, has some incredibly innovative chapters, and is intense yet humorous. 
   
5. My Brilliant Friend
6.  The Story of a New Name
7. Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
8. The Story of the Lost Child (just out this month) all by Elena Ferrante. In this brilliant series (at times wrought with emotional turmoil) the very austere relationship of two women twists through their mid-century lives in Italy.  Absolutely engrossing and at times, graphic; this trilogy is fresh and entertaining.  
9. All the Light we Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.  While it took me a few chapters to become enraptured, once in, I couldn't put the book down.  Set in World War II, this book follows a brilliant soldier and a blind French woman as they encounter unfathomable war-time circumstances.  It triumphantly builds into a suspenseful encounter.
   
10. The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. Just read it. 

All of these books can be bought here:

And don't forget to read some of those passages out loud!

Back to School 30 Minute Meal

Thai Chicken Curry with Haricot Verts and Sweet Peppers

...in just 30 Minutes!

With the school year beginning, gone are days with enough leisure to properly lay the table, to artfully arrange the appetizers, to bring the cheeses to room temperature without haste, and to stretch the bedtimes.  Now, it's all about the 30 minute meal, the one that can be quickly prepared while simultaneously helping with homework, cleaning out lunch boxes and ensuring piano is practiced. This is the meal that must be cleaned up before everyone is to bath and bed, that is, before 8:00.  Autumn -- welcome back!

If you are looking for a fresh idea that everyone in the family will enjoy and can also be done quickly,  consider this easy, but delectable fave -- Thai Chicken Curry. Oh, by the way, this dish only uses one pan, for quick clean up!

Here is how to do it:

What you will need:

First, you will need a quality curry paste.  I prefer Kanokwan (to the left).  In my house, one package lasts months. It is very spicy and therefore, not much is needed. If you cannot find it in you local grocer, you can get it online:

http://www.amazon.com/Kanokwan-Green-Curry-Paste-Pack/dp/B00AUGN6TG

1-3 teaspoons of Curry Paste (above)

1.5 cups Basmati Rice

2 Red Peppers

5 shiitake mushrooms

6-8 chicken cutlets

1/2 lb green beens

2 cans of Coconut milk

1/8 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

3 limes 

basil

Since the rice and the preparation of this dish take about the same time, go ahead and cook the rice (bring 3 cups of water to a boil, add 1 1/2 cups of rice with some olive oil and salt, and simmer for 20 minutes)

In a large saucepan, sauté the cutlets in some vegetable oil. Olive oil can be used as well, but it tends to have a low smoke point, causing food to brown or burn more quickly. Therefore, vegetable oil is more ideal.

If the cutlets aren't too thick, time them for 3 minutes on each side.  For thicker cuts, do at least 4 minutes on each side.

While the cutlets are cooking, slice the pepper into thin strips and do the same for the mushrooms. Take the ends off the green beans.

Once the cutlets are done, take them out of the pan and set them aside.  Leave all the juices in the pan. 

 Into the same pan that was used for the cutlets, add the peppers and green beans, and some salt/pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.

Add in the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.  Add in 1 teaspoon of curry paste.  If you prefer more kick, and if the dish is not being shared with children, add in more!  More curry paste can also be added into the pan after the children's portion has been plated.

 Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar.

Sauté for 3 more minutes. 

Cube chicken and add to sauté pan.  Squeeze 2 limes over the curry and serve with rice.
Garnish with some fresh basil. 

Everyone is going to love it!


If you have been following this site, you know that I am devoted to my All Clad cookware.  I saw that many of my faves are on sale at Sur La Table. If you need new pots, check them out here:

http://www.surlatable.com/browse/index.jsp?N=13554&No=48&Nrpp=48&pCat=cat360431

I also treasure my Staub cast iron pots, and while cyber-oogling the Sur La Table site,  I found these gorgeous creatures on sale in a beautiful deep, autumnal green (perfect for cleaning). Gorgeous! I think you'll be seeing them soon in some of my cooking posts.

Check them out here:

http://www.surlatable.com/product/prod1410087/


Also, if you would like another family favorite, 30 minute meal, check out a post that I did this summer -- it's delicious:

http://www.thenattydad.com/2015/06/kid-approved-pasta-with-squash.html

Shopping the Farmer's Markets in East Hampton.
The summer season is about to close!

Back to School Hairstyle for Girls

Easy French Braid-like Hairstyle 

using Hair Ties --

A Back To School Favorite

Hair Ornaments have been used for centuries, with various levels of success!

Borrowing from these classics, below are instructions for an updated, whimsical style that always gets favorable comments, wherever we go...

French Braids are beautiful on girls, but for most (dads especially) they take a good deal of time and  practice before they look camera-ready.

My work around? Hair Ties...

Sephora hair ties are a staple in all of our bathrooms. 

Hair ties can be purchased in most chain drug stores and also at Old Navy.  But the Sephora nude ties (above) are my favorite, are the best quality and are perfect for autumnal ensembles. Check them out here:

http://www.sephora.com/in-nude-hair-ties-P393119?skuId=1652577

These styles (green) are on sale now (over 40% off), check them out:

http://www.sephora.com/ribbon-hair-ties-P291417?skuId=1429406

Grouped together, hair ties make playful, youthful pony tails (above and below).

Hair ties, spread out on the pony tail, look frolicsome, as well:

But my unbeatable use of the Hair Tie is the 

Modified French Braid

And here is one of the many reasons why:  Last night, we went to a restaurant in New Canaan, Connecticut and the woman seated at the next table asked how I did my daughter's hair.  Since she  was so enthusiastic about the look, seemingly ready for me to do it to her hair, I quickly promised that I would post the instructions on TheNattyDad, pronto!

More than any other hairstyle that I use on my daughter, I get the most comments on this style. It's easy, it holds and it makes an impressive, yet tasteful statement.

So here they are:

Section off the front forehead of hair and twist the first hair tie into this small section of hair. Be sure to get all the stray bangs (see below).

Next, pull the temple hair back into the crown of the head and pull it into the already tied first hair tie grouping. Place another hair tie into this group of hair (below):

Brush the side sections (near the ear) into the center and combine it into the two tied 

sections above it:

Keep pulling more hair into the tie until you have reached the end:

What makes this style unique is that, with each new tie, a wavey, graceful, almost 1940s coiffe is produced.  This wave can be made more feathery and dramatic by slightly pulling out some hair from each tie. 

This hairstyle holds all day long, even for active girls -- like my daughter. 

Another reason this style is ideal -- hair ties are less likely to break the hair. 

Placing an elastic in the same place everyday tends to cause breakage at that point, resulting in small hair pieces falling into the face.  Positioning hair ties throughout the hair not only looks colorful and gives a wavey shape, but it evens out the stressed points in the hair, keeping it more healthy, with less breakage. 

Above is another easy Back to School hairstyle. I did an illustrated tutorial on this last year, 

check it out:

http://www.thenattydad.com/2014/06/hairstyles-for-children.html

 Below is a link to a charming NY Times article, a Dad Braiding 101 of sorts, pointing out the growing necessity for men to learn how to take care of their daughter's hair:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/09/fashion/showing-dad-the-ropes-about-braids.html?_r=0

After many (too many) weeks of summer
I say -- Let the school year begin!

Back to School Hairstyles

Back to School Hairstyles - 10 Styles and Tips

1. Get it up and out of the face!

By now you have likely made your annual trip to your local box store to pick up your kid's school supplies.  You probably have in mind what everyone will be wearing for their first day back to school.  But have you thought about your daughter's first day of school hair design??

If not, here a few practical yet stylish looks everyone will appreciate:

2. Braids:

Braids are always stylish. And perhaps owing to the popular The Hunger Games and Game of  Thrones series, even more so now than ever. They symbolize power and strength in women. Thankfully, they are easy and workable and have some range.

 For my daughter, keeping hair out of the face all day while at school is a key consideration to any style.  The above braid, which starts higher on the head, dutifully performs this task.

The sides braid is also effective in keeping the hair off the face, and adds a different twist (pun?) to a classic look. 

The "don't try this at home" braid -- 4 strands! It took numerous tries to get it right -- over under, under over.

Charmsies bring the bling!  They simply adhere to the hair after quickly pressing for a few seconds with a flat iron.  

3. Splash of Color:

Every hair style looks a little better with some hair ornamentation.  Go ahead, put that scarf in there!

4. Classic and Romantic Looks:

Keep the styles classic while you can -- soon enough you won't be making the hair decisions! 

I am really inspired by turn of the century looks.  With a French floral dress, this style pairs nicely with a day in the country -- babbling brooks, whispering fields, impressionist paintings...

This is such an elegant, crowd-pleasing hair style.  And it's easy --  in June, I wrote up instructions on how to do it.  Check it out:

http://www.thenattydad.com/2014/06/hairstyles-for-children.html

5. Be Creative - Mix it Up!

Sorry, I just had to add in the Elsa wig (from Frozen). 

Another twist on the braid.  Just flip it back up on top. 

6. Fun in a Bun

You can never go wrong with the bun...

...or better yet, a braided bun...

...or, the scary Halloween Bun!

Colorful hair ties -- such a simple, delightful tool for adding color to any outfit. If placed correctly, these ties help evenly distribute hair tension, limiting breakage.

I bought these hair ties at Sephora, where the selection is constantly updated: 

http://www.sephora.com

7. Hair Product Tips:

I am a firm believer in using organic hair products on children whenever possible -- limiting exposure to questionable chemicals -- parabens, phthalates, petroleums, etc. -- is always a good idea. The trick is finding products that smooth away the tangles and leave the hair soft and shiny. 

I have been using the Burt's Bees line of products for our daughter since she was born.  They are gentle on her hair and skin, and are made of all natural ingredients.  I receive many compliments on her silky locks,  and I attribute much of this to the faithful use of this product. 

Recently, I have been trying new products and, of the bunch, would strongly recommend the Aubrey line (conditioners, mostly).  This product is high in vitamins and seems to restore moisture, boosting shine.  I also like the John Master's organic product line, but they tend to be expensive. Also, any of the Argon Oil products give hair shine and leave it with a subtle scent that girls enjoy. 

Tip: 

If your child's hair seems beyond repair, try this truly organic (albeit crunchy granola) old-fashioned trick -- condition with a few tablespoons of mayonnaise.  Seriously it works!

8. Pests

While unpleasant to discuss, my partner reminds me that many back-to-school editorials mention that autumn is the high season for unwanted hair pets (lice!!).  Using conditioners is believed to have the added benefit of drowning these unsavory buggers.  

9. The Brush

Raking through my daughter's hair causes comments of displeasure from her every day.  After purchasing countless brushes, I am a true believer in the Mason Pearson brush, but it is expensive, very expensive!  Luckily, Scalp Master knocks off this brush, and is an effective alternative.  Throw away those wire tooth brushes, stick to the mixed bristle. 

10. Boys

If you have a boy, part the hair to the side or better yet, straight back, and you are done for the day!