[ncuneo]

I'm headed out on my lunch break to pick up a new book - suggestions? I need something fiction I think, something entertaining and not too deep. I need to be distracted. I'm thinking even something that's strictly just non brain engaging - Devil Wears Prada or something like that

I also need some ideas for some hobbies I can do at home while my 2 year old plays or naps and some things he and I can do together that are 1) Free, and 2) condusive to hot weather, I live in the desert and Fall won't be here for another 2 months or so. We'll be doing the park in the evenings, but that we can only do when it's not too hot. DH works all weekend and we need things to do - I'm BORED! and Bored = Eating

[katkitten]

I love dean koontz when i'm looking for no brainer fiction.

(btw, I know it is not fiction but I just finished Three Cups of Tea and it is such a great book!!! extremely engaging! a lot of nonfiction bores me but i couldnt put this one down! just had to share )

hobby-wise: I love cross stitch and latch hook. With your baby maybe you could fingerpaint? i dunno. I'm kidless so I'm not so good at judging what a 2 year old would like. lol

[Shannon in ATL]

Hey, this isn't at all the fiction you are looking for, but you have been on my mind all day since I read your thread about normal eating and weekend binging, so wanted to share I book I am currently reading...

Addiction: A Disorder of Choice


I am only a little ways into it, and it is a little dry, but I'm liking what I've read so far.

On the fiction front, I just read "Good Enough To Eat", which was recommended by Mandalinn82, which I loved. It is about a woman who has lost 140 pounds and is dealing with life in maintenance.

And, second the art with your son. DSS used to love it, and finger painting is messy but so much fun.

[david]

Have you read all of the Harry Potter books???

[nationalparker]

Is there a library nearby that has a children's time? Even two-year olds seem to be enjoying ours - there is a separate area in case it gets above "library level loud" ...

Anything that you two could make that could serve as a christmas gift??

[ncuneo]

Thanks everyone, great suggestions!

[chickybird]

http://doit101.com/Foodrink/Jar%20Re...arrecipes.html

I'm making some of these as Christmas gifts. It might be easy to do with your little one.

[cincimini]

Great hobby - scrap booking. The supplies are expensive, but with a little imagination, you can re-use a lot of stuff around the house creatively.

Fiction books: The "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon. My favorite books of all times - I've read each of them at least 4-5 times. I now use the audio books during work outs to distract myself from staring at the timer on the stepper .

[NiteNicole]

I love the Outlander series! Did you know they've just done the first book as a graphic novel? Haven't seen it, that's not my thing, but as I'm a real fan of the series I'm going to check it out.

I just finished The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - very spooky, couldn't put it down. She also wrote Fingersmith, which was a great twisty turny kind of book.

For hobbies, I love embroidery - www.sublimestitching.com has kits, patterns, ideas, etc. It's very very easy and inexpensive to get started and the patterns are cute and funky. My daughter is four and she's really into drawing. I took some of her monster drawings and embroidered them on white pillowcases. She loves them.