Family Read-Alouds All Ages Will Enjoy

If you are looking for some great reads the entire family can enjoy together, look no further than these books curated by the Unnomedia review team.

Little House on the Prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder pictorially presents an iconic period in American history, and she’s an excellent preface to reading authors such as Willa Cather. They develop similar themes in more adult terms.

While Wilder deliberately left out the worst parts of her childhood to scare small children, such as the death of her younger brother and the day-by-day recounting of how sister Mary lost her eyesight, she still truthfully tells both about the hardships and joys of pioneer life. You will bite your nails hearing about pa’s fight against the grasshopper hordes and feel his despair at losing his crops two years in a row after having mortgaged everything he owns. You will develop a greater appreciation for how comfortable modern life is and how we moderns squander its bounty with ingratitude. Wilder’s tales of the deep love among her family members their need for, trust in, and dependence upon each other will strengthen your appreciation for and devotion to your own family.

American Tall Tales

If you need to engage the masculine side of your family and love America, you can’t go wrong by reading American Tall Tales. They’re fun for all ages—folks like whoppers just as much now as they did a century ago. Also, of course, they reveal America’s unique personality that so many people love (and hate).

For more great family reads and eBooks, check out Unnomedia.

Inspirational Princess Diana Quotes About Kindness, Life, and Love

Known as the “People’s Princess”, Diana Frances Spencer was one of the most beloved of the British royal family and here are some of her most inspiring quotes on kindness, life and love.

1. “Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

2. “I’d like to be a queen in people’s hearts but I don’t see myself being queen of this country.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

3. “When you are happy you can forgive a great deal.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

4. “I knew that something profound was coming my way and I was just treading water, waiting for it. I didn’t know what it was. But I knew I was different from my friends in where I was going.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

5. “I like to be a free spirit. Some don’t like that, but that’s the way I am.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

6. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

7. “Only do what your heart tells you.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

8. “They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?” – Diana, Princess of Wales

9. “I don’t go by the rule book…I lead from the heart, not the head.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

10. “I think the biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved” – Diana, Princess of Wales

11. “Everyone of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

12. “Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

13. “People think that at the end of the day a man is the only answer. Actually, a fulfilling job is better for me.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

14. “I want my boys to have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

15. “If you find someone you love in your life, then hang on to that love.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

16. “…and if you were lucky enough to find someone who loved you, then you must protect it.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

17. “Anywhere I see suffering that is where I want to be, doing what I can.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

18. “Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

19. “Hugs can do great amounts of good—especially for children.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

20. “The kindness and the affection from the public have carried me through some of the most difficult periods and always your love and affection have eased the journey.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

21. “A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

22. “I think like any marriage, especially when you’ve had divorced parents like myself; you want to try even harder to make it work.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

23. “I will fight for my children on any level so they can reach their potential as human beings and in their public duties.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

READ MORE: 75 Inspirational John D. Rockefeller Quotes on Wealth and Education

24. “So many people supported me through my public life, and I will never forget them.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

25. “Life is just a journey.” – Diana, Princess of Wales

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How to stop making excuses and learn to relax

Relaxation is one of those things that is easier said than done. Everyone knows they need to relax and everyone knows they need to take time for themselves and look after their mind and body. However, whether consciously or subconsciously, we put barriers in the way and don’t allow ourselves to get the relaxation that we need.

Very often, the main excuse is time. We don’t have enough of it or we can’t schedule any of it for switching off.

Another common barrier we put up is not know where to start. How do we relax? Do we feel guilty when we decide to switch off and enjoy a bit of ‘me time’? Everyone could do with a bit more of that in their lives, so feeling bad about it isn’t justified.

So where do you start? First of all, identify a period of time that is just for relaxing. Inform those who need to know and make sure they are aware that this is your ‘me time’.

How do you relax?

Different things work for different people, but psychologists and those in the know are pretty much agreed on a few key methods.

Meditation and breathing exercises. Slowly controlling and becoming aware of breathing in and out, even just for a few minutes, can help you relax. It is frequently prescribed as a way of getting to sleep at night, but can also help calm and center you after a hectic day.

Take a hot bath. This can relax your muscles, which in turns relieves stress and helps your body and mind relax at the same time.

For more tips on how to lead a more relaxing life check out the books at www.unnomedia.com.

 

Christmas gifting doesn’t have to break the bank

For many, Christmas can be a fun time of year when families get together and exchange gifts, but for others, it can be a struggle. The pressure of gift-giving can be tough to handle and the financial outlay of spreading holiday cheer can be the cause of much stress.

After Thanksgiving and the ubiquitous holiday sales, money can be short at this time of year and the added cost of Christmas can compound the stress.

However, there are ways to lift the burden and you’d be surprised at how many people you might be able to get onboard.

You could suggest a gift-giving amnesty, where you agree with your family to either forego gift buying or set a limit on the cost of gifts.

Instead of buying gifts, you could pool your money and go on family holiday or take part in an activity together.

If you have a large family and just can’t face buying presents for everyone, you could do a Secret Santa. This involves each member of the family drawing out the name of another family member and only buying a gift for that person. You could set a spending limit, like $50 or $100. You can wrap each present with the same paper and attach printed labels so no-one knows who they got their gift from (unless you want to reveal afterward).

Gather all the gifts together on Christmas Day and everyone can open them together, with the added enjoyment of seeing someone’s reaction to a gift they received from their Secret Santa, whoever that may be.

Find more uplifting ideas and self-help books at www.unnomedia.com.