1.13.2012

Blogger's Favorites -- Jennifer Cooper of Ellie Bellie Kids and Classic Play

images of Jennifer and family via her immensely talented hubby David K. Cooper

After a bit of a hiatus, blogger's favorites is back, and I'm excited to kick-off this year with the hugely inspiring Jennifer Cooper.

I met Jennifer online last year and immediately connected with her steadfast commitment to fostering creativity in kiddos. Her own family acts as a sort of "creativity lab", inspiring the clever and thoughtful products she creates for Ellie Bellie Kids. She documents their adventures and projects on her excellent Classic Play blog (I was honored to contribute to her "Creative Family" series last year).

Suffice to say, Jennifer is a "kindred". I am so excited to finally meet her in person next week in Salt Lake City at Alt.

So without further ado, herewith Jennifer's favorites. Enjoy and have a fantastic (bold) weekend friends.



Sunday Mornings - On Sunday mornings I wake up, plug in the waffle iron and brew strong coffee. Then I send one of the kids out to get the paper (paper fetching is considered fair payment for a waffle breakfast). Post breakfast glow, I sit on the couch, open the paper and enter a whole new world. I don't change out of my pjs until I'm darn good and ready.


Adventuring - When we drop everything and do something unplanned and last minute, the kids like to call it an adventure. More often than not, our adventures lead to some of the most memorable things we do as a family.


Water - It's amazing the power water holds over me—it hydrates me both mentally and physically. The fact that I can get fresh clean drinking water from my tap? I am beyond grateful for it.

Laughing - There are few things as wonderful and liberating as a full-on fit of laughter.


Photographs - I often find it difficult to articulate my thoughts and feelings. And when I do, I tend to ramble. Photographs, on the other hand, convey ideas and emotions beautifully and concisely. No words needed.


Quirky Movie/TV Characters - I'm inexplicably drawn to unique, off-beat characters. Some of my favorites: Steve Zissou, any of the Royal Tenenbaums, the trio from Bored to Death.


Tall Tales and Embellished Stories - Once, I traveled half-way across the world, to a country where I couldn't speak the language, to meet a stranger for lunch. We ate mussels and fries dipped in mayo. True story.


image via www.pattismith.net

Rebelious Women - I find strong, brave (and unapologetically so) women inspirational—from artists like Patti Smith to social activists like Leymah Gbowee.


print via rob lowe

British Illustrators - Sometimes I like to pretend I can draw. But Mithila Shafiq, Emmeline Pidgen and Rob Lowe really, truly can.

7 comments:

Estelle Hayes said...

Well, I'm pretty sure this is my all-time favorite list. I love her strategy for Sunday mornings. May have to adopt that. Homemade waffles are pretty much perfect on a weekend morning. And I feel the exact same way about water but never thought to say it that way.

Thanks for the introduction to her world.

Anonymous said...

Lovely! Thanks for the into to a great blog.

Megan Taylor said...

I agree with so much on this list. Thanks for sharing, xo

Jen C said...

Thank so much for having me!!

And thank you Estelle, Jessica and Megan for the lovely comments.

Estelle, give that Sunday routine a try! I think you'll love it.

Anonymous said...

I love Classic Play! And this is such a charming list of lovely. That illustration is beautiful!

Unknown said...

Ooh, Jen in depth! She's a creative person and a creative mom.. this is an awesome post! I also love the photos.. her kids are adorabs..

Anonymous said...

Great lady! very inspiring.
Lucie