Hello mamas and papas. Close friends are truly a treasure, and I have one such wonderful friend in Ellen Wayland-Smith. Ellen and I attended college together, lived in Paris together as students, and have kept in close touch ever since. We now live far apart as Ellen lives in Los Angeles and I live here in New York City. Chances to see each other are rare and I treasure them.

Ellen is a descendant of John Humphrey Noyes, the founder of the Oneida Community, a religiously based socialist Utopian community based in upstate Oneida, NY during the 19th century. Ellen just published a book on the history of the community titled Oneida: From Free Love Utopia to the Well-Set Table, and has gotten some amazing press.

Noyes had instructed his followers to reject monogamous marital relationships and embrace “Complex Marriage” which involved all members of the community in multiple sexual relations.

The end of the school year has me running to and fro with hardly time to keep up with my kids let alone sink my teeth into a fascinating new book. But as soon as the school year ends, I can’t wait to read this well-received book which, in recounting the story of one notable family, teaches us about a critical moment in American history.

I’m SO proud of Ellen for managing to write and publish this book while teaching and raising two daughters!

There’s nothing as great as a few relaxed hours with someone you love and trust, and who knows you so well. It took no time at all for us to be talking in depth about husbands, kids, lives as moms, and all the rest.

Can’t wait for the next catch up!

Friends, don’t forget to enter our Weekly Wrap Up below to win a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of Ellen’s new book.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa xo

Weekly Giveaway

Prize(s):

One (1) $50 Amazon gift card

PLUS a copy of the book Oneida: From Free Love Utopia to the Well-Set Table by Ellen Wayland-Smith

Rules:

Enter using the Gleam widget below.

Open to U.S readers.

You must be 18 or older to enter.

You have multiple ways you can enter to increase your chances of winning.

ways you can enter to increase your chances of winning. The giveaway ends on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time).

Winner will be announced on the widget below within 48 hours after the giveaway has ended.

Weekly $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

