Jigsaw Log #6

 

Welcome back to my jigsaw log series. I had a long period of not really doing much jigsawing so around the start of the month, I challenged myself to a five-hundred-piece puzzle which wasn’t too difficult in comparison to one thousand pieces. I love the cosy feel to this design with the pets on the couch, and I found it to be well made, as well as a nice difficulty level for me.

If you are just starting the hobby, this would be a good one to complete. My Nan was gifted it after having a jigsaw related chat to a friend. I noticed the box had a charity shop sticker, and in my experience, they are a good place to shop as lots of people tend to donate them after completion. It was originally from The Works, and they are online if you fancy a browse.

I found this article on the Gibson’s game blog and it’s a really lovely read:

https://gibsonsgames.co.uk/blogs/news/mental-health-benefits-of-jigsaw-puzzles

Here are a few quick quotes from the article:

‘Puzzling reduces stress by occupying and engaging the mind to create a sense of calm and serenity’

‘Completing a jigsaw works both sides of your brain, the left hand-side that thinks logically and the right, the creative, intuitive, and emotional side. So, when you piece together a jigsaw puzzle, you harness both brainpowers.’

‘Completing a jigsaw puzzle is a fun and entertaining pastime that is enjoyed without any kind of electronic involvement.’

‘Completing a jigsaw with a friend or family member promotes discussion and interaction as teamwork is essential for finishing a tricky puzzle!’

Do you feel like trying a jigsaw too?

What pastimes have you been interested in lately? :-) Xx

The Body Shop Matte Lipstick in Honolula Pink

 

Hi – I’m back with a beauty product review. My make-up bag is fairly minimal, but I wanted to update it as well as having a bit of a sort though, getting rid of expired items. I tend to gravitate towards matte lipsticks as they seem to stay put longer so The Body Shop colour crush matte lipsticks looked interesting to me. 

I did some research on the different shades, and Honolula Pink seemed lovely. I found this shade very wearable, and flattering. I have fair skin, and would recommend it to others with pale skin. The staying power is great and I like the formula enough to buy other colours. The Body Shop is cruelty-free which is important to me. The packaging is simple, elegant and well made. Link here.

Does this shade appeal to you?

Do you have any recommendations from The Body Shop? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #6

Books:

Light in The Landscape: A Photographer's Year by Peter Watson

I enjoyed this because of its autobiographical style, taking us through the 

photographer’s year; I learnt a lot about what to expect from the different

 seasons and gained some tips on different aspects of the field.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

There has been quite a bit of hype around this one and I went in thinking it

 wouldn’t live up to my expectations. I was pleased to find a beautifully

 illustrated book about friendship and kindness with a universal appeal.

Winnie The Witch by Valerie Thomas

This was without a doubt one of my favourite picture books as a child. 

We follow Winnie the witch and her cat that blends into its surroundings. 

I found it just as wonderful reading it as an adult.

Peggy and Me by Miranda Hart

I’m a big Miranda fan as well as having a love for dogs, and this book combines

 the two. It reads like a light autobiography, but Miranda includes musing from her

 wonderful dog Peggy. I enjoyed hearing about some of the behind-the-scenes

 stuff and getting to know Miranda that bit better.

Simply Country: Creating Comfortable Style for Cottage Living by Liz Bauwens

I found this book to be just the ticket for something light, and escapist. 

Featuring lots of wonderful photos of cottage style, and tips to recreate it.

Simpsons Comics: Hit the Road! by Matt Groening

I haven’t watched The Simpsons in years, but since getting into comics

 lately, I thought I would try this. I absolutely loved it, the humour, 

the illustrations; it reminded me just how great The Simpsons are!

Films:

The Sound of Music

‘A woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a 

Governess to the children of a Naval officer widower.’

Starring Julie Andrews, this musical is loved by so many. This was 

the first time I watched it from start to finish, and I really enjoyed

 it. I love the song these are a few of my favourite things.

Lifestyle:

A red admiral butterfly on some great hyacinths

The weather has been just beautiful lately so I went in the garden

 to take a few photos. This time of year, is perfect for spotting red

 admiral butterflys, and I found one on some great hyacinths. 

Have you read any of the books mentioned?

Do you like the sound of music too? :-) Xx