These are a few of my favourite things #7

Books:

I'm Bored: Over 100 Inspiring & Imaginative Ideas for 

Hours of Fun With Your Kids by Suzy Barratt

This was a well put together collection of things to do with families. Chapters are broken down into indoors, outdoors, on a journey and on a beach. It was lovely to read snippets of information about the authors family life making the book more authentic and the memories of the different games made me smile. The ideas are mostly original and doable. 

Picasso: 200 Masterworks from 

1898 to 1972 by Bernice Rose

This is a beautiful coffee table book filled with much of Picasso’s work. It was a rewarding experience viewing the art work as it felt like visiting a prestigious art gallery. The famous artist is mostly known for his abstract, colourful portrait paintings but he delves into many other subjects and mediums.

One World by Michael Foreman

This is a gorgeous children’s picture book, with colourful watercolour illustrations, and symbolic text, educating readers about our precious planet and the environmental issues we face. While visiting the beach, two children get in touch with the natural world and learn some valuable lessons. Although originally published in 1990, one world feels more relevant than ever.

The Dragon's Eye (Dragonology Chronicles #1) 

by Dugald A. Steer

We follow Daniel and his sister Beatrice, as they begin their dragonological apprentice with doctor Ernest Drake. The first in the series, they must solve the riddle to discover the whereabouts of the fabled dragon’s eye gem. I loved that this author focuses on the education for these young apprentices and as readers we learn more about the history of dragons. A great start to the series.

Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes

 from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson

This is a beautifully presented and illustrated book with such an important message. The book shares many black heroes in past and present who have done something extraordinary. There were many well-known individuals but it was refreshing to see others I hadn’t heard of. A really great picture book for children of all ages.

Audio & Podcast:

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart (audio CD)

This was my first audio book which I loaned from the library. Miranda Hart is the narrator, and she does a wonderful job, and made the experience rewarding for me. I read the book years ago, and believe the audio comes across much better. Miranda describes the premise as a manual to adulthood and the conundrums she faces thinking ‘Is it just me?’.

The Daily Pep! With Meg Kissack

I’ve been wanting to get into podcasts for a while. This one popped up on my Spotify, and it appealed to me because each was just a few minutes long making them more digestible. The author has a cheery, reassuring voice, and shares much wisdom for starting off each day positively.

Do any of these books interest you?

Have you ever listened to an audio or podcast? :-) Xx

A Celebration of Secondhand Books

Welcome – I have put together a list on why secondhand books are so great including different places they can be acquired from. I hope this makes you consider secondhand books or reaffirms a love for them.

General good things about secondhand books:

Better for the environment in many ways

Each book has a story

Finding miscellaneous items inside books

Finding interesting messages or notes inside books.

The smell of vintage books

Often weathered books have a lovely aesthetic

Supporting authors/books that are less well known

A good way of expanding your reading taste

Buying in charity shops

The money goes to a good cause

You never know what you will find

A sense of community

Potentially buying local

Donations welcome

Buying on eBay

Often very reasonable prices

Potential to support small businesses

Fairly easy to find specific titles

Fun to browse

Borrowing from the library

Mostly free

An opportunity to experiment with genres

Good to support them

Lovely to engage with the librarians

Donations welcome

Free charity book shops

You can take your time with books as they don’t necessarily have to be returned.

Donations welcome

Swapping with friends

A conversation topic

Make new like-minded friends

Easy way to pass on books you have finished with

Have I missed anything worth mentioning?

How do you acquire and donate books? :-) Xx

Fun & Easy Prompts for Creating Art

 

Tips to draw/paint/doodle/make for beginners when uninspired:

1. Open a book (fiction or non-fiction) and pick a sentence then illustrate it.
2. Draw or paint something you are looking forward to after the pandemic.
3. Draw (Instead of write) your next shopping list.
4. Instead of taking a photo try and draw it.
5. Collect recycled materails and use what you have to get creative.
6. Instead of writing your next blog post ‘create it’ with your art in any medium.
7. Write a letter or story with a coloured felt tip and fineliner.
8. Print a template of a fashion figure, and complete it with your own outfit.
9. Design and make-up a magazine cover.
10. Write your name decoratively.
11. Doodle whatever comes to the surface in your mind.
12. Trace tree bark on your next walk.
13. Pick a jigsaw piece and enlarge the image on paper.
14. Get inspired by textures, for example find unusual materials/items to work with.
15. Read a creative book.

Write your name decoratively.

Draw (Instead of write) your next shopping list.

Open a book (fiction or non-fiction) and pick a sentence then illustrate it.

If you’ve been wanting to get creative and like myself wasn’t sure where to start, I have come up with some prompts. Bearing in mind, I just did some doodling mainly but I have included some snippets for you to see my own attempts. The main thing is to get started, good luck!

Do you enjoy a good doodle? 

Which of the prompts might you try? :-) Xx

My Minimal Make-Up Bag Tour

Natural Products:

Lily Lolo Blush and Highlight Palette (Shade Pink)

This is a beautiful product, which gives off a subtle glow throughout

the day. Although it’s a bit pricey I would recommend it.

Lavera Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow Quad (Shade Cappuccino Cream 02)

Another stunning product that I would recommend. 

When the eyeshadow is applied, the look is very sophisticated.

Anne Marie Borlind Lipstick (Shade Celebrity Red 69)

I’ve had this lipstick a while, and it’s a stunning 

colour but I don’t wear it very often.

(Face)

(Eyes)

(Lips)

Cruelty-Free Products:

Barry M All Night Long Medium Coverage Foundation (Shade Milk 1)

This is probably my most used make-up item. I use it as a foundation

as well as a concealer to hide blemishes and even out skin tone.

The Body Shop Matte Lipstick (Shade Honolula Pink 420)

This was a recent purchase which I shared a review of here. 

I find the shade flattering for my fair skin.

MUA Makeup Academy Amplify Statement Lash (Shade Black)

I haven’t actually tried this product yet. My initial thoughts are 

the price is very reasonable and the wand looks great.

Other:

Carmex Lip Balm

This product is good for very dry lips.

Gok Wan Make-Up bag

I’ve had this lovely make-up bag for years, and it really has stood

the test of time. With its wipeable material, it can be cleaned easily.

What are your favourite everyday make-up items?

Do you have any natural/cruelty-free recommendations? :-) Xx