Jigsaw Log #10

 

Welcome back to this jigsaw series; today I wanted to share a sewing-themed five-hundred-piece jigsaw I completed earlier in the year. It wasn’t too challenging, particularly compared to ones I’ve done in the past with twice as many pieces. The picture is really pretty, and caught my eye when I saw it reduced on sale. This is another one by The Works brand which I keep going back to for quality and reliability. There was just the right amount of detail and a gorgeous colour palette.

Are you drawn to this design too?

Have you been working on anything lately? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #19

 

Lifestyle/Other:

Forest Walk

I had a natural break from taking photographs to pursue other hobbies but recently my family introduced me to a woodland I hadn’t explored before. At just the right moment, there were some lovely light effects coming through the trees, and nearby were lots of wild plants growing. I chose to go quite close up with my camera, and these photos were my favourite.

Books:

Best Friends Bakery Cupcakes & Contests by Linda Chapman

We follow Hannah, aged ten, and her love for baking as she takes part in a TV baking contest. I mostly do healthy baking, so when this book delved into how to make bread, I was really excited. 

There’s a strong sense of family, friendship and enjoying your passions. Part of the conclusion surprised me but left me thinking about my own similarities to Hannah. This is the third in the series, but I had no problems reading it as a standalone.

How to Reset by Vicki Vrint

When looking in my local The Works store, I always gravitate towards the self-help section. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by this author, so knew I wanted to give ‘How to Reset’ a read.

Some of her ideas are very interesting, and I found myself using little sticky tabs several times. The words on the front of the book summarize things perfectly: ‘Simple tips to help you rediscover yourself and live life to the full.’

How to Be Awesome by Sophie Golding

I picked this one up as it looked like a fun read. I gravitated towards the typography, bright colours, and charming quality. I’ve read other books by Sophie Golding, so I had a good idea that this would be the same sort of thing.

The tone of voice was upbeat, while supportive, offering simple tips to tweak your routine. I felt it would make a good gift for someone going through a change in lifestyle. It might best suit people in their late teens or early twenties.

Splash! By Flora McDonnell

Splash is a bilingual picture book written in English and French. We learn about how animals keep cool in hot climates, and I felt it was a good way for children to familiarize themselves with another language. The story and illustrations had a beautiful sentiment to them; it was such a pleasant experience turning each page.

A Polar Bear by Mac Barnett

I love when authors and illustrators use simplicity with picture books, and this one showed a lot of skill in how it was executed. We follow an average day for a polar bear, with a play on words, and the use of collage to illustrate the snow and setting.

Dogs in Disguise by Peter Bently

If you have an affection for dogs, I think you would enjoy this one as much as me. As you turn each page, it’s nice to take your time looking through the artwork. The humour, rhyming, and memorable illustrations make this a wonderful picture book.

How to Grow a Unicorn by Rachel Morrisroe

This isn’t just a book about unicorns, but also about a little girl’s relationship with her grandma and their connection through gardening. Along with the magical elements, it was a really great allrounder.

13 Modern Artists Children Should Know by Brad Finger

This book does what it says on the tin, introducing children to the top artists that are worth knowing about. It was well laid out, easy to read, and a great choice for children who have an interest in art.

Films:

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

‘This updated adaptation of the classic fairy tale tells the story of Danielle (Drew Barrymore), a vibrant young woman who is forced into servitude after the passing of her father.’

There’s just something about this film that I enjoy coming back to every so often. The original story of Cinderella has always interested me, particularly as a child, and I felt the retelling was done well.

How has your month been?

Have you found any recommendations? :-) Xx

Bookish Experience Ideas

 

Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. In my opinion, there are lots of ways to connect with people through the love of books. Here are some of the ideas I have collected…

Support Independent Bookshops

If you are lucky enough to live near one, you could make it a weekly thing and some have cafes. You could also try visiting bookshops on holiday, which I have done in the past.

Buddy Reading

I didn’t even know buddy reading was a thing until I started watching booktube videos. For those of you who don’t know what it is, you pick a book to read at the same time as a friend and share your thoughts as you go along.

Ask for Book Recommendations

You could do this in a library or a bookshop for the experience factor, but online you could try asking your favourite YouTuber or blogger.

Visit Beautiful Libraries

Libraries can be very architecturally beautiful and some are even famous. This could be something you could try to incorporate into a holiday or daytrip. 

Blind Date with a Book

If you are unsure of what this is, you can find pictures on Pinterest, but the idea is to gift wrap a book with some key facts about it on the front. You could make these yourself as a gift or sell them, otherwise search eBay/Etsy for yourself. I’ve already shared my experience here.

Read a Book Aloud

This could be to a younger family member, a spouse or you could volunteer to read to folk in an old people’s home.

Donate used Books to a Charity of your Choice

So, there are two steps to this, the first being to go through your books and decide which ones you don’t want to keep. Then, you can choose where to donate. Maybe you live near some charity shops or you could have a stall at a church fair and donate the profits to a charity that means something to you.

Join a Book Club

This could be face to face or online. I’ve never done this because of my specific tastes but I like the idea of it.

Go to a Book Signing

I feel this would be a cool one to do. They often advertise these events in bookshops, libraries, etc.

Go on a Charity Shop Book Crawl

I have done this in the past and it’s pretty fun going to different charity shops. You’d be surprised about the things people donate; I have picked up some incredible book bargains.

Make your own Bookmarks

I’ve already done this, but I like to be more creative each time. You can use old greetings cards, or paint/collage.

Visit a Library Book Sale

I’ve never been to one of these but would like to try. They sound interesting and I’ve heard books are sold very cheaply.

Let me know which of these you have tried or would like to try!

Do you have any of your own ideas that I have missed? :-) Xx