These are a few of my favourite things #20

 

Books:

Crafty Ideas: Print by Hannah Tofts

Here are some great ideas for making personalized gifts and having fun with painting. Packed with lots of beginners’ printing projects for paper as well as fabric, including some tips for making printing blocks and stencils. 

Making Winter by Emma Mitchell

This is one of the cosiest, hygge craft books I’ve come across, including simple projects, warming recipes and ways to beat the winter blues. The writing style and overall feeling of the book is beautifully evocative of the season; a perfect gift idea for someone interested in craft who might need a bit of cheering up.

Book Love by Debbie Tung

This book has been on my radar for a good while now, but recently one of my favourite book influencers shared this title and reminded me I’d not yet read it. We follow a bookworm in a series of short comics capturing what it means to be head over heels for books. The author perfectly captured this, making me smile ear to ear with her witty humour; I can’t imagine any book fanatic not loving it.

Too Small Tola by Atinuke

Tola lives with her family in a crowded flat in Lagos, Nigeria. Whether it’s market day or a no-water day at home, Tola proves that though she may be small, she is mighty. We follow a determined young girl in three short stories, each showing a different part of her daily family life. A book written with a lot of spirit; I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.

Unconscious Bias by Annie Burdick

This is a brilliant starting point to learn about our hidden prejudices. I wanted to read material outside my comfort zone as I was interested in educating myself. It’s actually a tiny little book but crammed with information on why our biases matter, how to identify your own biases, biases in society and becoming consciously unbiased. I had a few uncomfortable moments when my biases were challenged, so for me the author achieved her aims. I plan to continue reading about the topic.

The Perfect Fit by Naomi Jones

This is a charming picture book aimed at teaching young children how to accept the differences in everyone while making new friends. Illustrated through the use of shapes, and a little yellow triangle who learns to celebrate diversity in others. I thought the message was very thought-provoking, and worked well with the illustrations.

Solo: The Joy of Cooking for One by Signe Johansen

I saw this title in the library catalogue, and I was intrigued by the concept straight away. In the prologue, she talks about self-care/mindfulness as well as making the most of your leftover food. The recipes are quite fancy, and the book is beautifully laid out. My Nan has read similar books in the past, so I think she would be interested in it too.

Garden Cookbook by Rob Rees

This bite-sized children’s book showcases food produce that can be easily grown in your garden and includes straightforward recipes such as soups, salads, dips, smoothies, etc. I’ve been growing my own fruit and veg for a few years now, so the book provided relevant inspiration. 

Films:

Love, Bubbles & Crystal Cove (2021)

‘Skye is preparing for another great year of her business ‘Lather and Luxury’. She sells colourful and fragrant bath products, face masks, you name it! When her childhood sweetheart Gavin arrives in town to help improve her business model, she initially refuses.’

This film had a cosy, homely way about it. I also felt it was well cast, particularly the lead couple. Overall, I enjoyed it for a bit of escapism.

Love’s Sweet Recipe (2021)

‘Talented chef, Mandy Preston’s life has been turned upside down ever since the passing of her father, who was the master chef of her family’s famous restaurant. Now her family business is failing, her love life is in shambles, her passion for cooking has died and her childhood best friend and fellow chef Jake Turner has left town to find work in the big city.’

What made this film for me was the emphasis on good quality cooking and it was also nice to get a sense of how a family bistro is run. The main characters weren’t your usual choice but that’s why I liked them. 

Sugar Plum Twist (2021)

‘After failing to get the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in this year's production of The Nutcracker, Vivíana Serrano joins forces with Natalia, to create a surprise reprise of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy...with a Latin twist.’

This was a gorgeous Christmas film with a very festive feel to it. I liked the cast, and each person brought something special. The theme of dance was well executed as there were a lot of talented performers.

Podcast

Call of the Wild with Cel Spellman

I’ve been listening to a few episodes of this podcast hosted by an ambassador of the Worldwide Fund for Nature. There are insights into how, as individuals, we can make lifestyle changes to help the environmental crisis. So far, I’ve learned more about topics such as plastic pollution, the food industry, and deforestation.

How has your month been?

Did you find any of these reviews interesting? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #12

 

Books:

Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese concept that is very difficult to define. Beth does a great job of teaching her readers about what is means, including philosophical ideas about life and imperfection. She breaks down her thoughts and experiences into chapters such as living with nature, acceptance and letting go, cherishing the moments and more. 

Her beautiful journal describes the customs of Japan and she includes advice to live a perfectly imperfect life. I found many of her ideas very moving and the authors experiences of Japan jumped off the page. If you are looking to tune back into yourself, and simplify while learning what’s important, I would recommend this book. A truly sensational read.

Cinnamon Spice & Warm Apple Pie: Comforting Baked 

Fruit Desserts for Chilly Days by Ryland Peters Small

This is a baking book covering autumnal bakes and desserts. Examples include crumbles, cobblers, puddings, pies, etc. The recipes looked really promising and I’m now buzzing to make a crumble or pie. The pear and chocolate crumble looked amazing in particular.

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

Thoroughly enjoyed this and it was something a little different for me. Sylvie and Dan are working on their marriage, they have two beautiful girls but need something to respark the magic between them. I really warmed to the characters and humour.

100 Top Games Apps Made Easy by Julian Richards

I picked this up to get some ideas on what games I could play on my phone (or a tablet). The book had a range to suit different preferences such as arcade, adventure, puzzles, trivia, etc.

Each page was laid out well and included all sorts of relevant and helpful information. I mostly looked at the free games, and there was a good number of options.

The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Alison Inches

This is an excellent children’s picture book, educating its readers about recycling in a fun and engaging way. The story is told like a diary from the point of view of a character going through different stages of plastic, starting as crude oil and ending up as a recycled plastic.

Of course, we can’t rely on recycling. Planet earth is running out of resources but I learnt some new terms such as polymerization which is the change that happens to crude oil when it’s being made into plastic. I liked the authors perspective and can see children learning a lot. I think it’s important to look at problems from all angles so read other books too!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Rebecca Rissman

This wonderful book puts a positive spin on how waste is affecting our planet. There are lots of interesting ideas and stories of people making an impact. Some of my favourite ideas include giving employers their own mini bin to make their consumption of waste more apparent. 

Encouraging paperless schools, using tablets instead. Educating people about reusables as well as upcycling. This book was great and I would recommend it to those interested in making a difference. The pages were set out nicely, making it pleasing to read.

The House at Pooh Corner by A.A.Milne

This is the second book in a series. The story of Pooh and his friends is a so quaint and adorable. It was first written in the 1920’s and you could feel while reading that it’s a classic that has stood the test of time. I found myself laughing at the characters humorous moments.

Lifestyle/Miscellaneous:

Non-Fiction November on YouTube

I’ve been really into following some book youtubers who are taking part in non-fiction November. If you don’t know what this is, it’s a month of reading more non-fiction throughout the month. It’s like a book club, with prompts, and many book enthusiasts have been sharing their reading. Type it into YouTube to see for yourself.

Autumn Photography

This autumn I’ve been particularly prolific with my photography, capturing some autumnal scenes. Click here to view one of my photo diaries. I might make a part two.

Which of these books did you find most interesting?

Have you been following non-fiction November too? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #11

 

Books:

Halloween by Joanne O’Sullivan

Described as a grown-up’s guide to creative costumes, devilish décor and fabulous festivities. This is a really great book and I appreciate that (unconventionally) it’s aimed at adults. I particularly liked the costumes and history of Halloween. The whole book made me smile; I would recommend it!

The Liszts by Kyo Maclear

Jen Campbell recommended this picture book on her YouTube channel. It’s a beautiful, whimsical and at times dark tale about a family who always write lists but they discover the joy of spontaneity. The book is gorgeous with striking illustrations and I loved the contemporary design very much.

The Science of Gravity by John Stinger

Absolutely loved this book. A perfect way to learn more about this topic in bite-size chunks. Educational and fascinating as well as making the mind boggle.

Slapstick Poems by Roger McGough

Fun, and varied poems. I liked how one moment could be quite solemn and the next playful. I thought the writing stood out on many occasions. This is the kind of the book that’s just my cup of tea.

Eat Happy by Melissa Hemsley

Firstly, the cover was what drew me in and I liked the idea of eating happy. The book is very stylised and beautifully presented. I enjoyed the introduction and how the author mentioned she likes zero-waste when cooking. The recipes seem to be the kind you find in trendy restaurants and things I would love to try. My only nag is the ingredients might be hard to get hold of. I would recommend this for inspiration or as a foodie gift. 

Earth and Space by Usborne

Really enjoyed this as it’s crammed with interesting information about earth and space science. It made me feel humbled to live on planet earth. The space section was my favourite bit as I learnt a lot.

A Victorian Portrait by Asa Briggs

This book is described as Victorian life and values as seen through the work of studio photographers. A fascinating insight into this time period and what people were like. The collection of photographs were remarkable. Some of the accounts were a little haunting. It’s not something I would normally pick up but my library lady recommended it and I can see why.

Audio Books:

This month I started getting into audio books, and I’m loving it so far. I’ve been using an app called borrow box which links to my local library. With borrow box, you can listen to audio books or read books and it’s completely free.

Beauty:

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Hand Cream

I’ve tried a couple of products from The Body Shop almond and honey range now. This hand cream does a really good job of protecting and softening your hands. It’s designed for sensitive, dry hands and sinks into the skin beautifully. It features the cruelty free bunny logo.

Do any of my favourites interest you?

What things have you been loving this month? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #9

 

Books:

Vintage Style by Sarah Kennedy 

This covers just about everything you would want to know about recreating vintage style from different eras. It’s not cliché in anyway, instead it’s practical and interesting. The history was fascinating and perfect for vintage enthusiasts. For each style/era information is noted on key looks, style tips, celebrity examples, history, colour palettes, and much more. I would recommend it to people who are interested in the topic, it’s a great book to have!

Creating Creatures of Fantasy and Imagination by Claudia Nice

A beautifully crafted book showing readers how to draw creatures of fantasy. Chapters are broken down into different mythical creatures such as faery folk, dragons and sea monsters, etc. The author takes us through her creative process including step by steps and photos she has used to help her. 

The art is truly stunning and her fictional stories are fascinating. This book would make a good gift for artists wanting to draw out of the box or fantasy fans looking for something different to read.

Shelf Life by Simon Parke

This is a memoir in diary format of a vicar of twenty years, Simon Parke who shares his 

experience of moving jobs and working in a supermarket stacking shelves. One of those 

books that makes you feel like a fly on the wall. Entertaining and interesting to read.

Smile! by Leigh Hodgkinson

Absolutely loved this, quirky fun picture book. It didn’t go in the obvious direction 

I was expecting. Sunny the protagonist really shone and felt believable to me as 

a girl wanting to get her smile back. The ending sealed the deal for me.

The Garden of Hope by Katie Rewse

This story of love and hope really pulls on the heart strings. Maya 

and her Dad miss Mum very much so in her memory they transform 

their garden. Beautifully told with equally lovely illustrations.

Jamela's Dress by Niki Daly

A lively, atmospheric story about Jamela who goes to buy 

some dress material with her Mother for a wedding outfit.

How to be an Astronaut and Other Space Jobs by Dr Sheila Kanani

A highly informative, fascinating book for children who want to have a job in 

the space field. The author discusses the real logistics of what it takes in a way 

that’s accessible to children. It’s also a fun read with engaging illustrations.

Fireside Feasts and Snow Day Treats by Ryland Peters & Small

An evocative cookery book for those cold but cosy autumn and winter months. 

All of the recipes look delectable. I enjoyed the photography and reading experience.

Music:

Music Played by Humans Gary Barlow

This has been a very recent love of mine. The songs on the album

 have a unique, chirpy sound that is different from Gary’s usual style.

Beauty:

Avon Face and Body Bronzing Gel in Shade Light

I thought I would give a shout out to this amazing product I’ve been using. This was the first 

Avon make-up product I have bought in years. Luckily, it’s been a big hit and I’ve been applying 

the wash off bronze gel to the legs and arms for a skin kissed glow. (Not cruelty-free/vegan)

What have you been loving lately?

Do you have any entertainment or beauty recs for me? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #8

 

Books:

Jamie’s America by Jamie Oliver

This was the first book I have read by Jamie Oliver however the mix of food, culture, and travel interested me. This is so much more than a cooking book as it includes essays, beautiful travel documentary photography and illustrations. 

Many of the recipes are aimed at the more advanced, and are unsuitable for vegetarians, but I can imagine most ‘foodies’ coming away with something. I liked the twists Jamie put on different recipes sourced from around America. I actually don’t cook, although I do some baking, and if you bake as well, there are some dessert recipes in there too. I appreciated all the unusual salads he created, they look so aesthetically pleasing and delicious. 

This book has encouraged me to be more adventurous when I order at restaurants. I learned some new recipes and ingredients I hadn’t previously heard of. If you know of someone with a passion for visiting America, I would recommend this title as a gift. Jamie didn’t choose the obvious route with how the book was put together.

Oliver & Patch by Claire Freedman 

Fun, heart-warming story for children about a boy who moves to the city, rescues a dog and makes a new friend along the way. The quirky illustrations are fabulous. One of my personal favourite picture books of late.

The Little Book of Humanism by Andrew Copson 

I knew very little about humanism going into this book, and I felt this was an excellent way to learn more. The definition I found online describes it as ‘A rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters.’

Chapters cover things like religion and faith, science and progress, living well, etc. The book includes mini essays, beautiful poetry and quotes as well as the occasional photograph. The book was short, concise and one of the most interesting books I’ve read this year.

I didn’t agree with everything but I think that’s fine when you are learning about a new topic. Many of the words were incredibly enlightening, and occasionally hard hitting. There were some positive and negative thoughts expressed. 

My favourite chapter was science and progress because I’ve been reading some quite negative oriented books about the environment lately and it was nice to see an author mention all the progress humans have made particularly regarding scientific discovery.

Trick or Treat Poems Chosen by Paul Cookson 

Spooky, atmospheric poems that are fun for Halloween. The clever wording and witty humour made me laugh. The poems came across cohesive even though the authors varied. Lovely little book.

Cool Spaces for Kids by Sam Scarborough 

A book about making cosy places for children to play is a beautiful concept. Everything is very nicely presented and made me feel nostalgic of imaginative playtime as a child. I would recommend this read to creative families.

Lifestyle:

Brain Benders Crazy Crosswords 

I wanted to challenge my crossword ability, so I gave this children’s puzzle book a go. It’s split into three sections: beginner, intermediate and expert which I found both fun and useful. Towards the end, I could feel I had improved my technique and spelling.

Poppies in Bloom

On one of the walks, I go on with my family I noticed the poppies were in bloom. They really are lovely and vibrant and perfect to photograph.

Have you noticed the poppies in bloom too?

Do you have any book recommendations for me? :-) Xx

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

Recent Reads Reviewed #29

Paper Girls, Vol. 6 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4/5

If you are new to this series, we follow a group of time-traveling paper girls in a wonderfully, weird dystopian world. The illustrations and colour choices are beautifully done throughout. I recommend it to anyone who thinks they would like to get into graphic novels, as this is where I primarily started. Volume six was wrapped up really nicely. I can’t believe I’ve finally finished the Paper Girls series!

Sunshine and Spaniels (Primrose Terrace Series #2) by Cressida McLaughlin - 4/5

I started and completed the Primrose Terrace series this year and would recommend it to those looking for a quick kindle series. We follow Cat and her move to Primrose Terrace where she sets up a dog walking business. She quickly becomes friends with her neighbours, and romance starts to blossom. Part two was my least favourite, but overall, it’s a beautiful, heart-warming series. Anyone who likes dogs will love this!

The Busy Girl's Guide to Digital Photography by Lorna Yabsley - 4/5

This book is a great starting point to learn more about photography and gain confidence to develop your skills. Important information such as exposure, the big three and other technicalities are included in the first chapter. In the next chapter we move on to portraits, covering different types of people as well as composition. 

Different events are discussed later for example sports, weddings, etc and there’s lots more valuable information as you go through the rest of the book. Topics are explained in an accessible way, and everything is broken down clearly. I found it to be a fun, and interesting read.

Productive Life: Tips for Setting Goals and Being Productive by Scott Thourson - 5/5

This is a concise, profound look at how to be more productive in a work and home environment. It covers types of goals, why goal setting is important, golden rules of goal setting and much more. This was an informative, inspiring read about the psychology of goal setting and how to set goals successfully.

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō - 5/5

This author previously brought out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying in 2014 and it became a big sensation. I was a little late to the party reading it but it became one of my all-time favourites. I love learning about tidying, and when I saw Kondo had brought out a fictional manga book, I knew I wanted to read it.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the story of Chiaki, a young woman in Tokyo with a messy apartment and needing a new direction in life; interesting. This graphic novel is fantastic in its own right, with its own share of valuable lessons to be taken from it. 

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell - 4/5

In this graphic novel we follow Deja and Josiah who work together at their local pumpkin patch, and are seasonal best friends. Finally, seniors, this will be there last season, so they want to make the most of it. The illustrations are wonderful, and the story is well-paced with lots of autumnal vibes. I liked all the autumn snack references throughout for example toffee apples, s’mores, kettle corn, apple cider slushees, and more. 

Live Green: 52 Steps for a More Sustainable Life by Jen Chillingsworth - 5/5

This is a dinky little coffee table book, with a generous amount of knowledge about how to live a greener lifestyle. Everything is covered from home and garden, eating green, slow fashion, natural beauty, a simple Christmas and so on. The book is beautifully presented, and I learnt a great deal from the authors extensive tips. It was a charming, and insightful read overall.

Have you added any of these to your reading list?

Do you have any autumn reading recommendations for me? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #28

 

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Alison Ritchie - 4/5

This picture book caught my eye because it featured Christmas and dogs. It’s a remake of the twelve days of Christmas poem, with a twist. I can see this book appealing to all ages, and enjoyed being read aloud. The illustrations are adorable, and I found it very festive.

The Library by Sarah Stewart - 3/5

In this children’s picture book, we follow Elizabeth Brown who entered the world short-sighted, shy and ready to fit into the role of a stereotypical book worm. While the book gives a cosy, warm-hearted impression of bibliophiles; I found the story quite dated and cliché. The illustrations were lovely, and I can see most book lovers taking something from the story.

Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen - 5/5

Hygge was a big deal a few years back now. I’ve read a few related non-fiction books and I found it refreshing to read some fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and having known a bit about hygge previously, the author really pulled off that warm, cosy feeling. It was lovely, escapist, filled with friendship and fresh starts.

The basic premise is set around Bo, who wanting to forget her worries for a while takes a trip to Denmark. She finds herself sharing a holiday cottage with a group of people and due to the bad weather, they get to know each other through the joy of hygge.

Claude The Magnificent by Chris Capstick - 4/5

Firstly, this is a beautifully presented book and the illustrations are lovely. Claude the Magnificent is an artiste in search of success in Paris. When his hat creations grow bigger, so does his ego and an important lesson is discovered. The moral of the story seemed quite mature for a picture book but I would imagine children warming to Claude the cat.

Coleen's Real Style by Coleen Rooney - 4/5

Without making assumptions about the author’s controversy in the public eye at the time, I think this is lovely book about fashion, beauty and having the confidence to feel good.

Coleen has an eye for what looks good, and I enjoyed her outlook on styling. Most of her ideas are classic and timeless so this book still feels worthy of a read now. There were a few references to fashion at the time though, and sometimes stock images were used, which was a little disappointing.

Overall, if you want something fun, and girly to read about fashion, and much more, I would recommend you give this one a try.

Slow: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Hectic World by Jo Peters - 4/5

This was a wonderful book, filled with interesting quotes, pictures and tips to help you live a slower lifestyle. It covers well-being, relationships, food, nature, etc. I could see it appealing to anybody interested in the topic. It might be a good one to read before bed as I found it relaxing and easy to finish.

A New York Christmas by Anne Perry - 5/5

Anne Perry, is a prolific, Victorian crime writer I didn’t previously know a lot about. This was my first read by her which I picked up from the library. I was interested to read about what it was like living in New York in the Victorian era and dip my toes into a light crime genre.

I like anything set around Christmas, and although it didn’t feel overly festive, the atmospheric account of New York in winter was beautifully written. The crime aspect was just right for my taste, as I don’t like anything too heavy, but it kept me engaged and on my toes. One of my favourites from the month!

Are you currently reading anything?

Do any of these books sound appealing to you? :-) Xx