Jigsaw Log #9

 

Welcome to a new jigsaw log; hope my readers are doing okay. I have been working on this jigsaw since about November time last year, adding to it here and there. I normally stick to five hundred pieces but decided to challenge myself to one thousand pieces. This one came from The Works, and overall, they are a great place to shop for quality, affordable puzzles.

The Christmas carousel design appealed to me as I wanted something that would feel festive over Christmas time. There’s some lovely detail, making adding different pieces quite interesting, and felt the scale of the picture was just right. After doing this puzzle, I was inspired to learn more about old fashioned fairground rides, such as the carousel featured as well as the time period of the picture. If you are interested, I have recently done a blog post on the history of fairground rides (visit here).

Are you working on a puzzle? 

Or do you have a different pastime you want to share? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #15

 

Books:

The A-Z of Mindfulness by Anna Barnes

This is a small coffee table book going through the benefits of mindfulness using each letter in the alphabet. I’m a big fan of Anna Barnes, and she’s done a whole series of mental health books I’m making my way through. There are a few interactive pages in this, one of my favourites include drawing your own imaginary tree, letting new roots grow each day. Some of the topics she covers include walking, nature, kindness and health. It’s a feel-good book that can be read in one sitting.

Protect the Planet by Jess French

This book is one of the world book day releases, they are concise books given out on this special event to encourage new readers. I’ve read a couple now, and would say the content has been great overall. Protect the planet is an introduction to learning about the environment, and the impact humans are having on the earth. I liked that they touched on fast fashion, as well as buying with kindness and other relevant topics.

Life Lessons from the Ocean by Richard Harrington

This book describes itself as ‘soothing wisdom from the sea’, written by a marine biologist who takes his knowledge of the ocean to educate and inspire. He has included all sorts of creatures I’ve never heard of, and describes why they are so great, as well as emphasizing the importance of sea life and biodiversity. 

Create Your Own Happy by Becky Goddard-Hill

After reading create your own calm by the same author, I decided to give this one a go and ended up quite enjoying it. The idea behind it is to provide tools for children (and adults) to learn what makes you feel happy and guide you to build on some appropriate skills. I would recommend this book to anyone seven years or above.

Make Anything Happen by Carrie Lindsey

I was excited to read this one, after giving it as a gift to myself for Christmas. The book covers vision board ideas, goal setting, and a pep talk to help discover what you want to achieve. The ideas on how to create a mood board included specific styling advice as well as showing examples the author had made.

The book is beautifully presented, and I found the layout inspiring. The author delves into her own dreams, and talks the reader through what things worked for her. I love light memoirs, and I felt this is what it was in parts. I enjoyed hearing about her stationery business and her love for horses.

Circuit-Breaker #5 by McCarthy

This was the finale of the comic series; I enjoyed it, and it’s cast of unusual characters. I liked how the writers played with the idea of how humans view artificial intelligence/robots and the story was something different for me. I appreciated the illustrations and colour palette too. Overall, there was some imaginative writing and character design. This was one of the series that got me into comics.

The Adventures of Luna the Vampire #1

This comic includes short, humorous stories about Luna, a very peculiar vampire. I would say the target audience is adults, as children might just not get where the author is going with this.

It’s not something I would normally pick up, but I found I was enjoying it, and can see myself reading the next in the series. I liked the modern illustrations, and the way the makers of the comic broke the mould a little.

Films:

Lucky Christmas 

‘A single mother is devastated when her car is stolen with a winning lottery ticket inside. When she suddenly meets a charming man, her luck may have returned.’

I’ve been on a bit of a Christmas chick flick kick, and wanted to finish with this one. I didn’t realise until later that the main actress originally stared in Saved by The Bell if you can remember that TV Programme. Lucky Christmas is really wholesome, and one of my favourite festive films I watched last year.

Gravity

‘Dr Ryan Stone and Matt Kowalsky are stranded in space with no way to contact Earth after their shuttle is destroyed in the midst of a routine space walk.’

To some this film up in one word, I would say wow! Sandra Bullock does a great job of acting as an astronaut stuck in space and there were some exhilarating moments. One of my favourite films of last year.

Lifestyle

A New Tea Mug

For Christmas I asked for a new tea mug and my Dad bought this one with special quotes and a rainbow inside. It gives me joy every time I use it.

Do any of these book titles appeal to you too?

Have you watched any of the mentioned films? :-) Xx

Christmas Tree Scones + A Merry Christmas

Themed scones are one of my signature bakes and recently I made Christmas tree scones. I like using cookie cutters to make different shapes, on this occasion they seemed a little more festive as Christmas trees. Scones are pretty easy to create, and there are many recipes out there. I used a recipe from a baking book called cookies and cakes for beginners. I added sultanas to the mixture, for a little extra sweetness. On another note, I just wanted to take a minute to wish my readers a lovely Christmas. Hope to connect with you in the new year, write to me in the comments any time.

Let me know if you have been baking. 

Do you have a recipe you keep coming back to? :-) 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 #10

 

Books:

Greetings Cards using Digital Photos by Cheryl Owen

This book is packed with creative ideas to use digital photos in card making. I could 

see myself recreating some of the designs and generally I found tons of inspiration.

My Heart by Corinna Luyken

This was a highly anticipated read for me. The meaning of a heart that can grow 

and mend is beautiful. Quite emotional and heartfelt with stunning art work.

Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

Carl the earthworm explores the question of why he is here and discovers his important 

place in the world. A beautifully told story with a special meaning. A picture book to treasure.

Urban Photography by Tim Cornbill

Extensive information on all aspects of urban photography. I learned a lot 

and gained much inspiration. The book could appeal to beginners or 

experts in photography. I can’t wait to start applying my new ideas!

The Night Sky and Other Amazing Sights in Space by Nick Hunter

A fantastic starting point if you want to learn about space. Quite 

insightful in places and interesting to read, I enjoyed it very much.

The No-Sugar Desserts & Baking Cookbook by Ysanne Spevack

A thoroughly researched no-sugar baking book. The author knows her stuff for example she includes a break-down of alternative ingredients with pros and cons. The book is beautifully presented providing lots of foodie photography inspiration. Bear in mind I haven’t tried the recipes yet but I liked the look of the healthier gingerbread men and pumpkin pie.

Lifestyle:

Paper High – A Handmade, Fair-Trade & Sustainable Brand

My Dad kindly gifted me this beautiful leather pocket notebook for my birthday. I was impressed by the information I read on the label and later did some research into the brand. Paper High share their story online, including how the fair-trade products are made. I recommend you check out the links if you are looking to buy someone or yourself sustainable gifts. I like the look of the cosy socks and rugs. The postage price is very reasonable too.

https://www.paperhigh.com/

https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/paperhigh

Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

I really enjoyed watching the Olympics as there have been some new, more unusual sports featured. Examples include skateboarding, rock climbing, etc along with the usual dressage, hockey and so on. 

Did any of my favourites interest you?

What things have you been loving lately? :-) 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

These are a few of my favourite things #5

Lifestyle:

Spotting a Broom Plant

I found this bright yellow, happy looking plant in bloom on a recent walk. 

My Mum told me its name, and I did some research into it when I got home.

‘Broom plants golden vanilla-scented flowers appear for a couple of months from late spring to early summer. As an evergreen, it should be planted more often in gardens, as it is easy to grow and beneficial to local wildlife. It is a bright and cheery plant that gives pleasure to onlookers with its beautiful yellow flowers, in stark contrast to the rough windswept places where it is often found growing, such as moors and heaths.’

Books:

Vintage Fashion by Emma Baxter-Wright

This is a stunning coffee table book, taking you through different eras in fashion from 

the 20’s to the 90’s. The information included is very extensive, yet the writing is kept 

readable and interesting. If you appreciate the topic of fashion history, this is a must read.

The Usborne Book Of Pop-Ups by Ray Gibson

It was a wonderful surprise when a friend lent me this as it was one of my 

childhood favourites. The crafts are fairly straight forward, showing different 

ways to create pop-up cards. One of the nicest card-making books I know of.

Joy by Corrinne Averiss

A beautifully told and illustrated children’s picture book about Fern, a young girl 

who is worried about her Grandma, and wants to capture some joy to give it 

back to her. Lovely, heartfelt, and perfect for family reading time.

Hello, is this planet Earth? by Tim Peake

Written by Tim Peake the astronaut, he shares his experiences while on 

the international space station and the collection of photographs 

he has taken of earth from above. This is one of those books that 

really makes you appreciate how wonderful and fragile planet earth is.

101 Ways to Save the Earth by David Bellamy

This is a picture book introducing environmental topics to children in the style 

of a friendly magazine, with lovely illustrations. I found the tips helpful in 

making positive changes around the home, garden and beyond.

Films:

Dan In Real Life

'Comedy starring Steve Carell as advice columnist Dan Burns. In his column, Dan appears to be an expert on relationships, but in real life he struggles to succeed as a brother, son and single parent to three precocious daughters. Things get even more complicated for Dan when he discovers the woman, he has recently fallen in love with is already in a relationship with his brother.'

This was a really interesting film, and I enjoyed the look into family life on a vacation. At times it felt a bit melancholy but there were bursts of hope as the main character finds his way. Steve Carell is a good actor; I’ve seen him in a couple of other films.

Have you picked up a good book recently?

What have your favourite things been this month? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #4

 

Books:

Wallpaper by Lachlan Blackley

This is a graphic design book focussing on innovative ways to 

produce wallpaper. I found both the text and images fascinating. 

The Thrifty Forager by Alys Fowler

This was one of the most interesting books I’ve read this year so far. 

The author talks us through living off your local landscape by foraging. 

A surprisingly accessible read, that looks into the basics as well as 

how to set up a community orchard and more.

Much Loved by Mark Nixon

Nixon developed a project to photograph and document stories of very loved teddy 

bears. Initially it might come across a bit weird, but the stories included were so 

heart-felt and his photography really captured something amazing.

Films:

The Wedding Planner

I was short of things to watch, so I gave this a try to pass the time. I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be funny and heart-warming. It’s a feel-good film that I would recommend.

‘Mary Fiore (Jennifer Lopez) is a successful wedding planner whose creative ideas make her clients' weddings a dream come true. She is unlucky in love and is desperate to meet the perfect man, before it is too late. When she meets Dr. Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey) Mary is instantly smitten. But there is one problem, he is about to get married and his wife-to-be wants her to organise the wedding. This causes problems as the more time she spends with her clients organising their big day, the more she falls in love with the groom.’

The Three Amigos

I have memories of watching this as a child, and finding it funny. I re-watched it this month, and found it to be both clever and entertaining.

‘Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short travel a dusty road to adventure in this zany mix of sharp one liners and clever sight gags. The Three Amigos are a silent screen comedy act who have seen better days. So has a remote Mexican hamlet, which is being threatened by a fierce bandit gang. Finally, in desperation, a naïve villager sends the actors a telegram asking for help. Thinking they’re being offered a fortune for a personal appearance, the hapless trio arrives in Mexico, only to discover that this time they’re facing a real rival!’

King Kong (2005)

This film was out of my comfort zone, but I warmed to it as I got into it. It’s a very well-made film that I would recommend.

‘Epic remake of the adventure classic from acclaimed director Peter Jackson. In Depression-era New York, unscrupulous filmmaker Carl Denham (Jack Black) is desperate to find a leading lady for his new picture. After a chance encounter, naive actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) takes the role, and travels with Denham and sensitive scriptwriter Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) to the mysterious Skull Island, deep in the Indian Ocean. 

There the filmmakers discover a secret, civilisation that time forgot, and that worships a terrifying, gigantic ape called Kong. When Ann is brought to Kong, the ape becomes obsessed with her. Denham uses this obsession to help capture Kong and transport him back to New York, where he hopes he can make a fortune from exhibiting the creature. But after Kong escapes, the ape unleashes his awesome power against the city in an attempt to find Ann, the woman he truly loves, leading to a tragic conclusion atop the Empire State Building.’

Lifestyle:

Sand dunes on the beach

On a recent visit to the beach, I was amazed to find a large sand dune. I took a photo and did a bit of research into how they form. Link here for an interesting article.

Did you find anything mentioned interesting?

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