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

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

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

A Beginner's Guide to Botanical Illustration

 

Botanica by Howard Schatz

I recently finished reading this coffee table book, featuring close-up photographs of plants, which are colourfully edited. While the book was just a starting point, I would recommend it for its beauty.

Botany is the science of plants, but botanical illustration is its own artform. I didn’t previously know a lot about botanical art but after reading this book, I became more interested in researching the topic. 

Some information I found from articles online:

• Right back to the early botanists, the artist was often the first to officially document many of the                        plants we know today.

• An illustration is used to support the work of botanists and horticulturists, describing the plant for                        the science records.

• It is one of the most specific, and vital artforms that plays a major part in botanical discovery.

• Botanical artists are in fact scientific professionals. 

• Many early botanists were artists themselves, or hired an artist to accompany them in the field as                        sending the specimen back home risked damage or decay.

• The attention and care, often done under a microscope or camera lucida, can lead botanical artists                      to make discoveries of their own.

What's the difference between botanical art, 

botanical illustration and flower painting?

In botanical illustration:

The emphasis is on the scientific record and botanical 

accuracy to enable identification of a plant.

In botanical art:

Artwork is always scientifically and botanically correct 

but not necessarily complete. More emphasis is 

placed on the aesthetic value 

In flower painting and "plant portraits":

The emphasis is much more about a pleasing painting 

and much less on the botanical accuracy

Images found on Yahoo search engine.

Key words for searching online:

Botanical drawing, botanical illustration, botanical gardens, 

botanical art, botanical art patterns, botanical watercolour art.

Questions to ask in a search engine:

What is botanical art and illustration?

What is the history of botanical work?

What is a botanical plate?

Articles I read that I would recommend:

https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/what-is-botanic-art

https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/what-is-botanical-art.html#

Did you find this topic of any interest?

Would you like to read the book that was mentioned? :-) Xx

Books for Dog Lovers

 

The New York Dog by Rachael Hale McKenna

This was quite a recent read for me which I thoroughly enjoyed. The author sets out to document (through both photography and stories) some of the many dogs and owners living in New York City. A beautifully presented coffee table book, giving glimpses into what it’s like living in the big city through the eyes of a dog lover.

How to Photograph Pets by Nick Ridley

This book has more of a traditional flair, coming from an author who clearly has a passion for dogs. As well as giving insights to photographing pets, the book covers some advice into animal behavior as well. Great for beginners wanting to improve their photos of much-loved pets.

Underwater Puppies by Seth Casteel

As the title suggests, this is a photography book full of puppies being captured underwater. This is a bit of a niche idea, but I found the images to be arty and full of life.

Dogs in Cars by Lara Jo Regan

Another niche type of book, the author who is a photographer, captures dogs while they are traveling in cars. I liked that the dog breeds were included as well as their names. The photography is really outstanding, and a perfect read for dog lovers.

Pugs in Costumes by unknown author

This is a short humour book, including images of pugs in various fancy dress with captions. There are some really funny pages that anyone can appreciate, but particularly pug lovers.

The Three Little Pugs and the Big Bad Cat by Becky Davies

This is a children’s picture book of a retelling of the three little pigs but instead it’s the three little pugs. The mix of illustration and photos of pugs was done very well. There’s a lovely feel-good sentiment to this fictional story.

Are you a dog lover too?

Do any of these books interest you? :-) Xx