I recently happened upon this book by Margot Potter, and purchased it purely on the merits of it’s title “The Impatient Beader.” I figured this one was definitely worth checking out seeing I was looking for some beading inspiration, and a few how-to’s as well. I figured from the fun title, that it must have been written just for me! I have to tell you, it is not only packed full of creative ideas and inspiration, it is also a hilarious read!
Potter’s creative flair shines through in her unique design concepts presented in this book. She takes inspiration from colours and themes and turns them into beautiful wearable works-of-art! Her designs are vibrant, and stunningly bold, yet most are simple enough for the beginner beader. Coupled with her humorous writing style, the book provides both beautiful project ideas plus entertaining anecdotes.
I loved the first book so much, that I immediately ordered a copy of her second book “The Impatient Beader Gets Inspired” and boy, did I ever! Once again, wonderful designs and non-conventional ideas that get the creative juices flowing! I can’t wait to get my hands on the third book which debuts in June…
While agents were showing our house the other night, we went over to the local library. I came across this book that I remember having as a child. I borrowed a copy (for Liam of course!) and have read it and re-read it, enjoying it just as much as I did years ago.
I won’t write up a book review on it, but I do think it is a really cute little story with an important message! Basically, the dragon in the story grows bigger and bigger until finally he is noticed.
In a simplistic way, it reminds me of words of wisdom that I have heard and learned from some of the women in my life. Often, life presents situations that you *need* to see or hear, even if you are not willing to be open to them. At first, they are nudges, and then, they become stronger. If you are not open to them, sometimes you are eventually “broad-sided.”
And while there have been no recent dragon sightings in our home, I am trying to listen to the nudges in my life, opening myself to possibilities and trying to see situations as having many possible positive outcomes despite much uncertainty. I never have been good at having faith that things will work our for the best, but I am learning to trust that this is indeed true.
While I’ve never really been a huge fan of fictional novels, preferring reference, particularily parenting books in the past little while, I discovered some fun novels this summer that I absolutley adored.
I was on limited activity for much of the summer, due to the threat of preterm labour, and so I picked up “Confessions of a Shopaholic” by Sophie Kinsella after hearing much about this novel from friends. Much to my delight, this book was fun, fluffy and a quick read…so much so that I whipped through the next four in the series within a matter of weeks. I also read her other two novels “The Undomestic Goddess” and “Can You Keep a Secret.” Both were enjoyable as well.
I also recently learned that Sophie Kinsella also writes under her other name Madeline Wickham. I think that may actually be her real name, and Kinsella is her pen name, although I am not entirely sure.
While I wouldn’t liken these novels to any great fictional literary masterpiece, they were fun, and a great “snuggle up in bed” type read!
I received this wonderful children’s book as a graduation gift when I graduated from York University in 2000. Liam noticed it’s bright cover, and pulled it off the shelf the other day so we read it together. What a great book for all ages…
I’m not sure if “clueless” accurately describes my gardening capabilities these days, seeing as I have a bit of practice at it now, I seem to be getting the hang of it! However, a few years ago I could not have made such a claim.
People often ask me if I like to read, and my first instinct is to say “no” but when I think about it, I really do enjoy reading, just not fiction. My favorite bed-time “curl up” books usually consist of reference, how-to, or cookbooks. “Clueless in the Garden” by Yvonne Cunnington fits perfectly with my taste in bedtime literature.
This is a great little book that I was given as a gift a few years ago (before I knew *anything* about gardening) It’s simple, straight-forward advice and tips on gardening for the novice are must-haves for the first-time gardener…
It’s a quick read, with reference to all the things one needs to know to have a successful garden. It covers everything from plants, to mulch to garden planning and location, and is an enjoyable and informative read.
I know it’s old news that big, blue, huggable Cookie Monster recently declared that “Cookies are a Sometimes Food” but I still say this just isn’t right! Cookies should be enjoyed wherever, and whenever!
Now that that’s out of the way…I’d like to share what is in my opinion *the best* little cookie book going! “Gifts for the Cookie Jar” by Lia Roessner Wilson is a terrific little book full of recipes to make and give as gifts! The recipes are all for different layered cookie mixes in jars, and in fact, I made several of the recipes in the book and gave them away as Christmas presents this year! A great project for yourself, or for you and your kids, they’re fun to make, attractive and sure to please!
While I was pregnant with my son, I was desperate to find a book on the ins and out’s (pardon the pun) of pregnancy. I came across Kaz Cooke’s “A Bun in the Oven” at our local Chapters bookstore. I don’t recall ever laughing so much at a book, let alone one about pregnancy, but this book was so funny that I immediately proceeded to the check-out. Her clever and whitty sense of humour was such a welcome read during the first few months of pregnancy, which rendered my useless after about 6 p.m. with nausea and exhaustion. Her follow-up book entitled “Kid Wrangling” is equally as amusing, while full of great information for the novice parent. I highly recommend this author and her fun writing which is full of personal anecdotes, humour as well as essential advice.
