Earlier this year I reviewed three colouring books for adults from Anastasia Catris. The books were so popular I’m delighted to announce the publication of three more titles in the Colour Me Mindful series: ENCHANTED CREATURES, SEASONS and BUTTERFLIES. Adult colouring books have burst to the top of the best selling lists and it’s easy to see why as they are an effective stress reducing aid for adults. They help you focus your mind, provide a creative outlet as well as a soothing mindful experience from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. These three books depict a breath-taking…
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I recently read a brilliant book that I wanted to tell you about. I have to admit that I was drawn to the cover of this book by the title as I love the novels by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte. The title and cover image really appealed to me and luckily the contents did too! My latest good read was The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay, published by Thomas Nelson on November 3rd 2015. When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her. Lucy Alling…
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We’re having so much fun working our way through Roald Dahl’s books we actually have 2 on the go at the moment. We love September as the 13th September is Roald Dahl Day and we made our brilliant Mr Twit gingerbeard biscuit. The festivities continue throughout September culminating in Dahlicious Dress Up Day for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity with a very special LIVE webcast all about Roald Dahl, streamed into schools across the world. If you know any teachers then tell them to register their school for free at www.puffinvirtuallylive.co.uk A brilliant new hardback edition of Roald Dahl’s The…
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Christmas is my favourite time of year so you probably won’t be surprised to hear I’ve started planning where we’re going to be, the presents an how we’ll decorate the house. I was excited to review a copy of The New Christmas Tree: 24 Dazzling Trees and Over 100 Handcrafted Projects for an Inspired Holiday by Carrie Brown, published by Artisan Books on 6th October 2015. The New Christmas Tree by Carrie Brown is a beautiful book. I love the concept and the photography and am completely inspired for the holiday season. This Christmas, consider everyday objects from a new…
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I’m always excited to see new Clangers products as both my children seem to love the tv show. Last week I picked up a copy of the Clangers magazine which my son enjoyed, especially the Tiny and Small figures which came with it. So you can probably imagine how happy he was to receive a copy of the new paperback book – The Brilliant Surprise by Daniel Postgate, which was published on 3rd September, priced £6.99. Something magical is coming to the little blue planet that is home to the whistling Clanger family and their friends! But what can it…
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I seem to spend a lot of time using a keyboard and not so much time picking up an old fashioned pen and paper these days. I often slip in a hand written note with a swap package but that’s about it. Which is why I was interested in Write Back Soon! Adventures in Letter Writing by Karen Benke. Connect to your friends through handwritten notes, cards, letters, and postcards—an interactive workbook that encourages creative interactions between friends through the written word, complete with cross-outs, smudges, and parenthetical asides. Put down that smartphone and pick up a pen! Texting and…
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Now my son is safely back at school and enjoying the challenges of Year 1 I’ve had a little more time to myself to indulge in my passion of baking. I’ve been enjoying reading the recipe book Bake in Black: music inspired baking. This lovingly created cook book is a music –themed collection of more than 60 sweet indulgences. Bake in Black started life as a blog from a kitchen in East London and was written by a musician and food journalist. They took a rock or heavy metal song or an album title which then inspired them to create…
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I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to discover Okido magazine but I recently came across an issue and we’re all hooked. It is so different from the magazines the children pester me from whilst we food shopping, and in a really good way. Each issue is themed and helps your child learn through the stories, activities and games which stimulate creativity and inspires scientific interest. The lovable monster called Messy is to feature in his own comedy adventure, science-educational show called ‘Messy goes to Okido’. The BBC has acquired the animation series, the first episode will air…
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I love eating out but don’t really get the chance to go to too many places whilst the children are so young. They have their favourite child-friendly restaurants they like to go which we find ourselves sticking to as it makes life easier. Over the last couple of years we often treat ourselves to our favourite takeaways and we both have our go-to comfort food after a busy week. I was recently sent a copy of Homemade Takeaways: How to make your favourite takeaway … but better by Rob Allison to review. The book contains 100 recipes covering your favourite…