• book review - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: The Girl On The Train

    It feels like it’s been a while since I shared a good book I’ve enjoyed reading. Just before Christmas I was looking for something new to read. It was a difficult time as I knew I would be receiving a few books for Christmas but I really wanted something to read. I was in my local Waterstones buying a few last minute Christmas presents and decided to purchase a copy of The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins. I’m probably the last person in the world to read it. I don’t have a commute, or much time to read,…

  • baking - book review - What I'm reading

    The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook by Rosanna Pansino

    I love to bake so was excited to receive a copy of The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook by Rosanna Pansino to review. The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: sweet treats for the geek in all of us, was published on 19th November 2015, priced £16.99. Rosanna Pansino is the creator and host of Nerdy Nummies, the internet’s most popular baking show. Pansino launched Nerdy Nummies in late 2011 and the show’s audience grew very quickly. Her videos have been viewed more than 1 billion times – making Rosanna one of the most-watched personalities on YouTube. The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook is her first book…

  • book review - sewing - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: ‘Tis the Season to be Felty

    It seems a while since I shared a great craft book with you. Have you started your Christmas crafting yet? Are you making any handmade gifts this year? I’m not making any big gifts but I’ve made some small decorations. I’ve always enjoyed working with felt so when I read about ‘Tis the Season to be Felty I knew I would be pre-ordering a copy. It’s a follow up to Fa la la la Felt! which came out a few years ago and many of the same designers have contributed to the 40+ projects in this book. As soon as…

  • book review - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay

    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…

  • book review - Christmas - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: The New Christmas Tree by Carrie Brown

    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…

  • book review - Cooking - eating - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: Homemade Takeaways by Rob Allison

    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…

  • book review - What I'm reading

    Pom Pom the Champion by Sophy Henn

    As well as toys we were also sent some lovely books to read and review over the holidays. One of our favourites was Pom Pom the Champion, written and illustrated by Sophy Henn. If you enjoyed Sophy’s previous book, Pom Pom Gets the Grumps, then you will love Pom Pom latest’s tale. Sophy Henn, who was recently described as a ‘Rising Star’ by The Bookseller, combines her unique and contemporary illustrations with her warm and humorous writing style. One morning Pom Pom was all at sixes and sevens. He didn’t know what to do with himself. His mum suggests a game and…

  • book review - sewing - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: Wild Things by Kirsty Hartley

    I’m bracing myself for my children going back to school next week. I know it won’t be long before the letters home start being placed in school bags and I will be expected to provide money, cakes and dressing up clothes for both of them. Last year I had fun making a cute little ladybird costume for my son, which then got upcycled into a superhero cape for my daughter. I was pretty proud of myself for that one! I received a beautiful new craft book to review which has given me tons of inspiration to prepare myself. Wild Things…

  • book review - upcycling - What I'm reading

    How to make a plate clock

    As I mentioned the other day I was invited to a fun workshop to celebrate the launch of Furniture Hacks by Hesta Van Overbeek at West Elm, the furniture and accessories store on Tottenham Court Road. How to make a plate clock We sat down at a long table and were able to pick a plate from West Elm for the clock face, our choice of hands as well as a clock mechanism and battery. Then came the fun part. I painted my clock hands orange using nail varnish and marked the centre of my plate with a small dot…