tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69221094731215167852024-03-13T22:07:27.473+11:00lovedecoratelettersLoving life/decorating with enthusiasm/writing up a storm!Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-52712663679931118432022-09-29T07:04:00.001+10:002022-09-29T12:01:39.500+10:00The Cowardly Lion<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC5aUxGeQZubqRjIjOWXRzlQOzMcCeysOB453iIzM_Ve7SPdSwja4QpOsmuFWVrD0t-98ff84vCEEPwVyzmWDi7tOVf5kWGG12sedabHG_MzLz2DE3ztmob1__B-6Q8vbqDherC4rw1QY4wwGQwQgWl0BS4rutnkx8iwoQPEPZMWiBzPltUY-yrpe/s850/6364BE41-A0D3-40D3-BA45-7F87AB3B3869.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="850" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC5aUxGeQZubqRjIjOWXRzlQOzMcCeysOB453iIzM_Ve7SPdSwja4QpOsmuFWVrD0t-98ff84vCEEPwVyzmWDi7tOVf5kWGG12sedabHG_MzLz2DE3ztmob1__B-6Q8vbqDherC4rw1QY4wwGQwQgWl0BS4rutnkx8iwoQPEPZMWiBzPltUY-yrpe/w223-h178/6364BE41-A0D3-40D3-BA45-7F87AB3B3869.jpeg" width="223" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="css-jv03sw e1wg9v5m6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; display: inline-flex; line-height: normal; margin-right: 8px;"><h1 class="css-1sprl0b e1wg9v5m5" data-first-headword="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 36px; margin: 0px; word-break: break-all;">courage</h1></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="css-ev43ai ea1n8qa0" style="-webkit-box-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; text-align: start;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="pron-spell-ipa-container show-spell css-vo1uf3 evh0tcl3" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><div class="pron-spell-container css-eivff4 evh0tcl2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span class="pron-spell-content css-7iphl0 evh0tcl1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 18px; margin-right: 8px; vertical-align: super;">[ <span class="bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;">kur</span>-ij, <span class="bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;">kuhr</span>- ]</span></div><div class="css-x8ezj7 e15jzgbm5" data-headword-buttons-container="true" data-slug="courage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"><div class="audio-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="css-du7esu e15rdun50" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-right: 8px;"><div class="css-bjn8wh eie33jc3" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><div class="css-bjn8wh e15jzgbm0" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><button aria-label="save word" class="css-1jjtf5b e15jzgbm3" data-outlined-star-button="true" style="background-image: none; border: none; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; overflow: visible; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="css-1vr7vmn e15jzgbm2" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex;"><span class="dropdown-arrow-icon css-jfavdo e15jzgbm1" data-save-word-down-arrow="true" face="dictionary-fonticon" font-size="24px" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; display: inline-block; font-size: 24px; height: 24px; margin-bottom: 2px; transition: transform 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: text-bottom; visibility: hidden; width: 24px;"></span></div></button></div></div></div><div class="css-1eoy87d e1wg9v5m4" style="-webkit-box-pack: justify; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: space-between;"><div class="css-1tozscx e1wg9v5m2" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><hr class="headword-separator css-qxeaj1 etjs7ll0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(182, 182, 182); border-bottom-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; overflow: visible;" /><section class="css-109x55k e1hk9ate4" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="css-69s207 e1hk9ate3" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 25px 0px 2px;"><span class="css-1b1gas3 e1hk9ate2" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">noun</span></div><div class="css-10n3ydx e1hk9ate0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15px; margin-left: 20px;"><div class="css-10ul8x e1q3nk1v2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: list-item; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 8px; padding-left: 25px; position: relative;" value="1"><span class="one-click-content css-nnyc96 e1q3nk1v1" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-size: 18px; position: relative; z-index: 1;">the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.</span></div></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I’ve been thinking about courage and what it takes to stand up for what you believe in. The women of Iran are taking a stand in a country where their lives are not protected by the Government, or by the Police or often even by their own families or neighbours. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fpME81GTGdEljoZ1_L81cGBqO9wQHn4JxlCtHth8DuifkujzUWifdycpp95aK87vZ9pk-g5VIheVQSlGJkR1ZLcIl47ji_OQ5bhxw1aL5K7SOC1u8Ow1LvMbwHaK9VO-h1EgTFBqMj8s4HkJVP3gj3glIyerT10Hupj5TE7gkpNSt8xy2tqyy2Pn/s956/FBB64EBF-DCE8-43EF-92A0-0ECCE207EB54.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fpME81GTGdEljoZ1_L81cGBqO9wQHn4JxlCtHth8DuifkujzUWifdycpp95aK87vZ9pk-g5VIheVQSlGJkR1ZLcIl47ji_OQ5bhxw1aL5K7SOC1u8Ow1LvMbwHaK9VO-h1EgTFBqMj8s4HkJVP3gj3glIyerT10Hupj5TE7gkpNSt8xy2tqyy2Pn/s320/FBB64EBF-DCE8-43EF-92A0-0ECCE207EB54.jpeg" width="277" /></a></div><p></p><p>But they have had enough of living under such a crushing regime: where their lives hold such little value. They have decided that freedom and liberty is worth standing up for, even if there’s a good chance they might be punished or killed. </p><p>What a heart-breaking choice. Not one I’m sure I could make. I’d like to think I could. But I just don’t know. I hope I never have to find out.. </p><p>Courage, shown in big or small ways, is a character trait we all like to think we have. But are secretly glad if we never have to be put to the test. We hope the time won’t come when we might have to stand up or stand out from the crowd. I could probably be brave if everyone else is being brave too.. But where’s the courage in that? Surely being brave is when you’re the only one standing up or out? </p><p>Social media is an environment where courage takes many forms. People use it, like in the posts I’ve pasted here, to recognise people who have been brave in ways we can all admire. However, it is much easier to like a post about someone else showing courage than to show it yourself. </p><p>I saw someone in the street last week who I know has been through a terrible ordeal. Sacked from their job and widely vilified, their life has been turned upside down. My view, and that of others, has been that this person has been extremely unfairly treated. That they did not deserve the terrible consequences and outcome that ensued. And yet there I was parked on the street and this person was standing on the pavement directly in front of me. I agonised about getting out. What would I say to them? What if I didn’t know all the facts? (I don’t obviously. How could I?) In the end I drove off. Missing the chance to say something kind. It wouldn’t have cost me much, but I didn’t do it. I was faced with my own cowardice and it did not feel good.</p><p>Another instance. Someone posts on social media about an author who has suffered from cancel culture. (It’s JK Rowling in case you were wondering - I wasn’t going to name her as that might detract from the argument - but seemed cowardly not to either). The author has been mercilessly vilified in the press and around the world for some comments she made: people now boycott her books, which have nothing to do with the issue. The post asks if anyone feels differently? Does anyone support this author despite the widely vocalised belief that she should be hated and ignored for evermore? </p><p>I write a response, eloquently (in my view) defending this author’s right to free speech. Questioning why the haters are allowed to dictate peoples personal opinions or why censorship is not okay mostly but okay here.. But when it comes time to post my reply I can’t do it. The thought of the haters turning in on me is kind of terrifying. I don’t want to feel personally threatened or worried about what others might think.</p><p>Lucky I’m not in Iran I guess. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.opendoors.org.au/frontline-faith/remembering-brother-andrew/?cid=7019q000000BPRUAA4&utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=BA22_FB&utm_id=BA22&fbclid=IwAR0q6acI1vLyjXRRgso8T28A-lKCSfRwKIUYyljUOB4rMY0FqlIvWuXqprA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePGadqG0fXvVAMuENimgYsrWk-JcAnumk7zEGW9k84_q3cRoTwNNTPM_LTiZhtmkex4RKdl1v5NNV_VWau55T5M1m-a4EOZJfGhXsC3Gz6qw89NWOymRs09iCm7WOV0cEbAnv1GyJrAJHkCLIM-EIFUib7M2tTG2GWTuuOcHWy0-ywYBp9ECpF4D5/s320/E78F4E6E-AE45-452A-B271-BF28B5D317E3.jpeg" width="188" /></a></div><p>Brother Andrew died this week. He was a man who displayed amazing courage and trusted in God for many years as he smuggled Bibles into communist countries. I read his story as a girl (remember when Christian comics were a thing?) and it felt shocking to me then, as it still is now, that someone could put their life on the line for what they believe in. Not just once, but many many times. It is an amazing story and I encourage you to read it. </p><p>I think I’ll read it again myself, along with a prayer that God might grant me the courage to take a stand when it matters. And to be brave enough to do that even at personal cost. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-41022914602585553802021-09-01T16:21:00.000+10:002021-09-01T16:21:16.697+10:00Wattle We Do About It? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Qe42-OE7A/YS8Q9BsC1yI/AAAAAAAAIzo/8_f_ZMLjvAw4dLTp8Owz-vGt3v1zS1VrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/wattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1392" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Qe42-OE7A/YS8Q9BsC1yI/AAAAAAAAIzo/8_f_ZMLjvAw4dLTp8Owz-vGt3v1zS1VrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/wattle.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/images/header/9b_a5244004u.jpg?itok=9mAXGdf1" target="_blank">May Gibbs' Wattle Babies</a></div><br /><p></p><p>Spring has arrived (blessed relief - lockdown seems far more bearable in warmer weather) and with it glowing fluffy golden balls floating in the breeze. Like magnolias, crabapples and most other gorgeous blossoms, we wait all year for something that doesn't last long. However when wattle blossoms appear, even the most unpatriotic person surely feels a burst of how glorious it is to be living in Australia!? May Gibbs has a lot to do with this. She was a much loved children's book author, artist and illustrator from around the time of WW1 and her drawings and watercolours, inspired by the flora and fauna of the Australian bush have remained popular ever since.</p><p>Her famous book Snugglepot and Cuddlpie is probably still in the Australian classics section of most libraries, but isn't perhaps as well known as it once was.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdOP8PLV-HQ/YS8T5mW7pdI/AAAAAAAAIz0/3H06nFA38JQ00eBD_OkCIVEV15fE47v7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/snugglepot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdOP8PLV-HQ/YS8T5mW7pdI/AAAAAAAAIz0/3H06nFA38JQ00eBD_OkCIVEV15fE47v7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/snugglepot.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-complete-adventures-of-snugglepot-and-cuddlepie-may-gibbs--may-gibbs/book/9781760974367.html" target="_blank">Snugglepot and Cuddlepie</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Her artwork still appears on everything from fine china to clothes and fabric. Oh look, a new range from Big W (in adult sizes!!)</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2Yg3xHlZ1o/YS8VFQeIxhI/AAAAAAAAIz8/eyO182Ahor448OZ9FLoA2l1RLjWEWKc_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/maygibbs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2Yg3xHlZ1o/YS8VFQeIxhI/AAAAAAAAIz8/eyO182Ahor448OZ9FLoA2l1RLjWEWKc_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w205-h205/maygibbs2.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bigw.com.au/product/may-gibbs-women-s-printed-sweatshirt-yellow/p/1344902-yellow/" target="_blank">Big W Women's Top</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRQ8EqRCcQM/YS8Vq3n8ddI/AAAAAAAAI0E/oZUkTMRTIpsnzt5-ZzwsABuy7fHqaS30gCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/maygibbs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRQ8EqRCcQM/YS8Vq3n8ddI/AAAAAAAAI0E/oZUkTMRTIpsnzt5-ZzwsABuy7fHqaS30gCLcBGAsYHQ/w190-h190/maygibbs3.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bigw.com.au/product/may-gibbs-baby-frill-pyjama-set-pink/p/1349258-lightpink/" target="_blank">Big W Baby PJs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Queen Elizabeth wore a wattle-inspired dress on her first trip to Australia in 1954. The official portrait of her wearing the dress was hung in community halls throughout the nation for many years. I'm still lamenting the vintage framed print in a gilt frame I missed in an online auction last year. Sob! If I ever come across another, I'll be snapping it up faster than you can say "banksia man!". </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4YtFzh8fVI/YS8XHkmQgRI/AAAAAAAAI0M/fYSTqZ9-HtcBAJp-1VbPUGyPI-vwjoCHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s450/wattlequeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4YtFzh8fVI/YS8XHkmQgRI/AAAAAAAAI0M/fYSTqZ9-HtcBAJp-1VbPUGyPI-vwjoCHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/wattlequeen.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.nma.gov.au/explore/collection/highlights/queen-elizabeth-ii-wattle-painting" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth Portrait</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Wattle still inspires beautiful fashion. Not, in my humble opinion, anything on the more regal example (above). I have memories of comedienne Pamela Stephenson wearing a hilarious wattle dress maybe to the Logies years ago (think Bjerk in the swan dress, but with wattle). But I couldn't find it online. <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVygJiNZNWA/YS8ZSxOkrKI/AAAAAAAAI0c/v8MzW-srlG0MegMxNqwqsItyRaeiOllfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/wattledress2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVygJiNZNWA/YS8ZSxOkrKI/AAAAAAAAI0c/v8MzW-srlG0MegMxNqwqsItyRaeiOllfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/wattledress2.webp" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/zimmermann-wild-botanica-wattle-gown-0400013551300.html?dwvar_0400013551300_color=WATTLE" target="_blank">Zimmerman</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br /><div>When you hold a wattle blossom in your hand it's so soft and delicate - and leaves a sprinkling of gold dust on your hand that feels a little bit magical. Welcome Spring. </div></div>Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-40184166489103991212021-07-10T23:30:00.029+10:002021-07-10T23:59:16.776+10:00We have Lockdown<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">You know you’re in LOCKDOWN when:</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* One child has memorised the Deliveroo menus complete with times and prices for your area and can quote the relevant info anytime someone looks hungry.. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* No one is hungry because everyone is eating ALL of the time. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* Slow-cooked meals are being cooked and consumed so often that the oven is <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" style="text-decoration-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.38);" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">on 24/7</a></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* Recipe books that have been as new for 10+ years are now dog-eared. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* PJs are normal daywear and ‘getting dressed’ simply means finding a fresh pair of PJs. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* The Year 12 student is ‘studying from bed’ and the parents no longer care enough to stop him. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* All the bookcases in the house have had their books carefully rearranged by spine colour. Even the theology section! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* If only 3 out of 6 people cry during a board game this is considered normal and okay. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* The 10 year old gets offended when you suddenly realise it’s four hours past his old/pre-lockdown bed time and you tell him to go to bed! </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* You find yourself checking the phone/calendar multiple times each day to remember what day it is.. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* Gladys (NSW Premier) is on the TV and radio so much she feels like family. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Top Recommended Games:</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">*Billionaire/get rich quick card game (warning: was $12.99 a pkt pre lockdown, since spotted for $22!) 6 players. May lead to screaming/crying/uncontrollable laughing. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fDviTnMJJQ/YOmiTT5ruOI/AAAAAAAAIxo/FQPtvoOxgIwp2aMmCiypxMtoQ1pOZJXHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8C2CFDCB-2FBE-4253-AA06-F531ACE96DAE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fDviTnMJJQ/YOmiTT5ruOI/AAAAAAAAIxo/FQPtvoOxgIwp2aMmCiypxMtoQ1pOZJXHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/8C2CFDCB-2FBE-4253-AA06-F531ACE96DAE.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">*Uno Flip - more fun than normal UNO. Same results as above. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">*Pandemic - loved by strategists and hated by those who’d rather be reading a good book. Instructions alone take an hour to read. Almost as complicated as the real thing! </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">*Ticket To Ride - takes <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" style="text-decoration-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.38);" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2-4hrs</a>. International editions available. You can pretend you’re on a real holiday instead of locked down at home.. sob. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JU-yS83QJE/YOmi2Qe0fCI/AAAAAAAAIx4/ghlJBOoEuEYfTqJbNiX0NYY0dCE-7RyAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5C4F08EC-0566-4298-BC9F-F36F43912E69.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1809" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JU-yS83QJE/YOmi2Qe0fCI/AAAAAAAAIx4/ghlJBOoEuEYfTqJbNiX0NYY0dCE-7RyAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w283-h320/5C4F08EC-0566-4298-BC9F-F36F43912E69.jpeg" width="283" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Highlights:</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* We got a fire pit! Now we can all build a fire and some of us have marshmallow permanently coating our teeth. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* Gelato Messina can be ordered and delivered to our door in 30mins!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bczSPwArK3U/YOmjCCNA1bI/AAAAAAAAIyA/wNxaGwgu8R4kV8W1kKa390Kt2quTYQhBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6BE36579-0A1F-4F04-AECD-2104B98A3239.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bczSPwArK3U/YOmjCCNA1bI/AAAAAAAAIyA/wNxaGwgu8R4kV8W1kKa390Kt2quTYQhBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/6BE36579-0A1F-4F04-AECD-2104B98A3239.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">* Most outstanding household jobs have now been done. Extension plans have already been drawn up.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upr57jmfkGI/YOmj6f0tqJI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/RWqaQlb_V40By4yTukEyjByiKes2PKQ1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/18AE5806-6495-4CA4-879E-04B81695397B.jpeg" width="150" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-align: left;">Most of all, you know you are in Lockdown when you find yourself writing a blogpost on a blog you’d almost forgotten was still there!!</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Stay safe people xxx</span></div>Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-12901109011648825692020-10-31T21:38:00.058+11:002020-11-04T16:52:57.396+11:00Christmas Candles<p> I love Christmas candles - can I admit here (amongst friends) that I burn them all year round? The glorious scents of spruce and cinnamon, nutmeg and candy - who wouldn’t want their house to smell like this all of the time? Yes there are other scented candles that suit other seasons - but that’s for another day. It’s already November people. Christmas is coming!!</p><p>Have you got the carols cranked up and your decorating elf suit on? No one needs more stress in there lives so if the thought of Christmas causes you to hyperventilate then skip straight to the Christmas candle scents of gingerbread and pudding, sip on a hot chocolate and hum along to Buble - see, your half way there before you can say Ho Ho Ho!! </p><p>Anyway, for many years I’ve been burning Glasshouse Christmas candles - which are always amazing (and increasingly pricey) and then assorted favourites from Bath and Bodyworks, Crabtree & Evelyn, Ecoya and Circa Home. </p><p>Spending your money on something that literally goes up in smoke means that looking for a well priced candle without sacrificing on quality is important. Like many I'm pretty particular about where the candles are made. They also have to be gorgeous. Just saying. </p><p>These options in Myer ticked the boxes. They have the traditional Christmas vibe in abundance. The brands are Wavertree & London and Sohum. All are Australian made and under $40 ea. The packaging is fabulous and festive (who has trouble throwing out boxes? Actually when they're this good, I reuse them as storage containers for decorations). The scents are rich and authentic - almost as good as cooking a Christmas pudding or cake #aintnobodygottimeforthat </p><p>Not sure which will be my favourite(s) yet..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wavertreeandlondon.com.au/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="535" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz8tMZ-Xniw/X6HlJBEQAhI/AAAAAAAAIqw/3e81o0mC7tsZtifTsAZN6h3-MU1W037CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E1430%255B2%255D.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wavertreeandlondon.com.au/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="527" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7y9xiN86F4/X6HjrB6v8gI/AAAAAAAAIqI/9vUTk8oXpY40-8naeTgHXOfzmDBOsDjKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E1428%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--px6X24iFDw/X6HjhZTcI9I/AAAAAAAAIp8/aRkd1WemViEAGzwZAQcDs_IwW8f59a-NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s854/IMG_E1430%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shopsohum.com.au/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJmDBjEGg3Q/X6Hj468XyHI/AAAAAAAAIqU/yAH0RY5rJK8IMSLYa5XiRoa3IhzU31bigCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E1429%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shopsohum.com.au/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="693" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuExe1Kofxg/X6Hj9M3K-tI/AAAAAAAAIqc/8w-NckQ6WC0VSRNlOIBgsiaD5d8WAQvDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E1427%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Find them instore or online at http://www.myer.com.au <div><p><br /></p></div>Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-3066540540574247422020-05-06T12:58:00.001+10:002020-05-06T13:01:59.703+10:00Mother's Day Gifts - Last Minute!!<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.flowersforeveryone.com.au/images/gallery/large/90mtexoeg8.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flowersforeveryone.com.au/australiana-flower-basket/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwncT1BRDhARIsAOQF9LltjnHlOJnJmb80IUEn6HHJ2A29mu7eTY-tpC_8BujiBRXRNAStb4UaAt4GEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Flowers for Everyone</a> (especially Mums)</div><div><br /></div>So with possibly the biggest, quietest and perhaps even loneliest lead-up to Mother's Day of all time, many of us still find ourselves in panic mode at the last minute. We may have had many many many weeks of doing a lot less than normal, but that doesn't mean we're on top of things - or that we're ready for this day, or are even likely to see our own Mums (sob!) or family. 2020 is sure throwing up some challenges! <div><br /><div>The kindness pandemic - as seen on FB and other social media has been so encouraging - hearing and seeing the ways people have stepped up and looked out for others. Small glimpses amongst the bigger scenes of awesome ways our essential workers, government officials and leaders and communities have responded to the challenges before them. Putting other people ahead of themselves. The stories have been inspiring, like sharp rays of hope and light breaking through the sorrow and anxiety that has affected so much and so many. It's made things more bearable. Agreed?</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you are without a gift, here's some ideas that might be just what you're looking for: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Zealand Supermodel Georgia Fowler's Bold New Beauty Collab - Viva" height="200" src="https://mediacdn.grabone.co.nz/asset/iDzlZD6aIN/box=615x0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="160" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monday Shampoo a NEW range in Supermarket getting rave reviews!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="It's a Girl! Gift Set image 1" height="200" src="https://myer-media.com.au/wcsstore/MyerCatalogAssetStore/images/15/156/1665/100/3/722817910/722817910_2_720x928.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="155" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.myer.com.au/p/opi-its-a-girl-gift-set?istCompanyId=84873db0-394f-434b-8958-29526fe5f03c&istFeedId=3dd6959f-3482-45a5-8a47-313fef9bbe16&istItemId=ixplimllm&istBid=t&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncT1BRDhARIsAOQF9LmC125Pwm0zG4mAaXi3bf5Y8IUxxrt-6bYS49eF63muOnuJsfV12MsaAurWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Myer</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div><font color="#e67c73" size="4">FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD! </font> Apparently many of us have turned to food, or to be precise home cooking. This is not surprising when we're stuck at home and comfort is what we're all craving. And sometimes when the world seems crazy, it's the little things that keep us going. Warm soup. Hot chocolate. Crusty bread and jam. Puddings and cakes, pies and sausage rolls. And that's just what we ate yesterday. Whether it's a gourmet cheese, ham and relish toastie, or a full-on roast dinner - if Mum doesn't have to cook, trust me, she'll enjoy it! Maybe you can drop around a picnic basket or tiny hamper of snacks and pop it on your Mum's door step? Ordering them food to be delivered might be the answer if you're far away. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe, sending a hamper with some essentials in it you know Mum would appreciate is the answer. 'Essentials' cover a lot of things these days, it could be anything from the basics: Toilet Paper, bread, milk, headache tabs, to a fab Magazine, yummy Maple Syrup, Kombucha; homemade soup or a slice... and chocolate. Everyone needs some chocolate. </div><div>Or if food isn't what's needed, then send a card thanking your Mum for all that they're doing for you/others, not just during this time, but maybe over the years. Share some happy memories. Add some old photographs - from the days when we used to print them out. Writing letters is something we wouldn't normally have time for - but now? What's stopping you? </div></div><div><font color="#e1bee7"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#e1bee7" size="4">READING IN THE TIME OF CORONA.</font> Well this is always my trusted and true option - and many people have rediscovered reading in the last couple of months so now is the time to choose something special. There are plenty of great new titles out there that can be found in bookstores or online. Here's a few of my favourite reads from this year that are feel good and uplifting tales to warm the heart and mind: </div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Survivors - Kate Furnivall" height="320" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781471172281/0000/the-survivors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="209" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-survivors-kate-furnivall/book/9781471172281.html" target="_blank">Booktopia</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Set in post war Germany in a displaced persons camp that I had no idea existed, this story follows a feisty woman who has endured much and for whom life is a daily struggle to survive. Described as an epic story of love, loss and the long shadow of war, it speaks of an unbreakable human spirit and the triumph of love over hate and even death . <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dear Mrs Bird - AJ Pearce" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/150/9781509853908/0000/dear-mrs-bird.jpg.pagespeed.ce.hRWQynphIL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/dear-mrs-bird-aj-pearce/book/9781509853908.html" target="_blank">Booktopia</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>My friends are getting a bit sick of hearing me rave about how many ways I loved this book. It's a heartwarming, uplifting, feel-good tale set during the Blitz of London. It's appearing on lists of books people should read now in this strange time - it has all the elements to provide wonderful pure escapism and entertainment that is not Netflix. The characters are laugh out loud funny and you'll wish they were your best friends. Since no one can actually see their own best friends at the mo, we may as well claim these characters as our own. There are poignant moments too and you'll cry when this book ends, wishing it could have gone on for about another eight hundred pages, or at least until social isolation is lifted!! <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Frozen Music : Reissued - Marika Cobbold" height="200" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781408828977/0000/frozen-music.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="131" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/frozen-music-marika-cobbold/ebook/9781408828977.html" target="_blank">Ebook - Booktopia</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I read this book many years ago, and have read it a few times since. It is possibly out of print, but the e-book is available and might even suit that last-minute gift idea. Romantic and rebellious, this tale will delight you as the entrancing characters deal with their childhood angst and grownup 'issues'! It's a little bit quirky and after being described as 'Pride and Prejudice Scandinavian style' is all that needs to be said really. Go, find it!</div><div><br /></div><div>And if you want to combine comfort food and books into one<font color="#d52c1f" size="4"> STUPENDOUS</font> gift, a new cookbook can provide hours of mouth watering inspiration. Any of these beauties will banish boring meals forever! (Cake's a meal, right?!)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Now for Something Sweet - Monday Morning Cooking Club" height="320" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781460751671/2306/xnow-for-something-sweet.jpg.pagespeed.ic.aCU_KMSQSG.jpg" width="255" /> <img alt="9781760637781.jpg" height="320" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/assets.allenandunwin.com/images/small/9781760637781.jpg" width="243" /> <img alt="Magnolia Table: Volume 2 : A Collection of Recipes for Gathering - Joanna Gaines" height="320" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9780062820181/0916/xmagnolia-table-volume-2.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lkX9fBXOo2.jpg" width="253" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you're all doing okay and that Mother's Day might provide you with the chance to show some extra care to someone that you love, or who you know would appreciate the chance to connect in whatever way you can. </div><div>Thinking and praying for the many countries and people suffering around the world, and praying for a new day free of pandemics. God Bless xxxx</div>Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-61630675538329438992020-03-06T11:19:00.001+11:002020-03-06T11:33:39.819+11:00Quarantine Quality Reads<br />
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I've borrowed this post title from my one of my favourite haunts a <a href="https://www.dogearedbooks.com.au/" target="_blank">Book Exchange</a> I love these places and sadly they are increasingly hard to find. It's where new books are exchanged for old or old for new, classics for contemporary (or vice-versa) and where you can take your collection and get credit. I don't really understand how it works economically, but these exchanges always seem to be run by book-obsessed characters who will greet you warmly and are always up for a bookish chat. (Check out their FB page for other great reading ideas).<br />
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So in this age of the Corona Crisis, what to read when one is in self-imposed (or compulsory) isolation? It might be a situation many of us are having to face in the near future - schools are already closing down near us, and I'm mindful that if my kids are facing days at home I will go crazy if they are ON SCREENS ALL DAY!!!<br />
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So here are some recommendations of what to read so that the time is put to good use. After all, we can't keep re-posting toilet paper memes forever - can we?<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.textpublishing.com.au/blog/mark-smith-s-road-to-a-trilogy" target="_blank">The Winter Trilogy by Mark Smith</a></b><br />
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<span id="freeTextContainerauthor7916229">Mark Smith lives on the west coast of Victoria, Australia. The Road To Winter, Wilder Country and Land Of Fences are a part Dystopian part survival series - where a virus has changed the world as we know it. </span></div>
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I'd recommend these for age 14+ as there is some violence and adult themes. The sense of the Australian landscape, albeit in a feral Mad-Max form is so strong in these books - I felt like I was there with the characters and experiencing their isolation, hardship, pain and challenges every step of the way. In this era of panic buying and growing unease about a virus - this book will resonate. Themes of survival, isolation, racism, violence, and what it takes to make society work and people act with dignity and kindness are all explored. When lives have been lost and society breaks down it is amazing and terrifying how quickly an every-man-for-himself mentality takes over. The results can be scary and disastrous. Mark Smith is a great writer and these books are sure to become YA classics. </div>
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<a href="https://jackheathwriter.com/liars/" target="_blank"><b>LIARS Series by Jack Heath</b></a></div>
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This series of 5 books is awesome - Jarli, a boy in rural NSW invents a Truth App that can tell when people are lying. Problem is, not everyone wants to be caught out lying, so things go bad really quickly. Jack Heath writes his books like film scripts - and this series so deserves to be made into a movie! The action is fast-paced and will leave you breaking out into a cold sweat on numerous occasions. Each book ends on a cliff-hanger, heck most chapters do too! It's not a far-fetched idea, and again, these books are about survival in a world where many are not as they seem, and working out who to trust is complicated, and can be a matter of life and death!! Reluctant readers will love these - I'd recommend these for any good readers over the age of 10 (that said, my 8 year old loved them, but he's an awesome reader, what can I say?)</div>
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The titles are: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">#1: The Truth App</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">#2: No Survivors</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">#3: The Set Up</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">#4: Lockdown</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">#5: Armageddon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">Buy them all - you won't regret it!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><b>(Re)Read a CLASSIC</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">There are so many gorgeous editions out there and so many titles that are well-worth revisiting. Use this period of isolation as justification for buying the copies you've always wanted. It's an investment in your mental well-being if nothing else. You'll need something full of substance and depth (not despair kind of depth but escapism kind of depth). I'd go with any or all of the following: </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/les-miserables-omnibus-edition-victor-hugo/book/9781435163690.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Les Miserables - Omnibus Edition : Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions - Victor Hugo" height="320" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781435163690/3408/les-miserables-omnibus-edition.jpg" width="197" /></a> <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/middlemarch-george-eliot/book/9781435169579.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Middlemarch : Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions - George Eliot" height="320" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781435169579/3407/xmiddlemarch.jpg.pagespeed.ic.dZkmSgQAUK.jpg" width="206" /></a> <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Bleak-House-Charles-Dickens/9780307947192?ref=grid-view&qid=1583453730182&sr=1-5" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBbAo4o14ZljTbEiB4iR7YxpbQi5yA-PitwyJUa-M92drG4sbaHqfXaX12NyKzB7uXxCalxV2Czma39GhWZTH9dquR7pbsHDVzo8DrxOE&usqp=CAE" width="234" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (Long and if you can't get through it, there's very long TV adaptations to turn to..)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">Middlemarch by George Eliot (Many people call this their desert island book. It's not my fave, but it's long, I'll give it that)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">Bleak House by Charles Dickens (The title doesn't bode well for being stuck at home with whining kids, but the story is awesome)</span></li>
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<span style="color: #181818;">Let me know what you'd choose to read if you were in isolation (and not sick, obviously) - I know Netflix is compelling, but just say the power went out, what then? </span></div>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-17959046762922060952020-01-17T09:30:00.000+11:002020-01-17T17:35:38.486+11:00How Many Books will you read in 2020??Working in a primary school library I often get the chance to ask kids the question:<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">How many books do you read </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">in a year? </span></h3>
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The answers can be hilarious! </div>
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Some kids look completely mystified. Dunno - Two? </div>
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Others brim with confidence and enthusiasm - 700!? </div>
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I was never sure how many books I read each year until I started keeping track via the Goodreads Reading Challenge (Go to: www.goodreads.com). I'd had book journals etc in the past, some gorgeous bound books - but they were easy to misplace or forget about. </div>
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Once I'd joined the goodreads site, I was able to set myself a Reading Challenge goal and then search up the titles of any book I wanted to read/was reading/had read. It also gives the opportunity to rate books on a star system and to write a review/notes. I particularly like this aspect because it means that when I look back at the review I've written (sometimes just a few short lines) it jogs my memory so that I can actually remember the story - what I liked about it/didn't like etc. Don't know about you, but my overloaded brain usually can't recall much from a book I've read once a few days/weeks/months have passed. </div>
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When my kids were really small I think I went through some years where my book reading was sorely tested. Notice I only say I think that's what happened...those days were often a complete blur! When I did have the rare opportunity to get into a book, life would invariably mean that actually finishing the book was not just challenging, but often impossible! That said, I know I devoured Harry Potter in the early 2000s. So I guess the babies took care of themselves for a while there, as we all know that your first reading of Potter is the exquisite experience of NOT BEING ABLE TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN!! </div>
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So in the last few years, I've gradually upped my challenge - to see if I can push myself to read just a few more each year. I read a mix of Tween and YA books along with Adult novels, and I love this mix as it gives me the chance to read some pretty uplifting and fabulous works along with the usual crime/mystery/war/contemporary grunge stuff.<br />
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Here's some official figures from the GoodReads site, as of the time of posting:<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Participants:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1,924,145</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Books Pledged:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>85,012,414</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Avg. Books Pledged:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>44</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Time Left<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>: 350 days, 1 hour</span><br />
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Do you keep track of what you read? Do you feel the need to? Do you prefer to to keep a record online or on paper?</div>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-12166295060562585772020-01-13T11:27:00.000+11:002020-01-13T17:30:00.242+11:00Will MEghan bring down the Monarchy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This photo says it all really. The Queen, Elizabeth II, is staring off into the distance, thinking of England no doubt. Prince Harry, sixth in line for the throne (or something like that) only has eyes for his new wife. And perhaps that is how it should be, except it isn't working out all that well at present.<br />
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In fact things are going rather pear-shaped for the Royal Family, and even if Netflix was filming new episodes of The Crown 24/7 it might be twenty years before they catch up with these current shenanigans, if they choose to do so at all (<a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/meghan-markle-prince-harry-the-crown-drama/5943c583-23ca-4ed6-a36e-cd92253fdd0e" target="_blank">This article says they won't</a> - What? Why on earth not?).<br />
And this is alarming, because,<br />
a) we can't wait that long to find out what is really happening, and<br />
b) one is starting to wonder just how long the Monarchy can continue to go on????<br />
c) I will have nothing left to watch on television.... just saying.<br />
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You think that sounds over-dramatic? Well drama is what it's all about, and when Harry chose to marry an actress, drama took centre stage. I won't rehash all of the ups and downs that have been the Harry and Meghan romance. You've no doubt filed your Hello Magazines as carefully as I have, so that you can keep track of this fairytale. However, a <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/meghan-markle-sparked-row-between-prince-harry-and-david-beckham-after-accusing-victoria-of-leaking-stories/news-story/c28e99f4a97186f48c8c560f4d990610" target="_blank">recently published story</a> confirming that there was an (apparently temporary) rift between the Beckhams and the Sussexes at the time of the wedding was an "I knew it!" moment. How could David and Posh have been left off the invitation list for the Wedding Reception? It made no sense - both couples had been so chummy and it was a celebrity meets Royal match made in heaven! But we knew from Posh's scowling wedding face (slightly more scary that her RBF) that there was more to this story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s82gYcpgjcg/Xhup1Qv-y7I/AAAAAAAAIjI/nWT6iWN3MPkxPu4Wcza1eLmSfOuTxRQLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/poshandbecks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="630" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s82gYcpgjcg/Xhup1Qv-y7I/AAAAAAAAIjI/nWT6iWN3MPkxPu4Wcza1eLmSfOuTxRQLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/poshandbecks.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.celebsnow.co.uk/latest-celebrity-news/victoria-beckham-royal-wedding-appearance-737433" target="_blank">Not happy Jan</a></td></tr>
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Now we find out that Megs told Harry that Posh was blabbing to the Press about their private convos, leading Harry to have a tad awks convo with Beck asking him to please tell his wife to shut up that caused the upset. Yikes. <br />
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And perhaps this is one of those small blips that actually explains what is currently going on here. While it's all very well for Royals to marry commoners. Wills married a Middleton and that has worked out very well.<br />
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What Harry did differently was choose a commoner who was<br />
a) from America; and<br />
b) was already "a celebrity"/actress.<br />
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While there is some doubt about whether Meghan's claims to have not known anything about the Royals before meeting Harry is true, it does seem true that while Americans love the pomp and ceremony and fabulousness of all things Royal, they couldn't actually countenance living with a Monarchy. Quoting the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/04/style/british-royal-americans.html" target="_blank">NY Times, who quoted the Washington Post in 2017</a>: '<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;">the founding fathers “violently overthrew our tea-sipping stamp-taxing overlords in large part so that we should not have to genuflect in front of the altar of royal bloodlines.” Right?</span>.' It's hard to be free and brave and bow at the same time, right?<br />
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The celebrity/actress thing is a problem because to be those things means that the most important thing in the world is YOU, the marketable product. I don't think it's a coincidence that the name Meghan chose for herself started with 'ME'. It doesn't mean actors don't do amazing things for others, and stand up for causes etc, because we all know that many do. But it is on their terms, and they choose what suits them. If you're part of the Royal Family, free choice doesn't come in to it.<br />
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And that's where this circular argument completes itself. Because while the Queen, and the Royals, and all of us who watch The Crown, know all too well, it is not about them as individuals, it is all about "The Crown". Instead, what we are hearing in this current brouhaha is that Harry is making his decisions all on the basis of what he and Meghan want, what they feel is in their best interests, and because Meghan is unhappy with how her British-based Royal life has gone. She tried the stiff upper lip thing and it didn't work. She'd rather thrive than survive (and yes, that is entirely reasonable if it's all about you) and so thanks all the same, but now we choose to go off and do our own thing and choose our own activities on our own terms. No wonder the Queen is disappointed. She's spent her entire life doing the opposite of that, for a greater good.<br />
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The Monarchy must modernise, they've been attempting to do so since the 1950s. Sometimes successfully and sometimes not. Diana didn't last well as part of the Firm, and her tragic demise had at least led, we thought, to a new generation of Royalty that could walk the line well between duty and leading a rewarding and meaningful life. It seems a pity that in Harry and Meghan's quest for meaning they may throw the baby out with the bathwater (apologies to Archie here, please don't be alarmed). One has no doubt that they could spend their lives thriving in exiled luxury, picking and choosing their activities and causes to their heart's content. But they will have perhaps missed out on the chance to do something greater. The monarchy may not last forever, but there is something about an entity that sits outside of government and politics and economic forces and popular ideologies - that represents and stands for something greater than the individual. If they stayed within the firm, those potentially great and meaningful acts they perform won't be "all about them".<br />
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Who agrees? Am I barking up the wrong tree here? Should MEghan and Harry be congratulated for shrugging off the Royal shackles and extricating themselves from a dead and decaying system?<br />
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Fill out my survey: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbHSd7_ZxkRhtmFQIKMgYEo7lbfDy2s_05BLdG9yWtzdfrYg/viewform?usp=pp_url&entry.1856018783=Yes" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbHSd7_ZxkRhtmFQIKMgYEo7lbfDy2s_05BLdG9yWtzdfrYg/viewform?usp=pp_url&entry.1856018783=Yes</a><br />
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And just in case you want to read about the time we actually MET SOME ROYALS when they visited Australia in 2014, <a href="https://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-royals-once-in-lifetime-moment.html" target="_blank">check out this post</a>. I just read it and am hyperventilating all over again!<br />
<br />Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-22859046725415082412019-12-03T13:35:00.001+11:002019-12-03T16:49:44.005+11:00GIFT BOOKS FOR TWEENS Here are some of my favourite reads from 2019 suited to readers in the 9 - 12 year age range, and that would make <span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">g r e a t C h r i s t m a s g i f t s</span>.<br />
They have all been published since 2018 and are stories that have stayed with me as being something special. They were <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">enlightening</span></b> and <span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">uplifting! </span> Celebrating kids and life, friendship and growing up. Not shirking difficult issues, but (and here's the rub) leaving the reader with a profound sense of <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>joy*</i></b></span>.<br />
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I loved them, and I'm hoping they might have your reading tween jumping for joy - and perhaps they'll even mildly impress your moody screen obsessed tween too... Here's hoping (it's the season of hope after all!)<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/lenny-s-book-of-everything-karen-foxlee/book/9781760529444.html" target="_blank">Lenny's Book of Everything - Karen Foxlee</a></li>
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Listed in the Honourees of the CBCA Awards for 2019 (it should have won!) - this book well deserves the accolades it has received. It totally reminded me of some of the seminal works by authors such as Cynthia Voigt from the early 1980s. Set in America around the time when encyclopaedias were big business, this will be an education in itself for today's reader. A brother and sister live in an apartment and their life journey is not an easy one. Lenny, a small but tough world-wise girl has a younger brother Davey, who has a condition that means he can't stop growing. Feel like crying yet? This story draws you in and grabs your heart.... You have been warned. </div>
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<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-boy-at-the-back-of-the-class-onjali-q-rauf/book/9781510105010.html" target="_blank">The Boy in the Back of the Classroom - Onjali Q. Rauf</a></li>
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Set in the UK the pressing issue of refugees is something that kids of all ages and nationalities are aware of and seek to understand. Wonderfully told from the perspective of a perceptive group of nine-year-olds, we are given a range of insights into who a refugee is (people just like us!) and a glimpse of some of the challenges they have lived though and must overcome. A range of attitudes to refugees and their plight are described with insight and empathy and humour. Highly recommended.</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/pages-co-book-1-tilly-and-the-bookwanderers-anna-james/book/9780008229870.html" target="_blank">Pages & Co - Anna James</a></li>
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Ever since I read the Voyage of the Dawn Treader at age 7, the idea of falling into a bookish world has enthralled me. Here it is and it's fantastic!! I just loved the undertones of a Harry Potterish world based around book characters that James has built here. Book 2 has recently come out and is on my huge must-read pile. Great characters and a story line that promises to get better and more exciting... Can't wait!</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-little-wave-pip-harry/book/9780702260476.html" target="_blank">The Little Wave - Pip Harry</a></li>
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Who reads verse novels? I'll admit I was sceptical - and I work in a school library - so you'd think I'd have been more open minded! Thankfully, I gave it a go and was not disappointed. Pip Harry has woven the stories of three Australian kids in to a story that is impossible to put down! You'll laugh and cry and love the lyrical flow of the text, which is an added bonus. I've been recommending it to everyone - strong or weak readers can't go wrong with this wonderful tale that perfectly captures the lives of kids like them....</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-orphan-band-of-springdale-anne-nesbet/book/9780763688042.html" target="_blank">The Orphan Band of Springdale - Anne Nesbet</a></li>
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A mix between Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie - this book is set in Maine in 1941 when a girl is sent to live with her unknown Grandmother in a Home for Orphans. Gusta (short for Augusta - so wishing I'd used that name for my girls now) is grieving over her lost parents and struggling to fit into a new town where her German name causes suspicion. She plays the french horn (another lost opportunity for my girls) and the descriptions of her feelings for the instrument and its music are sublime. An array of fascinating characters and beautiful dialogue makes this a captivating read. Buy it in hardcover - it's a keeper.</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-1-000-year-old-boy-ross-welford/book/9780008256944.html" target="_blank">The 1000 Year Old Boy - Ross Welford</a></li>
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Living forever is often held up as being ideal. Here we meet someone who has been alive since viking times, and it's not all that it's cracked up to be. This fascinating premise is matched by a truly wonderful glimpse of what it would be like to have lived practically forever and the loneliness of living and living and living.... fantastic characters and a story that is a true page turner. Will appeal to all and keep you thinking way after it's over.<br />
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* Books that cause Joyful feelings in the tweenie age group should not be underestimated. It can be a time when pre-teen moodiness is starting to emerge, and life-affirming positive stories are a great antidote to natural down times. I find many YA books deeply depressing - dealing with life's problems and issues with little sense often that there is any light at the end of the tunnel.<br />
So these books are not that. They'll hopefully provide your tween with favourites they can go back to again and again for years to come. :-)Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-79101236768750898522019-03-14T10:05:00.000+11:002019-03-14T10:05:34.817+11:00Wardrobe Malfunctions<div style="text-align: center;">
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STOP PRESS!! Kate Middleton wears her blouse backwards - and still looks absolutely stunning!!<br />
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Sadly, I'm not sure the same can be said for me when I have, countless times over the past few years (not coincidentally starting with parenthood) worn my clothes back the front, inside out and upside-down (yes, it can be done!).<br />
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The latest instance, that I am aware of (and let's face it, there could have been plenty more since then) was in January, when returning from a truly relaxing Christmas break. I was wearing a top I love. Pink with embroidery by Johnny Was. After driving towards home for about an hour we stopped at the gorgeous south coast town of Berry for a pit stop and coffee. Having been up since 6 am to pack the car and get on the road, I needed that coffee. However, because I am an awesome multi-tasker, I diverted from the footpath leading to my favorite cafe, and ducked in to a cute crafty store that I try never to miss (despite loud protestations from ALL of my children). I had just stepped inside the door when the lady behind the counter swooped (yes, as in magpie) to my side at the speed of light. I had just a moment to think, surely she doesn't recognize me from the last time I was here a year ago - before she said, "That's a lovely top you have on!"<br />
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I looked down and almost smiled at this fellow fashion lover before spying the dribble of red berry fresh juice I had been consuming in the car, spilled artfully down my front.<br />
"Oh, I've spilt juice on it," I grimaced, feeling my face going red.<br />
"Never mind that," she said, not skipping a beat. "But it is on inside out. So why don't you wiz into our change room and fix it up?" She added, already guiding me through the shop and to the back.<br />
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I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Wow. How old am I again? It's amazing that no matter how old I seem to get I can totally tap in to my six year old self, and the baffled shame of trying to appear more grown up than I am.<br />
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Needless to say I thanked this motherly figure profusely (my own mother would probably just have burst out laughing) and bought several things I didn't need in that shop as my way of saying thanks.<br />
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But wardrobe malfunctions.... We all have them. Even Princess Kate.Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-1274599022297646692018-08-23T14:06:00.001+10:002018-08-23T22:55:36.373+10:00My Kids Can't Ride a Bike! (Parent Fail #3481)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=kids+bike+riding&safe=strict&rlz=1C1GGRV_enAU749AU749&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiX4oWcgoLdAhWb-mEKHZ9kAsoQ_AUICigB&biw=1280&bih=956#imgrc=FaVqHrP16K0l4M:" target="_blank">Google</a></td></tr>
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"You hate me! You don't understand me! You said I was a problem child!!"<br />
Help! The tween in the house was having a major meltdown! And yes, we may have accidentally said "Stop being the problem child!!!" But honestly, there were more important things to worry about, like how we'd got to this point in time without our four children knowing how to ride a two-wheeled bike??<br />
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No, we don't live in an inner city apartment. Yes we do have a big backyard. And yes, all the kids have scooters they've used for years. But no, it wasn't until the note came home about BIKE SAFETY DAY that the full horror of our situation was realized.<br />
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Miss Eleven announced she would be staying home on that day, as<br />
a) Thanks to us she could not ride a bike, and<br />
b) All of her friends could ride, hence she would be humiliated if made to attend.<br />
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I did what every responsible parent (who has forgotten to give their children bikes) does and promptly emailed the teacher. I got a lovely response back. Apparently there were three children out of 48 who could not ride and they would be given a special lesson by the kind police person, while the other kids rode off and did the safety course.<br />
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I happily told my daughter this, and she was beyond horrified. And that's when the meltdown started. The arguments, accusations and recriminations went on and on. My husband tried to placate her, but eventually lost his cool and sent her to bed. Fine. But the next morning was Bike Safety Day and Miss Eleven refused to get dressed, leave her room, get in the car, or go to school.<br />
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I had two choices. Yes, I admit we'd stuffed up. The whole bike thing had passed us by and sadly we'd obviously spent way too much time in cafes and not enough time in the glorious outdoors. But did this warrant letting her stay home? No. I thought not. After promising that everyone would get bikes for Christmas (whether they wanted one or not) I decided it was time to channel my inner-Asian-tiger mother thing. Or something to that effect.<br />
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I knew all of those years of watching Dr. Phil and Jo (the British nanny) would would pay off.<br />
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<i>Suck it up! If this is the most difficult thing you have to do all year, then you're having a good year! </i>I told her.<i> Not everything in life is easy. There are challenges and times we have to get out of our comfort zone. Heck</i> I told her, <i>it doesn't stop when you're an adult. Your friends will not laugh at you for not being able to ride </i>(I prayed this was true)<i> and anyway, it's not about them! It's about you, and now is your chance to get a proper lesson and learn something new, just years apparently after everyone else.</i><br />
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I think it was at this point my eleven year old fell to the floor, sobbing her heart out and crying that her legs hurt, her face was puffy and that she wanted to die. I knew how she felt. But steeled myself.<br />
<i>Urghh! Get a grip! </i>I yelled.<br />
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Surprisingly that didn't work.<br />
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So I resorted to threats.<i> If you want to go to any more parties this year then get up and get dressed!</i><br />
<i>If you want dessert after dinner again before 2025 then get your bag and get in the car!</i><br />
We got in the car, we drove to school. I felt like an evil parent and a wrung out dish rag. I wouldn't have minded staying home myself...<br />
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"Maybe we could ride bikes to school one day? When we all learn..... " Master Seven mused thoughtfully as Miss Eleven glared out the window through puffy red eyes.<br />
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I sighed. Parenting fails. They never seem to end. Last term I was congratulating myself on working four days a week and keeping my four children in three different schools all on track. Then I got an email from a worried teacher telling me that my seven year old couldn't tie his own shoelaces and had been embarrassed in class in front of his classmates.<br />
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Sensing a pattern here? Parent fail.<br />
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Pffft! I thought resignedly. Shoelaces? Just wait until she finds out he can't ride a bike!<br />
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Helpful Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.hellosydneykids.com.au/the-best-kids-bike-tracks-in-sydney-learners/" target="_blank">Best bike tracks in Sydney</a><br />
<a href="http://www.parraparents.com.au/tag/bike-scooter-track/" target="_blank">Parramatta Parents - Bike Tracks</a><br />
<a href="https://kidsonbikes.com.au/" target="_blank">Kids on Bikes</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHbr_D83r1M" target="_blank">Funny Bike Fails</a><br />
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<br />Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-584918136708693332018-06-12T14:48:00.000+10:002018-06-12T16:32:33.950+10:00World Cup 2018 and Winter Book Themes in the Library<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Brrrr it's cold!</span></b> </div>
Winter came quickly with the start of June - and coats, which a week before had seemed superfluous to our wardrobes, were hastily recovered and brushed free of lint, and put on over several other layers!<br />
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I've done posts on favourite <a href="https://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com/2016/07/6-perfect-picture-books-to-wipe-away.html" target="_blank">Winter Picture Books</a> in years past, when my kids were smaller. I still love picture books with all my heart. But alas, the kids have grown bigger and I'm working in a prep school library, so my winter themes have broadened.<br />
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Whatever age and stage you're at - I hope we're all in full agreement that WINTER = BOOKS. When it's cold out, a book is the perfect accessory (as well as that coat of course... and then there's hot chocolate....)<br />
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So my winter display for 2018 now includes sport. Yes folks, working in a boy's school will do that to even the strongest of conscientious objectors...<br />
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<a href="https://kawa-news.com/media/logo-2018-FIFA-World-Cup-Russia-banner-1650x580.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Related image" border="0" height="109" src="https://kawa-news.com/media/logo-2018-FIFA-World-Cup-Russia-banner-1650x580.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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World Cup Fever is here! So I've dug out the best football (Soccer to Aussies) books for primary-aged kids to devour. Hopefully you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was to see how many good ones there are. If you want to build suspense in the lead up to the WORLD CUP then I suggest you put together a pile of these books - and offer a <a href="http://www.rebelsport.com.au/Product/Umbro-Neo-Trainer-Mini-Soccer-Ball/54567801?menuFrom=32201" target="_blank">free mini-ball</a> to any kid who reads 50 of them!!<br />
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Tiny Timmy Books by our very own Socceroo's Star Tim Cahill - finally an Australian sporting star who hasn't been charged with ball tampering! Perfect for kids aged 5-9 and with a good mix of fun characters and ball-loving antics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn1.fishpond.com.au/0151/842/531/365715533/original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="undefined" border="0" height="200" src="https://cdn1.fishpond.com.au/0151/842/531/365715533/original.jpeg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Tiny-Timmy-Super-Collection-CahillTim-McKenzieHeath-Illustrated-by/9781742763255" target="_blank">Tiny Timmy Series</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Jasper-Zammit-Deborah-Abela-Johnny-Warren/9780857983206" target="_blank">Jasper Zammit Series</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Foul-Play-Tom-Palmer/9780141323688" target="_blank">Dead Ball Series</a></td></tr>
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Jasper Zammit is written by the rather fabulous Deborah Abela, in partnership with the Soccer legend Johnny Warren. Again there are great characters storylines full of fun and friendship that use sport to keep the ball-mad interested. Abela has a great sense of humour and Jasper is a kid whose highs and lows frequently cause frequent uncontrollable laughter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn1.fishpond.com.au/0038/999/982/57776142/original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="undefined" border="0" height="200" src="https://cdn1.fishpond.com.au/0038/999/982/57776142/original.jpeg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Sportographica-Martin-Toseland-Simon-Toseland/9781623651626" target="_blank">Sportographica</a></td></tr>
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The <a href="https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Foul-Play-Tom-Palmer/9780141323688" target="_blank">Dead Ball Series</a> by Tom Palmer are a thrilling mix of sport, intrigue and mystery. Suspicious accidents, match fixing and sinister Russian billionaires take centre stage in these football tales. Whether they prove prophetic for the 2018 World Cup remains to be seen. They are excellent for boys of the non-reading persuasion! </div>
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And <a href="https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Sportographica-Martin-Toseland-Simon-Toseland/9781623651626" target="_blank">Sportographica</a> is a great title (published in 2014 so a little dated now) detailing the world of sport in 101 quirky and amusing infographics. Good to know that in 2014 David Beckham was worth $300 million. Maybe kicking a ball isn't a waste of time after all.... </div>
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And here's a few pics of my winter displays - think hanging snowflakes and titles with "ICE", "SNOW", "FROST" and "POLAR" in the title and you'll have enough to fill an igloo in no time!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/567377499/printable-snowman-classroom-poster" target="_blank">From longtallsara on </a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/567377499/printable-snowman-classroom-poster" target="_blank">Etsy</a></td></tr>
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<li>The Icicle Illuminarium - N J Gemmell</li>
<li>Ice Breaker - Liam Tanner</li>
<li>Treasures of the Snow - Patricia St. John</li>
<li>Polar Boy - Sandy Fussell</li>
<li>The Arctic Incident - Eoin Colfer</li>
<li>Hatchet: Winter - Gary Paulson</li>
<li>The Ice Factor: Guinea Pigs Online - Jennifer Gray & Amanda Swift</li>
<li>An Eagle in the Snow - Michael Morpurgo</li>
<li>The Ice is Coming - Patricia Wrightson</li>
<li>Icefire - Chris d'Lacey</li>
<li>The Girl From Snowy River - Jackie French</li>
<li>Runcible Jones and the Frozen Compass - Ian Irvine</li>
<li>Odd and the Frost Giants - Neil Gaiman</li>
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What are your favourite wintery titles? </div>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-77850568611125673152018-04-13T22:11:00.000+10:002018-04-13T22:21:05.186+10:00Stories of the Holocaust for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a ten-year-old I picked up Corrie Ten Boom's <a href="https://www.koorong.com/search/product/young-readers-the-hiding-place-boom-corrie-ten/9780800796273.jhtml" target="_blank">The Hiding Place</a> and discovered the horror of the history of the Holocaust - since then I have read at least one holocaust story every year and sometimes many more. Many of these stories have made a significant impact on me in a myriad of ways. I think it's hugely important that these stories are told and retold, and read and re-read by young and old - the past must not be forgotten. Often it is through reading these stories that our world-views are formed, and that the qualities of kindness, honesty, justice and compassion are developed and cemented in to our psyche. These books remind us that good and evil exists. Not always a popular belief in this day and age. Also undoubtedly that humanity's inhumanity to fellow man knows no bounds.<br />
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However the human spirit lives on. And in the midst of horror there are still answers to be found.<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">And the biggest answers to the biggest questions are there too. Reading about the great power of forgiveness as shown by Corrie Ten Boom in the story of her family's persecution and the great suffering she witnessed and endured is a truly staggering and life-changing testimony for any reader. </span><br />
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While most of these holocaust books are true, some are fictionalised from the facts - and both have value. While some parents might be concerned about their children reading on this subject, each child will respond differently when reading about traumatic events. For many, reading about the Holocaust and war will bring up the need to know more - and hopefully promote discussion and knowledge, compassion and care. Some stories are told in ways that will help children on this journey, and hopefully by sharing about some of these titles you'll be able to find the right ones for you. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for hanna my holocaust story" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1431766694l/25160696.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="128" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goldiealexander.com/books/hanna/" target="_blank">Hanna - My Holocaust Story</a> </td></tr>
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The story of Hanna and her family encaptures warmth of character and heart in a cold setting where evil is creeping in. We feel Hanna's bewilderment as her family's comfortable and normal life with the pleasures of school, a best friend and warm cinnamon buns gives way to an increasingly hostile Poland in the late 1930s. Hanna watches as her parents debate whether to leave or stay. And then it is too late. Little details are described while big things are happening; like the smell of farm animal manure as they are hidden in a cart escaping Warsaw. Shock creeps up on Hanna (and the reader) with sinister speed, as fear grows and hope vanishes. Devastation of her family inevitably follows and yet there are glimmers of good in amongst the nightmarish reality. Music is held up as a sign that beauty can still exist even in a place as wretched as the Warsaw ghetto. This beautifully told tale is suitable for sensitive readers 10years +<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLOPxDHTI60/WtCcQFt65qI/AAAAAAAAIcY/a6JFpx6mV_o36s0yLwXBw9-MfhEe9KNwACLcBGAs/s1600/51-irBXe8kL._SX345_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="347" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLOPxDHTI60/WtCcQFt65qI/AAAAAAAAIcY/a6JFpx6mV_o36s0yLwXBw9-MfhEe9KNwACLcBGAs/s320/51-irBXe8kL._SX345_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.morrisgleitzman.com/" target="_blank">Morris Gleitzman</a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This series by the current Australian Children's Laureate, Morris Gleitzman, has received lots of acclaim and it is well-deserved. The six books do not have to be read consecutively, and each gives an action-packed, deeply sensitive, moving and at times harrowing journey through different periods of Felix's life through the war years and beyond. Harsh times and the terrible violence are not shied away from. I do think that the fourth book in the series "Soon" crossed a line with its appropriateness for a readership below 12 years of age. This is problematic as most readers (and many well below the age of 12) will have read the previous books and (like my daughter) will be incensed at being told they should not read this one, yet. Maybe, the latest book is a triumph, and the rays of light amidst the darkness of Felix's experiences provide humour in the heartbreak, and hope for a better future.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.allenandunwin.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/original/9781742375298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result for HIDING EDITH" border="0" src="http://assets.allenandunwin.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/original/9781742375298.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/hiding-edith-kathy-kacer/p/9781742375298" target="_blank">Hiding Edith - Kathy Kacer</a></td></tr>
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Hiding Edith is the amazing true story of the French town of Moissac, where Jewish children were hidden from Nazi soldiers during WW2. This book tells of the power of good people in terrible times. It's not too often, although Schindler's List is the obvious exception, that we get such a good and true story surrounding the Holocaust, but this is definitely one of them. Edith Schwalb is one of the children sent to live in the orphanage as everyone around her disappears. While traumatised by the events around her, Edith arrives in Moissac, and is amazed by the french people's bravery and kindness.<br />
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I had never heard about this amazing story, and told through Edith's eyes, the reader experiences the terror of living at that time of war and persecution and the fragile hope of being in a place where survival may be possible. Photos of the people and places provide further evidence of this remarkable instance of light in the darkness. A truly uplifting read.</div>
Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-54283024817315887012017-12-01T23:27:00.002+11:002017-12-01T23:27:31.208+11:00Great Gifts for Book Lovers<br />
Finding a Christmas gift for a book lover shouldn't be hard, but sometimes finding something a bit different and inspiring can be surprisingly difficult. Here's some ideas for quirky and fun gifts that might just have your book-loving friend squealing with delight.<br />
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These book cover pins from <a href="https://www.idealbookshelf.com/collections/book-pins" target="_blank">Jane Mount's Ideal Bookshelf </a>are adorable. Beautifully designed and enamelled, I can't gush about them enough. There are numerous covers to choose from - and there's even a deal where if you buy 4 you get 1 free!!<br />
That means you get to keep four for yourself and give one away. Woohoo!!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnOuCFhrfCI/Wh_-0GW85hI/AAAAAAAAIYM/D1vrXIbH8xA-Yi8qpxgfRVUKg-bzmrTUgCLcBGAs/s1600/janemount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="640" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnOuCFhrfCI/Wh_-0GW85hI/AAAAAAAAIYM/D1vrXIbH8xA-Yi8qpxgfRVUKg-bzmrTUgCLcBGAs/s320/janemount.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bookish candles. Here's a <a href="https://www.nookandburrow.com/products/narnia-pine-jam-jar-candle" target="_blank">Narnia candle</a> that will have you swishing through that pine forest in your (fake) fur in no time!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNvjP4Uzwnw/WiAAGHoeeeI/AAAAAAAAIYY/2yXNg54F71MJMly7oopc3SWFulegPZqoACLcBGAs/s1600/narnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNvjP4Uzwnw/WiAAGHoeeeI/AAAAAAAAIYY/2yXNg54F71MJMly7oopc3SWFulegPZqoACLcBGAs/s320/narnia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Collect a classic - get someone started on their own collection of classics. There are many beautiful editions of classic tales to suit every taste. It can be very hard to stop at just one set. (Yes I'm speaking from experience here.) Even some leather bound editions are not expensive.<br />
Choose one or a few and wrap in a brown paper package tied up with string.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJUta13bo-w/WiEsMbFIbyI/AAAAAAAAIYo/MRldVxOEPSom2pi0MmcCG2lGfg8yVaGlQCLcBGAs/s1600/classics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="690" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJUta13bo-w/WiEsMbFIbyI/AAAAAAAAIYo/MRldVxOEPSom2pi0MmcCG2lGfg8yVaGlQCLcBGAs/s400/classics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bookends are always useful and these cute cockatoos will keep a crazy eye on any collection - find them <a href="https://www.mattblatt.com.au/antique-look-cockatoo-bookends" target="_blank">at Matt Blatt</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--stwpgiJVSs/WiFHrlGdXQI/AAAAAAAAIaA/eP_Tr8Pnr_IVDqRxRjKQlf2EqzSWF83lQCLcBGAs/s1600/bookends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--stwpgiJVSs/WiFHrlGdXQI/AAAAAAAAIaA/eP_Tr8Pnr_IVDqRxRjKQlf2EqzSWF83lQCLcBGAs/s320/bookends.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
Giving new meaning to the term 'book bag' these <a href="https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/clothing-220300-Olde-Book-Messenger-Bag-Clothing" target="_blank">satchels</a> are like an oversized book, ready to hold plenty of regular sized books, and a water bottle, and laptop, and maybe some more books.<br />
Why not?<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9wb_RxXU_4/WiE5fOsA34I/AAAAAAAAIZM/hLEftq6FRp0vRvycqiGW-knma9z87l2MgCLcBGAs/s1600/bookbag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9wb_RxXU_4/WiE5fOsA34I/AAAAAAAAIZM/hLEftq6FRp0vRvycqiGW-knma9z87l2MgCLcBGAs/s320/bookbag.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I'll drink to books anytime. Especially in a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/545693526/bookworm-just-one-more-chapter-mug?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=book%20mug&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=246cc080578ed4b25f04472195fbb45e608264ed:545693526" target="_blank">book inspired mug</a>. Etsy has a fantastic range.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DLHSK6znkI/WiFEfW82t_I/AAAAAAAAIZ0/Ms1bcYHByxUJQ_UTQ1piZIHrP9H0AIKrACLcBGAs/s1600/mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DLHSK6znkI/WiFEfW82t_I/AAAAAAAAIZ0/Ms1bcYHByxUJQ_UTQ1piZIHrP9H0AIKrACLcBGAs/s320/mug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Pop vinyls are a thing, and if you haven't discovered them yet, you don't know what you're missing out on. Traditionally the little life-like characters are inspired by movies - and as so many movies come from great books, the array of literary pop vinyls keeps on growing. It's impossible to stop at just one, hence this box is a 2-pack.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3znkLEyFwjg/WiFJjL4KvfI/AAAAAAAAIaM/2G1t-YCzSp4m3wWmaRcEqA_UXCN2sddWACLcBGAs/s1600/popvinyl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3znkLEyFwjg/WiFJjL4KvfI/AAAAAAAAIaM/2G1t-YCzSp4m3wWmaRcEqA_UXCN2sddWACLcBGAs/s320/popvinyl.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Book inspired takes on classic board games make a great family gift. Perfect for any word-loving young muggles.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57flVmErnjQ/WiE7Vv8nIPI/AAAAAAAAIZY/aDsK-tj59WQnDjYcOqMbipTs8VUcejY3gCLcBGAs/s1600/scrabble.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57flVmErnjQ/WiE7Vv8nIPI/AAAAAAAAIZY/aDsK-tj59WQnDjYcOqMbipTs8VUcejY3gCLcBGAs/s320/scrabble.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Wearing this gorgeous<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ITLQKE/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk" target="_blank"> antique-styled necklace</a> of old tomes will appeal to the romantic reader. Tell whoever you're giving it to that it's actually a portal to their favourite library.<br />
They simply need to believe...<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDyMzU8VSUY/WiEsl2k4LjI/AAAAAAAAIYs/7a1kB99IPsUvdYeQYuWuD11IU1Jui8E9ACLcBGAs/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDyMzU8VSUY/WiEsl2k4LjI/AAAAAAAAIYs/7a1kB99IPsUvdYeQYuWuD11IU1Jui8E9ACLcBGAs/s320/necklace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And staying with neck coverings, these <a href="https://storiarts.com/collections/best-sellers/products/pride-and-prejudice-book-scarf?variant=379144977" target="_blank">literary scarves</a> will be just the thing for anyone who finds themselves stuck on public transport with no book and a dead phone. Read the scarf! Okay so it's only one page of Pride & Prejudice screen printed on to this lovely cotton fabric - but it is a truth universally acknowledged that any book lover must be in want of a good scarf...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxQSJCAWbho/WiFBNk-dXRI/AAAAAAAAIZo/JgZLuiAC4WQdfzF_qpj4af_EOm3A5OntgCLcBGAs/s1600/scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxQSJCAWbho/WiFBNk-dXRI/AAAAAAAAIZo/JgZLuiAC4WQdfzF_qpj4af_EOm3A5OntgCLcBGAs/s320/scarf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally storage is always an issue for any book collector. It's where the e-book readers like to boast that they have the upper hand. <br />
Yeah Yeah.<br />
That's when you get to quote Cicero to them:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>A Room without Books is like </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>a Body without a Soul.</b></span> </div>
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Case closed. </div>
This rustic bookcase from <a href="https://www.templeandwebster.com.au/California-Staggered-Bookcase-7083-MDES1689.html" target="_blank">Temple & Webster</a> is gorgeous. It doesn't say on their website that if you buy four you get one free, but it would be worth asking.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DP9Z6tYsr7E/WiEzcePqruI/AAAAAAAAIY8/3QEHvXmXJacGnk7w1XI36sqxTMjf0rq9wCLcBGAs/s1600/bookcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DP9Z6tYsr7E/WiEzcePqruI/AAAAAAAAIY8/3QEHvXmXJacGnk7w1XI36sqxTMjf0rq9wCLcBGAs/s400/bookcase.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-57916341196850626172017-11-28T22:07:00.001+11:002017-11-29T05:59:47.980+11:00Starting small with Christmassy things...<br />
Sometimes small is good - it's Christmas cheer in small doses, which sometimes, in November at least, is all we can take. If you've tried (like I have) to stay on top of the clutter this year, there can be an impending sense of dread about a whole lot of big stuff coming in to your home over the Christmas period, and where (the heck) it's all going to go....<br />
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So think stocking stuffer size and get sniffing, because these mini candles by <a href="https://www.ecoya.com.au/collections/christmas" target="_blank">Ecoya</a> in my favourite PINE scent are perfect!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dPnJVU7lko/Wh0iqS85t-I/AAAAAAAAIUk/myFequ67bLkOs-jdLv6L9btBg9XPpqarQCLcBGAs/s1600/ecoya.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dPnJVU7lko/Wh0iqS85t-I/AAAAAAAAIUk/myFequ67bLkOs-jdLv6L9btBg9XPpqarQCLcBGAs/s320/ecoya.png" width="320" /></a></div>
And the candle will provide you with the real pine smell next to your beautifully small fake tree. Why not try embracing this 42cm triangular tree from <a href="http://www.kmart.com.au/product/metal-tree-with-baubles/1802844" target="_blank">Kmart</a>. Not that embracing a triangle sounds like the best idea I've ever had ... :( But this can look totally adorable for a couple of weeks before you begrudgingly give in to the kids' begging and assemble the 8 footer from Costco you accidentally bought last week when you really only went there to buy toilet paper.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8n7yN3Td5m4/Wh0tFvmcmII/AAAAAAAAIVA/5FZ7N8trHbgaFGNudCSuA6bYE3IfSRiwQCLcBGAs/s1600/kmarttree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8n7yN3Td5m4/Wh0tFvmcmII/AAAAAAAAIVA/5FZ7N8trHbgaFGNudCSuA6bYE3IfSRiwQCLcBGAs/s320/kmarttree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Oops, did someone say toilet paper? Head straight to <a href="http://www.kmart.com.au/product/christmas-toilet-paper---assorted/1806316" target="_blank">Kmart</a> (again), because sadly the <a href="https://au.whogivesacrap.org/pages/christmas" target="_blank">Who Gives a Crap</a> people have ALREADY sold out of their Christmas paper (although their non-Christmas patterns are still available).<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWqviSVplus/Wh07S1ApzyI/AAAAAAAAIVo/JuWDhrcRdw8djAJDIxOYw0nrj6Vf3JUlgCLcBGAs/s1600/toiletpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWqviSVplus/Wh07S1ApzyI/AAAAAAAAIVo/JuWDhrcRdw8djAJDIxOYw0nrj6Vf3JUlgCLcBGAs/s320/toiletpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then there's the confectionary side of things. Lolly overload with kids is almost inevitable. And yet, Christmas Pez at least limits the lolly love into little tiny pellets.<br />
Though seriously, who can stop at just one? I get my fix at Coles.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycCEK1_Ke6w/Wh0kCcGlfEI/AAAAAAAAIUw/KpZeYWihDJQ1ZcVtI1GWO1ummr2GB25kgCLcBGAs/s1600/pez.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycCEK1_Ke6w/Wh0kCcGlfEI/AAAAAAAAIUw/KpZeYWihDJQ1ZcVtI1GWO1ummr2GB25kgCLcBGAs/s320/pez.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
These <a href="https://www.kikki-k.com/diy-sticker-book-joy" target="_blank">Kikki K</a> Christmas stickers and tags are very cute and will make you feel like you're getting organised. So what if you haven't actually bought any gifts yet, you have the tags for when you do!!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKPq3d2NE0I/Wh1Cf3hkc_I/AAAAAAAAIWE/0dAzt5XetjMryh9OWgbwr0w4TQa45vqPACLcBGAs/s1600/kikkik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="900" height="284" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKPq3d2NE0I/Wh1Cf3hkc_I/AAAAAAAAIWE/0dAzt5XetjMryh9OWgbwr0w4TQa45vqPACLcBGAs/s320/kikkik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And here's a nice subtle way to bring some christmassy cheer into your wardrobe. Not too over the top and pretty gorgeous from <a href="http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&productId=10935067&langId=-1&storeId=10051&cm_mmc=googlesem-_-PLA-_-Clothing+and+Accessories+-+Clothing+-+Underwear+and+Socks-_-Happy+Socks+Xmas+Three+Sock+Gift+Box&gclid=CjwKCAiAr_TQBRB5EiwAC_QCqyNc0RKgxo_DFoXdBan3f4T96uGlxTQPBrsrLaKVXJ9gFW_1wY_G4xoCERMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">David Jones</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0YKAVBV54s/Wh06Ljpnt-I/AAAAAAAAIVc/NI5Ok2F2Jf0Cf9aQU31WTT2YQrzwdMq6gCLcBGAs/s1600/happysocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="430" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0YKAVBV54s/Wh06Ljpnt-I/AAAAAAAAIVc/NI5Ok2F2Jf0Cf9aQU31WTT2YQrzwdMq6gCLcBGAs/s320/happysocks.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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Or if you have the bracelet, then <a href="https://au.whogivesacrap.org/pages/christmas" target="_blank">Pandora</a> has the charm:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xM7XakuMHs/Wh1AkrXTFwI/AAAAAAAAIV4/IJvCUyVC5m0e5jHdE1jKzKD_z5QufAw2ACLcBGAs/s1600/pandora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xM7XakuMHs/Wh1AkrXTFwI/AAAAAAAAIV4/IJvCUyVC5m0e5jHdE1jKzKD_z5QufAw2ACLcBGAs/s320/pandora.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So maybe that's enough of the teeny tiny christmassy things and you're ready for something a little less subtle. December 1 is just around the corner after all....and soon my Uncle's house will be looking like this! Only better, because this was so 2013...<br />
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<br />Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-61416971870727679832017-06-01T22:24:00.000+10:002017-06-02T07:06:26.220+10:00International Donut Day - Do Nut Miss It!!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCSrgh0uytk/WS_8gHb8z6I/AAAAAAAAISg/j2nfHpIjzdwp93RJN2gdBXd9HIGuGtkLwCLcB/s1600/donuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCSrgh0uytk/WS_8gHb8z6I/AAAAAAAAISg/j2nfHpIjzdwp93RJN2gdBXd9HIGuGtkLwCLcB/s320/donuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="http://mamzelljeannette.canalblog.com/archives/2012/07/03/24627542.html" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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When I was a lot younger, FIMO was a huge craze. There was a woman in our church who was like an artist with it, making necklaces out of this superior clay material that were eye-wateringly gorgeous. Everybody wanted one. It was the 1980s after all..<br />
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There were the usual wildflowers and gum nuts, but the necklace i wanted was ice creams. I've just remembered all over again how much I wanted that life-like confectionary hanging around my neck (it was too expensive - fimo wasn't cheap, and my Mum couldn't be convinced it was a worthy investment in my fashionable self).<br />
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So in view of <a href="https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/doughnut-day/" target="_blank">International Donut Day</a> tomorrow (Who decreed this I wonder? The United Nations?), I typed DONUT JEWELLERY into Etsy and Pinterest and you'll never believe what came out!!!!<br />
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Fimo (Polymer Clay is its current title) and enough donuts to adorn every inch of your body.<br />
If you were that way inclined.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wR5P11OZ_Go/WS_9jdRnlqI/AAAAAAAAISs/BP0oXVSy3joc27l45Hrn-mz9Cn27F6Y0QCLcB/s1600/donut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wR5P11OZ_Go/WS_9jdRnlqI/AAAAAAAAISs/BP0oXVSy3joc27l45Hrn-mz9Cn27F6Y0QCLcB/s320/donut2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/508584358/pink-iced-donut-necklace-donut-necklace?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=donut%20necklace&ref=sr_gallery_27" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9ObvpF5Z3Q/WS__ALDPAkI/AAAAAAAAIS4/upqdkrXlqSwb-NL1o93j1XtU2IdLpaI9gCLcB/s1600/donutearrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9ObvpF5Z3Q/WS__ALDPAkI/AAAAAAAAIS4/upqdkrXlqSwb-NL1o93j1XtU2IdLpaI9gCLcB/s320/donutearrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/262978910/donut-earrings-donut-ear-studs-with?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=donut%20earrings&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=7bc95e738d4619335d0fcc198fffa2a098aef8b5:262978910" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2Ux-AieGm0/WS__flv3kmI/AAAAAAAAITA/CdVfdPefooIfUnzKZPnokyT9qKd-8-PtgCEw/s1600/donutring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2Ux-AieGm0/WS__flv3kmI/AAAAAAAAITA/CdVfdPefooIfUnzKZPnokyT9qKd-8-PtgCEw/s320/donutring.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/278861938/donut-ring-powdered-doughnut-ring?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=donut%20ring&ref=sr_gallery_13" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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Or do donuts any way you like...do nut miss this opportunity...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSlSv-i13rs/WTAAQpar9dI/AAAAAAAAITI/SJuJp8mGNdQQ0lpxLl6Qf2iSS2jbP3hLgCLcB/s1600/donutpurse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSlSv-i13rs/WTAAQpar9dI/AAAAAAAAITI/SJuJp8mGNdQQ0lpxLl6Qf2iSS2jbP3hLgCLcB/s320/donutpurse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seedheritage.com/p/donut-purse/4064057-301-NOSIZE-se.html#q=donut&start=1" target="_blank">Seed Heritage Purse</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7AHqwy3kuM/WTAB76Tey5I/AAAAAAAAITU/P6qe-j1xkXUp5IjKBijMwrof4tZWkba9wCLcB/s1600/donutkmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7AHqwy3kuM/WTAB76Tey5I/AAAAAAAAITU/P6qe-j1xkXUp5IjKBijMwrof4tZWkba9wCLcB/s320/donutkmart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kmart.com.au/product/bean-bag---donut,-extra-large/954329" target="_blank">Kmart Beanbag</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS0jf3OgRU0/WTAD-WFeOqI/AAAAAAAAITo/TTA8aa7bUyUOyFuoHfLsJ2-_FRG9FKtkgCLcB/s1600/donutcot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS0jf3OgRU0/WTAD-WFeOqI/AAAAAAAAITo/TTA8aa7bUyUOyFuoHfLsJ2-_FRG9FKtkgCLcB/s320/donutcot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sackme.com.au/shop/krispy-dreme-cot-fitted-sheet/" target="_blank">Sack Me</a> Krispy Dreme Cot Set</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpgugfCFsOg/WTADX9k47bI/AAAAAAAAITg/mWWamk7q1tsoj5xzwsAg7x42XpilDjybACLcB/s1600/donuttee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpgugfCFsOg/WTADX9k47bI/AAAAAAAAITg/mWWamk7q1tsoj5xzwsAg7x42XpilDjybACLcB/s320/donuttee.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.myer.com.au/shop/mobile/mystore/levis---174%3B-commuter%C2%BF--drop-hem-tee-h117-511483960--1" target="_blank">Levi's Teeshirt from Myer</a></td></tr>
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So whether you're a Krispy Kreme fan or more a do-nut mess with my cinnamon kind of gal,<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSN2vasFFEk/WTAG8OvXPII/AAAAAAAAIT8/YKu6wIHQAi4dH7Y68ZXjv2NqMHERhWiIwCLcB/s1600/cinnamon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="546" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSN2vasFFEk/WTAG8OvXPII/AAAAAAAAIT8/YKu6wIHQAi4dH7Y68ZXjv2NqMHERhWiIwCLcB/s400/cinnamon.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecakeblog.com/2012/10/recipe-fresh-apple-donuts.html" target="_blank">Recipe here - oh yum</a></td></tr>
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this is your day. Go for it. Find free donuts at your local.<br />
Wear donuts.<br />
Add some sparkle to your donuts...ooh I love these!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuhYNo033eQ/WTAGT0k6YVI/AAAAAAAAIT0/judAm5KQ-nkXWGYCU7tdSs-_Lylxe2FmwCLcB/s1600/donutspark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuhYNo033eQ/WTAGT0k6YVI/AAAAAAAAIT0/judAm5KQ-nkXWGYCU7tdSs-_Lylxe2FmwCLcB/s320/donutspark.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinkthetown.com/pink-the-towns-glitter-doughnut-party/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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So who cares about FIMO?!<br />
You don't want to experience FOMO over this major event....Do Nut miss it!Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-66426936403971907142017-05-28T10:24:00.003+10:002017-06-02T07:08:12.860+10:00Books: Objects of BeautyOh dear, I have so many draft posts on my posting page it is just not funny. Alas, 'multi-tasking' has become like a swear word to me. It reminds me of all the things I'd like to do (like posting on this blog) and need to do (like cleaning the shower) but never in the busy flurry of life/jobs/schools/sport quite get around to doing any more... Fortunately I mostly still manage to:<br />
a) feed the kids, and<br />
b) collect books.<br />
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I got so excited about some of my latest bookish finds that I told the kids there was no dinner tonight, and sat down to post this instead.<br />
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LOL. Only joking (kind of).<br />
<br />
So according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/apr/27/how-ebooks-lost-their-shine-kindles-look-clunky-unhip-?CMP=share_btn_fb" target="_blank">this article in the Guardian</a>, the Kindle is fast becoming obsolete. Cue mad Bertha Rochester laughing by real book lovers everywhere (it can't just be me, surely?!!) Their clunky and decidedly un-hip technology it turns out, doesn't provide readers with the same memorable and enjoyable sensory experience of reading an actual physical book. It seems that turning real pages is actually an integral part of the process of reading. Who knew?! And what's more, recall and memory are inextricably linked to viewing the <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">printed word on the printed page</span> (please note this schools!! - but that's another post I hope to get to, one day).<br />
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Screen grabs just don't cut it.<br />
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And joy oh joy, books have been <span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>revitalised</b></span> as a result! New editions are appearing so often that for some of us book <strike>hoarders</strike> collectors, valuable bookshelf space is now having to be devoted to not just multiple books, but to multiple copies and editions of the SAME book! It's a disastrously delicious dilemma to have! (Warning: It can also lead to lots of anguished conversations with one's husband as to 'How much money would it take to build on a library to the house anyway?' and 'What do you mean we have enough books already?!!!!??').<br />
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Here are some of the spectacularly wonderful (yes superlatives abound) additions to my shelves:<br />
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And the Penguin Soft Cloth editions are a fine addition to any bookshelf. I've even managed to find a few in op shops #doublebliss<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp3rEE9bCNY/WSoQ1FIFizI/AAAAAAAAIRM/Gj-rbpN-PZQ14Hf2j06zq7xH-YKidOhlQCLcB/s1600/clothcovers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="872" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp3rEE9bCNY/WSoQ1FIFizI/AAAAAAAAIRM/Gj-rbpN-PZQ14Hf2j06zq7xH-YKidOhlQCLcB/s400/clothcovers.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These leather bound editions make the perfect gift for a friend. Did I mention it's my birthday this week? Gosh, there's a coincidence.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxDzZkUSwh8/WSoUX5I4Z3I/AAAAAAAAIRY/1s4dDdGpLxYNRbqkTLVzQI2HfSJYMpYmgCLcB/s1600/leatherbound.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="872" height="221" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxDzZkUSwh8/WSoUX5I4Z3I/AAAAAAAAIRY/1s4dDdGpLxYNRbqkTLVzQI2HfSJYMpYmgCLcB/s400/leatherbound.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
And now <a href="http://www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/au/bookshop/20th-anniversary-editions/" target="_blank">Bloomsbury Publishing have announced the June 26 release</a> of 'House Editions' to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of publishing <i>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</i>.<br />
The wizarding and muggle world are ecstatically agog with anticipation. #harrypotter20<br />
There will be unique covers for both the hardbacks and paperbacks.<br />
A marketing bonanza if ever there was one.<br />
Gulp.<br />
I may have to break in to Gringotts to afford all of these....<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"</span></i></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Albus Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets' J.K. Rowling.</span></i></h2>
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I choose real books. </div>
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How about you?</div>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-16412905986513792352017-01-11T06:34:00.001+11:002017-05-28T10:48:33.528+10:00At our Beach, at our Magic BeachBeach holidays where memories are made and your bed is full of sand.<br />
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Where people are buried...<br />
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And treasures are unearthed..</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Where the days are long and you live more outdoors than in. </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Where tide charts are consulted and skies are blue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Where hours are wiled away, time is forgotten and everyone's favourite word is "periwinkle".</span></div>
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Where sticks are pens and your pockets rattle with shells. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Where the moody (almost) teen complains that: the crashing waves are giving me a headache! And the littlest one whispers: How much longer are the holidays Mum? I haven't done everything yet...</span></div>
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Where castles are built and moats dug because everyone becomes an architect and a builder.</div>
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Where meals are often fried and washed down with milkshakes - because everyone knows milk cancels out oils and fat and well, hopefully the February diet will be more effective this year!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Beach holidays where we often look down, not because we're depressed (anything but!) but because life there is so fascinating.</span></div>
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Where colourful towels are draped around brown necks and everything smells like salt.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Where bonds are strengthened and smiles are wide!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">At our beach, at our Magic Beach...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Summer Holidays Everyone!</b></span></div>
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</span>Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-49992904727985763732016-11-28T10:46:00.002+11:002017-05-28T10:49:33.878+10:00Best Christmas Cushions in 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the lead up to Christmas I often alternate between mad frenzied decorating when I am doing 50 things at once - and chilled out reclining on the couch, nanna napping and getting high on Christmas candles.. what can I say? ... this season brings out my extremes.<br />
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Here's a pic of my favourite spot when the exhaustion takes hold and I have to lie down and nibble on pfeffernuuse until I get my mojo back. I'm loving this new red sequinned cushion spied a couple of months ago in a kerbside cleanup. (Yes! I washed it). But so crazy! Didn't those people realise that #christmasiscoming ??<br />
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I posted my favourite Christmas cushions last year <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20id=%22hzroot4491748%22%20style=%22width:300px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;padding:0;border:0;margin:0;%22%3E%3Cdiv%20style=%22font-size:14px;margin-bottom:3px;%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/34166269/list/whats-your-christmas-decorating-style%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3EWhat's%20Your%20Christmas%20Decorating%20Style?%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20style=%22padding:0;margin:0;border:0;margin-bottom:3px;%22%3E%3Ciframe%20data-hzvt=%22MjAxNjExMjc6MjQ2Mjp2aWV3R2FsbGVyeQ==%22%20name=%22HouzzWidget2427011%22%20id=%22HouzzWidget2427011%22%20border=0%20frameborder=%220%22%20SCROLLING=NO%20style=%22border:0%20none;width:300px;height:275px;%22%20src=%22https://www.houzz.com.au/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/34166269//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E" target="_blank">(click here)</a> and many of you responded with enthusiasm, racing out to spruce up your merry decorating style. Well, guess what?! There are NEW cushions out this year that will make you do exactly the same thing again! Come on, you know you want too! If there's already enough cushions for the couch, throw them on a bed - it's just a fabulous way to add an instant festive feel!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kmart.com.au/product/ho-ho-ho-cushion/1056493" target="_blank">$10 at Kmart - woohoo!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.target.com.au/p/organic-graphic-pattern-cushion/59596288" target="_blank">$15 at Target - smokin!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/ProductDisplay?urlRequestType=Base&catalogId=10051&categoryId=494075&productId=1855503&urlLangId=-1&langId=-1&top_category=167153&parent_category_rn=488130&storeId=10251" target="_blank">$27 at Myer - alright!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&productId=9948004&langId=-1&storeId=10051" target="_blank">$29 at David Jones - GOLD!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJcelIzbKlI/WDtypK-JLGI/AAAAAAAAIKo/jAv0XwPfHEUDdZjQJsJCL9tUTeUPKXjwgCEw/s1600/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJcelIzbKlI/WDtypK-JLGI/AAAAAAAAIKo/jAv0XwPfHEUDdZjQJsJCL9tUTeUPKXjwgCEw/s400/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$30.88 @ <a href="http://wfrancis.com/">wfrancis.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&productId=11241518&langId=-1&storeId=10051" target="_blank">$59.95 @ Country Road - take me home</a>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFciHA0bXMg/WDrCZbOcv3I/AAAAAAAAIJg/kiw-uv653-w6PiZDaONtjWjGIurqnsS1gCLcB/s1600/pb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFciHA0bXMg/WDrCZbOcv3I/AAAAAAAAIJg/kiw-uv653-w6PiZDaONtjWjGIurqnsS1gCLcB/s320/pb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com.au/christmas-tree-embroidered-pillow-covers?quantity=1&attribute_1=Cushion%20Cover" target="_blank">$74 @ Pottery Barn - sold with or without insert </a><br />
<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com.au/christmas-tree-embroidered-pillow-covers?quantity=1&attribute_1=Cushion%20Cover" target="_blank">- which means you can update last year's cushion by just adding a new cover - brilliant!</a></td></tr>
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And feast your eyes on these delightful scenes to really inspire:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yT9UukrEw/WDtn8LzSaiI/AAAAAAAAIKA/87O5irYfXG8c5cjS5hWMUVJCv3Ju83PuQCLcB/s1600/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yT9UukrEw/WDtn8LzSaiI/AAAAAAAAIKA/87O5irYfXG8c5cjS5hWMUVJCv3Ju83PuQCLcB/s640/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stonegable.blog.com/">Stonegable.blog.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://onekindesign.com/2015/12/11/35-ways-create-christmas-wonderland-bedroom/" target="_blank">35 Ways to Create a Christmas Wonderland in Your Bedroom</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoArF9j2Hc0/WDttHugGx7I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/-cK3jaxMn4gTVBTEcRbFxuMH9xBYH1LIwCLcB/s1600/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoArF9j2Hc0/WDttHugGx7I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/-cK3jaxMn4gTVBTEcRbFxuMH9xBYH1LIwCLcB/s640/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://onekindesign.com/">onekindesign.com</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99-dbpKf7rw/WDtt-p7UioI/AAAAAAAAIKc/CQQdrBWiUksXq6s3s_nGLN8vF14dU41CACLcB/s1600/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99-dbpKf7rw/WDtt-p7UioI/AAAAAAAAIKc/CQQdrBWiUksXq6s3s_nGLN8vF14dU41CACLcB/s640/CHRISTMASVISITOR.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://au.pinterest.com/pin/35677022026563357/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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Or check out Pinterest for heaps of ideas on how to make your own Christmas cushions - such a lovely crafty thrifty idea.<br />
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And one that I'll have to start in January 2017 to give myself any chance of having a beautiful home-made creation ready in time for next Christmas!</div>
Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-79578851095502559582016-11-23T08:04:00.000+11:002017-05-28T10:49:55.175+10:00Christmas Trees in November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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b) enjoying the family's excitement at discovering the Christmas joy again...tempered with my husband's slight dismay at having pulled six crates of "Christmas gear" out from under the house - only to be told: We don't have the lights! There must be another box!!</div>
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I was enjoying our initial decor choices (wow - we're going with white!) and even had been harbouring strange yearnings to maybe avoid our usual cacophony of colour and go for a white AND minimalist look this year. </div>
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Yes, I thought we might go minimal, for about 5 minutes. I was already imagining how I'd spend any savings made on not buying a new stash of (on sale but still) ornaments, and then I saw this:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMf5OOhYV5I/WBmyRb_bTKI/AAAAAAAAIHo/16wNSJm2BVYvYBOBBOfb812lpg67tc4fgCLcB/s1600/raztree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMf5OOhYV5I/WBmyRb_bTKI/AAAAAAAAIHo/16wNSJm2BVYvYBOBBOfb812lpg67tc4fgCLcB/s640/raztree.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Drat you <a href="https://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Peters of Kensington</a>! Now I'm not going to be happy unless our tree looks like the Ice Queen of Narnia (and here's a pic of Tilda Swinton looking particularly scary as this character, with the useless Edmund....<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4tJO3QNPRk/WDQqi0pwlHI/AAAAAAAAIIA/S5ZaIR1WGMQzqDkcW2naGfow0VLzya_kACLcB/s1600/tilda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4tJO3QNPRk/WDQqi0pwlHI/AAAAAAAAIIA/S5ZaIR1WGMQzqDkcW2naGfow0VLzya_kACLcB/s1600/tilda.jpg" /></a></div>
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has thrown her entire wardrobe at the tree. I must have spent at least 35 minutes staring at this picture trying to work out how the look has been created. And I still have no idea.<br />
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I have felt a strange yearning for turkish delight though....<br />
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I showed my family the pic of the coveted tree. They were keen to give it a go. Until my husband said: If one glass ball costs around $6-$8 then I guess that tree cost about $500 to decorate. So I'm going with the minimalist look.<br />
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Spoil sport.<br />
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Anyway, he's wrong. Snazzy Christmas balls are never $6-$8 each. They are more like $9.50 - $24 each like these ones I'm fixating on from <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com.au/etched-mercury-ball-ornament-set-silver" target="_blank">Pottery Barn</a>.<br />
So that would make the heavily adorned tree cost, um, a whole lot more than any of us ever dreamed of....<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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So back to fixating on the tree. I think if i trawl the $2 shops I may just find white feathery stuff to create the look. And hopefully for a fraction of the price. Only problem is that it will probably take me until January to find it all. And not necessarily January in 2017 either.<br />
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So much for getting the tree up early.<br />
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Well here's our tree in all of it's glory. So far.<br />
Let's just call it a work in progress!<br />
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Yes it's blurry, but you get the idea...<br />
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-51312913843975154772016-10-03T18:10:00.001+11:002017-05-28T10:50:22.995+10:00Five-Year-Olds Have More FunMum, did you know that Piranhas can bite through metal?<br />
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Um, (me, distracted) yeah, sort of. No! What? Are you sure? I've never heard that before..</div>
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Yep. They can. It's in the book Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas. Mrs Baxter read it to us in the library. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Really? (Thanks Aaron Blabey. Was that book really factual?)</span></div>
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Mum. Did you know that Pterodactyl starts with a silent P and that some dinosaurs are herbivores? </div>
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Um, yep. I did know that. Thanks. Can we eat breakfast now? (Me, eying his bacon and hoping he's not considering vegetarianism. Not that there's anything wrong with that...)</div>
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Mum, do marshmallows have lots of sugar in them? Cause I've just eaten six!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Gulp.</span></div>
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Five-year-olds want to do everything and they want to know everything. It's an exciting (and exhausting) age. They still feel (to you) like they were only born yesterday but they are big now, and getting bigger (and louder) all the time. <br />
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They have opinions. And they want to share them. Often. They want to tell you new things - that they've just discovered or experienced or thought of. They require your full attention. So they know you're listening. You have to stop what you're doing and face them. Eye contact is a must. Warning: this makes listening and driving/cooking/reading/sleeping difficult.</div>
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Sometimes you find yourself gazing fondly at them (yes, okay, often when they're asleep) and fondly recalling that brief baby moment in time when they couldn't talk. Oh the serenity. </div>
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At times their emotions are erratic. Tantrums are fewer than in the past couple of years, but it's still hard to reason with a five-year-old who won't be told.</div>
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Never say "you're too little", which is often the case, or "wait till you're bigger" because it won't go down well. Definitely never call them a baby because the consequences will be extremely dire. (Siblings please take note.)</div>
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Here's Arch, after having had a small (humiliated) cry because I'd ordered him a babychino - NOT a baby anymore Mum! - showing me his wink. So cute. </div>
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Here's Arch insisting he can fly the kite. Not easy when you're so close to the ground... Just saying. </div>
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Arch toasting marshmallows like a pro and telling me it's the best day of his life! (It took the ten-year-old to dispel the magic by pointing out that "Arch hasn't actually lived that long"... ) Don't you just love tweenie cynicism?! </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XOyODLZDbA/V_Skp6mQ9DI/AAAAAAAAIGo/c-zkEJpalyY/s640/blogger-image--1714708563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XOyODLZDbA/V_Skp6mQ9DI/AAAAAAAAIGo/c-zkEJpalyY/s640/blogger-image--1714708563.jpg" /></a></div>
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Five-year-olds might still wear baby pajama onesies with the feet sewn in - but they'll insist on choosing their own (clashing/weather inappropriate) outfits during the day. Don't judge. Most parents are way too tired to argue. </div>
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Five-year-olds can still get way overtired after a big day - but if you suggest an afternoon nap you will be laughed out of town. "That was what I did when I was three or something!" Arch declared last time I suggested it. </div>
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Five-year-olds can have way more fun you. A poo joke can keep them laughing for hours. </div>
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They take in information like a computer and often surprise with their level of knowledge and understanding.. However they will never understand why they cannot eat lollies for breakfast or why a piece of fruit is better for them than an icecream.</div>
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Don't underestimate what they are capable of, or how much better they look in your glasses than you do.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And when they say that they need a cuddle (or a snuggle and a snissy) make sure you stop what you're doing and give them a big squeeze. They may be growing up fast but these moments are way to precious to ignore.</span></div>
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Illegal selfie on Mum's phone...</div>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-25681055327678033342016-09-19T12:47:00.001+10:002017-05-28T10:51:18.054+10:00The Power of the Picture Book Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the beginning of June I discovered a picture book challenge on Instagram. Yes, it was winter and I was bored and getting kind of low-spirited at being cold - so what better way to brighten things up than make a whole lot of new Insta-friends with a common interest!? Oh my it was great fun. And addictive. Even our toys got in on the action.</div>
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<a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/6-perfect-picture-books-to-wipe-away.html" target="_blank">(See my previous winter post on Picture Books)</a></div>
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Finding a picture book each day from our (not insubstantial) children's book collection to match a changing theme, was inspiring, interesting and entertaining. It reminded me of the power and pizazz of a good picture book. Some make you howl with laughter. Others have a poignancy that can bring you undone. My mum was a kindergarten teacher for many years and used to read a book about a Magpie who died - every year to her class, crying every time. Generations of kids watched agog at their teacher's emotional response to a picture book. I love this.</div>
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Through carefully chosen words and illustrations that bring the story to life - a glorious partnership is made in a picture book. Happily the market is apparently booming. Unsurprisingly e-books can't begin to capture the magic. </div>
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Can you recall your favourite Golden Book? (Mine = The Tawny-Scrawny Lion!); The Dr Seuss tale you loved best? A book you treasured?; One you still own (or wish you did)?</div>
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If you thought you'd grown too big to enjoy 'em, you are sooooooooooooo missing out!!</div>
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Of course it helps to have a five-year-old who is wanting me to read/help him read one (or fifteen), every single night. We love snuggling under covers and discovering the magic of a new story, sounding out words, laughing at rollicking rhymes, pointing to the pictures (the artwork can be mind-blowingly amazing!) ...I really don't want this time to end (though by about book seven, I do find I'm yawning more than reading. Okay sometimes I do get cranky and snap the book shut - "Tomorrow! We'll finish this one tomorrow!!" Cue howls of protest...)</div>
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They become synonymous with your childhood, weaving their way into your mind and memories. You might recall a favourite book and then surprise yourself by also remembering intricate details about the pictures that went with it. Or how the spine got scuffed and who you blamed for it. Who read it best using funny voices. Or what your PJ's looked like in 1982....</div>
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Whether about big things or small, Picture Books bring laughter and joy to many. They characterise culture (for example, Australian ones can tell of things unique to Aussie life) or appeal across borders by highlighting universal themes (love, friendship, families, kindness, happiness, grief); they fulfil a vital role in the learning and development of children everywhere. They reach across generations.</div>
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Here's a few favourite Picture Books, for inspiration.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/colin-thompson/the-big-little-book-of-happy-sadness-9781741662573.aspx" target="_blank">The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson</a></b> is currently very hard to find. Follow the link to the publishers for a copy - all the major online sellers don't seem to have it. Any book that starts with the line: "George lived alone with his Grandmother and the empty space where his mother and father should be."is going to be emotional. This book does not shy away from the darkness that can live inside those who are feeling empty and lonely. However, in finding a dog who needs as much love as George, this boy (and his new found pet) begin to flourish. The story is delicately told and heartwarming in the extreme. The illustrations add to the poignancy. </div>
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On a sillier note, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Dinosaurs-Love-Underpants-Claire-Freedman/9781847382108" target="_blank">Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort</a> is universally funny to kids (and adults). I know I'm not telling you anything new by saying that underpants is a subject guaranteed to produce snickering and laughter. However, making a link between the undergarment and how dinosaurs became extinct is kind of new. But to my (unscientific) brain it is as believable as any of the other theories out there... So for any parent who's ever told their kids that the Great Wall of China was built to keep out the rabbits, this book will make perfect sense. </div>
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The vibrancy and wonder of Eric Carle's picture books have not paled over the decades. If all you know is the hungry caterpillar then you're missing out on the much larger and SCARIER animals given the Carle treatment. The Greedy Python is another fun one worth looking up.</div>
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For those of us who grew up wishing we were Laura Ingalls and loving Michael Landon, these picture book versions of prairie life are a lovely introduction to Pa and Ma, family, roasted jackrabbit and all that made up that wonderful pioneering life. </div>
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And keeping with our bookish theme, we attended the launch of the latest <a href="http://www.timharrisbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Exploding Endings by Tim Harris</a>. When we first discovered Tim's writing, we were pretty excited at a local title containing such a great mix of school age fun and humor. <a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/kids-books-reviewed-alice-miranda-coco.html" target="_blank">(See our review here)</a> So it was with great excitement that we joined the celebrations for Exploding Endings Volume 3 - and yes, the tales are as hilarious as ever. Particularly good for reluctant readers (and similar in look and style to Diary of a Wimpy Kid) these titles make great Christmas gifts.</div>
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I'm now taking part in a #KidsLitChallenge on Instagram - celebrating favourite book titles for 6-12 year olds. Check it out!</div>
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Also check out the great list of nominated and award-winning books from this year's <a href="http://cbca.org.au/winners-2016" target="_blank">Children's Book Council of Australia Awards</a>. Have you read many of them? </div>
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Here's <a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/mr-huff-book-review.html" target="_blank">my review of the wonderful Mr Huff</a> a worthy recipient of the Book of the Year: Early Childhood Award.</div>
Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-37785313626322844092016-08-25T16:26:00.000+10:002017-05-28T10:51:37.573+10:00National Op Shop Week 2016<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't let <a href="https://www.dosomethingnearyou.com.au/national-op-shop-week" target="_blank">National Op Shop Week</a> pass without the opportunity to again state how great it is to support charity shops in their good works in the community. If supporting them means getting rid of some clutter, or by nabbing a FABULOUS bargain along the way, well how good is that?!! It's actually a great way to shop without spending too much. It's making your dollars count. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>BEING FRUGAL ISN'T CHEAP</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>IT'S MAKING SMART CHOICES ABOUT WHAT </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY ON.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>https://www.instagram.com/p/BJPhWvyhT-b/?taken-by=op_shop_to_runway</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some people seem to have no idea how to op shop. And yes, if you don't have the patience to trawl though loads of stuff in search of a treasure then it's not going to be your happy place, that's for sure. While some op shops are set out in a highly organised manner, many prefer the more chaotic approach. Either way, you'll need a bit of time and fortitude to give it a red hot go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIrstly, think about what you are looking for. If it's kid's clothes, there's usually a section set aside just for this. Shoes, likewise. China and glass, tick. Records/CDs/DVDs and books might be somewhere else. Kitchen stuff - yes. Furniture - usually in the bigger stores. Sometimes the sheer volume of stuff can be overwhelming - in which case sticking to one category can help you focus and avoid running screaming from the premises. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some op shops have special deals on different days of the week. The Salvo's Stores offer cut prices on clothes with certain colour price tags between Mon-Wed. Many Vinnies stores have a colour coded tag each day that is 50% off. If they don't advertise a deal on an item, don't ask. It's annoying for the (usually voluntary) staff when people try and bargain what is already selling at discounted prices. You might think something has been way over-priced (yes, guilty of this myself - well-used girls' Nike sneakers at one of my locals were $30 and I found this a total joke!) just walk away..... deep breath.... let it go....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a few of my latest finds to give you some inspiration!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CLOTHING</b>: My working wardrobe has been dormant for over a decade now. Luckily, thanks mostly to op shopping, I had a good amount of quality items to draw on - but it definitely needed a revamp this term when i got a 4-day a week real job (as opposed to my op shopping job, which as you know, wasn't a real job). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what did I look for? Some versatile dresses that can be dressed up or down - work suitable but fun too. I don't have many prints - but that's the beauty of op shopping - you find yourself trying on things you would never spy in normal shopping land. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of these is a homemade dress, fully lined and fits me perfectly, bar the sleeves which are a little tight. One dress is vintage and made in France. The third dress is a high-end Australian brand that I could never afford new. I love them all - can you pick from the descriptions which is which?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The leather shoes appear to be brand new. Again, not what I'd look for normally - but fit beautifully and I just love the colour. They are leather with a rubber sole so super comfy too. They cost $20 which is quite a bit for me in op shop dollars, but would hardly buy you anything in normal shopping land. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These red leather sandals are made in Spain and give me hope that when winter (finally) ends I'll be strutting around with a definite spring in my step! They were $7.50.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CHINA</b>: I love these little floral Made in England butter dishes. Perfect for keeping coins/jewellry/soaps in. I never pay more than a few dollars for them and they make lovely little birthday gifts for friends when the budget is tight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>ART</b>: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe your mantle lacks a regal touch? I was chuffed to find this vintage print of the Queen in a gilt frame complete with a (slightly cracked) gold crown. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I saw this I knew I was a monarchist and that it is a keeper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CHINA AGAIN: </b>Sometimes you just want a nice mug for hot cocoa. This beauty was made in Copenhagen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I bought it from an op shop. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come to think of it, that's not as fun as going to Copenhagen to buy it, but still - op shoppers can't always get everything they want. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That takes patience. </span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never too late to donate to the <a href="https://salvos.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/" target="_blank">Salvo's Winter Appeal</a> or <a href="https://www.vinnies.org.au/donate?gclid=Cj0KEQjwi_W9BRD_3uio_Jz-p8UBEiQANU80vnY41tBfDSKe---azeAZ4rsYTfWktAO9nWFpYzKNYFAaAmL58P8HAQ#!state=nsw&appeal=105" target="_blank">Vinnies</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click here for other posts on:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/nicking-stuff-from-nanas-vintage-finds.html" target="_blank">How to style your op shop finds</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/worst-thrifting-buy-ever.html" target="_blank">My worst thrifting buy ever</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/collections-chaos-and-little-bit-of.html" target="_blank">Christmas Shopping from the Op Shop</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/linen-and-lace.html" target="_blank">Op Shop Nirvana - Linen and Lace</a></span></li>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-68506240202451451612016-08-20T09:37:00.003+10:002016-08-21T10:37:05.848+10:00Parent Fails - Real or Imagined?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A friend recently posted on Instagram an (obligatory) bottle of wine pic with the caption: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">That moment you get your kids eyesight checked in grade 1 instead of kinder and find they need immediate glasses and an eye patch 🍷</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Made me laugh (A lot. It's always funnier when it happens to others, but it could have been any of us, right!?) and think about all the oh-so-many ways we never manage to get it quite right when parenting. It's often just the little things that add up to that general feeling that we're somehow failing at the most important job in the world. Most of the time, we're doing a lot better than we think. Truly. </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">At least that's what I told myself when these random moments happened: </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">You realise the shower your kids use ran out of soap days if not weeks ago, and no one has bothered to mention it. Or notice.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">You made a big effort to cook a wholesome and delicious Moroccan chicken dinner, and your five-year-old cried because he wanted two-minute noodles.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">A class teacher casually mentions that your child declined to tell news at the start of the term because "our family didn't do anything fun all holidays". Yep that's us, the no-fun family.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">You get a note in the diary to say your child has been reprimanded for making "inappropriate noises" - and you can't stop laughing!</span></span></li>
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<ul class="_mo9iw _123ym" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; background-color: white; border: 0px; flex-grow: 1; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: -5px -24px 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 5px 24px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So if your parenting-fails (real or imagined) are getting you down, remember, you are so not alone. So here's some tried and trusty pick-me-ups! Yep, scientifically proven to work. Every time.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Give yourself a treat. Preferably something with icing sugar and cinnamon. (Check out @scrollies on Instagram)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Buy yourself some gorgeous in-season flowers. They'll brighten your day, your table and your mood.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V3H2gCrcjVM/V7eU-O69XsI/AAAAAAAAIEU/XPgaVdo8iVs/s640/blogger-image-24993756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V3H2gCrcjVM/V7eU-O69XsI/AAAAAAAAIEU/XPgaVdo8iVs/s400/blogger-image-24993756.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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<ul class="_mo9iw _123ym" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; background-color: white; border: 0px; flex-grow: 1; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: -5px -24px 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 5px 24px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">Find a place of serenity and lie down on a gorgeous and comfortable couch. </ul>
<ul class="_mo9iw _123ym" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; background-color: white; border: 0px; flex-grow: 1; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: -5px -24px 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 5px 24px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">Warning, if you do this in a shop, eventually someone is going to come and tell you that they're calling security if you don't leave..</ul>
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Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922109473121516785.post-66196643457014817142016-07-14T12:58:00.001+10:002016-07-14T13:27:52.917+10:006 Perfect Picture Books to Wipe Away Winter Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Part of our efforts to enjoy the winter holidays with kids, and distract us from the facts that:</div>
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a) we have cabin fever</div>
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b) we are a long way from anywhere warm </div>
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c) I have a cold, and</div>
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d) the whinging has (occasionally) reached fever pitch</div>
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is to pull out the WINTER THEMED picture books. I have chosen some titles that, like all good picture books, have a story that resonates with readers of all ages. The illustrations fire up the imagination with winter scenes that instantly transport you in to their world. And there is something that will capture a small piece of your heart in each of them. I promise!!</div>
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So straight after a big bowl of porridge in the morning, Arch and I curl up on the couch, sip hot chocolate and read a few favourites. It doesn't generally snow in Sydney, but the icy winds are enough to take us there...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8XF1-wyW6G8/V4bw0ksYZuI/AAAAAAAAID8/HesicNJHy1ISHhTV229BQu8pdnSHTR-LACLcB/s1600/stickman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8XF1-wyW6G8/V4bw0ksYZuI/AAAAAAAAID8/HesicNJHy1ISHhTV229BQu8pdnSHTR-LACLcB/s320/stickman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/stick-man-julia-donaldson/prod9781407108827.html" target="_blank">Stick Man by Julia Donaldson (illustrated by Axel Scheffler)</a> warms the cockles of your heart (whatever they are) by taking you on the wild wintery (mis)adventures of Stick Man who has become separated from his Stick Family. Lonely and lost, Stick Man tries his best to get back to his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three... Whether you had a pet stick as a child or not (I did!) the multiple uses of sticks, will ensure you never look at them with quite the same disinterest again. Julia Donaldson has a true gift for rhythm and rhyme and characters that entrance and delight. This is definitely one of her best. </div>
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This book along with some of my other winter-pics does tie in with Christmas - but this story is an all-year favourite. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pF-N1dOpNHI/V4bw0Xfmc5I/AAAAAAAAID4/djuSOI8HLPsUugVNmbbl8-MuOcuP6UaaQCLcB/s1600/snow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pF-N1dOpNHI/V4bw0Xfmc5I/AAAAAAAAID4/djuSOI8HLPsUugVNmbbl8-MuOcuP6UaaQCLcB/s320/snow3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/snow-day-richard-curtis/prod9780723288923.html" target="_blank">It's Snow Day by Richard Curtis (illustrated by Rebecca Cobb)</a> is another heart warmer on a chilly winter's day. Living in the Southern Hemisphere, I have no experience of snow days, when (bliss!) school is called off due to icy weather. But in this book, it happens! However, one boy, Danny, and one teacher, Mr Trapper, turn up. So what happens when the <b><span style="font-size: large;">strictest</span></b> teacher and the <b><span style="font-size: large;">worst</span></b> student are left alone together? Well needless to say, things don't look good. Slowly over the course of the day, things start to change. Bonding over building a snowman two lonely people find that their unhappiness starts to thaw... Get this book quick. You'll love it.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gx7yLg2x1YE/V4bwzo8EgHI/AAAAAAAAIDs/2Oc_9_ZKPp4tB-wHsu5mB2n4ab1xJ4vBgCEw/s1600/narnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gx7yLg2x1YE/V4bwzo8EgHI/AAAAAAAAIDs/2Oc_9_ZKPp4tB-wHsu5mB2n4ab1xJ4vBgCEw/s320/narnia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-c-s-lewis/prod9780007442485.html" target="_blank">The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis (Illustrated by Christian Birmingham)</a> is an abridged version, which would never be my first choice for this epic story. Definitely read the full version to your kids. It will grab their attention and imagination with a glowing heart of gold and life-changing allegories that touch hearts of all ages. That said, the beautiful pictures by Christian Birmingham are a glimpse into the world of Narnia that complement the story perfectly. Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiG8sTASdek/V4bwzJk09JI/AAAAAAAAIDo/JyrO-OHgJEkDGkcsVv3RlYuyZong_MvaQCEw/s1600/littlebunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiG8sTASdek/V4bwzJk09JI/AAAAAAAAIDo/JyrO-OHgJEkDGkcsVv3RlYuyZong_MvaQCEw/s320/littlebunny.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Call-Me-Little-Bunny/dp/0374350124/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468463767&sr=1-1&keywords=don%27t+call+me+little+bunny" target="_blank">Don't Call Me Little Bunny by Gregoire Solotareff</a> has been one of my favourite picture books for years. Written and published originally in France (1988) with used copies available on Amazon it is a quirky and edgy tale about a little bunny with 'tude. Living high up in snowy Alps, Jack Rabbit, affectionately known as "Little Bunny" by friends and family alike, is frankly, sick of his nick-name. In an effort to show that he is not cute and cuddly, Little Bunny (sorry, Jack Rabbit) takes to a life of crime. Making a true friend along the way, Jack realises there's more to life than being angry about a nick-name that doesn't change who he really is. Pictures are fantastic, and the humour is top rate.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKwWybYp3sU/V4bwzzBH69I/AAAAAAAAID0/cXppSC-woks4nLcS0mK0Mv7quM7QwsH1gCEw/s1600/snow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKwWybYp3sU/V4bwzzBH69I/AAAAAAAAID0/cXppSC-woks4nLcS0mK0Mv7quM7QwsH1gCEw/s320/snow2.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/over-and-under-the-snow-kate-messner/prod9781452136462.html" target="_blank">Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner (Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal)</a> showcases a beautifully detailed and illustrated secret world of what lives in and under the snow. It's a little like a documentary in picture book form - who knew there was so much going on in a world of white? My five-year-old loves this and never tires of it.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YexpNDlGqU/V4bwzrTiAwI/AAAAAAAAIDw/YXpOtRRbKJ0vLWotX0CR7n3LjdhY_WOzQCEw/s1600/dreamsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YexpNDlGqU/V4bwzrTiAwI/AAAAAAAAIDw/YXpOtRRbKJ0vLWotX0CR7n3LjdhY_WOzQCEw/s320/dreamsnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/dream-snow-eric-carle/prod9780399235795.html" target="_blank">Dream Snow by Eric Carle</a> is my last choice, and yes again it is a Christmassy story. The wonderful and whimsical illustrations and creative extra extra bits (clear plastic overlay pages add snow to the scenes) bring to life the magic of the snowy sneason (sorry, season). You'll find more to love with Carle's colourful characters and gently funny tale. Kids will squeal with delight at the vibrancy and special surprise on the last page. It is a timely change before spring hits and you have to start reading the very hungry caterpillar again! </div>
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Happy Winter Reading!!!</div>
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Here's a link to my post this time last year on <a href="http://lovedecorateletters.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/the-top-ten-holiday-tasks-to-keep.html" target="_blank">The Top Ten Holiday Tasks to Keep Everyone Happy</a>. Check it out!Sarah B-Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18074253283067467352noreply@blogger.com0