Mr Rosenblum's list

When I bought this book, I admit I was mostly enticed by its very pretty artwork. So, even though I know a book can't be judged by its cover, I'm pleased to say that this one's aesthetics most definitely match its content.

You can read what the book is about on author Natasha Solomon's website but basically Mr Rosenblum along with his wife and daughter have escaped Nazi Germany and are refugees in London. Mr Rosenblum is obsessed with being a 'proper' Englishman and so a list of what constitutes 'Englishness' is started and the adventures begin.

I found myself really enjoying the characters of this story and the way Natasha layered the absolute silliness and whimsy of some moments with deeper issues like depression and racism. I laughed out loud, nearly cried and nodded my head in agreement at a characterisation many different times while reading. If a book can make me react out loud like this, then in my mind, it's done its job! Make sure you add this one to your Winter reading list.

Blooming pretty

Sometimes I pick flowers from my garden and they end up being too short to go into a vase. I'm thinking that these little Maria Lintott bud bowls from her Bloom collection would be simply perfect.

Love Birds Cake Topper

How cute are these two little love birds made by RedLightStudio from Etsy for a wedding cake topper?

I *heart* Amigurumi Miss Turtle

One of my favourite crafty creators is Pepika, who creates "dolls and animals for those who never grow up".  I think she is really creative and talented, and I bought a few patterns of her cute little creations to make as presents!  I just got an email today from Pepika who shared her latest creation - Amigurumi Miss Turtle!  Irresistible!

Cute birds galore

I've just been looking around for some creative inspiration and came across a delightful blog by New York designer and illustrator Anna Raff called Ornithoblogical. Daily she posts a bird related image and I love them all - especially love this hen...

Merci!

It's my birthday in a couple of weeks and hubby has very thoughtfully booked a table at local French restuarant Chez Claude - which I'm very much looking forward to! While cruising Etsy (as you do) I came across these adorable french frog thank you cards from twopoochpaperie. I'd love to use these as birthday invitations. They are so cute!

Crazy and chocolate

Well it's been a very crazy last couple of weeks. My computer threw a wobbly, blew its motherboard and had to be rebuilt from scratch, and I have been finishing off a rather large and complex report! So this is the first time I've been able to sit down and write for a reason other than work. There will be much more of this in the next little while - sort of a cathartic exercise I think.

In the meantime, yesterday while shopping, I discovered myself a new treat - Oxfam fairtrade dark chocolate. The cocoa beans are sourced from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Paraguay and it was so smooth and irresistible! And by purchasing this chocolate, I'm also supporting fair trade in a big way. Mmmm delicious and virtuous all at once...I can't go wrong!

Chocolate Earl Grey Tartlets

The Jewels of New York display the most beautiful photos of their absolutely delicious food.  Today, I came across their Chocolate Earl Frey Tartlets that look irresistible, and now am feeling curious as to what they would taste like!  I love the idea of using tea in baking, don't you?

Tea is better with two!

Is there is nothing better than a lovely cup of tea shared with a darling friend, using lovely handmade pottery mugs and drooling over the latest "delicious" magazine together?

Do you remember tunnel ball?

I recently purchased a medicine ball the other day, and was reminded how in primary school, we use to play tunnel ball with (and correct me if I'm wrong) a medicine ball!  I remember we would spend our school sporting afternoons playing tunnel ball, leader ball and captain ball.  We would have big competitions and spend hours practicing!  Do you remember?