tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38990007470818933822024-03-27T13:09:40.455+00:00GlamumousExploring the art of modern motherhoodAmanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09275117357119687015noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-2455325558624753422022-01-01T00:00:00.010+00:002022-01-01T00:00:00.159+00:00Welcome 2022!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibnrBCrLbmUthZ987XGVWoQJY2LJR39BV2gOtoMF95kLgNJ9JCzpV-Hx9mbMj2jkzSrm-tEiFRpg1T_mRqw5M5uQS_-T8lvLrfeLW93DoeGruGL3QPxbBcBZn4UzQAjcy3j4IQmhNSxDQ8A0-TSEWHePFegm29YCgpMR466sROAfACQD759I2r3XF39g=s2509" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2509" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibnrBCrLbmUthZ987XGVWoQJY2LJR39BV2gOtoMF95kLgNJ9JCzpV-Hx9mbMj2jkzSrm-tEiFRpg1T_mRqw5M5uQS_-T8lvLrfeLW93DoeGruGL3QPxbBcBZn4UzQAjcy3j4IQmhNSxDQ8A0-TSEWHePFegm29YCgpMR466sROAfACQD759I2r3XF39g=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'it will be happier'"...</span></p></blockquote><p>This quote, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, will be in my thoughts as the clock strikes midnight tonight to usher in the beginning of a new year. I hope that 2021 has been a wonderful year for all Glamumous readers, but those of us who have suffered loss, sadness or disappointment during 2021 may well be glad that this year is coming to an end. </p><p>At midnight, our family will raise a glass of good cheer to those who are no longer with us, and to all of you, I wish good health, happiness and many occasions to smile in the year ahead. </p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit:<a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1081678" target="_blank"> PxHere</a></span></p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-84645772744384389472021-12-27T10:00:00.004+00:002021-12-27T13:58:37.447+00:00An Elegant, Free Printable Thank You Card<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9L9TQQbl6XIshLm1ODYvKCjYMxbBhDNHgLQySPk-jgUYuGvqD-ZZdghP6oo-BuTPv-5MWs6zDhWAp40ijx6vUkaACV59N1dSbGurf2qHhNOoHQa9oA279DiEq03gd-y2AbrQrW8A4hEZusxQgTbOvK7YDa3BKme8A0IBW-gIoNoksViGmC-gf7KGDGw=s2000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2000" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9L9TQQbl6XIshLm1ODYvKCjYMxbBhDNHgLQySPk-jgUYuGvqD-ZZdghP6oo-BuTPv-5MWs6zDhWAp40ijx6vUkaACV59N1dSbGurf2qHhNOoHQa9oA279DiEq03gd-y2AbrQrW8A4hEZusxQgTbOvK7YDa3BKme8A0IBW-gIoNoksViGmC-gf7KGDGw=w640-h452" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>For our family, this Christmas has seemed hectic. As unpredictable obstacles chipped away my sense of organisation, I even found myself traversing the shops late on Christmas Eve searching for an elusive pack of Christmas crackers! So it was no wonder that I completely forgot to secure a set of thank you cards to send <i>after</i> the big day - it was all I could do to be prepared for the 25th!</p><p>Rather than venture out again, I found a stack of card stock and decided to create my own this year: an elegant, understated design with just a touch of festive colour. These cards are designed to fit standard C6 envelopes, which are easy to source if you don't already have a few lying around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu4HD6uqrlg1toMMubrwsdpDKG4LRBLsOnYpG7dNIUtikrQNIjDiAao8gbowmEsbVB4pjzFVP0DNTyjYwCno0xYua7jLJRxVTKsPjmZYzMCmQITmS4DPOg1W1hjjlZmkmw28dqxuxAmnsKY8qA_OftJaMuUaeeZkAHft1SuE1fR_lsKbH6_nG77zg06Q=s2000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2000" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu4HD6uqrlg1toMMubrwsdpDKG4LRBLsOnYpG7dNIUtikrQNIjDiAao8gbowmEsbVB4pjzFVP0DNTyjYwCno0xYua7jLJRxVTKsPjmZYzMCmQITmS4DPOg1W1hjjlZmkmw28dqxuxAmnsKY8qA_OftJaMuUaeeZkAHft1SuE1fR_lsKbH6_nG77zg06Q=w640-h452" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I've created an A4 size PDF for this folded thank you card, which you can download below. Use the guides to cut neatly along the edges and score along the centre to create your card. </p><p>Feel free to download and share this free printable thank you card to your heart's content. However, selling this design (either as a template or finished card) is forbidden: the content presented here is intended to be free to all!</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1FxPK0_LCVGAIR5vxQ02Z3Pn-zNTKUArW" target="_blank">Download this elegant, free printable thank you card (PDF)</a></span></p><p>I hope you will enjoy making and sending this free thank you card! You may also like to look at my <a href="https://www.glamumous.co.uk/2018/12/10-gorgeous-free-thank-you-printables.html">collection of beautiful free thank you printables</a> created by talented designers from across the web.</p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-56434336471866621972021-12-25T23:44:00.001+00:002021-12-25T23:44:12.552+00:00Merry Christmas!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEuJGq8NWaKjVBwp2fZL_6chg98Z451nccPRguVdT4-GPFg_w2lSFqD8YKddUsVYo9n9JdmgbTgjAdhIRIvrb2QFMCurnT7beJ_tg2b9GfIx60JcbHyBZH8RuJPnm3gpRhgDwj_CEN8qhLISiYgHPfMG_hsJT5d_8f-qLTtBE1G1wxFhgKiKsXDNQ_xA=s940" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEuJGq8NWaKjVBwp2fZL_6chg98Z451nccPRguVdT4-GPFg_w2lSFqD8YKddUsVYo9n9JdmgbTgjAdhIRIvrb2QFMCurnT7beJ_tg2b9GfIx60JcbHyBZH8RuJPnm3gpRhgDwj_CEN8qhLISiYgHPfMG_hsJT5d_8f-qLTtBE1G1wxFhgKiKsXDNQ_xA=w640-h536" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!</p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-20465552755838373282021-12-16T10:00:00.016+00:002021-12-23T00:59:26.698+00:00Christmas Dinner for £10?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8SGTXZjqD83BrkthvguJzCiPAJmz3DHqMeDsI3kxZX8hLNkTqV6mh8oiq2Jl35HG-t40e1VgBiBJ8KQIROW4_CnWYEx2yfcdO6Kwz9Uag0CnNyNYzbiYGQzxpkyqD53Zv7XsK6Qv2I5weWODbWzGIDdYS3ipVFI2JcE0kRqtJmP0CM6zizh84oe3LA=s4166" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="4166" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8SGTXZjqD83BrkthvguJzCiPAJmz3DHqMeDsI3kxZX8hLNkTqV6mh8oiq2Jl35HG-t40e1VgBiBJ8KQIROW4_CnWYEx2yfcdO6Kwz9Uag0CnNyNYzbiYGQzxpkyqD53Zv7XsK6Qv2I5weWODbWzGIDdYS3ipVFI2JcE0kRqtJmP0CM6zizh84oe3LA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This Christmas sees many families here in the UK facing unprecedented hardship. The effects of Covid combined with rising food and duel prices means that many are struggling with the costs of the festive season and harboring concerns about putting on a decent spread for dinner on the big day. </p><p>Marcus Rashford, the footballer <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-55675224" target="_blank">famed for his campaign to tackle food poverty in the UK</a>, has teamed with chef Tom Kerridge to create a Christmas meal plan for struggling families for just £10! </p><p>The meal plan includes a Christmas Day feast of stuffed turkey roll, with tray-baked vegetables and greens, plus potato and carrot hash with eggs for Boxing Day lunch. The meal plan is designed for those using Healthy Start vouchers (which would cover the cost of the vegetables) though states that others would be able to recreate the dishes for just £13-14.</p><p>The entire meal plan is detailed in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXYVguBoXC4/" target="_blank">an instructional video on the Full Time Meals Instagram channel</a>, which I've embedded below:</p>
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<p>Of the meal plan, Marcus Rashford <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-59638449" target="_blank">has said</a>: </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Christmas has a great ability to bring family together and I want as many children as possible to wake up on Christmas morning happy and without the stress of wondering where their next meal is coming from... I want families in communities like mine to look forward to creating something special in the kitchen together and making memories."</p></blockquote><p>To learn more, or donate to FareShare to help feed families on a low income, <a href="https://fareshare.org.uk/donate-christmas/" target="_blank">visit the FareShare website</a>.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credit: <a href="https://stocksnap.io/photo/festive-table-ZVRDRIQ7BZ">Photo</a> by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/travelphotographer">Travel Photographer</a> on <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a></span><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5390031/?claim=jg6yd378zum">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-1989797702104872732021-12-13T10:00:00.002+00:002021-12-14T07:55:31.603+00:00Free Printable: Joyeux Noël<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjF3IY9ggbZggqnm-mfYWy5AqhWd4LIMNTeNU_EV6yKoxYWZI56TQXTB6vsW_CaKfYlCTMMibLhLHg6JLu5xAkzqyH762NAJ-y29CfZIRxFX0CAbAA6Z4_fx8w8VovUv1G-u5PpcBdoam/s1741/joyeux-noel-mockup-2+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1741" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjF3IY9ggbZggqnm-mfYWy5AqhWd4LIMNTeNU_EV6yKoxYWZI56TQXTB6vsW_CaKfYlCTMMibLhLHg6JLu5xAkzqyH762NAJ-y29CfZIRxFX0CAbAA6Z4_fx8w8VovUv1G-u5PpcBdoam/w640-h424/joyeux-noel-mockup-2+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We recently redecorated our lounge in preparation for Christmas and I realised we have very little seasonal art to accompany our tree and tinsel. As a remedy, I designed this simple festive printable, and decided to share it here for others to use too.</p><p>I've created PDFs in two different sizes to suit differing needs. We printed the 5x7 size which sits in a frame on the mantelpiece. Alternatively, you may prefer the large A4 size, which you could easily adapt to create cards, tags or any other design you may need. </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Download the Joyeux Noël printables here:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1c9iO_hihTZ2GcPZ8HKWRGG4iNTcv40w8">5x7 size, with crop marks</a> (PDF)</b></p><p><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1c4PiRUNGwutJyCUawhbeQyY6SGv6hds7">A4 size PDF </a>| <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1c6Re1oct5Q0kuY-dyUx78xAedOTWH5dh">A4 size PNG</a> (for use in other projects)</b></p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTf_zX1I9bzSDubc00Py7YscYRxpuyocBGdVZ0A8FIU_BuWJfj0e2KK4hCGfM_Dmbv2DWWMxZ72R5RCKym_8SKNFIwwYCgpehrwFtwlbajh8HmfbdN945spE9stLDqxwD9-8PJpc7p3Y_v/s558/joyeux-noel-mockup-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="558" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTf_zX1I9bzSDubc00Py7YscYRxpuyocBGdVZ0A8FIU_BuWJfj0e2KK4hCGfM_Dmbv2DWWMxZ72R5RCKym_8SKNFIwwYCgpehrwFtwlbajh8HmfbdN945spE9stLDqxwD9-8PJpc7p3Y_v/w640-h424/joyeux-noel-mockup-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOoJoLKI-CiE9SjKAw4YZsH1W8jq5gYkZJBg4Zsz-8rSwvdYqdAvruU-etWChrlbtj-A0RWOgKCSlAtlhQDaHcB0zNw2BDkwqbYjxa8ANqfmG0rzX4vyZccLNsfd3tczhhAeFbtc0Kmg4/s2048/joyeux-photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1761" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOoJoLKI-CiE9SjKAw4YZsH1W8jq5gYkZJBg4Zsz-8rSwvdYqdAvruU-etWChrlbtj-A0RWOgKCSlAtlhQDaHcB0zNw2BDkwqbYjxa8ANqfmG0rzX4vyZccLNsfd3tczhhAeFbtc0Kmg4/w550-h640/joyeux-photo.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><p>Please feel free to use this free printable in any of your projects. However, I would appreciate credit to Glamumous by means of a link should you share the printables on your own site or social media.</p><p>Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions below.</p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-44608493045323310562021-12-09T10:00:00.017+00:002021-12-14T08:02:53.130+00:00Classic Christmas Reads for your Kindle or Kobo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcFzWGiZ2WYb1kgfhIUSY6ZmPA2M8JY1111oTnNYc7JU6EAJiG0XasR1PtTAxbcfXWihdShd3hCmv75xyobWb3VPnhmdbyOEt5acA2M8E9Oue6U7ci-PPN3mzWwFj6dB5DgSvIsCD7nsv/s2048/classic-christmas-reads-kindle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcFzWGiZ2WYb1kgfhIUSY6ZmPA2M8JY1111oTnNYc7JU6EAJiG0XasR1PtTAxbcfXWihdShd3hCmv75xyobWb3VPnhmdbyOEt5acA2M8E9Oue6U7ci-PPN3mzWwFj6dB5DgSvIsCD7nsv/w640-h426/classic-christmas-reads-kindle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In those precious moments of calm between furtive festive preparations, what better way to unwind than to curl up with a classic Christmas tale or two?</p><p>Luckily, there are many seasonal novels and stories of this variety we can download to our e-readers for free, saving both time and money for those occasions when inspiration strikes. </p><p>I've collected here a selection of classic Christmas stories which are available for both the Kindle and Kobo, and where possible I'll direct you to beautiful or illustrated editions - all of which are completely free!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">A Visit from Saint Nicholas (The Night Before Christmas), attributed to Clement Clarke Moore</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKTIaRcLXJ0BN6VHrVkAgz53KCqdzHBblxZzIElgH5W9lrKF6RRDNX25pY05e9m_5LaP7Del9jaB4SED5_JPT5YJSBHQAR7SNrXF4JPXplyR_ubeZ-ceEmH4Tm6_mNcgjTCAizaccKLgo/s690/visit-from-saintnicholas.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="487" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKTIaRcLXJ0BN6VHrVkAgz53KCqdzHBblxZzIElgH5W9lrKF6RRDNX25pY05e9m_5LaP7Del9jaB4SED5_JPT5YJSBHQAR7SNrXF4JPXplyR_ubeZ-ceEmH4Tm6_mNcgjTCAizaccKLgo/w141-h200/visit-from-saintnicholas.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="141" /></a></div>On the night of Christmas Eve, a family is settling down to sleep when the father is disturbed by noises on the lawn outside. Looking out the window, he sees Saint Nicholas in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer...<div><br /></div><div>Undoubtedly one of the best known writings of Christmas, <i>A visit from Saint Nicholas </i>was first published anonymously in the Troy, New York Sentinel on 23 December 1823. Although it was later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore when he included the poem in a collection of his writings, there is doubt of his being the true author! I won't speculate here, but instead urge you to download the beautifully illustrated edition from Project Gutenberg, which is available in all digital formats.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17382" target="_blank">Download <i>A Visit from Saint Nicholas</i> from Project Gutenberg.</a></div><div>Also available directly from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-before-Christmas-Visit-Nicholas-ebook/dp/B09N41WPN3/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">the Amazon Kindle store</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Old Christmas by Washington Irving</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX512Gv5XRt4AZE8_7PJMOKoL759m3Zs05XmFTs0zjl53E-9_ZCJAKr5MgXGBJJ3TqFGE2BswwGTHG93qmA4ZYdt8vpriZ1sR32jWn1-2H3NNKOlkIawvGM-dAKrxMnDQuIGmLfQDIMae/s400/old-christmas.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="286" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX512Gv5XRt4AZE8_7PJMOKoL759m3Zs05XmFTs0zjl53E-9_ZCJAKr5MgXGBJJ3TqFGE2BswwGTHG93qmA4ZYdt8vpriZ1sR32jWn1-2H3NNKOlkIawvGM-dAKrxMnDQuIGmLfQDIMae/w143-h200/old-christmas.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="143" /></a></div>First published in 1886 and illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, these five stories chronicle the American writer Washington Irving's nostalgic recollections of Christmas traditions in 19th century England. </div><div><br /></div><div>Illustrated edition <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20656" target="_blank">available for all device types from Project Gutenberg</a>.</div><div>Alternative edition <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Old_Christmas/3nR792IxCy8C?hl=en&gbpv=0&kptab=getbook" target="_blank">available from Google Books</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum</h3></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-nnM87mfYB_ygsAfiqsy9VnCAunr4QN7wkQuIPKsHPkAbaRzc3qz5aef9tC8L3oYUmitpbBXbsFiUjn-nhDXQOK2_GEAhb-ZuEze7Ehu4jIaRVVpfVpWvcaYSafFgoFSEXUk-LefVGIL/s648/book-cover-art-print-the-life-and-adventures-of-the-santa-claus-l-frank-baum.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-nnM87mfYB_ygsAfiqsy9VnCAunr4QN7wkQuIPKsHPkAbaRzc3qz5aef9tC8L3oYUmitpbBXbsFiUjn-nhDXQOK2_GEAhb-ZuEze7Ehu4jIaRVVpfVpWvcaYSafFgoFSEXUk-LefVGIL/w133-h200/book-cover-art-print-the-life-and-adventures-of-the-santa-claus-l-frank-baum.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="133" /></a></div>How did Santa Claus invent the first toy? Why does he travel by night and enter homes via chimney? How did he come to travel with eight reindeer? Beloved writer LYMAN FRANK BAUM (1856-1919)-creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and author of 13 other Oz novels-introduces us to a fantastical Father Christmas raised by a fairy queen among the magical denizens of an enchanted forest, a mortal among immortals who outwits evil Awgwas in his quest to share gifts and spread love around the world. First published in 1902, this is a beautiful, mythic tale, one that will charm children of all ages.</div><div><br /></div><div>Available for all formats <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/520" target="_blank">from Project Gutenberg</a>.</div><div>Alternatively, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Santa-Claus-Frank-Lyman-ebook/dp/B0084AMN76/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">available from the Kindle Store</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum</h3><div>"A Kidnapped Santa Claus" was published two years after Baum's The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus and shares its mythological cosmos; in the story as in the novel, Santa lives in the Laughing Valley on the border of the Forest of Burzee, and is assisted by knooks, ryls, fairies, and pixies. However, in this short story, Santa is kidnapped by jealous daemons who resent that children are more satisfied with their Christmas gifts and no longer visit their caves.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/519" target="_blank">Download <i>A Kidnapped Santa Claus</i> in all formats from Project Gutenberg</a></div><div>Alternatively, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kidnapped-Santa-Claus-Frank-Lyman-ebook/dp/B0084AMPH4/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">Kindle owners can download directly from the Kindle Store</a></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznipbAqjFuqqS2VMHPZOmyDFh_cLggwPi4_mCMyf3TCz4ijNZNpuhLomOY8ywdWGSklQ4OlOhxkUStqVyyq2APsW_azixxNBcdXRt7goycJG8-iLyp5JKPn5GzAgyLU9v2mqSSUPp6jke/s1280/santa-claus-gb11817253_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznipbAqjFuqqS2VMHPZOmyDFh_cLggwPi4_mCMyf3TCz4ijNZNpuhLomOY8ywdWGSklQ4OlOhxkUStqVyyq2APsW_azixxNBcdXRt7goycJG8-iLyp5JKPn5GzAgyLU9v2mqSSUPp6jke/w640-h438/santa-claus-gb11817253_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit:<a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/santa-claus-book-northern-lights-5758553/" target="_blank"> Willguard, via Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfdwg6xGS42K_kP4KxC-KsUgEKSvwrS33hmCuqvBa7hTGSzd-hhJU0cnHRUhxkd86dRXxqrsxmZy79f6DlDKjdUizFGj_QGB9Id7Q8bRe2pDZr61woVKoMB8ljL63I3uzUuV4jo_JyyFm/s864/The_Tailor_of_Gloucester_first_edition_cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="650" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfdwg6xGS42K_kP4KxC-KsUgEKSvwrS33hmCuqvBa7hTGSzd-hhJU0cnHRUhxkd86dRXxqrsxmZy79f6DlDKjdUizFGj_QGB9Id7Q8bRe2pDZr61woVKoMB8ljL63I3uzUuV4jo_JyyFm/w151-h200/The_Tailor_of_Gloucester_first_edition_cover.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="151" /></a></div>A tailor in Gloucester sends his cat Simpkin to buy food and a twist of cherry-coloured silk to complete a waistcoat commissioned by the mayor for his wedding on Christmas morning...</div><div><br /></div><div>This classic tale from the author of the Peter Rabbit series of books will delight the young and old alike at Christmas time! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14868" target="_blank">Download the illustrated edition of The Tailor of Gloucester in all digital formats from Project Gutenberg</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Christmas at Thompson Hall by Anthony Trollope</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbTzHChDJEt64OnFpXezdTssTK4BwnjShyphenhyphentRp9LBQLBK7Qg-PmmLUk7oqIKEpLEzdEfaq10GRTg_Z8dZpdgVBrQuqHYnjnjbbOYXIbahLb1paZ_3uks8no76eG49m5TvTZgesmIhN1NzF/s293/thompson-hall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbTzHChDJEt64OnFpXezdTssTK4BwnjShyphenhyphentRp9LBQLBK7Qg-PmmLUk7oqIKEpLEzdEfaq10GRTg_Z8dZpdgVBrQuqHYnjnjbbOYXIbahLb1paZ_3uks8no76eG49m5TvTZgesmIhN1NzF/w137-h200/thompson-hall.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="137" /></a></div>Christmas at Thompson Hall collects the best Christmas tales of Anthony Trollope, and are mostly set in Trollope's imaginary county of Barsetshire. The stories depict the festive period with all Trollope's trademark zest, humour, and cheerfulness, and offer rich and psychologically acute portrayals of the middle class and gentry of Victorian England at Christmas time.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58558" target="_blank">Download for all device types from Project Gutenberg</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Fairies and the Christmas Child by Lilian Gask</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDlK9iQMsq_7AaazvoDJ3j9dKekIkWpktlmQ7PdAuln5-SNF4eLHiPuQOGZBOf2cITc6onSvD_DDYWuqM951iJQ_py_o4a8Zd24DTCT4yzxByNUC3d3hylbr6N-bDqQhWJyE8dpO6PB1X/s262/fairies-christmas-child.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDlK9iQMsq_7AaazvoDJ3j9dKekIkWpktlmQ7PdAuln5-SNF4eLHiPuQOGZBOf2cITc6onSvD_DDYWuqM951iJQ_py_o4a8Zd24DTCT4yzxByNUC3d3hylbr6N-bDqQhWJyE8dpO6PB1X/w153-h200/fairies-christmas-child.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="153" /></a></div>The "Christmas Child" in this book isn't Jesus, but rather a boy born on Christmas Day, named "Chris". After his father forgets both Christmas and Chris’ birthday (not surprising as the father is an impoverished, overworked surgeon) He runs away from home and finds himself in a park, where he meets the fairy-queen. She tells him that all children born on the 25th of December have the gift of talking to the fairy-folk. What follows is an account of Chris’ adventures and meetings with the fairy folk and the stories they tell him.</div><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry</h3><div>Jim and Della live in a furnished flat in New York City, scraping by on a minimal income early in their marriage. At Christmastime, Della sells her beautiful, long hair for money to buy Jim a platinum pocket-watch chain. On the same day, Jim sells his heirloom pocket watch to buy a set of hair combs that Della has admired. Their Christmas gifts are compromised, but they realize they have the best gift of all - each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Download <i>The Gift of the Magi </i>for <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7256" target="_blank">all device types from Project Gutenberg</a>.</div><div>Alternatively, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Magi-Henry-ebook/dp/B0082Z3S3G/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">download direct to your Kindle from the Amazon store</a>.</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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGig8lyna3ti4hIqHVRpusmzoB4Mw1RWndIpbrMbOk7yO6mIclhRrlhKpUIU5Cr_0qWS2VU6zubvL0L6U64Nt17EeBqBwtVcB5YPfYA8fyvLRCakjZykGpPV6Mr-Q17EiqqQvtSKIHBhHZ/s2048/christmas-gift-decoration-present-holiday-box-1418261-pxhere.com.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGig8lyna3ti4hIqHVRpusmzoB4Mw1RWndIpbrMbOk7yO6mIclhRrlhKpUIU5Cr_0qWS2VU6zubvL0L6U64Nt17EeBqBwtVcB5YPfYA8fyvLRCakjZykGpPV6Mr-Q17EiqqQvtSKIHBhHZ/w640-h412/christmas-gift-decoration-present-holiday-box-1418261-pxhere.com.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photographer/327915" target="_blank">Monika Stawowy</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31yAAudiUcqHF9jID6LkbUO6YaJnonMw6Z1CMRVek9-vmjysReDEHvT-Ar5rOIppnuI-HmrVxSAh2CO8k75cw91d7E6kjqZ8kaHBiezCtENByb8YWRV2aUOfJ2yvjaKKY0zjvUhUP9Vkt/s562/nutcrackermousek00hoff_0_0001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="408" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31yAAudiUcqHF9jID6LkbUO6YaJnonMw6Z1CMRVek9-vmjysReDEHvT-Ar5rOIppnuI-HmrVxSAh2CO8k75cw91d7E6kjqZ8kaHBiezCtENByb8YWRV2aUOfJ2yvjaKKY0zjvUhUP9Vkt/w145-h200/nutcrackermousek00hoff_0_0001.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" width="145" /></a></div>Young Marie Stahlbaum's favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://archive.org/details/nutcrackermousek00hoff_0/mode/2up" target="_blank">Read online or download digital editions from The Internet Archive.</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens</h3><div>I daresay that Dickens' festive ghost story requires little introduction! There are may free digital editions of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> available, so I've linked here to my favourite which includes full colour illustrations - and an illustration of the infamous door-knocker. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24022" target="_blank">Download your preferred format of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> from Project Gutenberg.</a></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNV1LezJQm_V3t8eGqbSUFmJJFPHIyq0ZrhJ82_uH2r3IFFtAwQLBu6bKbYglgz5sfDThALO6VsxXxCa3P18BsbsHgWS-2R4LZt5cqdZEAnHcxdbpSCIa33ekVR46b1uT2Yt7bl1lHZcP/s1920/MaxPixel.net-Antique-Book-Christmas-Holly-Brown-Book-1073705.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1920" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNV1LezJQm_V3t8eGqbSUFmJJFPHIyq0ZrhJ82_uH2r3IFFtAwQLBu6bKbYglgz5sfDThALO6VsxXxCa3P18BsbsHgWS-2R4LZt5cqdZEAnHcxdbpSCIa33ekVR46b1uT2Yt7bl1lHZcP/w640-h494/MaxPixel.net-Antique-Book-Christmas-Holly-Brown-Book-1073705.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: <a href="https://www.maxpixel.net/Holly-Book-Christmas-Antique-1073705" target="_blank">MaxPixel</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>What do you enjoy reading most in the build-up to Christmas? Please feel free to share your comments and experiences below. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Post header image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lacygentlywaftingcurtains/30737443204/in/photolist-NQaqZj-CoqHJU-RZ3mW8-RTN3zs-2gB58VU-2mg4v4B-2kLxr5q-2kJVy3m-4TYm9b-2gQ8a5t-2dwZtVE-2eCYJQz-QSE4YZ-PVnnCB-2mfV5rt-2mfV5rd-aPwc9k-2kgV4Xy-6QtXVV-2kLBT2g-2knXi8x-MqLmHe-8ZK9Ce-2kgRi1Y-5MkAHP-2maioo7-4axspQ-22KjpNh-7xdFmJ-96VRju-2kLBvf4-2kJXWq2-SuSsu3-2k8of2D-2kJY6Bt-BYPSan-2dwZB73-2cxAvn3-2dwZADE-B1tqER-24G56Vp-2dwZBkE-2hUyz7E-QSE6zK-2i1cDcq-5LExX5-QEZyYB-242xrFr-2dwZn5f-RGYQSc" target="_blank">Jo, via Flickr Creative Commons</a>.</span></div>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-19067200670809116332021-12-02T10:00:00.058+00:002021-12-14T08:03:39.011+00:00Write to Santa - and he'll send a personal reply!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5GifDuhtXN1qHkNxt1-p6aH_S_i6Qma44tXMf-a6CjYQ4BE5BYA2BRXkpcFKZk5_pUuCDRy-_QvY5y7HwB8S7o6x6VmqqxHEpHAJBfYZuoIlwGyo0Qs6onb6dlBdykAPOIzgIl9nksBw/s1280/nicholas-gaedd568e7_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5GifDuhtXN1qHkNxt1-p6aH_S_i6Qma44tXMf-a6CjYQ4BE5BYA2BRXkpcFKZk5_pUuCDRy-_QvY5y7HwB8S7o6x6VmqqxHEpHAJBfYZuoIlwGyo0Qs6onb6dlBdykAPOIzgIl9nksBw/w640-h426/nicholas-gaedd568e7_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>Each year on the first of December, Buddy - our Christmas Elf* - brings themed notepaper, pens and stickers for our annual "letter to Santa". Here in the UK, we are lucky to enjoy <a href="https://www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa" target="_blank">the free service from Royal Mail for children to write to Santa</a> and receive a personalised reply in return! The past few years, my youngest has received a card addressed to him, and while it may not address each of his requests, it is simply lovely to see his face when he opens the festive envelope!</div><div><br /></div><div>The address to send your children's letters to is:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">Santa/Father Christmas</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">Santa’s Grotto</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">Reindeerland</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">XM4 5HQ</span></div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Make sure that you:</div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Write Santa’s address carefully on the envelope</li><li>Put a stamp on the envelope so it gets to Santa</li><li>Include your full name and address in your letter</li><li>Include your return address on the back of the envelope</li></ul><div><b>Be sure to send your letters by Friday 10th December</b> this year to make sure your child receives their reply in time for Christmas!</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP0EBzjrJPiAdgMt8yi0LMrbJwqQQvTPHKGvy0vfUL5BRSljkwueft-K6ylY5xYz2y9A1yXMdXhcZkU7oL3T1PbAaXA8cWpDEigYfLpn7Ri-M8zuYy5OG4QgthDXba0WsK6_OvNrfhTtu/s1080/Send+a+letter+to+Santa%2521.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP0EBzjrJPiAdgMt8yi0LMrbJwqQQvTPHKGvy0vfUL5BRSljkwueft-K6ylY5xYz2y9A1yXMdXhcZkU7oL3T1PbAaXA8cWpDEigYfLpn7Ri-M8zuYy5OG4QgthDXba0WsK6_OvNrfhTtu/w640-h640/Send+a+letter+to+Santa%2521.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Do you and your family enjoy the annual tradition of writing a letter to Santa? Please feel free to share your comments and experiences below, we love to hear about the festive moments which bring you joy!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Buddy, our Christmas elf, is not a "naughty" elf. Rather, he brings festive activities and daily letters, though he is known to hide in different places around the house!</span></div>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-9521177703798135592021-11-08T14:42:00.002+00:002021-12-14T08:04:19.199+00:005 Quick and easy knitted gifts using DK yarn<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr45YKxSvuo_daH9sZrPMNDth-9alHyOptzMF3tUfmz_gJEBRnSDussih6IQTEZ8qF6o0SOMLPS2yHlswTMXs6j4CBy5cG47my_8GYTJvsR6fOPBpCi5MqxRfpLqeJ51-tjqZR02iZ_AED/s1062/negative-space-woman-knitting-crafts-blue-wool-hands-thumb-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1062" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr45YKxSvuo_daH9sZrPMNDth-9alHyOptzMF3tUfmz_gJEBRnSDussih6IQTEZ8qF6o0SOMLPS2yHlswTMXs6j4CBy5cG47my_8GYTJvsR6fOPBpCi5MqxRfpLqeJ51-tjqZR02iZ_AED/w640-h426/negative-space-woman-knitting-crafts-blue-wool-hands-thumb-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>As the nights draw in, I find nothing more calming than snuggling up to knit with an audiobook and a cup of hot tea. I'm not a particularly skilled knitter, but consider myself capable enough to complete small projects and delight in crafting garments for a particular person or purpose. </p><p>With Christmas just around the corner, I've collected several lovely free patterns from around the web to share with Glamumous readers. All of these free patterns use DK yarn, which is the most accessible yarn weight here in the UK. The popularity of DK yarn ensures you'll easily be able to locate some, whether it be the cheap bright balls from Poundland or Home Bargains, or more expensive blends from Hobbycraft and independent stores. </p><p>I hope you will find a charming pattern for your next project from this tried and tested selection!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/907676/knitted-neck-scarf" target="_blank">Knit Neck Scarf from Martha Stewart</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn5kXyFT4nLh-ggwuEeDAQ_pVj3Aa2tBw-EB_qoJ28wgnYKrSMafyczaSCvYYqm3UzBdSOOKmtxu5JZmsZ5DMw6zjvKXjB3wFs9R2ATMwnWiVn4FMZzUZBaGYe5RzVCpMO5RknW6eXc3R/s1300/knit-neck-scarf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1040" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn5kXyFT4nLh-ggwuEeDAQ_pVj3Aa2tBw-EB_qoJ28wgnYKrSMafyczaSCvYYqm3UzBdSOOKmtxu5JZmsZ5DMw6zjvKXjB3wFs9R2ATMwnWiVn4FMZzUZBaGYe5RzVCpMO5RknW6eXc3R/w512-h640/knit-neck-scarf.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p>Every knitter may begin with a scarf, but this pattern from Martha Stewart is elevated in style. It uses only garter stitch (although the ties are a little fiddly) and would make the perfect weekend project!</p><p><i><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/907676/knitted-neck-scarf" target="_blank">Find the Knit Neck Scarf pattern on the Martha Stewart website</a></i>.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/napping-by-the-fire-headband" target="_blank">Napping by the Fire Headband by Un Peu Sauvage</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFljQenWaNsyDxiG0WWf4yDTcUlLXIcfxYU1ffWVf0iWJs_hbFS3c-KfyJMSI9l0PCCCbIvYfwmnTFECeutJ66I-xWx97e8wootJfz1nSDQ1CEym9pwLY3WOs-5ahKg0_fexEaAooEj6h/s1600/Napping_by_the_Fire_Headband__5_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFljQenWaNsyDxiG0WWf4yDTcUlLXIcfxYU1ffWVf0iWJs_hbFS3c-KfyJMSI9l0PCCCbIvYfwmnTFECeutJ66I-xWx97e8wootJfz1nSDQ1CEym9pwLY3WOs-5ahKg0_fexEaAooEj6h/w426-h640/Napping_by_the_Fire_Headband__5_.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p>Headbands are a popular project among knitters: they take much less time than a hat and can be worn throughout the colder months as a fashion accessory (in addition to keeping our ears warm!). Of all the patterns I've tried, this is the one I've enjoyed the most as it is knit flat using only knit and purl stitches!</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/napping-by-the-fire-headband" target="_blank">Download the pattern from Ravelry</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/make-your-own-fox-slippers/" target="_blank">Fox Slippers by MollieMakes</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJGJufI_cIO-kEileWrYBLfNI5ep6RgHkne8aDz8dbHYm_Tb-E7Z3lxBI3WknVklSjLCs37LfYxT7zcH4GFkTxLsXsBrh8Z0bDxrZ1mj30ItjDqMAe-1-7RdbBZ8owXVSo-pgMp5Fvbrd/s1280/How-to-make-fox-slippers-pattern-182d7d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJGJufI_cIO-kEileWrYBLfNI5ep6RgHkne8aDz8dbHYm_Tb-E7Z3lxBI3WknVklSjLCs37LfYxT7zcH4GFkTxLsXsBrh8Z0bDxrZ1mj30ItjDqMAe-1-7RdbBZ8owXVSo-pgMp5Fvbrd/w640-h430/How-to-make-fox-slippers-pattern-182d7d0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>These super-cute fox slippers would make an ideal gift for an animal lover. How can you resist?</p><p><a href="https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/make-your-own-fox-slippers/" target="_blank">Details and free pattern from Mollie Makes</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/knitted-keyring-pattern-raccoon-bag-charm/" target="_blank">Robby Raccoon Bag Charm from Simply Knitting</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOORpLxnzpi2z672NUuX2007FAZ_tQHY7ioq44VPjt9lnZG6BUT4O266ws9WDrrGzn-gZziMnyPm66xgjW3oduk-1pIjrOcLIm29YpCQ6IhYdwjCdP9yKpN9LsIMMBixeJ8tydp991t6U/s900/Knitted-keyring-pattern-racoon-2bc002f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOORpLxnzpi2z672NUuX2007FAZ_tQHY7ioq44VPjt9lnZG6BUT4O266ws9WDrrGzn-gZziMnyPm66xgjW3oduk-1pIjrOcLIm29YpCQ6IhYdwjCdP9yKpN9LsIMMBixeJ8tydp991t6U/w640-h426/Knitted-keyring-pattern-racoon-2bc002f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This delightful knitted bag charm appeals to the young and old alike! Knitted in stockinette, it requires little skill to craft and could easily be made while watching a (long) movie. </p><p><a href="https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/knitted-keyring-pattern-raccoon-bag-charm/" target="_blank">Details and pattern available from Simply Knitting</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/01/emerald-greenhandwarmer.html" target="_blank">Emerald Green Handwarmers by Creative Yarn</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0f3uqkZ6CK1wlHyB6IDOOO40v7W1gthPFijRF5-zOb2rAQZs-sldgpEFTG4xEncR-OGeaA_i46en_XsnyFkb2VardCCQyYoto_zj3ums3urmKaFtbw4hCsUzYUL1iYek2THNELSNVfh-/s640/emerald-green-handwarmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0f3uqkZ6CK1wlHyB6IDOOO40v7W1gthPFijRF5-zOb2rAQZs-sldgpEFTG4xEncR-OGeaA_i46en_XsnyFkb2VardCCQyYoto_zj3ums3urmKaFtbw4hCsUzYUL1iYek2THNELSNVfh-/w640-h480/emerald-green-handwarmers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I've knitted several pairs of these gorgeous hand warmers in different colours and yarns. They are knit flat and seamed up the sides, using only knit and purl to create the intricate textures. My favourite was knit with sparkly white yarn as a gift for my daughter, she wears them all the time!</p><p><a href="http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/01/emerald-greenhandwarmer.html" target="_blank">Learn more and find the pattern at Creative Yarn</a></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What are your favourite simple patterns for quickly knitted gifts? Please do share your projects by leaving a comment below.</span></p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-66926582000196877802020-10-01T13:37:00.008+01:002021-12-14T08:05:10.867+00:00How I added a working Instagram display to my Blogger website<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6Ltc941uQeMqSl07qE7la6Qg2xh4Ha4LDoU_wJ0ymrybPBhImuoQ0lm8hRVPolLEwQjKJsKbMCiqX6QBG6eov3B0h052N7jiUcIHqQSFItI1kJTExMfmAnLJH-rRUPmu5M5q0E74OeDO/s2048/instagram-widget.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boy Photographer" border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6Ltc941uQeMqSl07qE7la6Qg2xh4Ha4LDoU_wJ0ymrybPBhImuoQ0lm8hRVPolLEwQjKJsKbMCiqX6QBG6eov3B0h052N7jiUcIHqQSFItI1kJTExMfmAnLJH-rRUPmu5M5q0E74OeDO/w640-h382/instagram-widget.jpg" title="Instagram widget for Blogger" width="640" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Since Glamumous' conception in 2007, this site has undergone many changes. The landscape of blogging has changed considerably over the years, and so has our ability to design and present content from additional sources. </p><p>I have no doubt that many Glamumous readers use Instagram (among other forms of social media). I'm not quite yet devoted to social media as an alternative to my own site, though I do appreciate being able to draw visual content from other sources to enhance your experience. </p><p>Including an Instagram feed in your main website provides additional content and value to your readers and helps enhance your site "brand". Various methods for including an Instagram feed widget in a Blogger-powered blog have come and gone, though I hope I've finally discovered one which works. <a href="#Instagram">Take a look at the bottom of the page</a> to see my most recent Instagram photographs.</p><p><b>For those of you who still use Blogger to publish your website, here is a short tutorial, using a free account with SnapWidget:</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">1. Sign up to <a href="http://SnapWidget.com">SnapWidget.com</a> (or log in if you already have an account).</p><p style="text-align: left;">2. In your dashboard, choose to create a new widget, and click the "Create a new widget" button. For this example, we'll select the Free Instagram Grid widget.</p><p style="text-align: left;">3. Click the "Username" field, and you'll find a pop-up screen from which you can log into Instagram to retrieve your photo feed. </p><p style="text-align: left;">4. <i>(Optional)</i> Write a brief description for your feed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">5. Set the thumbnail size you would like to display. <i>Note: if you choose to make your widget responsive (see step 7), this option will be the maximum display size, and will adapt to smaller thumbnails for different screen sizes. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;">6. Select your preferred layout, columns and rows. <i>For example, I've chosen to display a 5x1 grid in my blog's wide footer section.</i> If you want to display the widget in your sidebar, you might opt for a different configuration. </p><p style="text-align: left;">7. Select other options as appropriate to your needs. I would advise for most modern Blogger templates that you set the "Responsive" option to "Yes". This will automatically resize your widget for the screen size on which your blog is displayed. </p><p style="text-align: left;">8. Update the preview as required, and when finished, click "get widget". This will present a code snippet which you will need to copy to your clipboard.</p><p style="text-align: left;">9. Log in to your Blogger dashboard and select "Layout" from the menu. </p><p style="text-align: left;">10. Choose to create a new "HTML/Javascript" widget in the area of your blog layout where you would like to display your Instagram feed. </p><p style="text-align: left;">11. Paste the code snippet into the text box and click "save".</p><p style="text-align: left;">12. Refresh your blog to see your new widget in action!</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>I hope this simple tutorial will prove useful for those of you using Blogger to publish your site! I'm aware that other platforms (such as Wordpress) offer much simpler solutions or plugins, but have personally found support for Blogger users to be a little more tricky! Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: center;">Image credit: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/scarlizz/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Scarlizz, via Flickr</a></span></p>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-87755615142729870452019-03-13T10:00:00.000+00:002019-03-13T10:00:13.713+00:00Books to See You Through the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BDK_Y6zHkmBc4fKlp1G9Qk4sfgOlBzQVBneRzSZ9PFT2gbNEqP0TfnE4eNM6NWL6gXar6oLKAhQYyud4yrJiV0OfJ2gAwp4sRSbjjuo1RdfFp9K5SiTlmuv1K1xYN5GyPvmQ6ktw-Rpq/s1600/books-through-the-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1024" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BDK_Y6zHkmBc4fKlp1G9Qk4sfgOlBzQVBneRzSZ9PFT2gbNEqP0TfnE4eNM6NWL6gXar6oLKAhQYyud4yrJiV0OfJ2gAwp4sRSbjjuo1RdfFp9K5SiTlmuv1K1xYN5GyPvmQ6ktw-Rpq/s640/books-through-the-year.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There's something magical about books which take a whole year to read. By this, of course, I don't mean tomes of novels, in which we may lose interest before we finish. Rather, the books which we can dip into from month to month, or as the season changes. Books which offer instruction, advice, or simply encourage us to reflect throughout the year.<br />
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Such books are often most popular in the run-up to Christmas, as they are presented prominently on bookshop displays enticing customers to purchase these lovely pages as gifts for loved ones to enjoy. By January, they are all-too-frequently shelved again, as though their contents matter less once the tinsel and baubles have been taken down.<br />
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I disagree. Such delights can and should be enjoyed no matter what the season. Such books may live atop our bedside table or the sideboard shelf, opened frequently so they do not gather dust. With renewed pleasure as weeks pass, since what seemed irrelevant in the colder days matters much more when the first buds of spring emerge, or the falling leaves of autumn grace out gardens.<br />
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My list is by no means complete. What follows is a selection of books I myself have found interesting, and which I hope will satisfy a multitude of tastes and pleasures. Finding such titles without prior knowledge of their existence has proved a little difficult, so please feel free to tell me of your own favourite "yearlong" reads in the comments below so we can share with others looking for such books.<br />
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<h3>
Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden</h3>
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<span style="font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcidlzuF3hc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Holly Grace Levell🌻🕯✨ (@hollygracelevell)</a> on <time datetime="2017-12-10T22:28:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 10, 2017 at 2:28pm PST</time></span></div>
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What a beautiful and illuminating book this is! As the title suggests, it is a facsimile of the country diary produced by Edith Holden in 1909, written in her own hand and accompanied by glorious watercolour images of the flora and fauna she observed around her home in the Midlands. The book is divided into months, with the start of each chapter punctuated by a interesting anecdotes, etymology and poems.<br />
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The photograph above (by Holly Grace Levell, via Instagram) is intended to offer an insight into the gorgeously decorated pages. Although among the most expensive titles in this list, it is truly a delight to own (particularly the most recent reproduction), and you may well find a secondhand copy for a bargain price.<br />
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<h3>
The Almanac by Lia Leendertz</h3>
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This is a beautifully illustrated almanac which aims to provide a seasonal guide to he year and help us connect with the natural world.<br />
<br />
Lia Leendertz is an award winning writer on food and gardening who has published in the Guardian and Telepgraph newspapers, in addition to her long-running column for The Simple Things magazine. Her 2019 almanac follows on from the success of last year's, which revitalized the almanac tradition for a new audience. It partly follows the pattern of the old rural almanac - sunrise and sunset tables for the whole year, tide timetables, moon phases and information on the sky at night - but also features seasonal recipes, folk stories and songs, a peek inside the beehive each month, a seasonal cheese of the month, and the names of each month in all of the languages of the British Isles. It is a celebration of the British year in nature, and a joy to own!<br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/National-Trust-Seed-Nature-Every/dp/0857637703/" target="_blank">I am the Seed that Grew into a Tree - National Trust</a></h3>
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Although I discovered several volumes of daily poetry while researching this article, <i>this</i> is the book which stands out!<br />
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Marketed as a children's book, it has won the Waterstone's award for the best children's gift book in 2018, but is equally endearing for adults to read too.<br />
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Fully illustrated throughout, this gorgeous volume collects 366 poems inspired by nature, from historical to modern-day poets, including: John Agard, William Blake, Emily Bronte, Charles Causley, Walter de la Mare, Emily Dickinson, Carol Ann Duffy, Eleanor Farjeon, Robert Frost, Thomas Hardy, Roger McGough, Christina Rossetti, William Shakespeare, John Updike, William Wordsworth and many more.<br />
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It's a wonderful investment to share with your family, whether you choose to read a poem before bed in the evening, or simply dip into throughout the year.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweet-Peas-Summer-Create-Garden/dp/1408814862" target="_blank">Sweet Peas for Summer - How to Create a Garden in a Year by Laetitia Maklouf</a></h3>
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The seasoned gardeners among you will be aware of the myriad of books to help you through the year. Sadly, my fingers are far from green, so when browsing for content I was thrilled to learn that Laetitia Maklouf had written a sequel to <i>The Virgin Gardener</i> (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3899000747081893382#editor/target=post;postID=3143468636064383438;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=6;src=postname" target="_blank">Glamumous review here</a>) which is delightful!<br />
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Maklouf's style of writing is truly accessible to those of us who know little of gardening.In Sweet Peas for Summer, she takes us through the process of creating a garden which can be enjoyed year-round, including projects to make with your home-grown plants and planting ideas for every personality type.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/YEAR-WONDER-Classical-Music-Every/dp/1472252306/" target="_blank">Year of Wonder: Classical Music for Every Day by Clemency Burton-Hill</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3Zh6dhyPBPASvMkhzOIvPZKFZkj4csMGyuqyx4Qcy_fG-8hPhLjjPfeUkz7MWUt2yuREtqKka-nXl2z342PHY-kT5N2wZnBqY7VTXjZE_BtIz4AepCqjGUODLxeTU-Q1OEEUqk0zY7qm/s1600/year-of-wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3Zh6dhyPBPASvMkhzOIvPZKFZkj4csMGyuqyx4Qcy_fG-8hPhLjjPfeUkz7MWUt2yuREtqKka-nXl2z342PHY-kT5N2wZnBqY7VTXjZE_BtIz4AepCqjGUODLxeTU-Q1OEEUqk0zY7qm/s640/year-of-wonder.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Clemency Burton-Hill had the wonderful idea of assigning a piece of classical music for every day of the year, complemented by enthusiastic descriptions of her choices and a little background about each composer.<br />
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This is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about classical music, and from the reviews I've read on Amazon, it appears that seasoned enthusiasts enjoy new discoveries too! To accompany the book, you can find playlists on Spotify or Apple Music in order to avoid sourcing 365 separate downloads.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Year-Reading-Aloud-poems-learn/dp/1473670896/" target="_blank">A Year of Reading Aloud by Georgina Rodgers</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSISDo1gCI6e-EwBc7IUzHXcVdRNAdKflGRp4iH_yATRtleXesXy82vogpQ1Sx3Mha5gBZ0O22G2MvmPJICb_R4hDW8ANTm5KhQvHLGk7IDyz3ZebTjWAxE1bc45-OL2CtHKVh8ZxRcpZ/s1600/year-of-reading-aloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSISDo1gCI6e-EwBc7IUzHXcVdRNAdKflGRp4iH_yATRtleXesXy82vogpQ1Sx3Mha5gBZ0O22G2MvmPJICb_R4hDW8ANTm5KhQvHLGk7IDyz3ZebTjWAxE1bc45-OL2CtHKVh8ZxRcpZ/s640/year-of-reading-aloud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I discovered this gem on the inspiration shelf at my local library. Obviously the beautiful cover caught my eye, but upon reading the description I realised this stood apart from the other "year of poetry" books I'd looked at in it's premise.<br />
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Rogers created this book to help us revive the lost art of reading aloud, and the learning of poetry by heart. Perhaps many of my generation remember having been "forced" to learn a poem or two at school, wondering why our teachers encouraged us to experience such a seemingly pointless exercise. The fact is, reading aloud has hidden benefits: it strengthens the mind, boosts creativity and improves our working memory.<br />
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Give it a try and see for yourself! And if you disagree, at least you'll have a beautiful book with which to decorate your shelves...<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Harvard-Classics-Year-Liberal-Education-ebook/dp/B00OF9SEYG/" target="_blank">The Harvard Classics in a Year: A Liberal Education in 365 Days</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq7QUgmYMpF93871OGq7YvXADrRGhOJSxJDNqtNdJgj5bFdnUNZDHPccUNQAIk_C9rdoKr9LiTLOB1qgy93NW_2F1f7IamSEr6kkmHgttGVlqzdmHVJo6XcnZNHJmuAzdt1CO2YODTk_f/s1600/harvard-365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq7QUgmYMpF93871OGq7YvXADrRGhOJSxJDNqtNdJgj5bFdnUNZDHPccUNQAIk_C9rdoKr9LiTLOB1qgy93NW_2F1f7IamSEr6kkmHgttGVlqzdmHVJo6XcnZNHJmuAzdt1CO2YODTk_f/s640/harvard-365.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I hope you may forgive this shameless self-promotion once you realise what a fantastic tome this is!<br />
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The Harvard Classics in a Year aims to provide a whirlwind tour of classic literature. By reading for just 15 minutes a day throughout the year, you can discover text from “twelve main divisions of knowledge” including History, Poetry, Natural Science, Philosophy, Biography, Prose Fiction, Criticism and the Essay, Education, Political Science, Drama, Voyages and Travel and Religion. Each reading is framed by an introduction, a context in which the text can be read and understood, often with insightful information about the author, it's wider history, or why that particular selection is appropriate reading for that day.<br />
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Available only in digital format, this is a mammoth book which will most certainly see you through a whole year of bedtime reading - all for less than a cup of takeaway coffee!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-All-Seasons-Camilla-Morton/dp/0340922591/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=girl+for+all+seasons&qid=1552398250&s=books&sr=1-9" target="_blank">Girl for All Seasons (A Year in High Heels) by Camilla Morton</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuz2SlBiBF9F1lgPAyBcloJhY8CPE0FeFHgBXmflQ68v5jixTSeZpv5xBIs6M0d1sSmgULPrV56LHDQGZj1EeHnrKblqIJJcVl1RhHSodE1IopGZoL-eJ79rox_iRMeUOoqzF1EMom8wj/s1600/girl-for-all-seasons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="380" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuz2SlBiBF9F1lgPAyBcloJhY8CPE0FeFHgBXmflQ68v5jixTSeZpv5xBIs6M0d1sSmgULPrV56LHDQGZj1EeHnrKblqIJJcVl1RhHSodE1IopGZoL-eJ79rox_iRMeUOoqzF1EMom8wj/s640/girl-for-all-seasons.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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Camilla Morton's sequel to her bestselling "How to Walk in High Heels" is a book I've featured before on Glamumous. Despite being published twelve years ago, I still find it relevant and inspiring.<br />
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The Year in High Heels is much more about experiences than fashion and beauty - though of course Morton will assure you that you can do it all with style!<br />
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The book is divided into twelve months, each featuring fun essays, a set of challenges and a suggested read for your book club. Many guest authors have contributed, including Manolo Blahnik and Dita von Tease. Combined with Morton's witty prose, this is a great book to dip into throughout a glamorous year.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/French-Women-All-Seasons-Pleasure/dp/0099502690/" target="_blank">French Women For All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes & Pleasure by Mireille Guilliano</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCG2reSzZeLBVPi4EwMKHNK8VQOKwJvGzgug4u23y3J5QETwtwrhgWz8i001y2xHIluHdFtx3I5SJBbCIS_UFAt1l8JM0eRJ34fBFbVBrNL3RUl1wTXlpY2LufA3b2-0oLP8nndf4gxVq/s1600/french-women-all-seasona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCG2reSzZeLBVPi4EwMKHNK8VQOKwJvGzgug4u23y3J5QETwtwrhgWz8i001y2xHIluHdFtx3I5SJBbCIS_UFAt1l8JM0eRJ34fBFbVBrNL3RUl1wTXlpY2LufA3b2-0oLP8nndf4gxVq/s640/french-women-all-seasona.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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By the author of French Women Don't Get Fat, this is a wonderful book of seasonal recipes and simple pleasures.<br />
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Mireille Guilliano encourages us to eat for pleasure, to savour our food while also (miraculously) maintaining a healthy weight. Far more than a simple book of recipes, this title encourages to examine how we live, and to take simple pleasure in our lives. I rather enjoy re-reading Guilliano's outlook throughout the changing seasons.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calendar-Wisdom-Alma-Classics/dp/184749563X/" target="_blank">A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMObzeasgMvvkqPBBXHM2vtxNOWQJ2ohjhqUp2HD-SLVLwEAJO_uj_apAPie2gWYAXtjWGQ1Pn_SmLtksc3FPSsrxSeJzQItRvqqDiLt7cYC81RQZ83vKMFH-KVSi0PJR39tOxylhgOLa/s1600/calendar-of-wisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMObzeasgMvvkqPBBXHM2vtxNOWQJ2ohjhqUp2HD-SLVLwEAJO_uj_apAPie2gWYAXtjWGQ1Pn_SmLtksc3FPSsrxSeJzQItRvqqDiLt7cYC81RQZ83vKMFH-KVSi0PJR39tOxylhgOLa/s640/calendar-of-wisdom.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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During the final 15 or so years of his life, Leo Tolstoy collected and published the maxims of some of the world's greatest masters of philosophy, religion and literature, adding his own contributions to various questions that preoccupied him in old age, such as faith and existence, as well as matters of everyday life.<br />
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Originally, this book was banned in Tolstoy's native communist Russia. Although his last major work, this book proved popular both during and after his lifetime, offering readers a daily delve into the thoughts and writings which had influenced him so greatly.<br />
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This version was originally translated into English and printed during the 1970's, and resurrected in the current format just a few years ago. It's a lovely book to dip in and out of, or to read first thing in the morning as brain-fodder for the day ahead.<br />
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<h3>
What are your favourite year-round books?</h3>
This selection provides just a few of the "year-round" books I discovered while researching for this article, though I will say they are my favourites (I own almost all of them, and have borrowed the others!). Have I missed your favourite title? Please feel free to leave your own comments and suggestions below.<br />
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Header image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/elbokkie/6291932230/in/faves-8131003@N03/" target="_blank">David Morgan, via Flickr.</a>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-54825865650371643582019-03-12T11:00:00.000+00:002019-03-12T12:24:52.091+00:00Free Kids Reading Log Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqozzzWu1re3QlzQrOMF06K9mNnxOVJSHnrf9wGRvBGdjPhNRl6xdrDy1mCV-u-dxHN3hj4Hf7epydB9hWwXmw4f4IZzDyDeE3mczo_-imFKIeF-TMPhqQCEOIySkmd-1je5PhIRyXnsN/s1600/reading-log-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqozzzWu1re3QlzQrOMF06K9mNnxOVJSHnrf9wGRvBGdjPhNRl6xdrDy1mCV-u-dxHN3hj4Hf7epydB9hWwXmw4f4IZzDyDeE3mczo_-imFKIeF-TMPhqQCEOIySkmd-1je5PhIRyXnsN/s640/reading-log-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What better way to encourage your children to read daily than providing them with a cute reading log?<br />
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I designed this “Woodland Hipster” themed reading log a few years ago for my daughter, it was originally published on my <a href="http://www.allmyprettybooks.com/2014/06/what-better-way-to-encourage-your.html" target="_blank">Pretty Books</a> website, but I thought Glamumous readers may enjoy it too. This design uses clipart by Clementine Digitals @ Etsy.com.<br />
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The log was designed to be printed on A4 paper in booklet format, and includes plenty of space for your children to write about their daily reading habits, plus space for reflection at the weekend. There’s an optional bookmark and pocket for the back page.<br />
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Here's some more pictures from my Instagram feed:<br />
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<span style="font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6F0nQH6gH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Glamumous (@glamumous)</a> on <time datetime="2019-03-12T12:07:12+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 12, 2019 at 5:07am PDT</time></span></div>
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<h3>
You will need:</h3>
<ul>
<li>A4 sized paper and cardstock</li>
<li>Scissors or a craft knife and ruler</li>
<li>Glue</li>
<li>(Optional) Corner punch</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
To print and assemble:</h3>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B4qfKCEK9vP6ejNtTU9YMUlDYTQ" target="_blank">Download the free PDF</a></li>
<li>Print pages 1-2 on a single sheet of A4 cardstock (print on both sides). This will form the “cover” of your reading record.</li>
<li>Print pages 3-8 on both sides of A4 printer paper (the inner pages).</li>
<li>Fold the cover and sheets in half, and assemble. Staple together along the fold (or stitch if you prefer).</li>
<li>Finally, print page 9 on a single side of thin card stock (this is the sheet for the bookmark and inner pocket). Cut out the bookmark and (if desired) round corners with a corner punch.</li>
<li>Cut around the pocket, score along the flap lines and fold inwards. Use glue or double sided tape to stick the pocket inside the rear cover of your reading record.</li>
<li>Feel free to download, print and share with anyone you think might enjoy using a reading record! I’m happy for you to share an image or two on your own website, but please direct people here to download the file (rather than hosting the PDF on your own site).</li>
</ol>
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<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B4qfKCEK9vP6ejNtTU9YMUlDYTQ" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Download the Free Kids Reading Log Printable Here</span></a>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-6417077540846697592019-03-04T11:00:00.000+00:002019-03-04T16:15:39.486+00:00How to celebrate World Book Day 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7j415_iSHqdiRmEZxeuNwS5fwJ1DuR3J3eB4D28A-SLsFYE-PUqYTbMlyGzoD8ATJ1JOpBUEJxd8c4LljTqjEyzVXlaoxiwWAEtG-n0oFGM7eLKAVl5Otzs9ug4H1ZtTnrfWuxfqA1aL/s1600/WBD2019_ahoy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7j415_iSHqdiRmEZxeuNwS5fwJ1DuR3J3eB4D28A-SLsFYE-PUqYTbMlyGzoD8ATJ1JOpBUEJxd8c4LljTqjEyzVXlaoxiwWAEtG-n0oFGM7eLKAVl5Otzs9ug4H1ZtTnrfWuxfqA1aL/s640/WBD2019_ahoy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
If you have a child of school age, it's most likely that you've heard of World Book Day! On Thursday March 7th, social media will be inundated with pictures of children dressed as their favourite fictional characters, while schools will be devising new and interesting ways to encourage a love of reading for their students.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/dressing-up-ideas-2019/" target="_blank">There are loads of ideas for dressing up, including instructions for how to achieve these costumes, over on the World Book Day website</a>. Most of these don't require you to buy anything new or specific, perhaps just a printable or two and a little imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ-4GjuYuH-zrjZXMONYB3873O9zZa6MjalUK5CZFb_aWS1ic6UJvZz0TGLblLFx6qtJncIOprm5N4QLeFRuJNzyzObw4-Rb8xIq9B9Z9NSbwZVh5RucKNpFh6OEnZcBpJjo5Kspg6BqV/s1600/dress-up-banner-banner-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ-4GjuYuH-zrjZXMONYB3873O9zZa6MjalUK5CZFb_aWS1ic6UJvZz0TGLblLFx6qtJncIOprm5N4QLeFRuJNzyzObw4-Rb8xIq9B9Z9NSbwZVh5RucKNpFh6OEnZcBpJjo5Kspg6BqV/s640/dress-up-banner-banner-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alternatively, this brilliant list of "no stress" World Book Day costumes by Artventurers may help you find something fast and fabulous - even if it's at the last minute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw1YDxl-2ajuf1Bq9Nds4ehOuDdkUhqVUHGvDyiRvBPIqe5M6RxJ_-YUoK29CjoIN8ogkTlx18Y4050rTdBUuGYEmv-JG9mHga6CYNzJLo4O_ZI3cQpDSm4BLNcQWhVdC0ba8atq5Pjva/s1600/artventurers-wbd-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw1YDxl-2ajuf1Bq9Nds4ehOuDdkUhqVUHGvDyiRvBPIqe5M6RxJ_-YUoK29CjoIN8ogkTlx18Y4050rTdBUuGYEmv-JG9mHga6CYNzJLo4O_ZI3cQpDSm4BLNcQWhVdC0ba8atq5Pjva/s640/artventurers-wbd-ideas.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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World Book Day isn't just about dressing up though! By fostering a love of reading from an early age, we can ensure that our children:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Experience sufficient mental stimulation, which is proven to reduce the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer’s in later life</li>
<li>Have reduced stress levels</li>
<li>Broaden their knowledge (including emotional intelligence)</li>
<li>Expand their vocabulary</li>
<li>Improve their memory</li>
<li>Develop stronger analytical thinking skills</li>
<li>Improve focus and concentration</li>
<li>Develop better writing skills</li>
</ul>
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<div>
Since it's inception in 1995, World Book Day has developed a huge resource bank of activities, downloads and events to engage a young audience. Why not try one of the following ideas with your children on Thursday?</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
Attend a local event</h3>
<div>
Bookstores and supermarkets and attractions across the country have planned child-friendly events for World Book Day. From family art activities to reading rare books in a museum, find out what's happening in your area by searching on the <a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/news-press/events/" target="_blank">WBD events</a> page.</div>
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<h3>
Host a Big Booky Breakfast</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLNCL4mCg-OHbVvz_VXZu7hRjDgIB7E4b43tNo7dWPvMScE28uiXUcPczZ6urc-DG8ck4AZqhW7GhD9GklzjLYbIqW8Y8TI2WIvu207eXVUVutVIRpVRGxkx29zsXPtRNJJ9WM4SOcMtv/s1600/big-booky-breakfast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLNCL4mCg-OHbVvz_VXZu7hRjDgIB7E4b43tNo7dWPvMScE28uiXUcPczZ6urc-DG8ck4AZqhW7GhD9GklzjLYbIqW8Y8TI2WIvu207eXVUVutVIRpVRGxkx29zsXPtRNJJ9WM4SOcMtv/s640/big-booky-breakfast.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
If your children will be at school on World Book Day, celebrate at breakfast time and help raise much needed funds for Book Aid International! </div>
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<div>
If you're stuck for ideas, you can find a <a href="https://bookaid.org/support-us/world-book-day/" target="_blank">free resource pack on the Book Aid International website</a>, plus loads of videos, printables and recommendations. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just £2 will help send a book to children who may otherwise never hold a book in their hands. </div>
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<h3>
Watch an author or illustrator masterclass</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mwT8yHTfZVHPJgLGlKx3BP8MxiAXKs0qQ41quU39Ew1_ttjfv_YZcPGckHB4CiWdPbWnwcvqI0V5vzSNJFia-0MnG33NEjPc7jt4EyExqRjZgC1MDdwxcXOb7BtjhkikPWCegV6wAaK8/s1600/Masterclass-carousel-watch-now-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mwT8yHTfZVHPJgLGlKx3BP8MxiAXKs0qQ41quU39Ew1_ttjfv_YZcPGckHB4CiWdPbWnwcvqI0V5vzSNJFia-0MnG33NEjPc7jt4EyExqRjZgC1MDdwxcXOb7BtjhkikPWCegV6wAaK8/s640/Masterclass-carousel-watch-now-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
The World Book Day team has created 12 free films to help inspire children of all ages, with a key focus on reading, writing, illustrating and creativity. Featuring brilliant content from Lauren Child, Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Sibéal Pounder, Jeff Kinney and Chris Riddell, each video is accompanied by free resources to help continue learning after the end credits. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/online-masterclasses/" target="_blank">Find these on the World Book Day Masterclasses page.</a></b></div>
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<h3>
Watch the BBC Live Lesson</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04WrpWVFHHUGbh-2I0I0CiG31h0X9PoWOoKMKYzjX3wEq6Zi5FiY25v8vsoCn8w_ZWr6FGiceDH4XsmQz_U2INP-dyAHUvvblD9dJ3fqrtyvQqcCrDgKgQWDnmR1S4Kw3BdPpk7pXw2Ej/s1600/live-lesson-bbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04WrpWVFHHUGbh-2I0I0CiG31h0X9PoWOoKMKYzjX3wEq6Zi5FiY25v8vsoCn8w_ZWr6FGiceDH4XsmQz_U2INP-dyAHUvvblD9dJ3fqrtyvQqcCrDgKgQWDnmR1S4Kw3BdPpk7pXw2Ej/s640/live-lesson-bbc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
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<div>
At 2pm on World Book Day, the BBC will screen a "live lesson" for World Book Day, which will be available to view afterwards on the website. It's aimed at primary school-aged children, though there are other related "lessons" already available on the website suitable for older children and parents. </div>
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<div>
<b><a href="https://www.bbc.com/teach/live-lessons" target="_blank">Learn more by visiting the BBC Live Lessons page.</a></b></div>
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<h3>
Design a National Book Token</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgap8GHYI5p-KRfFYu_sFusnRFKzE6nysmw-94sUrrjpC8Yto4D6WCMA_EotAkGWPYqvQxvwQKUQaSp6wv1XIEhEJh5xvJD7S6uJni-zUc_M2dVI2weEyBfTz-Pq3DO6QmHAOc89sZyZn/s1600/design-national-book-token.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgap8GHYI5p-KRfFYu_sFusnRFKzE6nysmw-94sUrrjpC8Yto4D6WCMA_EotAkGWPYqvQxvwQKUQaSp6wv1XIEhEJh5xvJD7S6uJni-zUc_M2dVI2weEyBfTz-Pq3DO6QmHAOc89sZyZn/s640/design-national-book-token.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
Encourage your children to take part in the Design a National Book Token competition to be in with a chance of winning hundreds of pounds worth of books!</div>
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<div>
The theme of this year's competition is "Share a Story". A panel of judges will select a winner and runner-up in each of three age categories: up to 8 years, 9-12 years and 13-16 years.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/competitions/make-your-mark-design-a-national-book-token-competition-2019/" target="_blank">For more information and to download the template, visit this page on the World Book Day website</a></b>.</div>
<div>
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<h3>
Find reading recommendations and share a story!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglIzcyH9xeGWG6rg6FD8n_cICBz11zqUeJcusO7OYvVYvApnFFm8AL6ue__EUHNrgZk_5uRvbyEuyP8b1QLbTM4LYB1sSBM64wNvv-t0gwG_mJkvXZLieBnj50HeRo92Ij8eaEx2fjRiQ/s1600/How-are-you-sharing-stories-family-image-carousel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglIzcyH9xeGWG6rg6FD8n_cICBz11zqUeJcusO7OYvVYvApnFFm8AL6ue__EUHNrgZk_5uRvbyEuyP8b1QLbTM4LYB1sSBM64wNvv-t0gwG_mJkvXZLieBnj50HeRo92Ij8eaEx2fjRiQ/s640/How-are-you-sharing-stories-family-image-carousel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
Reading should not be confined to World Book Day, instead it can be a way of spending quality time with your children. And while bedtime stories are wonderful, there are many more ways of sharing a story with our young ones. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To be inspired about what to read next, take a look at the <a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/reading-ideas-youll-love/" target="_blank">huge list of reading recommendations on this page of the WBD site</a> - there's something for all ages and every taste here!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then <a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/ideas/share-a-story/" target="_blank">join the campaign to get the nation sharing stories from breakfast to bedtime</a>. There are dozens of resources here, from printable reading records to guides for parents, posters and more. You should also check out the <b>ideas</b> section which includes resources for the <a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/ideas/" target="_blank">Big Book Off challenge</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
How are you celebrating World Book Day this year?</h3>
<div>
Have you been inspired to create an event of your own, or will the stress of creating a costume be enough? Please feel free share your comments and experiences below.</div>
Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-984506997391991452019-03-01T11:00:00.000+00:002019-03-01T20:10:15.260+00:00Happy March! What to look forward to this month...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxvKDoKreD_qJLa2GqPdGsyjEOBsq5jc1MFnYcnd3oXrLbP7sGD-JJAn_QPg-mmN2xxUuuzkuCc_Qe811KTjUAp6RUae9-KyDTaQrhrwvO1FoMcUUsAhnFdHVE0tWil7DhEy4Wiq-n-jm/s1600/daffodils-for-march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxvKDoKreD_qJLa2GqPdGsyjEOBsq5jc1MFnYcnd3oXrLbP7sGD-JJAn_QPg-mmN2xxUuuzkuCc_Qe811KTjUAp6RUae9-KyDTaQrhrwvO1FoMcUUsAhnFdHVE0tWil7DhEy4Wiq-n-jm/s640/daffodils-for-march.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy White Rabbi Day lovely readers! For me, the first of March signals the dawn of a new season. Here in the UK, a week of balmy weather has made it feel as though Spring has started already (though this time last year, we were almost knee-deep in snow!). The high street is already displaying it's Spring and Summer wares, while snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils are peeking their colourful heads above ground.<br />
<br />
Speaking of daffodils... Today is Saint David's Day, the patron saint of Wales. It's said that Saint David lived for over 100 years, and performed several miraculous feats, including raising the ground he was standing on into a hill so that he people listening to him speak could hear more clearly.<br />
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Here's what else we can look forward to this month:<br />
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<h4>
5th March - Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)</h4>
Shrove Tuesday marks the start of Lent: the 40 days before Easter when traditionally Christians would fast. On this day, eggs, butter and stocks of fat were used up to ensure no temptations were present in the larder. Originating before the 16th century, the tradition has remained with us in England and evolved into Pancake Day when we look forward to enjoying the sweet (or savoury) treat!<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6an_2wD-PqO3TWGXVEO8ANkEcf9Lx8dGZKcoocs2Y_jBkQojZ1Laam7hh6LFDPILAJorCgH2xPcmEYiIgJSQOynjDaBcx6ZpVM4kNx2ztXpGar50XsPUOlRE6P2ay_aW12KNSnDyzqEEa/s1600/pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6an_2wD-PqO3TWGXVEO8ANkEcf9Lx8dGZKcoocs2Y_jBkQojZ1Laam7hh6LFDPILAJorCgH2xPcmEYiIgJSQOynjDaBcx6ZpVM4kNx2ztXpGar50XsPUOlRE6P2ay_aW12KNSnDyzqEEa/s640/pancakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21048179@N03/4503415213/in/photolist-bBRJu-25A7ftP-HfjrZH-CGRwp-nStn16-ae5KrS-9zqA7c-ndwAXZ-7VeKq6-RksA-GTQV9-eiDX2D-9kuSMW-nMhAJd-88Dijm-eePDg9-9BqETg-7K6J1F-ncWaTi-bK9Dc2-22WXyoS-9p2URp-cu5Js-mv4gBW-68KkQt-7SjoLp-GazbT-66fpDb-mN955W-yWv5c-FxNaY-mf9T3V-PhSxo-nf6DwS-4zz97i-7SnLwU-C7zVZ-7ENPHF-7RJScC-7RXbrT-hnWMWn-7PStjg-6cwabf-9DnPWf-4EiSXE-fLyeSr-6aM4fm-nvF9ry-bMt8ir-byz7LL" target="_blank">Irene Mai</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h4>
7th March - World Book Day</h4>
<div>
The first Thursday of March is the date we celebrate World Book Day here in the UK. It is a day when we celebrate the written word and encourage literacy, particularly for our children.</div>
<div>
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<div>
I'll be working on a post about this over the weekend, but in the meantime check out <a href="https://www.worldbookday.com/" target="_blank">the World Book Day website</a> to learn more.<br />
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<h4>
8th March - International Women's Day</h4>
International women's Day has been celebrated across the world on March 8th since women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917. On this day, we celebrate the amazing social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women, while campaigning for greater progress towards gender equality.<br />
<br />
This year's campaign theme is #BalanceForBetter. As explained on the official website:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.</blockquote>
We're all encouraged to post our #IWD2019 message on social media with our "hands out" balance pose for a strong call-to-action for others to also help forge a #BalanceforBetter.<br />
<br />
For more information and to see what events are happening near you, be sure to check out the official <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank">International Women's Day website</a>.</div>
<h4>
18th March - Saint Patrick's Day</h4>
Saint Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland, who - according to legend - rid Ireland of snakes. Once a traditional feast day, it has evolved into a celebratory day where people around the world wear green or attend gatherings to eat Irish food and drinks.<br />
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<h4>
31st March - British Summer Time begins!</h4>
At 1am, we'll turn our clocks forward one hour and lament the hour we'll miss in bed... Bu since it's the official start of Summer, we have a lot to look forward to!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8FcualhPIfdHuxM7BpkjKxhM0c7nvkcOIA0Y84W8kQRRbZpZU4T_a9wOgGJ_TOY_-_4jKEhlQUkusd9LB3OjVeJfmgR6JxPmV9uv7g8kmEOPZ9p4_DRXOTI2khnZY46XhfErx993rLgf/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="640" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8FcualhPIfdHuxM7BpkjKxhM0c7nvkcOIA0Y84W8kQRRbZpZU4T_a9wOgGJ_TOY_-_4jKEhlQUkusd9LB3OjVeJfmgR6JxPmV9uv7g8kmEOPZ9p4_DRXOTI2khnZY46XhfErx993rLgf/s640/tulips.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mukumbura/4042180234/in/photolist-7acemE-jUSMBZ-chmoKE-8KL9bL-25fXXjN-29amG9v-nC4zQ4-dp2wiG-5mLAeG-8RMJLr-aA6ejA-6c5rRy-8qHuEw-qn4pm-fPxNm2-RQQaZb-2b4qdr4-rNZdZU-pYMQ8g-7epdnn-2d2rBdy-gSp6Z3-9NCE48-KXduR-oczB4b-dVvocb-nGGgrN-4EKN56-4kpkWU-9NFk5w-obzj9w-cCSAHs-9NFpHu-29xNtRB-9NEKvf-6ATDPE-6LmKU-5kpHht-6fj41Q-4P15uG-HxEydk-c9ffjG-5oFHP1-y69qe-cPCvYE-5kpHjH-nqerw3-29amMuv-smgwsh-2ekdkcT" target="_blank">Tristan Martin</a></td></tr>
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What are you looking forward to celebrating in March? Please feel free to leave your comments below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Credits: Header image: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21048179@N03/4503415213/in/photolist-bBRJu-25A7ftP-HfjrZH-CGRwp-nStn16-ae5KrS-9zqA7c-ndwAXZ-7VeKq6-RksA-GTQV9-eiDX2D-9kuSMW-nMhAJd-88Dijm-eePDg9-9BqETg-7K6J1F-ncWaTi-bK9Dc2-22WXyoS-9p2URp-cu5Js-mv4gBW-68KkQt-7SjoLp-GazbT-66fpDb-mN955W-yWv5c-FxNaY-mf9T3V-PhSxo-nf6DwS-4zz97i-7SnLwU-C7zVZ-7ENPHF-7RJScC-7RXbrT-hnWMWn-7PStjg-6cwabf-9DnPWf-4EiSXE-fLyeSr-6aM4fm-nvF9ry-bMt8ir-byz7LL" target="_blank">ausey00</a>, via Flickr. </span>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-19997435849568361762019-02-27T11:00:00.000+00:002019-02-27T14:13:08.392+00:00Knitting dishcloths from old t-shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cHPEiDxW7zspHlTtSLIJGw-VqzHKVB3Fz55VbftQgmOlcl7h062MXXmZBELv8fOSkl2bT6fpDsYErWAiaqPL6t6TB1EnmhOtuaQAvi4ZeUyNo5N1hbI2y9gQPa0Z6HOO8ig75ckQZL75/s1600/knitted-cloths-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cHPEiDxW7zspHlTtSLIJGw-VqzHKVB3Fz55VbftQgmOlcl7h062MXXmZBELv8fOSkl2bT6fpDsYErWAiaqPL6t6TB1EnmhOtuaQAvi4ZeUyNo5N1hbI2y9gQPa0Z6HOO8ig75ckQZL75/s640/knitted-cloths-main.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After Marie-Kondo-ing our closets, we were left with several t-shirts which weren't well suited for donating. I cut several up to use as dusters and polishing cloths (they're great for glass and mirrors!), but decided to re-purpose the remaining few to use as dishcloths, as the texture is great for scrubbing without damage to delicate plates.<br />
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T-shirt yarn, I've discovered, is surprisingly fun to work with. You'll need chunky needles, which should only cost a couple of pounds from a haberdashery, a large sharp pair of scissors, and just a little patience. Plus any old t-shirts which are past their best.<br />
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To make t-shirt yarn, you'll want to create one long piece from each t-shirt.<br />
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Cut off the bottom seam, then just under the arms, in straight lines, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQUB9VqAQBRex0EYN3DMLQYTLtrSkRISUruRKKkNGDz6hco4CYxOlcHdLU5azdNv9bEDpDaFQv_OYnZm2_b4cWZIe5hIkvfjE0gWJ0sFkqoe8_p7hIm3RTZoHOWNWb1x2QHfxTzYlTi81/s1600/t-shirt-cut-top-bottom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQUB9VqAQBRex0EYN3DMLQYTLtrSkRISUruRKKkNGDz6hco4CYxOlcHdLU5azdNv9bEDpDaFQv_OYnZm2_b4cWZIe5hIkvfjE0gWJ0sFkqoe8_p7hIm3RTZoHOWNWb1x2QHfxTzYlTi81/s640/t-shirt-cut-top-bottom.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Turn the t-shirt on it's side, then cut up from the bottom in straight lines about 1 inch apart, leaving one inch at the top:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRpWB_GLecpHwJI2c6aanDh_CAKvcskJTjQ9jR4AwJoeMEqdSNn9hR_qYKJcI9UVUg5M6zu4P6nvka6r2PrS1F97uNBPGHc72yqIMHWyPuz1XspVjHYQ4zu_dVRKaeOlKLrm_UlzwdKaV/s1600/Side+seam.+cutting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRpWB_GLecpHwJI2c6aanDh_CAKvcskJTjQ9jR4AwJoeMEqdSNn9hR_qYKJcI9UVUg5M6zu4P6nvka6r2PrS1F97uNBPGHc72yqIMHWyPuz1XspVjHYQ4zu_dVRKaeOlKLrm_UlzwdKaV/s640/Side+seam.+cutting.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This next bit is trickier to explain. Move the uncut section (which should run across a side-seam) to the centre, then cut diagonally to the left to join each section. The first cut from the left should go right to the edge, and will form one end of your yarn. Then the second strip on the bottom will join to the first strip on the top, and so on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF5NbOQHvuXLUe4UOJHIopDUvcIQ6tQht26okMJBPpwWpEcjG_EwpjRgXY2WCXDDoido7-DiqO-wnMYErD62q35Aas1mWJ8UY7i6wMRCeCIhf5iDoJbSWsgscpyxnmT5lmivPgc94J3zG/s1600/cutting-into-long-strip2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF5NbOQHvuXLUe4UOJHIopDUvcIQ6tQht26okMJBPpwWpEcjG_EwpjRgXY2WCXDDoido7-DiqO-wnMYErD62q35Aas1mWJ8UY7i6wMRCeCIhf5iDoJbSWsgscpyxnmT5lmivPgc94J3zG/s640/cutting-into-long-strip2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This should leave you with one long strip of fabric. Now for the magic!<br />
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Take the yarn on small sections between your hands and pull it taught. You'll find the yarn stretches and curls in on itself.<br />
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Once it's all done, you can wrap it into a ball and get knitting!<br />
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For me, knowing how many stitches to cast on was a bit hit and miss. I gauged much easier with the pale fabric, cut from an XL-sized men's t-shirt with 20 stitches. The striped one was much smaller so I cast on 15, but ended up with a long rectangle!<br />
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Once you've finished your square (or rectangle) you can finish it off by pulling the remaining yarn through the final stitch to knot, then weaving the end through your stitching to neaten it off.<br />
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I found the process very satisfying: the chunky yarn makes for quick and easy projects, though I'm yet to discover how to join t-shirt yarn neatly to knit something larger.<br />
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Will you try this project yourself? Let us know how you get on, or if you have any hints and tips, by leaving your comments below.Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-21086313312587303392019-02-25T11:00:00.000+00:002019-02-25T15:17:39.468+00:00Little Guides to Great Lives - Brilliant Biographies for Curious Young Minds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuatQeyUoDMZKFMZ9qmYGum0Fh40U4kpFXsTJzoY1GdSJDzGJP8TDtdqVTjrdLulcXlOJdtakHz_8h9Y6jckYesj6pVyU7tLxBrxhZKZFG3wsIL-8WthFlFLJFruAlt7KIwXbfwd3wnKs/s1600/Little_Guides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuatQeyUoDMZKFMZ9qmYGum0Fh40U4kpFXsTJzoY1GdSJDzGJP8TDtdqVTjrdLulcXlOJdtakHz_8h9Y6jckYesj6pVyU7tLxBrxhZKZFG3wsIL-8WthFlFLJFruAlt7KIwXbfwd3wnKs/s640/Little_Guides.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whilst peeking through the insanely busy exhibition at our local museum this weekend, I chanced upon a copy of the Leonardo Da Vinci title of the Little Guides to Great Lives series, published by Laurence King.<br />
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The collection aims to provide child-friendly biographies of great figures from history, and the packaging is utterly delightful. Each book is printed in three Pantone colours, as opposed to the traditional four-colour CMYK process. The colour choices for each title are relevant to the person on which they are based, giving them a unique style which is not (from a design perspective) overly prescriptive.<br />
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Throughout each book, all pages are presented and illustrated like this:<br />
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They are absolutely stunning titles, we want to collect them all!<br />
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Currently, there are 8 titles in the series, with more to be published later this year, including:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/marie-curie/" target="_blank">Marie Curie</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/amelia-earhart/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/nelson-mandela/" target="_blank">Nelson Mandela</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/leonardo-da-vinci/" target="_blank">Leonardo Da Vinci</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/frida-kahlo/" target="_blank">Frida Kahlo</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/charles-darwin/" target="_blank">Charles Darwin</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/little-guides-to-great-lives-anne-frank/" target="_blank">Anne Frank</a> (Available 22/04/2019)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.laurenceking.com/product/little-guides-to-great-lives-ferdinand-magellan/" target="_blank">Ferdinand Magellan </a>(Available 22/04/2019)</li>
<li>Stephen Hawking (Due October 2019)</li>
<li>Maya Angelou (Due October 2019)</li>
</ul>
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I've deliberately linked to each book's product page on the Laurence King website so you can also see the extra content available for each title. To aid learning (and enjoyment!), each biography has a printable challenge and certificate of completion available!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzG6YEjQn-dZRULbmcEChA7YGkny6IYaadLCeXarHrGoHz_nkG_c6GK604lboPQE584A7pSJOzBE9J_3rnnrZ9WbBJVXSwVfi-u2QVWeuI6xWuCEmjzjDx44KRXtgBJ5F_rrMGZ96q-PM/s1600/little_guides_activity_sheets_amelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzG6YEjQn-dZRULbmcEChA7YGkny6IYaadLCeXarHrGoHz_nkG_c6GK604lboPQE584A7pSJOzBE9J_3rnnrZ9WbBJVXSwVfi-u2QVWeuI6xWuCEmjzjDx44KRXtgBJ5F_rrMGZ96q-PM/s640/little_guides_activity_sheets_amelia.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example activity sheet, featuring Amelia Earhart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the things I love most about this series is that they are packaged and presented in "unisex" format. Though I truly love the current publishing trend for books about inspiring women which follows on from the success of "Rebel Girls", I am a parent to both genders and hope to inspire them equally with stories of historical figures.<br />
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Indeed, Laurence King's editorial director was keen that the series' biographical choices were equally weighted to both men and women, and should feature a diverse range to reflect international interests.<br />
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All of the titles are priced at £8.99 and can be purchased directly from the publisher, via Amazon, and (hopefully) your local bookstore.<br />
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Which of the titles do you want to read the most? Please feel free to offer your opinions in the comments section below.Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-51813175663381879422019-02-11T11:00:00.000+00:002021-12-08T13:35:49.716+00:00A Week of Classic Romantic Movies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past few weeks, the box set of choice for my daughter and I has been Gossip Girl, which has led me to explain on numerous occasions the relevance of storylines borrowed from Hollywood's Golden Age of cinema (those of you aware of Blair Waldorf's dream-scenes will understand!).<br />
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So in honour of upcoming Valentine's Day celebrations, I compiled a list of "must-watch" classic romance movies, one for every day of the week. From an ill-fated rendezvous at the top of the Empire State Building to a ??????, these are films which have inspired sentimental cinema for decades thereafter. We hope you may enjoy watching along with us!<br />
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<h3>
Monday: Casablanca (1942)</h3>
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Considered one of the greatest movies of all time, Casablanca presents the story of Rick Blane (Humphrey Bogart): a world-weary expatriate who runs a club in the titled city. Despite pressure from the authorities, his club has become a haven for refugees seeking help to escape to America. When Rick's former lover, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) shows up with her husband, he has a tough decision to make. "Play it once, Sam. For old time's sake."<br />
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<h3>
Tuesday: The Swan (1956)</h3>
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Prince Albert (Alec Guinness), who is scouring Europe for a wife, arrives in a tiny town to visit a banished family of nobles. Their matriarch, Beatrix wants her daughter, Alexandra (Grace Kelly), to marry Albert so that her family will be welcomed back into the kingdom. In order to rouse Albert's attention, Alexandra flirts with her attractive tutor, Dr. Agi ; however, Alexandra's plan hits a snag when she develops genuine feelings for Dr. Agi.<br />
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The movie takes on a much deeper meaning when we realise that Grace Kelley was, while filming this role, being courted by a real-life prince of her own!<br />
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<h3>
Wednesday: My Fair Lady (1964)</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuaueyT7686oKKI-EJUQMpNFhM-NEW6lFVS-z9yBhXwZC7cxJ5JaMFFw7l3wLaX86Nuwc8SBaHuwkqHP4DTAOsfBfW1ruIus8iixCHRqt04L2KGBeZ7Y9Pxr4Ht9L8VGxZfiCPCMs8GUp/s1600/my-fair-lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="450" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuaueyT7686oKKI-EJUQMpNFhM-NEW6lFVS-z9yBhXwZC7cxJ5JaMFFw7l3wLaX86Nuwc8SBaHuwkqHP4DTAOsfBfW1ruIus8iixCHRqt04L2KGBeZ7Y9Pxr4Ht9L8VGxZfiCPCMs8GUp/s400/my-fair-lady.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) is a pompous professor who makes a wager that he can transform any "lowly" woman to pass for a cultured member of high society. His subject is Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn): a flower girl with a cockney accent, who agrees to Henry's lessons in order to improve her job prospects. The pair develop an unlikely bond, but this becomes threatened when an aristocrat falls in love with Eliza.<br />
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Based on Pygmalion, this adorable musical is the ideal antidote to any hump-day blues!<br />
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Thursday: How to Marry a Millionairre (1953)</h3>
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Schatze Page, Loco Dempsey and Pola Debevoise (Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe) are three women on a mission: They all want to marry a millionaire. To accomplish this task, they move into a fancy New York City apartment and begin courting the city's elite. They have no problem meeting rich men, but unfortunately most of them turn out to be creeps or cons. Eventually they must decide: Is a life of luxury more important to them than finding true love?<br />
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Friday: It Happened One Night (1934)</h3>
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This critically acclaimed romantic comedy is often cited as the "original" rom-com from which all others are inspired. Spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) impetuously marries the scheming King Westley, leading her tycoon father to spirit her away on his yacht. After jumping ship, Ellie falls in with cynical newspaper reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable), who offers to help her reunite with her new husband in exchange for an exclusive story. But during their travels, the reporter finds himself falling for the feisty young heiress.<br />
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Saturday: An Affair to Remember (1957)</h3>
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When Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) first meet, they are both involved with other people, but after spending a few days together, they realise they have fallen in love. Since they both need to settle affairs before they can be together, they agree to meet again in six months time on top of the Empire State building. Unfortunately, fate intervenes resulting in a misunderstanding, bitterness and heartbreak. Will they reunite, or has destiny passed them by?<br />
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If you enjoyed Sleepless in Seattle, you'll truly appreciate the movie which influenced it so greatly.<br />
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<h3>
Sunday: Breakfast at Tiffany's</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslDJBpWhkJbfxa4B1OTWNZm65bD-jocrLbJ51Eu0Y7Hjr4q_wv5JmFZcZuFH_2trL6UP2ey9pZiq4OD6dW7IOmoL8CaDhSa1HGV8yHxOveGttRIeWVHvFAHDw1v5XGBQ7P1p8R60Phd_N/s1600/breakfast-at-tiffanys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="450" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslDJBpWhkJbfxa4B1OTWNZm65bD-jocrLbJ51Eu0Y7Hjr4q_wv5JmFZcZuFH_2trL6UP2ey9pZiq4OD6dW7IOmoL8CaDhSa1HGV8yHxOveGttRIeWVHvFAHDw1v5XGBQ7P1p8R60Phd_N/s400/breakfast-at-tiffanys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I saved my favourite for last: what better time to spend on a lazy Sunday afternoon than watching Audrey Hepburn in what is arguably her best role?<br />
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Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepbyrn) is a quirky New York socialite who appreciates money for her cab fare and the powder room in exchange for her companionship. Then Paul Varjak (George Preppard), a "kept" writer in a creative rut, moves into the building and the two develop a friendship. After a day "on the town", Paul realises he is falling in love with Holly, but she is determined to marry the wealthy Jose. Will she reciprocate Paul's genuine feelings, or follow her self-destructive ambitions to marry a rich man?<br />
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Did your favourite Golden Age romance feature in this list? We'd love more recommendations to add to our watch list, so please comment with your suggestions below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credit (top of post): <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jek-a-go-go/2213219030/in/faves-8131003@N03/" target="_blank">Jessica Wilson</a>, via Flickr.</span>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-53143895499651376682019-01-20T10:00:00.000+00:002019-02-12T15:34:27.597+00:00Instructions for Life from Mary Oliver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0cBuRsLRbfg6YDbqtEqF6F0e7Qk1nrnLvfr5h3VrdP8OBgwk5wOkKmo4Nja2qA_djhjOtj0t1QrUg95C2AWuLFI8K6-EXNV4RK7Uxx0sCqWo3vXki8jhZinJnb2ZzBDYgoIuDFIHiJOl/s1600/instructions-for-life-quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0cBuRsLRbfg6YDbqtEqF6F0e7Qk1nrnLvfr5h3VrdP8OBgwk5wOkKmo4Nja2qA_djhjOtj0t1QrUg95C2AWuLFI8K6-EXNV4RK7Uxx0sCqWo3vXki8jhZinJnb2ZzBDYgoIuDFIHiJOl/s640/instructions-for-life-quote.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is with a heavy heart that we devote this post to Mary Oliver, one of the most prolific poets of our generation, who passed away this week after her lengthy battle with lymphoma.<br />
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Mary was a rare poet. She made poetry accessible, Her words, whether read aloud or spoken inwardly while our eyes flit across the page, inspire us to feel more, to <i>do more</i>, with our short and fleeting lives.<br />
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The first lines I ever read of Mary's poetry were these:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?</blockquote>
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From her poem, The Summer Day, on the surface she describes an encounter with a grasshopper. Yet her meaning is much deeper, encouraging us to meditate on our own lives and our place in the world; our fleeting existence; our relationship with the wonder that is nature.<br />
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Thank you to my kind friend who taught me that contemplation is a far greater tool than escapism when trying to work through life's problems, and introduced me to Mary Oliver's work just a few months ago. Though saddened by her death, we can take solace in her musing that "maybe death isn't darkness, after all, but so much light".Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-35206566668506419662018-12-27T13:00:00.000+00:002019-02-04T14:43:23.358+00:0010 Gorgeous Free Thank You Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MJiz0RUwy2ec_Q37bO3b-zc2IM4Bkc5XIq_I7Km7Rubj3NPgaQa7lvj1T5jhDSrytXHP0zxXu-hXqafQNiQd0QONUVNafu4702zgyJgg3ctknLENvdVEKW4zeO0Pxj1SUXxPyleu3kkw/s1600/thank-you-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MJiz0RUwy2ec_Q37bO3b-zc2IM4Bkc5XIq_I7Km7Rubj3NPgaQa7lvj1T5jhDSrytXHP0zxXu-hXqafQNiQd0QONUVNafu4702zgyJgg3ctknLENvdVEKW4zeO0Pxj1SUXxPyleu3kkw/s640/thank-you-cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sending a handwritten thank you card is a wonderful way to show appreciation for a thoughtful gift, for helping out over the festive season, or to a person who has helped make these busy few weeks seem special.<br />
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Below you will find my favourite free printables to express your thanks. These range from elegant to modern, with a few themed for children thrown in the mix. You might also like to check out my [previous post] for even more inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://www.deliacreates.com/free-printable-thank-cards/" target="_blank">Two simple designs from Delia Creates</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkxUMO3Y6rqWazzezpgUsShZ6RAUsCWu7_ylMq-DTWy_c5qDf3260L7CAE-4Wi-M5Oeo77Yg-Dycm5CNUV0Z6Nqy6M-dlwj-NHgXhID1o-xywflbS8QnG3bLUo_tOsOY2ZwaCCoQSYN4Q/s1600/Thank-you-Card-Printables-from-delia-creates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkxUMO3Y6rqWazzezpgUsShZ6RAUsCWu7_ylMq-DTWy_c5qDf3260L7CAE-4Wi-M5Oeo77Yg-Dycm5CNUV0Z6Nqy6M-dlwj-NHgXhID1o-xywflbS8QnG3bLUo_tOsOY2ZwaCCoQSYN4Q/s640/Thank-you-Card-Printables-from-delia-creates.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.deliacreates.com/free-printable-thank-cards/" target="_blank">Delia Creates </a>has created two simple typographic designs, which as you can see in the preview above, can be printed on different coloured and textured card stock according to your stash and the recipient's preference.<br />
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<a href="https://liagriffith.com/printable-kids-thank-you-notes/" target="_blank">Kids Arctic Thank You Cards from Lia Griffith</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZlZeDHfTvThauPFK72Q5wbJmvJ7Mj2OIUcPmAuZC2Gu0uxVVYLYaTd2JkW6zkRuMiG4DFnmdh5q1Vm2oR4ANu4JelMTjF5r66dRX77ajdgCYzA9RnVTub3f9ObM76pgU176kXQCQn7Zu/s1600/Kids_Thank_You_Card_Printables_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZlZeDHfTvThauPFK72Q5wbJmvJ7Mj2OIUcPmAuZC2Gu0uxVVYLYaTd2JkW6zkRuMiG4DFnmdh5q1Vm2oR4ANu4JelMTjF5r66dRX77ajdgCYzA9RnVTub3f9ObM76pgU176kXQCQn7Zu/s640/Kids_Thank_You_Card_Printables_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://liagriffith.com/printable-kids-thank-you-notes/" target="_blank">Lia Griffith</a> has created a pretty winter-themed thank you card for kids in two styles: one which is blank, and the other with prompts (which is perfect for younger children). You'll need to register your email address to download this printable for free from Lia's site, but it's well worth it for the quality of her designs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.melissaesplin.com/2016/11/give-thanks-this-christmas/" target="_blank">Melissa Esplin Printable Thank You Set</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBwOhzr7_hmMfsUuRJAdj9ddn2hqXFngAifP17tJfcruyi4-OKKozkuc4NeZ8mwFJtuLlgM2a6AXKey9IzeZmu1M5Ba_YnIcttYnt4pIcz2BlfjaWEjlld-0W0ltfqB9mX9eKCTuyyEPX/s1600/melissaesplin-mormon-give-thanks-printable-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBwOhzr7_hmMfsUuRJAdj9ddn2hqXFngAifP17tJfcruyi4-OKKozkuc4NeZ8mwFJtuLlgM2a6AXKey9IzeZmu1M5Ba_YnIcttYnt4pIcz2BlfjaWEjlld-0W0ltfqB9mX9eKCTuyyEPX/s640/melissaesplin-mormon-give-thanks-printable-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.melissaesplin.com/2016/11/give-thanks-this-christmas/" target="_blank">This beautiful set from Melissa Esplin </a>features three different types of cards (for both children and adults) along with a printable envelope. </div>
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<a href="http://sharonrowanphotodesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-24-christmas-thank-you-card.html" target="_blank">Festive Red Thank You Card from Lemon Squeezy</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jTsg2MckKHTBJd705bDefmME6tHw38EOYrmOFqSZirkC2S_8pefSBLPjQdr3kidTb1YXqF3I3BtLcImZblO9p3uFmNyUz360YaArq3nUNwC_CPe29RfGdWpIDwqW3w1vfd9NIU4g8n_v/s1600/Sharon-ThankYouChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="640" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jTsg2MckKHTBJd705bDefmME6tHw38EOYrmOFqSZirkC2S_8pefSBLPjQdr3kidTb1YXqF3I3BtLcImZblO9p3uFmNyUz360YaArq3nUNwC_CPe29RfGdWpIDwqW3w1vfd9NIU4g8n_v/s640/Sharon-ThankYouChristmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A beautiful bright thank you card printable from <a href="http://sharonrowanphotodesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-24-christmas-thank-you-card.html" target="_blank">Lemon Squeezy.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sisterswhat.com/2016/01/christmas-thank-you-cards-free-printable.html?m=0" target="_blank">Grey and Red Thank You Cards from Sisters What</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG8bvuRMAe4zVLCxxrtXu0V1dSq_cVg9fIUlVXcSLpOvMjQUug2AapXvE-m6-o89Y_TcfEO1h_ZVhzyZe4eWBISx_hZxMEXGFnmS6S7eLpFrAFbZuSBui3aVR9XLri4xUN0GgJ0gXBmps/s1600/sisters-what-greyredthankyou2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG8bvuRMAe4zVLCxxrtXu0V1dSq_cVg9fIUlVXcSLpOvMjQUug2AapXvE-m6-o89Y_TcfEO1h_ZVhzyZe4eWBISx_hZxMEXGFnmS6S7eLpFrAFbZuSBui3aVR9XLri4xUN0GgJ0gXBmps/s640/sisters-what-greyredthankyou2.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sisterswhat.com/2016/01/christmas-thank-you-cards-free-printable.html?m=0" target="_blank">These two designs from Sisters What</a> are elegant yet festive, and would also look fantastic printed on kraft card stock.</div>
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<a href="https://morethankyounotes.com/free-printable-cards/christmas-thank-you-cards/" target="_blank">Stylish Thank You Card from More Thank You Notes</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dMyVUDgd9aMu36iMRla54p2hhyjHtTMm_nTDsAEyfik7emQKkHZU3-sx4X2wktE58mQqhzwfISd-RCGIx3oZXS2odf55eWeeKT4tVGpWywW9fIs8vnG3KaSA1EpUbXKm0lXtKGCFrX0a/s1600/Thank-You-for-the-Christmas-Gift.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="559" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dMyVUDgd9aMu36iMRla54p2hhyjHtTMm_nTDsAEyfik7emQKkHZU3-sx4X2wktE58mQqhzwfISd-RCGIx3oZXS2odf55eWeeKT4tVGpWywW9fIs8vnG3KaSA1EpUbXKm0lXtKGCFrX0a/s640/Thank-You-for-the-Christmas-Gift.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://morethankyounotes.com/free-printable-cards/christmas-thank-you-cards/" target="_blank">More Thank You Notes</a> offers this stylish printable for free download. (Hint: there are many more themed printables available on this useful site!). </div>
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<a href="https://www.livinglocurto.com/free-printable-thank-you-cards/" target="_blank">Small Deer Cards from Living Locurto</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKrqU7A6eQ1ioioFgdLyZ5j5MkNw_6kbCvEk-jbhgUxS6fpWCrGpyGECy_cKeZYIWcRQSAv1aiqG5J3VEljHXRZCwjC0CuJ6U0kV7SNd9oWbG1nbZuR2dVkDK0FA3_GrMQbq6r-Y-vuQR/s1600/Small_Deer_Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="487" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKrqU7A6eQ1ioioFgdLyZ5j5MkNw_6kbCvEk-jbhgUxS6fpWCrGpyGECy_cKeZYIWcRQSAv1aiqG5J3VEljHXRZCwjC0CuJ6U0kV7SNd9oWbG1nbZuR2dVkDK0FA3_GrMQbq6r-Y-vuQR/s640/Small_Deer_Card.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These adorable, small-sized deer cards were designed by <a href="https://www.livinglocurto.com/free-printable-thank-you-cards/" target="_blank">Living Locurto</a> to fit inside small Kraft envelopes, and are particularly handy for when you need to write lots of cards. </div>
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<h3>
<a href="http://totsfamily.com/free-christmas-thank-you-card-printable-with-tracker/" target="_blank">Polar Bear Cards and Tracker from Tots Family</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hiNc_0pOVmaCPlxJnHDvmuP4HrsEKPMWgFAWu4x6Iu_csGVCBysJblcQM-5y6vY84_LTsDeZTKBpTiq_8Ll7hZsKYHidvXvrHryhpEF-Zde5d1OAQBwe_cJcOo7Q6oQukz4ywL1chG6F/s1600/ChristmasThankYouCardPolarBears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="700" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hiNc_0pOVmaCPlxJnHDvmuP4HrsEKPMWgFAWu4x6Iu_csGVCBysJblcQM-5y6vY84_LTsDeZTKBpTiq_8Ll7hZsKYHidvXvrHryhpEF-Zde5d1OAQBwe_cJcOo7Q6oQukz4ywL1chG6F/s640/ChristmasThankYouCardPolarBears.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://totsfamily.com/free-christmas-thank-you-card-printable-with-tracker/" target="_blank">Tots Family </a>created these adorable Polar Bear cards with children in mind, accompanied by a free printable tracker to ensure your children keep track of their notes. </div>
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<a href="http://totsfamily.com/free-christmas-thank-you-card-printable-with-tracker/" target="_blank">Beautiful Cards and Tags from Design Create Cultivate</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfgx4Z1TCtESDIZHaYJtlBE_cv4hUnyE1fzncieWcGxGqbSQQ6jnRMhpOQMo6Qx2zVQT7HPOVPOitg_4fh0STLJT6u1FC54_OjeEaU27MNiWoOeDQHtbF3PByEOdhdvczSrQD9jHDfhf0/s1600/Free-Printable-Thank-You-Cards-and-Tags-19-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfgx4Z1TCtESDIZHaYJtlBE_cv4hUnyE1fzncieWcGxGqbSQQ6jnRMhpOQMo6Qx2zVQT7HPOVPOitg_4fh0STLJT6u1FC54_OjeEaU27MNiWoOeDQHtbF3PByEOdhdvczSrQD9jHDfhf0/s640/Free-Printable-Thank-You-Cards-and-Tags-19-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I really like this printable design from <a href="http://totsfamily.com/free-christmas-thank-you-card-printable-with-tracker/" target="_blank">Design Create Cultivate</a>, which also includes small tags. </div>
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<a href="https://family.disney.com/craft/minnie-mouse-thank-you-notes/" target="_blank">Cute Minnie Mouse Cards from Disney Family</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IES6w7NUfgRvuc8UsJ2cC5cFvIAT2n4YgF09EMb6FDd0z_Tm19BR4udLhrhJE7SCikPxdT_NZ1m8Chm0aNKxGIdaZSLAK__Z-qIfWUgQ1E0Y0RyvOGFsHbsK4KNgRWCsgYC_iYKrj4j0/s1600/disney-mickey-shorts-minnie-thank-you-notes-printable-photo-420x420-IMG_9991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IES6w7NUfgRvuc8UsJ2cC5cFvIAT2n4YgF09EMb6FDd0z_Tm19BR4udLhrhJE7SCikPxdT_NZ1m8Chm0aNKxGIdaZSLAK__Z-qIfWUgQ1E0Y0RyvOGFsHbsK4KNgRWCsgYC_iYKrj4j0/s640/disney-mickey-shorts-minnie-thank-you-notes-printable-photo-420x420-IMG_9991.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I know these cards from <a href="https://family.disney.com/craft/minnie-mouse-thank-you-notes/" target="_blank">Disney Family </a>are intended for younger writers... But they are so cute, I'll be printing a set out to use myself! </div>
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Which of these designs will you choose to print, or have I missed out a favourite of your own? Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions below.</div>
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Photo credit (top image): <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/s3a/2084593249/in/photolist-4bd5WV-bhLRee-jV6Uxr-b7Zbme-fKxdQh-aSomQk-jCsJAy-qsVsFU-f4uFx5-7oCxQS-5ABxCh-dQfSdM-pUZchf-dQfiwp-6H2jGA-p5HJj4-28NDtpa-5qDcXZ-oY66SM-3wTj4-pfzkjn-9eEtge-4LDehd-3qhvPz-dArPcH-gb7jCe-dxPxiJ-fzKJEj-hR8ZVY-paiB6m-guLr59-izczsF-4T6rs-9G8EBE-gMBAe-84SZK-4vwM8-oSR1iS-pb6fuc-7nNxdy-dQqri6-ieu4G4-8Zr4Eb-7L8oZS-kF3Kk-9c6zCF-q7Q6jq-aRdnUM-9bapYk-qbqevf" target="_blank">s3aphotography, via Flickr</a></div>
Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-84454939421263232812018-12-25T02:04:00.002+00:002019-02-04T14:42:56.252+00:00Merry Christmas from Glamumous!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXjDvVDZQC6HFlK1UmCSf9vPIkBvNcyXyKc0VilnuqdCLM75D-a9SvkKpaTXZvH9HCAUI17j_JifGXvyC1gRGNMiHRA7xV6xY_KgC4EUJycDnGofQGIjt80LJc9_CCxfJN5sJ7s9RHh8k/s1600/christmas-balls-1421164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1599" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXjDvVDZQC6HFlK1UmCSf9vPIkBvNcyXyKc0VilnuqdCLM75D-a9SvkKpaTXZvH9HCAUI17j_JifGXvyC1gRGNMiHRA7xV6xY_KgC4EUJycDnGofQGIjt80LJc9_CCxfJN5sJ7s9RHh8k/s640/christmas-balls-1421164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our best wishes from our home to yours for this holiday season!Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-81117191894031186612018-12-23T13:00:00.000+00:002018-12-27T13:52:08.548+00:00Date and Walnut Bundt Cake Recipe<div itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7J0oP79gWmc_8LS6Q6KIbLJR7dmj-VnNr9sHFgfZVZ1g8swl9hCanSyC04e7ZRfpDI4fZJpZ-fIz0u4dqSD92jnQliK0d1UPXegr-YO85zk63e0Q23KnICH8frKBfu9Odi6-7BbTKZ4y/s1600/date-walnut-bundt-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img itemprop="image" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7J0oP79gWmc_8LS6Q6KIbLJR7dmj-VnNr9sHFgfZVZ1g8swl9hCanSyC04e7ZRfpDI4fZJpZ-fIz0u4dqSD92jnQliK0d1UPXegr-YO85zk63e0Q23KnICH8frKBfu9Odi6-7BbTKZ4y/s640/date-walnut-bundt-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span itemprop="description">It's during the holiday season that many of us recall most fondly the traditions formed by those who have passed from our lives. My paternal nannan, Joan, would spend days baking and creating gifts for family members from her kitchen.<br />
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I remember the crumbly pastry of her tarts and mince pies, the jam roly-poly she would serve hot with custard, and how her house always smelled of sweetness and spice when she knew her grandchildren were on their way.<br />
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Most of all, when the nights draw cold, I recall the comforting taste and texture of her date and walnut loaf. Rich and moist with just a little crunch, it paired wonderfully with a small glass of her homemade Irish Cream liqueur (which as Dad still attests, was far superior to anything you can buy in a store).<br />
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A few days ago, Dad and I were reminiscing about Nannan Joan and how busy she would be in the weeks leading up to ChristmasDay. Though we were unable to find any written details of her recipes (for she knew all of the details by heart and measured by eye), I felt compelled to try and recreate a date and walnut cake in her honour.<br />
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For this recipe, I wanted to try and create the cake using a decorative bundt tin, as the finished cake is firm and heavy enough to hold the shape well. If you don't have a bundt tin to hand, you could recreate this recipe in a small loaf tin instead, being careful to check periodically after the first hour if the cake has already cooked.</span><br />
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<h3>Ingredients:</h3> <ul> <li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">150g of stoned, dried dates, chopped</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">25 g unsalted butter</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">Just under 1tsp bicarbonate of soda</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">200 ml boiling water</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">100 g (5 oz) light muscovado sugar</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">2 medium eggs</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">220 g plain flour</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 1/2 tsp baking powder</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">1tsp ground mixed spice</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">1/2 tsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">pinch of salt</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">100g of walnuts, finely chopped</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeIngredient">Optional: A little icing sugar, to decorate</span></li>
</ul><br />
<h3>Method</h3><ol itemprop="recipeInstructions"><li>Place the dates in a bowl with the bicarbonate of soda and the butter. Pour over the boiling water and stir until all of the butter has melted (this should take only a minute or two). The water will begin to turn a rich brown colour. Set the mixture aside to cool, and to allow the dried dates to plump up.</li>
<li>Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF, Gas Mark 4).</li>
<li>Grease a 7 inch deep bundt tin by using either cooking oil spray, or oil applied with a folded piece of kitchen roll. Be sure to get inside all of the grooves and pay particular attention to the base (which will become the "top" of the cake when finished). </li>
<li>In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until they are combined. Next, add the cooled date mixture and stir well.</li>
<li>Sift in the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon and salt, while folding the mixture gently. </li>
<li>Finally, add the chopped walnuts and ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. </li>
<li>Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and ensure the top is level. You're likely to need a flexible spatula to fully extract this sticky mixture from your bowl.</li>
<li>Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cake has risen and browned nicely on top. Be sure that a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. When using bundt tins, I've found that the area closes to the "inner ring" takes longer to cook than the edges, so be sure to check here even if a skewer inserted in the centre of the ring comes out clean. </li>
<li>When using a bundt tin, it's really important to ensure the cake has cooled sufficiently before attempting to turn it out. This is because the cake will contract slightly once cooled, allowing you to turn it out more easily. When turning it out onto a wire rack, use the back of a wooden spoon to tap the base. If needed, a slightly greased flat knife slipped around the lip of the pan should loosen it more. </li>
<li>Optional: use a sieve to dust the top of the cake and enhance the pattern formed by the tin.</li>
</ol><br /><br />
Prep time: <time datetime="PT20M" itemprop="prepTime">20 minutes</time><br><br />
Cook time: <time datetime="PT1H15M" itemprop="cookTime">1:15</time><br><br />
Total time: <time datetime="PT1H35M" itemprop="totalTime">1:35</time><br><br />
Yield: <span itemprop="recipeYield">10</span><br><br />
<div>Once cooled, serve in slices just under an inch thick. It's also delicious lightly toasted with a spread of butter. This cake is moist and rich, and can be frozen or kept in a sealed container for around 5 days.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblbUbHlFKiA01kr9xc62_vf4PQ-15d8EIL__y6D9sfHYTBqdvvBbUIMhitDTSEni_csmN0Z6M5PAT4s7laGoMOA0SLhLWK1q58S6P_q0qh6Ut0dLgog4r1nUcjhuf5wQika4qPF163PtK/s1600/date-walnut-bundt-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblbUbHlFKiA01kr9xc62_vf4PQ-15d8EIL__y6D9sfHYTBqdvvBbUIMhitDTSEni_csmN0Z6M5PAT4s7laGoMOA0SLhLWK1q58S6P_q0qh6Ut0dLgog4r1nUcjhuf5wQika4qPF163PtK/s640/date-walnut-bundt-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did. Please feel free to tell us your own experiences in the comments section below. </div></div>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-34323297982492274882018-12-21T16:30:00.000+00:002018-12-21T23:14:28.892+00:00Making Spiced Clementine Pomander Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zyQ7GYgHIYgBB_iw0Bay3YvYL7f-PiJOM7B0kUiJJJoUh9y9d7afXsao7cSfUNcpOSRIR5tZ5VajpVJ2r966Dtqu52IIIhSvJCBeQntMrlTqu7KczZrS0FAJY8Iw8UIVMv75wYbRPziT/s1600/spiced-clementine-pomander-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1242" height="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zyQ7GYgHIYgBB_iw0Bay3YvYL7f-PiJOM7B0kUiJJJoUh9y9d7afXsao7cSfUNcpOSRIR5tZ5VajpVJ2r966Dtqu52IIIhSvJCBeQntMrlTqu7KczZrS0FAJY8Iw8UIVMv75wYbRPziT/s640/spiced-clementine-pomander-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Christmas shopping provided a glutton of gloriously scented clementines. Traditionally, oranges were given as gifts and placed in the foot of a stocking. Though this tradition harks back to less prosperous times when fresh fruit was considered a rare and expensive treat, it is also steeped in festive legend.<br />
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During his lifetime, Saint Nicholas was a bishop whose generosity to give while expecting nothing in return appears to have inspired our practice of gifting at Christmas. The legend tells us that he was travelling through a village where a widowed father was troubled that he could not afford dowries for his three beautiful daughters. Saint Nicholas, upon hearing of the poor widower's plight, knew the man would be too proud to accept money as a gift. Instead, he threw three bags of gold down chimney of the family home, under the cover of night. One of the bags caught a stocking which had been hung to dry on the fireplace, which overnight hardened into a ball of gold, now symbolised by the vibrant colour of oranges in our modern homage to the legend.<br />
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Since today is the Winter Solstice (just four sleeps away from the big day), my daughter and I decided to decorate a few as pomanders to scent our home and dinner table centrepiece. Here's how to make your own.<br />
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<h4>
What you will need:</h4>
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<ul>
<li>Firm citrus fruits (we used clementines, but you could just as easily use oranges or grapefruits)</li>
<li>A jar of whole cloves</li>
<li>(Optional) Cocktail sticks or a thin nail, to pierce the skin</li>
<li>A citrus zester or vegetable peeler</li>
<li>(Optional) Ribbon or baker's twine, if you want to hang your finished pomanders</li>
</ul>
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<h4>
Instructions</h4>
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<ol>
<li>Using the corner of your citrus zester (or the corner of a vegetable peeler, though this will create wider lines), carve a design into the skin of your fruit. Be sure to apply a light touch, so as not to expose the fruit inside. For our designs, we used a combination of swirls and lines.</li>
<li>Once you've finished scoring your design, push whole cloves into the gaps of your design. We've found that more cloves not only provide a stronger scent, but allow the fruit to dry out faster, giving them a longer shelf life. Using a cocktail stick or thin nail to break tough citrus skin can help you push in the cloves more easily.</li>
<li>To finish, you could arrange your pomanders in a bowl or on a plate, using greenery, fir cones or other festive to decorate. If you would like to hang your pomanders, wrap a ribbon or colourful baker's twine around the outside and tie a loop at the top. </li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb600yi5Lw45ZipxnBDTlLPFnSsZc2-WXX31FS6m38r6JKAbwdqd23A2yeFJabHLHq0gCNumA0VmbsUCK1dunc6kORuZEdBCCS4aAt1w7_UWCvVf7KY5f-dQz7zo1uYXt52K_5Go8J6u6i/s1600/spiced-clementine-pomander-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1544" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb600yi5Lw45ZipxnBDTlLPFnSsZc2-WXX31FS6m38r6JKAbwdqd23A2yeFJabHLHq0gCNumA0VmbsUCK1dunc6kORuZEdBCCS4aAt1w7_UWCvVf7KY5f-dQz7zo1uYXt52K_5Go8J6u6i/s640/spiced-clementine-pomander-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, pomanders don't usually have a long shelf life and may become mouldy. You may want to display them for only a few hours each day, refrigerating between sessions to prolong their life and scent. Alternatively, hang them in a cool dry place to enable the flesh to completely dry out.<br />
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We hope you will enjoy making your own spiced pomander balls! If you have any tips to prolong the life of these festive treats, please feel free to share in the comments below.<br />
<br />Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-12987694911286420492014-04-03T00:00:00.000+01:002014-04-03T00:00:02.277+01:00Lunchbox Notes: 50 Free Printable Sets for Every Occasion<img alt="50 Free Lunchbox Note Printables" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MQ2kLY69tI8qpdOrXlsNL93xRFUihIlm__sRhwao8KcUD9ZuRbEOm078uOLsvlscjlaunjz7lPyi3jiB1z35qnSuTgaBp7iIctcpE-aKdxPXCwwSWZpzzf2yTa2PP32cuL3tySfCS9s3/s1600/50-free-lunchbox-note-print.png" title="50 Free Lunchbox Notes" width="640">A while ago I chanced upon a thread on Mumsnet in which a member invited suggestions for jokes to slip inside her children's lunchboxes. Now, I imagine many of you are familiar with this practise, but to me it was a novel concept. Sometimes I might have slipped a reminder note into my children's schoolbags or a Post-It to wish them good luck on a test, though nothing on a regular basis.<br>
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I began to wonder whether other parents did this and asked Princess whether her friends found jokes in their packed lunches. "No," she replied, followed inevitably by: "but I'd love it if you'd do that for me!"<br>
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Luckily, Google and Pimterest furnished me with a plethora of free printables for our oddly enjoyable new habit. There are notes, jokes and styles for all occasions, from slushy Valentines to math questions; clever food puns, literary quotes, healthy encouragements and even optical illusions!<br>
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For the friends and mums who have asked where I found these varied and amusing printables, here is a gallery of my favourite 50 lunchbox note printables.<br>
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<a href="http://www.glamumous.co.uk/2014/04/lunchbox-notes-50-free-printable-sets.html#more"></a>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-49796037449558836052014-03-26T16:00:00.000+00:002014-03-26T20:10:50.154+00:00Making Herbal Steam Shower Tablets<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM5uKJhJCp1kdFaN99JCm5ZtERvjfDE759YWqBjPk0bj4f5uXfC7fytV1BQ8zpW99DqCPsJo_I_bq5rmxlOxyAF5obIhhyzhUmUebpatcJRKgiOfrKkOfQ8AMvXsVX5WZz9rRkOo5sLXX/s1600/how-to-herbal-steam-shower-.png" width="640"><br>
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As my children and I were all labouring under the effects of persistent colds, I remembered a "recipe" for herbal steam tablets in the January edition of <a href="http://www.daphnesdiary.com/" target="_blank">Daphne's Diary</a>. Made using bicarbonate of soda and essential oils, these tablets are intended to release lovely smelling vapours to invigorate while you shower and they're very easy to make at home.<br>
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Here's how we made our own herbal steam tablets, along with a few tips we learned along the way.<br>
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<a href="http://www.glamumous.co.uk/2014/03/making-herbal-steam-shower-tablets.html#more"></a>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-7247477222498723602014-03-24T17:00:00.000+00:002014-03-24T17:00:04.097+00:00Neatography's Splendid Stationery Subscription Service -Review <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijc2NfMOb5-NxbB2yZ2RcPmdd7QHMDcuFlhldYl33kckIAfsB0zU3M6C4uOQCEw_PzpnC5uzabPikmbdsdN7oxDrNczHQS-wsU1nrIqA3Vdo23guocE6yWzhr2_JUdOu4hTbM3NkBsRRn/s1600/neatography-review-banner.gif"><br>
Taking the time to appreciate the little things which make each day special is one of life's greatest pleasures. A handwritten note sent by snail mail to a friend is sure to brighten up their day. Writing with pen and ink is more personal than text printed out on a screen.<br>
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One person who understands this is Lindsey, founder of <a href="http://www.neatography.com/" target="_blank">Neatography</a>: a paper goods subscription service which sends out surprise mailings each month or quarter to paper-lovers all over the world. As you may recall, I featured Neatography in my recent post about subscription services for stationery lovers, and was thrilled when Lindsey offered to send Neatography's February package for me to review.<br>
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After a bumpy ride and a long stay at my neighbour's house (!), my package finally arrived with me this weekend. For those of you who - like me - enjoy the pleasure of letterpress cards, washi tape and beautiful stickers to adorn your outgoing mail, here is a complete review of February's stationery goodness from Neatography.<br>
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<a href="http://www.glamumous.co.uk/2014/03/neatographys-splendid-stationery.html#more"></a>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899000747081893382.post-77090793123327781332014-03-17T12:00:00.000+00:002014-03-17T12:19:36.429+00:00100 Happy Days - Are You Up for the Challenge?<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRP6UuQu9fCtImjs7msIIN9taJAmOVyINVqNTwIUcOlsK2Evi_1IE6kY-vJQQW3rhrHWGB7OIpplRuNdNhMYYZJUmW0JdcGPSAtR0nxmg5KeS9_WX1gRuXZPYmtG66Sgv0dWDVnTXpe89/s1600/100happydays.png"><br>
As our schedules become even more busy, we often forget to take the time to enjoy the small things which make us happy. Simple experiences, such as enjoying a coffee with a friend or seeing a child's face light up as they smile, are moments which can make us feel more content about our lives. As the <a href="http://100happydays.com/" target="_blank">100 Happy Days project</a> explains:<br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The ability to appreciate the moment, the environment and yourself in it, is the base for the bridge towards long term happiness of any human being.</blockquote>
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So here is my challenge: an you spare a minute or two, each day for 100 days, to document a happy moment in your life?<br>
</div><a href="http://www.glamumous.co.uk/2014/03/100-happy-days-are-you-up-for-challenge.html#more"></a>Amanda Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253950126983322536noreply@blogger.com0