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Thursday, 25 December 2008
Beautiful Classic Books
Source:- Penguin Blog
Due to a thread in the Vogue forums I became very interested in classical books. Not just any classical books but pretty and beautiful ones. So I just wanted to share a few of my recent purchases.
I had initially purchased the Jane Austen Collector's Edition Box Set (pictured above) from Dymocks for $75 but recently found it on Book Depository for $40 once converted. The books are actually pocket sized (approximately 12cmx7cm), cloth hard bound with dust jacket, gold foiled pages similar to that of the bible with a ribbon attached as bookmark. Other books also come in this same edition with some dust jacket being different colours. I've bought individuals of these same editions for Alice in Wonderland, Dracula, Frankenstein, Oliver Twist and Grimms Tales and only priced at $16.95 each. I cannot wait to line them up on my bookshelf, it'll look stunning, furthermore I love the size as it'll fit in any of my handbags without any bulk AND I was thinking that the print would be too small in size but it wasn't, it's actually perfect! I plan to get more of these books/editions for other stories. Some that are available include Great Expectations, Peter Pan, Little Women, Secret Garden and many more.
I also bought the leather bound, also pictured above, for the Bronte sister set. This particular leather bound edition are only available for six Jane Austen books (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion) and three of the Bronte sisters books (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Whitefell Hall), the latter set is what I had purchased as I already purchased the box set for Jane Austen's novels, these are priced at $19.95 each.
The last set, which was the actual book featured on the thread is a collection of 10 classic books, 2 being Jane Austen novels, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre hence I purchased, or rather my very kind Future-Brother-in-Law purchased for me the remaining six of the collection. I haven't seen it as yet in person so stay tuned for further information on this beautiful collection, but nonetheless I've got to say I've spoilt myself severely with pretty classic books the last few days.
I'm still lemming a Harry Potter Box Set which seems more likely for me to purchase as I found it (the cloth bound Collector's edition) for $240 which is half price of the RRP of $517 from Borders. Added to my lemming list are children's classic books such as Pollyanna, Little Woman, Peter Pan, The Secret Garden and many more so I'll keep this blog posted as I add to my library collection.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Harry Potter Set
Sources:- Amazon UK
The last few days I've been lemming the Harry Potter Limited Collector's Edition (first two pics) but at the RRP of $517 from Borders...well lets just say could I possibly live with myself if I spent that much on a set of books? It's cloth bounded with gold inscription.
The picture directly above is my complete Harry Potter Set, I've also got the last book in the Children's cover. I've got 1-5 and 7 in Children's cover in a mixture of paperback and hard cover and 6 & 7 in Adult's Hard cover. I'm not happy about it because it's not matching and just doesn't look pleasant. So my choices are:-
a) Keep the set as per picture 1-5 in children's cover and 6 & 7 in Adults
b) Return Adult no 7, Exchange Adult no 6 for Children's no 6 hence my complete set will consist of no adult covers and only children's cover
I will most likely go for (b) completing my Children's set, I will then seek out the Adult hard bound box set as it's equally as beautiful as the Limited Ed set without the price tag. The Adult set without the dust jacket looks stunning side by side on the bookshelf and recently seeing it on Ebay for $145 inclusive of postage ($20/book) I'm happy with the price too. The Adult set without the dust jacket has a beautiful black hard bound cover, with gold lettering on the binding consisting off only the title and the author's name in a signature-like font and no picture at the front cover which is just the way I like it, it looks just like the old school classic books. Looking forward to finding my bargain set, I know it's there somewhere. I'm sounding eerily obsessed so I will leave this lemming and drooling for now...till next time!
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
A Bad Day
What a depressing day. I can't really go into it, I don't really know ONE thing that's wrong, it's more a combination of things happening. A lot of it has something to do with the fact that it's Christmas and yet my home is not done like I'd like it to be, it's still messy, I'm trying to be organised and yet once again, like every year I'm not. This time though I can't just run to my Mum's home to spend Christmas and enjoy as no one's here anymore. I'm very sad, depressed and I don't know what I feel.
This year I vowed to be more organised for Christmas. My tree is finally up despite me thinking to myself if I should bother since it's so late into December already. I can't find my Christmas decorations nor lights and I'm sure it's been lost or thrown as I've got two Christmas boxes with all Christmas decorations and I've got all my Christmas stuff but my bag of tree decors and the tree lights. I'm so very sad because that means I've lost the icicle fairy light covers that I've had for as long as I can remember.
Having said that, the appearance of my tree up with a skirt, two vintage heart decoration, handmade bauble by my Mum and a personalised bauble with Mr and my name along with our beautiful Angel tree topper is lifting my spirits slightly and pushing me to keep going.
So today is an extremely bad day, lets hope tomorrow is better and that I will be able to grab some nice decors for cheap and have pics of my tree before the end of this week. I'm also terribly missing my Mum & Sister and the rest of my very large family (scattered around the globe) and miss the large Christmas we celebrate. Today is definitely the day that I'm realising my loneliness. The Christmas prep that we normally share (Sister, Mum & I) are no longer here and I try to do it on my own and it's just not the same.
I am optimistic in hoping that tomorrow WILL be a better day. Apologies for this extremely tedious post and somewhat incoherent but it's been a bad day.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Charity for Christmas
Source:- Sunrise Children's Village
Source:- Malawi Project
Source:- Faithful Heart Ministry
Whilst we prepare for Christmas I wish to just remind people to think about those that are not as fortunate as we are, especially innocent children that are faced with so much uncertainty that not even an adult in our society would be able to deal with.
In my previous post I mentioned that I give to the Christmas tree at either Target or KMart. I just wanted to ask if we can all consider doing something similar. There is no minimum value to give and it needn't be purchased from the particular store that the tree is at. Please keep the Christmas spirit alive and continue to give the gift of giving especially to those that need it the most. Lets all put a smile on a child's face on Christmas day that they would otherwise be unable to experience. This minimal input on our behalf is something that will be remembered for life by these young recipients.
For those that are seeking gifts for someone that has it all, how about putting a donation in behalf of the recipient in lieu of gifts, there are many charity organisations to choose from so there is something for everyone. If you would like to give something beyond a donation under a person's name please do check out Oxfam "Unwrapped Gifts" which includes items such as literacy programs, ducks/goat/other animals to feed villages and more, hence the recipient would feel that their "gifts" have actually gone to a particular item not just a donation lost amidst others cash. This is extremely popular with many people, however, if this does not appeal to you and your preference is to give something tangible please go to your favourite charity website as most have online stores with handcrafted, unique pieces for sale, all proceeds go towards charity work. Please continue to give the gift of giving, many will not be as fortunate as we are to experience the true Christmas celebration. Lets make someone elses Christmas as merry as ours would be.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
4 Ingredients Cook Book
I've started into my whole baking phase again and now would like to enter the unknown world of cooking. I'm in search for the perfect beginner cook book that will help and teach an amateur like myself how to cook.
"4 Ingredients" is another foray into the world of cook books however, after reading some dismal reviews and a quick peruse through the pages I returned it. I had thought that it would be an excellent cook book due to it being a best seller for quite some time and it was just perfect for me; simple, easy, four ingredients and most of all quick, but it seems my search for a beginner's cook book continues. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Urban Grace Interior Photo Contest
Erika from Urban Grace Interiors had a Doggie Photo Contest which I entered my beautiful furbaby in (sent the two pics above) and although we unfortunately didn't win there were heaps of cute and very much deserving entrants, even I, who is quite bias to my little one couldn't pick a winner.
Erika and her team wonderfully collaborated this beautiful slideshow to show all the pics that were entered for the competition, please do view it as it will fill you with laughter and tears. I tried to post a pic of the winning furbaby but Blogger would not allow so please check him out here, there are also pics of special mentions/runner ups.
Please also stay tuned as I will be doing a write up soon on Urban Grace Interiors, it's one of my "read it in it's entirety blog".
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Kris Kringle Gift Ideas for "Her"
I recently participated in two Kris Kringles with a budget of $20-$30 hence I will dedicate this posts to those that are looking for KK gifts like I was. The prices are all exclusive of postage so please take this into account.
Beauty Lover
If you had a $30 budget you can buy the two items above which will come to $29.10 and it will make a beautiful and useful gift.
Green Thumbs
Deluxe Pink Gardening Tool Kit Belt $29.95 Tesora; Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener's Flowerpot Gift Set $29 Peter of Kensington
Stationery Lover
Baker
Cupcakes Box Set $14.95 Angus & Robertson (tray not included); Wilton Cupcake Holder $29 Peter of Kensington
The Cook
Traveler
Pet Lover
The Entertainer
Maxwell Williams 5pc Hostess Set $34.95 Wishlist; The Entertainer's Rippled Square Platter $14 Peter of Kensington
For the rest; Homeware, Books, Beauty/Skincare packs, anything yummy and edible and anything with lots of thoughts never go astray no matter what it is or it's value. Good luck and most of all enjoy your shopping trip!
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Happy Birthday Kimmy!
I just wanted to write a "Happy Birthday" post for my bestie. Her birthday was on the 25th, I didn't forget and greeted her on the day but I thought she was worth a post on my blog :D
All jokes aside, this girl is just a beautiful person. She is one friend that you are lucky to have in your life, to be honest, since having her as a friend I have not met anyone else that comes up to her standards in terms of friendship. We do not see each other much as she lives in the US and even when she came to Australia we only saw each other a few times but nonetheless every time we see each other it's like no time has lapsed between us. She has been there for me through thick and thin and I mean thick and thin!
She is a comedian (as per picture), a wonderful listener, gives wonderful advise, great fun to party with and also great fun to just be around with. She is truly a special person and I find myself extremely lucky to have a friend like her. I truly hope that we all have a friend like mine.
Absolutely Beautiful Things
It's been such a long time since I wrote about a blog that I've read from start to finish. To be honest I was a bit discouraged from not receiving replies from my emails of good wishes...
Since then I've read many wonderful blogs and will hopefully be able to write about it all. Today's write up is "Absolutely Beautiful Things" aka ABT created by Brisbane based Interior Designer and shop owner to "Black & Spiro", Anna Spiro. I've previously introduced her work in my Wing Chair post as my inspiration were from Anna's work. She is quite infamous for those quirky and bright re-upholstery and yet somehow it still fits the classic, antique pieces that she puts them with.
ABT does not consist of just home decors and furnishings but lots of other wonderful things too including a series of "Absolutely Favourite Things" that she has created in collaboration with other wonderful and creative people on the world wide web, so please check her blog out, it truly is inspirational. For Australian readers, you will be proud to see that such wonderful talent also exists locally. Many of the blogs I read are from American Interior Designers, but I'm proud and thrilled to say that Anna comes up to par with many of the other well known Interior Designers from across the globe, so please check it out and enjoy!
Edit:- I just wanted to edit my post because I realised that I did not make it clear that Anna, was one of the few blog writers that actually responded to my email when I first completed reading her entire blog and once again now in the comment section of this post. I am extremely inspired by wonderful people like Anna because despite her busy life she has still taken time out to reply to my initial email and now to leave a comment on this post. Thanks Anna and keep up the great work, I for one enjoy your blog tremendously.
Source:- Absolutely Beautiful Things
Friday, 28 November 2008
Organised for Christmas?
Source:- Fourchooks Blog
Each year I vow to be more organised for Christmas so I can actually enjoy the whole Christmas period. It's now the end of November and my house is certainly not ready for visitors let alone Christmas. In a few days (December 1st) my Christmas tree is due to be put up and yet my house is still in it's chaotic stage. The furniture pieces that I have purchased are still not in their rightful places, some are still in the garage! So I better get a serious move on...
I purchase many things including gifts, wrapping paper, tags etc all that are on sale at the end of each year, they are still in boxes so I can imagine that I'd probably double up for a few people. I can only vow to be more organised once again next year. Many of the items boxed are Christmas decorations, I find that Christmas has become too commercialised and I just hoped that by giving Christmas decorations I'm spreading the true meaning of Christmas to those around me.
Having said that I've got to give myself some credit as I've purchased all but one Christmas gifts for this year already...I've only got Mr's brother to buy for and I'm quite sure I already know what to get him. I'm also thrilled with the amount I spent this year, it has certainly been culled significantly.
Christmas Gifts
Mr's Family
2 x Sisters + Brother's gf - Peter Alexander PJ pants + miniature Calvin Klein perfume
Step-Brother - Remote Control Flying Bug
Step-Sister - Barbie Doll Set for the doll we got her last year which includes pram + cot + high chair
Combined gifts for step-siblings - Ice Age 1 & 2 DVD
My Friends
Girlfriend 1 with 2 daughters - My First Nativity Scene + Toy Story 1 & 2 books
Girlfriend 2 with a boy and a girl - My First Operation board game + Toy Story Memory board game
Girlfriend 3 (no kids) - Little Miss Naughty PJ set including pants+singlet+jacket
Mr's Friends
3 x kids - Personalised Towel Sets
6 & 7 yr old brothers - Transformers talking helmet + PS3 game
8 month old boy - My First Year pewter picture frame
I spent an average of $25/person so I'm very very happy with that price. Like I said each family will most probably get one piece of Christmassy thing as well. I also got good bargains today, at $10 each I got two electronic games similar to that of the fishing game where the round "pond" rotates and the fish' mouth opens and closes as a child with a little rod tries to catch it...I buy these for the Christmas trees under Target/Kmart where they donate the gifts to unfortunate children that do not have homes/families. I do it every year and I always buy two, one for a girl and another for a boy and am glad I found such great games that they can truly enjoy with those around them. I will probably also add a book or two, I just love giving children books!
I've also got to finish wrapping and adding to my Kris Kringle gifts. I've already bought it just got to go to my little box of goodies to see what I can add. So all gifts aside I'm done and will be working this week to get my home organised so I can start the Christmas decorations and wrapping!!! Merry Christmas to all and hope that your all more organised than I am.
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