Whither the Blogosphere Book Circle? | Parties and Nuno Felting

Well folks - I think the Blogosphere Book Circle has died a natural death and should be laid to rest with suitable pomp and ceremony.  For whatever reason, it's been tough for people to join in and read and interact over the books we voted for.

Instead I'm going to choose 12 books I want to read this year and post them on the blog here.  If you want to join me in reading those 12 books, then please do so and please share your thoughts and reactions. I won't have a particular month assigned to them, they will just turn up in my Reading Round Up posts as and when I get hold of them.

If you have any suggestions for books to include on that list I would love to hear them!

The other thing I'm thinking of doing is posting a photo of the book pile each time I go and get some from the library.  I think it would make an interesting photo essay of my reading in 2011.  If you like to join me, let me know.  Maybe we could make a group on Flickr. :)

In other news....

Miss 4 had her birthday party for her daycare friends - she enjoyed it immensely and didn't seem to stop bouncing the whole time.  The "Twinkerbell" cake turned out okay despite some naughty words on my behalf while rescuing expensive Tinkerbell sprinkles from a leaky Spray 'n' Wipe bottle that had fallen on the packet. I was pleased with my Green Tea and Chai French Macarons though (in the photo to the left of the cake).  So were my work colleagues when I brought in the left overs.  Note the hands-on-hip attitude my daughter has... she has so much self-assurance that I'm torn between admiration and horror.  Is this a 4 year old girl thing?  I don't recall Mr7 being like this at all. We seem to be having quite a lot of 'tude going on at present with answering back and general you-can't-make-me-do-it snarkiness.  Where has my sweet girl gone?  She does make an appearance here and there... enough to give me hope.

 


I felted another nuno scarf - this one for a colleague, very much like the other one I did.



School starts for Mr7 tomorrow, can't believe he's in "middle school" now... no more junior syndicate! I've got all his stationery and his uniform sorted. I don't think I'm going to bother covering it this year, unless he particularly asks. Must remember to take a photo of him tomorrow. I really hope this year is a better one for him academically.  He has a male teacher this year, so I'm curious to see if that has an affect on his attitude and learning (as sexist as that may sound).

Spring?

well I have some flowers at least.  These ones will be winging their way to Rachel for a very belated birthday present!

As for the weather - bah humbug.

What has been happening round here?

1. We have had a run of birthdays - Sept is our "birthday" month in our family.  My 2 sisters, SIL and Mr7 all have birthdays one after the other.  Mr7 was stoked to get lots and lots of lego which is his current obsession.  (Thomas is on the out and out).  Fortunately I've been keeping an eye on the sales and got some good deals.

He had a low key party with some mates over to play lego.

And of course, the inevitable train cake which he requests every year since I bought this particular cake pan.  Worth the NZ$25.00!

2. We have had more than our fair share of sickies.  Various permutations of the cold virus with a bit of tonsillitis for Mr7 thrown in.

3. I have to give a paper at an e-fest in Hamilton with a colleague of mine. Neither of us were particularly keen but we were shoulder tapped to do it. It's the first time I've done this sort of presentation.

4. DH got 9 images accepted for a book being published in November by the publisher Potton.  It's going to be called New Zealand: Eye on the Landscape so if you see it take a look.  DH is feeling chuffed about this one and rightly so.

Personally I am ready for some decent weather and a few days off during the school holidays.  

It's been 3 years

since I started this blog - my actual blogaversary was last month but what with one thing and another I didn't post about it then. So to celebrate (albeit belatedly) I'm having a giveaway.

I'm giving away a set of Onya Weigh eco bags. You can see a photo of them on the website.

These are really neat inventions to replace the plastic produce bags you get in the supermarket. They are see through so the checkout operator can see those pesky stickers on the fruit and what sort of vegetable it is. They weigh next to nothing so won't add anything to your bill. Mine arrived yesterday and I'm delighted to see these ones will fit in your handbag. I'm all for things fitting in my handbag.

You can read more about Onya bags at their website.

So if you'd like to be in the draw to win a set of 5 Onya Weigh bags you know what to do*.

Actually... since I don't think one should get somethin' for nothin' I'm going to make you do something!

*throws head back*
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA. HAHAHA. HA. HA.
*cough*

In order to be in to win you need to tell me what is outside your window while you write the comment. In haiku format.

*rubs hands together*

Here's mine:

Upright in stacked rows
Silent until opening
Reference books wait

*NB: I will post overseas. Comments close on Wednesday 13th midnight New Zealand time.

Mystery Revealed

The mysterious parcel has been opened! It revealed this! I am thrilled!

I've been throughly spoiled this birthday. Not only did I get my highly-desired-above-all-others cake mixer in Empire Red, but I also was given this by my folks....
Yep... that's a Cuttlebug (+ 2 dies and 2 embossing plates). I was totally surprised about this one. I hadn't asked for it because it seemed a bit OTT to ask for. It was on the wishlist for 20 years down the track. So it was a beautiful surprise.

And... my friend gave me a voucher for Shop'n'Crop; someone else gave me chocolate (mmmm).

I am the most spoiled birthday person. Hope I don't sound too mercenary- I'm just really stoked about it all! . DH made me a card using PSE and one of his photos. The words he put in the card made me cry --> in a good way. ;-)

I've made my birthday cake with the mixer and now I am going to order some goodies so I can play with my Cuttlebug. Small Boy has been also delighted with my gifts and has been haranguing me to use this so he can "help" me.

Turning 34 has been pretty exciting! :-)