A Pause in Advent.

I along with many other bloggers have joined in with Floss's 'A pause in advent' We will be posting on each Sunday of Advent or the following Monday, as is the case here. This is a chance for everyone to share their thoughts, traditions etc during Advent. Advent for me begins with books, lots of books!

I like to get out all my Christmas cookery books and write lists of what I'd like to cook during the holidays.

I then like to plan what I'm going to make as in decorations and gifts.

And of course the things to make at home with Lily or at the toddler group sessions.

I suppose I only manage to make/cook half of what is on my lists but I enjoy the planning.

If you have time have a look at the other 'A pause in Advent' posts. The button at the top of my side bar will take you to Floss's blog where there is a list of bloggers taking part and while you're there read Floss's beautiful post about putting things in prospective.

Today is also my daughter Tara's birthday and for me most of the Christmas planning begins

once her birthday is over. Happy Birthday Tara!

Some new books.

Thought I'd share a few books that I've bought in the last couple of weeks, you'll have to excuse the photo quality it's so dark and dreary here. Of course I had to buy Make! I haven't made anything from it yet but I do like these.......

A Sweet little cottage cushion it's a shame there wasn't a pattern for the sewing box as I love it but can't justify spending all that money on it!

Gorgeous embroidered purse.

A small tweed tote bag.

And then after seeing it on many blogs I bought a copy of Sew Fabulous fabric.

Again this has some lovely ideas such as the flowers on the front and I will definately make this height chart for Lily's room.

Now most importantly my favourite subject CHRISTMAS!

I love and already have 'Goosebery Patch Christmas' so this year I treated myself to 'Gooseberry Patch Christmas all through the home', all 512 wonderfully illustrated pages. This has over 600 things to make in and roughly half of the book is recipes, lovely!

Anthea's must have!

The heart flowers are really cute with a button centre.

Sarah Raven's book is gorgeous full of flowers, decorations and recipes.

Look at this chinese lantern garland the colours are wonderful.

I've been waiting for this for a while who can resist a book with Milly Molly Mandy on the front!

I've read the intro I just need five minutes peace now to devour it.

I bought this as i thought it could have some nice recipes but I was a little dissapointed, being Cornish and seeing a recipe for an 'authentic' Cornish pasty, with carrots in it! But hey, who am I to say what people can put in their pasties!

And finally a few bargain 30p cookery books from the book fayre.

Hopefully I'll have some time to flick through these at the weekend and make lists of what I'm going to make as I've been painting chairs and my dresser this week so I'm worn out now lol!

Have a great weekend.