Favourite first books...

Hello Baby and 10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes by Mem Fox are without a doubt two of our first favourite books. Both of my babies love these books...

I read 10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes to H in utero and I believe it's the reason it fast became his favourite. It is currently E's favourite book. At the end of the book the little baby in the story gets three little kisses on the tip of its nose... we kiss the tip of our finger and touch their nose three times. H got to the stage and E is there now that they know it's coming and look up at you when you're reading the last page waiting for their kisses.

H adores books and always has. E is loving them more and more and I get such a thrill to see her get excited when we sit down to read these two books. They are a big part of our bedtime routine... every night we have a book before bed. For me, it ensures the children are reading/read to every day and it's a terrific wind down/sleep cue for them as well...

I highly recommend any new Mother's or expecting Mother's to add these books to your collection. They are beautiful stories and the illustrations are gorgeous...

For anyone looking for a great baby shower or baby gift these are terrific... the board books are terrific as little exploring and excited hands can't rip them. It does take a little while for them to learn not to rip pages so board books are a definite plus...

Where is the Green Sheep and Time for Bed, both by Mem Fox are also favourites.

Are these books in your collection?
Please share your favourites and must haves, I would love to hear them...

Happy reading... Jx

All photos copyright Jessica Flett

What I'm reading at the moment...

I am currently reading Maeve Binchy's latest book - A Week in Winter. I don't want to put it down. I have loved Maeve's books for many years and love reading every one of of them. Her latest one is no exception.

Maeve is an exceptional story teller. All her books are set in beautiful Ireland and she has such a way of drawing you into her characters' world. I am always sad when I finish one of her books and eagerly await the next one. Sadly she died in July 2012 and I am so sad about that.

If you are a fan of Maeve then you will know what I mean. If you don't know her please give her a go - I really think you'll enjoy her stories.

You can find A Week in Winter here and here. For a full list of Maeve's books click here.

I'm always keen to hear about new authors. I adore a good read. What are you reading at the moment?

Jx

50 Shades Trilogy...I want your thoughts!!...

I am on to the final book. I have read them very quickly. I was seeing the books everywhere and hearing lots of talk about it so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and see what the fuss was about...

EL James hooked me at the beginning and I wanted to keep reading. Through the middle of the first book I didn't know what to think...I don't consider myself a prude but I was quite shocked at the detail and amount of raunch. It didn't leave much room for a storyline. It was actually starting to get a bit boring but I kept reading as I wanted to know what happened in the hope the storyline would develop a little more. Then, just when EL James had nearly lost me, the end pulled me back in and I wanted to keep reading the other books to see what happens next.

The second book was a little better...I thought there was more of a storyline...I enjoyed it more than the first.

I would love your insight...I'm not enamoured with the books but I want to keep reading...Why is that?

It is pure escapism...maybe that's why? or maybe I just want to finish what I started?

I REALLY want to know what you think of them...Have you read them?...If not, do you think you will?...

Jx

The Little Black Jacket...

I can't wait for this to come out...its release date is August 25, 2012. It's available for pre order here...


The book description on Amazon says..

This book is Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld's reinterpretation of Chanel's iconic little black jacket. Lagerfeld has redesigned the jacket, transforming it into a modern, adaptable garment to be worn by both sexes of all ages. The Little Black Jacket contains Lagerfeld's photographs of celebrities wearing the jacket with individual flair - sometimes classic, sometimes irreverent, but always Chanel - and each styled by Carine Roitfeld. A range of accomplished actors, musicians, designers, models, writers and directors gets the little black jacket treatment, including Claudia Schiffer, Uma Thurman, Kanye West, Tilda Swinton, Baptiste Giabiconi, Yoko Ono and Sarah Jessica Parker. This book shows the astounding versatility of Chanel's vision in Lagerfeld's hands, and ensures the little black jacket's future as a timeless classic.

Will you be buying a copy? 

Jx

The Mighty Toddler - Robin Barker

I just bought a copy of The Mighty Toddler by Robin Barker. I am a huge fan of Baby Love and have referred to it many, many times since H was born.

Pan Macmillan have this to say about the book;

Practical and essential, The Mighty Toddler includes key milestones for each age group; a complete ABC of toddler behaviour and responses; a guide to day-to-day toddler care; explanations about toddler health, medical conditions and illnesses; and Robin's down-to-earth advice on how to keep your life on track! Recently revised to include up-to-date information about potty training, childcare, swimming, personal safety and food allergies and intolerances, The Mighty Toddler is the most comprehensive guide available to Australian parents.

I was having a quick flick through and on page 4 - What are the basic things a Toddler needs? I read the following; I loved it and wanted to share it here..

And never forget to remind yourself that you are doing the most vital job in life. Even if it is unpaid, unacknowledged, unappreciated and often unsupported by the society in which we live, the person your toddler will become will be a tribute to your skill and commitment. Truly amazing with you think that we learn it all on the job, isn't it?

I'm really looking forward to the challenges and excitement of the toddler years. I feel lucky to have wonderful references like The Mighty Toddler at hand.

Jx 

Dreaming of Venice..

Image: Jessica Flett

I am currently going through our photos and putting together some photo books. I have most of our photos in albums but they can be quite big and bulky. I did a photo book of our wedding at the end of last year and I'm really happy with it. I gave one to each set of parents for Christmas...so they make great presents too. They look great on your bookshelf or on display. You have design control and it's lovely to look through the glossy pages of a book.

It's a long process and I'm taking my time as there's no rush.

I have just been looking at our trip a couple of years ago to Italy and thought I would share some of the photos from Venice with you...

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

The Great Gatsby...

The trailer looks terrific. I can't wait to go see it when it comes out at the end of the year. I love Baz Luhrmann movies and I'm hoping The Great Gatsby will be no exception.


I haven't read The Great Gatsby since school so I'm off to read it again. 


I would love to hear what you think of the trailer....will you be going to see it when it comes out? and like me, will you read the book again before going to see it?

Jx

Sniffles and Coughs...

Image: Jessica Flett

A late night last night (after a beautiful anniversary dinner), coupled with a sick baby and feeling sick myself equals a very slow day.

The little man is sleeping so I'm taking the chance to chill out and enjoy my Amazon book arrival. I am so excited to have these books and I promise to tell you about them later.

I hope you're all having a good day.

Jx

P.S The beautiful roses in this photo are from my gorgeous husband for our anniversary. He arrived home from work with them last night. He earned serious brownie points!

That's not my dinosaur...

Source: Here

Our Son loves the Usborne touchy-feely books. His favourite is 'That's not my dinosaur...' They are terrific tactile books and there are lots of them to choose from. Our little man has several of them and I just love when he gets them out of his toy box, brings them over and holds them up for us to read them to him. He gets so excited and I really love how much he enjoys books. I highly recommend them. I have found they are readily available in book stores and toy stores. If looking to purchase them on line here is one of the places you can find them.


Here is a photo of our little man enjoying one of the books....'That's not my Teddy..'

Image: Jessica Flett

I hope your little one enjoys the books as much as ours.

Jx