Summer Manifesto #3 Part2

Last week we tried our second new mocktail of the season. It was more adventurous, delicious and I couldn't get enough of it!

You can find the recipe here. I switched out the candied ginger for fresh and a half teaspoon of sugar. The peaches and limes are key though.

Make it Monday - Button Bookmarks

Inspired by my new craft technique last week, I was browsing around the internet and came across this tutorial for button bookmarks.

It was easy and simple but effective and while I don't have the pretty buttons yet, I'm really pleased with my colourful little creations.

They would be the perfect little stocking fillers so I'm on the lookout for pretty metallic buttons and colouful paperclips.

Weekly Wisdom

source

The Saturday Update

This week has flown by! Work was very busy - I finished up lessons with most of my groups, had our handover meetings with the other year groups, went on a theater trip and researched a new languages space.

At home we've been preparing for a special birthday today! Lots going on with friends and family. We're baking and barbecuing today...

I've been sewing, knitting, reading, painting and running. That Get to Work Book inspiring me for a second week.

We're going to have a quiet Sunday followed by an easy week - the last full one before the holidays and another trip to a climbing course.

Garden Update

 It's been a while since my last garden update and there's sooo much going on right now. This garden was one of the big reasons we bought this house and with this wonderful season and our wonderful little girl, we're starting to live the dream.

Above, you can see the tomato plants! They have gone crazy outdoors. Can't wait to eat them!

 Since Isabella's birthday the main garden area has become more of a play area with swing, slide, sandpit and paddling pool. She loves it, and we love to watch her.

 The first courgette!

 Who needs Heligan? We have our own giant rhubarb...from Yorkshire of course.

 The flower corner by the terrace is still blooming...

 ...and these are my current favourites. Seasonal, happy and bright.

 My planter is still hanging and pretty with pink now.

 The balcony boxes are finally blooming.

And even the lemon and avocado plants are thriving outside.

I love this season!

Favourite Children's Books

Having such a bookworm for a mother, it was inevitable that Isabella would quickly be kitted out with her own little library, in fact, books were one of the first and few things we bought early in my pregnancy.

We had a time of trying to read at bedtime but she's only just at an age to start showing an interest. It's something I want to try again in the holidays.

Nico and I both bought fairytale collections in our own languages but there were also some specific favourites we wanted her to have.

Peepo

This one was a big favourite in our house growing up and one that Isabella likes to point at already.

Grandma bought this one for Isabella and her cousins before we were even pregnant!

I love Janet and Allan Ahlberg books. Isabella also inherited this from her cousin.

Guess How Much I Love You

We bought this for Isabella's birthday. I don't think I had it as a child but I'd heard of it and love the story.

Lieselotte's Bauernhof (Lieselotte's Farm)

This is Isabella's favourite at the moment. It was a gift from Nico's grandmother and we keep it downstairs.

I really think she recognises animals and things from the farm. She loves animals and when I look at the book with her I like to relate it to what she knows.

So those are our three favourites at the moment. I can't wait to start the bedtime story routine again and experience books for the first time with Isabella.

P.S. A post from Rachel on children's books.

Currently...

...writing so many reports.
...getting back into the creative groove.
...eating lots of fruit.
...drinking mocktails.
...enjoying Isabella.
...making the most of the sun.
...preparing for a birthday weekend.
...running on an evening.
...appreciating what I have.
...winding down for the holidays.
...using the Get to Work Book to the full.
...feeling refreshed!