Links!

One of the best things about Spain.

I need one!

The key to small talk.

Some life changing tips?

One or two big surprises here.

I must try this.

What an awesome teacher!

Some interesting history here.

Reading Review

Rip Van Winkle - Washington Irving

This was a really odd one. It was from my 'children's classics' collection and yet again, I can't imagine a child reading this.

The book is actually a collection of short stories including Rip Van Winkle and Sleepy Hollow. The stories are all based around a Dutch settlement in the state of New York. Some are vaguely interesting but they don't really grab me. Not one I'll be reading again.

Blackout - Marc Elsberg

Nico put me onto this book after waiting a long time for an English translation. It follows the story of a varied group of characters spread across Europe during a continent wide blackout.

It's an absolute page turner. The scary thing is how realistic and plausible the story is. I could imagine this book as a film. The characters and story are brilliant, I can't recommend it enough.

Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

Now this is a real children's classic. I love this story with its lovable characters and moral stories. It really makes me feel like a child again reading about Rat, Mole, Badger and Toad and their fun adventures. Looking forward to reading this one with the kids.

July Goals

Here's what I'm planning this month:
-Sort out the hobby room.
-2 recipes
-2 letters
-Get out more!
-Start C1 training

Recipe: One pot chicken and feta pasta

Ingredients:
-Olive oil
-2 chicken breasts
-Seasoning
-1 can chopped tomatoes
-1 cup water
-200g pasta
-1 pack feta cheese
-20 olives, quartered
-Handful fresh basil

Instructions:
-Brown the chicken in the oil with seasoning.
-Add the chopped tomatoes, water and pasta, cover and cook for ten minutes. Remove the lid for five minutes.
-Add three quarters of the cheese and olives.
-Serve with remaining cheese and basil.

This was plenty for us three and very filling.

Make it Monday: Papercut Card

 Today I tried a new card making technique through a freebie project from Mollie Makes. I had a cutter and the mat so it was quick and easy.

It's a bit fiddly and the results aren't perfect but it was very therapeutic and the more I look at the finished project, the more it grows on me. I'm looking forward to trying some more paper cutting projects and honing my skills.

Weekly Wisdom

If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together.

The Saturday Update

We had a good week.

Isabella had a full nursery week and made us unbelievably proud with her leaving report.

We got various jobs done around the house and garden, some of which had been on my to do list for a while.

I made progress on lots of paperwork; kindergarten, work, bills,...

Lunch with the mums from yoga was more relaxing than ever now that Joshua is happy to play. He also has four teeth now!

Isabella's birthday party was a huge success. She had fun and pass the parcel was new and liked by everyone.

I can't believe June is over already, it was a busy but good month. Let's see if July can match it!