Reading Review

The Fifth Profession - David Morrell

One of my free 200 collection, this one is slightly older but I almost prefer thrillers from a time with less technology.

This novel follows a bodyguard as he tries to unravel a traumatic experience from his past. It's an interesting concept and kept me guessing.

I can't say I was 100% happy with the ending but I did enjoy it.

Tales from Shakespeare - Charles and Mary Lamb

Nico brought me this book home from work. It was written in the nineteenth century as a 'modern' take on Shakespeare's stories.

Sometimes the Victorian style was hard to follow but I feel like I got to know Shakespeare better and the short stories helped to break up the reading.

I did find it annoying that Shakespeare seemed to think a change of clothes would stop family members recognising each other in so many of his works...

Origin - Dan Brown

I treated myself to this new book in the holidays as it has been on my list for a while. 

Dan Brown is one of my favourite authors and this one did not disappoint. As an extra bonus, the story is set in Barcelona and lots of my favourite places were mentioned which made me want to jump on a plane.

Robert Langdon returns in a bid to help a former student release his life-changing message to the world. Full of facts, politics and history, it was just my thing.

Recipe: Autumn Salad

Ingredients:

• 400 g brussel sprouts
• 280 g carrots
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 4-6 tbsp raisins
• 2-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Seasoning to taste
• 1 tsp fresh Thyme leaves or other herbs of choice
• A little honey, to taste 

Instructions:
1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and serve.

Make it Monday - Inspirational Sign

This weekend I finished my second quote sign using Gonis products and I love this one as much as the first.

I made the board itself using spatulas (like large lollypop sticks). They are attached with some more spatulas in the other direction along the back.

The blue is actually ink for stamping. It doesn't cover as much as the acrylic paint but I actually like the effect of the wood showing through.

The quotation is relief paste on a flex template. Very easy and one of my go to techniques.

After a couple of presentations in November I'll find a home for this on the landing.

Weekly Wisdom

Sometimes, it's simply time to start again.

The Saturday Update

Another crazy, busy work week here. After a quiet weekend we've all had a full work / daycare week.

Isabella had a busy week with play dates and dance class and she's got events every day until next weekend too.

Joshua is coming on leaps and bounds with his speech and looks bigger every day.

I've missed dance class but hit all my fitness goals anyway thanks to the commute. Just need to get on track with my diet now.

Kindergarten commitments have picked up a bit again and my crafting time has suffered but I have some Gonis parties coming up so I'll be making time for that this week.

I've been reading lots and we are enjoying an international series called The Team.

Autumn is going to be a busy one but I feel like we're off to a good start.

Links!

Inspiring and heartbreaking.

Student debt is a bitch (no.5!).

I hope my son grows up like this young gent.

When Grans are let loose on twitter.

I taught a colleague this expression this week.

Aaargh!

Recipes galore!

Might try some of these but I don't agree with them all.

October Goals Review

Here's how the month went for me:

• Fondu night - not yet.
• Family day trip - done!
• Lose weight - done!
• Fill the planter in the garden - done!
• Keep up the videos - done!
• Three craft projects - done!
• Fix up Isabella's wardrobes - done - just need organising!