19 April 2011

school holiday reading

Greetings all,
You know i love my husband to pieces & here's a tiny example of why - he's not romantic in a flowers (they make him sneeze, make a mess with petals, then they die & turn the water brown), lobster dinners (he doesn't really like eating seafood or the smell) or jewellery (he's given me wedding rings, what else do i need) kind of way . . . but he does surprise me with, well, him - turning up unexpected/ early/ when i least expect him on the doorstep . . . & treats me with things i really love - like homey books & magazines. 
 So handsome soldier knew i was desperately trying to find Jamie Oliver's 30 Minute Cookbook, to the point where i looked like a book shop lifter, loitering suspiciously on my hands & knees, checking every shelf in every book shop in Canberra.  No, i didn't think to order on line, but that would have ruined my husband finding a copy in David Jones in Brisbane, being the hero & surprising me.  He also thought i'd enjoy "this book by that Cath Kidston chick i think you like" & how cute is this, a cookbook Collection of recipes, he thought it looked vintage & like something i'd want.  Oh bliss!!  Donna Hay Magazine, well i'm a fan, her recipes are great, even for my low skill level & inclination, but her styling, that is what i love about her the most.
 A little taste of the pages of Collection . . .
 my mother used to make a brilliant pate.
 Cath Kidston Sew - i would love to make a mass bird mobile style chandelier for my high schooler for when she moves into the new bedroom/ other half of my studio.
 I'm going to try an oversized hexagon patchwork quilt this month.
 Jamie Oliver - do you ever fail us regular family cooks??
 Oh i want to go on a picnic, NOW!!
 Donna Hay, visual feast as always in her pages, like boys fishing!!
 Donna teaches you this month about noodle varieties, brilliant!!
Then this sweet story on the last page of the magazine, about how Donna found a baby bird's nest on her way home after dropping her youngest child at his first day of school.  Sigh, i've been there.  She teamed it with a handmade bird from a friend & took this beautiful image.  What a gorgeous memory to keep of the experience.  As a fellow mummy who has an empty nest with all her children at school, i think i'd like to find a sweet bird's nest too & pop in 4 little handmade birds, under a glass dome, wouldn't that be delightful?? 
Aren't i the luckiest girl around, thoughtful husband & our 4 fabulous children, all together on school holidays.  Now time to ignore them all & stick my head in all this school holiday reading.  Love Posie

29 comments:

Nic said...

Your husband sounds like a lovely man :) mind you I can't complain, mine bought me an iPad!
I love the look of that cath kidston book...

AllIsClear said...

You've got a keeper there!! Bliss to know that he does take notice of you - who needs flowers and diamonds when you've got a man who goes the extra mile. Happy reading.

Rhi@FlourChild said...

Oh what a fantastic haul!! I hope you also get lots and lots of 'time vouchers' so you get to curl up and read them all :) Your handsome soldier has good taste (or, he knows that you do!) x

Brenda said...

How sweet is your man for surprising you with such a stunning collection of books!

I think the bird mobile is a great idea for your daughter.....she'll love it!

Hope you're enjoying your holidays!

Susan said...

Those will keep you busy! And what a thoughtful hubbie! Mine is pretty special too...he has bought me lingerie at least once a year for the last 20!

Anonymous said...

I love when our husbands know us so well...this is something mine would do :)
I am loving the look of that Collection book.
Have fun sewing and cooking
xx

Amy said...

Well aren't you spoilt! Enjoy your haul. It looks fantastic!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Romance comes in many forms Jennie. Personally, I think his gifts speak louder than flowers or chocolates. Enjoy your school holiday reading.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Sarah B said...

What great goodies! I always get in trouble for all the magazines and books I smuggle into the house, though one year Lyndon gave me a nice big gift voucher to a book store for a pressie. I thought that was funny :)
The little bird in the last pic is adorable!

Maxabella said...

He's home. HOME!

And charming to boot. x

Seaweed and Raine said...

Oh Wow! Super thoughtful :)It's great being blessed with a good man! :)

Alice Becomes said...

Fabulous! you are lucky

I am quite jealous, nothing like time out for a bit of mag reading...i actually posted today on Magazines Versus Blogs - i like both but there is nothing like a good magazine to flick through, ultimate in relaxation, isn't it?

Gill xo

Unknown said...

Nice husband! No need to stop with the mags though... there's foot rubs and brunches on the list of good deeds too!

Seaweed and Raine said...

Hey Jen, Did I miss the winner of your big pink bonanza?

Beki said...

Sounds like my kind of man, how lovely to know you so well.
I have the CK and Jamie O book and love them both................Happy reading x

Tas said...

Lots and lots and lots of brownie points earned right there :)

Toni said...

Well, he's definitely a keeper!

I nearly drooled when I saw the bird and nest, SO gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Oh, your husband is a keeper! And can I say that I'd prefer magazines and books over jewellery and flowers anyway! xx

1000 Homes of Happiness said...

A real keeper xoxox

and oh my, that little bird nest at the end...just beautiful posie.

xoxox

Happy holidays....from our little home to yours.

Shelley said...

That's so lovely, but I would expect nothing less! I hear you on the romantic thing - Mr G took me shopping on the weekend for the first time in our five years together and kitted me out from head to toe in gym gear - because he said he wanted me to 'feel special' when I go and workout. They're keepers. xx

All For Love said...

Lovely post Posie and a what a lovely hubby also! Those books do look delightful. Jamie Oliver captivates me when he cooks... as do most of the celebrity chefs, such talent and what a craft! Donna Hay's work is beautiful too!
Looking forward to seeing the hexagonal quilt once it's finished... if we're lucky enough to get a glimpse :o)
Have a wonderful time with your sweet family Posie xo

Bec R said...

Oooohh you have a very thoughtful hubby! I'd take a shiny new craft book over flowers any day :-)

Tania said...

Lucky you :) Far better than flowers any day! Looks like a very readable assortment. Oh I love Jamie! And that Cath Kidston book looks lovely..as does that collection cookbook.

Sarah said...

Yay for your house full of family and your beside table full of lovely reads. Jamie Oliver is a living treasure and I love the sound of an oversized hexagonal quilt. Love those clashy hexagons all together. Oh and the bird/nest - magic.

Sarah said...

I feel the same way about homemade doughnuts...and why are they popping up everywhere!!!? Also pretty sure that Jamie has a fluffer so don't worry about that! The books look lovely and I love Donna Hay too, not sure we can get the mag over here but I enjoyed it when we were in Aus and the photos are so divine. x

Naturally Carol said...

Lovely books and mag indeed! I do agree though no matter how much we love our family we do need to ignore them regularly too!

Linda said...

I must have married your hubbies twin.....!
Mine rarely (actually never) buys me flowers etc, but he often comes home with gardening mags, a fruit tree, trailer load of manure for me - and just last week bought home Jamies 30 min meals too.
You are very right - Jamie never fails us!

Loving your blog too
X

Rachel said...

How sweet. Flowers are totally overated in my house too. I love that these were a surprise... that's even better.

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