Keeping the bookshelf busy



A funny thing happened a few weeks ago. I left a comment on a fairly new to me, very enjoyable blog, Tales From the Village , and guess what?

As a result of my comment, the very lovely people at Appliances Online treated me to a happy afternoon filling my basket on Amazon.



Now I normally decline any sort of advertising/reciprocal linky type stuff as it makes me feel a little uncomfortable and I prefer to keep my blog clutter free, however the people at Appliances Online were so very undemanding and generous. Furthermore I did indeed buy a fridge from them and found their service excellent, add to that the thought that they may be similarly generous to one of my dear readers (so do leave a comment) meant that I really could not say no.




I had fun on Amazon, first there was : The River Cafe Cook Book I know, I am so very late to the party on this one, I don't know why this book has not been on my shelves for years, a serious error. I believe it is known as a classic and this is well deserved praise indeed, I bought a second hand copy in near perfect condition.



Then I chose Baking Made Easy Hmm, not sure. I love her style but this was something of an impulse buy and if I am honest with myself, I could quite live without it. Beautifully photographed and a good selection of recipes but I already have really good versions of most of these recipes. I am not saying I don't recommend it, for someone with shelves less full of cook books it might be an excellent addition and I will certainly be trying the Whoopie Pies very soon.




I saved the best for last, Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children Love, love this book, I will write more about it when I complete one of the projects. I am such a fan of Oliver & S patterns and this book does not disappoint, a wonderful selection of projects with Liesl's typically high standard of detail and finishing; if you follow her meticulous direction you can be assured of producing garments of the highest quality. The book has been really well designed with clear images and lovely full size patterns. You can read more over on the Oliver & S website.

Right, I am off to pour wine, eat chocolate and read a book. Heaven.








Comments

dottycookie said…
Sounds like a very lovely afternoon then and evening now!

I am having a break from fighting with minute semi precious stones. If I ever say I'm going to make anything with black spinel ever again, shoot me. 0.2 mm black holes on 2mm black stones? Argh, my eyes!
Willow said…
What is it about the month of March and buying cookbooks? I just purchased one this week!
Willow said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary deB said…
That River Cafe book looks right up my alley. And baking, yes, nice pictures, even more yes! I figure a cookbook is worth it if I make one recipe regularly, and I'm a sucker for a pretty picture of food!
Ah, sewing, I wish I did it better!
mary said…
I could donate my fridge to a Museum for Defunct Appliances. I know I should buy a new one, but it feels like giving in and admitting that the grand new kitchen project is not going to happen. At least, not this year.
Anonymous said…
Getting to choose new books, and then finding them in the mailbox is more fun, in my mind, than buying them in the shop. The Oliver + S book has been tempting me lately!
mrspao said…
Sounds like a wonderful afternoon. I keep looking at my wish list very longingly.
Ooh, I have never seen the Oliver&S book, but it looks really lovely. Might have to add it to my own Amazon wishlist :)Laura x
Arianwen said…
Oh wow how wonderful free books! What age do the Oliver s go up to? I like their patterns but mine are too long and leggy now:)
I think I've completely missed the boat on the River Cafe too - I think I'd better give it the once over next time I make it to the English bookshop. I'm ALWAYS buying cookbooks and I really don't know how that one managed to slip through the net!
Caroline Saunders said…
Ooh! Lovely. Here's hoping!! Still loving the iPhone cosy I bought from you. Thank you so much for that. And desperate to hear more about the Oliver + S book, sounds too tempting! Love the blog, hope you are well and enjoying the sun. Caroline xxx
mooncalf said…
Oh fabulous.

I can see why people might want to sponsor your blog - you're always making me spend more money on the lovely things you post about.

P.S. Appliance retailers everywhere can but me amazon treats if they like. Just putting that out there :)
Good choices.

Happy reading, making and a wonderful weekend.

Nina xxx
Charity said…
Those all sound like wonderful books, how nice for you! I've been eyeing up the Oliver & S one, myself, it looks lovely.
Ooh, I am glad you got some lovely books too. I've used Appliances Online to buy several things in the past, so it was rather lovely to get something back in return - and yes, like you I don't normally do linky things. Hope you enjoy the books (and glad you like the blog, too!).

Rachael xx
Anonymous said…
Free books - how wonderful! Like you, I'm not keen on doing linky things, but when I did one (in return for a very generous voucher), my sister in law thought I really was going to buy new lighting (the 'teaser' I had to insert in a post)!!
raining sheep said…
I don't own the River Cafe cookbook but I have lovingly :) browsed through it at the store. Sigh! I am not allowed to buy new cookbooks any more unless they are on electronic ebook format (self-imposed rule). But I still love looking and flipping through them at the store.
Linda said…
Gosh, what a treat for you, I would have been in heaven. I love baking books as thats the sort of cooking that I truly enjoy.
Sarah said…
WE got River cafe ccokbook at Christmas from a friend - it really is a classic as you say - a cookbook that you can just so easily use on a weekday night.

I have finally finished 'the cardigan'!! I have changed my email address and lost yours - please can you resend me yours and I will send you a photo etc.
Thanks so much.
kerrie said…
Oh I would love to get my hands on the Oliver and S book! I love Liesl's work. xx
Jane said…
It's nice to have fun surprises like that. I have not heard of the River Cafe Cookbook, so I'm off to check it out. Thanks for the ideas!
kristina said…
Oh how super! But now I must be the only one without a River Cafe book! I do have the Lorraine Pascale book though--really enjoyed her series.

K x
Julia said…
Smashing books you have there by the look of it - I was tempted myself this week by the new Hummingbird Bakery one but left it on the shelf as I recalled just how many cakey-bakey books I actually already have that have hardly been used!

Love Julia x
Pauline said…
Beautiful books. You chose well :-)
Paula said…
I just borrowed Baking Made Easy by Lorraine from the library and had a quick look at the recipes, there's a few I'd like to try. The book on sewing sounds interesting, I miss buying books but in this house space is scarce so mostly we go to the library to get our books although occasionally a few bought from charity shops manage to find their way here :-)

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