Hidy Ho! Just checking in to see if you’re all surviving your various winter/summer weather. It’s such an odd year, isn’t it? We got a ton more snow yesterday, and I know you’re sick of hearing it, but I love it. . Pity the poor school kids (and their mothers LOL) though — they have some serious class time to make up this year.
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you might remember that I get an Amazon gift certificate for Christmas every year and then I hoard it until the middle of the winter and then treat myself to some fun new books. I try to mix it up and this year I think I got a good mix — baking, knitting, reading, and travel. (Ooooh, no quilting, darn it!)
This year I bought:
Sarabeth’s Bakery by Sarabeth Levine. Not really sure what drew me to this book, but I’ve had my eye on it for several years. It looks like there are some great recipes in it.
The Model Bakery Cookbook by Karen Mitchell. One day I saw that Dotty Cookie had made some English Muffins. Later that day, I got an Amazon e-mail mentioning that people buy this book just for the English Muffin recipe. English Muffins twice in one day, so I took it as a sign and this book jumped into my shopping cart. I’m excited to try the recipe.
The Best of Lopi by Susan Mills. I’m currently obsessed with Lopi yarn (getting ready to start a new Lopi sweater!) and this book had great reviews on Amazon. I’m happy to say, it’s chock full of beautiful sweater patterns. Most of them are the traditional Icelandic style, but there are several that have cables and are more “normal” sweaters. I saw 4 or 5 sweaters that I’d love to make and that’s saying a lot!
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. Have any of you read this book? Along with my Lopi obsession, I’m obsessed with Iceland — since our trip last May, I can’t stop thinking about this beautiful country. I can’t remember where I saw this book mentioned, but it’s the story of the last woman to be executed in Iceland, set in 1829. I’m looking forward to reading it.
A Fine Romance by Susan Branch. If you’re a fan of Susan Branch, you probably already have this book. In the spring of 2012, Susan and her husband went to England for 7 weeks and this is the illustrated diary of her trip. I would love to go and spend more than a few weeks at a time in the UK, so I’m hoping to pick up a few tips. Plus, I think it’s probably just a good, fun read.
So, that should keep me busy for awhile, don’t you think?
Oh wait. There’s more. I had a little naughty purchase.
I’m completely blaming Pam Kitty Morning. PKM showed this beautiful mug one morning on her blog and told us how to find it. So I searched and conveniently, it could be purchased with my Amazon gift card. It’s the Royal Albert New Country Roses Union Jack mug and I selfishly bought the last one. Hopefully they’ll get more in stock, ’cause I know you want one. It’s going to be perfect for my winter reading!
Ok, I’m off — there’s reading to be done! Have a good weekend!
XOXO,
Anna
that is a very pretty mug! I am currently looking for a new ceramic tea pot – I like them small and can’t find little ones that only hold about 16 oz. – have you heard of any? I haven’t read any of the books on your list! I will need to look at them on Amazon. I’m tired of snow, ice and cold!! I want spring
Your book pile looks amazing. I’m fascinated by the fact that you keep reminiscing about Iceland over and over again. Surely it made a big impression on you. Makes me think one ought to consider it as an expedition!
Wouldn’t it be the best fun ever to spend a big chunk of time in the UK? Daughter and I spent 2 weeks and had a blast but a month or so? Maybe when i become rich!
Love the Rosie Union Jack tea mug. That was naughty of you to take the very last one! It’s stinkin’ cute!
Well, Miss Anna, it looks like you’ve chosen a lively mix of goodies to enjoy those cold winter days. The mug is really pretty. If only I had room for any more I’d be tempted.
You do know that we don’t eat English muffins, don’t you? Grin!
I have Sarabeth’s Bakery and want to try everything in it. I also bought it for my daughter because she wanted to take my copy home. Everything I’ve made is delish and my daughter has tried things I haven’t yet. We do love it. Have fun with it!
Burial Rites has gotten nothing but great reviews. I haven’t read it yet but it’s on the list.
i love the sarabeth’s bakery book. i think you know who bought it as a gift for me when i worked for her. pkm has fun stuff on her blog all the time. love your mug! there are four right now. i’m on mug restriction. i have two entire cabinets full of them. miss k gets a 30% discount on them and i have to admit i have gone and lost my mind on more occasions than i care to admit. okay i have to get that book to make english muffins. i’ll need to get the SB book to help me plan a trip one of these days.
alright, well it’s past this girly’s bed time since i’m getting up at crack o’ dawn tomorrow.
thanks for the post.
good night bloggy friend.
:waves madly
I have Sarabeth’s Bakery book as well. I think it’s worth it for her croissant recipe. I’d love the Model bakery book as well. Those look like some good “reads”. Enjoy them.
Rebecca and I got each other Susan Branch’s book for Christmas. I hoped she would get it for me and she was hoping the same of me! Such a neat book!
I have the Susan branch book, a signed copy even! Its wonderful and such a lovely relaxing read. I want to make the same kind of long trip albeit I think I’d fly just because i am too impatient and my dh would hate the ocean trip.
There are 4 mugs in stock and I almost clicked send it. I had better jump up and turn off the computer before I do. I just found a box I had stashed of 4 lovely Bauer mugs. I think I bought them for gifts but couldn’t in the end give them up…lol!!!
you know we just call them muffins don’t you!
I’ll be your bag carrier if you come over for a long visit! Good selection of books, and I love the mug. Have a good weekend – we have bright and frosty this morning, a welcome relief from the rain!!
That’s a great selection of books you got yourself, Anna. And the mug is very pretty. It’ll make your tea – and English muffins – taste perfect! :o)
A nice new pile of books is always a good thing! Those look lovely, as does the mug. I think you must have the UK’s snow this year too as we haven’t had any at all. Just rain – inches and inches and inches of rain. We are due another grade 4 storm this weekend, so I’m expecting the Ark to float past sometime soon. x
Sigh….that it one beautiful mug…sigh….:0)
Why is there always something to be tempted by! :0)
Enjoy tea and all your good reads throughout this winter….
Enabler. I don’t need another cookbook, but I do have memories of Sarabeth’s Bakery book. That cup is cute, but it’s pink. Instant adorable. Hope you are staying warm.
That sounds like plenty of good reading to keep you going through the winter. I’d love to visit Iceland.
Nice collection of reading material. I haven’t bought a “real” book in ages! I have nowhere to keep them. Book shelves are full of toys over here. So I just buy for my Kindle. I have a nice collection of Kindle books. LOL.
I love your reading list! I bought the Model Bakery cookbook. I keep flipping through it but haven’t made my way into the kitchen yet!!! A somewhat local quilt shop had a book signing for Susan Branch… I nearly took the day off to go to it. The coffee/tea cup is the perfect indulgence to go along with the book! I am going to have to look at Burial Rites– sounds interesting!
Awesome shopping spree! Perfect for our horrible winter weather. Being snowbound is growing old fast! But I have been knitting up a storm and even quilting. And drinking lots of tea and cafe mocha. So you have enough new books to keep you entertained until spring ever gets here. Please let us all know how the English muffins turn out. Sounds amazing! Home made English Muffins! With honey.
HA!
What an interesting mix of books – photos of cookery bits, and knitting pieces please! And luuuuurve that mug!!
Your book choices sound wonderful! I’ll be waiting for a review of your experience baking the English muffins! Wonder if they’re difficult to make? I have read Susan Branch’s book, which is so delightful. I was even able to meet her at a book signing last fall in Goshen, IN. That was a great experience. She made you feel like you were old friends. I share your fascination in Iceland, although I haven’t been there yet. Hope to make it someday!
Think spring!
Have you read “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg? I just finished it, and I really enjoyed it. I also received a knitting book in the mail today—it is “Knit Your Socks on Straight,” and I am curious to try it.
There’s nothing nicer than a stack of exciting new books! Enjoy them :) x
I adore A Fine Romance. It got me through a very stressful holiday season…read it twice! Have heard good things about Burial Rites. I can’t wait to read what you think of all these lovelies. Stay warm and enjoy this perfect reading time.
I’m not sue I approve of “Falling in love with the ENGLISH countryside”…. (!)
Not suRe.
Yes you are indeed naughty, but fun. Love your blog. You truly always inspire me. Thank you.
I love seeing what you’re reading! :) And that you have a warm drink while you read, like I do! :) Thanks for sharing! Keep us posted as to how you like those books! Enjoy the snow-I hear there may be more on the way! (And my teen and I both love to sit by the fire and read on snow days-bring them on! :)) Hugs!
Okay, I’m all caught up on your blog. whew. The Dr. Seuss dinner was amazing amazing. How fun would that be to do? And aren’t you very loved with all of those gifts! Spoiled I think. And man, that is a lot reading to do. We will expect muffins soon!
Love the mug – so pretty. I also bought A Fine Romance – love her books and have several of her cookbooks. Her illustrations are just so much fun – I want to live in the world she draws – looks like a happy place :). I think I need to check out Sarabeth’s Bakery book – looks like a good one. I read cookbooks like others read books lol – I learned from Mother Tother that you don’t always have to cook out of them :) – who knew.
Hugs – Mrs. Farmhouse
ok, ill leave a comment even thought you “LOL”d at me!! yes this has been a trying few weeks. my kids need some outdoor time for sure!! we are fortunate that our school does not depend on buses, so we have just 2 days to make up at this point, and one of those days will be made up feb 17th! phew. its been a long cold road though.
i just put that susan branch book on hold at the library. i lloovvvee England and am already pining to be able to pick it up!
i pinned your kerchief girls to my design wall so i dont look it in all the commotion…we need to come to terms with a time to meet up!
Hello! I’m sorry to comment here, but I really am trying to email you regarding a quilt you made for your son and DIL. My son and DIL want me to make them one similar and I was wondering if you could give me more info on the one you made. It’s the browns with the monogram in the middle. I would be very grateful if you would email me regarding this. Thank you! p.s. I’m a fellow Hoosier!
I could feel finger getting ready to click over to Amazon, so I could order a couple of your books. Then I remembered that I didn’t get an Amazon gift certificate for Christmas! I guess I’ll have to wait. Your choices all look so fun!
I’ll be interested to hear how you get along with Burial Rites as it’s on my list too, and I also share your fascination with Iceland :)
I wouldn’t mind some snow … it would make a pleasant change from rain!
Love your book selections and I hope you’re having a great time with your family, friends, books and lopi yarn LOL! — I’m off to a country cabin with my family for a week, look forward to hear from you. Take care, Berglind :)
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