Author Archive: Lydia
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International Book Giving Day
Did you know it’s International Book Giving Day on February 14?
This is a day that’s dedicated to getting new, used and borrowed books into the hands of as many children as possible.
We love books and the pleasure they provide babies and children is immeasurable. Books nurture great imaginations and provide fun ways to learn whilst developing reading and writing skills.
There are some great ideas for getting involved and giving books to children in aid of International Book Giving Day. Here are three simple ways to celebrate from the International Book Giving Day website.
1. Give a Book to a Friend or Relative
Celebrate International Book Giving Day by giving a child a new, used or borrowed book.
2. Leave a Book in a Waiting Room or Lobby
Choose a waiting room where kids are stuck waiting and there are few to no good books available. Purchase a good book, and deposit your book covertly or overtly in your waiting room of choice. The goal here is to spread the love of reading to kids, so choose a fun book, nothing controversial.
3. Donate a Book
Wrap up a box of children’s books that your kids have outgrown and get them in the hands of children who could really use a book or two. Donate your books to your local second hand store, library, children’s hospital, or shelter. Alternatively, donate your books to an organization working internationally to get books in the hands of kids, such as Books for Africa.
I’ve brought some baby books to New Zealand and we’re going to give them to the babies and children in the Pediatric Ward at Hutt Hospital.
How will you be donating books to children on International Book Giving Day?
Outside Garden
I can’t stop Imogen from venturing into the garden and I don’t want to, although she would be out at all hours if she had the chance and was allowed to stay up throughout the night.
It’s absolutely wonderful she has green fingers at such a young age. Hubby and I are keen nature lovers and Imogen’s been watching. She’s heard us talk about birds, flowers, fauna, insects and wildlife since she was a tiny baby and we had our first family holiday in Orford.
Every morning as soon as she wakes we look outside and assess the weather with Imogen giving me the lowdown. Windy trees, misty, sun, rain or fuffa for cloudy. And then it’s shouts of Outside Garden. This is what Imogen’s named my parent’s garden in New Zealand. It’s not an inside garden is it?
I love being outside and in the garden. My dreams are to landscape our 2.5 acres of land in Brittany, France. It’s in a state at present given that we can’t be there enough to keep on top of the weeding, manage the brambles or prune the trees. But when we are there it’s all hands to the deck and what we achieve is nothing short of a miracle in such a short time.
Whilst we’re not working on our garden in France I love to use any spare time I have learning about gardening online. There are some amazing resources and very inspiring gardeners who give me lots of ideas and helpful hints for the near future.
Two of my favourite Gardening Blogs are The Enduring Gardener with all sorts of helpful tips and facts on gardening whilst being a thoroughly great read and My Tiny Plot a blog about vegetable gardening, seasonal cooking and family life in Portland Oregon.
And if you’re after some quick and purse friendly recipes then head over to Love and Olive Oil which is one of my favourite food blogs. When my vegetables are growing in my garden this blog will provide me with the inspiration for some delicious family meals.
What’s your best gardening tip?
Splish Splash Splosh
Baby cousins Imogen and Amber are having a great time playing together in New Zealand. It makes us all laugh when they’re squealing in delight and giggling at one another’s antics.
We’ve had some beautiful hot summer days so it was essential to get in the garden and fill up the paddling pool with some cool water for a splish splash splosh.
In the New Zealand you’ll find most babies and young children wear UV Protective Sun Suits.
I’ve since bought one for Imogen to help protect her skin and to minimise the amount of sun cream I need to use as a toddler who’s constantly on the go isn’t an easy target.
Hats are essential in the New Zealand summer sun. Don’t you love Imogen’s and Amber’s?
