Monthly Archives: November 2015

Great Coffee Table Books

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I love coffee table books. I love the opportunity to skim through something interesting and beautiful. You get to learn something in a short period of time, while being visually charmed.

Here are a few of my favorite coffee table books.
Click on any picture or title for more information.
Art: Over 2500 Works From Cave to Contemporary
This book is so incredible, it is filled with so many masterpieces. I love that I can sit and enjoy incredible art work in a wide array of styles and eras in such a small package. As a bonus the cover photo is by Gustav Klimt, my favorite artist.

 

National Geographic:
Stunning Photographs &
Destinations of a Lifetime
Both of these books are fantastic. Stunning Photography speaks for itself, it is stunning.
I love the variety and depth each photo brings. Destinations of a Lifetime is such a great book for me because I love to travel, but cannot at this stage in my life. So, it is a great book to have around to connect you with the other worlds around us.

Humans of New York
This is such a great and interesting book. It is full of character, charm, and craziness. I love learning a little bit more about all of us humans and our many many differences. This book really captures the culture of New York.

 

Henna Sourcebook: Over 1,000 Traditional Designs
and Modern Interpretations
This book is exquisite. The designs are so intricate and I love the deep rich colors and texture. Henna is so pretty and I love that this book brings together a variety of traditional and modern craft. Very visually pleasing and informative as well.
The World Atlas of Coffee &
The Art and Craft of Coffee
I couldn’t do a coffee table bit without including these two.
They are both awesome and packed full with tons of information. I really enjoyed all the great pictures as well. World Atlas focuses more on the many different cultures of coffee. Art and Craft has a bit more of a contemporary modern coffee house vibe.
Akiane: Her Life, Her Art, Her Poetry
This is one of my all time personal favorites. This book is so beautiful and inspiring. It shares with us the story and works of Akiane. Akiane is a child art protege, with an amazing gift and insight. Seeing all her amazing art work and reading her poetry is truly enchanting.

Now these are just a few great books I like, but the number  goes far and wide. What books you show off may differ greatly and that is wonderful. The great thing about coffee table books is that they mirror our personal interests and style. They are an opportunity to show what intrigues and delights us.

For Any Coffee Table Choice
Mexican-Spiced-Mocha-0108Book Bean: Spiced Mocha to warm up with
Home brewed coffee of choice, drizzle in chocolate, add cream,
then sprinkle with clove & cinnamon powder. If you are brave substitute
clove with an itty bitty dash of Cayenne powder.
Fun Fact: The best selling coffee table book of all time is Madonna’s “Sex,” but it is out of print.

New interests, seasons, and hobbies can all bring out a variety of table toppers. At the moment I have Domino: The Book of Decorating and  Anna Maria’s Needlework Notebook, because right now I am really into home design and needle and stitch work. Both books are beautiful and informative. I love to change it up!

So, share with me. What’s on your table?

 


                 

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I Read Because…

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I read to gain knowledge, to mentally observe more about the human condition, and to stretch and exercise my imagination. Reading is a way to experience that which is not within my reach. Reading is my escape, adventure, and peace.
Why do you read? Please share.

 


Beautiful Literature Scarf

WISO: “Thanksgiving Visitor”

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I thought I would share with you all what I’m sipping on today. It is a short story written by Truman Capote called “The Thanksgiving Visitor.” This story was included in a book I have with two other shorts “A Christmas Memory” and “One Christmas.”

(Click picture &/or title for more info.)

I have not finished this story yet, too much Holiday chatter and bustle. Not that I am complaining, I am so thankful for having a family and a place to chat and bustle about with. So far it is a delightful read. I am enjoying the characters and looking forward to seeing how it plays out. It’s old fashion but in the best way. I am also really looking forward to delving into the Christmas stories next! At the stroke of midnight of course 😉
Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetThe Thanksgiving Visitor
Book Bean: Black Coffee 
Better to enjoy all the sweet treats with 🙂
I’m enjoying a smooth medium roast, with mild spice and roasty-sweet notes

 

A quick update now that  I have finished the book. I read the other two short stories and discovered that all three stories are linked. They have the same main character and supporting character. I thought they were a nice pleasant read. The main character was likable enough, but it was his friend Sook that I really enjoyed. I liked reading the stories out of order, because it left a bit of mystery to the story (which was later revealed.) I read “The Thanksgiving Visitor” first, then “A Christmas Memory,” and “One Christmas” last.
Fun Fact: Truman Capote also wrote “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Charming Children’s Classics

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I have loved books since I can remember, and growing up I got to read a lot. I was privileged enough to get to experience so much great literature. I have continued to enjoy these books for years. All of the books are so beautifully written and illustrated.

Here is my list of Charming Children’s Classics.
Click any of the pictures or titles for more information.
Winnie the Pooh is so fantastically brilliant, I can’t get enough of it. The relate-able fun characters are brought together magically in these wonderful tales and poems. I bet we all know a person or two who resembles an Eeyore, Tigger, or Rabbit, etc. Each clever little story is brought to us via the imagination of Christopher Robin, and A.A. Milne of course.
honey-bread-milk-table-39141976The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh
Rated: 4.8 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Warm Milk and Honey of course.
It’ll make your tummy rumble for more.

 


I love this book because the message is so universally important. It’s a great message for both children and adults. It teaches us so much and I know I am the better for reading it. All of Dr. Seuss’ books are amazing, but I picked this one because I feel it is so well acknowledged and appreciated across the board.
download (1)Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Rated: 4.9 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Pink Yink Drink 😉
Coconut Milk heated with strawberry syrup.
Beatrix Potter brought us so many darling stories. Who doesn’t love Jemima Puddle-Duck, Tom Kitten, and of course the timeless Peter Rabbit. The art work alone is amazing. Everything about her work is so charming, and more. I love this particular compilation of ten favorites.
524201a0e263fcc904b198c1e31b31dcA Beatrix Potter Treasury
Rated: 4.9 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Tea Time
Good old fashion Earl Grey Tea with cream and sugar cubes to taste.

Oh the ever curious little monkey we all know and love. These stories are great and so much fun. George is so likeable and teaches us so many great lessons. Lessons about sharing, caring, learning, and compassion. I loved it growing up and I love it now.
imagesThe Complete Adventures of Curious George
Rated: 4.6 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Banana Steamer
Blend up bananas add hot/steamed milk and  a little agave syrup (if you like it sweeter) and blend well. Pour in mugs and enjoy the frothy goodness!

 

Paddington bear is the epitomy of charming. His friendly attitude, good nature, and manners are what we love about this adorable little bear. Another great story with a great message wrapped in fuzzy cuteness. This book teaches us about the importance of acceptance, family, and neighborly-ness.
download (3)A Bear Called Paddington
Rated: 4.7 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Hot Marmalade Cider
For a quick trick heat apple juice with pumpkin spice (cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg) and orange slices. Enjoy with and orange slice and cinnamon stick.

 

This is a classic that will warm any heart. It is a touching tale of a child’s stuffed rabbit. This story has a deep eerie quality that is so sad and wonderful at the same time. You may be in tears when you read it but you will love it all the more. Overall a heart-filled lovely little story to be cherished.
Hot chocolate with mint and marshmallowsThe Velveteen Rabbit
Rated: 4.6 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Mint-Mallow Hot Chocolate
Make up some yummy hot chocolate add in mint leaf and marshmallows. Sweet and cozy.

There are many other classics that are also fantastic, but I narrowed it down to a few timeless reads. These are geared (or were originally anyway) toward the ages of about 7yrs and under.

I myself still love to read and enjoy these
beautiful literary gems, time and time again!

Fun Fact: The first illustrated book to be created explicitly for children was in 1658. This book was Orbis Pictus an encyclopedia-like book written by John Amos Comenius.
Click here for more children’s classics

Holiday Reading Wishlist

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner I am beginning to think of what books I would like to read for the Christmas and winter season. Now I am a firm believer in one Holiday at a time. So I will not begin my Christmas reading until after Thanksgiving, at the stroke of midnight. However, I do need to be prepared.

So here are the books on my wishlist.
(Click pictures or links for more info.)

This seems like a typical cheesy but delightful Christmas story, something just right to relax with. I believe it might be a bit romancy, which is not usually my strong cup of tea, but now and then it is nice.
Starry Night: A Christmas Novel Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Gingerbread Mocha
The bitter sweetness of gingerbread
melts so well with the milk chocolate goodness.


Agatha Christie is such a great author so I have no doubt that I am going to be thrilled with this book.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Peppermint Latte or if your daring try a Peppermint Chai, it’s goodness is a mystery 😉

 


Sometimes I like to mix it up and replace Christmas music with an old fashion Christmas story via audible. This year I think I’d like to try this out.
The Christmas List: A Novel 4.4 on amazon.com
Book Bean: For something easy while on the go brew up some black tea and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg

 


I’d like to keep the warm and fuzzy Holiday spirit burning beyond Christmas. So, I think I’ll be reading this book for New Years. It seems like just the right kind of quaint story I adore.
Winter Solstice Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean:  Spiced Eggnog Steamer
Eggnog and milk steamed or heated and frothed. Sprinkle with cocoa and add a cinnamon stick.
Nothing keeps up the Holiday cheer like this sweet treat!


The best I save for last!
I am really excited for this book. I don’t know why I had never heard of it before, but if J.R.R. Tolkien wrote it I’m sure it is a worthy tale.
Letters From Father Christmas Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Candy Cane Cocoa
Homemade cocoa in mugs with whip cream and candy canes for stir sticks (this is a tradition my family.) Make up a batch and share this experience with some kiddos.

Once I have read these books I will do a mini bean review and let everyone
know my thoughts.

Fun Fact: The song “Silver Bells” was Originally titled Tinkle Bell…’snicker’

If you’ve read any of these please share yours!


mmm Reading Treats