I hosted a Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired celebration for my birthday this year, and three of my gifts were picked to fit the theme. One, a set of vintage British postcards (bottom center) featuring illustrations from Pooh, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Wind in the Willows, and Beatrix Potter, was given to me early so I could display them as decorations for the party. The puzzle (middle right) featuring an enchanting scene in the Hundred Acre Wood came just in time, since I've been on something of a puzzle kick lately and had just finished my last one! My final Pooh-ish gift was a gorgeous lightweight infinity scarf that not seem Pooh-ish at all at a distance, but actually contains little Pooh silhouettes within its pattern (bottom right).
The category of general prettiness includes a lovely pink and gold bangle (top left) from 1928 Jewelry, my favorite jewelry brand, a Jane Austen datebook (top center) for writing down special dates and memories, a miniature pink potted rose (center), and labels and an alphabet garland kit from Rifle Paper Co. (middle left). I've loved Rifle Paper Co.'s designs for a while now but these are the first products I've owned of theirs, and they're just too cute.
I also got two new CDs to listen to. The O, To Be in England CD (bottom left) is from The Gift of Music, a company that makes wonderful classical music compilations with beautiful cover artwork. Birdy (top right) is from a new-to-me artist that my mom and sister found, and I love her singing style and delicate, piano-based instrumentals.
Finally, I've been well stocked on books to see me through the spring and summer. Two of these books are in series that I've been loving--The World According to Bertie is next up for me in Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series, and Lucia's Progress chronicles another adventure for E. F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia characters. Also by Alexander McCall Smith is Emma: A Modern Retelling,
which I'm currently reading. I'm a fan of most things related to Jane
Austen and while I'm usually not fond of retellings or re-imaginings, I
love McCall Smith's writing and think his take on the story is
delightful--it reminds me of his 44 Scotland Street books, which is a
great thing in my opinion! Wild Strawberries by Angela Thirkell is a title that I've had my eye on since spotting it in the Bas Bleu catalog, and English Country Houses by Vita Sackville-West is an interesting little volume on a subject I find fascinating.
I feel so lucky to have been given so many nice things, and have been enjoying them all throughout the month. I hope any readers found this post inspiring for their own gift-giving or wish lists!
I feel so lucky to have been given so many nice things, and have been enjoying them all throughout the month. I hope any readers found this post inspiring for their own gift-giving or wish lists!
