Recycle Old Christmas Cards

Cut out nice front section of old Christmas cards.  Cut an A4 card in two using pinking sheers or special scissors for cutting interesting edges on card.  Stick the section from old card using sticky pads to front of new card, green and red works well.  Write a message on inside using gold pen.  Packs of small envelopes can be purchased in bulk from stationary stores.  You can also purchase small stickers for the back of your card and print your details eg:

  Hand crafted by

 Lesleymc

Very satisfying, cheap, look quite good and nice personal touch.

The Tiger's Wife - Tea Obreht

Just finished this novel, found it interesting.  Tea weaves a complex story introducing myths, superstition and a meandering time line. The story goes off on tangents which at first seem distracting but the characters of the subplots and their lives become interesting in themselves and she cleverly weaves them all back into the main story interconnecting their lives and events. 

Whilst I thought it was good, if emotionally a bit heavy, for me it was not a page turner.  It was more of a deep slow flowing river than a raging torrent.

Newbooks Magazine

Just discovered a magazine for book lovers.  It has been on the go it seems for ten years but to my chagrin I have never come across it before.  It contains lots of interesting articles, interviews with authors and reviews of books. You can also read short extracts from some of the featured books.  There is also the opportunity to request a book free from a selection of those featured only paying post and packaging.  This is genuine, I received a copy of 'Dark Matter' only paying £2.95 towards p & p.   I am currently reading Tea Obreht's Eye of the Tiger and look forward to reading the article in the current magazine afterwards.  Bring on the next addition.

You can also find them at www.newbooksmag.com