Gifty goodness

Okay, so I cashed in one of my Christmas gift certificates at one of my very favorite bookstores. I took home quite the haul. I went in expecting to blow the entire amount on cookbooks and didn't buy a single one. That's rare for me. I think part of the reason why is because my mom surprised me with this book and filled my cookbook quota for the month (or, the week):

It's in the mail and I'm waiting somewhat patiently to get it in my furry little hands. Read more about this book here.

So, yes, I made my way into Market Block Books (conveniently located right next door to The Paper Sparrow...this is so dangerous) and immediately headed over to the art and craft sections. Their craft section has grown significantly in the past few months. I'm so happy about that, but also frightened a bit because I'm constantly compelled to buy them. Blah. The very first book I picked up was absolutely going home with me. I've been wanting Jane Brocket's The Gentle Art of Domesticity for quite some time now and now I can finally say I own it:

The fact that it's a gorgeous hardcover coffee table book just made me squeal a little bit, but the content, oh the content, it makes me smile. Beautiful photography and amazing ideas...enough to keep me busy and occupied through the long winter months that seem to have caught up with us now. The author encourages us to slow down, enjoy life and just take time. I think I need a bit of that attitude lately.

The second book I picked up also went home with me. Have you heard of or read Jenna Woginrich's Made From Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life?

It seemed like a great read, and again the writer recommends slowing down in our day to day living and enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Notice a pattern here? I think this might be the first book I'll wind up reading of the three books I bought today. I started reading the first chapter while standing in the bookstore and I had to force myself to keep moving.

And last but not least, I picked up this little number:

I don't know if I've ever talked about it here or not, but I know Alex and I have discussed extensively my overwhelming desire to go to Newfoundland. I've never been there and something about it just calls out to me. I'm dying to go, and I'm sure I will some day. This book, The Iambics of Newfoundland: Notes from an Unknown Shore just sounded so interesting to me. The author traveled around Newfoundland for close to ten years and based this book on the people, culture and geography he discovered there. I can't wait to read this.

Anyway, those were my newest purchases. If you've read any of these I'd love to hear what you thought!