Search results for ""CICO Books""

Budding bakers will love these 35 recipes for making super-cute cakes! This book will teach children how to make delicious cupcakes, cookies, cake pops and more – and transform them into fantastic creations. In Cool Cupcakes, they’ll find marvellous mini strawberry cakes and scrumptious spotty cupcakes. In the next section, Cake Pops, little ones can try their hand at all sorts of adventurous creations like sailboat pops, goldfish pops and butterfly pops. Then, they can check out the Brownies, Cookies and Gingerbread section, where they’ll find everything from brownie owls and ladybird cookies to a gingerbread family and snowy village. There are basic recipes so they can make the cakes in any flavour they want, and a techniques section that will teach them (and their supervising adult) all they need to know. All the projects are clearly graded with a difficulty level and include adorable artworks to guide children along the way. With all these recipes and so much more, your child will be a brilliant baker in no time.

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Children will discover the fun of needle-felting with these 30 adorable step-by-step animal projects. With this fabulous craft book, children aged 7 plus can create a wonderful menagerie of adorable needle-felted animals. The projects will appeal to all young crafters, and are wonderful for children to keep for themselves or give as gifts. Craft expert Mia Underwood begins with 2D projects, such as brooches and a bookmark, then moves on to simple 3D projects such as a cute hamster and a wide-eyed owl. Children can then progress their needle-felting skills by making dogs, a squirrel, a panda, a pony, and many more fantastic creatures. There is a comprehensive techniques section so that children can perfect their needle-felting skills, and each project includes an adorable photo of the finished animal and is broken down into clear illustrated steps.

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A complete course in machine-sewing for children aged 7+ years Sewing is a skill that has so many benefits for children and can give them real pride in their achievements. Angela Pressley has been teaching children to sew for 15 years, and knows how to encourage and inspire them to learn, starting with the basics and building up a portfolio of skills. And to keep them interested, she has designed 30 makes that will help them cement the knowledge they've gained, from sewing simple seams to patchwork, curves and corners, hems, linings and so much more. The book starts with an introduction to the sewing machine and some of the basic skills and equipment needed to sew. Then there are four chapters, each beginning with technique workshops, followed by projects that put into practice the skills just learned. Every project includes clear artworks plus a difficulty rating, from 'easy peasy' to 'you're on your way', 'you've got this', and 'you're a star'. As children progress through the levels they will learn how to make their own toys, bags, accessories and clothes, and will be encouraged to put their own creative ideas into their sewing.

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Easy Knitting for Kids is the perfect guide for all beginner knitters, with 35 easy, vibrant projects that they will love to make.To start youngsters off, there is a basic techniques section that covers every knitting technique they will need to know, as well as handy information about the yarns, needles, and stitches. The book is then divided into four fun chapters, and each project has easy-to-read instructions, step-by-step artworks, and a difficulty level of 1, 2, or 3, to help children develop their budding skills. In Stylish Knits, they’ll find adorable little bow hair clips and decorative buttons, a panda hat, fingerless gloves, a keyring charm, and lots more. Cozy Knits has pretty mouse mittens, an earflap hat, and a cowl, while Home Knits features fun ideas for children’s bedrooms, such as a heart pillow and a caterpillar doorstop. Fun Knits has cute ideas for toys and other pretty things they’ll love to make, such as an alien plush, a r

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Make beautiful jewellery and accessories from parachute cord.

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Learn how to knit different stitches and patterns and you'll soon be making all sorts of fun items. Divided into four chapters, the book includes a level of 1, 2, or 3 for every project, and comes with easyto-read instructions and adorable, step-by-step artworks that will guide you along the way. In Accessories you'll find cute little bow hair clips and decorative buttons, a panda hat, fingerless gloves, a keyring charm, and lots more. Warm & Cozy has pretty mouse mittens, an earflap hat, and a cowl. Then you can have a go at Bedroom Essentials, and try making a heart cushion or a caterpillar doorstop for your room. Lastly, Playtime has cute ideas for toys and other pretty things you'll love to make, such as an alien, a rag doll, and a doctor's stethoscope. Finally, the basic techniques section covers every knitting technique you'll need to know, as well as yarns, needles, and stitches.

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This small notebook is the perfect size to fit in your bag or glove compartment, allowing you to jot down your thoughts on the go. Flowers & Birds is a gorgeous new range of stationery that taps into the current trend for bringing nature, plants, and florals into the heart of the home. Inspired by antique prints and artworks, this beautiful and practical range is perfect for both work and home life. Whether you would like to jot down notes or simply to make a shopping list, this charming little notebook is both pretty and practical.

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Making toys, quilts, accessories and more is easy as anything with Easy Quilting for Kids. If your kids love crafting, then they'll love these 35 great projects that'll teach them all about quilting, sewing and patchwork. Every project has a difficulty level – 1, 2 or 3 – and comes with easy-to-read instructions and adorable, step-by-step artworks that will guide them along the way. All three chapters are packed full of projects they’ll want to make. Cool Clothes, Accessories and Bags includes a pretty patchwork corsage, an appliqué heart T-shirt and a felt hedgehog phone case. Kids will discover things for their room in Bedroom Bits, from a cuddly toy to an appliqué cushion and a summer quilt. Finally, they can craft sweet projects for their friends and family with Perfect Presents, such as a cute owl egg cosy, a colourful patchwork purse and a toadstool hot water bottle. The basic techniques section also covers every sewing and quilting technique they will need to know, so they’ll soon be the best quilter in town.

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Introduce your child to the wonderful world of crystals and their powerful energies to help, heal and transform with this fully illustrated simple-to-use guide. Children are innately drawn to the energy of crystals – and crystal energies can help make things better for them at school, at home and at play. My Crystal Guide explores crystals from a child’s view – what crystals and minerals are and how to choose and work with the crystals you need – as well as introducing an understanding of crystal energies and crystal healing. Fun exercises to try are included throughout, along with simple meditations. The Children’s Crystal Finder includes 101 commonly available crystals and minerals with clear photographs and each crystal's healing qualities relevant to children, while the final chapter suggests how to help with all types of problems that children may encounter, including stress, not sleeping well, tests at school and making new friends. Created with children in mind, My Crystal Guide includes guidance and practical exercises for parents and carers, but is written for children to follow and understand.

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Learn how to play chess – the world’s most popular board game! Jessica E Martin helps you improve your skills through 35 fun activities – this isn’t just a textbook about the rules! Why not have a game of Face Off, all you need are two rooks and bishops of each colour, then battle it out to capture all of your opponent’s pieces, or try Rookie Cookie, where the rook can go as far as it wants and move in any direction? With Create-a-Mate you will learn the vital skill of following activity and working pieces as pairs. All the activities have clear, easy-to-follow instructions and colourful artworks so you can see exactly where pieces should be on the chessboard. There are also helpful hints and tips throughout, as well as a Starting Out section if you ever need reminding of a rule or have forgotten how a piece can move.

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Pick up a needle and thread and be inspired by these delightful, contemporary cross stitch designs.Cross stitch is a traditional craft that allows beginners and experts alike to enjoy the experience of creating something, whether it''s for themselves or a gift for a loved one. As you stitch, you gradually see something pretty come to life and, once it''s finished, you can think, “I made that.” Hannah Sturrock loves to stitch and wants to help you to love it, too. Here she shares over 30 beautiful patterns with you. Discover five chapters of fabulous ideas: For a Beautiful Baby; For Big Kids; For a Special Occasion; For a Nature Lover; and For the Home. Make an adorable barnyard scene picture for young ones, or a comic-book style cross-stitched cell phone case. Add an extra handmade touch to presents with stitched gift tags, and create a Christmas toy sack that will be treasured throughout the years. Bring the beauty of nature into the home with

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This small notebook is the perfect size to fit in your bag or glove compartment, allowing you to jot down your thoughts on the go. Flowers & Birds is a gorgeous new range of stationery that taps into the current trend for bringing nature, plants, and florals into the heart of the home. Inspired by antique prints and artworks, this beautiful and practical range is perfect for both work and home life. Whether you would like to jot down notes or simply to make a shopping list, this charming little notebook is both pretty and practical.

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With this beautiful notebook, you''ll have space to jot down everything from your most mundane lists to your grandest thoughts and dreams.Flowers & Birds is a gorgeous new range of stationery that taps into the current trend for bringing nature, plants, and florals into the heart of the home. Inspired by antique prints and artworks, this beautiful and practical range is perfect for both work and home life. Whether you would like to list books to read or movies to watch, journal about your hopes and dreams, or to simply make a shopping list, this charming notebook is both pretty and practical.

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Pass on a love of gardening and nature to children with these 35 fun and rewarding outdoor and indoor projects. Gardening for Kids is full of inspirational ideas to get your kids excited about nature. Dawn Isaac shows you how to sow a wheelbarrow vegetable garden, make cress caterpillars, build an insect hotel, or plant a sunflower alley in your own backyard, using everyday objects and recycled junk. There are chapters on creative containers, from teapots to rainboots, windowsill gardening of foods such as cress and beans, and beautiful nature crafts that can be made indoors. Whether your outdoor space is big or small, or just a balcony or even a window ledge, these fun and creative ideas will keep your kids entertained—and learning about gardening—all year round.

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Learn how to sew by making fabulous toys, gifts, cards, bags and much more. These 35 brilliant sewing projects have been specially designed for children aged 7 and upwards. In the Terrific Toys chapter, you’ll find juggling animals, sock monsters and rag dolls, while in Fashion Fun, there are gorgeous bags, hair accessories and more. Next, discover some Delightful Decorations – from hanging felt stars to pretty lavender bags. Finally, Gifts and Cards is packed with ideas, such as the finger puppet cards, felt egg cosies or the sausage dog draft excluder. The sewing techniques explain every stitch needed and all the instructions and cute step-by-step artworks are easy to follow. Plus, each project has a grade so that children can start with easy sewing and move on to using more advanced stitches as they improve and gain confidence.

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Welcome to the beautiful world of baking! Take your first steps into the world of baking and learn valuable skills with these 35 simple, delicious recipes. Divided into four chapters, every recipe has a skill level – 1, 2 or 3 – along with simple instructions and adorable, step-by-step artworks to help you along the way. Start with Perfect Pastry, where you’ll learn recipes like easy tomato tarts, star-topped pies and mini quiches. Then try Sweet Treats for yummy brownie squares, little peanut butter cakes and raspberry shortbread. Head over to Delicious Dough for scrumptious Scandinavian buns, mini pizzas, sticky cinnamon buns and pick ‘n’ mix scones. Finally, satisfy yourself with Savoury Meals and Snacks – from tasty bread tartlets and mini toads to baked polenta with cheese and big pasta shells stuffed with herbs. The Basic Tips and Techniques section will teach you all you need to know about working in the kitchen, along with all the safety guidelines to follow. With all these and many more recipes, you’ll soon become a baking expert!

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How far away is the Sun? What is a shooting star? Why is there life on Earth? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this fun and fact-filled guide to our universe, the solar system and natural phenomena like life and gravity. In this awesome guide, discover how to become an astronomer by studying the Sun, Moon and stars in our galaxy, as well as learning about the terrains of different planets (did you know that there are volcanoes known as pancake domes found only on Venus?!). As well as up-to-date information and mind-boggling facts, Learn about Space and Planets is full of step-by-step activities and experiments you can do at home, to help illustrate the science right in front of your eyes! How would you fancy creating an exploding volcano, or seeing how craters are made using flour, cocoa powder and sprinkles? Enjoy learning all about space and planets, and be prepared to have your mind blown!

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Get your kids folding, snipping, and sticking with Easy Paper Crafts for Kids.Kids love crafting, and paper-based crafts are particularly popular, as they require no specialist equipment or hard-to-find craft supplies—just this exciting book and some paper, scissors, and glue! Easy Paper Crafts for Kids is divided into four vibrant sections containing 45 fun projects. The first section, Cutting, features découpage, collage-making, and mosaics, while Folding contains simple origami projects as well as cute hanging mobiles, classic paper planes, dress-up hats, and fans. In Printing and Painting, kids can look forward to paper-plate masks, treasure maps, and marbling paint techniques. Finally, Modelling contains a papier-mâché pig, doll’s house furniture, and a supersonic cardboard space rocket. Every project can be completed in four easy steps—just follow the instructions and you can''t go wrong.

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With this beautiful notebook you''ll have space to jot down everything from your most mundane lists to your grandest thoughts and dreams.Flowers & Birds is a gorgeous new range of stationery that taps into the current trend for bringing nature, plants, and florals into the heart of the home. Inspired by antique prints and artworks, this beautiful and practical range is perfect for both work and home life. Whether you would like to list books to read or movies to watch, to journal your hopes and dreams, or simply to make a shopping list, this charming notebook is both pretty and practical.

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Learn to crochet with these simple patterns and step-by-step instructions for children aged 7 years plus. This book will teach children how to use a crochet hook to make different stitches that they’ll soon be using to make all sorts of pretty items. Each project has a difficulty rating of 1, 2, or 3, and comes with easy-to-read instructions and adorable, step-by-step artworks that will guide little ones along the way. In Clothes and Accessories, they’ll find warm and cosy scarves, a beanie hat, wrist-warmers, mittens and lots more. Jewellery and Decoration has pretty flower corsages, bracelets and brooches. Then they can have a go at Bedroom Essentials, and try making a cushion or curtain tie-back for their bedroom. Lastly, Perfect Gifts has cute ideas for toys and other pretty things they’ll love to make, give as presents and keep. The basic techniques section covers every crochet technique they (and any adult supervisors) will need to know, as well as useful information about yarns, hooks and stitches.

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Discover the wonders of the natural world that surrounds you! Start with In The Garden – where you can build a bird feeder, or an insect hotel. Growing Fun has projects for plants that can be grown in small spaces, such as a miniature garden and a tiny terrarium. The Outdoors Indoors includes craft ideas for things you've collected – a leaf picture frame, a shell wind chime and some pine cone animals! Finally, head to Outdoor Crafts and Games with activities for camping. Here you can find out how to make a treasure trail and a river race game, along with much more. Every project has a skill level of 1, 2, or 3, and comes with easy-to-read instructions and adorable, step-by-step artworks that will guide you along the way.

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Easy Origami for Kids is a wonderful introduction to the incredible Japanese craft of paper-folding, with 35 fun projects that are sure to impress family and friends. Origami is a great first craft for young kids to try alone – it only requires paper and doesn't use any sharp objects or messy materials – and with Easy Origami for Kids, children can learn how to make all sorts of origami models, from amazing animals and things that fly to dazzling decorations and gorgeous gifts. All the projects are broken down into clear, illustrated steps, demonstrating every fold, and there are helpful arrows showing which way to fold the paper. There are also skill ratings for each project, so children can start with an easy project and then move on to something a bit more challenging as their origami skills improve, until they are easily impressing friends with their paper-folding creations.

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Crochet for Kids will help you teach your children the basics of crochet in a clear way that's certain not to have them tangled in knots.

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These blank notecards, featuring two exquisite designs, can be used for any occasion.Flowers & Birds is a gorgeous new range of stationery that taps into the current trend for bringing nature, plants, and florals into the heart of the home. Inspired by antique prints and artworks, this beautiful and practical range is perfect for both work and home life. Whether you would like to say congratulations, send birthday wishes or simply pen a quick note, these ten floral-themed cards in two different designs are sure to be much appreciated. Packaged in a beautiful decorative wallet, they also make a perfect gift.

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These blank notecards, featuring two exquisite designs, can be used for any occasion.Flowers & Birds is a gorgeous new range of stationery that taps into the current trend for bringing nature, plants, and florals into the heart of the home. Inspired by antique prints and artworks, this beautiful and practical range is perfect for both work and home life. Whether you would like to say congratulations, send birthday wishes or simply pen a quick note, these ten floral-themed cards in two different designs are sure to be much appreciated. Packaged in a beautiful decorative wallet, they also make a perfect gift.

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Reduce stress and find inner calm by colouring in these exquisite mandalas and motifs originally designed by artist Melissa Launay. The act of being mindful is being aware of the present moment. The process of colouring is meditative as you become intently aware of colours, designs and motifs – you are living in the moment and the concentration and repetitive nature help to make you oblivious to the stresses and strains of everyday living. In Color Yourself to Mindfulness, there are 100 original designs of mandalas for Awareness, Forgiveness, Wisdom, Abundance, Creativity and Karma. Mandalas, symbols of the cosmos, have inspired those who gaze upon them for hundreds of years. Get ready to experience inner calm and peace as you connect to the shapes and symbols that create these powerful images.

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Learn how to cook while making fantastic snacks, desserts, and meals. With 35 comprehensive recipes and a helpful techniques section, Learn to Cook will teach kids how to prepare a variety of foods, from sandwiches and party snacks to simple dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – there’s even a range of lip-smacking desserts! The book starts out with Snacks and Light Meals, where you and your child can make delicious pizza toasts and homemade buttermilk pancakes, as well as nutritious soups and salads. Then there's the Proper Meals chapter, with the oven-baked herby burgers, a comforting pea and parmesan risotto, and even a roast chicken, which is sure to impress any guests. Get your fruit fix with the peach and mascarpone dessert or the raspberry affogato in the Desserts chapter. There are also quick and fun ideas in Party Food, such as chocolate-dipped strawberries and giant cheese straws. If that’s not enough, make up your own exciting variations on the recipes – with such simple ideas, you can really get creative in the kitchen! Every dish has step-by-step artworks to guide you and your child, plus a skill level so you can start with quick and easy dishes and move on to more challenging recipes as you become more confident.

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Discover how better to meet the stress and demands of daily life with accessible and gratifying ways to decompress and live each day more fully. The fast pace of contemporary life and the increasingly digital age we live in can overwhelm our peace, happiness and well-being. Checking our phones and engaging online are often necessary to stay connected and thrive in today’s world but doing so constantly and mindlessly can lead to unwanted anxiety, exhaustion and discontent. There is a better way to meet these everyday challenges. Through a mindful approach and relating to situations differently, Unplug and Unwind will do just that for you. Discover the many ways to benefit physically, emotionally and mentally, including how to feel more rested if you’re having trouble sleeping, tune into your breathing regularly to relax and be present, and explore your senses to experience renewed energy and pleasure. In this compendium of beautiful images and inspiring guidance, shift from doing to being and find more balance and happiness in your life.

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A complete guide to the stitches, techniques and finishing touches that every sewer needs to know. Whether you want to learn new techniques or brush up on the basics, this is the perfect reference guide to keep by your side as you sew. Step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow artworks show you how to master everything from preparing a pattern and cutting out your fabric, to applying zips and making hems and darts. If you are a beginner, the first chapter takes you through all the tools you will need, including a sewing machine, pins, needles and scissors. For experienced dressmakers, tips on French seams, making buttonholes and topstitching will help you achieve a perfect finish. Whatever your skill level, this essential handbook will build your confidence and abilities, giving you all the foundations for creating beautiful projects.

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Discover how to realise your full potential and become a healthier, happier you. Do you feel you are just getting by – surviving rather than thriving? Flourish reveals the secrets of fulfilment with a wealth of advice and practical ways to increase your energy and drive. In the first chapter, Nourish Your Body, learn how to boost your physical health through the pillars of wellbeing: movement – finding the exercise that’s right for you and getting the most out of it; sleep – for restoration; and diet – considering not just what you eat but also how you eat. The second half of the book, Nurture Your Mind, focuses on your mental and emotional health for greater happiness and less stress through self-care, and helps you find out what you really want so you can make the most of your work, discover your life’s purpose, and achieve your goals and dreams.

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A complete guide to the stitches, techniques and finishing touches that every crocheter needs to know. Whether you are just learning to crochet, or you are seldom separated from your hook and yarn, there will always be times when you need instruction – or just a reminder – on a particular technique or stitch, and even the most experienced crocheter may not know all the tips and wrinkles included here. Crochet Know-How has step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear colour artworks, showing you how to do everything from basic double and treble crochet, to increasing and decreasing, working in the round and in spirals, and changing colour. If you want to know how to get started, everything from making a slip stitch and working out your tension to blocking your finished make is covered. For more experienced makers, useful tips on making raised stitches, creating bobbles and clusters, and creating ribbing in crochet will all help you achieve a perfect finish to your makes.

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Be inspired by this collection of beautiful words and images about the magic of tending an outdoor space. When you devote time and energy to growing plants and flowers, it is richly rewarding; in doing so, you care for nature and the planet, as well as create a beautiful space. This book celebrates the joy of doing just that, with a carefully curated selection of quotes and inspirational photography, as well as advice and simple suggestions on nurturing your own outdoor space, no matter how big or small. Quotes include: ‘To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.’ – Alfred Austin ‘When I go into the garden with a spade and dig a bed, I feel such an exhilaration and health that I discover that I have been defrauding myself all this time in letting others do for me what I should have done with my own hands.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson ‘Life begins the day you start a garden.’ – Chinese proverb

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Embrace the colder months with this beautifully illustrated self-care guide to not just surviving the winter, but also thriving through the season.Make the most of the change in the weather and learn the benefits of being active outside even if it''s chilly, with a calming walking meditation and a stargazing stroll to appreciate the dark evenings. Next, find out how to create a cozy haven when you get home with lights, candles, and winter greenery. Discover a range of natural remedies for seasonal ailments, from a warming ginger soup to breathing exercises for easing colds and sinus trouble. You''ll also find lots of simple ways to boost your immune system, including tips for a good night''s sleep and teas packed with vitamin C. Nourish and soothe your skin during the winter months with recipes for moisturizing baths, a face mask, and massage bars. Finally, re-energize your body and mind through exercise and breathing techniques, positive affirmations, an

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Discover everything you need to know about astrology in a compact, concise and beautifully produced guide. The Little Book of Astrology includes all the essential information about how the Sun, Moon, Mars and Venus – the most important heavenly bodies – empower us and help shape our lives. With informative descriptions of the zodiac and celestial ring, how to make sense of the various astrological Houses, the zodiac elements, the modes, planets, plus and minus signs, as well as concise descriptions of all 48 astrological signs, there is no better way to discover what motivates you in life and how to reveal the key aspects of your inner self. Discover how your rising sign allows you to meet life, Venus shapes your relationships, the Moon influences your emotional life, the Sun’s energy provides motivation and Mars helps you get what you want. The Little Book of Astrology is the most accessible and convenient way to discover how your fortune is written in the stars.

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Discover a moment of peace with these inspiring words and soothing images which all connect to the ‘blue mind’ – the effect of feeling calmed by nearness to water and the colour blue. Water, and the elements associated with water, whether ocean, lake or even swimming pool, can evoke an immediate sensory response in us – it calms us and soothes us. And this has been backed up by scientific research, with studies indicating that being near or in water can lower stress and anxiety, increasing overall wellbeing and happiness, and this mildly meditative state has been called a ‘blue mind’ response. This beautiful gift book features stunning images of waterside settings accompanied by peaceful inspirations, meditations and quotations, all designed to promote a mindful mindset. From the colour blue to words describing how we feel being in or around water, welcome the benefits of ‘blue mind’ into your life. Mantras include: ‘In one drop of water are found all the secrets of the oceans’ (Kahlil Gibran); ‘When I sit here by the sea and listen to the sound of waves, I feel free from all obligations and people of this world’ (Henry Thoreau).

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Discover why time spent caring for yourself is always time well spent, and the countless ways you can improve your health, happiness and wellbeing. When life is busy, it’s easy to put yourself at the bottom of the to-do list and neglect your own needs. If this continues for a prolonged period of time, it will take its toll on your mental and physical health, which will ironically impact on those loved ones you’re trying to care for, or that job you’ve been so committed to. This little book of self-care isn’t about overnight transformation or a huge lifestyle makeover – it’s about implementing small changes that will gradually improve your physical and emotional wellbeing. Do you need to sleep better and eat healthier foods? Are you in need of an energy boost or perhaps you struggle to wind down and relax? Are you a worrier? Do you get caught in a negative spiral of thinking? Does the clutter in your home get you down? Are you overwhelmed with commitments and looking for more balance? Whatever you need to work on, you’ll find advice and inspiration inside this handy guide.

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A complete guide to the stitches, techniques and finishing touches that every knitter needs to know. Whether you are just learning to knit, or you are seldom separated from your needles and yarn, there will always be times when you need instruction – or just a reminder – on a particular technique or stitch, and even the most experienced knitter may not know all the tips and wrinkles included here. Knitting Know-How has step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear colour artworks, showing you how to do everything from basic knit and purl stitches, to increasing and decreasing, lace patterns, intarsia, and Fair Isle. If you want to know how to get started, everything from casting on and working out your tension to blocking your finished make is covered. For more experienced knitters, useful tips on making buttonholes, picking up stitches and stranding yarns in colour work will all help you achieve a perfect finish to your makes.

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This beautiful compendium of words, images and artworks is your indispensable companion for a trip to the seaside. ‘When I sit here by the sea and listen to the sound of waves, I feel free from all the obligations and people of the world.’ Henry David Thoreau Around 15 million holidays are taken by the seaside in the UK alone, and nearly all of us are drawn to the tranquil allure of the deep ocean. The sea calms and soothes us, and scientific research even seems to indicate that being near water can decrease stress and anxiety, while increasing overall wellbeing and happiness. This beautiful collection of inspiring quotations and stunning photography will delight the avid sunseeker and armchair traveller alike. Whether you are on holiday, planning time away, or simply want to enjoy the lulling influence of the sea, Seaside Inspirations is a rich source of peace, wisdom, calmness and tranquillity.

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Discover the joy, hope and vitality readily available every day in this awesome collection of uplifting messages and inspiring images. A smile is worth a thousand words and is capable of spreading joy. Did you know that... • smiling can improve your health? • around the world we all smile in the same language? • the more you smile the happier you are, including those around you? So much depends on our attitude and how we look at life. Filled with stunning images and insightful words that capture feelings of delight and wellbeing, be transported by Smile: The Wisdom of Joy. Whether to start your day, end your day or for in between times when you need a little pick-me-up, this book will remind you of the many ways to experience joy daily – through pleasure, nature, humour, home life, people, acceptance, creativity, generosity, gratitude, kindness… the list is endless. Something wonderful is about to happen. The joyful possibilities await. Are you ready? ‘Keep on knocking and the joy that is inside you will find a window and look out to see who is there.’ – Rumi

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Discover the benefits of regular rituals and routines and how to integrate them into your everyday life to give yourself the self-care you deserve. Do you always make yourself a hot drink before bedtime – and does it give you a warm, comforting feeling? If so, no wonder – it is a mini ritual of self-care. Imagine if you could create the same sense of improved wellbeing throughout your day. This book shows how incorporating rituals into all areas of your daily life can become a key part of your self-care regimen, keeping your body and mind nourished with energy and happiness. You’ll learn how to create helpful routines that work for you and how to transform your home into a sanctuary. You’ll also find inspiration for self-love rituals, from luxurious baths to mindful meditations, and advice on the power of simple affirmations and mantras. With this handy guide, you’ll make every day calmer, happier and more special.

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These simple handmade decorations will add Christmas charm to your home. Making your own Christmas decorations is a truly thoughtful way to celebrate the holiday. By creating your own unique decorations, you will have a store of happy memories to bring out each year. It's also good for you – crafting has been shown to reduce stress – and good for the planet, reusing and recycling materials you have around the home and not buying environmentally harmful products such as glitter and plastic. The 27 projects in Christmas Ornaments are divided into Tree Decorations, Wreaths and Garlands and Table Decorations, covering every aspect of decorating your home for this special time of year. With an emphasis on simple Scandinavian style and easy techniques, these are quick makes with no special skills required, just basic sewing, cutting, sticking and arranging.

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A bumper book of over 60 creative projects to inspire and challenge budding young sewers. Young crafters who are keen to learn to sew, or simply want to improve their basic sewing skills, need look no further than My Big Book of Sewing. Packed with over 60 creative projects carefully selected to appeal to children, it includes stylish clothes, bags and accessories as well as cute toys and gifts. Every project includes a photo and clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions of how to make it, as well as a skill level so that children can start by learning the basics but then quickly progress. The projects cover a wide range of impressive sewing skills that are clearly explained in the techniques section, including basic stitches and decorative stitches as well as a foolproof guide to using a sewing machine.

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A beautiful journal to use throughout pregnancy and in those all-important first weeks after the birth of your baby. In this invaluable journal you can track your unborn baby’s development week by week, discover some helpful pregnancy tips and record how you are feeling at each stage. Stay on top of your medical care with note pages for your midwife appointments and antenatal classes – and there's space to include those precious scan photos, as well as a handy storage pocket for important documents. In later pregnancy, using the journal will help to focus your mind as you make important decisions, such as choosing a name for your baby and writing a birth plan – and there are useful checklists to ensure that you’ve bought everything you need. Elated but exhausted after the birth, everything can become a bit of a foggy haze, which is why there is a special section at the end to help you with everyday care as well as record your newborn baby’s first precious weeks.

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