Books of the year

For the first time ever, I've kept a comprehensive list of all the books I read and films I watched this year (have several attempts that lasted until July in a drawer somewhere). It's fascinating (to me); 61 books and 96 films (there would be more books but I didn't read much in the early part of the year due to academic stresses) and I've been happily counting ratios of fiction:non-fiction, sci-fi:other, living:dead authors, english language:translated....and the 10 Agatha Christie's I have reread(!).

Have made a rough list of the books I loved the most that I read this year:

The dispossessed Ursula Le Guin

Asimov on Science Fiction Isaac Asimov (non-fiction)

The fountain overflows Rebecca West

War and peace Leo Tolstoy

The uncommon reader Alan Bennett

Black snow Mikhail Bulgakov

Henrietta’s war Joyce Dennys

Snow Orhan Pamuk

The Mitfords: letters between 6 sisters edited by Charlotte Mosley

The Children’s Book A.S. Byatt

Picnic in the Sanddunes

Lamps

Boule Japonaise, Harrier, Shiro, Helix and Bud. All from Habitat (£4-£49). We have a bit of desperate lighting situation.

To sink into an armchair...

Via Ill seen, ill said, Little Green Notebook, Luphia Loves and Sam's Notebook.

Hungry Designs

I bought this cute necklace for my sister's birthday from Hungry Designs, a Dundee-based Etsy seller. I want everything in the shop!

I adore primary colours

Deckchairs

I'm dreaming of a summer spent reading in the garden...

(The Big Sleep Deckchair, Morris Seaweed deckchair)

Red and White

I'm in love with these red and white patterns from it's mary ruffle.

Bright and Fresh

I love this table arrangement by Indierocket, it's so pretty and fresh, perfect for the spring!

Things to do this spring

(Calderstones Park, February 2007, image by Siân)

The Guardian has a lovely list of things to do this spring, which includes going for a walk in a bluebell wood and listening for woodpeckers drumming!

Monster-suitable shelving

Maybe it's because of the two monsters who share my house:



(Isaac and Daphne Rabbit, image by Siân)

But I'm in love with shelving with glass doors at the moment.

Like the one in Constança’s IKEA flat housetour, seen on Design*sponge:



But my favourite has to be this one from Domino's MyDeco files:

Waiting to Roost

The RSPB shop has a lovely collection of starling-themed unbleached cotton kitchen products called 'Waiting to Roost'. I've always had a soft spot for the cheeky little starling, and 100% of the profits go to helping birds and wildlife.

Apartment therapy has a post on 'offbeat vases', took from Domino. A pretty teacup even without the beautiful flowers.

Tulips

(Tulips, March 2009, image by Siân)

James brought home some Lincolnshire tulips... spring is finally here!

I've really been enjoying the British design posts on Design*sponge-today it's about British houses. I was first attracted to the circular mirror next to the fronds, but then noticed the painted mint green ceiling against those austere white walls... how beautiful.

Coco and Kelley went on a little day-trip out of town and found this gem of a cushion, amongst other things. We should be tourists in our local areas more often.

Metal clasps and the granny bag

The BMorgan bag from Faith, £28.