Cultured Views

Teaching your kids to read before they start school

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Our youngest two are three and five and James, five, is starting big school later this year. One thing we really wanted to do was get them both reading in some form before they started school and address any issues in that area should they arise.

We have been using an excellent range of books for their age group from Usborne and I highly recommend them to other parents who want to encourage their youngsters to read. They are available in the UK and the US and the books are just beautiful. There’s a range of topics including historical stories and people so your kids will get a history lesson as well; some of them I even read myself!

The current catalogue is called Usborne Complete List 2008 and the books are very reasonably priced. We read two a week to our kids and they love them - and the results are certainly showing in that James and John should turn out to be avid readers later on. That’s a good thing in my opinion.

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Wind chimes bring peace, harmony…and good fortune!

One of my favourite, and most distinctive, memories from my childhood is the gentle tinkling sound of a set of bamboo wind chimes that hung just outside the back door of my aunt’s house.  For as long as I can remember she had those little chimes hanging in the same spot and now that she is living in her new home she still has them - the very same set. They must be over forty years old to my knowledge!

There is an interesting history behind wind chimes and if you believe in the principles of Feng Shui they will bring you peace and harmony. Not only that, but if you hang a set by the front door they are said to ensure you a constant flow of money and good fortune. Don’t hang them in a draughty spot though or else they will drive you bonkers.

One of the most relaxing things to me is to sit in the garden and listen to the little chimes tinkling gently in a breeze - the birds love them. Give them a try - introduce some Zen into your life.

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The finishing touch for your bedroom

When you are renovating your bedroom why not stretch the budget as far as it will go and really add a touch of luxury to the atmosphere by indulging yourself in some beautiful and stylish bedding?

Personally I lean towards the minimalist style as I don’t like too much clutter but I love the look of a bed with big, chunky quilts and a collection of soft, fluffy pillows all arranged nicely to top it all off. Follow the link and have a browse through the collection; the items are not exactly suited to those on a tight budget but as they are all top quality and very durable splashing out on a set of the bedding could make for a really good investment as you should not need to replace anything for several years.

Until you want to change the ‘look’ again of course - but have a look at that photo; can’t you just see yourself snuggled back into those pillows with a good book? they look almost too good to lie on.

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