A 'This Blog turns One' Giveaway

I can't believe it's been one year already since I started this blog. This past year has been lots of work, but mostly lots of fun. The blog gives me the push I need to actually turn all the ideas in my head into reality! Some of them turn out great, and others not so great...but the best part is giving them a go!

I'm amazed at how quickly the blog has grown from just my hubby proof reading it. I've now got over 500 Facebook fans and lots of other followers! I am so grateful to all of you who keep stopping by. Thanks for your visits and your comments. I read every single comment and it's still exciting when I see there's a new comment on the blog.

Because I'm in such a happy blogiversary mood, I thought I'd have a giveaway. It's my way of saying thank you for visiting!

Up for grabs is your choice of my 'go to' books. You can choose any one of these books and should you win, it will be shipped to you by bookdepository.co.uk.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. You just need to like thingsforboys on Facebook (if you already do that's fine) and then tell me which book you would like to win!

These are the books you can choose from:

The Baby-led Weaning Cookbook
I am always pulling out this book and flicking through the recipes. It has a 40 page introduction to Baby-led weaning concepts and then over 130 recipes. I have made the Sugar-free Carrot Cake, Warm Apple Wedges, Eggy Bread, Burgers, Thai Curry and Cheesy Tuna Pasta salad to name a few. While it doesn't really have any mind blowing recipes in it, I love referring to it when I'm in a bit of a baby food rut and can't think of anything to cook. Even if I don't follow a recipe I get inspired by all the ideas in it.





River Cottage Baby & Toddler Cookbook
If you need pictures of the recipes in your cookbooks, then this book is for you. I love the index at the beginning that mentions different fruit and veg, when they're in season, how to store them and what to do if you have a glut. It also lists what pages you can find recipes using those ingredients. It also has a guide to introducing solids. It includes recipes for purees if you're taking that route and also baby-led weaning friendly recipes. I've made the Pea Risotto, Apple Muesli, Polenta Chips and Rice Pudding and I'm dying to try the Apple and Cheese on toast.

Sewing Basics
This is a great book for the beginner sewer. There are no projects in this book, it's more of an encyclopaedia. It covers tools and equipment you'll need for machine and hand sewing as well as different fabric types, understanding patterns, and different types of seams. It then covers techniques such as darts, gathering, elastic, fitting using a toilé, lining, hemming, pockets, zips, buttons, collars, sleeves, waistbands, cuffs, trims, appliqué and embroidery and more...see what I mean by encyclopaedia?! It's not an overwhelming book though.


Crafty Minx
This book is full of simple projects for handmade treasures and features a lot of fabric recycling, which I love! There are simple projects for baby things, a few tote bags, a kids play tent (tepee), several home décor and clothing projects. This book isn't just about sewing either. It has lino printing , collages, papier-mâché and colour bubbles for the kids too. My Rice Heat Pack was from this book.








Good luck everyone!



My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway