Pippa's Book

While out shopping for school supplies yesterday, I found Pippa Middleton's book Celebrate on sale.

So thrilled!

I have been wanting to get a copy of it, but had to wait for it to come down in price a bit.

I know that there has been a lot of criticism hurled at Pippa for her book, and for the manner in which she has written it. But you know what? I might be in the minority - maybe - but I like it. And I think good on her for writing it and putting it all together. I'm sure she had a lot of help, but it's still hers, and I bet an awful lot of time and effort and planning went into it.  And I am proud to have it in my bookshelf.

And to be honest, I think the nastiness that some of the critics have said about Pippa and the book, says more about them, than about Pippa and her ability to write.

What I love about the book is the family feel that it has to it with her own ideas and recipes from her "Granny" and tips from her mother. It has a happy atmosphere with beautiful photography and some pretty appealing recipes, not to mention great ideas. I love parties, and I love planning parties. So much of the fun is in the planning.

The dedication in the front of the book.

Pippa comes across as fun-loving, fresh and young, yet practical and centered. For such a public person who has had fame thrust upon her - whether welcome or unwelcome - she seems a very sweet girl, and incredibly loyal and loving to her family. Her introduction shows she has a sense of humour and I love, love, love this sentence - this is exactly how I feel:

"The nurturing of friendship, family and home feels more important than ever to me in a world that sometimes appears to be moving so fast that we forget what really matters."

So, so true, and wise words from a girl not yet 30 years old.

I love the illustrations in the book. I don't know about you, but I think this would be amazing in fabric!

And I like the fact that small and big occasions should be cause enough for great celebrations. The Americans have this somehow embedded deep into their culture, and the British are the best at pomp and ceremony,  but maybe especially those of us who are their offshoots can take a leaf out of this book and learn to celebrate the annual festivities with style and simplicity and fun! I know that sometimes I am rushing through life with the daily demands of my family and I neglect to take the time to celebrate the changing calendar and all the little festivities that roll around each year. And the personal milestones within our family and the celebration of friends and relationships. I would like to change that.

And look at this - a recipe that uses Nutella! Other than spreading on toast. Now, I'm glad to have that! My children beg me to buy it while we are in the grocery store, and then they use it once and it sits in the pantry for weeks (ok, months).

So, I for one am thumbing my nose at Pippa's critics and celebrating her beautiful book. I'm glad to have it. Now if only I could get it autographed. Ha!