It's getting colder...

...and I love it! A little tiny bit of snow yesterday, but not much yet. That's ok though, I'm getting my fill of holiday/winter spirit this weekend, starting yesterday with a trip to one of my favorite places in the world--children's bookstores. I love books and spend way too much money expanding my collection. Right now this "collection" is spread over three states: Ohio, New Jersey and Florida. I'm hoping all of my dear friends will be reunited soon. Anyways, back to children's bookstores. Memories of books I read as a child and teenager always bring a smile to my face--from Madeline and Angelina Ballerina to the Boxcar Children, "Little House on the Prairie", Nancy Drew, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", "Little Women" and "Treasure Island," many of my happiest memories involve youth literature.

This is why I decided to get my young goddaughter a book for Christmas and this is how I ended up at 18 W. 18th Street yesterday. The store is called Books of Wonder, and it's absolutely perfect. Young adult fiction, classic picture books, contemporary picture books, first editions of classics like "The Secret Garden" and other rare books--it's all there. Plus, there's a little cafe serving coffee and cupcakes nestled into the rows of books. Children and parents were everywhere, making me feel a feeling I only get once in a blue moon--that one day it might be nice to have a child (those that know me well know that I sometimes--or rather, almost all of the time--lack any sort of maternal instinct, but that I still have a spot in my heart for children).

Anyways, I was hoping to get Madeline's Christmas but because they were sold out, I settled on "Eloise at Christmastime". It's signed by the illustrator, Hillary Knight, and I think the mischievous Eloise will entertain my beautiful and strong willed little cousin.


Most of my shopping is done...now it's time for cards!




...Weekend Anna