Wild Swans

I’ve learnt so much from reading this book!  Wild Swans is the autobiography of Jung Chang and tells the story of her childhood and early adult years in communist China.  It is really gripping and some of the events that she mentions seem unimaginable.  Some of the stuff I was reading I couldn’t quite believe would actually have happened, especially so recently.  Jung Chang also writes about the lives of her mother and grandmother before she was born and you can really see just how much China changed in such a short space of time.

I’d definitely recommend this book as it teaches you loads about the history of China but is much more interesting than just reading a history book as you get a real life account.  According to my copy, Wild Swans won the NCR Book Award in 1992 so it must be good!

Christmas Tree Decorations

Here are some cute baubles to decorate your tree with this Christmas…..

Waterford Crystal have a range of decorations including this beautiful snowflake.  I love it as it’s simple and not over the top but still looks lovely, especially when all of the fairy lights sparkle through it.  It comes in quite a sturdy box which you can use to store it over the years and the box is nice enough that you could give the bauble as a gift.

 

 

 

 

This decoration made by Wedgewood China is more traditional.  It’s really pretty and is quite pale so stands out well against the dark green of the tree.  Wedgewood China have a number of other Christmas tree baubles, all based around a similar sort of pattern and colour scheme.

Although these are really lovely baubles, they are not the sort of thing you’d decorate your whole tree in as they are quite pricey.  The Waterford Crystal snowflake is £35 while the Wedgewood China one is cheaper at £17.50.  However, they are perfect if you are looking for a special, stand out Christmas decoration this year.