This enchanting Christmas Chronicles classic combines solid historical fact with glorious legend to deliver the definitive story of Santa Claus. For anyone who has ever wondered...you're right to believe in him!In "The Autobiography of Santa Claus", Santa reveals his story for the first time. Nicholas (his real name) was born in the Middle Eastern country of Lycia to wealthy parents who died when he was young. The kind people of Lycia taught him the lessons of goodness and generosity, which he began to practice as a child by sharing his wealth with those in need. As a young man, Nicholas realised that this generosity had bestowed upon him special abilities to distribute his presents to deserving children everywhere. And so it was that Santa broadened his gift-giving and spread his message to many others who also valued his belief in the goodness of giving. Families will delight in each chapter of this Christmas classic - one per each cold December night leading up to Christmas! And who is better to lead us through seventeen centuries of Christmas magic than good ol' Saint Nick himself?

'A phenomenal book full of wisdom, practical advice and humour to change your life for the better' Fearne Cotton - Broadcaster, bestselling author and mental health champion 'What a personal, thorough and beautiful book from an energetic and insightful writer. Very accessible and funny.' Russell Brand - Author, broadcaster, actor, podcaster, columnist and mental health & drug rehabilitation activist At 47, Amanda Byram is in the shape of her life, both mentally and physically, but for over two decades she was trapped in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and self-criticism, convinced that unless she was 'perfect' she wouldn't be happy or worthy. By the time she reached her 40th birthday, she was mentally and physically exhausted ... something had to change. The Switch is a distillation of all the simple and life-changing techniques, tips and tricks she used to get herself off the 'perfection treadmill' once and for all. She shares how to silence the critical internal voices that hold us back, and how to ditch diets for good and eat and exercise in a way that will give you power, not problems. Switch to a balanced lifestyle where food, fitness, family, friends and self-care are all in sync and discover the happiest and healthiest version of yourself - a life-changing guide for a lean and serene future! 'Amanda is a master of emotional reinvention. Using her own experiences and Switch method she has helped, guided and supported both those very close to her and those she has never even met. Amanda has never been afraid to break down the stigmas of mental health, using her generosity, honesty and wit.' Gok Wan - Broadcaster and mental health ambassador 'The Switch is a powerful reminder that being kind to yourself is the first step toward improving your health, both mental and physical. Thorough, thought-provoking, and immensely helpful for anyone who wants to make a positive change in their life-not just their body. I loved it!' Sarah Knight - Bestselling author of the No F*cks Given Guides 'For anyone serious about making the switch to a healthier mind and body, this book is an absolute gem. It's packed full of wisdom, insight and clinically evidenced guidance. Definitely a lifetime companion.' Owen O'Kane - Bestselling self-help author and psychotherapist 'It's really really lovely' Alison Curtis, Today FM 'I would highly recommend, it really is good' Colm Hayes, Breakfast with Colm and Lucy, Radio Nova 'I am really impressed and I've learned a lot from it' Lucy Kennedy interviewed in Woman's Way 'A beautiful book. It was an eye-opener into all the ways I'm MANE to myself and is full of inspiring tips on how to be kinder, written in a funny, friendly way. Honestly! It's so uplifting.' Marian Keyes 'It's a really really great book' Maura Derrane, The Today Show 'Beautiful' Daithi O'Shea, The Today Show

Curate the ultimate crystal collection and bring harmony to mind, body and spirit with this modern guide to these enchanting stones They're striking, precious and have long been prized for their beauty, but have you ever tapped into the extraordinary magic of crystals? The grand powers attributed to these little stones are infinite, and this book is here to help enhance your everyday life by revealing the practical and spiritual benefits each crystal has to offer. Crystals can bring positivity and prosperity into your life, and the easy-to-follow information in this book offers guidance on choosing the right crystal for your needs and harnessing their awesome healing energies. This is the ideal guide for ardent and aspiring crystal lovers alike. Discover how to make the most of your collection with simple tips on the best methods of cleansing, charging and storing your crystals. Featuring detailed crystal profiles complete with beautiful colour photos and key information on dozens of stones - from their identifiable features to their unique energies - these pages contain everything you need to know to feel the full force of these natural treasures.

Scottish Cashmere has been at the forefront of luxury textiles for over 200 years. Fans have ranged from Hollywood icon Grace Kelly to design royalty Chanel. Fashion writer Lynne McCrossan goes behind the scenes of one of the world's more exclusive industries to show you what really makes Scottish Cashmere so special. Contains colour photographs throughout. Includes such chapters as: The Glorious Goat The Legends: Pringle of Scotland William Lockie Johnstons of Elgin The Monochrome Theorem It's in the water: why Scottish cashmere is the best in the world The Artisans

Not every PhD becomes a professor. Some never want to, but others discover-too late and ill-prepared to look elsewhere-that there's precious little room in today's ivory tower, and what's there might not be a good fit. For those leaving academia, or wanting out, or finding themselves adrift, this book offers hope, advice, and a bracing look at how others facing the same quandary have made careers outside of the academy work. All of the authors in this volume, as well as the editors, have built successful careers beyond the groves of academia-as freelance editors and writers, consultants and lecturers, librarians, realtors, and entrepreneurs-and each has a compelling story to tell. Their accounts afford readers a firsthand view of what it takes to transition from professor to professional. They also give plenty of practical advice, along with hard-won insights into what making a move beyond the academy might entail-emotionally, intellectually, and, not least, financially. Imparting what they wish they'd known during their PhDs, these writers aim to spare those who follow in their uncertain footsteps. Together their essays point the way out of the "tenure track or bust" mindset and toward a world of different but no less rewarding possibilities.

'A truly transformative read' Sunday Times STYLE 'More than ever, we need books like this' Jessica Seaton, Co-Founder of Toast and author of Gather, Cook, Feast A whole new way of looking at the world - and your life - inspired by centuries-old Japanese wisdom. Wabi sabi ("wah-bi sah-bi") is a captivating concept from Japanese aesthetics, which helps us to see beauty in imperfection, appreciate simplicity and accept the transient nature of all things. With roots in zen and the way of tea, the timeless wisdom of wabi sabi is more relevant than ever for modern life, as we search for new ways to approach life's challenges and seek meaning beyond materialism. Wabi sabi is a refreshing antidote to our fast-paced, consumption-driven world, which will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and be gentler on yourself. It will help you simplify everything, and concentrate on what really matters. From honouring the rhythm of the seasons to creating a welcoming home, from reframing failure to ageing with grace, wabi sabi will teach you to find more joy and inspiration throughout your perfectly imperfect life. This book is the definitive guide to applying the principles of wabi sabi to transform every area of your life, and finding happiness right where you are.

A timely handbook helping readers think about how to slow down, reconnect, and live a gentler life.

Monocle has always been a champion of taking it slow. Past issues have encouraged readers to dive into a lake and go for a run. To sleep well. To eat food made with love. Even today, in a tense moment in history, the magazine has done its bit to argue for a new modern etiquette where communities are generous with their time, hospitality, and forgiveness. Now its editors and correspondents have brought all of this together into one volume with The Monocle Manifesto for a Gentler Life, a book that urges us all to slow down, reconnect, make good things, and think about the spaces we call home.

Some of the highlights of this volume include: An illustrated guide to being nice, respecting your neighbors, and controlling your social media rants; practical tips on how to design a house that’s good for you and your family; Q&As with the people who have decided to take a gentler approach to work and living; and a celebration of locally made food―with featured recipes―as well as the chefs that bring people together. The helpful tips and insights in this guide make it the perfect handbook for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy life.

Illustrated in color throughout.