Collection: Self-Development

Crochet a garden of kawaii happiness with this super-cute collection of 40 amigurumi patterns!

Let Melissa Bradley of Yarn Blossom Boutique lead you down the garden path to discover a colorful world of crochet flowers, plants and garden creatures with this blooming marvellous book. Plants and flowers make everyone smile, but never more so than when they are made out of crochet with sweet little faces. This adorable collection of patterns will fill your world with everlasting flowers, without having to do any digging whatsoever.

Cultivate your color knowledge and a bumper crop of makes, perfect to bring the outdoors in and to give as gifts. As well as the patterns, Melissa shares all the know-how on the simple crochet techniques required for everything to come up roses. Alongside the flowers and plants, you'll spot cute bugs and gardening tools, brought to life kawaii-style, to create the ultimate garden-lovers collection.

As in her first book Kawaii Crochet, Melissa breaks the patterns down by color with chapters for Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple and White, with favorite plants and flowers in each section. You'll find step-by-step patterns for crochet tulips, roses, pansies, poppies, gerberas, daffodils, sunflowers, marigolds, delphiniums, daisies, violets, lilies and more, plus potted foliage in the form of cacti, ferns and string of pearls. And making an appearance in each chapter are cute creatures such as worms, ladybugs, snails, caterpillars, beetles and moths, and a few gardening tools too. The plants are presented either as bulbs or in colorful pots and vases, making them absolutely perfect for giving as gifts.

At the back of the book you'll find full tutorials with photos and diagrams on how to work the crochet stitches, how to add the faces, and how to make your flowers stand up tall with wire hidden inside the stems.

This flowery collection is the perfect addition to any crochet and amigurumi lover's library - with gorgeous photography, easy, tried and tested patterns, and cute doodle illustrations and tips to amuse you while you stitch. Let Kawaii Crochet Garden fill your world with flowers!

Dive into the mesmerizing world of this traditional Japanese stitching technique and create timeless art.
Discover the enchanting world of Sashiko. Explore the rich history, intricate patterns, and essential techniques to create this unique style.
This beautiful guidebook covers:
The fascinating origins and cultural significance of Sashiko, revealing its function for making clothes warmer and more durableStep-by-step guidelines to get started, from selecting materials to mastering the stitching.Over 100 traditional patterns, allowing you to become a true expert.Inspiring project ideas and an immersive gallery showcasing the beauty of the art form.
Delve into this book to create exquisite textiles for the home and enjoy the calming repetition of each delicate stitch. Embrace the therapeutic nature of Sashiko, and watch as your creations evoke the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Susan Briscoe, an experienced Sashiko teacher, discovered the wonders of the approach during her visits to Japan. She learned from local experts, immersed herself in the craft, and shared her passion through exhibitions and teaching. Susan brings her unrivalled expertise and contagious enthusiasm to help you embark on your own Sashiko adventure.

Treat yo' self and head on down to CITY, Indiana, with Mad Libs and your favorite Parks and Recreation employees (besides Jerry)!

Welcome to Pawnee! Whether you're a bigger fan of Mouse Rat or Duke Silver, Parks and Recreation Mad Libs has something for everyone. Based on the hit TV show and featuring 21 hilarious fill-in-the-blank stories, this Mad Libs is, in the words of Chris Traeger, literally the best thing you'll ever read.

Eating locally sourced food is a rapidly expanding movement as millions of Americans look to eat a healthy, economical diet. And what could be more local than growing delicious, organic vegetables right in your own garden, whether it's two or three containers on an apartment balcony or a good-sized plot in your backyard? This vegetable guide by a best-selling gardening writer, with loads of regional expertise, combines expert advice with full color photographs and a straightforward, step-by-step format--perfect for any gardener, regardless of experience level.

From a leading expert, a groundbreaking book on the science of play, and its essential role in fueling our happiness and intelligence throughout our lives

We've all seen the happiness on the face of a child while playing in the school yard. Or the blissful abandon of a golden retriever racing across a lawn. This is the joy of play. By definition, play is purposeless, all-consuming, and fun. But as Dr. Stuart Brown illustrates, play is anything but trivial. It is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. We are designed by nature to flourish through play.

Dr. Brown has spent his career studying animal behavior and conducting more than six-thousand "play histories" of humans from all walks of life-from serial murderers to Nobel Prize winners. Backed by the latest research, Play explains why play is essential to our social skills, adaptability, intelligence, creativity, ability to problem solve and more. Particularly in tough times, we need to play more than ever, as it's the very means by which we prepare for the unexpected, search out new solutions, and remain optimistic. A fascinating blend of cutting-edge neuroscience, biology, psychology, social science, and inspiring human stories of the transformative power of play, this book proves why play just might be the most important work we can ever do.

International best-selling writer and autist Temple Grandin joins psychologist Debra Moore in presenting nine strengths-based mindsets necessary to successfully work with young people on the autism spectrum. Examples and stories bring the approaches to life, and detailed suggestions and checklists help readers put them to practical use.

Temple Grandin shares her own personal experiences and anecdotes from parents and professionals who have sought her advice, while Debra Moore draws on more than three decades of work as a psychologist with kids on the spectrum and those who love and care for them. So many people support the lives of these kids, and this book is for all of them: teachers; special education staff; mental health clinicians; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; parents; and anyone interacting with autistic children or teens.

Readers will come away with new, empowering mindsets they can apply to develop the full potential of every child.

Try not to laugh at this uproarious collection of all-new jokes from the author of the #1 bestselling Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids series. Perfect for car rides, rainy days, or anytime you just want to crack up.

Q: What kid of tears do cowboys cry?

A: Frontiers.

Filled with puns, knock-knock jokes, and hilarious one-liners, this collection of sidesplitting gags is sure to get the whole family laughing. Perfect for young comedians, class clowns, and jokesters of all ages!

Rob Elliott's bestselling Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids series has sold more than 5 million copies!

Rug twining-which is one method of creating rag rugs from scraps of clothing and material oddments-is derived from an ancient skill that has been practiced worldwide for millennia. In Twined Rag Rugs, longtime weaver and teacher Bobbie Irwin presents the ultimate up-to-date resource for crafters of all ages and experience levels.

Twined rugs can be made with a wide variety of fabrics on many different frame types, ranging from pegged, unpegged, hoop, conventional loom, to no frame at all. In this comprehensive guide, Irwin presents step-by-step instructions, beginning with building a twining frame and proceeding to learning the basics and creating a variety of patterns and shapes. Including thoughtful discussions of fabric weights and rag material choices (which can include clothesline cord, cast-off blue jeans, sheets, wool, velour, and more), Irwin provides specific instruction on crafting nine samplers to learn different pattern techniques and test suitability for larger pieces, and ten full-size rug projects, giving dimension, technique, and estimated crafting time, all with numerous photos and illustrations.

This complete guide teaches all the skills beginners need to create gorgeous, one-of-a kind rugs, and is an invaluable reference for experienced weavers. With this book in hand you can learn to create sturdy, inexpensive, and beautiful rugs that will become treasured heirlooms. Twined Rag Rugs is the first comprehensive book on rag twining and the only resource to include the numerous variations in equipment, pattern, and twining techniques, both traditional and modern.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1648370969).

Break free from the routine and rekindle the magic of passion!

Has monotony crept into your bedroom?

Has the passion of the early days faded?

Or maybe you want to add some spice and intimacy to your relationship?

Dive into "The Sex Positions Challenge !

Much more than a simple guide to positions, "The Sex Positions Challenge" is a sensual adventure that will strengthen your bond while injecting a new dose of excitement into your relationship.

"The Sex Positions Challenge" offers:

• A fresh take on the Kamasutra, tailored to modern couples.
• A point-based game that lets you progress at your own pace within your relationship.
• Romantic and sensual rewards at each key milestone.
• A quiz to help you understand your partner's deep desires and boundaries.
• 69 positions, from novice to expert, complete with detailed descriptions and vibrant illustrations.
• Tips for enhancing your comfort or trying variations for each position.
• A guarantee of (re)discovery, laughter, and closeness with your partner.
• The perfect gift for a naughty Christmas, a steamy Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just to rekindle the flame!

Ready to transform your intimacy and merge with your partner in a new way?

Don't let this opportunity slip away. Order your Sex Positions Challenge" now!

In this practical, refreshingly optimistic guide, philosopher William B. Irvine explains how centuries-old wisdom can help us better cope with everything from the everyday stresses of modern living to its significant crises. The Stoic Challenge uniquely combines insights from ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus with techniques discovered by contemporary psychological research, such as anchoring and framing. The result is Irvine's surprisingly simple, updated "Stoic test strategy," which teaches us how to dramatically alter our emotional response to life's stumbling blocks. Not only can we overcome these obstacles?we can benefit from them, too.

Get your little one familiar with the sights and sounds of the solar system with WHAT IS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM? Bright, eye-catching illustrations introduce first concepts to your baby or toddler. Book fosters image and word recognition as well as speaking and motor skills. Board book with padded cover. Full-color. 20 pages. 6-1/2 (16.5 cm) square. Ages 0+. Illustrated by Simon Abbott.

A busy woman's guide to gratitude-in just 5 minutes a day.

The Gratitude Journal for Women helps busy women relieve stress and be happier with small, easy exercises that encourage you to focus on the positive. This gratitude journal features thoughtful writing prompts and quotes from impressive women across history that will inspire you. The cheerful, colorful design makes it a joy to use.

Sometimes the things we love the most are the easiest to take for granted. Sometimes big changes don't seem like a good thing while they're happening, even if we know they're important. This inviting gratitude journal will make it easy to take a step back and see the beauty in everything surrounding you. All you need is 5 minutes.

The Gratitude Journal for Women is:

• Loosely structured-The format is minimalist and undated so you can start writing anytime, skip between the prompts, and write exactly as often as you want.
• Thought-provoking-Every prompt is simple but insightful so you can write briefly but reflect on the big picture.
• Inspirational-This gratitude journal is designed to help bring some sunshine to your perspective, but also help you affect positive change and transition in your life.

Take a few minutes every day-or whenever you can-to remind yourself what truly matters, and how much you have to be thankful for.

Discover design strategies for using your own unique social identities and experiences as inspiration to challenge the status quo and create the kind of lasting change that leads to greater equity and social justice, from Stanford University's d.school.

Who are you? What motivates you as a changemaker? What forces are preventing you (and others) from thriving? These questions are essential to the work of creating social change, and they are exactly what Design Social Change asks you to explore.

Designer and design educator Lesley-Ann Noel shares the essential design strategies for making a lasting impact. This work starts with knowing yourself and builds outward into making change in your community and the larger world. Design Social Change gives you tools to tailor your approach to design, taking into account your history, personality, ethics, and goals for a better future.

The strategies for change are based on equity and fairness, understanding your own role in these systems of both justice and inequity. These strategies demonstrate how to use anger, joy, and empathy as inspiration for understanding what people need to thrive. Using the tools of design, these new approaches will help you craft projects that are relevant to you and create more just, equitable futures. The time is always right to work toward a fair and just society.

Your best intentions are not enough. Learn to scientifically engineer a disciplined life, become relentless, and never give up.

Whatever you want in your life, self-discipline is the missing piece. Goals will remain dreams if you make the mistake of relying on motivation and your best drawn plans.

The Science of Self-Discipline is a deep look into what allows us to resist our worst impulses and simply execute, achieve, produce, and focus. Every principle is scientifically-driven and dissected to as be actionable and helpful as possible. You'll learn how top performers consistently exercise self-discipline, as well as what drives us on an instinctual, psychological level to act.

This isn't just a book; it's a roadmap to the human psyche and will allow you to accomplish exactly what you set out to do, every time. When you understand what drives your cravings and the true roots of self-discipline, you'll be able to rise above your temporary discomfort and focus on what really matters. Discover every factor that impacts self-discipline for better or worse.

Break free of excuses, distractions, laziness, and temptations.

Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.

Beat instant gratification and create limitless motivation.

-The biological basis of self-discipline - and why it's beneficial to you.
-Discipline tactics for high performers such as Navy SEALs.
-Diagnosing what motivates you, what drains you, and what moves you emotionally.
-Engineering an environment and social circle that boosts self-discipline.

Form productive habits to increase your focus, strengthen your resolve, and stop giving up from boredom or frustration.

-Why choosing two marshmallows over one matters.
-Four questions for any potential lapse in willpower.
-The interplay between habits, motivation, and self-discipline.

Self-discipline and willpower will fundamentally change your life.

A goal without the self-discipline necessary to enact it will remain just a dream or fantasy. Does this describe you more often than not? It doesn't matter what you want to do - you might want to become a CEO or just clean more consistently - self-discipline is one of the most important life skills because it is the skill of doing and executing.

Wake up and dream.

Imagine experiencing all the things that happen in dreams, but with one extraordinary difference: You are "lucid"--consciously, joyously in control. Not just an adventure (yes, you can fly), a lucid dream is a time ripe for creative thinking, healing, inspiration, and self-knowledge.

This lively dream guide shows step-by-step how to become lucid, and then what to do once awake in the dream world. Here's how to reconnect with dreams, and the importance of keeping a journal and timing REM cycles. How to use simple reality checks to differentiate between waking and sleeping states. How to incubate a dream to solve a problem.

With every dream we are washing up on the shores of our own inner landscape. Now, learn to explore this strange and thrilling world.

As if! The best, worst, and most memorable moments of the 90s are finally available in a Mad Libs.

Whether you rocked Doc Martens or platform sneakers, the 1990s are alive and well in this totally "phat" collection of fill-in-the-blank stories. Check your beeper, feed your digital pet, and dive into a Mad Libs that'll trigger 90s nostalgia.