Idioms about books...

Just a little something to help improve your vocab.

Thanks to Macmillan Dictionary. Check it out to be in your teacher's good books. ;-)
See ya!
S.

150 Years Down the Rabbit Hole

My relationship with Alice and her fantastic adventures dates back to my very early childhood years. Since then, I've been fascinated by the character's lightheartedness and curiosity, as well as by the world of sensory experiences she goes through the moment she decides to follow the rabbit down the hole.

This year, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland celebrates its 150th anniversary, inspiring events all over the globe and tributes of all kinds. I cannot miss the opportunity of taking part in the celebrations myself, which is why I've decided to share my favourite quotes from the book with you. Enjoy!

"There's hardly enough of me left to make one respectable person!"

Alice

"Curiouser and curiouser!"

Alice

"I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then."

Alice

"Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!"

Alice

"I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, sir, because I'm not myself, you see."

Alice 

"If everybody minded their own business, the world would go round a deal faster than it does."

The Duchess

"We're all mad here."

The Cheshire Cat

"Why is a raven like a writing-desk?"

The Mad Hatter

"You're nothing but a pack of cards!"

Alice

 

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

The White Queen

"Off with her head!"

The Queen of Hearts 

What about you? Have you got any favourite quotes from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland? Have you got any favourite quotes from any other book you like? Please leave your contributions in the comments below!

Cheers!

S.

P.S.: Take a quiz to know which Alice in Wonderland character you are! Click here.

        Click here for a list of what to visit and do in London to celebrate the book's anniversary and here for a list of events happening all around Britain.

Dropping the very...

Sick and tired of using very? Why not drop it, then? Extreme adjectives are there for a reason. Here are some suggestions of what you can use instead.

Very useful, uh, I mean, invaluable, isn't it? ;-)
Thanks to Teresa Gomes de Carvalho, fellow teacher and researcher!
XXX
Sabrina

Post Carnival Hangover? We can work it out!

Hi, every1!

Still in the mood for revelling or have you had enough of Carnival? Feeling a bit hungover, maybe? Had too many caipirinhas to drink?

If that's the case, here are some tips for you. : )

1. Forget coffee.
    Some believe otherwise but, according to nutritionists, coffee is too fatty; therefore, it may increase headache and nausea. What specialists say is important is HYDRATION.

2. Hydration
    Well, that's where my quest began. After searching the entire web and bumping into stuff that, just by the looks of it, made me feel even sicker, I came across a perfectly drinkable juice recipe. Funny thing is, my mom used to make it when I was a kid! We lived on the coast most of my childhood and traveled a lot; mom and dad have always had a thing for sun, sand and sea, which means that, as a kid, I had to tag along. : /

Anyway, that's another story. What I mean is...

3. The juice
    The juice does taste good and truly hydrates, not to mention it boosts your suntan. So, I've decided to share it with you guys and maybe spare you from the awful side effects of alcohol.

Here it goes:

 

1 carrot - small and raw

1/2 beetroot

1/2 litre orange juice - no water!

1 litre iced coconut water

All you have to do is mix everything in a blender and drink it cold. : )

Let me know how it worked for you.

Feel free to share in case you consider this useful.

Cheers!

S.

P.S.: In case you wanna take a look at previous years' posts on Carnival, you may click here and here. 

Taking a Break

Hi there, everyone!

So, 2013 has started and most of us have probably made our resolutions. I have once again promised to engage in some kind of physical activity, lose weight, go back to my yoga and spiritual practices... We plan so many things that we hardly ever have the soul to keep up with everything.

Something that is extremely important - and that we never include in our daily agendas - is TAKING A BREAK.

Breaks are as important as any other appointment, not only because they allow us to unwind but also because our minds need time to let stuff sink in. Yeah, I know, everyday life demands a lot from us; we're always in a hurry. But this may drive us mad if we don't stop and breathe once in while (believe me, I know what I'm talking about).

It so happens that I came across a great chart on things that may help us relax. Most are simple and easy to put into practice; I thought I could share it with you guys. Here it goes:

So, which ones do you like most? Do you think you could try some of them and share your experiences here?

Hope they help.

Have a great new year!!!

XXX

S.

Awesome Sentence

OMG! What do you think? Did the guy write that intentionally?

XXX

S.

 

Do x Make

Hi, everyone!

Many English language learners feel uncomfortable and unsure as to the use of DO or MAKE. The classical explanation is that we use DO when we talk about activities and MAKE when we refer to creating something. But let's face it - that's quite vague!

Anyway, I came across this guide while surfing the web and I guess it may be of help to many learners.
There it goes!

So, DO ME A FAVOUR and MAKE A COMMENT on this post! ;-)

XXX