Fear not, Harry Potter fans. Your favorite author’s much talked about book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, will soon be available to us all. Will you be ordering one of these?

The original book had been auctioned at Sotheby’s in London last December and purchased for Amazon. The money from the sale was donated by J.K. Rowling to The Children’s Voice charity campaign. On December 4, 2008 the book will be available and the profits will be given to the Children’s High Level Group. Amazon is allowing you to pre-order your copy now.

the photo above is of The Collector’s Edition for $100.00 (hardcover with more bells and whistles). The Standard Edition will be $7.59 (hardcover).  If you visit Amazon, scroll down and check out the photos of the original book.

Yes, I opened up the final book of the series and began reading it last week Wednesday and finished by Friday night. I have to say that I’m a little sad that it’s over….although I have the movies to look forward to, right? I enjoyed the book and won’t spoil it for anyone. I just thought I’d share some fun handmade goodies that are inspired by HP. You know, in honor of completing the book.

Boy Wizard Arigurumi Crochet Pattern by Sherri Crochets & Crafts; Harry Potter Inspired Wand (Custom) by The Eclectic Slide; Snowy Owl Pin (Hedwig) by Patchwork Possum:

Gryffindor School Crest Necklace by Sparkle-Me; Hogsmeade Summer Camp Shirt by Homemade by Jessica; Harry Potter Sorting Hat Pin by Art’s Daughter:

{Arigurumi Pattern: $4.50; Harry Potter Inspired Wand: $6.00; Snowy Owl Pin: $20.00}

{Gryffindor Necklace: $10.00; Hogsmeade Shirt: $12.99; Sorting Hat Pin: $5.00}

ps - sorry, by the way, for the absence of posts last week. I went out of town for a few days and was just catching up on emails and other things. I actually had my laptop with me while away but never had the chance to sit and open it up. I’m back now so feel free to stop over and say hi!

**update - I apologize for saying the Hogsmeade shirt was sold out. There’s more in stock. Wooohooo!!!**

Any of you recognize why this is such an important date?

Hint #1: I can tell you that I (along with zillions of others) will be in line outside of a movie theater as July 12 turns to July 13 because at the stroke of midnight I’ll be watching a new movie.

Hint #2: The movie I’m talking about in Hint #1 is the fifth in a series of seven.

Hint #3: A book will be released on July 21, just a little over one week later, that features the same characters that will be in the movie that I’m referring to in Hint #1 and Hint #2.

Know what July 13, 2007 signifies now? Sure you do! HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX!!! I’m ready for the movie. I’ve pre-ordered my copy of book #7. Only thing left to do now is wait.

Go and check out the trailer if you’ve not seen it yet. To read more about Harry and his friends head over to the Harry Potter official website and visit MuggleNet.

Thanks to Maile at Box vs. Indie for doing a great interview/feature about Mixed Plate and me! Check it out because she’s always posting new interviews with your favorite “Indie Community Builder”.

Here are some new cookbooks that I just purchased and found in my mailbox! I’ve browsed a bit through each one of them and they ALL look good. I’ve heard so many good things about these cookbooks, especially Vegan With a Vengeance and Vegan Cupcakes!

Thanks, Post Punk Kitchen!!

The other night while strolling through Borders I noticed a cute little book with adorable graphics on the cover. The book, titled The Octonauts, was written and illustrated by Meomi, a team of Vicki Wong of Vancouver and Michael Murphy of Los Angeles. The same night I received an email from Amy of Immedium asking that I share this book with Mixed Plate readers.

Together Vicki and Michael specialize in Critter design, as it is their passion. Meomi has illustrated for Google, Mattel and Time Out Magazine and creates a full line of paper goods, apparel and merchandise. The book is available nationwide and at specialty retailers such as the SF MOMA, SF Asian Art Museum, and the GGNRA Warming Hut Cafe…oh, and Borders!

The Octonauts are a crew of adorable animals who roam the ocean in search of fun and adventure. What is said to resemble something that is part Hello Kitty and part Star Trek, this book will entertain children and adults of all ages.

I really wish that I were a child again because the books are better than ever! Go and Read It!