Happy Birthday Giveaway

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARTY!

This wonderfully vintage blogger is hosting a giveaway in honor of her birthday, I am sharing it with you in honor of my birthday....now why didn't I think to do such a thing.....NEXT YEAR! I'll have an entire year to find wonderful things to giveaway for my birthday...stay tuned! In the meantime visit:

http://vintagebellastudio.blogspot.com/

40 Loaves, Breaking Bread with our Father Each Day

Thanks to Ashley Boyer I was given the book:

40 Loaves, Breaking Bread with our Father Each Day

by C.D. Baker to review.

I really enjoy this book, it is not really a book that you would just sit down and read in its entirety, but rather a bit here and there. This book is a collection of readings and at the end of each reading/chapter is a daily prayer as well as food for thought. I like to pick up this book and read before I fall asleep each night, it is truly inspiring and thought provoking.

I recommend this book for inspirational reading. You can find it at: http://www.randomhouse.com/

Recyled T-Shirt Knit Rug

I got the brilliant idea to use up some old t-shirts laying around the house. I cut them into 1 inch circular strips and looped them together, made a big ball and knitted away on size 13 needles. This is one comfy rug....thrift stores and garage sales are a great place to find old t-shirts for a great price. Our local thrift stores sell a bag of clothes for $8. It only took me about 8 shirts for this rug, it fits under an oblong laundry basket. Half of the shirts were kid sized!


I would love to hear any other great uses for used t-shirts, lets make a list!

1. T-Shirt scarf
2. Cut favorite shirt fronts and make a quilt
3. Sew openings shut, stuff and turn a favorite shirt into a pillow
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Book Review and Blog Tour

Thanks to Staci C. at Random House I was given this book to review, I am not paid for my opinions.

White Picket Fences, by Susan Meissner is another book that I read through in one evening, simply too good to put down, even at 3:00 a.m.!

Teenagers, Holocaust survivors, and a Black Sheep of the family all come together in unexpected ways to teach us many lessons about love, life and family in this book! You would never imagine a few teenagers to bond with a couple of old men in a nursing home, but not only do they bond, but Susan Meissner weaves a tail of intrigue that keeps you interested in this entirely believeable story. Tally, a sixteen year old is left alone with her grandmother who unexpectedly dies, leaving only Amanda, her aunt to care for her, a normal life is not what comes along with Tally once she begins school and takes a class with her cousin Chase. Chase has secrets, his parents have secrets, but they do not realize the pain the secrets are going to bring. Read this book to find how secrets and survivors all work together to bring a family back together and towards healing.

I definately recommend this book, Susan Meissner brings out the best and worst in her characters, and reaches into their inner beings as she tells the story of White Picket Fences.

To purchase this book go to http://www.randomhouse.com/

Free Pattern!

Today I wrote up a dish cloth pattern that I created while playing around with some stitches so I thought I would share it with you!day I wrote up a dish cloth pattern that I created while playing around with some stitches so I thought I would share it with you!

Lulu Cloth

Size 7 Needle
Cotton Yarn, Peaches and Crème, Sugar and Crème, etc.

Cast on 38 stitches, or any even amount depending on width you would like!

Border Rows (2)
Row 1: K1, P1 across row
Row 2: P1, K1 across row

Row 3 and all odd rows: P1, K1, P across to last 2 stitches, P1, K1
Row 4: K1, P1, P2, K2 to last 2 stitches, K1, P1
Row 6: P1, Kl, K2, P2 to last 2 stitches, P1, K1

Repeat Rows 3-6 until desired length, then repeat row 1 and 2 for border edge and bind off!

**Let me know if you have any questions!

Book Review: Burnt Shadows, By Kamila Shamsie

Thanks to Picador I have received a copy of Burnt Shadows, by Kamila Shamsie to review.

Kamila writes a haunting tale of a beautiful young woman scarred physically as well as emotionally by the bombing of Nagasaki. Left alone she leaves Nagasaki and seeks out the family of her lost fiance.

As Hiroko meets her dead fiance's family she helps us realize the heartbreak one suffers in war, and how one can be healed and live again.

This is not a story that is charming or a light read, but a good story about a not so good event. Hiroko brings us along on her journey, a journey that is not always pleasant, but yet she survives.

Book Review: Best Friends Forever

Thanks to Simon and Schuster, Inc. I have received a copy of Best Friends Forever, by Jennifer Weiner to review on my blog.

Can a betrayel between two best friends ever be mended? As an over-weight high schooler Addie Downs values her friendship with Valerie, until popular Valerie turns on Addie. Will the past ever be forgiven? Now famous, Valerie one day knocks on Addie's door, opening up a mystery that brings both women back to their past. Loyalty, history and small town happenings are abundant in this humorous novel.

I think Jennifer Weiner does an excellent job portraying her characters as believable people, she lets us into their lives while triggering memories of our own experiences while growing up. I recommend this book for a light-hearted girly read!

Well, I decided my scarf needed an embellishment so I added a double layered flower. I had bought a few old necklaces at a garage sale this summer so I detached the (fake)pearls and attached them to the flower, I think the result is quite stunning. I wore the scarf last night and everyone loved it!

Grosgrain: Shabby Apple 'Dare to Design' Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Shabby Apple 'Dare to Design' Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sound of Sleigh Bells Winner

Heidi V......you are my winner, please email me your address and I will put your book in the mail!

Congratulations!!!

Knitting Projects!

Hello, and happy Friday...I just had to post the scarf I finished yesterday, I love it! I also finished my first mitten, now onto the next hand, that's the problem with hands and feet, when I get the first sock or mitten done I never want to do the second, I would be a great knitter for one-armed or one-legged people, I know that sounds terrible...but that second one just never seems as appealing!

Here's a fun blog I just found...check it out!

http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Kitten Update

These cute little kittens are growing like weeds, they are very naughty kittens....well, all kittens tend to be a bit naughty. I can tell that they are feeling better now after we found them, they seem to have gotten their energy back and then some. I have found a home for them, thank you Jen! We will miss them, but our quite large tom does not appreciate the antics of the kittens!

Grosgrain: Shabby Apple 'Dare to Design' Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Shabby Apple 'Dare to Design' Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Extraordinary Book Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered my very first book contest! The winner is: Plb8156, Congratulations, I hope you enjoy the book!

Book Review: A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog
Author: Dean Koontz
Published by: Hyperion Books
August 25, 2009
Non-Fiction

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog is the perfect title for a sweet book about a loving dog! Author Dean Koontz had a nice, quiet life with his wife. That is until Trixie came to live with him. Trixie, a Golden Retriever, has quite a personality, a bit larger than herself! In reading this book you learn of a deep bond formed between owner and dog that anyone with a dog can relate to. Trixie changes the way Dean and his wife look at life and quickly took over their hearts, this is a heartwarming story, expect to shed a few tears along the way.
I loved this book, as a dog lover, and an owner of a Golden this book holds a special place in my heart. I was able to see so many parts of my life in the book, and learned more about my dog than I ever imagined, I always thoughts dogs were part human, now I know I’m not the only one! I highly recommend this book and am so glad Dean took the plunge and shared this story with us.

This book was provided by Book Divas for me to review.

It's a wonderful day!

Today I woke up to a beautiful day, the sun is finally shining, the grass was sparkling with frost, it was really quite lovely...a breath of fresh air before winter comes blasting through the door, just couldn't help going out to take a few shots!

Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner, I've been working on some cards, so far this one is my favorite!

Earlier this week we found two kittens at the end of our driveway, the cutest little things...the momma either abandoned them or they got lost, we're trying to keep them warm and well fed and every day the kids take them out to the clearing hoping the momma cat will find them, if not, guess we just added to our animal family!!!

New additions to the family!

The pooch isn't sure about these guys, doesn't he look a bit jealous?

Cakes are done!

New Design

How do you like my new design? My daughter did it for me, I love it. To see her design blog click here!

Great Reading and Knitting Weather!

Well...the weather here is crummy but I'm kind of enjoying it! Great weather to curl up and read a book or finish some of those knitting projects that have been laying around catching dust! They'll have to wait though, I have 3 birthday cakes to bake today.

1. Raspberry filled white cake decorated with an Indiana Jones Lego theme
2. Raspberry filled white cake decorated with a Tech Deck Dude theme
3. Sinfully double chocolate peanut butter cake decorated with what else but chocolate truffles!

Although...it's entirely possible to knit and/or read while the cakes are baking!

One cake down, can't say I've done any knitting or reading....this is for my sister's bday!

Cindy Woodsmall Book Giveaway!

CONTEST CLOSED......Winner to be announced soon!

Thanks to Liz at randomhouse.com I have received Cindy Woodsmall's new book, The Sound of Sleigh Bells to review.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is an excellent book, Cindy writes about the Amish community and a young women who is unable to let go of a tragic accident that has forever changed her life. This book shows that human nature is comparable whether you're a Lutheran, Catholic, Amish, etc. we all face tragedies, love and heartbreak. Can a chance meeting of a gifted carver along with a big secret change Beth's life, or will the secret cause her to harden her heart even more? Read this excellent book to find out.

I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more of Cindy Woodsmall's books.

To purchase this book go to: http://www.randomhouse.com/

WIN This Book:

Mandatory:

1. Follow this blog

Extra Entries:

+1 Tweet about the contest @lluuluu

+1 Post a link on your blog about the contest

+1 Follow @lluuluu on twitter

Contest will end Friday October 30th

GOOD LUCK!

John Bevere Book Tour!

CONTEST CLOSED.....and the winner is: To be announced later today!


Thanks to Staci at Random House for providing me copies of John Bevere's new book for a giveaway and review!

Extraordinary: The Life You're Meant to Live,

This book will be out on shelves October 6th!


Book Review:

John Brevere has written a book that will forever change how you look at yourself and your place in the Universe.
This book is truly inspiring as the author uses stories to help the reader relate to God and his intentions for us. We know God created us, but Extraordinary helps us see that each one of us is special and in no way ordinary. There is greatness out there for each of us, we just need to learn when and how to reach out and grab it. Take a jump start and read this inspiring book!

I have truly enjoyed reading this book and keep it on my nightstand for inspirational reading. This is a book that can be read time and time again as well as shared with friends. Thank you John Brevere, for a book that reminds us that we are all extraordinary!

To purchase this book go to http://www.randomhouse.com/

CONTEST RULES:

Mandatory:
Follow this blog

Extras:
+1 Tweet about the contest @lluuluu
+1 Follow @lluuluu
+1 Post a link to the contest on your blog

Contest will end October 26th! Winner will be notified by email.

Good Luck!

Book Review: Come Sunday

Come Sunday by Isla Morley

The book Come Sunday, is a story about sudden and extreme loss that will tug at your heart and make you want to weep. Isla Morley weaves a tale of loss around current events and those that are still haunting the main character, Abbe, from the past. Does marrying a calm, easy going pastor make up for a childhood of fatherly torment, and can a great loss turn you full circle to make amends with the past? The book, Come Sunday, answers many of these questions while leaving your heart ache.

While I enjoyed this book I cannot say I loved it. The beginning was wonderfully sad, the middle was a bit long and drawn out with daily events that could be a part of any of our lives leaving me wishing the end which took part in Africa, had come sooner. The 1/3 part of the book was again wonderful. I feel that this book would have had much more depth if the author had introduced Africa sooner and left out some of the 'housewife' drama.

Quote of the week:

"If Life is a Bowl Full of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?" (Erma Bombeck)

I like this because it's a good reminder that we ourselves are responsible for where we are in life and it doesn't have to be in the pits.

Knit Pin Cushion

Found this pattern the other day.....isn't it cute?
I think this would make a wonderful gift.

This took me only an hour to knit up, what a great way to use up some left-over dish cloth yarn!

Win a Shabby Apple Dress!

CONTEST CLOSED
Win a Georgeous Shabby Apple Dress!!
Shabby Apple is a store that sells beautiful and modest dresses. They are great quality and truly gorgeous. Plus, you can find your style using their "Fit To Flatter" application which is a great way to look through all of the dresses that would look great on your figure!Shabby Apple has just recently set up a new dress line for Pre-teens. Right now, it has some adorable dresses that any girl that likes dresses would love!

http://teenfashiondesign.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-georgeous-shabby-apple-dress.html

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

CONTEST CLOSED
Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Beauticontrol

This is a great product, I know....I am a consultant for Beauticontrol. This stuff really works, earn extra $$$, have beautiful skin, let me know if you're interested....special gift from me if you join or make a purchase through me!

Read a book while soaking in your tub with the Beauticontral Detox. set, keep your knitting hands soft with our great lotions!

The Crying Tree, Book Review

The Crying Tree

By Naseem Rakha

This is a sad story, Nate decides to move his family to Oregon, against his wife, Irene's better judgment. They move, their 15 yr old son seems to come out of his shell only to be shot to death. After years of pain the killer is set to be executed...the twist....Irene has been communicating with the killer and fights to save him. As the fight goes on we learn some truths that are shocking and will break your heart. This is a story of forgiveness and love.

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Book Review

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

by Joshilyn Jackson

A breathtaking read, Joshilyn takes you on an emotional ride in this heartbreaking story. Laurel see's ghosts, but they have not appeared for several years, not until a body is found floating in her pool. This is not a typical who-dun-it, but a story of a family that could be any one of us. A sisterly tug-of-war and relatives that are best left alone, we all have family issues, but Laurel has some serious skeletons in her closet. As the skeletons are revealed Laurel's family history is played out, strengthening some bonds that should be left alone, and some that will never be broken.

This is a great read, I recommend this book, some very interesting twists and turns that keep the story fun!

The Lost Throne Book Review

The Lost Throne

by Chris Kuzneski

What do Monks, Spartans and Secret Private Agents have in common? In The Lost Throne you'll learn that they have a lot in common! An unidentified man collapses and dies, but not before uttering words in many different languages, what do they mean? This fast-paced book will take you from murders to secret codes and lost treasures, never a boring minute as you read about beheaded monks and those that live to kill. As Payne and Jones race against time they will take you on a breathless journey.

I highly recommend this book, what a fun, adventurous read!

Fish Washcloth

Isn't this the cutest washcloth ever? I had so much fun knitting it that I've made several!

Daughter Knits!

My daughter finished her knitting project and got a Grand Champion Ribbon for her age group at the county fair! The outfit is absolutely adorable on my niece!

Check out the blog candy...enter to win!

Do you like to scrapbook, use a Cricut, etc.....if you do, check this out!

Little Bird Design: CHA Blog Candy!

Undiscoverd Gyrl, by Allison Burnett

Undiscoverd Gyrl

by Allison Burnett

Undiscovered Gyrl...where does the truth end and a lie begin? Sometimes the two become so tangled that it's difficult to tell them apart. Here's a story that will break your heart and make you wonder how much you really know about those around you. This is a story about a young girl who is so obviously lost that you want to reach out, grab her, and give her a hug, but at the same time shake some sense into her.

This book left me feeling haunted and cold. It was a good book and an eye opener of sorts, how much do we really know about those closest to us, how much do we want to know and how much do we need to know to keep those around us safe? I recommend this book, it contains quite a bit of sexual content.

Broken Birds, Book Review

Broken Birds
by Jeannette Katzir

Broken Birds is a book that shows the effects Nazi war camps had on people. Not just those who were at the camps, but future generations as well. Jeannette Katzir makes us think about our own relationships as she brings out the worst of sibling rivalry, how much is due to normal happenings, how much is due to her parent's survival of the Holocaust? Sometimes those who are broken can never be repaired, read this book and find out the consequences.

I had a hard time with this book, the beginning was very interesting and thought provoking as well as the ending. The middle felt as though it went on a little too long with the sibling problems which made the book lose it's feeling of a Holocaust survival story. The book left me wanting to learn more about the Germans and their refusal to acknowledge what happened to the Jews, and less about siblings who hate one another. I'm not sure that I would recommend this book to others just because of the drawn out middle.

Sacred Hearts, Book Review

Sacred Hearts

by Sarah Dunant

This Book brings us on a journey of a young girl who's destiny is not what she had imagined. Love and betrayal in itself can be unforgiveable but when a young girl is placed in a nunnery against her will anything can happen. This is a compelling story about strength, love and spirit. What can Serafina do to overcome her fate as a Nun, will she succomb to her lot in life, or will her high spirited nature take over?

This book was an interesting tale, a refreshingly different read about a time forgotten, I loved the spirit of Seraphina and her Nun friend Zuana. It was quite enlightening to read about a convent and the life's within.

Labor Day, Book Review

Labor Day

by Joyce Maynard

This is a book that will touch you deeply. Love and forgiveness are bound together in Labor Day, what would you do for the sake of love? Read Labor Day and you will find a touching story about love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to when love is involved. Love generally has twists and turns, and the twist in this book is one that could be potentially dangerous.

I loved this book, after reading it in one sitting, I will definately read it again as well as highly recommend it to others. This is a book that can renew one's faith in true love, love that lasts, and love that conquers. Wonderful read, and I will be watching for more books written by Joyce Maynard.

The Bride Will Keep Her Name, Book Review

The Bride Will Keep Her Name
By: Jan Goldstein

Released June 16, 2009

A love story with a plot, a bride with an agenda, in The Bride Will Keep Her Name, Jan Goldstein keeps you on your toes with twists and turns that you would not ordinarily expect in a romance novel. This isn't just any old love story, but a story that will have you gripping the book a little tighter, it will have you laughing and sometimes crying as you follow Madison's quest to the alter. The lesson in this book, as Madison's mom likes to say, is, "be careful what you wish for."

This was a fun, refreshing read. So many times a romance novel is just like every other romance novel on the shelves, not this one. I would definately recommend this book if you are looking for a fun, lighthearted read.

The Wet Nurse's Tale, book review

The Wet Nurse's Tale

by Erica Eisdorfer

In the Wet Nurse's Tale be prepared for a good old fashioned laugh. Erica Eisdorfer invites you into the gripping life of Susan, a professional wet nurse. Susan does not in any way live a life of luxury, but yet, she does not feel sorry for herself, she is a strong, noble character, who at times makes some pretty serious mistakes but yet she carries on. From a maid in the "Big House" to a Wet Nurse Susan does as needed to survive. Caring for children, losing some, saving some, but when push comes to shove and she has her own child taken from her she faces the battle of regaining her child head on, will she succeed or be lost forever in the Sinister streets of London?

Great story line, a little confusing when you first read the 'Reasons' sections, but once you get into the book it all begins to make sense!