CSN is adding more stores!

Did you know that CSN has over 200 stores? They have recently added a LUXE store...which sells items using Amy Butler fabrics....how awesome is that? CSN has everything from Bar Stools to Dog Agility Equipment, toys and housewares!

Every time I search through CSN stores I find more great products, you can't help but love CSN and I have a great review coming soon! 

Winter is coming, does your pooch need a winter coat and boots?  How Cute!

  The fact that winter is coming means that we tend to eat more...so how about some exercise equipment to keep you in shape?

Make an envelope tutorial

Plain old store bought envelopes are boring, here's a cheap way to make some envelopes that will make a statement!

First you need your paper, what better than to recycle an old calendar, or if you're like me and don't have one then buy a new one.....I went to Michael's the other day and bought a bunch of calendar's.....2011 calendar's for .50 cents!!!

Take an envelope, open it up to use as your template and place it on your calendar page

Take a rule and mark your edges, after the 4 edges are marked go back and do the corners

Trace the corners and mark where the creases need to go

Here's the finished tracing and markings....then cut it out

Use your ruler, line it up at your corners to make a crease

After creasing the 4 edges, fold them up

Once your envelopes are folded use double sided tape or glue dots to hold the flaps together

You're saving $$$ already!  Beware:  Once you make a few of these you'll be hooked, you simply cannot stop at one envelope!

4H Dog Show

 We have finally finished 4H competitions for the 4H year! On Saturday we woke up the pooch, Buddy, left home at 7:00am and didn't return home until 9:00pm. Saturday we had Jumpers competition....for some reason Buddy measured 1 1/2 inches taller, think he was nervous, so he had to jump 20 inches instead of 16, that threw us off a bit, but Buddy and my daughter got a blue. So, despite the rain and slippery ground that went well!

In the evening they showed in 4 dog team, they received Grand Champion! It was pretty exciting the 4 girls were so happy, and the 4 dogs....so tired!

Sunday we didn't have to leave home until 10:00, but we still had to wake up Buddy! He had obedience, and got a blue ribbon, my daughter was hoping for better, but I think she did great!

I think it was all Buddy could take because he slept and slept and slept yesterday!

Book Review: Glaen, by Fred Lybrand

Glaen a Novel Message on Romance, Love, Dating and Relating, by Fred Lybrand is an extremely insightful book about romance.  Annie is in college when she learns that her parents are divorcing which of course, causes her to look more deeply into her relationships.

This is a book about learning how to succeed in love as well as marriage, and I think it also teaches the reader to learn more about his/herself.  Everyone in Annie's life seems to take on their relationships in a different way, wanting to learn more about relationships, Annie takes a class with Professor Glaen.  As the only student in class Annie finds herself learning, and looking deep for answers, Professor Glaen does not tell her the answers, but she has to dig to find them, as Annie digs and learns she becomes more comfortable with herself and with others.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I began to read this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to read and learn.  This isn't a step by step book by any means.  By using the character Annie, this book turns more into a story and as you read you learn.  As you learn, you think and as the process goes on you begin to realize how little things that you do and say, as well as how you act can make a big impact on your relationships.

I think this book is helpful for all types or relationships, not just love, but friendship as well.  I recommend this book to young adults as well as married couples, it truly is an enjoyable read and a great learning tool.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the B&B Media Group, I was not compensated in any other way for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Solitary, by Travis Thraser

Solitary, a novel by Travis Thrasher....the cover is perfect for this chilling novel.  This is a novel that is going to leave you feeling lonely and wanting.

Imagine a cup of hot water teetering off the edge of a table, you know it's going to fall, you can see it happening, but there is absolutely nothing you can do about it except watch it fall, shatter into thousands of pieces and get everything wet.  This is the best way I can describe this book.  Chris Buckley and his mom move to Solitary, NC for a new beginning, only something is not quite right with the town.

Jocelyn, a beautiful girl befriends Chris, but she has secrets, deep secrets and keeps just out of reach, whenever Chris thinks she's going to open up it seems as if a dark cloud passes over her and shuts her down.

After being beaten, having a forbidden object planted in his locker and coming upon what can only be described as a 'monster' in the neighboring woods, Chris begins to feel as if something is not quite right in the town of Solitary.  But what is wrong?

Stumbling upon a dark cabin, falling into it's deep basement and finding a tunnel is just the beginning of Chris's adventures as he learns the town's fatal secret and what has truly happened to his uncle that has vanished.  Now it's all that Chris can do to save Jocelyn from the darkness of Solitary, but how?

Wow....this book is amazing, it forces you to look beyond the obvious, and realize that we cannot always see what is right before our eyes until we believe, truly believe.  I recommend this book, but just remember, it will leave you feeling that things are just out of reach!

*I would like to thank the B&B Media Group for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

If you would like to purchase this book, then go ahead and visit this link:

Little Knit Mouse

Happy Fall!

This past weekend I found some of the cutest little patterns on Ravelry, and became obsessed so of course I had to buy them, then why stop there, I had to knit as well! It's not like I don't have 4+ projects on needles staring me in the face or anything...but this little guy was just too cute and he only took an hour or so!

I did knit him a little black beret as well, but I can't get it to look right on his head!

Book Review: A Hope Undaunted

A Hope Undaunted, by Julie Lessman

This is the first book that I have read by Julie Lessman and I was not disappointed.  Actually, it was so good that I stayed up all night reading so I could finish the book....AND I had a raging migraine, that's how good it was!

A Hope Undaunted takes place in the 1920's and Katie O'Connor is just about the sassiest/spunkiest girl I have met to date, but you can't help but love her!  Katie has a plan and nothing will stop her from accomplishing it....that is until her life gets turned upside down.

Katie is used to getting her way, she intends to marry her boyfriend and go to law school, but her goals take a turn when she disobeys one last time and becomes grounded for a summer.  Not only is Katie kept from her boyfriend but she is FORCED to volunteer...this is her last chance or her father will not let her attend law school, at least not with his money.

Boyfriend Jack is good looking, wealthy and best of all, Katie happens to have him wrapped around her finger, but what happens when she is reunited with a childhood pest?  Wimpy Luke McGee is no longer wimpy, AND he's her new boss.  As Katie works as a volunteer she begins to grow up, but does she continue to despise Luke and keep loving Jack..be sure read this book so you can read the entire saga of Katie.

I highly recommend this book, I do hope that the next time I read a Julie Lessman book I will be migraine free, but I definitely look forward to Julie's next book!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group and was not compensated in any other way for my honest opinion and review of A Hope Undaunted.

A Hope Undaunted is available NOW at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you would like to get your hands on this book, visit this link to buy your own copy!

CSN Stores

I am so excited, I have been notified that I am a preferred blogger with CSN Stores,how lucky is that?

Did you know that CSN Stores has over 200 online stores to choose from?  You can spend hours shopping their site and buy everything from cheap bedroom furniture to gifts and shoes!  Not only do they have great variety but they have awesome prices as well!

Wouldn't the little girl in your life go gaga over this vanity table for her bedroom?

...and I'm not sure I've seen a classier litter box than this one!

or how about some new shoes for yourself?

...with so many stores to choose from and so many wonder products it's difficult to choose my favorite, imagine what CSN could do for your Christmas shopping list?  Maybe I can help you with my upcoming product review!  Go visit CSN stores to see what you're missing.

Knitting and an Alpaca Farm!

I am just so excited! My daughter has had the opportunity to work with a local Alpaca farmer and learn to show Alpaca's, how cool is that?  We went to the farm yesterday, those little buggers as so cute, a wee bit on the feisty side too, but I think I'm in love....with the WOOL!!!

That's right, I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that this farmer is also opening a yarn/product shop next weekend during his Alpaca open house.  I'm a goner for sure.  Have you ever knit with Alpaca wool?  I have not, simply because it's so expensive, but after seeing some finished products, I think a few skeins are in my future!

As for my daughter, well, she's going to learn to show these guys, there is a show in April they'll be going to, then they're going to introduce these guys to the County Fair...now we need to find a 4H alpaca judge, who knows where this will lead!!!

On the flip side of things....do you know they sell Alpaca meat?  Ewww, maybe it's good, but it just seems wrong!

Book Review: Love, Charleston

 

Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart is a book of dreams and hope, family and friendship. Widowed Preacher, Roy Summerall is the minister of a small church, raising his daughter and living with his mom, all is peaceful and settled until he receives a phone call from a church in Charleston.

A very large, historical church in Charleston wants to interview Roy for a position in their church, while this is a great honor, Roy does not exactly jump for joy at the thought of ministering to the refined folks of Charleston.  Imagine his dismay when he is told he has the job....his lack of excitement is made up for by his daughter as well as his mother who both come to live with him in Charleston.

Not to be outdone, there are some formidable characters in this story, Anne, Alisha and Della all have problems of their own and become a part of Roy's new life when he begins writing to Anne, who has gone to England to learn bell ringing.  Alisha's husband has a serious lack of ambition which drives Alisha crazy and towards other interests and Della...well she has some mighty big problems of her own.

This is a story about several people who will work their ways into your heart, they all have a love of God which becomes very important in their daily struggles.  I really enjoyed this book, it had a bit of a different 'flavor' than some of the other books I have been reading.  A very enjoyable light read.

*Thomas Nelson publishing provided a complimentary copy of this book for me to review, my opinion is solely my own.

If you would like to purchase this book visit this link:

Making Waves Blog Tour

Making Waves, by Lorna Seilstad

Making Waves, is book one of the new Lake Manawa Summers Series!  Do you enjoy spunk and trouble?  If you do, here's a book you should read.  It's summer and Marguerite Westing's father has decided that they should camp at the beach for the summer, much to the dismay of Marguerite's mother!  Then, there's dry, boring Roger who intends to marry Marguerite at all costs.  As you read this book you can't help but feel pity for poor Marguerite when she dates Roger, but why does she do it, she doesn't love him and he bores her to death.

Things begin to get lively when Marguerite falls into the lake and meets handsome Trip, who just happens to be a sailor, but the problem is, girls just DON'T sail!  This book is full of laughter and charm as you follow along with Marguerite and her adventures, what you don't expect is the trauma caused by her father and what it means for Marguerite.

What will Marguerite do, it's the age old question, will she follow her heart and hurt her family, or will she do as expected?  This book is sure to entertain and I recommend it for a light, fun read!

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

  *I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Tuesday Tag- Along

Welcome to this week's Tuesday Tag-Along blog hop, hosted by Twee Poppets Review and Giveaway! This is a great way to discover new blogs while increasing the number of followers for your own blog. Please feel free to grab the TTA button for your blogroll to help bring more bloggers to this blog hop!

Tuesday Tag-Along button art adapted from the "Follow the Leader" illustration by Diana Jones. I encourage you to visit her at her blog, Sketch & Jones, and her online shop to see more great illustrations and all sorts of wonderful crafts!

...and while you're here, be sure to enter my Fantasy Jewelry Box giveaway....$35 for an item of your choice!!!  Ends on Friday, so HURRY!!!

State Archery Competition

After a summer of archery practice we finally had the State Archery Competition yesterday!  It was a windy day which played havoc on the arrows and everyone's concentration and cause the firing lines to be about an hour behind, but at least it wasn't raining!

My son shot at noon, well, actually 1:00 - 3:00 and my daughter ended up shooting from 5:00 - 7:00, it was a long day at the range!  65 kids shoot at a time so there were 300+ kids in the competition, there a several different classes.

I knitted an entire dishcloth and got a pretty good sunburn, which includes my lips, so now I'm fighting to keep from getting a cancer sore break out which will swell me up and hurt like a bugger!  Today we'll head out for the award ceremony!

 Here are some photos of the great event!

My son....the serious archer

My daughter (on left)

Welcome Wednesday

Welcome to 'Welcome Wednesday' sponsored by Take it From Me Visit some new blogs and make new friends to keep your week lively!

If you're visiting be sure to take a minute to leave a comment so I can visit you back and check out my great contest....Fantasy Jewelry Box $35 Gift Card!!!

....and how about a strange festival instead of weird news today?

Thailand's Vegetarian Festival traces its roots back to the early 1800s when miners began piercing their tongues, cheeks (and other parts of their body) to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community. Today, the people of Phuket Island continue the tradition -- refraining from eating meat, drinking alcoholic drinks, engaging in sex, quarreling, telling lies or killing as they punch holes in their body to show their devotion to the ancient gods.