Bout of Books 14.0 Update #2

Pages read today: 140 (Where'd You Go Bernadette)

Pages read total: 664

Comments: Despite a day full of activities, a non-napping toddler, J not being home until after 8, and the general crazy of life, I managed to read a good chunk of a book.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 17th and runs through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 14.0 Update #1

Pages read today: 336 (Young House Love) + 188 (Common Phrases)

Pages read total: 524

Books read: Young House Love; Common Phrases

Comments: Two nonfiction books for today. Easing into the readathon today. I'm thinking Where'd You Go Bernadette next...

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 17th and runs through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Common Phrases by Myron Korach

Title: Common Phrases and Where They Come From

Author: Myron Korach

Publisher: The Lyons Press 2001

Genre: Nonfiction - Language

Pages: 188

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Dewey Decimal - 400s

In the tradition of Eats, Shoots & Leaves and Anguished English, Common Phrases is a fascinating guide to the origins of our language. Wonderful stories reveal the real meaning of Adam’s apple, nick of time, stool pigeon, armed to the teeth, raining cats and dogs, at sixes and sevens, dog days of summer, and scores of others. With nearly 35,000 copies sold, this classic begins a new life with a fresh package and a new audience for entertaining reference books.

Not quite so fascinating. Or maybe it would be if I didn't already know the stories behind many of the phrases in the book. I think I've read too much to fully enjoy this volume. Not bad, just not for me.

Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik

Title: Young House Love

Author: Sherry and John Petersik

Publisher: Artisan 2012

Genre: Nonfiction - Home

Pages: 336

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; OLW Home

Packed with 243 tips and ideas--both classic and unexpected--every project pictured was exclusively executed for the book. With more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this is a book that readers will return to again and again for the creative projects and easy-to-follow instructions in the relatable voice the Petersiks are known for. Adding a little wow factor to your home has never been more fun!

A nice little home decorating book. Packed full of ideas and projects. I had a nice few hours flipping through the projects and getting some ideas for our own house. Unfortunately renting has its limitations. Thankfully there were some easy cheap projects that we could do in our rental. Nice book although I could have done without the incredibly peppy commentary.

Music Monday -- Atlas Genius "Molecules"

Lots of great new music this month... 

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Title: Bitterblue (Seven Kingdoms #3)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Dial Books 2012

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 563

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; TBR Reduction; What's in a Name - Color; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W33

When Queen Bitterblue took the throne of Monsea, she was a child, and her advisers ran the kingdom for her. Now she is beginning to question their decisions, especially how they handle the legacy of her father Leck, who who ruled through his Grace—a special talent for mind-altering—and his taste for darkness and violence. Bitterblue needs to know Monsea’s past to lead it into the future, so she begins exploring the city streets at night, disguised and alone. As she does, she meets two thieves, who hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Not as amazing as Fire, but better than Graceling. This book grew on me throughout the 500+ pages. I'll admit that it started slow. I wasn't quick to love Bitterblue, but over time I could see her as more than the little girl you meet in Graceling. Once she meets Sapphire and Teddy, I was hooked. I loved seeing Bitterblue navigate the mysteries surrounding her kingdom and people. I love seeing more of Katsa and Po and even Fire! I loved getting to know Giddon. And the storyline held me until the end. I had to see who was responsible for the fires and killings and who was lying and who was telling the truth. A very good conclusion to the trilogy. (Just hang on through the first 50 pages or so)

Seven Kingdoms:

• #1 Graceling
• #2 Fire
• #3 Bitterblue

Sunday Sunset #18

Listening To: Almost caught up with One Bad Mother. Only five backlogged episodes to go! I also added a few other podcasts to start listening to once I catch up with OBM.

Book finished: The Complete Decorated Journal; Creative Lettering; The Crafter's Devotional

Reading: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore; A Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

On the Nightstand: Common Phrases by Myron Korach; Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik; Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

MakingLists: It's grocery and Target list day! I haven't been to Target for a few weeks so this visit is going to cost some money. We need a ton of household and personal products. Plus I want to check out their clothing clearances know that I know what i want to do with my wardrobe and I know what Arthur needs for fall/winter and next spring/summer. And I may pick up a few birthday party items and/or birthday presents for our toddler friends.

From the kitchen: I tried a ranch chicken club recipe that wasn't very good. Crossing that one off the list.

Crafting: See my project section for all my upcoming projects. I've also been playing with some of the Stampin' Up Holiday catalog products (yeah for demonstrator preorders!). And I am working on some holiday catalog swap cards.

Watching: J and I have been watching Merlin. I never watched it. It's been on my list for awhile and we've finally dove in. We're almost finished with season 1.

From Nature: It's been warm but nice this week. Just the perfect summer day.

Project: Been working on prepping for multiple crafty projects this coming month. I've signed up for Week in the Life, 30 Days of Lists (September), 31 Things, and 31 More Things (September). Busy busy! Plus planning for the retreat and Arthur's birthday party for October.

Picture: View of my crafting area this week.

Bout of Books 14

Somehow I almost missed this one! I've been prepping for Week in the Life (starting tomorrow), taking multiple scrapping/writing classes, and of course taking care of the 2 year old. Signing up for Bout of Books completely slipped my mind. Thankfully I remembered in time! Reading may be weird with Week in the Life, but I do want to try and focus at least part of my daily time reading.

My Goals:

• Finish Bitterblue
• Finish 2 other books
• Review all books read
• Read 1000 pages
• Knock off at least 8 reading challenge spots

TBR Pile:

• Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (in progress)
• Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (in progress)
• Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik
• Common Phrases by Myron Korach
• Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 17th and runs through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Arthur: 22 Months

We've done a huge photo cleanout, so I don't have a ton of photos for the July 16-Aug. 15 time period.

Likes: His babies (Pooh bear, Cabbage Patch, giraffe, and monkey), apple juice (new discovery), coloring (especially on non-paper surfaces)

Dislikes: Listening (ha ha! such a toddler!), nap time

Sleeping: Randomly he has been waking up in the middle of the night. Usually he will go right back to sleep if one of us goes in and comforts him for a minute. Seems to be very random right now. But usually he is sleeping 8pm to 7:30am. Nap time is a whole other issue. Some days he naps 3 hours, some days he naps 1 hour, and some days he doesn't nap at all. I can never anticipate how nap time will go. Kinda frustrating for me.

Eating: Still eating all the things. Even with his occasional pickiness, Arthur is a great eater. His favorites right now are lots of veggies, fruit, and crackers.

Playing: We are entering the realm of imaginative play. Ugh! but yeah for development. Usually the imaginative play revolves around cars and trains. It's a lot of fun to see him play independently.

Doctor Visit Stats: We aren't scheduled to go back to the doctor until October, but the other day Arthur weighed himself on our bathroom scale. He is currently 29 pounds exactly! His weight gain has definitely slowed down lately. All that running everywhere burns a lot of calories.

Schedule:Still working on creating a nice routine for our Castro Valley life. We've been averaging 3 activities a week and a weekend activity.

Out and About: Along with our usual Oakland Zoo, Happy Hollow, and CDM, we're hitting up the Castro Valley park a lot. Also, we've been heading back down to South Bay to see friends and visit our favorite parks. Plus this has been the month of birthday parties. We just went to a triple birthday party: three 2 year olds! (not triplets, three families) Included with play and cake, they held the party at a huge park with great play structures. Plus, we all got to ride the train and carousel!

FF #29: Bit of Turquoise

I love the look of black and white with a pop of color. This time I'm featuring turquoise! The dress is a great silhouette on its own. But ad some great colorful wedges, a great bag, and simple silver accessories, and you have a great outfit.

Black and white color block dress

lalalilo.com

Ankle wrap wedge sandals

$31 - newlook.com

Mint Rose drawstring bucket bag

calypsostbarth.com

Miss Selfridge multi layer chain necklace

missselfridge.com

Worthington bangle jewelry

jcpenney.com

Pieces gunmetal jewelry

$22 - nelly.com

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Super excited and scared about the upcoming Week in the Life project. I've never done one before, but have been wanting to. I bought the kit, we'll see what happens...
• Arthur was sick and passed it to me. Sucks being sick with a crazy toddler in the house.
• Been trying a lot of new recipes lately. Cooking isn't as horrible as I once thought, although I'm far from loving it.
• I love the library!
• My new planner is amazing. See my post here.
• Arthur's been talking a lot more lately. Very adorable!
• The rest of August is crazy busy... I hope everything goes well.

Art Journaling Books Review

Instead of reviewing them individually, I'm doing quick reviews for these three crafting books.

Title: The Complete Decorated Journal: A Compendium of Journaling Techniques

Author: Gwen Diehn

Publisher: Lark Crafts 2012

Genre: Nonfiction - Art

Pages: 240

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); 52 Books - W32

Now two of the most successful books by Gwen Diehn, The Decorated Page and The Decorated Journal, are bound together into one comprehensive and inspiring volume. The combined contents offer readers an unmatched collection of great ideas and techniques, from the latest supplies (papers, adhesives, paints, pens) to innovative layouts (mandalas, diagonals, cutouts, grids). Sidebars highlight specific genres, such as pillow books, nature journals, and illuminated manuscripts. Plus, newly added content includes journaling artist profiles along with galleries of their work, new techniques, and a new project where readers learn to make a journal from a butter box.

Interesting ideas, but I don't think that art journaling is for me.

Title: Creative Lettering: Tips and Techniques from Top Artists

Author: Jenny Doh

Publisher: Lark Crafts 2013

Genre: Nonfiction - Art

Pages: 144

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual)

Hand-lettering techniques are a popular and visually dynamic way to add textual elements to crafts, from journals to mixed-media art. Sixteen accomplished contributors—including calligraphers, painters, collagists, card makers, fiber artists, and graphic designers—give their personal perspectives on lettering. They all offer their favorite tools, how they use them, their signature technique with step-by-step instructions and photos, and an alphabet sampler of their own font. Gorgeous gallery images of each contributor's work are also included.

I love reading about the featured artists and techniques. The examples are amazing and beautiful. After reading the book, I am going to keep creative lettering in mind. Right now, my creative plate is full, but this is a great book to get started.

Title: The Crafter's Devotional

Author: Barbara R. Call

Publisher: Quarry Books 2010

Genre: Nonfiction - Crafts

Pages: 324

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual)

There is something elemental shared among artists and crafters, regardless of chosen medium: creative energy. Crafters dabble, collaborate, muse, and make, all in their own way and on their own timeline. For all crafts, there are established techniques to follow but wild, innumerable ways to experiment, using the basics to launch crafters to new heights. Crafter’s Devotional can aid that launch. Each day of the year is given its own focus, on which the reader will find a daily dose of craft content that inspires, instructs, and illuminates.

A fairly interesting book. I liked flipping through the pages and reading snippets of the entries. Unfortunately, this book is just not to my style. So interesting, but not amazing.

Quote Wednesday -- Runbeck

Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling. -- Margaret Lee Runbeck

Music Monday -- Saint Motel "My Type"

Alt Nation loves this song right now. I'm digging it too! 

Sunday Sunset #17

Listening To: One Bad Mother podcast. I've been working through the backlog for a few months now and am almost caught up to present day. I only have about 10 episodes togo. I love their candid talk about parenting. And I just joined the closed Facebook group and my local OBM FB group. So much fun!

Book finished: The F Word; How We Got to Now; Leaving a Trace; The Secret Museum

Reading: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon; Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

On the Nightstand: Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

MakingLists: Lots of lists! I've started using mambi's The Happy Planner and loving it's design! It makes my list making so much easier. I've even bought the notes and graph paper inserts to allow for more internal lists. Check out my blog post about my usage here.

Around the house: Arthur was sick this week and absolutely destroyed the house. Ugh! It's taken days to get the house back to normal.

From the kitchen: I retried the twice baked sweet potatoes. I made them less sweet than last time and they were delicious! I also made a simple fresh tomato sauce and kale caesar salad. So very good!

Crafting: I finally caught up with some of my challenge cards. And I finished the Find Your Voice workshop. And prepped my cards for stamp club and classes. And moved forward on my Project Life catch-up. And started planning for Week in the Life later in the month. It's been a very productive few weeks!

Watching: I tried to start August Movie Month, but life has gotten in the way. Instead we have been watching Merlin (I never started it), Another Period, Mr. Robot, and Last Week Tonight.

From Nature: It rained and thundered the other night! Holy cow! We never hear thunder here, but it happened. We got a bit of rain in the night but not that much.

Project: I'm busy planning the October retreat and Arthur's birthday party. Love the planning, but there is so much to do!

Picture: Train ride!

The Secret Museum by Molly Oldfield

Title: The Secret Museum

Author: Molly Oldfield

Publisher: Firefly Books 2013

Genre: Nonfiction - History, Art

Pages: 352

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Dewey Decimal - 0s

In fact, a great many of the world's most precious objects are kept in secret locations, protected from public view and safe from harmful conditions. Too fragile to be handled or exposed, too likely to be stolen, or too big to display, they hide in secure darkness or locked rooms, waiting for an obsessive treasure hunter to find them.

Museum enthusiast and researcher Molly Oldfield is just that. Consumed by curiosity about what is behind the closed doors of museums' back rooms, she spent two years touring the world in search of the most extraordinary inventions, legacies and artifacts hidden from the public. She has curated the best of what she found into this remarkable collection.

The subject matter was fascinating. I loved learning little tidbits of hidden museum artifacts. Now I want to visit all these museums and see these fascinating items. Unfortunately, the writing was clunky at time. I found myself stopping often to marvel at the strange sentence constructions. Because of the writing I had to knock off a few stars. Still a very fascinating subject matter!

FF #28 The Night Circus

I finished

The Night Circus

by Erica Morgenstern a few weeks back and can't get the style out of my head. I had to recreate the stark black and white palette. This dress is for The Illusionist. A simple silhouette gown with a bit of sparkle and lots of great accessories. I especially love that clutch.

Sequin dress

rosewe.com

Platform shoes

unique-vintage.com

Black purse

$77 - atmayfair.com

Pendants necklace

overstock.com

Dogeared post earrings

zappos.com

Black hat

dragonweave.com

Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson

Title: Leaving a Trace: On Keepinga Journal

Author: Alexandra Johnson

Publisher: Back Bay Books 2002

Genre: Nonficiton - Writing

Pages: 272

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Dewey Decimal - 800s; OLW Home

Highly personal (in fact, almost intimate), Johnson's long essay centers on the discipline of keeping a journal and the effect reading other journals has on a creative life. The essay is broken into chapters that provide some organizational structure; threaded throughout are exercises and activities to motivate, encourage, and inspire. Further, each chapter features stories and journal entries from well-known writers as well as everyday people.

I really enjoyed this slim volume. I've been thinking about starting (or really restarting) daily journaling for awhile now and this book helped to kickstart that idea. The first half focuses on journaling, types of journals, what journals can tell us, how journals help our everyday lives. I would give the first half of the book 5 stars. I read and read some of the passages. I haven't tried the writing exercises, but they are perfectly paired with each chapter. The second half of the books wasn't as successful for me. The chapters focused on turning your journal entries into published works. I am focusing on writing a journal just for me. I have no intention of publishing anything or using it for fiction ideas. I just want to use the journal as a cathartic exercise. But I will say that the second half is nicely written with more great writing exercises. I just didn't connect to the second half like I did to the first half.

Gracias

I haven't done these posts in months... It's been a bit of a rough go for the last few months, but things are looking up. So here's my thank yous for the week:

1. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin -- Weird to thank a book, but this one has inspired me to make some big changes in day-to-day life. Excited to move forward.

2. Arthur -- For being so adorable and lovable even when he's stressing me out with toddler tantrums.

3. SU's holiday catalog -- For lots of great new crafting inspiration. Ready to dive in.

4. MVPA -- For continuing to support me even from afar. I've had a ton of trouble adjusting to life in East Bay, so it's great to still be able to go down and spend time with them.

5. Sprouts -- For low cost but great produce. Arthur and i are making it our biweekly grocery trip.

Currently #13

Watching: Another Period. Hilarious! I am in love with this show.

Reading: Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson. A beautiful book about keeping a journal. I may not be doing all her exercises, but I am very into this book right now.

Listening: iTunes has some new radio channels. Arthur and I have been dancing around to the 80s hits.

Making: A ton of my friends have a birthday this month. I am prepping a ton of pretty cards.

Feeling: I am constantly hot and sweaty. That is all...

Planning: The October retreat will be upon us before I know it. I need to get to planning. Thank goodness that I have a planning session on the books for next Monday.

Loving: Arthur has been giving the best full body hugs. Love them!