March 2014 Wrap-Up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

March's TBR Pile (8/11):

1. February Roll-over: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein √
2. J's pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
3. Nonfiction: What Ifs of American History √
4. Freebie: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. Series pick: The Zombie Whisperer by Jesse Petersen √
6. Classic: Tales of the Brothers Grimm √
7. Book club selection: The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy √
8. Carry-over: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
9. Monthly Key Word: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim √
10. Library Pick: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa √
11. Added: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. Up Tall and High by Ethan Long -- Not my favorite, not Arthur's favorite
2. Book of Big Brothers by Cary Fagan -- Cute little book, Arthur might enjoy it at a later age
3. Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier -- Loved the bright colors
4. Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia -- Great use of sounds
5. Tony and the Pizza Champions by Tony Gemignani -- Great little story, bit much for the little one
6. The Library Gingerbread Man by Dotti Enderle -- Classic tale
7. Momo and Snap are NOT Friends! by Airlie Anderson -- Lots of sounds, Arthur seemed to enjoy it

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2545 pages
Pages Remaining: 828,214 pages

Current Read - None...  I imagine that I will be starting another book tonight, but I haven't decided which one yet.

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet, but I'm still making some great strides.

Comments - Looky looky!  I read only 8 books this month, but my page total was over 2500!  I'm very pleased with my progress.  Having an active 5 month old cuts into my reading time, but I still try to make time.

April's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
2. Nonfiction: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
3. Fluffy romance: Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano
4. Freebie: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro
5. Classic: A Vindication on the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft
6. Book club selection: The Thirteenth Tale by Diana Setterfield
7. Carry-over: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
8. Contemporary YA: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
9. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk

Music Monday -- Punch Brothers "Dark Days"

How did I not know that Chris Thile had a band besides Nickelcreek?  Thankfully The Hunger Games soundtrack enlightened me.  I immediately fell in love with this song.  The lyrics are perfect for the movie.  And the sound is very melodic.  Love it!

Lyrics:

Mother, listen to my heart. Mother, listen to my heart, Just as one beat ends, another starts. You can hear no matter where you are Sister, hide our love away From the evil we both know.

[Chorus] It can see you through these dark days, Though they seem to darken as I go. Our love will see us through these dark, dark days sister, 'Til it lights the way back home. Sister, hide our love away.

It can turn the whole world upside down, Shake it 'til the sky falls to the ground. We don't have to reap the fear they sow, Friends, as long as we hide our love away, In the good they'll never know.

[Chorus] It can see us through these dark days, Though they seem to darken as we go. Our love will see us through these dark, dark days sister, 'Til it lights the way back home. Sister, hide our love away.

Mother, listen to my heart, Just as one beats ends, another starts. You can hear no matter where you are.

IMDB #17-28 Mini Reviews

The last round of mini reviews to catch up on our reviews.  We watched these in February but I kept forgetting to do my mini reviews.  Better late than never...  These were all movies we had already seen (or even own), but rewatched for the project.

The Big Lebowski

J quotes this all the time.  It's a 90s classic and this quirky and full of great characters.  Definitely something that has rewatchability.

Jaws

Years and years later, this movie still scares the crap out of me.  Sure, the mechanical shark looks a bit fake.  But that doesn't take away the building of suspense and speculation until we see the shark appear by the boat.  Holy crap!  When it pops out of water, I always jump.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Still my favorite of the Indiana Jones movies.  Raiders is awesome, but the addition of Sean Connery really makes this movie.  "We named the dog Indy."  -- awesome line.  The scene with the rats makes my skin crawl.

Donnie Darko

Don't bother watching the sequel -- horrid.  But the original movie still takes me a on a roller coaster of emotions and thoughts.

Gladiator

A little too dramatic and melodramatic, but a few of the fight scenes are pretty bad ass.  The side characters are fairly interesting. And the cinematography is just gorgeous!

Toy Story 3

What a freaking tearjerker!  This is a great ending the trilogy, but I have to admit that I ugly cried during the trash scene.  I love that the movie brought everything full circle.

The Terminator

A classic action movie.  While I don't think it completely stands the test of time, I like this movie.  I did forget how slow it is, especially when you watch the sequel.

The Departed

I'm not a huge fan of Scorsese, but this is a decent movie.  I love the role reversals for Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio.  They definitely make the movie much more interesting.

Terminator 2

A much better movie than the first one.  And thoroughly terrifying.  The unrelenting terminator is a sight to behold.

Good Will Hunting

A decent movie, but it's never been a favorite of mine.  The sentimentality of the characters and storyline get to me.  I'm not a huge fan.

Casablanca

I love this movie!  I love Bogart!  I love setting!  I love the storyline!  Everything about this movie makes it an instant classic.

Braveheart

Not my favorite movie.  Especially since they take such historical liberties.  Plus, Mel Gibson is not my favorite actor.

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Title: Yellow Crocus

Author: Laila Ibrahim

Publisher: Flaming Chalice Press 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 240

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Monthly Key Word - March; Women Authors; 52 Books -- W14

In 1837, Lisbeth Wainwright is born to the white mistress of a sprawling Virginia plantation. Seconds later, she is delivered into the arms of her black wet nurse, Mattie. For a field hand like Mattie, her transfer to the big house is supposed to be considered an honor—except that the move tears Mattie away from her beloved grandfather and her infant son, Samuel. But Mattie is a slave, with no say in the matter, and so she devotes herself to her master’s daughter, though she longs to be raising her own child. Growing up under Mattie’s tender care, little Lisbeth adopts the woman’s deep-seated faith in God, her love of music and black-eyed peas, and the tradition of hunting for yellow crocuses in the early days of spring.

As the years pass, Lisbeth is drawn slowly back into her white parents’ world and begins to learn the ins and outs of life for a high-born young lady. Still she retains her connection to Mattie, befriending Samuel and drifting comfortably between the two worlds. She accepts her parents’ assertion that their slaves depend upon them for guidance and protection, yet that notion becomes more and more difficult to believe as she gains awareness of the inequality of life in the big house versus the slave quarters. When, on the threshold of her society wedding to debonair Edward Cunningham, Lisbeth bears witness to a shockingly brutal act, the final vestiges of her naiveté crumble around her. Just twenty-one years old, she is forced to choose between what is socially acceptable and what is right, a decision that will change her life forever.

Overall, I thought that this was a good historical fiction novel.  I was intrigued by the relationship between Lisbeth and Mattie.  I loved to see the growth with the characters.  The side characters were also interesting. My one complaint was the brevity of the novel.  Spanning 20 years, I felt that 240 pages didn't do all the years justice.  I would have liked to hear more about the intervening years between when Mattie leaves and Lisbeth leaves the plantation.  I would have liked a bit more from the storyline.

Project Life 2014 -- Weeks 11 and 12

Week 11

Family Album: This week I chose to go back to using one of my "older" kits -- WRMK Tangerine.  My idea is to rotate my various kits to get a different color/design scheme each week.  I like the little pops of design with the Tangerine kit.  I added some cute labeling tags to help highlight a few of the pictures.

As to the pictures and events, this week is very Arthur heavy.  Oh wait... It's always Arthur heavy.  Anyway, I chose to include some adorable candid shots and eating shots.  I love the face he makes while eating.  It always looks like he hates it, but he eats everything.  The right hand page has a few random shots and his 5 month pictures.  I always have to include the stats insert.  My favorite shot of the week is the one where he's crawling towards me (left side, bottom left picture).

Supplies:

• WRMK Tangerine
• Labels from Studio Calico kit
• Random stamps
• PL Neutral Baby (monthly stat insert)

Arthur's Album:  This week I added in some of the new cards from the Baby for Him kit.  I love the cool blues and greens of this spread. The left side is a wrap-up of our week.  The right side is all about his 5 month pictures and milestones.

Supplies:

• PL Neutral Baby Kit
• PL Baby Boy Kit
• Random stamps
• Labels from Studio Calico Kit
• Recollections stickers

Week 12

Family Album: I changed up my kits yet again and went with some of the random cards from my Studio Calico kits (Sept. and Oct. 2013).  I kept the cards a cool blue and gray with pops of pink.  I especially love my pink enamel dots and my new camera stamp (thank you Michael's $2 bin).

The pictures from this week came from two big events.  The left side highlights our morning at Washington Park.  Arthur had a great time crawling around.  And I had a great time taking some pics and reading in the sunshine.  The right side highlights Arthur's first official playdate.  I grabbed a few cute pics and stole a few from the other moms.  My favorite is the pic of Arthur and his friend Luke and their dueling grump faces (right side, top left).

Supplies:

• Studio Calico Kits -- Sept and Oct 2013
• Michael's stamps
• Basic Grey enamel dots
• Random stamps and alphabet stickers

Arthur's Album: Arthur's spread focused on lots of pictures.  I decided to use the back side of the inserts from the previous week.  Those were reddish so I picked two more reddish inserts for the right side.  I've realized that most of Arthur's spreads are light on embellishments and heavy on pictures.  And I'm okay with that!

Supplies:

• PL Baby Boy Kit
• Random stamps

FF #11: Floral Beauty

I saw this skirt and just had to make an outfit out of it.  I love the beautiful pattern!  And the colors make this skirt into almost a neutral.  I decided to play a bit with color combinations with the light pink shirt and burgundy shoes and bag.  I need those shoes something fierce!  I love the antique feel of this entire outfit.  The jewelry brings it into the 21st century.

J Crew red shirt

jcrew.com

Orla Kiely skirt

$310 - orlakiely.com

Sole Society platform pumps

solesociety.com

Givenchy tote bag

shopzoeonline.com

Warehouse crystal earrings

$23 - warehouse.co.uk

J Crew bridal hair accessory

jcrew.com

Thanks on Thursday

Another round of thank yous for another round of time…

1. Good friends -- I've made some good friends here in California.  It's nice to be able to get together for activities or even just to chat.
2. Good books -- After a fairly mediocre start to the reading year, I am back on track with some good books.  They left me relax and dream of other worlds.  They are my great escape.
3. Sleep -- The boy is finally giving me some consistent sleep.  I am so so grateful...
4. Baby laughter -- It never fails to make me feel better.  Love that little boy!
5. Good weather -- The great weather has encouraged me to get out and get moving.  I would never exercise this much outside when I lived in Indiana.

Quote Wednesday -- Rumi

You were born with wings.  Why prefer to crawl through life? -- Rumi

Arthur: 23 Weeks

Last week was full of fun baby activities!  We had a great week and even a return to a more normal sleeping schedule.

Likes: Crawling, food, baby friends, paper, grass

Dislikes: Not being allowed to eat paper, when mom spoons the food too slow

Sleeping: We're back to a fairly normal sleeping schedule.  Down at 7:30pm, up at around 10:30pm or 11pm for a feeding, down until around 7am.  Decent.  I'll take it.

Eating: We now have a piggy pig on our hands.  He eats anything I give him and still eyes all my food.  We're attempting to add in more solid foods in addition to all the various purees.  He's really warmed up to the vanilla puffs (think cheerios) and avocado.

Playing: He's so much more interactive now.  He loves playing airplane, wrestling with the sock monkey, playing tug of war with mom, playing in the jumper, and "reading" books.  At the playdate this week, he actually interacted with the other babies.  He's shown an interest in other kids, but still prefers to play with mom.

Medical Milestones: 

• Working on language skills by conversing with people -- Check! We have "conversations" all the time now.  He loves to "answer" my questions and ask his own.  It's so adorable.
• Experimenting with sounds that objects make -- Check!  I loves making Sophie squeak, hitting various things on others, and playing with his rattles.
• Rolling both ways -- Check! He finally started rolling from stomach to back this past week.  Now he's a rolling fool!
• Sitting unassisted for a few minutes -- Check! He is still a bit unsteady, but he's staying up for longer periods of time.

Schedule:We're trying to establish a better daytime routine, but most days I never know when he's going to nap.  If we're home, he usually goes down for a mid-morning nap at 9:30 or 10.  If we're out, who knows?

Out and About:

• Shoreline walk -- Our usual, but only once this week instead of twice.
• Playdate at Mariposa Park -- Amazing! Awesome! So much fun!  We can't wait to do it again!  Thankfully we have one schedule once a month.
• Coffee at Bean Scene with Miss Angi -- We met Angi for coffee on Wednesday.  We had a nice chat and Angi got her baby cuddles in.
• Sunnyvale Library -- We walked to the library to return all of our books before our trip.
• Morning at Washington Park -- On the way back from the library, we stopped off at the park for a bit.  It was such a nice day, we had to take advantage.

What Ifs? of American History edited by Robert Cowley

Title: What Ifs? of American History

Editor: Robert Cowley

Publisher: Berkely Books 2003

Genre: Nonfiction - US History

Pages: 298

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Mount TBR; Well-Rounded Reader -- History

Did Eisenhower avoid a showdown with Stalin by not taking Berlin before the Soviets? What might have happened if JFK hadn't been assassinated? This new volume in the widely praised series presents fascinating "what if..." scenarios by such prominent historians as: Robert Dallek, Caleb Carr, Antony Beevor, John Lukacs, Jay Winick, Thomas Fleming, Tom Wicker, Theodore Rabb, Victor David Hansen, Cecelia Holland, Andrew Roberts, Ted Morgan, George Feifer, Robert L. O'Connell, Lawrence Malkin, and John F. Stacks.

Included are two essential bonus essays reprinted from the original New York Times bestseller What If?-David McCullough imagines Washington's disastrous defeat at the Battle of Long Island, and James McPherson envisions Lee's successful invasion of the North in 1862.

This isn't the easiest book to read.  Or I should say that it isn't the most accessible book.  The authors of the various essays presuppose a level of basic history knowledge and then dive into counterfactual history.  But for a history nerd like me, I loved every single page.  I love wondering "what if?" when it comes to history.  One small decision change could have changed the course of history.  This collection explores those What Ifs.  There are a few more common ideas: What if JFK lived?  What if Eisenhower pushed on to Berlin?  While those were enjoyable reads, my favorite was actually an essay exploring the idea that John Tyler never became president after the death of William Henry Harrison.  Tyler is a forgettable president, but his policies regarding Mexico and Texas set the stage for the growth of the country and even changing the run-up to the Civil War.  Fascinating stuff!  I only recommend these books to the serious history nerd.  To those people, pick up this collection for some history fun.

Music Monday -- Red "Ordinary World"

While I like the Duran Duran version, I've really been digging Red's version.  Just a nice random song for this Monday.

Lyrics:

Came in from a rainy Thursday on the avenue thought I heard you talking softly I turned on the lights the TV and the radio but still I can't escape the ghost of you

What is happening to me crazy some would say Where is the life that I recognize, gone away

And I won't cry for yesterday there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world I will learn to survive

Passion or coincidence once prompted you to say pride will tear us both apart Well now pride's gone out the window cross the rooftops, runaway Left me in the vacuum of my heart

What is happening to me crazy some will say where is my friend when I need you most gone away

But I won't cry for yesterday there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world I will learn to survive

Papers in the roadside tell of suffering and grief Fear today forgot tomorrow beside the news of holy war and holy need Our's is just a little sorrowed talk, just blown away

And I won't cry for yesterday there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world I will learn to survive Every world is my world (I will learn to survive) Any world is my world (I will learn to survive) Any world is my world, every world is our world, every world

Sunday Sunset #8

Book finished: The Girl Who Chased the Moon; Tales of the Brothers Grimm; The Zombie Whisperer

Reading: TBD -- I just finished The Zombie Whisperer, but haven't had time today to pick up something else yet. Maybe later tonight before bed I can get into a new book...

On the Nightstand: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim; Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury; What Ifs of American History

Making Lists: Packing lists of course.  We are leaving on Thursday and I finally just got my new luggage delivered.  As usual, I have a long long list and need to start narrowing it down to my actual packing list.  Thankfully we have some baby items at my mom's house already.

Around the house: I got into a weird mood the other day and decided to clean the kitchen floor on my hands and knees.  What is wrong with me?  Oh well, I have a beautiful clean floor just in time for me to leave for almost two weeks...

From the kitchen: Made a few more Pinterest recipes this week.

• Bleu Cheese Bacon Mac and Cheese -- Great idea, but we need to make a few tweaks to really love this recipe.
• Sausage Rolls -- Very yummy and oh so easy to make.
• Baked Apple Oatmeal -- Another yummy and easy recipe.
• Ranch Cheddar Chicken -- Good easy recipe for a low-key dinner.

Crafting: A ton of crafting this week... but you'll have to read my post here to get the scoop.  On the other side of crafting, I received the rest of my Project Life card swaps from February. Overall, I am very pleased by what I got back.  I can't wait to incorporate some of these cards into my spreads.

Watching: The usuals...  Plus I did manage to finally watch The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  I definitely think it was better than the first movie.  Even though it took me all day, I finally finished watching it...

Wondering: How many people are going to RSVP for the Easter party?  We need to order our products, but so far our numbers are really low...  Hoping and waiting...

Shopping Scores: I made another Michael's run for crafting supplies.  I ran out of SNAIL and needed to stock up.  Plus, I picked up some purple cardstock and two plastic storage items.  Also I hit up Target for lots of traveling and household essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, formula, baby good, diapers).  The usual boring items.

Project: Still planning the Easter social.  Our RSVPs aren't where I want them right now, but everyone still has a few days before we close them.  We have to order our supplies at the end of next week to ensure on-time-delivery.  I can't wait to get all everything ready.  The babies may not remember it, but the parents sure will.  Plus, we'll be sure to have photographic evidence.

Exercising: More Shoreline walks.  Plus, we did walk to the library and back with a stop at the park.  Good, but I really need to up my endurance.

Picture: Happy baby at the playdate.  He's so adorable!

Stitch Fix 5

I came across Stitch Fix on Loop Looks (check her out!).  For $20 a shipment, you get a personalized style pack of five items.  Then, you try everything on and decide to keep 1, 2, 3, 4, or all 5 items.  The $20 stylist fee is credited to your purchase.  And if you buy all five items, you get an extra 25% off.  The company is currently in beta, but I was lucky enough to get an invite.

After many many months away, I decided to try the service again.  I had wanted to lost all of the baby weight before attempting, but that doesn't seem to be happening quite yet.  Instead, I redid my measurements on my profile and mentioned to the stylist that I was no a SAHM that need versatile but casual pieces.  Overall, I was excited to jump into another box even if two of the items were a disaster.

Here’s what I got this time… (Ignore the horrid quality iPhone photos)

Item #1: Roxanna Chevron Open Knit Cardigan

Pros: Love the pattern; lightweight yet covering

Cons: Limited use in California.

Item #2: Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank

Pros: Light and airy; perfect for summer in California; love the patterns

Cons: A bit short in the front; highlighted my stomach (problem area!)

Item #3: Wedni Belted Geo Print Dress

Pros: Hid my trouble areas well; actually long enough on me but still a shorter dress; love the print; easy to care for.

Cons: A bit pricey for my usual shopping budget

Item #4: Ravello Arrow Print Cross-Front Blouse

Pros: Cute print

Cons: Everything else.  I put this on okay but when I looked in the mirror... the horror!  The front of this blouse has a snap closure and that snap was about to burst.  Turns out I have too large of a bust for this shirt.  Go figure... I've never had too large of a bust for any shirt.  Sorry but I can't subject my readers to the horrid picture of my wearing this.  You'll have to do with the insert card.

Item #5: Cathleen Dot Print Lace Detailed Blouse

Pros: Love the color

Cons: Everything else.  Another shirt gone horribly wrong.  This thing was too short (hello stomach), too tight across (turns out I have wide shoulders?), and too tight in the armholes (guess I have fatty arms now).  I could barely get this off without ripping it.  No picture for you.

So, what did I keep?

..

..

..

..

..

Item #3: Wedni Belted Geo Print Dress.  While my body isn't back to where I want it to be, the cut of this dress hides my flaws well.  Plus, I can still wear it when I lose a bit of weight.  I'm think this will be going to both weddings later this fall.  (Not for the ceremony, but for the pre-wedding activities).  Best of all, this thing is easily washed and if the babe decided to spits up, I can hide the stain until I can get it cleaned.  Nice!

The Zombie Whisperer by Jesse Petersen

Title: The Zombie Whisperer (Living with the Dead #4)

Author: Jesse Petersen

Publisher: IGLA 2013

Genre: Zombie

Pages: 174

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Seriously Series; Lucky 14 - (Not So) Fresh from the Oven; 52 Books - W13

Once a zombie, always a zombie?

Dave and Sarah are pretty happy in the Middle-of-Nowhere, Montana. They’ve done their part in saving the world (kind of) and now they’re settling in for a long life of killing straggler zombies. Well, they think that’s what they’re doing until a helicopter lands on their front lawn with old friends Nicole Nessing and Robbie “The Kid” on board. They propose a dangerous plan: Dave and Sarah must return to Seattle and use Dave’s Superpowers to help with the final stages of a formula that will not only wipe out most of the zombies, but innocluate humans against the virus.

Going back to Seattle was never in the plan. Especially since Sarah has a few secrets of her own that could change her marriage, increase the danger they’re facing and even alter the future they’re so desperately trying to save.

A fitting end to the series, but it felt a bit rushed.  I would have like a bit more drawn out storyline and action.  Maybe a bit more character development.  It felt a little odd to see all the old characters in one place, but of course it's all a plot device.  I did like the idea of returning to the scene of the crime, so to speak.  And the big surprise... guessed it in about the first 5 pages.  Overall, I still love traveling the zombie filled west with David and Sarah.  I was just wishing for a little more something to give them a proper send-off.

Living with the Dead

• #1 Married with Zombies
• #2 Flip This Zombie
• #3 Eat, Slay, Love
• #3.5 Shambling with the Stars
• #4 The Zombie Whisperer

Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Title: Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Genre: Classic fairy tales

Pages: 326

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Pile; Monthly Motif - March Fairy Tales; Well Rounded Reader - Fairy Tales; Back to the Classics -- Translation

We've all heard of the Brothers Grimm.  Their versions of the original tales are probably the most popular in Europe and America.  These are the ones that Disney used as a basis for their animated features.  Re-reading them, I was struck with how clean and happy their are.  I kept forgetting that these weren't the old stories, but a more family friendly version.  As such, I was a bit disappointed.  However, I still enjoy a nice fairy tale before bedtime.  For their longevity and appeal, I rate this collection 5 stars.

One Sheet Wonder

While on Pinterest, I kept running across these "One Sheet Wonders."  I was very lost...  And so I went hunting and found a ton of tutorials of how to make the most cards out of a sheet of DSP (12x12, 8 1.2x11, 6x6).  I found this particular template from Crafty Steals:

I love that the template uses 12x12 paper and makes at least 11 cards.  This got me to thinking about what I wanted to do with the OSW.  I didn't want to make 11 cards using the same DSP just for me.  But this would be a great way to make card sets for gifts.  And so a master plan was born.  My plan is to use the OSW method (using various various templates) to make sets of a dozen cards.  Each OSW would be for a different occasion or holiday (e.g. Christmas, birthday, thank you, etc).  Once I finish all 12 sheets, I will have 12 sets of cards to give as gifts for next Christmas.  So simple!

I started my first sheet and ended up making four sheets worth of cards this first week.  My first set is an Easter card.  I ended up using Stampin' Up's Birds of a Feather DSP, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, and Raspberry Ripple cardstock, random Easter stamp, polka dot embossing folder, and patterned scissors.  I love the variety of designs.  I didn't follow the example cards exactly, but used them as guidelines for my own designs.  My favorite of the bunch is actually the very first card (first picture, top left).  I love the focus on the cute DSP.

My second set is a Birthday set.  I used another sheet from the Birds of a Feather DSP pack.  The colors and paper are the same as the Easter cards.  I just threw in a birthday stamp I just bought from Michaels.  I really love the squares card (first picture, top right).

The third set is for Father's Day cards.  I love the masculine color and prints of the SU Parker's Patterns DSP.  Perfect for Father's Day cards.  I used a chevron embossing folder, random Father's Day stamp, Marina Mist cardstock and ink, Not Quite Navy cardstock and ink, and some kraft paper.  My favorite card is the simple two pieces of DSP with a sentiment in between (third picture, bottom right).

The fourth set is for Anniversary cards.  I wasn't going to make another set, but I had so many left over pieces from cutting two Parker's Patterns sheets that I could make another.  The opposite side from the very masculine print was a cute little floralesque print in Marina Mist and Cherry Cobbler.  I thought the print was perfect for Anniversary cards.  Not too masculine, not too feminine, just right.  I added in some Not Quite Navy and Cherry Cobbler ink as well as brown and kraft cardstock and a baroque embossing folder to complete the cards.  My favorite is the simply embossed card with the strip of DSP (first picture, bottom left).

Four sheets of DSP, some cardstock for bases, and a few scrap pieces for sentiments and I have 48 cards done!  I plan on using a different OSW template for my next set of cards.

FF #10: Grocery Shopping

Everyone needs a go-to comfortable outfit to run errands.  I think this is the perfect outfit.  I love the variation of the gray jean and blue sneakers to the usual outfit.  The plaid shirt just looks so soft and easy to wear.  And the jacket just completes it.

Rails long sleeve top

intermixonline.com

Unfleur short jacket

$640 - jades24.com

Dsquared2 jeans

vestiairecollective.com

Vans sneaker

dsw.com

Talented Totes pink tote bag

asos.com

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

• I think I might be an over-achiever when it comes to certain projects (case in point: Easter social)
• Sunshine makes me happy, but also hot!  Need to always take my hat and sunscreen for walks.
• Watching 5-9 month olds "play" together is hilarious!
• Baby poo explosions always come out of left field
• I need to use my retired SU DSP so I can buy more!  This is my crafting philosophy.
• My luggage really really needs to get delivered.  I would like something to take on the plane...
• Arthur is officially crawling!  Someone save me!  And the non-baby prooofed items in the living room!
• I think my reading malaise it lifting.  Looking forward to some great books
• I really really want to go to the theater to see a movie (maybe Muppets while in Indiana?)
• Still hate cooking, but have been doing it a ton lately (and I'm not talking skillet meals or mac and cheese, I mean real recipes)
• Craving some good muffins (blueberry, lemon poppy seed, pumpkin chocolate chip, cranberry orange...)
• Flakey people seriously piss me off...  Already written off a few members of the mom's group.  We won't be best friends if you can't at least update your Meetup RSVP.  It's not hard people!

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: The Girl Who Chased the Moon

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher: Bantam 2010

Genre: Fiction - Magical Realism

Pages: 270

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Women Authors; Library; 52 Books -- W12; Lucky 14 -- Once Upon a Time

Emily Benedict has come to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, not only wishing to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also dreaming of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

I love Allen's books!  I love her characters!  I love the settings!  I love the storylines!  And I love the magic!  These have become my go-to books for something satisfying yet light.  Sometimes the stories are a bit predictable, but I get into it so deep that I don't care.  I love taking the journeys with the characters.  This particular book was really great.  I think it's my second favorite behind Garden Spells.  I love the duel stories of Julia and Emily.   Both outsiders, they find their place in Mullaby by the end of the book.  It's a great little story.  The ever-changing wallpaper was a nice little touch.  A great bit of magic to liven up the setting.  Allen writes with such atmosphere that I can picture myself right there with the characters.  The town came alive and stayed alive throughout the book.  A great setting really helps set the characters and the overall tone of the book.  I loved it and can't wait to read another by Allen (must pick up Lost Lake!).

Here Come the 11 Year Olds!

Today my twin boys are turning 11 years old!  I can't believe it's been 11 years.  Granted, I'm pretty I forgot most of the bad stuff, but I still think they were fairly easy babies.  I loved their toddler years... so adorable.  And now they are little men.  I love having big conversations with them.  I love their inquisitive nature.  I love how much Alex cares and how much Nick wants to learn.  I love that they are finally excited to spend time with their little brother.  (I know, newborns don't really do anything and are kinda boring.)  I can't wait to get back to Indiana next week to spend an entire week hanging out with all three of my boys.

Happy Birthday Nick and Alex!