Month: December 2008

I’ve got still a bit more holiday ho-ho-ho giving to come… but first a few winners to announce…

Quinna (confessions of a shopaholic) and Christine C (my book + mm magazine) shoot me an e-mail (mflaum (at) comcast (dot) net) to claim your prizes!

I hope you all had a merry Christmas! The girls and I spent most of the day without power… needless to say that means that I’ve not uploaded or edited photos like I hoped to yet, but it’s coming soon.

My entire childhood I read a lot. Trips to the library plus my own personal books… I read many, many books. Then from about 18-21 I didn’t really read at all. Looking back I think it was probably just that something had to give- after all learning to be an adult, living on your own, and going through all I did in those years it’d be easy to forget about the joys of reading.

Then one day I was flying somewhere (by myself- probably to visit family) and I decided to buy a book to pass the time. I chose Confessions of a Shopaholic, and my love of reading was reignited, and remains strong to this day.

Since it’s winter break and all, I thought I’d share about the books I’ve read in the last few weeks…

 So finally I read 1 Fifth Ave (Candace Bushnell), and it was indeed really good. She covers stories of numerous women (and men) some of whom only have in common is the building (1 fifth). It was hard for me to get really into it at first, and I really couldn’t relate personally to any of the characters, nor did I root for any of them. (hard to feel sorry for the ungrateful rich obsessed with getting more, ya know?) That said- I totally enjoyed this book and could see reading it again. She has such a way with words and developing characters, and the way she carefully winds the stories and lives together is masterful and makes for a very interesting read. I’d recommend it for sure.

Next up I read Agnes and the hitman. I’ve picked up and put down this book so many times. Why? Well it’s co-authored by a man… and I only like about 4 male authors (dead and alive)… so I had major reservations. That said, I adore Jennifer Cruise’s style and so finally one day in Target I gave in and purchased it. It’s been  sitting on my shelf for 2 months now, and last week I finally picked it up and read it. Conclusion? LOVED IT! The mob, secret government agencies, hit men, and one frying pan wielding (kinda bad ass) love able cook named Agnes. Of course it’s got some romance going on, but there is action, adventure, and mystery too. I was beyond pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this- almost as much as I liked Olivia Joules… but that’s another story for another post.

The third book I’ve read recently is just one of the guys. I’ll give this a thumbs up too- and it’s by Kristan Higgins, an author I’ve not tried before. I really liked reading about a woman so very different than the usual heroines- I mean she’s nearly 6″ tall, and very much the athlete/non-pink type girl- often described as amazonian! While I had a hard time really picturing Chastity (our heroine) I really liked her and it was fun reading about her and her family of firefighters. (actually the first book I’ve read where it’s built around fire fighters- surprising, I know!) It was unique, interesting, and I’m glad I made a trip to borders to pick it up. Overall it was super fun.

 So if you’re like me winter break is going to = READING TIME! Maybe you need a book to get you started? To share with one of you, I’m giving away the book that got me back into reading as an adult. That’s right, confessions of a shopaholic. Just leave a comment to be entered, and I’ll draw a winner on the 26th. Winner drawn!

The presents are wrapped, the house is decorated, and we are ready for celebrating! I’d like to take a moment to share a few glimpses from around our house. Also, I encourage you to take a few minutes to walk around and capture some photos of details this holiday season you might otherwise not notice. You never know when that’ll make a great scrapbook page photo!

Due to Jason’s work schedule we’re celebrating everything a day early this year. So Merry Christmas Eve!! (tomorrow will be our Christmas)

I love this reindeer I got a few years ago…

the girls are crazy excited that the fun has really begun and that waiting is nearly over for the (carefully guarded) gifts under the tree.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas- I’ll be posting photos, crafts, and more prizes all winter break!

That’s right, one of you can have my book paper + pixels AND a copy of the Memory Makers “get organized” special issue! It’s got an exerpt from my book in it and a digital layout featuring my dear miss E. That’s reason to share and celebrate for sure.

Just leave a comment here to be entered.  WINNER DRAWN!

PS- Mary Kunze you won the special  winter prize- so e-mail me (mflaum (at) comcast (dot) net) to claim your prize!

being that it’s winter solstice, I thought a snowy winter prize would be in order!

A fabulous fiskars circle punch, some Heidi Grace stickers & letters, some fibers, AND a winter-licious little box of See’s chocolates. To enter, just leave a comment here. Winner will be drawn next time I post…