no rules, just happy crafting
I am all about exploring new creative outlets, and recently I’ve been dabbling in bringing more stitching both onto my paper crafting projects – and off! As I explore some new creative ideas I came across a book, and I liked it so much I had to share with you!
A new month, and a new batch of favorites! I’m excited to have so many to share so quickly…
Note: Affiliate links are used whenever possible… it costs you nothing and helps keep the blog running!
Just got this candle from a fantastic person who saw me admiring it… love it! Even better? There’s a whole line of them inspired by authors. Also, this company has loads of fantastic candles. Here’s an Amazon link if you want to check out some of them.
New Kate Daniels book ! I am settling in to read it ASAP. You need to start this (dark, violent, most excellent) series from the beginning…
Speaking of wow, Tessa Dare (aka my fave historical romance author) has another great one coming later this month! I got to read an advance copy and she doesn’t disappoint.
I know it’s early… but Ellen Hutson released a stamp that isn’t just elf… it has some Elf movie nods. You know my affinity for elfin culture! I will need this one.
Another crafty must: Tim Holtz Blueprint Sketch (I just blogged about it the other day – see post here)
Finally on the craft front: totally in love with (and impressed with) the Lora Bailora Etsy shop. She’s got lovely stamps and some really pretty washi tapes too!
Finally, this is what miss Rebecca is getting for her birthday. It’s pretty much the best thing ever (hellloooo gingerbread!) and she is going to flip. Definitely thinking this would make a good Christmas present for the right little lady as well!
What are your favorites right now?
I’ve not done an entertainment recommendation post in such a long time! Reason? Nothing tickling my fancy! Seriously – so many things “eh, ok” hence the lack of posts. Oh, but wait! In the last few weeks I’ve had FOUR really good items cross my desk/TV and so I have to share.
1. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews is a new urban fantasy book/series from a favorite author. Action, hints of romance, and intriguing characters. Can’t wait for more!
2. Yes Please by Amy Poehler confirms one big thing: Amy Poehler gets it. She’s got some super insightful thoughts and ideas I was nodding along with… it isn’t just silliness. I love this.
3. Saving Mr. Banks is a movie I keep meaning to see. Thing is I figured it would be a very emotional tale focused on the author (not about the movie or Disney so much) and yeah… it was. I loved it so very much and I’m glad I waited to see it.
4. Big Hero Six for another great message and emotional watch. Such a special story and great characters – I loved the focus on thoughtfulness and pretty much every single moment.
Who knows when I’ll have another good batch of things to recommend – but I’m always looking! So if you have suggestions or things to recommend I would love to hear about it.
Louisiana businessman Jerry Earl Leland served only a fraction of his five-year sentence for white-collar crime, thanks to some political connections and a few greased palms. But he won’t have long to enjoy his freedom…
After Jerry Earl’s early release, his wife, Margo—a much-married Garden District doyenne—throws an extravagant Get Out of Jail Free Party, complete with a Zydeco band, champagne ice luge, and waiters in ties and tails. The guest list includes many prominent New Orleans socialites, as well as scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava Gruiex. But sometime during the swirl of partying and drinking, Jerry Earl is brutally murdered—then stuffed inside a clothes dryer.
Carmela has earned a reputation around town for solving murders, and when the grieving widow turns to her for help, she can’t say no. But Jerry Earl took a lot of people to the cleaners with his underhanded business tactics, so Carmela’s going to be hard-pressed to identify which of his enemies was steamed enough to kill him. As she sorts through Jerry Earl’s dirty laundry, she needs to collar the killer before another victim is set to tumble dry…
Recently I was asked if I’d like to check out the new book Gilt Trip by Laura Childs. Now I’ve never read this series and to be honest I was hesitant – but I think I’ve made a terrible mistake in not starting these books sooner! Right from the first page I felt drawn into this story, and I really liked the characters. Better yet? I’ve never read this series before and yet I could pick up right from here. Enough information was given to help me along (or refresh a reader’s memory if it had been a while!) which I appreciated. I really like the quality of this writer’s voice and I am enjoying the rich world of New Orleans that she is painting.
If my recent posts haven’t been a clue – I’ve been pretty darn busy around here!! I’ve not yet finished this book – but I am really loving it and am into the second half. The story telling is amazing and the sense of place (New Orleans) is so vivid I can almost taste those beignets! I was concerned when I first picked this book up that I would find the scrapbooking aspect cheesy or dated. Now teaching a class on how to make “shaker boxes” does feels rather dated (I recall making teaching a class on those around 2003 when they were all the rage…) but overall I really got the sense that Carmela is a paper crafter and lover of all things memory keeping at heart. She didn’t seem like a caricature of a scrapbooker or someone I’d roll my eyes at. The character comes across as genuine, interesting, and she’s definitely a character I want to spend more time with. Carmela likes making shadow boxes, scrapbook layouts, cards, you name it! That, combined with the mystery, intrigue, and cast of colorful characters has me spending my precious few minutes of my lunch break each day picking this story back up and reading. If you like cozy mysteries and want to test out a series featuring a scrapbook store owner, then I think you might want to check this out.
What could be better? I’ve got a signed copy of Gilt Trip to give away to one of you lovely readers!! Simply leave a comment here on my blog (if you’re reading via email hop over to my blog and comment on this post!) for your chance to win. I will draw one winner next Monday and post the name here on this post as well as contacting the winner via email. This is open to ANY person, any place, so long as it is legal to do so wherever you may reside.
Good luck – and happy reading!
It’s been a while – so I wanted to share some things currently entertaining us here in the Flaum house!
The girls have been loving Fancy Nancy books, Amelia Bedelia, and of course Charlie the dog!
I’ve been catching up on Scandal and Burn Notice while creating in the studio. I’ve also been reading Skies of Gold (one of fave books I’ve read this year!) and the new Jennifer Estep (AMAZING series!)
Hope you have a great weekend – whether crafting, reading, or just spending time with family!