Learn to Draw 75 Animals in 10 Easy Steps!

Walter Fosters publishing's newest book is released today, June 21, 2018.
10-Step Drawing: Animals  features illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 different animals.  Each is broken down into 10 simple steps.  All you need is a pen or pencil and paper to get started.

75 animals in 4 sections which include:
Wild Animals
Aquatic Animals
Woodland Animals
Farm Animals and Pets

Where Proportion might be an issue in the drawing the author includes measurements.  I sure like this idea!
Hints are given on following the steps and finishing the pictures with coloring.

10-Step Drawing: Animals is a really fun book!

I am not an artist, but I can look through this book and find lots that I want to try to draw now.  I've started with this cute penguin.   I found the steps easy to follow, and hey, it didn't come out half bad.

I gave the book to my husband to choose something to draw.  He chose the Hammerhead Shark.

I have artistic children and grandchildren that I know for a fact will enjoy 10-Step Drawing: Animals.  My question is, who to show it to first!  I can see a fight ensuing with all of them wanting to use it.

If you like to draw and want to learn more, I highly recommend this book for sure!  It will also make a great gift for any artist, or want to be artist you know as well.   I am really impressed as I've seen learn to draw books before, but not as simple to learn from as this one.

Check it out today!







Disclosure:  I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way, and all opinions are my own.  Post contains affiliate links.

The Kite and the Boy by Aaron Duffy

The Kite and the Boy is a sweet story about a boy who spends all of this money to buy a kite.  The kite is overjoyed that someone has finally bought it.  The boy loves the kite and flies it every day.

One day the kite sees all the birds in the air and wishes it could just fly with the birds.  The kite gets a strong wind, breaking the string, and it's off with the birds.  It doesn't take long for the kite to realize that's not what it wanted and it wanted to be back with the boy.

The boy doesn't give up looking for his kite.  He finds it, tattered and torn.  He saves his kite, repairs it, and loves it just as before.

The story is based on the parable of the Prodigal Son-- with the value of forgiveness and the beauty of redemption.   Although based on the Prodigal Son, there is no mention of the actual Bible story in the book.

My grandchildren have enjoyed having me read The Kite and the Boy to them, and even the older grandchildren enjoyed reading it.  When my husband read it, he immediately said that we needed to show it to our pastor to see if she would like to use it in one of her children's sermons.  He told her all about the book, so I did take it to her.  She loved the story and the idea to use it in a future children's sermon when the Gospel lesson is on the Prodigal Son.  She kept my book!

A great book with a great moral to keep on your bookshelf to read again and again.
Nice illustrations to go along with the story although they are in black and white.  We did find ourselves wishing the author would have chosen to at least make the kite the red inside the book that you see on the cover.  Minor thing.


About the Author: Aaron Duffy is the father of two energetic, independent and curious young boys. He has learned a great deal about forgiving and being forgiven. He is a passionate writer who seeks to introduce children to fundamental truths through relatable stories. Aaron lives in the beautiful mountainous region of central Appalachia.










Disclosure:  I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Post does contain affiliate links.

Manage Your Financial Life by Nancy Doyle Review and Giveaway

The full title is Manage Your Financial Life:  A Thoughtful, Organized Approach for Women and it published by The Doyle Group.

The author, Nancy Doyle has 30 years of experience in wealth management, finance, investments, and consulting.  She believes that when it comes to money, independence and objectivity are essential.  She neither works for nor partnered with any financial firms.  She received her MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.  She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Managing Your Financial Life is a debut book for Nancy Doyle.  It addresses a common problem for most women--their financial lives have become complex.  Many women want to have more knowledge regarding their financial affairs, but don't know where to start.

The book is written in 4 parts and 13 chapters and also includes a Preface and Introduction.
Most prefaces and introductions are short, but Doyle's are 19 pages total, leaving nothing out on her reasons and purpose for the book.

Part 1 will help you get organized.  Here is where I really need help, and definitely a first step to getting your finances in order.

Part 2 is how to analyze your financial profile.  Budgeting might be the short word for it as she goes into detail on creating your financial statement, evaluating your cash flow, evaluating your debt, a plan to pay off debt and much more.

Parts 3 and 4 are all about investing.  These are the parts that interest me the most.  Over the years I have wanted to invest.  I've read many books and articles on the subject and always leave confused.  I really like how she explains the terms in simple English.  Each term that you need to know is even in bold as you read.

I appreciate that the book is written to be geared towards women, but I can see that any man would also gain from the book.  I know I intend to read many parts of it out loud with my husband, even though I also intend to use the book for myself to learn how to invest the little that I earn for the future.

To find out more about the book you can visit:  http://manageyourfinanciallife.com/
To read more about the author visit: http://manageyourfinanciallife.com/about

You may purchase the book from amazon:



One lucky Marsha's Spot reader will win their own copy of Manage Your Financial Life.  Just enter using the rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any other way and any and all opinions are my own. Post does contain affiliate links.

Frugal Friday With Marsha --Six Dollar Family Book Review

A have written a couple of times in my Friday posts about reading the Six Dollar Family book on my Kindle app.  I had gotten the sample of the book and after I read that I was hooked and ordered the full version for $2.99.

The full title is Six Dollar Family:  From Six Dollars to Six Figures   It's written by Stacy Barr.  It was inspired by the fact that she found herself and her daughter in a homeless shelter with only 6 dollars in her pocket.  She has a blog of the same name that I am also now following.



I really enjoyed the book and will reference it a lot.  The best part of the book for me are the many recipes that she shares.  The recipes are not just for all kinds of household cleaners, but also for health and beauty items as well.    I fully plan on making some of the beauty items to give as gifts, hopefully this year.

In addition to the recipes, the Kindle version includes links to many other recipes and other DIY gift ideas.

There was one part of the book that makes perfect sense for the financial mess that my husband and I are in, but I didn't like the thought of it.  She talks about giving up everything that is not completely necessary---this includes cell phones and internet!  I admit that confused me and I said NO out loud.  Most of what little I earn is done with apps on the cell phone and on the internet.    That would be a no-go for me.

The front of the book focuses on budgeting, the middle on saving and cutting your expenses and the end  is about keeping on the road to building the six-figure future.

There are 22 sections in the book, each with sub-sections.  Just some of these are: The Basic Budget, Save on Groceries, Relationsships & Money, Save on Gifts, Boost Your Income, and Continuing Your Journey.

I can honestly recommend this book to everyone---those who are just curious about living a frugal lifestyle, those just starting their journey to be frugal, those who find themselves in NEED, and even those who are already living frugally.    You can click the picture of the book above for full information and find it on amazon.



To conclude, I am sharing 3 other books that I have on my wishlist to read.  There are so many to choose from and I want to read them all!

The Devil In Butterfly Wings by Mr. Wes Bundy

The Devil in Butterfly Wings is the 3rd book that I have read by Wes Bundy.

Quite the interesting read!  It's one of those books that you start to read and you don't want to put it down.  You have to know just what is going to happen next.  In fact, I do my reading in bed at night, and a couple of nights I stayed up way too late reading.  Finishing it, I was up most of the night!

Kathy and Steve are a well to do couple living in the burbs.  Their life seems pretty routine, and they haven't done anything but try to get along for many years.  Steve off work due to an accident so home all day, and Kathy off to work each day as the owner of her own company.

The sexy Tracy moves in across the street which piques Steve's interest because she loves to come out to get her newspaper early in the morning, most mornings completely nude.  Steve finds himself just watching her every morning.  She finally comes across the street and invites Steve and Kathy over for a get to know us BBQ.

Well, before the BBQ night Steve gets a call.  He finds that his wife has been brutally attacked and left in a liquor store parking lot.  She dies shortly after getting to the hospital.
The investigation of her homicide begins.  Things are found out about Kathy and her secret life that she's led for years.

This is a good mystery.  I normally do not read books, however, that are this sexually explicit along the way.  Tracy comes on to Steve, but also the life that Kathy had been leading.  Interesting, very interesting.

I don't want to give away the whole book!  I will say that I found myself disappointed by the way Mr. Bundy chose to end the book.  So much so that I laid awake in bed at least another hour asking myself why??  That's all I will say about it though, as I still sit and wonder as I write this.

If you enjoy an edge of your seat book, I highly recommend that you read this one.  I know several of my readers who do enjoy books just like this one.



I have reviewed Mr Bundy's other 2 books as well if you missed them:

Twice Betrayed by Wes Bundy -- A Review

The Bus Bench by Wes Bundy

Disclosure:  I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Post does contain affiliate links.

Twice Betrayed by Wes Bundy -- A Review

You may recall that some months back I reviewed the newest book by Wes Bundy, The Bus Bench.  If you missed it and would like to take a look you can find it HERE.
Mr. Bundy graciously sent me his other 2 books, of which one was Twice Betrayed.

In Twice Betrayed we meet Kathryn Northcutt.  She is the daughter of one of America's wealthiest families.  She has led a very sheltered life due to being kidnapped as a child.
Eric Ryan, a college student studying to be a pharmacist has a chance meeting with Kathryn when their Limo had a flat.

From that day forward he could think of nothing but her.  A few years pass and Eric is now a pharmacist.  It so happens that medicines need to be delivered to the Northcutt's mansion.  Eric is excited to be able to deliver the medicines.  He includes a note to Kathryn in hopes that she will see it.  He reminded her of their chance meeting with the flat tire.

Kathryn did indeed receive the note, which ensued to quite a long time of them emailing each other back and forth.  Finally they get to meet in person.  Her mother, who she hated, disapproved but daddy liked Eric quite well.

Eventually they marry despite her mother's protests, but by doing so, her mother kicks her out of the family.  She has to go from spoiled rotten rich and having servants do everything to being poor and having to do everything for herself.

There is a whole myriad of things that happen throughout the book, including the death of both of her parents and some very revealing things in her mothers journals.
So much is going on that it makes this one of those books that you hate to put down as you want to know just what is going to happen next.

I admit to not liking the ending much.  The ending itself is nice, but it left me with questions....who was N?  Just what did they find in daddy's safe?   I wonder if Mr. Bundy will enlighten me?

I look forward to also reading and reviewing his other novel, The Devil in Butterfly Wings, next.

I am highlighting all 3 of his books on amazon here:



Disclaimer:  I rec'd a copy of this book to review but was no compensated in any other way.  All opinions are my own.  Post does include affiliate links.

Stories of Courage and Faith by Isabella Augustus -- A Book Review

Stories of Courage and Faith is a sweet book.  It's written in poetic form to tell the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and David and Goliath.  Yes, stories from the Bible.

The stories are from the Bible and stories that the children learn in Sunday school.  I love that they are in poetic form.  The grandchildren have loved me reading them out loud to them.  They pick up the book and read the stories for themselves.  They are fun to read in this form and the illustrations are a full page with each page of writing.

At our church, Sunday school is over for the season.  Unfortunately we don't have enough children in our congregation to have Sunday school in the summer.  I have gathered materials so that I can still work with them and read to them over the summer.  I am very pleased to add Stories of Faith and Courage to the line up!

About the author:

Isabella Augustus is a parent who aims to teach children valuable life lessons in fun, innovative ways.
You can visit her Outskirt Press page at:  http;//outskirtpress.com/courageandfaith

Faith and Courage go hand in hand and she teaches that in the moments when we require courage, we exercise our faith.  In the book she teaches children about courage and faith in a fun and unforgettable way.  She has written these stories in a fun and unforgettable way that the children will enjoy again and again and again.




Disclosure:  I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Post does include affiliate links.

The Bus Bench by Wes Bundy

In The Bus Bench by Wes Bundy we first meet Edna.  Edna was raised by her aunt and although she was book smart, she was naive to anything outside of those school books.  Her aunt had taught her that only married people had babies.
When her aunt died, so starts a chain of events---she was raped, didn't even know she was pregnant until she had the baby---she killed herself 2 days later and the baby was adopted out.

Here lies the rest of the story.  That baby boy was named Gerry by the midwestern family who adopted him.  He grows up in a stable home.   His cousin teaches him the 'ways of life' (sex) early and he ends up falling in love with a TV news anchor, Tammy Whitlock.
When the news anchor gets fired and moves to California, so starts the rest of the book really.

Gerry never falls out of his obsession with Tammy.  He had found the only bus bench left with her picture on it and hid it so that no one could get her.  He visited Tammy every day, talking to that bus bench like it was really her.

Many years go by and many events happen along the way, all having to do with Gerry's obscession with Tammy.  Events such as several murders.
He finally makes a trip to California and finds Tammy.  By this time she is terminally ill with cancer, but Gerry just knows that once he gets her back home to Ohio that his mom's chicken soup will make her all better.
He kidnaps Tammy and gets her back to Ohio and to his beloved bus bench just in time for an explosive end to the book.


Wes Bundy has a writing style like another author that I really enjoy, so this book was a nice read for me. It was a change from what I've been reading lately and made me realize how much I miss reading this type of book.  It was hard to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  A lot of oh my gosh's as I read the book.
If you like a story that will keep you guessing what will happen next and keep you on the edge of your seat while you read, I recommend The Bus Bench.



Additional book information:
Paperback
Format: 6 x 9 paperback cream, 288 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (Dec 01, 2015)
ISBN10: 1478765925
ISBN13: 9781478765929
Genre: FICTION / Romance / Suspense (This information is found here)

Disclosure:   I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review and book tour.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Post contains affiliate links.

The Knitter's Handbook-- Review

The Knitter's Handbook is by Eleanor van Zandt and was out in publication November 3, 2015.

This book is good for both beginning and experienced knitters.  Inside you will find the basics of knitting as well as complex stitches and patterns.
It features a comprehensive guide to yarns and patterns as well as clear and easy-to-follow instructions.  There are 250 step-by-step illustrations included throughout the book.
256 pages!

I've always been a very basic knitter....and because of that, I just don't knit often.  However, I really am looking forward to trying some of the techniques in this book.  No, I won't ever knit a sweater or anything as "complicated" as that, but I like the patterns in this book.  The instructions and illustrations really are easy to follow.  If needed it refers you back to another page for instructions.

Look out family---prepare yourself for handmade knitted wash/dishcloths or scarves for gifts next Christmas!  I made scarves a couple of years ago for Christmas (just straight knitting), but feel confident that I can make fancier ones with the instructions in this book.
I can even make fancier trimmings on those scarves with the instructions in the book.

You may also want to check out these other books by Eleanor van Zandt:




Disclosure: I was sent a copy of The Knitters Handbook for review. I was not compensated in any other way and any opinions are my own. Post contains affiliate links.

Making a World of Difference One Quilt at a Time -- Book Review

Making a World of Difference One Quilt at a Time:  Inspiring Stores about Quilters & How They Have Touched Lives is by Ruth McHaney Danner,

Ruth quilts for several charities, most of them going to her quild's community outreach, but some are also featured in her book.
She knows that one quilt can impact the recipient as well as the quilt maker.
Her advice if you are looking for charities to quilt for is to just keep your eyes open.  Needs are everywhere.
She says the greatest joy of making a quilt for charity is thinking of the person it will go to as you are making it.
Her hope for anyone who reads her book is that they will read it to the end, and then get to work.  To find a way to give of themselves to help others.
Ruth wrote this book first of all because she loves quilts.  She's been making them since she was a child and as she's grown older she's realized that her greatest joy is making them to give them away.
She learned how to quilt from her mother and grandmother.  He grandmother quilted out of necessity and her mother for pleasure.
Her favorite aspect of quilting is the hand quilting.  She finds it both calming and therapeutic.


I loved reading this book and the stories.  They touch your heart.  There are 55 stories in all.  Each one ends with what she is calling the Binding Stitch.  This is where you can get more information on the charity and/or the group.

The quilt guild that I belong to does a community project each year.  Each year is a different project and a different charity.  It's not always quilts, although this coming year it is.  It's a wonderful feeling to know that what you are making goes to a good cause and the people receiving will truly be appreciative.  It's also the togetherness of other quilters all working together.
Our guild also constantly makes Quilts of Valor.

I also meet monthly with ladies from my church.  We simply call ourselves the Zion Lutheran sewing club.  We make many quilts that go to the Domestic Violence Center, but we have done lap quilts for the Good Samaritan Home, stuffed animals for First Call for Help, dog beds for the animal shelter, and others.

I have made just blocks that I have sent to several blog owners for quilts they put together for charity.  That one is always fun!  One block  was going into a quilt for cancer research and I was able to personalize it with a note to my dad who died of cancer almost 20 years ago.

This book is such a joy to read.  I love reading inspirational stories.  Even if I wasn't a quilter, I would love this book.  I am sure if I wasn't a quilter, this book alone would prompt me to start quilting, or at least to find a group where I could help out.

Ruth is also the author of What I Learned from God While Quilting.  I have added it to my want to read list.  I am including a link to it as well.



Disclaimer:  I received a copy of the book as well as additional information for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and any opinions are my own.  Post does include affiliate links.

Make Garbage Great By Tom Szaky and Albe Zakes

Fully titled Make Garbage Great: The TerraCycle Family Guide to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle this book is AWESOME!

It's a large hardbound, 224 page, book.  You will find fascinating information, little-known facts, awesome graphics, and colorful images on every page.  This is in addition to the cool projects that are shown throughout.  Each project includes easy to read instructions and step-by-step photos.
For example, here are the pages for the project that I started with from the book:

While I am here, let me share a picture of one of the finished Food Wrapper Napkin Rings that I made.  These are cool, and lots of fun to make too.

So many other projects that I love in the book and hope to get a chance to make.  Just a few of those are:  Food Pouch Tote Bag, Tin Can Office Organizer, Window Picture Frame, and Eggshell Planter.

Make Garbage Great is set up into 8 chapters:
Plastics
Metals
Paper
Textiles
Glass
Wood
Rubber
Organics

Each chapter examines the material in our every day lives, offers a detailed time time of the substance, addresses the current state of affairs, contains a DIY section, talks about the future, and provides useful resources.  This in addition to lists of reuse ideas, quotes, interviews and more.

It will really open your eyes up to the importance of recycling and reusing plus give you some awesome ideas on things to Make Garbage Great.

I highly recommend it!



Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book, as well as additional information, for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Post does contain affiliate links.

The Gnome Project by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus

The Gnome Project--One Woman's Wild and Woolly Adventure is written by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus and is about her journey to figure out how to have follow-through in life.

She had issues with starting things, and not finishing them.  Boy, do I know all about that!
In fact, right at the beginning of the book struck a cord with me.  Pages 8 and 9 tell the story of my life.
Jessica has a friend whose home is always nice and tidy. One day she broke down and asked her friend just how she does it.  Her friend told her that she simply chooses a day each week for the bigger chores, she makes her bed every morning, smooths the couch blankets every time she walks by, never goes to bed until the dishes and kitchen are clean etc.
I wish I could tell you that I started doing the same, but alas, all I got into a routine of SO FAR is straightening the blankets on the couch every time I walk by it.

Life is all about routines and Jessica decided that her daily routine would be to felt a Gnome every day of the year.  She missed a day here and there being sick or just too worn out and chided herself for it. Over the course of the year she learned not to do that.
The Gnomes soon became a part of her life, the normal amongst the chaos of raising her 4 children alone as the family moved across the country and her husband had to stay behind until his job allowed him to also make the move.
The rest of a routine life followed naturally once she had established just the one routine.

The book is delightful.  It's full of pictures of the Gnomes she made throughout the year, all in cute poses.  The end of the book is over 30 pages with step by step instruction and illustrations on how to felt Gnomes.
The lessons she learned and shared in the book about the importance of routine in life are priceless.

I know that I feel better when I am crafting daily, then I get in a slump and don't work on anything for a week or more.   I took a lot from the book, a lot more than just crafting daily.   However, starting today, I am going to make crafting my definite routine in my life and just as it happened for Jessica, the rest will follow.

If interested, you can check out Jessica's blog here.  She blogged about her Gnomes and still does as well as also give workshops and much more.

Super Sunday Reviews -- Makery Sewing

Makery Sewing  Over 30 projects for the home, to wear, and to give.
Written by Kate Smth and published by Mitchell Beazley. 
Available April 7, 2015.  Put your pre-order in now!

Maker Sewing is the latest craft book by Kate Smith.  She is the owner of the thriving Makery sewing cafe workshops in the UK.  She's been busy with her needle and sewing machine to ring you this collection of 30-plus sewing projects.  The projects span fashion, gifts, and home ideas.

There are several projects in Makery Sewing that I look forward to making:
Pajama shorts
Hooped laundry bag
Picnic cutlery wraps
Tool apron
Doorstop
Table place mats
Storage box


Makery Sewing is suitable for beginners and is very user friendly.  It has clear instructions, time guidelines, handy tips and the required tool lists.
Measurements are given in both metric as well as standard.
In fact, each projects includes pictures of the tools and supplies you will need for each project as you can see on this page on making a dog collar:

There is a full chapter dedicated to stitches and tips.  It also includes the necessary patterns in a pull out section at the back of the book:

 Will you be getting your Makery on?

Disclaimer:  I rec'd a copy of Makery Sewing and information for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and any opinions are my own.  This post does include affiliate links.



   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Super Sunday Reviews -- Thinking Anew

Thinking Anew Harnessing the Power of Belief by Eugene F. Moynihan, Jr. and Richard F. Quis is one of the best things that's happened to me in a long time.
This book is 200 pages of awesomeness.
Ok, there are only 36 pages of total reading, including the 2 author pages in the back of the book, but those pages are mighty powerful.

In Thinking Anew, the authors teach you to think anew, change your life for the positive by not only positive thinking, but writing those positives out as well.
The rest of the book are notebook pages just like a composition notebook would have. They do have the words Thinking Anew at the top of each page.

This book has made such a difference in my life in only a short time. I've always been a positive person, but recently that's become harder for me.
It's pretty awesome the way they have the book set up too. I love that you have your pages for writing right there with the book, and plenty of them as well.
I started writing February 20th. Several times already I have gone back to specific sections of the "instructions" to renew my mind of what I am doing this for.

Eight pages of the 36 are writing prompts to get you started and keep you going. You don't have to only use those as you will think of your own the more you write. I have truly appreciated the prompts.
I also like the suggestion in the book that if you have a picture of something you are writing about, then glue that in to the notebook as well. This makes it like a vision board in a way, although it's already a vision by seeing what you are writing. As of yet I've not done that, but I sure plan to!

I highly recommend this book to everyone, no matter where you are in your life!

These excerpts from some of the information that they sent me with the book will help you understand it more:

"Some people feel like they've totally lost control of their mind and body. They are addicted to drugs, alcohol or food, or operate entirely at other people's bidding. Many feel they've hit a brick wall trying to change their lifestyle. Some people are frustrated that no one finds them attractive or enjoyable to be with anymore. Others are so frustrated by life they feel that nothing they want is attainable.

If you feel like you on cruise control to nowhere is there any way for you to stop?"

Sure there is!

"You start each day by getting out a piece of paper, and writing down what you want to happen. Their new book, Thinking Anew, explains how writing things down can be the simplest and most powerful thing you can do to get yourself moving towards your goals, regain your direction and your confidence, and place you in control over what happens to you."

"Writing down what you intentions are each day focuses your mind on what you want. The act of writing helps you achieve clarity and frees your mind to use your imagination. You decide what is important and you put away what is not. Your subconscious mind then goes to work and helps you achieve what you want for the entire rest of the day."

It doesn't matter what you want to change, whether it's losing weight, changing your behavior, making more money, rid yourself of an addiction, have a better relationship, or any other challenges, Thinking Anew will help you!
As I said, I see and feel such a positive difference in my life just since starting to write February 20th. I missed one day writing first thing in the morning as I over slept. The rest of that day was nothing bu chaos. The power of positive thinking and writing is real!

Again, I can't recommend this book enough.



Disclaimer: I rec'd a copy of Thinking Anew along with promotional materials for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own. This post does include affiliate links.

An InLinkz Link-up

Super Sunday Reviews -- The Funeral Dress

The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore
ISBN 978-0-307-88621-7
Published by Broadway Books

The Funeral Dress starts in the year 1974. Emmalee has decided to quit school and is hoping to get a job at the local shirt factory. She does get the job.
The next chapter skips to 3 years later. Emmalee is now 19 and has a baby.

The book skips from chapter to chapter going back to the past and then back to the present. At first I didn't like this. I wanted to know what was happening in the present. I soon figured out that the past tied to the present and was important to the story.

See, Emmalee lost her mother years before to sickness. She was raised by her alcoholic father in nothing more than a shack. They had no running water and barely any food. Now she is trying to take care of a baby with little no-how and still no running water, and barely any food....also barely any heat!

I don't want to tell much else about the book or it will give away most of the story, but a lot of the book revolves around Emmalee making the funeral dress. Emmalee just can't seem to catch a break for a better life.
Below is a picture of the copy of the book that I was sent for this review. You will notice that they also sent me a package of tissues as well.
There are definitely tear shed moments throughout the book. You can't help it. You want to scream at the same time and ask why?

Here is what I was sent about the book:

" The Funeral Dress is a deeply touching Southern story filled with struggle and hope. Emmalee Bullard and her new baby are on their own. Or so she thinks, until Leona Lane, the older seamstress who sat by her side at the local shirt factory where both women worked as collar makers, insists Emmalee come and live with her. Just as Emmalee prepares to escape her hardscrabble life in Red Chert holler, Leona dies tragically. Grief-stricken, Emmalee decides she’ll make Leona’s burying dress, but there are plenty of people who don't think the unmarried Emmalee should design a dress for a Christian woman - or care for a child on her own. But with every stitch, Emmalee struggles to do what is right for her daughter and to honor Leona the best way she can, finding unlikely support among an indomitable group of seamstresses and the town’s funeral director. In a moving tale exploring Southern spirit and camaraderie among working women, a young mother will compel a town to become a community."


I don't have the time (or should say take the time) to read books anymore like I should. The majority of my reading is done in bed with my nightstand lamp. This book kept me up rather late for many nights. I wanted to stop reading and get to sleep, but I also wanted more to know what was going to happen next in the book. Very good read! I highly recommend it.

They suggest this to be a good book for your reading club and I do agree. In fact, you can go to SusanGreggGilmore.com for more information and for extra book club materials like a hash brown casserole recipe, a reading group guide, and a Q&A with the author.



Disclosure: I rec'd a copy of The Funeral Dress and further information for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own. This post does contain affiliate links.

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Super Sunday Reviews --Pigments of Your Imagination

Pigments of Your Imagination--Creating with Alcohol Inks is by Cathy Taylor and published by Schiffer.  Published February 3, 2015.

I have seen art such as  what is in this book and have always thought it was so cool and pretty.  I had never heard of alcohol inks until receiving the book.
I immediately thought of my 2 youngest daughters.  One who loves to draw and is good at it.  The other is very craftsy, always finding projects on pinterest to do with her children.

Pigments of Your Imagination is set up into 6 sections:  Simply Start, Special Effects, Ink-Scapes, Flora and Fauna-Scapes, Fabric Effects, and Everything Else.
Also included are dedication, foreward, introduction, finding your muse, materials and tools, about alcohol inks, gallery, glossary, resources, guest artists, acknowledgements, and about the authour sections.

Here is one of the pages from the Flora and Fauna-Scapes section:

Each section is full of vibrant illustrations and well written, clear instructions.

As a quilter, the Fabric Effects section interests me the most.  I look forward to being able to buy the supplies needed and give designing my own fabrics a try!

Enjoy this video by the author, Cathy Taylor.

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Super Sunday Reviews -- Crafty Creatures

Fill Your House With These Crafty Creatures

Crafty Creatures has got to be THE cutest craft book that I own! The best part? The projects are made with scraps and leftovers from other projects :)

It’s really just too much cute. I can’t wait to get started making many of these cute creatures to give to my grandchildren.

There are projects with yarn, felt, and fabric.

I love sock monkeys and instructions on how to make them with a pair of socks is included in the book. Boy couldn’t I have a blast and add a bunch to my collection.

Other cute projects include:

Cat’s Bed (featured in my photo below)

Bees and Bugs

Mobile Owl

Knittens

Pocket Pets

Your Little Pony

30 projects to choose from!

The book also includes instructions and supplies for your sewing kit, how to do the stitches with great illustrations, How to knit also with great illustrations, and even threading a needle and sewing on a button.

Crafty Creatures is written by Jane Bull and published by DK. See the video I am including below to see the projects come to life out of the book.

I can not say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend it for yourself or as a gift to someone who loves to craft.

I am sad that I don’t have the time I would like to make a bunch of the projects for Christmas gifts. I do look forward to getting on them and giving these as birthday gifts throughout the year to the grandchildren.

I also plan on sitting down with the grandkids and letting them have fun making their own Craft Creatures as well!

Here is the cat bed that I made and gave as a birthday gift to my granddaughter, Zelda, for her 2nd birthday:

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Super Sunday Reviews--Fashion Crochet

fashion crochet
30 crochet projects inspired by the runway
by Cheryl Mongomerie

ISBN 978-1-78097-430-9
Published by Carlton Books

Hard Cover 176 pages.

fashion crochet has 30 crochet projects within 176 pages.
The book has 4 sections: Wraps & Scarves, Accessories, Dresses, Skirts & Shorts, and Tops & Jumpers.
Also includes an introduction, Practicalities, Resources & Supplies, Index and Acknowledgements.

Of the 30 patterns, it’s a mixture of basic, intermediate, and advances skills. A good mixture of all 3.

There are a lot of nice projects. I would love to make so many of them. The crocheted clothing has made a come back.

My favorite section in the book is the accessories. There are collars, necklaces, corsages, hats, bags, and even bangles.

The instructions are easy to read. Drawn illustrations that show what stitch goes where on the more intricate patterns. Most all of the patterns are shown in different versions and color ways.

If you like to crochet, I recommend this book. I also recommend it as a gift for those on your list that are “crochet-addicts”

Below are a few pages from the book as well as the back cover.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of fashion crochet from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.
Pictures shares in this lens are scanned from my book, and used with permission for the purpose of my review.
This post contains affiliate links.

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