MRLR November Pre-Holiday Book Lover's Contest and October Winner!

                                                                   

 

As promised, this month's contest is a BIGGIE! :<)

 

 

Not 5, not 10 but 15 wonderful books in a variety of genres, will be won by one lucky winner. And just in time for the holidays too!

 

Total value for this prize package over $300!

 

 

Here are details and links for each of the books:

 

 

 

 

The Bread Lover's Bread Machine Cookbook by Beth Hensperger is a BIG bread book! A bread-maker's 'bible"so to speak. This is a must-have book for anyone who enjoys baking breads of all types and not just from the bread-maker. Lots of tips on bread making basics too.

**
 

Instant Karma by Barbara Ann Kipfer is one of my fav new inspirational books to pick up and enjoy every day. Featuring 8,879 Ways to Give Yourself and Others Good Fortune Right Now. A great way to refocus and reinspire yourself, or as a gift for someone you love!

**

 

101 Designer One-Skein Wonders. I am loving this yarn book! I've already made the Guilty Pleasure Socks and they came out great. Have several other projects picked out for gifts and for myself too. A beautifully presented craft book that is chock full of one-skein wonders! Everything from socks, mitts, baby hats, a couple of wonderful vests, felted bags. Truly amazing that all of these beautiful designs were crafted from just one skein of yarn!

**

 

How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds of Less by Nicholas Boothman If you've ever struggled with meeting new people, making a good first impression, felt shy or withdrawn at a social function, this is a gem of a self-help book you won't want to miss. I found some excellent pointers throughout that I've been implementing (with good results) since reading this book.

**

 

Paper Jewelry by Denise Brown is a unique and beautifully designed craft book featuring jewelry designs crafted from paper! If you are envisioning papier mache from your childhood days, formed into "clunky, chunky crafts" think again. This is designer quality jewelry, each one a work of art! Definitely a book perfect for the adventurous crafter looking for new creative challenges.

**

 

 

All 5 of these quality books and hundreds more are available at/via Thomas Allen & Son. A great way to cut your gift list down to size, in no time at all. Stop by their website for a book browse soon, you won't be disappointed. It's one of my fav online stops! Only downside, so much temptation for any book-lover !!! ;<)

 

                                                          

 

John Lennon & the Mercy St. Cafe by William Hammett (click through for my complete review) is one of my all-time favorite novels. If you are a fan of John Lennon, the Beatles or just love finding a book that is an engaging read from start to finish, this is one you won't want to miss. I recently picked up and re-read this book on of all days: October 9th: John Lennon's birthday! Talk about a fun coincidence. It was just as enjoyable, the second time around.

**

10- Minute Feng Shui by Skye Alexander  (click through for my complete review) made me a believer when it comes to all things Feng Shui. This little gem of a book is packed with all kinds of suggestions how to easily incorporate Feng Shui components and accents into your home and office environments.

Author Skye Alexander is a prolific author and has written numerous fiction and non-fiction books on a wide variety of topics, with an emphasis on body, mind and spirit.  Stop by her website to read about all her books, interests and passions. This is one amazing  and talented woman!

**

Sea Glass Hearts by Josie Iselin (click through for my complete review). If you aren't familiar with this author/artist's work, she uses a process called Scannography (click to read more) and takes seemingly ordinary objects like stones and shells and transforms them into images, books, prints and collections that are uniquely beautiful. As I said in my review: you are in for a visual treat when you visit  Josie's blog and also enjoy her numerous stunning books. Some great gift ideas too, that are truly unique.

**

Haiku Reflections; The Four Seasons and My Poetic Path by Geraldine Hartman. Now for a bit of (shameless) self-promotion. ;<).

Haiku Reflections: The Four Seasons: takes the reader on  a seasonal tour of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter shared in 120 haiku poems. Haiku is one of my favorite forms of poetry and one that I continue to enjoy more and more, as a poet and a reader too. It was a joy to create each of these poems and to bring this collection together, with full-color details in this edition.

My Poetic Path : is a compilation of traditional poems with contemporary themes that I wrote between 2000-2010. Exploring the wonders of nature and the changing seasons. The ebb and flow of life and love. Timeless themes that will resonate with many readers. 

And do stop by my poetry/writing blog: My Poetic Path. I'd love to have you visit me there too!

Finding Kate Huntley by Theresa Ragan (click through for my complete review) is the first Theresa Ragan novel I've read. This was a compelling page-turner from start to finish, with plenty of action, romance and intrigue. If you haven't read any of this author's numerous novels already, they are definitely worth checking out.

**

Crafting With Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya (click through for Mr. Cheddar's complete review) this is a book that Mr. Cheddar and I BOTH love! What a fun idea, using cat hair to create all sorts of wonderful small crafts and accents. I'm still saving up Ched's cat fur from his weekly grooming session and plan to try a couple of the craft projects in this book in the near future. Ched's review includes some great pics of the Chedster too, so make sure to click through for a look! :<)

**

Down & Dirty (gardening book) by Ellen Zachos (click through for my complete review) is the first gardening book that actually convinced me that I could be a gardener who could grow more than the absolute basics, and succeed. When I've had small garden plots in the past, I always stuck to the easy stuff like: potatoes, carrots, beets....but never beyond that. When I do have a garden again (hopefully soon) Ellen's gorgeous gardening book will be the one I'll turn to for inspiration and advice. This is a wonderful book!

**

Orchid Growing for Wimps by Ellen Zachos is another beautiful gardening book by Ellen Zachos. Orchids are a type of flower that I love, can usually identify as such and that's about it! But I do know of people who are absolutely smitten with growing these beauties themselves. And from the title of this book, it appears that you don't have to be an expert to actually make that happen!

**

The Vegetarian Slow-Cooker by Judith Finlayson is one of my new fav "go-to" cookbooks, when I'm using my slow-cooker. This is a gorgeous cookbook with full-color photos throughout and over 200 delicious, tested, slow-cooker recipes with everything from appetizers, breads (yes breads), cheesecake, soups, pasta, grain and vegetable dishes....it's all here.

Slow-cooking has come a LONG way from the days of just cooking a big "slab" of meat or a whole chicken, in one of these small appliances. As a vegetarian, I use mine all the time and love the convenience and great results. I blogged about the Sweet Potato Lasagna from this cookbook a while back at my cooking and craft blog. Do click through to enjoy this wonderful and hearty pasta recipe you'll want to make again and again. I'm actually making it again today! :<)

**

So there's the line-up!

One lucky winner will win all 15 of these great books! :<)
                         

And for everyone who's reading along, I'm sure you'll find at least a couple of great gift inspirations here, with the festive season just around the corner.

Books are always a welcome gift. And one that can be enjoyed for years to come.



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This Month's Contest details

-To enter: leave a comment below including the name of one of your all-time favorite books and a bit about why it is one of your favorites. I'm always looking for good book suggestions! :<)

-Contest is open to US and Canadian residents. Exception: void in Quebec you can read why here. I've had to add this to my contests. Provincial laws in Quebec regarding contests are hard to understand but I'm not able to by-pass these restrictions.

 

-No anonymous comments please. Please sign in with a valid blog account, if at all possible.

 

-Winner picked by a random system and will have 2 weeks to claim their prize. If prize package not claimed within two weeks, an alternate winner will be chosen.

Optional: If you'd like to have an additional entry, subscribe to My Real Life Reviews (see right sidebar for subscription link) and mention that you have subscribed in your comment. My stats continue to go up every month, but the subscriptions haven't. ;<)

Contest closes November 30th. Stop by the first week in December to see if you're the winner.

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And the winner of the October: Caf-Lib and Cookies contest is: Miss T !
Congrats to Miss T. You have two weeks to claim your prize package.


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A big "thank you" to all the authors and publishers that supplied books for this contest. 

PS: I'm finishing up an important offline project so I won't be posting any product reviews here for the rest of this month. I will be back in December with some new reviews and gift suggestions, just in time for the holidays!


Good luck to everyone and Happy Reading!

 



Last Chance to Enter the Caf-Lib and Cookies Contest!

 

Only a few days left to enter the October contest!

 

 

You can enter here if you haven't already.

 

 

And make sure to stop by in early November to find out if you're this month's winner and also for a BIG pre-holiday November contest announcement, you won't want to miss! And this upcoming November contest will be open to US and Canadian residents.

 

 

Good luck everyone! :<)

Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews

 

Do you ever crave a truly LOL funny novel to enjoy and finish in a day or two? I certainly do, on a regular basis actually. ;<) But these kinds of books are not always easy to find.

 

There's nothing like unwinding and de-stressing and being transported far, far away with memorable characters and an engaging and humorous story.

 

I recently read Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews, and it had all of the attributes I've mentioned above and then some. I read this book in a couple of days and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

 

Set in the small town of Passcoe, North Carolina the story begins at the wedding of Mason Bayless and his soon to be second wife: Celia Wakefield. But fate lends a hand and the marriage is (literally) stopped just short of the altar, by Mason's  young daughter/flower girl Sophie, who is having issues of her own on that special day.

 

What follows is a hilarious, sometimes touching, always entertaining story that reveals the secrets of many of Passcoe's colorful residents including Mason's first wife: Annajane Hudgens and Pokie Bayless, her best friend and coincidentally, sister to her now ex-husband Mason.

 

From the Amazon product page:

"The New York Times bestselling author of Summer Rental delivers her delicious new escapist novel about small towns, old flames, and deep secrets.

 

Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless. They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history. She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia. But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance. Maybe everything happens for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back. But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town. On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone. Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future. "

 

 

I can't remember when I laughed so much recently, reading a novel. Mary Kay Andrews (click to visit her website) has a real gift for bringing characters to life. Her writing is first-rate. Fast-paced but with just enough detail to set the stage perfectly for each chapter to unfold. This was a page-turner at it's entertaining best. I hadn't been familiar with Ms. Andrews work before this but I will certainly be reading more of her books in the future.

 

If you are looking for a good "escape" novel with plenty of laughs, romance, small-town intrigue and some surprises along the way, do check this one out. I think you'll be glad you did. :<)

 

Spring Fever is available in book, ebook and audio formats.

 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

 



Simple Pleasures (various contributors)

I recently received this book as a gift.

In a nutshell, Simple Pleasures IS a simple pleasure!

As the sub-title says: "soothing suggestions and small comforts for living well year round".

I couldn't agree more!

This beautifully-designed book contains 200 + suggestions from various contributors, how to make the most of the simple, day-to-day pleasures in life. To stop and really "smell the roses".

Divided into the seasons of the year, this is the kind of book that will lift spirits on even the dreariest of days. And speaking of dreary, it's been cold and rainy here in Interior BC for weeks now! Reading a few suggestions from this book can always help me to forget the grey skies outside and focus on the good things in life, that really matter. That make up a life, well-lived and time, well-spent.

Some of the suggestions from the book include:

Spring: Keep an artist's journal.  Make a Bread and Butter Pudding (ultimate comfort food) recipe included. Joining a book club. Taking a walk in the rain...

Summer: Adding edible flower petals to a seasonal salad. Preparing homemade herbal teas.Taking a long hike on a new trail. Baking bannock over a campfire.

Autumn: Making homemade herbal vinegars.Making scented notepaper (great for a gift too). Clean up the clutter that's accumulated in your home. Make some mincemeat cookies.

Winter: A walk on a winter's day in freshly-fallen snow. Making handmade bookmarks. Hosting a slumber party for your children's friends. Putting on flannel sheets.

These are just a few examples of the many, many simple pleasures shared in the lovely book. The cover of: Simple Pleasures truly does convey the tone and content of this entire book: soothing, serene, relaxing....and one to enjoy again and again.

An excellent gift idea too and appropriate for almost any occasion. Or for no occasion at all!

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

One Skein by Leigh Radford

I've been knitting up a storm lately!

 

I'm also gravitating toward smaller projects like: socks, slippers, mittens, gloves....recently, as opposed to my usual choices of sweaters, shawls and throws. It's a lot of fun to complete a project in only a couple of days as opposed to (sometimes) the weeks required for larger projects.

 

 

One of the books I've been using for smaller knitting projects is: One Skein by Leigh Radford. 

 

Unlike many of the "one skein" smaller project books available that feature endless variations of scarves and baby hats....this book is filled with a 30 diverse and beautiful quick to knit and crochet projects, with something for everyone.

 

 

 

 

I just finished the Cabled Footies in this book and they turned out great, you can read more about that pattern/project here.  

 

 

Some of the other patterns in this book include:

 

-Unisex gloves (next on my list, will be my first attempt at "real" gloves) ;<)

 

-Tank top (this is so nice, with a unique pattern design)

 

-Candy wrapper sachets (would make great stocking stuffers)

 

-Baby Bolero (with a lovely "luck"motif added to the back of garment)

 

-Bath mitt and puffy (this set looks like a fun project)

 

There is also a section that includes patterns to use up combined, smaller quantities of stash yarns. And a detailed instruction section for all the basics at the back of the book, including the Kitchener Stitch. I appreciate that as it's something I still need instructions to refer to, when completing toes on socks!

 

This book is currently on sale at Amazon for less than $14. so it's a great time to buy one for yourself and perhaps for gifting too. I'm sure it would be a welcome gift for any knitter or crocheter on your list. While you're at Amazon, make sure to click inside the book to see some of the great patterns and gorgeous photos included and the complete index and table of contents too.

                                       

 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.
Updated rating as of Oct. 16/12: Good. 3 out of 5 (see comment below)



So Nice for Coffee (non-dairy creamer)

 

 

 

 

 As any of my regular readers already know, I love Caf-Lib (see contest post directly below this one for a chance to win some great products from Caf-Lib) coffee, some teas...And in all of them, I like to add a "splash" of cream or even better, a non-dairy alternative to cream.

 

I tried So Nice for Coffee (Original) a few months ago and I loved the creamy and pleasant taste it added to all kinds of hot beverages.

 

 I must admit a long-ago weakness for sigh....Coffee Mate (click to read the bad news about that product) non-dairy creamer (the powder kind!)  which I did ditch many years ago, in spite of also loving the taste.I had used this Coffee Mate before ingredient lists were on most "food" products and having to cringe at what was actually in the jar. ;<)

 

So Nice for Coffee reminded me of Coffee Mate's smoothness and taste without all the guilt LOL.

 

But what I was curious about in regards to So Nice for Coffee was one of the ingredients in this creamer: Dipotassium Phosphate which I found out is an additive that keeps ingredients in a product from separating. A coagulant. Other than that, the list of ingredients was readable and had nothing else that raised any particular concerns.

 

I try to avoid food additives as much as possible these days and in spite of the article at Wikipedia listing this ingredient as generally considered safe, I thought it was worth contacting the company to see just how much of this ingredient is actually added to this product.

 

                                                 

 

Here's my email from June, with the reply that I received promptly after that:

 

 
Sent: June-27-12 10:40 AM
To: EarthsOwn

Hi from BC,

I host a product review blog at: www.myreallifereviews.com

I’m interested in reviewing your: So Nice for Coffee product.

I wanted to find out a bit more about the ingredient: dipotassium phosphate. Is there very much of this coagulant added to this creamer?

I’ve been checking around online and it seems to be ok in terms of being safe to consume. At the same time, if a person drinks 3-4 beverages in a day, with your creamer, would this be excessive?

Love the taste of this product but don’t want to recommend or review if it’s an issue re: this additive.

Thanks in advance,

Geraldine Hartman

My Real Life Reviews

 

Good Afternoon Geraldine

I will check with our R & D team and get back to you as soon as I can.

 
So Nice Regards!

Dorothy

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   Well Dorothy, it's 3 months later and I'm still waiting for a reply!

 

I think it's SO important for companies of all kinds to follow- up with consumers, when they write with product questions or concerns. I love the taste of this product but I've decided not to use it anymore, given my concerns for this additive included in the ingredients.

 

I'm actually trying to wean myself off any creamers in coffee etc, and hopefully I'll eventually like hot beverages served "black" just as much. It's too bad that this didn't prove to be a viable alternative to dairy cream for me as I did love the taste.

 

 

Overall rating for this product: Fair. 2 out of 5.

 

MRLR October Caf-Lib and Cookies Contest and September Winner!

 

This month's contest at My Real Life Reviews is a yummy one! :<)

 

I've got two wonderful gift packages that one lucky winner will win.

 

 

As pictured above, CafLib/I-D Foods is generously providing an assortment of their fine beverage products in a lovely, reusable gift basket, valued at over $50.

 

 

Here's what's in the Caf-Lib basket:

 

1 jar of Caf-Lib original

1 jar of Caf-Lib dark roast

1 jar of Caf-Lib organic

1 box of Caf-Lib tea original

1 box of Caf-Lib rooibos cranberry

1 box of Caf-Lib earl grey

1 box of Caf-Lib rooibos chai

1 pack of Caf-Lib filter grind original

1 pack of Caf-Lib filter grind moka

1 pack of Caf-Lib filter grind vanilla

 

AND

 

To go with all these wonderful beverage choices, I-D Foods is also providing an assortment of their gourmet cookies, valued at over $50!

 

 

One lucky winner will win all these delicious treats.

Total prize value over $100!

 

 

                                   

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This Month's Contest details:

 

                                

-To enter, leave a comment below including what your favorite cookie is.
 

-Contest is open to Canadian residents. Sorry US readers but the upcoming November contest is a biggie and that one will be open to US and Canada residents.Exceptions: void in Quebec you can read why here. I've had to add this to my contests. Provincial laws in Quebec regarding contests are hard to understand but I'm not able to by-pass these restrictions.

 

 

-No anonymous comments please. Please sign in with a valid blog account, if at all possible.

 

-Winner picked by a random system and will have 2 weeks to claim their prize. If prize package not claimed within two weeks, an alternate winner will be chosen.
 

 

Optional: If you'd like to have an additional entry, subscribe to My Real Life Reviews (see right sidebar for subscription link) and mention that you have subscribed in your comment. My stats continue to go up every month, but the subscriptions haven't. ;<)
 

Contest closes October 31st. Stop by the first week in November to see if you're the winner.

 

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If you haven't tried Caf-Lib's fine line of beverages yet, you can read my reviews about Caf-Lib Organic and also Caf-Lib Original. I'm hooked on Caf-Lib!!! ;<)

 

If you haven't enjoyed their products already, you're in for a real treat. Wonderful, flavourful hot beverage choices and so much healthier than all that coffee or tea!

 

And to go with a hot, satisfying cup of Caf-Lib, there's a whole lot of great cookies in this prize package too. I can't think of a better combo!

 

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And the lucky winner of the September Yarn Lover's Contest is: Christy Pinheiro 

 

 

Congrats Christy! You have two weeks to claim your prizes.

 

Email: MRLR at myway dot com and include your full mailing address and I'll get your yarn goodies sent out.

 

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Good luck everyone!

 



Last Chance to Enter the September Yarn-Lover's Contest!

If you haven't already, there's only a couple of days left to enter the September Yarn- Lover's Contest, here at My Real Life Reviews.

 

Don't miss out on your chance to win all four great prizes!

 

You can read about and enter the contest here.

 

Good luck everyone.

And do stop by the first week in October to find out if you're the lucky winner! A new (yummy!!!) contest coming up then too. :<)

The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny

I only recently started reading the work of Canadian novelist: Louise Penny. I don't know how I missed this author's books in the past. She has written several best-selling novels and has a large international following. When I saw a recent review in one of our local newspapers about Ms. Penny's work, I decided to give one of her novels a try.

  

Ms. Penny's novels are written as a mystery series, featuring the main character: Chief Inspector Gamache. Most are set in the imaginary, small rural Quebec town of Three Pines.

 

In The Beautiful Mystery , Louise Penny's latest and much-anticipated novel, she has made an exception to that usual locale. And what an exceptional setting it is! I need to be engaged by where a story unfolds, to make any novel believable and interesting. In this regard, Ms. Penny did not disappoint.

  

The monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups, is hidden deep in the wilderness of the Province of Quebec. Far from the prying eyes, noise and distractions of the rest of the world.

 

There, two dozen cloistered Roman Catholic monks have lived year after year, in brotherhood, peace and harmony. That is, until they are confronted with the unthinkable: the murder of their renowned choir director: Frere Mathieu. Reluctantly, but with no choice due to the gravity of the crime, the monks must open up their monastery and lives to the police and the investigation that follows.

 

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his long-time second-in-command/assistant Jean-Guy Beauvoir of the Surete du Quebec are called to the scene of the crime. The trip takes them into an area that few people have ever visited. And to the monastery that is a well-guarded secret for the most part.

 

The opening chapters takes us along on their journey: by plane heading to the far north and then on a boat trip which ends in a small bay where they face the imposing and impressive sight of the monastery: a fortress-like building shaped in the form of a large cross. For two hundred years, it has been the secluded home to this order of cloistered monks. 

 

As the author so eloquently expresses the setting: "A harbor. A safe embrace in the wilderness." But now, in reality: a deception, as their quiet way of life is about to be turned upside down.

 

The story takes many twists and turns along the way. The reader is left to wonder and contemplate the murderer's identity, right up to the last chapter of the book. I won't spoil the plot by getting into too much detail but it took me a while to guess the real killer, with all the suspects that seemed probable along the way.

 

What I liked about this book:

 

A mysterious setting, a glimpse into the lifestyle of a very guarded and secretive religious order, the attention to detail the author shows in developing and sharing the good and also bad in each of the monks that the reader is introduced to along the way. All is not what it seems on the outside as the two police officers are quick to realize. In addition to the murderer, there are a plenty of undercurrents, intrigues and conflicts in regards to the monks; some long-festering and just now surfacing, in the wake of this crime. Not to mention the ones between the two police officers investigating the crime!

 

 

And, what I didn't like:

 

I found the book very compelling until I was about 1/2 way through it, then it started to get a bit repetitious. I thought the length of this novel detracted from it's overall appeal.

 

For me, there comes a point in any novel (usually fairly obvious too) where the entire story has been shared as far as required and then it's time to bring together all the red herrings and puzzle pieces and start "wrapping it up" to a satisfying conclusion. Going too far, revisiting the clues, the questions, the intrigues...too many times; detracts rather than adds to any novel. In this respect, I thought the story could have been streamlined a bit.

 

I also noted over at Amazon what diverse reviews there are for this book. Many 5 and 4 star reviews but also quite a few of the 1, 2 and 3's too.

 

A couple of points that other reviewers mentioned that caught my attention were concerns about the actual research that went into this book, in particular regarding the Gregorian chants that figure prominently in this story. I don't know much about historical religious music so I can't comment on that, but something that piqued my interest. Also, a comment about the author suggesting an unspoken but implied acceptance of homosexuality at this RC monastery. I noted that in the book as well and coming from a Roman Catholic upbringing myself, it was something that didn't ring true.

 

In spite of some misgivings about this book, I did find it enjoyable and engaging. I'm not sorry that I took the time to read it and I will definitely be checking out some of Louise Penny's other books.

This book is also available in an audiobook format from Macmillan Audio.  Click for a preview.  

 

Overall rating for this book: Good. 3 out of 5.

 

 



Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock

I recently read Ka Hancock's debut novel: Dancing on Broken Glass after noting it in the new book section of our local library.  I was intrigued by the title of the book and it's beautiful cover.

And I couldn't agree more with the quote also included on the front cover: The best kind of love follows its own rules....So very true.

But when I actually got around to reading this book I wasn't sure if it was one I'd finish after I had read the first couple of chapters. I'm not a fan of any story that entails a lot of illness, medical interventions...but this author had such an engaging style of writing, I kept on reading.

Author, Ka Hancock has an extensive professional medical background including two nursing degrees and specialized work with psychiatric and substance-abuse patients. From this perspective, she has crafted a story about two people Lucy Houston, a cancer-survivor and Mickey Chandler who struggles with bi-polar disorder. Against the odds and the better judgement of themselves and their families Lucy and Mickey fall in love and eventually marry.

In spite of my misgivings about some of the subject matter in this book, I found myself continuing to turn page after page, wanting to know how the story would unfold. Ka Hancock has a real gift when it comes to bringing characters to life. I was swept into the love story of Lucy and Mickey and the lives of their families and friends.

A very sad story in many ways and the many tears I cried reading this book were a surprise to me. I'm not one to cry while reading or watching a movie...it takes a compelling story to get me to feel that emotional about any work of fiction. But cry I did, buckets actually. I put a couple of other projects on hold too, during the couple of days that it took me to finish this book.

I won't spoil the plot by going into details about the story but suffice to say it is: touching, heart-warming and heart-wrenching too.  I thoroughly enjoyed Dancing on Broken Glass, in spite of some of the negative reviews I had read online about this book, including this comment over at: Kirkus Reviews. 

From Kirkus Reviews re: Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock: A tidily crafted but treacly excavation of misery in the name of higher sentiments

Yes, it is a sentimental book but isn't that what true love is all about? I did not find it sugar-coated or "treacly" though. It is a story that touched my heart. With memorable characters and a rather unique plot about two people trying to make a go of a marriage while facing a number of life challenges that most of us can be happy to say that we are not burdened with, in addition to those of an everyday "normal" existence.

What I didn't like about this book was the ending. I thought it took away from the story overall and for me, did not ring true. I was a surprised by this conclusion to a story that had thoroughly held my attention, up to that point.  In spite of this, I'm still glad I read this book and I look forward to more books by Ka Hancock in the future. 

If you have read this book or do so in the future, I'd love to hear your opinion of the story and in particular what you thought of the ending.

Overall rating for this book: Good. 3 out of 5.

Sea Glass Hearts by Josie Iselin

 

 

 

 

Now that summer is gone for another year, I find myself thinking about some of the many symbols and scenes that are equated with that season.

 

No, I don't miss the scorching heat that we endured here in BC week after week, in August. But it's nice to dwell on what makes summer unique and memorable: days at the beach, warm summer nights, walking in the sand collecting shells (if you're lucky!) or pretty stones, sea glass....lots of wonderful and beautiful images come to mind.

I'm also taking the time to enjoy a book I received as a gift a while back:
Sea Glass Hearts by Josie Iselin on an almost daily basis.

 

If you aren't familiar with this author/artist's work, she uses a process called Scannography (click to read more) and takes seemingly ordinary objects like stones and shells and transforms them into images, books, prints and collections that are uniquely beautiful. 

 

Sea Glass Hearts is a collection of sea glass and stone images with some lovely poems and poetic phrases to accompany many of the photos.

If you happen to be land-locked ;<) and have never seen any sea glass (click to read more at Wiki) it is pieces of broken glass that have been washed up along shorelines and polished and smoothed into shapes by the waves and sand.

 

In this particular book by Josie Iselin, the theme is all about heart-shapes. The special meanings of this symbol for so many people: the core of our being, the lifeforce and strength, the qualities we value and strive for...lovely and thought-provoking imagery to consider and savour, paging through this book.

 

Stop by the Amazon page for Sea Glass Hearts and click inside the book to enjoy a sample of the Josie Iselin's work. Each one a visual delight and work of art.

 

 For me, it has a calming, grounding effect to browse through the pages of this book, especially when I take the time to read the text that accompanies the breath-taking photos throughout.

Ms. Iselin has created magic with her photos and her words.

 

Speaking of Amazon, I noted that this book is on sale right now for only $10 and change... so a great time to pick up a copy for yourself and/or several as gifts. Christmas is just around the corner and this would certainly be a welcome gift to enjoy, in the depths of winter.
 

This book would make a special and memorable gift for someone you love or even as a special thank you or housewarming gift, to enjoy as a small "coffee table" book, in a new home.

I like to keep my copy close at hand so that I can pick it up when I'm feeling stressed and spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation, slowly savouring the pages.

 

Make sure to check out Josie's other books too.You can visit her beautiful blog here and/or join her over at her FaceBook and Twitter pages (links at the bottom of her blog's home page).

 

 You're in for a visual treat! :<)

 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

 

 

Ecover Grapefruit & Green Tea Dishwashing Liquid

I recently bought a bottle of: Ecover Grapefruit & Green Tea Dishwashing Liquid at our local food co-op as the brands I usually buy were all sold out. Checking out the ingredients on the bottle, it looked to be ok. Rather vague, but ok.

The ingredients as listed on the bottle:

Water, Anionic and non-ionic surfactants, Green tea extract, Citric acid, Salt,Fragrance (grapefruit). Biodegradable preservative.

I loved the idea of a grapefruit fragrance too, so into the shopping basket it went.

When I gave it a try at home, the first thing I noted was how much sudsier it was, when added to water, compared to some of the other natural dishsoaps I had tried recently.

And when it's sudsy, what comes to mind: Sodium laureth sulfate.

And we all know what a no-no that ingredient is, especially in terms of being included in a so-called natural/green product.

I then visited the Ecover website and here's what I found there, for the ingredient list for this product:

Complete ingredients list from their website:

Aqua

  Sodium laureth sulfate

  Lauryl glucoside,

Sodium chloride

Sodium benzoate

Citric acid

Fragrance

Limonene (allergen)

Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Ahha....that would explain the suds. And SLS is second on the list, in order of ingredient quantities.

I don't know why companies are still trying to con customers with "trickery" like this. It's not like consumers can't do their own investigating online about most products now. But given the rather innocent-looking list of ingredients on the bottle itself, would most people bother to check further? I'm glad I did but I do think a lot of people would take the bottle ingredient list at face value and feel good about using this product.

This is just as bad as what I found out about: Seventh Generation dishwashing liquid. You can read my full review about that product here.

If a company is going the "green route" in terms of their product lines, they should be made accountable to do just that. Provide products that are truly as green as possible and without any "fudging" when it comes to what a consumer is actually using when they buy their products.

I won't be buying any Ecover products again, based on this experience. There are companies and  alternative brands that I feel a lot better about supporting.

 I only hope our local store doesn't run out of the better choices, next time I need dishwashing liquid in a hurry! I actually hope that they re-think some of the so-called "green products" they still have on the shelves.

We send a message to these companies, every time we don't buy a questionable green product. It's time that some of them started to pay attention!

Overall rating for this product: BAD. 0 out of 5.

MRLR September Yarn-Lover's Contest

 

Ah...September has arrived and my favorite season of the year is almost here: Autumn. :<)

And what better time of year to get back to all kinds of creative pursuits, including yarn crafts.

                          

So for September, I've got a wonderful giveaway, especially for all the kniters, crocheters...and yarn-craft wannabes out there.

Here are the four prizes in this month's contest:

A copy of the designer knitting book: The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book. You can read my full review of this fabulous book here.

                                           

 

Prize number two is a feline-fabulous Mr. Cheddar coffee mug created by artist: Teri Casper from Teri's Painted Daisies.

With the inscription: "Okay, Okay. so I dropped a stitch or two" and signed with Mr. Cheddar's name.

 

 

 I'm lovin' this one and of course, so is the Chedster, who is btw, Teri's fav furry feline nephew!!!

 

 

These one of a kind mugs are already available at Teri's Zazzle store.

 

You can order them with or without Mr. Cheddar's name on them (click for ordering details) whatever your preference.

 

I'm planning to order one soon and it will certainly include the Mr. Cheddar signature!!! ;<)

                                       

 

 

 

The third prize is a gift certificate from Knitting Warehouse for $ 25.

 

 

This is a company I love to order from that I also reviewed here. Excellent prices and service for all your yarn craft needs: yarns, books, accessories....

 

I'm so glad I found out about Knitting Warehouse. My first online stop, when I need another yarn-fix! And that's quite often actually. LOL

 

 

 

 

And to stash all your new yarn goodies in, prize number four is a totebag from BuyGreen.com.

 

 

 

 

I like to have a separate tote for each of my current craft projects. I have one of these big, sturdy totes that I use for crafts and shopping too and I just love it.

 

                                                   

 

One lucky winner will win all four prizes, valued at approximately $80!

                                     

 

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To enter, leave a comment below including what your favorite yarn-craft is: knitting, crocheting,looming...


If you are a wannabe yarn-crafter at this point, pick the type of craft you are planning to pursue, if you do win the contest.

 

 

Contest is open to Canadian and US residents. Exception: void in Quebec (sorry about this) you can read why I've had to add this to my contests. Provincial laws in Quebec regarding contests are hard to understand but I'm not able to by-pass these restrictions.

 

 

Contest closes September 30th.

 

 

Stop by the first week in October to see if you are the winner.
And another great contest (and this one yummy too) is on the way! Starts the first week in October.

 

 

No anonymous comments please. If possible, please sign in with a Blogger, Google or other blog account.

 

 

Winner will have two weeks to claim their prize. If not claimed within two weeks, another winner will be chosen.

 

 

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 Good luck everyone. :<)

 

 Happy Autumn and Happy Crafting!