Category Archives: Books

The Botanical Hand-Lettering Workbook Review

The Botanical Hand-Lettering Workbook Review and Giveaway

I love my hand-writing and especially my cursive writing. I am very lucky in that I can write in a straight line, despite not having any lines. I have always found this to be a priceless talent when I am creating or addressing cards. I have mentioned in the past that I believe the art of hand-writing is become a lost art in this world of gaming, chatting and geo-tagging. If we do not practice and renew our education in this art, we will lose it forever.

I am always looking for books that will help me expand upon my knowledge of hand-writing and different techniques. I love the ability of integrating floral motifs to the design, being able to combine cursive and hand-writing while looking fluid, and anything else that can liven up an otherwise boring envelope.

I recently received the new book by Bethany Robertson entitled “The Botanical Hand-Lettering Workbook: Draw Whimsical & Decorative Styles and Scripts“.

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Paper Goods Projects Book Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of BloggingforBooks. This in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Paper Goods Projects:

Coffee Filters Flowers, Doily Butterflies, Cupcake Paper Cards, and 57 more crafts made with supermarket finds

Review

I have always seen something that many people consider trash and seen the potential in it. I have always taken trash items and tried to create something meaningful out of it. I tend to keep these type items for use down the line. A great example of this is a situation that occurred today: I have been collecting Coke Reward Points for quite sometime, which means I have A LOT of caps around. I have been diligently washing them and drying them with the intention of making something great.

Today I had to come to the harsh reality that my collection skills far surpassed my imagination. I decided to turn to the pin board online to see if any inspiration would hit – it did not. What I saw was projects that looked more trash than treasure.

I mention often how timing in life is a funny thing, and again I am reminded that life is truly random but amazing. I received a book that takes me trash to treasure concept and makes it into something amazing – Paper Goods Projects: Coffee Filter Flowers, Doily Butterflies, Cupcake Paper Cards, and 57 More Crafts Made with Supermarket Finds.

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Crafting with Wood Pallets Review

Crafting with Wood Pallets Review and Giveaway

If you are anything like me, you have not given wood pallets much more then a passing thought. When I brought this topic up to Jason he almost laughed while confirming that yes, in fact he knew about pallets and they were more then a passing thought in his world.

When Jason was younger, apparently much younger, he would rally his friends together and they would go to a secluded area known as Spooks Canyon. Now remember this was in the day BEFORE cell phones, email and mass messaging so this really was a feat when anywhere from 50-100 people would show up. In a secluded area the need for fire sustainment is essential and since Jason had a truck he was the official wood pallet collector. Over the years he estimates that he had gathered and used close to 1,000 pallets if not more.

Naturally when I recently received the new book by Becky Lamb entitled “Crafting with Wood Pallets: Projects for Rustic Furniture, Decor, Art, Gifts and More” I remembered the stories of Jason’s pallet collection days. While different and much more usable then Jason’s use of pallets, this new book shows the reader over 25 different ideas to re-purpose a wood pallet.

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Hand-Lettering for Everyone: A Creative Workbook Review

Hand-Lettering for Everyone: A Creative Workbook Review and Giveaway

Anyone who has read my reviews in the past knows that I am not only a Scrapbooker and card maker but I am a big believer in the art of handwritten cards and invitations. As time passes I notice more and more how younger generations rely on computers and phones as ways of communication. The alternative to this is handwriting and handwritten notes and invitations. I have also noticed a trend that penmanship of the younger generations is lacking while typing skill are increasing. There is an entire art of handwriting and the options within are as endless as they are creative.

It appears as though I am not the only person that feels this way. I recently received the new book by Cristina Vanko titled “Hand-Lettering for Everyone: A Creative Workbook“. This new book has over 220 pages of exercises to get you thinking creatively about your hand-lettering.

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Ulysses Press – 4 Gift Books Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Ulysses Press. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Ulysses Press: Apuglogies, Emoticat Stickers, Cover Art and Don’t Quit Your Day Dream Review and Giveaway

I have mentioned in the past that when I was young there was a gift store that i frequented for presents. This store had everything from gag gifts, balloons, cards and gift books. I also worked for a card shop that sold gift books so I love theme books that celebrate a persons favorite things.

I recently heard about the release of 4 new gift books from Ulysses Press that celebrate a persons favorite things that range from Pugs saying “I’m sorry”, cats that are expressive and communicate how you are feelings, hangable classic book covers and a unique twist on the adult coloring trend.

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Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic Book Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of GoodBooks/Skyhorse Publishing. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic: 550 Amazing Everyday Recipes Review and Giveaway

Back many moons ago, during my bridal shower to my first husband I received 3 identical crock pots. We had registered for one, ended up with three. Flash forward one divorce and one marriage later I again have 3 crock pots, but this time they are not all the same make and model. Through the merging of items and a wedding, Jason and I have been able to collect three different size crock pots.

The three crock pots we have vary in size, which makes this a versatile house. The three we own are a Crock Pot 6 Quart slow cooker, a Procter Silex 3 quart and Procter Silex 1.5 quart slow cookers. Having these three crock pots/slow cookers gives us the ability to make just about anything. which lead me to discovering The Fix-It and Forget Slow Cooker Magic: 550 Amazing Everyday Recipes by Phyllis Good and published by GoodBooks and Skyhorse Publishing.

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Hallmark Personalized Books Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Hallmark Licensing, Inc., this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Hallmark Personalized Books – Review & Giveaway

There is a tradition in my husband’s family that stands to this day – each Christmas Eve one of the elder men read “The Night Before Christmas”. The best part of the story is the added sound effects that are in place of exclamation points, periods and pauses.

This tradition began long before I joined the family, and long before my husband has clear memories. This usually takes place shortly after the meal and before the younger ones go to sleep . The young kids gather around the reader for the best seat. After the reading, usually “Santa” makes an appearance and excitement ensues (or sometimes tears of happiness). I wish I could have seen the patriarch of the family, Grandpa Jack read the story. I have heard stories and I feel as though he is with us each year and I know he is thought of each year this tradition repeats itself.

I have wanted to get a copy of this book for a couple of years now as I thought it would be nice to have our own copy. I recently had the chance to have a book personalized by Hallmark and this seemed like the best choice. I decided to take a different angle with my personalization in that I made the book more general and it is personalized to “Henberger Clan” with a personalized ‘from’ line as well.

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Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography Review

Neil Patrick Harris:

Choose Your Own Autobiography

Review and Giveaway

My first introduction to Neil Patrick Harris was like many girls my age, as the teen doctor Doogie Howser M.D. When Doogie Howser ended as did NPH in the spotlight – it was before the internet and before the constant paparazzi presence. Flash forward about 4 years and my father took me to see Rent at the The La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla California and to my utter surprise, Neil Patrick Harris was the lead. Our tickets were front row center and I was convinced he was performing for only me – delusional for sure.

Flash forward another set of years and lo and behold NPH starts showing up, satirizing himself and then starring in the show – How I Met Your Mother. NPH has been on Broadway, hosted the Oscars, hosted the Tony’s and he just entered his 40’s.

I had been eagerly anticipating reading Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Biography since I heard about its release. When it came up as an option to review I said yes and I can say I was not disappointed.

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Skyhorse Publishing – Adult Coloring Books Review

Skyhorse Publishing – Adult Coloring Books Review and Giveaway

Being a child of the 1970’s it was before the age of computers and before the use of technology overtook time outside. When it rained outside and bikes could not be ridden and trees were unable to be climbed our choices took on a more creative tone. Many of my friends liked to draw or paint, but I was always a fan of coloring. My absolute favorite thing was when I not only had a new coloring book but a new set of crayons or colored pencils.

Flash ahead about 30 years, give or take a couple of years, and I still love to color. When I was young it was Rainbow Brite, Smurfs and Cabbage Patch Kids. Today the leaning is a little more towards shapes, Paisley and mandalas so I accepted when I received an opportunity to review Skyhorse Publishing’s range of coloring books.

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