Monday, January 23, 2012

Shabby Apple Winner!

The winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway is............


#13 Casey!

Casey said...

I follow your blog. Duh. :)

Congrats Casey! Send me your shipping information and Ill pass it along to Shabby Apple. Im totally jealous and just might have to buy the necklace for myself! =) 


Thank you so much to everyone who entered! 






(I used Random.org but cant get it to copy over at the moment.) 



Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Book Review: 2011 and What's in Store for 2012

My goal for the year 2011 was to read 50 books. Most years I read this and more. Since I spent the majority of this year pregnant and then with an infant, I knew I wouldnt get as many read as I normally do, so 50 was my goal. I read a total of 51, with five in progress. Ive finished two off this year so far. My goal for 2012 is 60.

Instead of listing all the books I read, Ill just share my favorites in no particular order.


The Book Thief, by: Markus Zusak
This book really touched me. It takes place during WWII in Germany. The narrator is Death. It follows a young German girl, her adopted family, the Jewish man they harbor and the community they live in. It's a really well written book. I reviewed it last year. So, so good. 

Outlander, by: Diana Gabaldon
I also reveiwed this one which you can read here. I loved this book so much. I started reading the second book last January. I still havent finished it. I hate it and will probably never finish it. It's graphic, disturbing and sickening. So disappointing, but the first one was great. 

The Discovery of Witches, by: Deborah Harkness
Check out my review here. This is the first in a trilogy and I cant wait to read the second one this summer!

The Help, by: Kathryn Stockett
By now Im sure you all know about this book and have probably seen the movie. I loved them both. Touching, heartwarming and totally made me cry. My review can be found here

The Scent of Rain and Lightening, by: Nancy Pickard
This was recommended by a fellow blogger and was a book club read. It's a cold case murder mystery that takes place in small town Kansas. It alternates between the present and the past, reliving the murder of a well liked man and the disappearance of his wife, told through the eyes of their daughter. 

The Virgin of Small Plains, by: Nancy Pickard
Another murder mystery set in small town Kansas. A naked body is found in a pasture in the middle of a blizzard. Someone sees something they shouldnt have. Secrets and lies abound. Good book. 

90 Minute Baby Sleep Program, by: Polly Moore
The book that changed my life. Read my review here

What's a Wine Lover To Do?, by: Wes Marshall
We have a ton of wine books, but this one is by far, my favorite. It is so easy to read, informative and interesting. I liked the layout and wording- not too stuffy or dumbed down. 

Thirteen Reasons Why, by: Jay Asher
Before a thirteen year old girl commits suicide, she mails out 13 tapes to the people who influenced her decision. Makes you think about all the people you have an impact on, with out even knowing it.

The Next Always, by: Nora Roberts
The first in a new trilogy. It's about three brothers who are refurbishing an old building in a small town on the East coast, turning it into a B&B, their love lives and adventures. I really liked it!

So far in 2012, Ive read only two books. 

On my to-read list are some promisingly titles:

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?- Mindy Kaling
Incarceron- Catherine Fisher
Divergent- Veronica Roth
Delirium- Lauren Oliver
Shadow of Night- Deborah Harkness
Destined- P.C. Cast 
The Night Circus- Erin Morgenstern
MWF seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend- Rachel Bertsche
The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho
We Need to Talk About Kevin- Lionel Shriver
The Flight of Gemma Hardy- Margot Livesey

Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think about them? Would you recommend them?



Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Starting the New Year off Right...

...with a giveaway!

Who doesn't love a giveaway, right?

Many of you may have heard of Shabby Apple. Vintage dresses, stylish jewelry and unique arts and crafts. It's my kind of shop. I LOVE their vintage dresses for women and children. I can not wait until M is old enough to wear the children's designs! I am eyeing a few of their dresses and pieces of jewelry for myself. I really wish I would have known about them when I was pregnant because they have some of the most beautiful maternity dresses that Ive ever seen. Ill be keeping this in mind for my next pregnancy!

Shabby Apple has graciously offered up one of their stylish necklaces to one of my readers. I wish I could win this because this necklace is gorgeous (I picked it out!). The White Rabbit's Time Keeper was featured in the magazine Southern Living and is valued at $64.00! Check out their website for more details.


So who wants to win this? 

All you have to do is "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. 
That's mandatory and good for one entry. 

For extra entries:

Go to the Shabby Apple website and tell me what your favorite item is.
Good luck only choosing one thing! 
(one entry)

Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter.
(one entry)

Follow Shabby Apple's blog. 
(one entry)

Follow this blog via GFC.
(one entry)

That's five chances to win. Be sure to leave me your email address so I can 
contact you if you win. 

This giveaway will close on Wednesday, January 18th. The winner will be chosen via
Random.org. Open to US readers only. 

Good Luck!