Toddler Tales: Sick Days

The days the little girl is sick and miserable are the hardest days for me. I do all I can to help her be as comfortable as possible but it still breaks my heart to see her ill. today has been one of those days. 102 fever, cough and fatigue. 

The flu.

I called the nurse today. Seems it is a bug going around. Viral. So not much to do but wait it out. She suggested ibuprofen, rest and liquids. I added hugs, Popsicles, and a few more cartoons than usual. 

So, what do you do to help your little one when sick? I could also use some ideas on quiet activities to do with the sick girl. You know, other than movies and iPad games. I think we have a couple more days of this. That is, if what the nurse said is true. 

Review: This Girl by Colleen Hoover

This Girl by Colleen Hoover  304 pages, Paperback Published August 2013, Atria Books
Source: From publisher for review
Layken and Will are married and enjoying their honeymoon when Lake asks Will to tell her about his old girlfriend and the first time they met. Flashbacks of the past few years, told from Will's perspective, are interspersed with their reactions to his stories in the present. The good times and the bad times while they were trying to keep apart are shared. (I won't share why in case you haven't read these yet.)
This Girl is the third and final installment of The Slammed Series. This is my first introduction to it, but had no problem enjoying this book. I never felt lost but that is understandable, since it is basically a retelling of the previous books through Will's point of view. I did wonder if fans of the series would like this one. Would they appreciate the retelling or would they have expected a continuation of the characters' storylines? Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

FO Friday: Alessa Hat

Pattern:Alessa Hat by Sylvi Design
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Paints
Needles: US 8 DPNs

Well, that hat didn't take all that long to finish! I love it, and more importantly, the little girl loves it!
Very nice pattern, and the yarn is really soft and light for our mild non-winter weather right now.  I knit it pretty loosely. Maybe a little too loose, because I got some really bad ladders where I switched to the next dpn. It is a reversible hat, so having the purl side on the outside hides it a lot better. It also makes the cable stand out a lot more.

Modifications: I used aran instead of bulky and used smaller needles than pattern calls for. I wanted it E sized. Fits her great. Used dpns instead of circular. I think next time I will go with the circular to eliminate the ladders.

I have yarn left over. Think I will make one for myself. :)

Happy Knitting! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Finding time to knit

Now that the holidays are over and all the knitted gifts have found their homes, it is time to start knitting again for fun. I have a couple projects that I just started- a lace scarf that will be sent out for a swap on Ravelry and a hat and mittens that the little girl requested. First, the scarf.

Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronique Avery
Yarn: Artesano Superfine 4ply alpaca
Needles: US 4 Straights

I am making the Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronique Avery. It is a free pattern on Knitty.com. I am using some yarn that I bought at a cute little yarn shop in Scotland 5 years ago. It is a really pretty heather green. Hoping my swappee likes it. Not looking all that great in the photo but will be very nice after it is blocked.

Pattern:Alessa Hat by Sylvi Design
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Paints
Needles: US 8 DPNs

The little girl has been asking for a hat and mittens, so we finally went to Michael's and picked up an approved green/purple combo yarn. It's acrylic but incredibly very soft. And it is mating washable so for a three year old...perfect. She picked well.  I am making her an Alessa Hat by Sylvi Design. The mittens...not sure yet. May try and come up with something that mimics the pattern of the hat.  What do you all have on the needles? Happy Knitting! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 318 pages, Hardcover Published January 2012, Dutton Books
Source: purchased
I had only read one other book by John Green before reading The Fault in Our Stars. An Abundance of Katherines was one of my favorites when I read it six years ago. I liked the pace of the story, the smart, verbose teens and the wittiness throughout. None of these things were missing from The Fault in Our Stars. The John Green formula for a great YA book was all here despite the serious subject matter. 
Hazel has terminal cancer but an experimental drug seems to be keeping it from metastasizing quickly. At a support group she meets Agustus, a cancer survivor who has lost his leg to the disease but is still strong, handsome and witty. They hit it off right away. Their relationship seems on fast forward but, considering their situations, it makes sense. They live life to the fullest and don't waste any time that they may not have.
I enjoyed the Dawson Creek-like dialogue- smart and witty. Hazel and Agustus seemed very real in the way they spoke, dealt with their illnesses and fell in love so quickly. I am very happy I finally read this. It  took awhile for me to feel ready to read it, but I am glad I did. 

Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

New Stitch Fix...fix

I am still having a great time with my Stitch Fix deliveries each month. Do any of you use this service? This past month I asked for some clothes that I could take with me to Hawaii. Here is what I kept:

The scarf is soft and has a great color and print to it. Will liven up my usual white t-shirt and khaki shorts. The shirt is a nice bright orange. It is a see-through material but came with a tank. Perfect. The color blocked dress is really cute with a jean jacket or with my green cardigan that perfectly matched.

Actually, already wore it out on Friday to the Symphony. 

I would love to see what you are getting in your StitchFix boxes!

Mailbox Monday: 1/20/14

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Ooh, it has been awhile since I have shared the books that have come into my hands. I was going to list everything I have received since that last post, but figured that would be just way too long. So, here are the newest additions to my pile of TBR books. 
Purchased:
The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackburg
I read a book later in the series, The Stonecutter, for a review this past year and really enjoyed it so I thought I would start from the beginning. Found this copy in a used book store in Seattle.
For Review:
The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose (Look for review on April 3, 2014)
The Memory Garden by Mary Rickert (Look for review on May 8, 2014)
Giveaway Win:
The Diviners by Libba Bray (Thanks to Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages!)
Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Review: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

11/22/63 by Stephen King 880 pages, Hardcover Published July 2012, Gallery Books Source: borrowed Jake Epping's life takes a drastic change when his friend Al shows him a way into the past through the back room of his restaurant. He also sends him into the past with a job to do. Save President Kennedy from being assassinated. Entering the past in 1958, he has some time to kill before then. Literally. 
He falls in love, saves some lives, and ends some others all while fighting against the past that doesn't want to change. And, well, maybe it shouldn't be.  Once again I am blown away by a Stephen King book. Never a disappointing read when I pick up one of his books. Missing from this one are the monsters and gore that he is famous for, but still present is King's great storytelling, interesting characters and suspense. 
Can't wait to talk about this one with my father in law, who lent it to me. I want to hear his take on it. Not sure if he has read King before and he is slightly obsessed with the theory that LBJ was behind the assassination.
Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Rerelease of Anne of Green Gables this February!

Sourcebooks is publishing the Anne of Green Gables series for the first time with new covers and an introduction from L.M. Montgomery’s granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler. These are some of my absolutely most favorite books ever and can't wait to get these new ones for the little girl. A reread my be in order as well.

Bookpage is hosting a contest to celebrate. Open through January 31, 2014 , entries will have a chance to win the following:

·         1 Grand Prize Winner will win 2 Tiffany & Co. sterling silver key pendants

·         5 Second Place Winners will receive a full set of the Anne of Green Gables series from Sourcebooks Fire (6 books)

·         10 Third Place Winners will receive a copy of Anne of Green Gables

Visit their website here for a list of official rules.  Submit your entries on the same page, or click here to enter.

Dive deeper into L. M. Montgomery’s world by “Montgom-ifying” your name, entering giveaways, downloading posters and excerpts and so much more right on our Anne of Green Gables page on the Sourcebooks website. 

Bout of Books Wrap-Up!

My Goal was to finish Bellman and Black, 11/22/63 and The Book Thief this week.  I did it! Woot!
Here are my updates from the week:
Daily Updates:
Monday Currently reading: 11/22/63 by Stephen King Number of pages I've read today: 39
Total number of books I've finished: 0
Books:
Notes: I started this one last month. Started on page 524 at 10pm today. Looking for my first book read of 2014. Falling asleep at 1130pm. Up to page 565.
Tuesday
Currently reading: 11/22/63 by Stephen King Number of pages I've read today: 60 Total pages read: 99 Total number of books I've finished: 1
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield
Notes: I read the last 10% of Bellman and Black  in the bath. One book finished. My goal is to finish books that have been lingering unfinished. This one has been for awhile. Pages listed are for 11/22/63. Read to page 625.   B and B was read in Kindle App.
Wednesday
Currently reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zukas Number of pages I've read today: 254 Total Pages read: 353 Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Notes: Finished 11/22/63 today. Stayed up until 2am last night, and had extra reading time today while the Little Girl was out with Dad. 224 in one day! That is unheard of lately. :) The Book Thief restarted tonight. Attempting to figure out where I left off before. Was reading a copy found in condo we rented this summer. Didn't finish before we left. This is our Book Group pick for January, too.
Thursday
Currently reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zukas Number of pages I've read today: 0 Total pages read:353
Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King Notes: Busy day today. No time for reading. :(
Friday
Currently reading: the book thief Number of pages I've read today: 227 Total pages read: 580
Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books:Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Saturday
Currently reading: The Book Thief Number of pages I've read today: 150 Total pages: 730
Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books:
Sunday
Currently reading:  Number of pages I've read today: 173 Total pages: 903
Total number of books I've finished: 3
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Notes: I was crying to end of this one today. Wow! Absolutely wonderful. Every book I read this week  was good. I need one of these Read a Thon's every month. I haven't finished this many books in one week in a very long time!

Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Favorite Books of 2013

I read 30 books this year and thought it would be fun to go back and pick my 3 favorite books. Be sure to check them out if you haven't read them yet this year! Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, 2013  (review)
The Likeness by Tana French, 2009 (review)
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure, 2013 (review)
Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Review: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield

Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 336 pages, Hardcover Published November 2013, Atria Books Source: NetGalley, publisher for review
William Bellman is introduced to the reader as a child shooting a rock at a rook with a catapult. His perfect aim sends the bird to the ground. Dead. From here on out, his life seems to be blessed with good luck- in wealth, family and friends. However, it doesn't last. Illness and death find him and change him forever. A mysterious stranger seems to guide him into a new venture that brings him even more wealth but not happiness. Who is the mysterious Mr. Black who seems to arrive when his loved ones die?
The storyteller is a good one. Someone that has followed and studied Bellman. The story of Bellman is shared very carefully and thoroughly. Which makes the book read a bit slow. Completely atmospheric and immersive, but slow.  Finding out who the storyteller is and why he is telling Bellman's story, is when I remembered just how great a storyteller Setterfield is. 
This was an interesting read. I wasn't really sure if I was enjoying it but I couldn't stop reading it. The Thirteenth Tale is one of my favorite books and, I guess, I was expecting something similar. This has been such a different reading experience. It still has the great writing that immerses you into the world that Setterfield creates, but it took me a lot longer to really understand it.   Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

2014 Goals

New year means new goals. Actually, looking at last year's, they may be the same. Let's see...
Goals for 2013
1. Turn the electronics off. Limit daily TV time, iPad and iPhone play for the LO and for me.   2. Reading. Turning those listed above off will increase the books I read each day. Within this goal, I have a few little ones: Make a dent in my TBR Pile, and read 1 new book to the little girl each day.  3. Stay Active. 20 min a day is doable. I already go to Stroller Strides at least 3 times a week. I am also training (kind of) for a 5K in February. My goal for the 5K is to beat last years time of 45min. Hoping to cut off 15 min, but not so sure I can do that. 4. Blogging. Once again, I was not as present here as I would like. Time to visit more blogs and post more!
I feel like I did okay. Probably not as good with #1 as I would have liked.  I read 30 books this year. The little girl and I read at least 3 books daily. I ran the 5K and beat that 45 min. I ran it in 39min. :) As for the blogging. I feel like I posted more and tried to visit more, but still not feeling quite back.
Goals for 2014
1. No Phones/tablets in bed. This is where I am losing my reading time and sleep time. The hubby and I always said no tv's in the bedroom and the iPad and iPhone are basically the same thing. Of course, when I am reading on the iPad, I may make an exception.
2. Healthy Living. Cooking at home more, keeping active. I have been missing a lot of Stroller Strides classes. Need to get back to three times a week. Would love to find a Yoga class. February 5K is on for this year, too.
3. Reading. I would love to read at least 50 books this year. I also need to make a dent in my TBR books. It is getting ridiculous. Starting this off with the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon.
4. Blogging. More Interesting Posts! More Interaction! How about some Read Alongs and Challenges? Also, more visiting of other blogs and commenting. 

Happy 2014! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Bout of Books 9.0 (Initial post/goals/updates)

Just discovered this read-a-thon and am excited to participate and get reading. Here are the details...

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Are you participating?  My Goal is to finish Bellman and Black, 11/22/63 and The Book Thief this week. They were all started before the read-a-thon. Daily Updates:
Monday Currently reading: 11/22/63 by Stephen King Number of pages I've read today: 39
Total number of books I've finished: 0
Books:
Notes: I started this one last month. Started on page 524 at 10pm today. Looking for my first book read of 2014. Falling asleep at 1130pm. Up to page 565.
Tuesday
Currently reading: 11/22/63 by Stephen King Number of pages I've read today: 60 Total pages read: 99 Total number of books I've finished: 1
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield
Notes: I read the last 10% of Bellman and Black  in the bath. One book finished. My goal is to finish books that have been lingering unfinished. This one has been for awhile. Pages listed are for 11/22/63. Read to page 625.   B and B was read in Kindle App.
Wednesday
Currently reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zukas Number of pages I've read today: 254 Total Pages read: 353 Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Notes: Finished 11/22/63 today. Stayed up until 2am last night, and had extra reading time today while the Little Girl was out with Dad. 224 in one day! That is unheard of lately. :) The Book Thief restarted tonight. Attempting to figure out where I left off before. Was reading a copy found in condo we rented this summer. Didn't finish before we left. This is our Book Group pick for January, too.
Thursday
Currently reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zukas Number of pages I've read today: 0 Total pages read:353
Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books: Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King Notes: Busy day today. No time for reading. :(
Friday
Currently reading: the book thief Number of pages I've read today: 227 Total pages read: 580
Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books:Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Saturday
Currently reading: The Book Thief Number of pages I've read today: 150 Total pages: 730
Total number of books I've finished: 2
Books:
Sunday
Currently reading: The Book Thief Number of pages I've read today: 
Total number of books I've finished:
Books: Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Sherlock Challenge Wrap-Up and Giveaway Winner

Thank you so much to everyone that participated in my very first reading challenge. It was small and perhaps not as organized as most, but I really enjoyed reading everyone'e reviews and getting to read a couple of great Sherlock reads before the show returns to PBS on January 19th.

I hope those of you who joined in the Sherlock reading enjoyed themselves. I would love some feedback on how to improve on hosting a challenge. I have an idea for another Book to TV Reading Challenge or RAL for later in the year.

Okay, time to announce the winner of the Sherlock DVD's. There were 11 books read/reviewed by 5 participants. Using the Random Number Generator…

Congratulations, WordLily!!!

Don't forget to email me your mailing address and your preference for either Season 1 or 2. marireadsATyahooDOTcom

Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Review/Giveaway: Third Lie's the Charm by Laura Roecker and Lisa Roecker

Third Lie's the Charm (The Liar Society) by Laura Roecker and Lisa Roecker

288 pages, Paperback

Published December 2013, Sourcebooks Fire

Source: Publisher in exchange for review

Third Lie's the Charm is the third installment of The Liar Society young adult series by sisters Laura and Lisa Roecker. It begins with Kate Lowry joining the Sisterhood in the hopes of bringing it down from the inside. While at her initiation ceremony, she misses 21 calls from a former Brother. The next day she learns that he has died which throws her for a loop having lost her best friend Grace recently. Was it an accident as everyone believes or was he killed? 

Not having read the previous books, I felt a little lost at times, but the pace and the suspense in the beginning kept me reading and interested to see what was going to happen next. The series gets wrapped up quickly which made for a slightly abrupt second half. Still, I really think my niece would love these books. I plan on getting all three for her birthday. I wonder if she would notice if I read them before handing them over to her? 

For more info on the books and authors visit their WEBSITE.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Third Lie's the Charm. Open to US/Canada residents. Giveaway ends January 20th. Winner will be chosen by Random Generator and announced soon after. Good Luck!

Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

A Year in Review

2013 has come and gone in a flash.  We had quite the busy year.We traveled to Hawaii, San Diego, Monterey, Sea Ranch, Maine and Austin. There were weddings and birthdays. The little girl turned three! 

It has been a good year. I am happy to say that I was a little more active on the blog this year. There was a mix of book, knitting and parenting related posts. I like the mix, hope you all do.  I began some great partnerships with publishers and was able to share some great new books with you all.

 I also hosted my first challenge! Hope everyone who joined in has linked their Sherlock reviews. I will be selecting the winner of the Sherlock DVD's very soon! As for challenges I joined, well, let's just say that I tried. I sadly completed none of them. Ugh. The number of books read didn't increase much this year. Oh well. Best months: 4 books in January and July. Worst months: 1 book in September and December.

January

1. We Bury the Landscape by Kristine Muslim Ong + (review)

2. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs = (review)

3. The Wizard of Oz: A Steampunk Adventure by S.D. Stewart + (review)

4. The Likeness by Tana French (review)

February

5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness = (review)

6. The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis + (review)

7. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger + (review)

March

8. Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany + (review)

9. Seduction by M.J. Rose * (review)

April

10. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (review)

11. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

12. Bumped by Megan McCafferty (review)

May

13. Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay * (review)

14. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (review)

15. Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry (review)

June

16. Under the Dome by Stephen King (review)

17. The Lavender Garden by Lucinda Riley* (review)

July

18. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle (review)

19. Playing Tyler by T.L. Costa* (review)

20. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (review)

21. The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle (review)

August

22. Children of the Jacaranda Tree by Sahar Delijani * (review)

23. The Stonecutter by Camilla Läckberg + (review)

24. Shake Down the Stars by Renee Swindle * (review)

September

25. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter (review)

October

26. Thanksgiving by Ellen Cooney* (review)

27. The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure+ (review)

November

28. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami= (review)

29. Winter at Death's Hotel by Kenneth Cameron* (review)

December

30. Broken by C.J. Lyons* (review)

* ARC/NetGalley

^ LT Early Reviewers Program

# GoodReads First Reads Program

~ Giveaway Win

+ publisher/author sent for review (not ARC)

= Mooched/Borrowed

   Purchased

Happy New Year! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.