tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89823365000303258022024-03-10T14:13:34.486-05:00Crystal Clear As MudMy ramblings on books, recipes, my crochet & sewing projects, married life and everything in between...Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.comBlogger418125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-65586129131904604652014-02-07T13:23:00.000-06:002014-02-07T13:23:36.234-06:00Halloweenie...A Few Months Late<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Halloween was right around the corner when I dropped off the blogging world...so, I thought I'd show you some Halloween projects I finished way back when. <br />
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My mom made a gorgeous Halloween quilt (that she enjoyed well into December) which I had the joy of quilting on our long arm machine. I don't have an overall picture of it because I only did the quilting, she finished and sewed the binding on. However, it features a big, fat jack-o-lantern in the center and then is surrounded by multiple blocks that look similar to the second picture. I quilted swirls onto the pumpkin, then did a fun, cobweb design on all the other blocks. Enjoy!</div>
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I also made a couple of cute Halloween table runners. Both are nearly identical, but one went to the woman I lovingly refer to as my third mom. She's my dad's best friend's wife and I've known her since I was five. Phew, that's a mouthful, huh? Anyway, her birthday is two days from mine and we always celebrate our October birthdays together. </div>
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This second picture is mine once I finished it. Both table runners are quilted with swirls. While I was able to get the birthday present table runner out in time, this one was finished well after Halloween. I'm totally looking forward to this one being displayed on my dining room table here in about nine months.</div>
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Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-24463686374326088482014-02-06T13:48:00.000-06:002014-02-06T13:48:29.897-06:00Long Time No See...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
::tap, tap, tap:: Is this thing on?<br /><br />Wow, it's been a while!
Almost four months to be exact. I didn't mean to take this long of a
hiatus from blogging, it just kinda happened. <br /><br />Around the time
of my initial break, David and I took a road trip across the country. I
called it a sister trip because we visited both our sisters, while
viewing the foliage across the midwest and eastern parts of the
country. It was beautiful and we really enjoyed it. Here's a nice pic from said trip:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBhiA-a-1EI/UvPiWT42l1I/AAAAAAAAFsw/ODJ-6QH6mnE/s1600/14+-+1" height="320" width="320" /></div>
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Does my face look a little puffy in this picture? Well, that's because it
is...I was around two months pregnant at the time! Which...is the real
reason for the blogging hiatus. <br /><br />I didn't want to slip up and
say something about being pregnant when we were not ready to share yet.
And it took us a little while to get to this point. Thankfully, not as
long as some, but longer than we had initially "planned." What is it
that one of my favorite friends likes to say...God laughs at your
plans. Yea, He really does.<br /><br />So! In the meantime, David and I
used our Christmas card to announce the pregnancy to family and close friends...we used this picture
where I'm holding our first ultrasound pic.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8h9PrUvMY5iS-LjmrxWNGIk6ycnvZo23wa3DrpTokUYSUH0SUqAlyxfUvfwrTPkUE3buG5oWB0pUr_bnBOau8CEkEniyZ1TkH7vAZjlomqiJvfYpnucakbUBf6LUPxh19GDOUX-UzTcW/s1600/xmas+card.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></div>
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<br />Doesn't the Christmas-y looking tree fit the bill for the scene? Haha!<br /><br />The news has slowly been leaking out to other friends and acquaintances via Facebook and the ol' grapevine. David's so shy about it and doesn't want to draw attention to us, but I thought it was a good time to share on here.<br /><br />So, now that the big secret's out, I suppose I can continue with this blogosphere. I'm not sure how much I'll feel like blogging as my pregnancy progresses (by the way, I'm currently halfway-20 weeks!), but we'll see how things go. <br /><br />In my next few posts I'd like to catch you up on my most recent craft projects and some of my favorite books that I've read within the past four months. I've kinda decided to review only books that I realllly like on here from now on...so, if you don't see a book review for a while, it's because I've only been reading not-so-fantastic stuff. Which happens. Every reader gets into a rut from time to time.<br /><br />Also, I've removed the NYE Resolution tab because I've decided to not renew the same resolution this year. Being pregnant...yea, there's no way I'll get around to reading every book that I own this year. I'm smart enough to know that'll neeeever happen. Plus, add in all the pregnancy and baby books I'm adding to said list. Yea, no way.<br /><br />With all that being said...I hope you're still here with me. And we'll see what this next chapter of mine and David's life brings!<br /><br />P.S. For those curious, we have not yet found out the sex and no, I will not be posting names of baby on the blog until it's a done deal.</div>
<br />Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-61976295253747904732013-10-24T15:57:00.000-05:002013-10-24T15:57:25.166-05:00Good Reads<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In today's post I thought I'd share, quickly, the books that I've read recently that made it up to snuff. None of these I did particular back flips over, but each of them was a good, solid read that I would recommend.</div>
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First of all, <i>Sharp Objects</i>.</div>
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This was Gillian Flynn's first novel and it's the last one I've read. You can definitely tell this was her freshman novel if you've read the other two. However, it was still pretty creepy and I "enjoyed" it as much as you can say that you enjoy a thriller like this. I definitely want to read whatever else Gillian Flynn writes in the future, she's quickly become a book club favorite...at least in our little book club.</div>
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Another Agatha Christie is next, <i>Murder at the Vicarage</i>.</div>
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This was another good, solid Agatha Christie mystery. It wasn't my favorite of her books thus far, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. And yes, I do still get that old lady feeling when I pick up one of her books.</div>
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And lastly for this post, <i>Beautiful Ruins</i>.</div>
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While I don't participate in my church's monthly book club, I did notice that this book was their selection a few months back. When I read up on the blurb about it, I was intrigued. <br />
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The premise of this novel is that in present day an old Italian man, Pasquale, shows up at an old school movie producer's lot looking for an actress that stayed in his hotel back in the 1960s when the movie, <i>Cleopatra</i>, was being filmed. It is Pasquale's understanding that this actress had cancer and he wants to know whatever became of her. This novel then follows Pasquale, the film director, his assistant, a young man trying to pitch a movie...and the actress from long ago. This is a book where most everyone has a major flaw in their character, but the dynamic and how things unfold is extremely interesting. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-56488791502956763532013-10-23T14:19:00.000-05:002013-10-23T14:19:17.270-05:00Crystal's Still Here!<div style="text-align: center;">
Things have been pretty busy around mi casa as of late... <br /><br />This past Saturday was my birthday and I got to celebrate with most all of my favorite friends and family. In case you're wondering, it was pretty fantastic. I got to see both of my grandmas, all three of my parents, both of my "extra moms" aaaaand got to pick my husband up from the airport (after he had been away on business multiple states away for the previous 8 days).<br /><br />In addition to getting presents, my favorite homemade cake from my auntie, I also got these beautiful flowers. The pic on the left is when they first arrived, the one on the right is today. They just keep getting prettier and prettier. <br /><br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPgpDMRplUQ/Umgcm8MsJxI/AAAAAAAAFpc/IDYdgrx56gc/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPgpDMRplUQ/Umgcm8MsJxI/AAAAAAAAFpc/IDYdgrx56gc/s320/13+-+3" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6f7jIIij0I/UmgcmwwpghI/AAAAAAAAFpI/DEDh_Tzgryw/s1600/13+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6f7jIIij0I/UmgcmwwpghI/AAAAAAAAFpI/DEDh_Tzgryw/s320/13+-+6" width="320" /></a><br /><br />On another note, I made a big stride since my last book review post. You know how my goal is for all of my to-read books (not borrowed, though) to fit on my bookshelf nightstand? As of a week or so ago, all of the ones I have to read by the end of the year fit! We won't discuss the borrowed pile (partially on top of and mostly below the shelf) or my stash that I've already purchased for next year. Hey, it's baby steps, right? And yes, I know I have a bookish obsession. But, everyone has their thing, right?<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-EYWdKnMUk/Umgcm_rFe6I/AAAAAAAAFp4/mRbDTTjANcI/s320/13+-+2" width="240" /><br /><br />Also, I've been working a little bit on the long arm. Yesterday I was able to start and finish quilting this balloon quilt. It still needs to have the binding attached (it's in that plastic bag to the left), but the majority of this quilt is done! I'll share what the end result looks like soon!<br /><br /></div>
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In the meantime, I'm in a mad dash to finish all of my Halloween projects. I have a couple of table runners that I'm making out of the fabric in this pic, which you might have already seen on my Instagram.</div>
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<br />Plus, I loaded up my mom's Halloween quilt on the long arm before I went to bed last night. I'll hopefully finish it either today or tomorrow...fingers crossed!</div>
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We're getting ready to enter the busiest time of the year...holiday season! Here's to hoping we all make it through unscathed, haha!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-20815387409367518622013-10-10T15:23:00.000-05:002013-10-10T15:23:54.310-05:00Halloween Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yea, so I made these cookies yesterday.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SaDZq_ndGD7N8a9H5MQF-FSj6utIBu4gtS_m1-C1Dn_3PcsQectjpj7346kNeU_jvdAQawrCb_SY1_7M7bTuNc4iu_0X4DmAMfoPJdWlS_T5St_UKPctsSXLVSBURdK5KemwP1NEOilj/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></div>
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I love making cute stuff. And my husband is a sucker for cute sweets too. These cookies are actually inspired by <a href="http://www.bakedperfection.com/2010/12/candy-cane-blossoms.html" target="_blank">these cookies</a>, which I think everyone and their dog has pinned on Pinterest. Including myself. No lie though, I did make those cookies at Christmas time as our presents for our neighbors. We got lots of praise all around for them. So, basically I'm telling you that I knew this recipe was proooobably going to be a success yet again. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Halloween Blossoms</b></i><br />adapted from <a href="http://www.bakedperfection.com/2010/12/candy-cane-blossoms.html" target="_blank">Candy Cane Blossoms</a>, cookie recipe is from Hershey's<br /><br />1 bag Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses </div>
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1/2 cup butter, softened</div>
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1 cup granulated sugar</div>
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div>
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1 egg</div>
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2 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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2 tablespoons milk</div>
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Seasonally appropriate sprinkles or colored sugar</div>
<br />Preheat over to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNepNIgXGdZYgGUMQ1jY-ywhh9qZNF71QbWbtPOnNYCzDUlRW8YBeOlDVP8oub3Z__jQ3NJDNieGm5C4SBZxWF_4RE9FeoidrmIPgFyenH3rRZ1uRM_pVhbMoQ__WghdBcHDZeJOAzxWZ-/s320/13+-+9" width="240" /><br /><br />Beat butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg in large bowl until well blended.<br /><br />I have a confession to make. When a recipe calls for "softened butter" and I don't feel like waiting around for an hour or so...I just nuke it for a tiny bit. <br /><br />I totally did that for these cookies. OK, great. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.<br /><br />Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add alternatively with milk to butter mixture, beating until well blended.<br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxDxFft4uX3jswnQnEp5nVe_QEgA756QYXjsUpbaX5k-rxn6h3NlmdbREZWPrUEolRA7AZF-Mw-eM5jDLZN5S6fWouZQpv1o0CGk2IkX0Og4XR3BguFRRKWOBmvCoe3iaabp9LasioV-Q/s1600/13+-+11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxDxFft4uX3jswnQnEp5nVe_QEgA756QYXjsUpbaX5k-rxn6h3NlmdbREZWPrUEolRA7AZF-Mw-eM5jDLZN5S6fWouZQpv1o0CGk2IkX0Og4XR3BguFRRKWOBmvCoe3iaabp9LasioV-Q/s320/13+-+11" width="320" /></a><br />These sprinkles were actually the reason why I decided to make these cookies. I found them in the dollar section of Target. Can we just pause for a second and talk about how wonderful that little part of the store can be? It totally sucks me in every time. But anyway, both of these sprinkle containers...a buck each. How awesome is that?<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-jfoT0X_g2R1dPhHVrkl9l5cWQ9oC2gS1T8Y5XrJn6c4bzNcwD-ONfzVldIkGPkAvY2Tyfa7pp8l-LCBlKrlNq7uYNMEr7fvk-B1Z__YuIDEKxkIRe-WioRYbeWzwTqUsg6AknyyxGFY/s320/13+-+8" width="240" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxDxFft4uX3jswnQnEp5nVe_QEgA756QYXjsUpbaX5k-rxn6h3NlmdbREZWPrUEolRA7AZF-Mw-eM5jDLZN5S6fWouZQpv1o0CGk2IkX0Og4XR3BguFRRKWOBmvCoe3iaabp9LasioV-Q/s1600/13+-+11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />Shape dough into 1 inch balls...I scooped mine out with my handy, dandy cookie scoop, then rolled them up into a nice little ball. Then, rolled them around in one of the two sprinkle containers. <br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyif-uKL7qU7yvXhLpRui0UW_awx3NMMHvIfwQogpyZ7MHrGntQ1ZwC2U-gMEYy5FRQgZI6edUklV0rJAgSoHcx-UZX2EknSA_WJ7xuD0qgx8heAYIY8nOWHa9io0AivkfjEY48kPSSst/s320/13+-+7" width="240" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxDxFft4uX3jswnQnEp5nVe_QEgA756QYXjsUpbaX5k-rxn6h3NlmdbREZWPrUEolRA7AZF-Mw-eM5jDLZN5S6fWouZQpv1o0CGk2IkX0Og4XR3BguFRRKWOBmvCoe3iaabp9LasioV-Q/s1600/13+-+11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULAjcpgdOUiK0DnIUqPoJnEhW98z2JS5RxF-Dkc4BF2HHDrrA5VzB7Mek-dF5oxojTQ9Tb5rsJQ7RxApyf12rJhnP31wH0bAaxov6LXFwrkEtJq4oKc9QOgjRfx44GtTh1x431zCu8ayW/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyif-uKL7qU7yvXhLpRui0UW_awx3NMMHvIfwQogpyZ7MHrGntQ1ZwC2U-gMEYy5FRQgZI6edUklV0rJAgSoHcx-UZX2EknSA_WJ7xuD0qgx8heAYIY8nOWHa9io0AivkfjEY48kPSSst/s1600/13+-+7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuUCexw0uwo/UlXZ-8sl6nI/AAAAAAAAFoM/gqYod9Q5xxM/s1600/13+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuUCexw0uwo/UlXZ-8sl6nI/AAAAAAAAFoM/gqYod9Q5xxM/s320/13+-+6" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULAjcpgdOUiK0DnIUqPoJnEhW98z2JS5RxF-Dkc4BF2HHDrrA5VzB7Mek-dF5oxojTQ9Tb5rsJQ7RxApyf12rJhnP31wH0bAaxov6LXFwrkEtJq4oKc9QOgjRfx44GtTh1x431zCu8ayW/s1600/13+-+3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULAjcpgdOUiK0DnIUqPoJnEhW98z2JS5RxF-Dkc4BF2HHDrrA5VzB7Mek-dF5oxojTQ9Tb5rsJQ7RxApyf12rJhnP31wH0bAaxov6LXFwrkEtJq4oKc9QOgjRfx44GtTh1x431zCu8ayW/s320/13+-+3" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuUCexw0uwo/UlXZ-8sl6nI/AAAAAAAAFoM/gqYod9Q5xxM/s1600/13+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-jfoT0X_g2R1dPhHVrkl9l5cWQ9oC2gS1T8Y5XrJn6c4bzNcwD-ONfzVldIkGPkAvY2Tyfa7pp8l-LCBlKrlNq7uYNMEr7fvk-B1Z__YuIDEKxkIRe-WioRYbeWzwTqUsg6AknyyxGFY/s1600/13+-+8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Place on ungreased cookie sheet.<br /><br />Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookies are set. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuf1kXGqfvixlTjM27k1tgbomqZm-QDCvPe9JbZp-n5d4xJ8eg849n8Q5sNVAsAk0oDRPw-Qt1frOVXUfS72XqD2JwPvu6lXdFmpDP_9sFHui9xXqhecFjEAdqvv7XKL44XTD7rsZ3Jq0/s320/13+-+4" width="240" /><br /><br />While the cookies are baking I unwrap the necessary number of Hershey's kisses.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCEQh48BzCY-2pCCYtV7oEoXUvUqYbSOWhFpQpPxWENsZUPAqlv18EhRiO497Kse_ciuLLMIRXueaJ6Hl2NV2C5il-6yQjuzayPEHdmOigzqP1EdKbLvQk0hKFpjxtE7120TrG6c4KuET/s1600/13+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCEQh48BzCY-2pCCYtV7oEoXUvUqYbSOWhFpQpPxWENsZUPAqlv18EhRiO497Kse_ciuLLMIRXueaJ6Hl2NV2C5il-6yQjuzayPEHdmOigzqP1EdKbLvQk0hKFpjxtE7120TrG6c4KuET/s320/13+-+5" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remove from oven; cool 2 to 3 minutes.<br /><br />Press candy piece into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.</div>
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This recipe supposedly yields 35 cookies...I got 22. But, that's all dependent on how big you scoop out your cookies.<br /><br />Enjoy! We sure have!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-61742660400261411892013-10-09T12:59:00.000-05:002013-10-09T12:59:18.842-05:00Classic Catch-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I've been doing relatively well with keeping up on my fiction, non-fiction, classic rotation...except for the non-fiction part. But, we won't focus on that in this post... </div>
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The three books I'll review for you today are all classics...one being quite old, one a little older than me, and the third being a modern classic.</div>
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First, <i>Madame Bovary</i>. The quite old classic.</div>
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Ugh...I cannot even tell you how much I disliked this woman! I know that you weren't supposed to and that you're supposed to focus on the writing style on this one...but, I just couldn't get over it. I, literally, wanted to throttle Madame Bovary multiple times throughout this book. I kept calling her a twit, which is an understatement. And to top it all off, this book has a horribly sad ending. Two stars from me...sorry, the writing style just didn't make up for the storyline.</div>
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Next, a modern day classic, <i>The Historian</i>. This book is on every to-read list concocted within the past ten years. So, I thought I'd give it a go. It's only been sitting in my book club borrowed pile for about a year.<br /><br /></div>
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My sentiment? Eh. Do you remember my review about <a href="http://crystalclearasmud.blogspot.com/2013/02/swan-thieves.html" target="_blank"><i>The Swan Thieves</i></a>? I kinda felt the same way about <i>The Historian</i> that I did about it. In other words, it's OK...but, when I'm going to read a huuuge book like this, I want to LOVE it at the end. And that didn't happen. It was good, just not fantastic and worthy of all the hoopla.</div>
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Lastly, a Judy Blume classic from the 1970s...<i>Blubber</i>. This one is also a favorite on the most controversial and banned books lists.</div>
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I'll be honest and say that I haven't read a lot of Judy Blume. This might be only my second or third. And when Becky and I went to Kansas City to meet Maggie Steifvater, this was one of the books we listened to on the way. Wow...have you seen the movie <i>Mean Girls</i>? This is like that, only grade school. Those girls were mean, including the narrator! This is not a feel good YA by any stretch. Becky and I discussed it and both of us agreed that the bullies didn't even really feel bad about what they did in the end...no real closure. <br />
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When the book was done, thankfully, there was a commentary with the author at the end. And Blume explained why she wrote this book. Back in 1974 when this book was originally published, bullying wasn't the headline news story on the evening news like it can be today. So, her point with this book was to open the door for conversations about bullying. I'm glad I learned this before rating the book, because I was fully prepared to give it somewhere between one and two stars...but, knowing that, I went ahead and gave it three. Because this book would be an excellent way to kick-start that conversation with your kid(s).<br />
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So...what classics have you read lately?</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-71404657731602962122013-10-08T10:04:00.000-05:002013-10-08T10:04:46.416-05:00Gray and Yellow Baby Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finished yet another baby blanket this past week! This one will probably be the last for a little while...simply because I don't know anyone else who is pregnant.<br /><br />This is the same pattern that I used for <a href="http://crystalclearasmud.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-latest-crochet-creation-another-baby.html" target="_blank">this blanket</a>, just different colors. This particular blanket I crocheted for David's cousin, whose wife is expecting later this month. They're decorating their nursery in yellow and light gray...hence these colors.<br /><br />Love how this blanket turned out! <br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CObK3rYaf10/UlQcwos5mVI/AAAAAAAAFmg/w_X0BpuBZzk/s320/13+-+1" width="240" /></div>
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P.S. In case you're interested, I offer this blanket as a custom order in my Etsy shop!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-61758993317393008732013-10-07T15:43:00.000-05:002013-10-07T15:43:27.972-05:00Someone Cry For the Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Prior to reading this book, I might be one of the few people that lives in Oklahoma that was not aware of this story. <i>Someone Cry For the Children</i> is the true story about the investigation and trial of the suspect involving the brutal rape and murder of three Girl Scouts at a camp in northeastern Oklahoma in 1977. The book, written by OSBI agents involved in the investigation, is gritty...most definitely not a book to read before you go to bed. <br />
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I was horrified by the murder scene (and a detailed rape scene later on)...I'm telling you that this book is like reading an episode of either CSI or Criminal Minds. Or both combined. Only more detailed. There were parts that, literally, turned my stomach.<br />
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This book is a solid piece of literature, detailing the ins and outs of this investigation and trial. I felt like there was no stone left unturned, no detail left unsaid. With that being said, are you interested in my opinion regarding the fact that this case has been left unsolved? For, literally, longer than I've been alive... <br />
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I don't know. <br />
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You leave this book still unsure about whether or not Gene Leroy Hart is guilty. There were points where you think he's most definitely guilty...other parts where you think he most definitely had to be innocent. And after finishing the book...I don't know. The friend who recommended this book to me, Becky AKA the other Becky, said she felt the same way.<br />
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I'll tell you what really affected me about this book though. I remember going to Girl Scout camp as a young girl in the mid-1980s. And I remember bunking up in a wooden-structured, screen-surrounded type of building...not the tents the girls in this book used. And I remember the camp counselors <b><i>vehemently</i></b> ordering the girls in each structure to lock the door, which only locked from the inside, each night and refusing to open it for anyone (even another counselor) until the next morning when we were to come outside for breakfast. After reading this book, I realized that this case <b><i>had </i></b>to be why this strict rule was enforced. Scary stuff.<br />
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It's not often that you read a book detailing events that took place and affected events in your life. And to not have been aware of this story at the time (my mother wasn't aware either because she lived in Dallas at the time of the murders), but to know now 20+ years later. Freaky!<br />
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This book is extremely rare...Becky had to pay a pretty penny for it. But, if you can find it, I highly recommend reading it. Most especially if you're an Okie resident...and even more so if you're a northeastern Okie resident like me.Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-61258175232405477772013-10-03T13:28:00.000-05:002013-10-03T13:28:02.116-05:00My First...<div style="text-align: center;">
If you follow me on Instagram, you might already kinda sorta know about this quilt. A few weeks ago, I posted this picture of the finished quilt top, complete with Molly's bored expression in the background.</div>
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This is the first time I have ever completed a real, normal-sized quilt from start to finish. <br /><br />I've been playing on the long arm quite a bit and I felt comfortable enough to try a real quilt, though only one either I or my mother would keep. I'd muuuuch rather screw up my own stuff than someone else's. For sure.<br /><br />So, I did a mixture of meandering (on the neutrals, center section) and swirls (on the colorful, border section).</div>
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I learned a ton more about my machine, the rolling, the tension...pretty much everything...while finishing this guy. I like how it turned out, even though this type of quilt isn't my normal "style." I'm more girly than this, in case you didn't already know.</div>
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I don't think I'll actually use this one, rather I'm planning on hanging it in my craft room to look and ponder from time to time. The more I do this and get the hang of it, the more I think I'll enjoy looking at this quilt. My first, complete with all the errors and learning curves only I can really see.</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-87858889642182829792013-10-02T10:41:00.000-05:002013-10-02T10:41:07.058-05:00Light and Fun Reads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OK, so back to playing catch-up. I thought I'd try to catch up a little
on the reads I have finished recently. Here are just a few, all
grouped into this same blog post because they are all (did you read the
post title?) light and fun.<br /><br /><i>The Last Original Wife</i><br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365988672l/16248139.jpg" width="212" /><br /><br />This book is a fun, summery read. Leslie Anne Greene Carter is the last original wife of her husband's middle-aged, upper class, golf-playing, country-club livin' co-worker and friends group. This story tackles some serious issues and includes a douse of humor along the way. It was a good, solid chick lit that would be ideal for a vacation read.<br /><br /><i>Summerland</i><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328319028l/12799058.jpg" width="206" /><br /><br />I'm not sure I'd truly classify this book as light and fun...simply because there's a car wreck, a fair amount of death and infidelity in this book. However, this wasn't really a book that bogged me down at the same time, which is why I'm including it in this grouping. This book explores the reality of what a tight-knit community can be, especially during a tragedy. It was well written and I enjoyed it all the way up until the end. The girl that dies in this book I could never really understand or connect with...therefore, I only gave it two stars...sorry Elin!<br /><br /><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i><br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1333819031l/37435.jpg" width="203" /><br /><br />Yes, I've read the book and seen the movie now (though, not in that order). This was another book that was in the massive pile from my great-great aunt's house. I'm glad I read it because it truly is a wonderful story. I won't explore this book any more because, unless you've lived under a rock, you're aware of the story.<br /><br /><i>Where'd You Go, Bernadette</i><br /></div>
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This book is in rotation in my book club. A very whimsical, cute read that, again, tackles some serious topics (miscarriages, mental health, infidelity, etc.). I really enjoyed this one, though about three-quarters of the way through it, I wasn't sure where the author was taking the story... No worries, it ended up well (even if I was rather perturbed with the father by the end). Give this one a go!</div>
<br />Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-66516973752098612132013-10-01T14:44:00.000-05:002013-10-01T14:44:00.049-05:00Busy, Busy, Busy Bee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been a little MIA lately...sorry about that! The truth is that
I've been really busy with this that and the other. Wanna play
catch-up? Here we go!<br /><br />First up...my friend, Becky, and I drove
to Kansas City to meet Maggie Steifvater! This was a super fun girls'
trip for Becky and me. We listened to a couple audiobooks on the way,
hung out on the Plaza, met up with her sister who lives nearby and I got
to see an old high school buddy...not to mention the obvious fun of
meeting a much beloved author!<br /><br /><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCSNId5WDSI/UksiBlB1VRI/AAAAAAAAFkA/POb2GKMvV5g/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></div>
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Next...not this past weekend, but the one before was my dad's birthday. So, we went down to Texas for his favorite birthday celebration: NHRA Drag Racing Finals in Ennis. Got a great pic of me with my dad actually smiling (he usually only does that when a grandkid is in the frame) along with a cute pose of my aunt/uncle's Australia Shepperd, Toby. Love how Toby's tongue is lolling out to the side.</div>
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Come race day the brothers found matching baseball hats that fit! I have to explain the wonderfulness of this feat. My dad wears a XXXL motorcycle helmet. So yea, finding a hat to fit him borders along the lines of ridiculous impossibilities. <br /><br />Boy...you can't tell they're brothers at all, can you?</div>
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These flowers in my back yard are currently making me happy. I have nooooo idea what they are, but I transplanted them out of my grandma's yard last year. I was already taking some tiger lilies (which reproduce like crazy in her yard) when she told me to take some of these too. She said they reproduce like mad as well and I have to admit that she's right; they've already doubled in quantity. I can't say the same for the tiger lilies though...the bunny rabbits that get into our yard seem to think they're too tasty to let bloom...bastards.</div>
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Almost last up, I got a shock of hot pink (technically the color is labeled magenta) in my hair. A close friend of mine has a couple of pink spots that I thought were cute, so I thought I'd give it a try. The verdict? I'm still undecided...what do you guys think?</div>
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Speaking of pink...how do you like my cute cards that I'll enclose with my Etsy orders? <br />Love the mud splatter on the bright pink!<br /> </div>
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I'll try to get more in the swing of blogging again this week. I've got a couple of craft projects to share, not to mention quite a few book reviews. Stay tuned, I promise I'll be back soon!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-33811559990228707702013-09-19T15:59:00.000-05:002013-09-19T15:59:21.431-05:00Classic and Contemporary Mysteries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you regular readers know, I'm not much of a mystery fan. However,
I've been on a tiny bit of a kick lately and want to share a couple with
you that I think are <i><b>absolutely fabulous</b></i>. <br /><br />Let's start with
classic mystery...this is another Agatha Christie. Don't even try to
pretend to be shocked. Now, prior to reading this one <i>Death on the Nile
</i> was my favorite Agatha Christie. After this...I'm not so
sure...they're pretty tied for first place.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1309204192l/16304.jpg" width="193" /> </div>
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<br />To tell you the truth, the main reason why I absolutely loved <i>Murder on the Orient Express</i> was the ending. And the endings are what make Agatha Christie so special. I haven't read an even remotely similar ending in all of her books that I've picked up. And because I don't want to spoil it (because I DO want you to read this one) I'm <i>NOT</i> going to tell you what's so magical about this book. Pick it up. Soon, you won't regret it!<br /> </div>
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Like half of the western world, I read <i>Gone Girl</i> earlier this year. And my book club has since become obsessed with reading all of Flynn's previous works. This is the first one I've picked up because...honestly?...I was way too hyped up about <i>Gone Girl</i>. It was a really good book and fantastically twisted, but because I knew it was supposed to be fantastic going in...it's just easy to get let down. Now, when I picked <i>Dark Places</i> up only the girls in my book club had reviewed it and they all said positive things. About the book/plot...not what actually happens in the book. Because this is another sick and twisted Gillian Flynn. And I have to say, it's fantastic as well. Verrrry twisted (that's the last time I'll use twisted as an adjective, promise) so be prepared. Two thumbs up.<br /><br />So, in case you were dropping by my blog looking for a new book to read...there ya go!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-21618528564360379012013-09-11T15:03:00.000-05:002013-09-11T15:03:48.279-05:00Reading Lately...Meh?<div style="text-align: center;">
I've picked a few books lately that just didn't measure up to my expectations. None of these books were bad...but, none of them were anything I'd probably recommend? In fact, all except this first I gave a mere two stars out of five.</div>
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<br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355182026l/16099189.jpg" width="210" /><br /><i>T</i><i>he Light in the Ruins</i><br />(Three stars)<br /><br />I've seen
this book everywhere...bookstores, recommended reading lists, etc.,
etc. It's a murder mystery connected to a point in time in the
not-so-distant past. It was just OK for me.<br /><br /></div>
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<i>Sisterland</i><br />(Two stars)<br /><br />I'll be honest and say that this
book is extremely well written and that I was fully engaged...all the
way up until the last quarter. The main character did something at this
point in the plot that I just could not get over and, therefore, the
book soured for me quickly. And because of her distasteful choice, I
also found the ending unrealistic.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356120056l/16085482.jpg" width="210" /></div>
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<i>Kiss Me First</i><br />(Two stars)<br /><br />The premise of this book is
very dark; it's another assisted suicide novel. However, this book is
much more disturbing than the beautifully written <i>Me Before You</i>
(click <a href="http://crystalclearasmud.blogspot.com/2013/08/me-before-you.html" target="_blank">here</a> for my review of it). Plus, the further I got towards the
end of this book, the more I just felt sorry for the main character.
She's hopelessly socially inept and she's horribly taken advantage of
because of it. This is not a feel-good book and though I know it's not
supposed to be, I still didn't quite appreciate it.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1338488624l/13537915.jpg" width="208" /></div>
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<i>Freud's Sister</i><br />(Two stars)<br /><br />I really thought this book had potential! This is a historical fiction novel that is based on a true story; it narrates the story of Adolphina, Sigmund Freud's favorite sister. When the Nazi's were closing in on Vienna, Sigmund was given an exit visa and could take anyone with him that he chose. He took with him his wife, doctor, maids, wife's sister and even his dog...but, not one of his four sisters. Sadly, this book was very dry, though there were a few interesting tidbits throughout that are probably true facts. I think I might have been expecting too much on this one...I might like it more the longer it's been since I've read it.</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-43424019225720351772013-09-09T13:40:00.000-05:002013-09-09T13:40:18.551-05:00Quilting Catch-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tend to perform marathon sessions of whatever interests me in a
particular moment...or day...or week. This past Friday it was my
quilting to-do list. I've had a few quilts that I'd been piecing
together and was just ready to be finished with that aspect of it. In
other words, I was ready to throw them in the to-be-long-armed pile.
So, I finished three quilt tops on Friday, starting in the morning and
finishing up around 9 o-clock that night. I love how each turned out
and can't wait to quilt them on the long arm!<br /><br />This first one is my scrappy rail fence...Molly's not impressed, if you can't tell.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVqrji23kvI/Ui4S869ZWpI/AAAAAAAAFhk/n87p654XQzE/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></div>
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This hot air balloon quilt is a compilation of blocks that my mom received in a block swap. A block swap is where, in this case, 25 quilters (from all over the country) all make 25 of the exact same whatever-themed block (in this case, hot air balloons). Then, each quilter sends all their blocks to the organizer of said block swap. The organizer arranges the blocks so that each quilter then receives one of each other participant's block. Hence, everyone has the same 25 blocks to work with and assemble their quilt. Here's how our quilt looks assembled:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yd39_eD4EI/Ui4S8xpQWMI/AAAAAAAAFhc/0sKWYhJKAHA/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yd39_eD4EI/Ui4S8xpQWMI/AAAAAAAAFhc/0sKWYhJKAHA/s320/13+-+2" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, this one is my creation. You might recognize some of these blocks from <a href="http://crystalclearasmud.blogspot.com/2013/06/crystals-crafty.html" target="_blank">this post</a> back in June. I wanted the quilt to be larger than just the log cabin blocks, so I've interspersed them with hourglass and plain red blocks. Can't wait to play with this one on the long arm and then snuggle up with it this winter!</div>
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You know how the older you get the more you seem to be like your parents? Well, with these quilt tops...I totally can see myself turning into my mother! Haha, why fight it?</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-2379214735715941262013-09-03T13:07:00.001-05:002013-09-03T13:07:37.948-05:00It Only Took Me Three Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
David and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary at the end of
July. Ever since I got our wedding photos back from the photographer
I've been, on again off again, scrapbooking our wedding. <br /><br />Well, a
little over a week ago my good friend Becky came to visit me for the
morning/early afternoon. There was a scrapbooking convention near my
house that she really wanted to attend. So we went! It was a super fun
girls' day where we went to the convention, out for a delicious lunch
and then...both of us being bookies...a couple book stores. Super fun!<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0HX88fE_p2fmy1p0GzxRNrWS_5o2RO_7DibBnlNmOeD-p7SwqfTwRxGfDetBbpynEdFeWTmEe1YTmRPQQbjJdX_xQOH1LMxqfPLR3I9RgRbaoY4R0SHHwnCBIYdyMYQIVU74dAg6aWa/s320/beckyandme.jpg" width="262" /></div>
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Well, this convention inspired me to finish our scrapbook. I knew I was
well over halfway done, I just hadn't spread out my pictures and
scrapbooking accoutrements lately. <br /><br />In case you're wondering...this was
how I spent my Labor Day afternoon and evening...it's done! <br />And I
couldn't be happier with it...unless a professional had done it for me, haha!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28sEhIiF9LY/UiYhAvrjZdI/AAAAAAAAFg0/uf9JFFBH7n8/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28sEhIiF9LY/UiYhAvrjZdI/AAAAAAAAFg0/uf9JFFBH7n8/s320/13+-+1" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />A sneak peek inside...<br /><br />Flowers<br /></div>
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<br />Bride and groom.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggphtw8ma3TN2dztUVi8tcOIpKjjY9XPQBRtjxn5WSpooA6gHSTNLeH8TaUP-iJ7Gz7s4dqmrfVKezCiin9JRKktP4L8bLEqallFSHKbJiHFgJS7sVs_fwxNwn3Cs77d_fovbQw-r1S-Gj/s320/13+-+9" width="240" /></div>
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<br />The ceremony.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7brJ-Deyb_nSAFEge06PqtUcJPRYMRIc2gkC244zKOnz0GueEKkG9S0rfkHz_0bghsRpDH7RW3gjYASSN9gjIBEmfP6pp9Tg32waIUJL05lbVsA-2pLCpBU5xfzaSRfD3b8V5HnJ3rDY5/s320/13+-+8" width="240" /></div>
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<br />All my girls.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWxu9xFyli4/UiYhAgvfPbI/AAAAAAAAFgM/ILtMm_kRfxY/s320/13+-+7" width="240" /></div>
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<br />My cake.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmHXGEohaeM/UiYhAg1o9TI/AAAAAAAAFgs/qoYzHCYF8oQ/s320/13+-+5" width="240" /></div>
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<br />Generational pic of married hands.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwwVxqTPlB6FxTsJiJIvBdZgBD2oFxP-rut7Nka5le8yhKLoM-Wvyw6MpSCks5fwQAG532cgDaVXZaPg8WztKiIUALWHzOAfmydsuGKPWT_gSvo8Vs0gIM-_lrL0rBsIxU7V-dWDf5Ci6/s1600/13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwwVxqTPlB6FxTsJiJIvBdZgBD2oFxP-rut7Nka5le8yhKLoM-Wvyw6MpSCks5fwQAG532cgDaVXZaPg8WztKiIUALWHzOAfmydsuGKPWT_gSvo8Vs0gIM-_lrL0rBsIxU7V-dWDf5Ci6/s320/13+-+4" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />My "thing that went wrong on my wedding day" was that my maid of honor tripped and twisted her ankle the morning of...so, of course, this documentation got it's own page.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cspcj7yRU8w/UiYhAuPOOJI/AAAAAAAAFgU/Vk5JeZZ6M7E/s320/13+-+6" width="240" /></div>
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<br />Family having fun and shakin' their booties.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJehL69V5Pw/UiYhApBy1MI/AAAAAAAAFfs/Btvl2Z9Yrik/s320/13+-+3" width="240" /></div>
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<br />Our send off...<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kFG45-ccM8/UiYhAlGiHWI/AAAAAAAAFf0/OxFNYScYx84/s320/13+-+2" width="240" /></div>
<br />Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-27571747352820457812013-08-30T16:49:00.001-05:002013-08-30T16:49:51.521-05:00Happy Friday...Before a Looooong, Holiday Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope the anticipation
of a long, holiday weekend has made it that much easier to make it
through this week.<br /><br />Today, I was cleaning house and this was totally me.<br /><br /> <img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ3gFwfq5_Rv8dg0d3e1KkwDjFcAqM9y-gHBsnA5nZ68PVOSMxR4qZe7bGE65TF-JeYFcNYYPrANebZzEUqWAaRk-EdJdTsg50dfybpMqzv0K_zflQIfH-RlDUMBhxpZO1SMrTo_davzf/s320/cartoon.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Specifically P!nk. For some reason I've been obsessed with her music this week, playing all of her stuff on my iPod...on repeat. David told me the other night, "Ugh, I can't get away from the P!nk!!" Haha!<br /><br />Here's one of my favorites...it was hard for me to share just one. And yes, I know the radio is playing this song into the ground. But, I still love it.</div>
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<br />By the way, you know what tomorrow is?</div>
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Also, because this is a nice, long, holiday weekend I thought I'd give anyone who might be interested a coupon code for my Etsy shop. <br /><br />In case there's anything you've had your eye on, here's a code for 20% off anything in my shop: happylaborday. This code is valid through Monday.<br /><br />See you next week!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-42926765066108796372013-08-29T15:17:00.000-05:002013-08-29T15:20:20.519-05:00Nicholas and Alexandra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It took me a solid 1.5 months to slog through this behemoth of a book. With that being said, <i>Nicholas and Alexandra</i> is not a boring or slow book, by any means. However, when you're reading non-fiction and there's a super dense amount of information packed away in the pages...it's just a lot to take in. And this wasn't a book I was going to rush myself to finish quickly. This subject has always fascinated me. <br />
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I suppose it all started when, in school, we went to view the Faberge eggs that were on tour (visiting Kansas City) back when I was in...ummm, I think it was middle school? Regardless, they were/are gorgeous and the story of the Romanovs is enthralling...and tragic, of course.<br />
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Another thing that sparked this interest was this movie. Anyone else remember it?<br />
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I think I actually owned this movie (and maybe the soundtrack too?) at some point. I'm sure it was on VHS and who knows where that might be. <br />
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Of course, after reading this book I've discovered that virtually everything in this movie was/is false. Anastasia couldn't have survived. And by the way, Rasputin died before all the Romanovs. So, why was he lurking around as the bad guy in this movie? Weirdo.<br />
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But, back to the book...sorry, got a little off topic there for a second...this is truly the story of the last generation of the Romanovs. Nicholas and Alexandra just happened to be at the forefront and they were the ones that affected the majority of the Romanovs' fate at that time, hence the title. <br />
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I didn't know who, what, when, when, where and how the fall of the Romanov dynasty played out until reading this book. The fact that the tsarevich, the heir apparent, had hemophilia had a major role in the course of events. Massie makes it clear that if Alexis, Nicholas and Alexandra's only son, hadn't had hemophilia, then they wouldn't have met the manipulative Rasputin. And therefore, with no Rasputin there would have been no Lenin. <br />
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One of the main excerpts from this book that really got me was when Rasputin was finally murdered. It took numerous attempts, in different ways, all in one sitting, to kill this man. He, literally, WOULD NOT DIE. The whole scene was totally creeptacular. <br />
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There were good, fantastic really, parts of this book too. Nicholas and Alexandra were madly in love. This was apparent, through onlookers and their correspondence, that the two truly adored each other and rarely squabbled. In fact, in the beginning you learn that the two were fond of each other from a very young age.<br />
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I really enjoyed learning about the Romanov family, their history and, sadly, their last days. If you're interested at all in this subject, I would highly recommend this book. However, I know that 500+ page, non-fiction, about a dead dynasty doesn't intrigue everyone. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend this book for just anyone. However, for me this was a solid four star (out of five) read.Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-11099456511719311642013-08-28T15:56:00.000-05:002013-08-28T15:56:29.673-05:00The Hathaway Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />OK, I promise after this post it'll be a while before another Lisa
Kleypas (or any other smutty "literature") makes it's way onto this
blog. I was reading yet another intense, non-fiction behemoth (review coming tomorrow) and
needed something light to spice things up and the Hathaway series fit
the bill perfectly.<br /><br />As many of Lisa Kleypas' books, these are all
part of a familial series. This particular grouping is an historical
fiction set that focuses on the five sibling family of the Hathaways,
set in 19th century England. I loved each of the siblings and their
love interests, particularly the gyspy factor that was going on in the
first couple books. Though, I will say the titles and covers of these
books kinda cracked me up. But, those are truly my only negative
comments regarding these books. Thanks Lindsay, for bringing these to book club!<br /><br />If you've read either the Travis family
series or the wallflower series by Kleypas (and liked/loved them) then
you'd definitely like this set. If you're not into "this kind of
reading," that's OK too; just pass these right on by. I won't judge
either way! <br /><br />However, and I know I've shared this before, but after reading any "romance" novel I always come back to reality in this way.</div>
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Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-52336614871359247772013-08-27T15:51:00.002-05:002013-08-27T15:51:55.099-05:00Cookies, Cookies and More Cookies!Within the past week, I joined the committee in our church that is in charge of planning potlucks, showers, etc. And within days of saying I'd join, I was requested to help with a funeral. Just to provide cookies and help set-up and whatnot. Hello, cookies? That's right up my alley! So, I made a couple of new recipes that I'd been dying to try. Both turned out delish, though I will say that my preference (of these two) is the lemon.<br /><br />First up...<br /><br /><b>Loaded Oatmeal Cookies</b><br />adapted from...ummm, I'm not sure. I think I got this from a <i>Food Network Magazine</i> around 2009ish.<br /><br />1/4 cup butter, softened<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/3 cup sugar<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/8 tsp salt<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
3/4 quick oats<br />
1/4 cup flax seed meal<br />
1/4 cup wheat germ<br />
1/2 cup chocolate chips<br />1/4 cups dried cranberries<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour. Stir in oats, flax seed meal, wheat germ, chocolate and cranberries (dough will be crumbly).<br /><br />
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<br />Drop dough by rounded teaspoons two inches apart on ungreased (or Silpat covered) cookie sheets. <br /><br />
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Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet for one minute, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.</div>
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<br />Makes approximately 30 cookies.<br /><br />
I just wanna say, this is the first time I've ever used flax seed
meal and wheat germ. In case you're wondering, they don't taste weird
or health-nutty. Just good, yummy, delicious cookies. I thought the chocolate chips and cranberries might not mesh well...I was wrong. Try these!<br /><br />Next,<br /><br /><b>Lemon-on-Lemon Iced Cookies</b><br />adapted from <i>Taste of Home Magazine</i>, September 2012 issue<br /><br />2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />
1 tbsp grated lemon peel<br />1 cup cold butter, cubed <span style="color: red;">(plus more if necessary)</span><br /><br />Icing<br />1 cup confectioners' sugar<br />
1/2 tsp grated lemon peel<br />
4-6 tsp lemon juice<br /><br />In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and lemon peel. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Transfer to a clean work surface; knead gently until mixture forms a smooth dough, about 2 minutes. <span style="color: red;">I had to add extra butter at this point because the dough was too crumbly. </span><br /><br />On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out and begin cutting cookies using cookie cutter of your choice. Obviously, I chose stars.<br /><br />Bake at 325 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly browned. You can remove to wire racks to cool completely, but I left mine on the sheets so I could simply clean up my Silpat pads after icing the cookies.<br /><br /> <br />
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<br />In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, lemon peel and enough lemon juice to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle over cookies, let stand until set. <br /><br />
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<br />Nom, nom, these were fantastic! And they were, definitely, the more popular of the two types of cookies. They taste like an iced shortbread cookie with a nice lemony kick.<br /><br />Now, David does not like cranberries or lemon. So, when he had complained enough (it didn't take much), I made him a batch of good, ol' fashioned, chocolate chip cookies. I simply used the recipe on the back of my Hershey's chocolate chips bag. You can see that recipe <a href="https://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipe-details.aspx?id=5368" target="_blank">here</a>. If you follow me on Instagram you might already know, but on the second night after I made these cookies...on a lark, I decided to make myself a homemade ice cream sandwich. Wise choice...delicious! <br />
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There is, seriously, an unreal amount of cookies in my house right now.
What number do I call for the Cookie Monster to make a house call?
Speaking of which, has anyone else seen this Family Guy episode where Cookie Monster goes to rehab? David was crying with laughter when he first saw it,
rewinding it and then re-watching it several times.</div>
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<br />Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-45283304643136180352013-08-23T09:20:00.000-05:002013-08-23T09:20:01.658-05:00Friday Funday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thought I'd round out this week with two things that made me smile.<br /><br />One, we finally got the long arm assembled!! Woohoo!!<br /><br />In
case you're lost as to what a long arm is, it's a huuuge machine
that's basically just a larger sewing machine placed on a frame
to sew quilts together. When you get to the point where you've finished
a quilt top, you place that, some batting and a backing together and
sew a pretty design all over it and ta-da, you're 95% done with your
quilt (the last 5% is attaching a binding). <br /><br />Here it 'tis! I've
been playing on this thing off and on all week. It's hard and easy at
the same time. I just need practice, practice, practice!<br /><br /><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRevzyKN4CM/Uhds-Xmp29I/AAAAAAAAFcU/JoSWLIrdJro/s320/13+-+2" width="320" /><br /><br />Next, David planted some miniature pumpkins and gourds this year. I love to decorate with them during the fall and because of that we decided to give them a go in the garden. Aren't they the cutest?!<br /><br /></div>
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<br />Happy Friday ya'll; have a super, fantastic weekend!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-63741708657817540962013-08-22T16:57:00.000-05:002013-08-22T16:57:27.922-05:00Me Before You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><i>Me Before You</i> appears to be the "it" book of the summer this year. I've seen it everywhere. On Barnes and Noble emails and stands, at my local used book store, on others' to-read lists on Goodreads, recommended via other authors...it's everywhere! So, I took this at book club, and being only the third person to have read it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I had high hopes.<br /><br />Some might call this book a love story. And others might call it a beautiful story about self-discovery and learning your true limits. I can see that, but I tend to think it's more of a political statement about self euthanasia. Let me give you a little background about the book to explain to why I think this...<br /><br />Lou Clark is one of the main characters in this book. In fact, I'd venture to say she's THE main character. At the beginning of the novel she's rather unassuming, having relegated herself to being the "lesser" child in her family. She's the eldest, but her sister is smarter, prettier...better at everything. And both sisters, in their mid-twenties, live at home with their parents and ailing grandfather. Lou isn't highly skilled or educated, but she enjoys working at the local coffee/pastry shop. And in her spare time she likes to be with her exercise-obsessed boyfriend...whom she's not quite sure she truly loves. <br /><br />Rather early on, Lou loses her job because the shop closes. When she goes down to the job center, she quickly realizes that the economy and her limited skill set are going to make finding a new job rather tricky. After a couple of trial runs, things are not looking good. Then, all of a sudden, an opening for care-giver becomes available. Lou doesn't think this is the job for her and explains to the job adviser about her ailing grandfather at home and how she couldn't possibly do the things her mothers does to assist him. Reluctantly, Lou goes on the interview and gets the job after interviewing with the mother of the "invalid." <br /><br />Young and gorgeous Will Traynor has done it all and been everywhere. Made his way to the top of his company? Check. Vacations that include skiing, bungee-jumping and other death-defying acts? Check, check and check. So, one rainy day when Will was run over by a motorcycle and left a quadriplegic, he thought his world had come to an end. He was sure of it. And he makes sure to let everyone around him know how unhappy he is in his current state. Yelling, grumbling, and rather making a spectacle of himself, Will is effectively shutting everyone out of his life. <br /><br />Lou's job is simply to take care of Will's basic (emotional) needs. A special care nurse comes in regularly, so she doesn't need to take care of most bodily needs. Rather, Will's mother hopes that Lou will provide him with companionship and tone down his vehement hatred of what is now his life.<br /><br />The rest of this book involves the relationship that Lou and Will harbor and develop. It's beautiful and sweet and a joy to read. But, the book also tackles the touchy subject of self euthanasia, which obviously is brought up by Will throughout the book. <br /><br />I loved this book and thought it was extremely well written. All the hype measures up for this one. However, I will say that if this is a subject you're not sure about...depending upon which side of the fence you're on...you might be careful in deciding whether or not to pick this one up. Regardless, I highly recommend this book...and I also recommend having a box of tissues nearby while you're reading it. Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-88170857224841134442013-08-21T14:53:00.001-05:002013-08-21T14:53:37.502-05:00My Latest Crochet Creation: Another Baby Blanket<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, I decided to give this adorable pattern a go. And this blanket made up beautifully as a gift for one of my long-time friends and his wife. They're expecting in November!<br /><br /></div>
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In fact, this pattern turned out so well that I'm in the processing of making yet another (in different colors) for another lucky couple we know (or one of us may be related to). <br /><br />Also, if you like this pattern (or think someone you know might), I've added a custom order listing for this blanket in my Etsy shop! You can click your way into my shop via the sidebar. <br /><br />Happy Hump Day!</div>
Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-79789941136316250282013-08-19T13:57:00.000-05:002013-08-19T13:57:28.320-05:00War and Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had book club on Friday and I have to say, most of the time that's my
favorite day of the month. Seriously. You could not meet a better
group of girls. <br /><br />And we're girls who are serious about books!
I've heard a lot of book clubs gather simply so that the group can talk
and eat/drink for one night per month. No husbands or babies allowed
(though we do allow babies in ours from time to time, heehee!).<br /><br />We
do plenty of that too, but when it's time to talk books...we're serious
and listen to each and every person go through their bag of books.
(I've mentioned before that we don't all read the same book every month,
rather each person gets to talk about every book they read and offer to
rotate it through the club if there's any interest.)<br /><br />Well, about
halfway through book club this time, my friend Kelsie took a pic of
some of our rotation. We're definitely an eclectic bunch!<br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6stc9r2vFsEE1mRQFLlD1hVAeZ2zSjRDRpSu3LY1xYHZ2Kn_sjzPG2S0f3qyz3Cya7H5PbFXsI8ORHWJb9suk4P19viiaXsZi8Yz6-6yWN5pug6Wo7dbMi4PtNtEgoaxvcN5wCplQf1F1/s320/books.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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Today I wanted to talk about the book in this pile that's mine, the third from the top. <i>War and Peace</i>. You remember how I mentioned last week that I had a super intense book that required some fluffy, palate-cleansing side reading? Yea, this one was it.<br /><br /><i>War and Peace</i> is one of those books that works it's way into everyday conversation simply because eeeeveryone has heard of it. In fact, David and I were watching an old Seinfeld rerun the other day and Elaine was talking about it (War, what's it good for?).<br /><br />In case you're unaware and curious as to the plot, <i>War and Peace</i> is the story of five interconnected families in Russia spanning the French invasion of Russian as well as the Napoleonic era and the peaceful times surrounding those. It's extremely intense and long...in fact, <i>War and Peace</i> is almost unanimously certified as the longest novel ever written.<br /><br />I really enjoyed the story, but I will say that I was super glad to finish it simply because of the length. I actually listened to it via audiobook (through my library app) and kept the character log open at all times. And if you want to try this, I would definitely recommend having a fantastic character log. My particular copy (the one pictured) had a wonderfully detailed one and I don't know what I would have done without it. Plus, having to check this book out with the library, I only had two weeks with it. That pushed me to finish it quickly, unlike when I read on <i>Anna Karenina</i> for approximately six months. This was a much better experience.<br /><br />Needless to say, <i>War and Peace</i> is fantastic and I highly recommend it. But, you do need to be prepared to dedicate a certain amount of time to reading it and also on being an active reader (constantly checking the character log throughout). There's no "zoning out" on this one. Let me know if you decide to give this one a go!</div>
<br />Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-30431358784813474092013-08-14T16:12:00.000-05:002013-08-14T16:12:59.274-05:00Friday Harbor Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know you must be thinking, "Man, this girl really likes Lisa Kleypas!" Well, you'd be right...along with about half of my book club. We've actually started using a term to describe her books, a "Kleypas cleanser." I've referred to this many times about how I need a palate cleanser between reading serious or intense literature (...regarding my most recent intense book that sparked the reading of this series, I'll give you a review of it later this week). With Kleypas, you always know what's going to happen: the couple is going to get together in the end. But, it's almost always an enjoyable experience to read your way through, hence a nice palate-cleansing read. <br />
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This series, Friday Harbor, is Kleypas' most recent and her second contemporary series. It also throws in a smidge of witch craft and ghosts (only in books 2-4). While this series is still worth the read, I didn't think it was quite up to Kleypas' usual standards. There's supposed to be a fifth book coming out soon, and I'll definitely read it too. But, if I were to give Lisa Kleypas some advice, I'd tell her to stay with her historical fiction niche. That's her forte and where I really enjoy her writing style.Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982336500030325802.post-15555056356073980232013-08-13T13:37:00.002-05:002013-08-13T13:37:48.309-05:00Silver Screen Chick LitA certain percentage of the huge stack o' books that I got from my great-great aunt's house were those that had been converted from chick lit into chick flicks. Recently, I've plowed through a few of them...all of them being quick and easy reads. Each of these was like reconnecting with an old friend that you haven't talked to in a long, long time. <br />
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First up, <i>Where the Heart Is</i>. I love this movie...and I think it might have been Natalie Portman's first big movie. I might hold it in a little extra regard simply because the vast majority of it takes place in Oklahoma too. This one is excellently adapted from book to movie, with the book having a few extra details throughout. No major parts were altered, so if you enjoyed the movie, then you'd also enjoy the book.<br />
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Next, <i>Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood</i>. This is actually the middle book in a trilogy and I went ahead and read the first (<i>Little Altars Everywhere</i>) and the last (<i>Ya-Ya's in Bloom</i>) books as well. The verdict? Just read <i>Divine Secrets</i>...the other two don't give you any extra backing for the story and I didn't particularly enjoy them. There are a few major points that are different in <i>Divine Secrets</i> the book, but the main basis/theme of the story is the same in movie and book.<br />
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Third...<i>The Notebook</i>. How, oh how, have I never read this? I'm not sure. But, this book is truly a joy to read. I know that Nicholas Sparks is a supremely sappy author and you always feel manipulated into tears by the end. However, I knew that going in...I've seen the movie many times...and it was a real joy to read this one. There are certain scenes in the book that aren't as gritty as they are in the movie, which I appreciated. A while back I also read <i>The Wedding</i>, which is a semi-sequel to this one...for my review of that book too, click <a href="http://crystalclearasmud.blogspot.com/2010/03/wedding.html" target="_blank">here</a>.Crystal Clear As Mudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17007707685639225279noreply@blogger.com0