tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89788332024-03-13T06:58:29.638-05:00The Oily Stitcher Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.comBlogger679125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-11387042245041426182021-05-07T20:42:00.001-05:002021-05-07T20:42:10.151-05:00Fallen by Linda Castillo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgxsfBMazdM/YJXsXwyxSVI/AAAAAAAAHxU/4LtGy8MrBAwf4I3Mwoy9xwqrz9CbNseCACLcBGAsYHQ/s899/AC52BFFF-020D-456F-B7B4-97387139DEEC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgxsfBMazdM/YJXsXwyxSVI/AAAAAAAAHxU/4LtGy8MrBAwf4I3Mwoy9xwqrz9CbNseCACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AC52BFFF-020D-456F-B7B4-97387139DEEC.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: verdana;">It's been a while! I have a book review for you today. Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book! Kate Burkholder books never disappoint. When a murdered young woman is found in a hotel room, Kate finds that she once knew the victim, and she, also, was formerly Amish. Her name is Rachael, and she no longer had many friends in Painter's Mill. Why was Rachael back in town? Who did she meet with. Kate must re-open old wounds and bring back bad memories with some of the townspeople to find out. I really enjoy this series, and they can be read out of sequence without too much confusion. I am going to continue to read the rest in the series! </span><p></p>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-65591152984568354332020-02-02T20:34:00.000-05:002020-02-02T20:34:31.155-05:00Book review: Behind Every Lie by Christina McDonald<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had read Christina McDonald's book - <i>The Night Olivia Fell, </i>and it was very good, so when I was invited via NetGalley to read her newest book, I did, of course! I wasn't disappointed. Eva wakes after being struck by lightning, to find out her mother is dead, and she is a suspect. She flees to London to dig deeper into her mother's past, unearthing her mother's hidden secrets, and having the distinct feeling she is being watched. The story is told alternating between her and her mother's perspectives, and is very easy to follow. Definitely a page turner! Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I can't wait to read more of Christina's work in the future. </span></div>
<br />Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-3010181991247330762019-11-05T22:31:00.000-05:002019-11-05T22:31:04.256-05:00<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello friends! Got a new computer so going to try blogging again! The MacBook makes it a whole lot easier to bring the photos I take on my phone into my blog. :) It will make life easier. I am still stitching- mainly trying to finish UFOs/WIPs. Been working on a Dimensions kit I got from a friend when she got rid of her stash. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's going to be for my daughter when it's finished. I haven't worked on it in the last week or two- I need to carve out more time for stitching. It's hard when you have so many things you love to do in your spare time! </div>
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I am loving this cooler weather! It's always a long time coming in NC. Trying not to have to turn the heat on too much so we got the space heater out and Ginger liked it.</div>
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Our girl was 8 years old last month! Time flies. She is still as sweet as ever.</div>
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Back in September we took a trip to visit family in Frederick, MD. It is such a lovely town! We were able to stay right downtown so we walked everywhere. We had great weather and had so much fun visiting with family and visiting all the quaint shops, one of which my brother-in-law and his wife own!</div>
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I took so many more photos than this- such a fun, beautiful town. I will have to post more another time. Will write again soon!</div>
</span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-61223445595294548102018-07-27T22:04:00.000-05:002018-07-27T22:04:27.467-05:00Abandoned by Allison BrennanI don’t think I have read any of the Max Revere books until now, and I think I will now have to go back and read the others! I was provided an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in return for a honest review. This was a great story and can be read as a stand-alone ev3n if you haven’t read the other Max Revere books, even though it will make you want to! The story was fast-paced, with likeable, believable characters. There wasn’t much bad language, and though there was mention of sex, the reader isn’t given all the details, which I appreciated. I would recommend this to anyone who likes suspense with a strong female lead, and some romance that doesn’t rule the story.Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-65821286348402730012018-05-24T20:17:00.000-05:002018-05-24T20:17:01.726-05:00A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, not much stitching lately but I have been on a roll reading books! I was recently given the opportunity to read this awesome novel, which will be published July 10.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6038Zd7G0zE/Wwdjds9cEJI/AAAAAAAAEAo/rWd8o3qrbaERA1gPA2NKy_S0VbBzq8FhgCLcBGAs/s1600/A%2BGathering%2Bof%2Bsecrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6038Zd7G0zE/Wwdjds9cEJI/AAAAAAAAEAo/rWd8o3qrbaERA1gPA2NKy_S0VbBzq8FhgCLcBGAs/s320/A%2BGathering%2Bof%2Bsecrets.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have read the first and second book in this series, and really enjoyed them. I also like that you can read them out of order and not be lost. Linda Castillo never disappoints. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> An Amish teen commits suicide. A few months later, another Amish teen is dead. Chief Kate Burkholder knows someone knows something, and no one is talking. This was a great read, full of twists and turns. This one kept me guessing and I was totally surprised at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this page-turner!</span></div>
Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-79911645159397731132018-05-13T15:23:00.000-05:002018-05-13T15:23:27.625-05:00Two more great books!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No new stitching progress as these two books have had me wrapped up- two more that I did not want to put down!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Received this from NetGalley and the publisher as an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review! It's hard to let you know what this is about, without giving any spoilers. Erin and Mark are newlyweds on their honeymoon. While snorkeling, they find something in the water that will change their lives and their relationship forever. I will be honest, when I first started reading this book, I was not sure I was going to like Erin. When you read the book you will understand. As I kept reading though, I slowly started to understand where things may be going. She did very frustrating things at times, but due to those things, the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Although in my head I said I would never do those things, or my husband wouldn't, if you really put yourself in their place you start to wonder..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I would hope that I would do the right thing. Highly recommend this book for fast-paced suspense! And for those that like their books without bad language and detailed sex scenes, this is also a book for you. I missed neither. I can't guarantee no bad language but I don't recall any.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On to the second.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another ARC from NetGalley! I had read B.A. Paris's <u>Behind Closed Doors,</u> and loved it, so I was excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. Finn and Layla had a whirlwind romance. One night, on the way hope from a trip to France, the couple stops at a rest area. Finn goes to use the restroom and when he returns, Layla has disappeared. After an exhaustive search, she is presumed dead. Finn meets Layla's sister, Ellen, and during their mourning of Layla, the eventually fall in love and get engaged. Suddenly, after the engagement is announced, people say they have seen Layla, and Finn and Ellen start receiving memoirs from Layla and Ellen's childhood that only a select few know about. Is Layla back? Where has she been for 12 years? This book kept me intrigued throughout, and there was a twist at the end that I did not see coming. Although I was a bit disappointed in the ending, I would still highly advise reading this book, especially if you are a lover of suspense!</span></div>
Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-84921476794821409882018-05-09T20:18:00.000-05:002018-05-09T20:18:03.313-05:00Wonderful book read and a little progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This book... ohhhh this book. First, I must apologize to the author and the publisher- I received an advanced copy of this in 2016 via NetGalley and I never read it until now. I don't know why, but oh, I am so glad I finally did read it. Based on actual people and events, it is the story of three very different women and the effects World War II had on them, and how eventually their paths intertwine. Caroline (one of the real people represented in this book) was a former actress, working at the French Consulate in New York City. Kasia, a Polish teenager, and Herta, a German doctor(the other real person represented.) The author, Martha Hall Kelly, did extensive research for this book and it shows. It is a window into that time and such a moving story. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is some recent progress on my LK sampler- I don't get to it every night, but trying manage my time a little better, so I find time stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My mom recently sent me a bird feeder to attach to our kitchen window- I have wanted one of these for so long! So far, not many birds have found it though. This is the first one I saw, although the window was too foggy to see it clearly! I haven't had many and have heard it takes some time for them to find it. I hope they do soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">'Til next time-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tracey</span></div>
Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-67939199532691674102018-05-03T21:06:00.001-05:002018-05-03T21:06:24.257-05:00Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All I can say is "Woah." I have never read a book quite like this before. Amber is in a coma. She can't open her eyes, move, or speak, but she can hear everything around her. This book was a journey of twists, turns, and surprises. Told through present tense, flashbacks, and diary entries, you will wonder with Amber- did her husband cheat on her with her sister? How did she end up in the hospital? Is she ever going to wake up? This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I totally did not see the end coming. It was a dark book, to be honest, I probably wouldn't read it again, but it was an excellent story. I highly recommend giving it a chance! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Til next time-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tracey</span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-22856098896352056412018-05-02T20:21:00.003-05:002018-05-02T20:21:51.698-05:00Long time no see...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow, I can't believe it has been over a year since I last posted! I have thought about my blog off and on in the last year, but wasn't sure I wanted to keep it up anymore, as I have had a lot of things pulling me in different directions. Things are kind of getting in a groove now, so I want to try again. I have been stitching more often and reading more often as well. In March, my grandpa passed away in Minnesota. I was fortunate to be able to fly to my parents' house and then drive with them to Minnesota, kind of like old times. It was fun, even though it was for a sad occasion. I got to see extended family that I hadn't seen in years, and since my dad did all of the driving, I had many hours for reading and stitching. I had gotten an advanced reader copy of <u>Crimson Lake</u> by Candice Fox not long before my trip, so I brought it along. Unfortunately, I left it in the first hotel we stayed at! Thankfully, my mom had loaned me a book as well so I read that one. The people working at the hotel found my book, and my aunt went to get it and mailed it back to me. It was an excellent read, the first in a series. I plan to read the future books in the series. Speaking of advanced reader copies, I have gotten two in the mail recently, which were a great surprise because I had forgotten I requested them/entered the giveaways! The first was <u>The Other Woman </u> by Sandie Jones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This book was amazing- I read most of it last Sunday and finished it up on Monday. It is Sandie Jones's first novel, and I look forward to reading more! The story follows Emily, who meets the man of her dreams, Adam. However, Adam's mother, Pammie, seems to be blocking the relationship at every turn, no matter what it takes, and Adam doesn't seem to see it. It's a great domestic suspense novel! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other book, which I am currently reading, is <u>Sometimes I Lie </u> by Alice Feeney. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-doybqkAw8/WupiXfMJrmI/AAAAAAAAD-M/Y13R_LWXuU0MtXTaA0qhOl_wC-7RuKIuQCLcBGAs/s1600/sometimesilie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-doybqkAw8/WupiXfMJrmI/AAAAAAAAD-M/Y13R_LWXuU0MtXTaA0qhOl_wC-7RuKIuQCLcBGAs/s320/sometimesilie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This one has been "unputdownable" as well. Amber is in a coma- she can hear everyone around her, but can't open her eyes, speak, or move. As she lies in the hospital trying to wake up, she is trying to figure out how she got there by the conversations of those around her. The memories alternate between present day, the days right before the accident that brought her to the hospital, and pre-teen diary entries. It is keeping me on the edge of my seat! In fact I plan on reading some more when I'm done with this post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As far as stitching, this year I am trying to finish my many works in progress and UFOs before I start anything else. I am currently working on that old LK Mystery Sampler that I was working on the last time I blogged! Pitiful, eh? Here is a recent photo:</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1emBTkzk_E/WupjgyPRjqI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/jcyn1xfQl0Yhbda8oZYNCUTUw4rYtOtjACLcBGAs/s1600/samplerupdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1emBTkzk_E/WupjgyPRjqI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/jcyn1xfQl0Yhbda8oZYNCUTUw4rYtOtjACLcBGAs/s320/samplerupdate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have started on the third section, but not gotten very far yet. These awesome books are keeping me away. :D </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am still using essential oils- I have a new website just for them, though I may still post here about them occasionally, as they have made such a difference in my life! That website is www.yldist.com/traceyb . Please comment if you try it and the link doesn't work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well that's about it for now.. thanks for sharing your time with me! It means a lot. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-72380919140243818112017-01-22T22:19:00.003-05:002017-01-22T22:19:56.540-05:00Happy new year!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello hello!! I can not believe it has been almost a year since I posted.. my apologies. Last year was a crazy year. If I had continued blogging I think you may have been disappointed in the amount of stitching I was doing. I don't really do new year's resolutions anymore but I do want to try to carve out more time for stitching this year. I do still enjoy it so much. I will post a picture of the tavern soon. It is semi-finished. The directions on the pattern were a little confusing, especially since I didn't have a photo of the finished product. It must have gotten lost at some point and was extremely hard to find online, at least one that was close up and clear. I never did find one. I don't know if you remember, but a friend had asked me to stitch that for her, and sadly, she passed away before I finished. She had some heart problems but was staying in an assisted living facility, and seemed to be doing pretty well. Her death was sudden and unexpected to many of her friends, including me. I plan on keeping the tavern in memory of her. Here is a photo of my latest WIP- Blackbird Designs' "Strawberry Fields Forever." </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9ReMSf_LHU/WIVn0bqBbKI/AAAAAAAAD88/IOi-2G35VCUkqHGbVBTK1G9R5TUTwT8cQCLcB/s1600/sampler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9ReMSf_LHU/WIVn0bqBbKI/AAAAAAAAD88/IOi-2G35VCUkqHGbVBTK1G9R5TUTwT8cQCLcB/s400/sampler.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, I have a long way to go!! I also have several UFOs I should start working on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Something else I am trying to do this year is make my house a toxin-free household as much as possible. Did you know when an item has "fragrance" in the ingredients it can include 300 different chemicals, etc? Including formaldehyde? When I found that out I threw my plug-ins in the trash! I was told of a website- ewg.org- where you can look up everyday household products and see what toxins, skin irritants, carcinogens, etc are in them. It is pretty eye-opening and pretty scary! I wish I would have found this site a lot sooner! The great thing about essential oils is that instead of being harmful when diffused into the air, is that they are actually helpful! For instance, oils like rosemary can promote mental clarity! Lavender and cedarwood can promote restful sleep! Citrus oils such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit can help you feel uplifted and happy! The list goes on... Cat owners do need to be careful as some oils are irritating to cats when diffused. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of animals..what would a post be without Ginger and/or Kona? Here is a pic of Kona on our one snow day we have had so far this year-</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RcbyNahbgo/WIV2JdbWdvI/AAAAAAAAD9M/82ZoNHNdaY0mc7OMeS-z3rTVK5E8ypn4ACLcB/s1600/konainsnow17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RcbyNahbgo/WIV2JdbWdvI/AAAAAAAAD9M/82ZoNHNdaY0mc7OMeS-z3rTVK5E8ypn4ACLcB/s400/konainsnow17.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Till next time-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tracey ♥</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-16514434068907368242016-02-07T19:27:00.002-05:002016-02-07T19:27:57.023-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy February everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time flies! Can't believe we are heading toward the middle of the month already!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been working a bit on the tavern and made some decent progress, for a change. I was just thinking that I need to pull threads for another project I have been meaning to start as well. The pattern is on loan so I need to get working! Here is the tavern thus far-</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dA7GjRLX4Xw/VrfYyis1GuI/AAAAAAAAD6k/XtITWRQpsUU/s1600/2016-01-24%2B23.04.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dA7GjRLX4Xw/VrfYyis1GuI/AAAAAAAAD6k/XtITWRQpsUU/s400/2016-01-24%2B23.04.34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an older pattern; I think the copyright is 1977! But the friend I am stitching it for wanted me to do it with overdyed threads. I think it will add a little something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been playing with my oils again- yesterday I made face cream and today I made shower gel. The face cream works wonderfully! I haven't tried the shower gel yet. I will in the morning. The face cream was so easy and quick! I found a recipe on Pinterest and changed it slightly. You need 1/2 cup coconut oil, 2 tsp almond oil, 1 tbsp raw shea butter, and essential oil.(your choice- I used lavender and frankincense because they are good for your skin. 5 drops each.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWAKBeiv3s4/VrfeKFXKnJI/AAAAAAAAD60/xcnQ5wFmlx0/s1600/2016-02-06%2B15.41.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWAKBeiv3s4/VrfeKFXKnJI/AAAAAAAAD60/xcnQ5wFmlx0/s400/2016-02-06%2B15.41.22.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQnSOlzvzMU/VrfesWMbgYI/AAAAAAAAD64/y5ryXHpO5Bw/s1600/2016-02-06%2B15.40.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQnSOlzvzMU/VrfesWMbgYI/AAAAAAAAD64/y5ryXHpO5Bw/s400/2016-02-06%2B15.40.24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blend until a light, fluffy texture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put in an airtight container! Done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This cream really works well. I put it on my face at night before bed, and in the morning before I put my makeup on. It is 7:21 pm and my face still feels so soft! And there is something comforting knowing that all the ingredients in it are not harmful in any way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started reading a new book this week - a Netgalley advanced reader copy. It's called <u>No One Knows</u> by J.T. Ellison. I wanted to read it because the preview reminded me a bit of the movie "Double Jeopardy", which I loved. I am curious to see if this book is similar or different. I am also reading <u>Spirit Driven Success</u> by Dani Johnson. I have recently just discovered Dani via a friend and she is amazing. Very inspiring and has good insight for all aspects of life. I highly recommend reading her books! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's it for today- hope everyone has a great week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tracey ♥☺</span></div>
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<br />Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-49884021999494228922016-01-21T23:41:00.001-05:002016-01-21T23:41:30.792-05:00Snow Day?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the threat of inclement weather has caused the school district to call off school- wondering how the roads will be for going to work tomorrow? We'll see what happens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have made a little progress on Chowning's Tavern- not as much as I would like, but it's something.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3r89zJGwng/VqGunCCcFII/AAAAAAAAD58/pHY6LZPir-c/s1600/tavernprogress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3r89zJGwng/VqGunCCcFII/AAAAAAAAD58/pHY6LZPir-c/s400/tavernprogress.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe if the roads are too bad tomorrow I can get stay home and get some more done. They did salt the roads so we'll see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so excited to get the Dr. Bronner's Castile soap I ordered from Amazon today. (Thank you <a href="https://www.bing.com/explore/rewards?PUBL=REFERAFRIEND&CREA=RAW&rrid=_47f1a1a0-9cfb-42ec-0d8e-78c82e92516f">Bing Rewards</a> for the gift card!) There are so many things you can make with it and there are no toxic chemicals. The first thing I made was some foaming hand soap. It was so easy! I had a foaming hand soap container I got from a friend. I filled it 1/3 of the way with the Castile soap, added a few drops of Young Living Thieves oil(it has antibacterial properties and smells great), and filled the rest of the way with oil. Easy peasy! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZVzHhLStiQ/VqGxFpR5JVI/AAAAAAAAD6I/v2VxcY0FPRQ/s1600/diythievessoap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZVzHhLStiQ/VqGxFpR5JVI/AAAAAAAAD6I/v2VxcY0FPRQ/s400/diythievessoap.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next I am going to make DIY dishwasher detergent, but I am waiting on the citric acid I ordered, also with a gift card. (Thanks, <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/austenfan">Swagbucks</a>.) Also on the list: face wash, regular dish soap, and maybe shampoo. It's so fun! And healthier!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finished a really good e-book recently, called <u>Under The Ice</u> by Aaron Paul Lazar. I think maybe it was offered for free on Amazon at some point. It's the 9th book in a series about a man named Gus LeGarde. It was kind of like a cozy mystery, but also like a regular suspense book. I am looking forward to reading the others in the series. It was a good time of year to read this one as it took place in the winter. ☺ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I better get to bed- in case I do have to work tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tracey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-51078259796129269002016-01-17T20:33:00.002-05:002016-01-17T20:34:34.556-05:00Semi-lazy Sunday..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBe8zBhPb7U/Vpw9VxnjnfI/AAAAAAAAD5w/zo7-Vp8r8Ig/s1600/lazyko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBe8zBhPb7U/Vpw9VxnjnfI/AAAAAAAAD5w/zo7-Vp8r8Ig/s400/lazyko.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This picture of Kona was actually taken yesterday- this is where he lays most of the time, on the back of the chaise lounge chair, usually when I am sitting there too. That blanket came from my grandma's house. ♥ I got it when she moved to assisted living. I love that blanket, and I love that it came from her, and a place where I have so many fond memories. Usually it is over my lap. ☺ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today has been an alright day- went to church this morning then had to pick up some groceries. It was a rainy morning so I was glad to get home. Since then, I have just been doing things around the house off and on. I started to make dinner and my daughter came in and promptly stopped me because she already had something in mind she wanted to make for dinner. So I let her do it! ☺ I folded laundry instead. I was feeling a little blah off and on today- had an acidic stomach and heartburn. I had made a roll-on of Peppermint essential oil and an oil blend called Di-Gize, as well as some almond oil to dilute it. I rolled it on my stomach and my heart and am feeling much better!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't done any stitching yet today- going to get to that as soon as I finish this post! Watching "The Longest Ride" too- so far it's a great movie. I haven't read the book yet, which is good. I almost always watch a movie before I read the book it's based on, because the book is always better. ☺</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well- off to stitch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tracey</span></div>
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<br />Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-3905676201936728882016-01-14T23:01:00.000-05:002016-01-14T23:01:43.128-05:00Happy New Year!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello! I know you all thought I fell off the face of the planet. I haven't, just been very, very busy. A lot of changes lately, even before the new year started! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A short time before Thanksgiving, my husband was put on third shift. Since he was the dinner-cooker in our family, this made things a little crazier in the evenings, as the kids and I usually go to the YMCA, or my daughter to judo class, or my son to Confirmation class at church. So many evenings are just rush, rush, rush. As of right now we have no commitments on Thursdays. I didn't have any on Fridays or the weekend either, but my son has joined a basketball team so sometimes we have games on Fridays and/or Saturdays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband and I also started the 21 Day Fix plan a couple of months ago. I really like it and it has helped us lose some weight. We are still following it because we aren't done yet. ☺ Until recently, I had been getting up in the morning and working out first thing. I need to get back to doing it. It is tough but I was surprised how it energized me for the day. The meal plan is "clean eating"- fruits, veggies, meats, anything healthy really, just in controlled portions. We eat smaller meals and snacks but six times a day, so we are rarely hungry. This too gives you plenty of energy! Once you get used to it, you don't really want the "junk" anymore and find it makes you feel yucky (for lack of a better word) when you eat it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the start of this plan, and an essential oil class I went to a few months ago, I have started a journey for an overall healthier life. I was invited to a Young Living Essential oil class by a friend. I had used essential oils before, here and there... for aromatic purposes, to keep mice away, to help with headache pain..and I was surprised to find out there is so much more you can do with them! I became a member and was welcomed into this awesome community of others trying to support their body systems naturally, as well as keep toxins out of their homes. Not only does Young Living have 100% therapeutic grade pure oils (see www.seedtoseal.com) but have cleaners and body care products that have no harmful ingredients. Did you know you have 2000 pores in your feet? So when you mop with Pine-Sol or some other cleaner and step on the wet floor, you are absorbing those chemicals into your body. Or your kid's body, or your pet's body, as the case may be. I have always been a little nervous about the cleaners we use but this really hit home for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still stitching, though not as much as I used to. I need to make time for it again. Here is where I'm at on Chowning's Tavern- <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2i2wmyY3tw/Vphr1g4hTlI/AAAAAAAAD5E/o9hxxEEvwG4/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2i2wmyY3tw/Vphr1g4hTlI/AAAAAAAAD5E/o9hxxEEvwG4/s400/IMG_4184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I want to make some good progress on it and then maybe work on one of my other UFO's.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still reading too but haven't read for NetGalley lately. I hope they don't disable my membership! I did cancel my Scribd membership for now. It's a great app and has a ton of books, but I have so many e-books saved and so many paperbacks on my bookshelf, I need to read those first. Though what did I do today? Went to my library to order a copy of <u>Spirit Driven Success </u> by Dani Johnson. It was available at another local library so they are going to get it for me. I just recently found out about Dani through one of my support team at Young Living. She is amazing! She came from an abusive family, ended up homeless on the street and is now a multi-millionaire. She gives lots of great business advice as well as spiritual and life advice too. I am not into "motivational speakers" but she is different. I recommend checking her out when you have a chance. You can find her at danijohnson.com or on youtube. She has an app as well where you can listen to her radio show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I think I have gone on long enough, huh? Thanks for checking in with me. ☺ And if you would like to know more about Young Living's wonderful oils, or about using essential oils to promote your family's wellness, please leave a comment or email me through the "about me" section. Of course you are welcome to leave a comment about anything else too! ♥</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peace, love, and Corgis-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tracey</span></div>
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(My tree is down now, this was from Christmas.)</div>
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Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-60265623705412395382015-11-05T23:33:00.000-05:002015-11-05T23:33:21.170-05:00The Foxglove Killings by Tara KellyI received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in turn for an honest review. Unfortunately I thought I downloaded it and I didn't, so it expired! So I bought it. Anyway, that aside, this was a very good book! I don't usually read young adult novels but this one sounded interesting. It was very interesting! I read it in just a couple of days; I did not want to put it down. It kept me guessing and assuming, and then proved me wrong. There were some surprises for sure. A very good and fairly quick read!<br />
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Alex and Nova have been best friends since grade school. Both from financially strapped families, they have little in common with the spoiled "cakes"- rich kids, that come to visit with their families every summer. Then one of the cakes goes missing, and later turns up dead, found with a foxglove in her mouth. And another cake goes missing.. Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-41233441152115820092015-10-29T21:30:00.000-05:002015-10-29T21:30:07.784-05:00Playing With Fire by Tess Gerritsen<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher, in turn for an honest review. Many of you may have heard of Tess Gerritsen because of her "Rizzoli and Isles" series. This book was not from that series but just as good; in fact I have never read a book with a plot similar to this one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Violinist Julia Ansdell is traveling in Italy when she happens upon a handwritten piece of street music in a music book she bought. It is like nothing she has ever seen or played before; when she plays it she is entranced. She finds though that when she plays it her daughter acts strangely, seeming to do almost evil things. She researches the origins of the music, as well as taking her daughter to doctor after doctor, but everyone seems to think Julia is the crazy one. Her research takes her back to Italy. Shortly after she arrives there she finds people seem to want her dead. But why?</span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-24459673261797015672015-10-20T21:19:00.001-05:002015-10-20T21:19:22.627-05:00Finally a stitchy post!Sorry it has taken me so long..I keep getting engrossed in books and my stitching gets laid aside. :( I am trying to make a better effort to fit some stitching in each day, even if it's just on my lunch break. So here is my progress on the tavern as of today. I will probably work on it some more after I finish this post. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QcaX2Z5nFIE/Vib2KFzIvbI/AAAAAAAAD3s/_mnPu8uwNSs/s640/blogger-image-1375983262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QcaX2Z5nFIE/Vib2KFzIvbI/AAAAAAAAD3s/_mnPu8uwNSs/s640/blogger-image-1375983262.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My mom and dad were here to visit this past weekend. We had a great time as always, and it </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">went by much too fast, as always. We had originally planned to go to Wilmington, but due to circumstances beyond our control, our plan was foiled. We still had fun though-went out for breakfast and walked around downtown here in town, went to the mall for a bit, then just relaxed at home and had a nice dinner. The next day we went to church then did a little more shopping after eating some lunch. DD and I have birthdays coming up so they bought us some presents, then we headed home and rested our feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I have taken a short break from Netgalley and am reading a book actually from my bookshelf that I haven't read yet; <i>Echo Park</i> by Michael Connelly. It's pretty good so far. Fortunately it has been a little easier to put down than some of the others I've read recently, so I actually get a little stitching done. We'll see if it lasts..</div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-53244264923880306822015-10-15T22:41:00.002-05:002015-10-15T22:41:50.554-05:00Mrs. John Doe by Tom Savage<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sorry, I know I have been having a lot of book reviews lately and not a lot of stitching. I just keep finding all these great books to read and get so engrossed I just want to keep reading. Then I don't get any stitching done. Is anyone else like that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book was brilliant. I had never read any books by Tom Savage before I read this one. I was not disappointed. I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in turn for an honest review. This book was like none I have read so far. I hesitate to even write a summary as I don't want to give too much away. Nora Baron is called to England to identify the remains of her husband, who has died in an accident. After doing so she is prepared to take his remains and go home, when someone tries to take her purse- someone she saw watching her on her flight over to England. From there ensues an action-packed story with many twists and turns; I wished I had had a block of time to just sit and read the whole thing at once. I definitely will be reading more of Tom Savage's books. This was an excellent story.</span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-26012548165883248362015-10-03T20:13:00.002-05:002015-10-03T20:13:28.322-05:00Cluttered Attic Secrets by Jan ChristensenI was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. It was a fun story and I was surprised by how the story panned out, which is a good thing. It is about a woman named Tina, grown but still living with her mother and uncle. She is a professional organizer but evidently used to be a psychiatrist or psychologist. This comes out later in the story; I'm sure if I had read the series from the beginning it would have been spelled out. One night she is called by her best friend Leslie. Leslie lives in an old Victorian house that has been left to her by her aunt. It has been in the family for many, many years and has generations of stuff in the attic. Although her aunt was a neat and organized person by nature, the attic is a disorganized mess. Leslie decides to start going through it and hears unusual sounds, and thinks she sees an apparition of some sort. Leslie calls Tina to ask her to come help her and also help investigate as she is a bit afraid. Then a man turns up murdered in the side yard of her house. The story goes from there, Tina and Lisa doing some investigating on their own, and eventually calling in the police.<br />
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This book is a part of a series and was the first one I read. I'm still on the fence if I will read another. I understand I read an advanced copy of the book, but there were many typos and at times the characters changed names, as well as other mistakes. I am curious if the other books are the same. The main character, Tina, also kind of got on my nerves, though I can't put my finger on why. Would I recommend it to someone? I'm not sure. I see others have given it four and five star reviews, so others obviously liked it more than I did. Overall not a bad book; I think if I liked "Tina" better I would maybe read another in the series.Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-72902102391811261862015-09-27T21:02:00.002-05:002015-09-27T21:03:37.553-05:00Little Girl Gone by Alexandra BurtImagine waking up from a nap and your baby, and every trace of her, is gone. There are no signs of forced entry. In addition to that, you do not remember this until after waking up in a hospital where you find you have been in a car accident where you may or may not have tried to harm yourself. But you remember nothing. Not the accident, not why you were in the town your accident occurred in, not the events leading up to your accident, only that your baby is missing. This is what has happened to Estelle Paradise. The book follows her as she tries to find her baby, while dealing with postpartum depression and some very dark thoughts. A bit dark at times, the book was still very good and kept me guessing as to what happened to baby Mia. I was provided a free copy of this e-book by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-70199793675176352472015-09-21T22:05:00.002-05:002015-09-21T22:05:32.773-05:00She's Not There by P.J. ParrishI was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley. This book grabbed me from the first page and did not let me go! Now I had never read a book about an amnesiac but I don't think it would have mattered if I had. Amelia wakes up in the hospital battered and bruised and cannot remember how she got there, or much of anything else. Then a man comes that tells the nurse he's her husband, and she has a feeling she needs to get away from him though she doesn't know why. From there the story is fast-paced and suspenseful all the way to the end. Make sure you have a lot of time open when you start reading this book because you will not want to put it down.<br />
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Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-84059979746867670062015-09-19T19:42:00.001-05:002015-09-19T19:42:44.125-05:00Candy Corn Murder by Leslie Meier<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This was a fun "cozy" mystery with the central character being Lucy Stone, a grandma who lives in a quaint small town in Maine. During the town's fall pumpkin festival a man is found murdered, and Lucy's husband Bill was the last one to see him alive. The police seem convinced that Bill did it, so it is up to Lucy to do some sleuthing and prove his innocence. I enjoyed the fall theme of the book and it was light reading. It also had no bad language or sex scenes which was a nice change. It was an enjoyable book and I will probably be reading more in the series.</span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-12275899006612676502015-09-12T21:43:00.002-05:002015-09-12T21:43:57.587-05:00Busy busy..<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, it's been a crazy month and a half.. my daughter's friend came to stay with us for three weeks in August, followed by my mother-in-law who left today. Both very nice visits- it's going to seem strange without and extra person around! While my mother-in-law was here we visited Emerald Isle, NC and stayed over night. Our house was right on the beach. It was the first time we had ever done something like that and it was just lovely! One of the most relaxing times I had ever had, and I'm sure my pictures will show you why. ♥</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't get any stitching done, even though I did bring it. Did a lot of walking on the beach, got in the water a bit, even talked to a couple who had their sweet Corgi there! The house we stayed in didn't allow pets, so we couldn't bring Ginger and Kona. Their Corgi was sweet, she even brought her ball to me to play fetch. ♥ I hope to go back soon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been working a little on the tavern, hoping to get more done now that things have settled down a bit. I have kind of put my other stitching by the wayside but may work on my Maryse freebie once in a while since I only have to finish the border. It's kind of funny- the copyright date on this tavern pattern is 1977- I was only 5 the year it was printed!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVRmbX3xquA/VfTfuoDIwPI/AAAAAAAAD2U/U_-AmEwC0hQ/s1600/2015-09-12%2B22.29.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVRmbX3xquA/VfTfuoDIwPI/AAAAAAAAD2U/U_-AmEwC0hQ/s400/2015-09-12%2B22.29.18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ginger and Kona have been their usual silly selves. They always love when we have company. Here is a photo of them pouting when they were shut out of the kitchen. My mother-in-law and the kids were making cookies and deviled eggs.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlhpjaKaBe0/VfThrvuSzDI/AAAAAAAAD2c/qSn_0VoDQAw/s1600/2015-09-06%2B15.46.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlhpjaKaBe0/VfThrvuSzDI/AAAAAAAAD2c/qSn_0VoDQAw/s400/2015-09-06%2B15.46.50.jpg" width="400" /></a>I </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So pitiful! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently downloaded an app to my iPad called "Retype" -it's usually a paid app but I happened to find out about on a day that they were offering it for free. It's fun to play with. I took a picture of Ginger when she was sleeping on her back one day and made this-</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OCUuWZqiqE/VfTikDvfyEI/AAAAAAAAD2k/aBk8AtjWl3Q/s1600/2015-08-28%2B23.05.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OCUuWZqiqE/VfTikDvfyEI/AAAAAAAAD2k/aBk8AtjWl3Q/s400/2015-08-28%2B23.05.35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought it was kind of funny. ☺</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that's about the latest here- hope to be on a little more now. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend! Thanks for sticking with me. ♥</span></div>
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Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-80031347927357288092015-09-08T12:28:00.001-05:002015-09-08T12:34:58.787-05:00The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. WhiteI was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a sweet story with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. I liked the Christian element of the story, and also appreciated the fact that there were no sex scenes or bad language. It was very refreshing!<div><br></div><div>A brief summary-Brook has been brought up in the palace of Monaco, rescued as a baby by an opera singer from a carriage accident that killed her mother. She is British by birth, and as she comes of age her friend Justin helps her find her true family. What she finds is a wonderful surprise that also has its difficulties. It is a lovely story that has romance, mystery, and suspense!<br><div><br></div><div>(I know I promised a stitchy post- will have one soon!)</div></div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978833.post-26276567214504990542015-08-28T07:06:00.000-05:002015-08-28T07:06:06.455-05:00Sloughing The Skin by Dr. Sonja StrodeI was provided and advanced reader copy of this from netgalley.com and the publisher for an honest review. This book was very well written; almost too well written. It contained a lot of details that didn't feel especially relevant to the story. When reading you feel you are in the main character's mind, for most of the book. That is all well and good but then you are privy to every random thought and every minute detail of the remodeling/rehabilitation of their cottage. Some of the details were relevant to the story and others were not. There was also no real excitement to the revelation of the secrets that were being kept by the neighbors. I would have like to see the main character a little more involved and a little more suspense. I did, however, enjoy the descriptions of the countryside and so forth that the author gave.<br />
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(Stitchy updates coming soon!)Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01902462980319045892noreply@blogger.com0