Sunday, December 31, 2017

The November & December Book Report

I have read some AMAZING books the past two months, I mean 3 5-star ratings?! Its been a very satisfying time! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Leaving Time by Jodi Piccoult

Goodreads Synopsis:
For over a decade, Jenna Metcalf obsesses on her vanished mom Alice. Jenna searches online, rereads journals of the scientist who studied grief among elephants. Two unlikely allies are Serenity Jones, psychic for missing people who doubts her gift, and Virgil Stanhope, jaded PI who originally investigated cases of Alice and her colleague. Hard questions and answers.

Thoughts:
I loved this book. I can only tolerate so many courtroom dramas by Piccoult so her fantasy stories are a breath of fresh air (I also loved Second Glance!) I didn’t see this twist coming and was hooked from page one.

Stars:
5 out of 5

Buy the book

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

Goodreads Synopsis:
Sue Monk Kidd's phenomenal debut, The Secret Life of Bees, became a runaway bestseller that is still on the New York Times bestseller list more than two years after its paperback publication. Now, in her luminous new novel, Kidd has woven a transcendent tale that will thrill her legion of fans. Telling the story of Jessie Sullivan -- a love story between a woman and a monk, a woman and her husband, and ultimately a woman and her own soul -- Kidd charts a journey of awakening and self-discovery illuminated with a brilliance that only a writer of her ability could conjure. 

Thoughts: A bore of a book about a horrible subject. I guess Im most upset about it being nothing like The Secret Life of Bees- no lovable characters, no satisfying ending. But Kidd is a beautiful writer and that earned this book an extra star.

Stars:
3 out of 5

Buy the book

The November & December Book Report
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Goodreads Synopsis:
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see; she's much more than just the girl on the train... 

Thoughts:
I couldnt put this down! Yowza. I actually craved a drink almost as much as the narrator, the writing is fantastic. Flawes characters always have me rooting fir them and I really felt invested in Rachel’s life. Now I need to watch the movie! Also this makes me feel horrible about how much I disliked her follow up novel, Into the Water.

Stars:
5 out of 5

Buy the book | movie

The November & December Book Report
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

Goodreads Synopsis:
Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded shops, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That's just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on the street without a rooftop Frosty the snowman; they won't be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. They won't need one, because come December 25th they're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences - and isn't half as easy as they'd imagined.

A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that has become part of our holiday tradition. 

Thoughts:
This is the first time I've read an adult Christmas book (because we know the girls have their Christmas books out all month) and I felt seasonally appropriate. This was a fun, easy read and the movie with Tim Allen (my favorite TV Dad) is spot on.

Stars:
3 out of 5

Buy the book | movie

The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlaine

Goodreads Synopsis:
In 1977, pregnant Genevieve Russell disappeared. Twenty years later, her remains are discovered and Timothy Gleason is charged with murder. But there is no sign of the unborn child.

CeeCee Wilkes knows how Genevieve Russell died, because she was there. And she knows what happened to her missing infant, because two decades ago she made the devastating choice to raise the baby as her own. Now Timothy Gleason is facing the death penalty, and she has another choice to make. Tell the truth and destroy her family. Or let an innocent man die in order to protect a lifetime of lies. 

Thoughts:
Chamberlaine may be entering favorite author status (along with Jane Austen, Sue Grafton, Alice Hoffman) she writes about every day life, always has amazing conflict and characters and wraps everything up just right.

Stars:
5 out of 5

Buy the book
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Friday, December 22, 2017

Our Christmas cards 2017

I'm banking on everyone having received our Christmas cards as not to spoil the surprise ;) Thanks to Shutterfly for the beautiful cards. All opinions {and cute family} are my own. 
Our Christmas cards 2017
Is it a surprise we went with Shutterfly again for cards?! I mean, with how amazing Clark’s birth announcements turned out, I would be crazy not to.
Our Christmas cards 2017
I feel like the card designing process is something I look forward to every year. It's the one thing solely in my control versus the crazy that is family photos (I'm still traumatized over our two sessions!) With all the fun finishes- glitter! Foil! Die cutting! It's no wonder it takes me several hours playing graphic designer. I actually had 14 different cards ready, down to card liners and envelope designs (with addressing done! What a time saver!) to which I had Brian pick the winner.

I was drawn to gold foil like a moth to a flame but surprisingly, Brian went with a non-traditional greeting; I just love the message and it's uniqueness! 
Our Christmas cards 2017
Wishing you & yours a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas cards 2016 | 2015

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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Picture Perfect gifts with Mpix

How are we only a few days away from Christmas?! I'm shocked but feeling prepared, which is another shocker. Can I confess something? I’m a last minute shopper. Gasp! I know it seems unlikely considering how Type A I am but that's just how I roll. But not this year! Thank you to Mpix for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Picture Perfect gifts with Mpix
Nope, this year I have all our gifts purchased, wrapped and ready to go! Why is this year different? I outsourced! (This was a MUST having a baby and all.) And I went for heartfelt with photo gifts!

I was recently introduced to Mpix earlier this year and I have to say I am so glad I was! The quality is great, the turnaround time was less than a week and the prints were packaged securely so no bent edges or scratches.
Picture Perfect gifts with Mpix
I went for 8x10 and 5x7 mounted enlargements, two with the canvas finish. I also had 2 metal ornaments made but those I kept for myself ;) I know our family members who are receiving these prints will love them. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words. With a wide range of products including super cool wooden prints and fun 3D statuettes that were seriously calling to me, you will surely find the perfect gift! 
Picture Perfect gifts with Mpix
If your'e looking for a printing company, look no further! You'll be one happy Mpix customer. 

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Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Package from Santa // a review

Kinsey got the sweetest letter in the mail (it isn't everyday she gets letters just for her!) Just look at that happy face! What was in the letter you ask? A personalized message straight from Santa himself!
Package from Santa // a review
Guys, I can’t say enough good things about Package from Santa! The whole process was easy; from selecting the letter format I wanted (I went with the Christian theme but there were six others to choose from) to filling in the personal details (I will note any company that includes the eye color as specific as “green-blue” will always be dear to my and Kinsey’s heart! Now that is attention to detail!) Nothing was left out and the quality is amazing.

I’m saving the call from Santa for Christmas Eve but Kinsey viewed her personalized video from the jolly Elf. She was so quiet while she watched and when it ended she announced, “Well, I'm not surprised he knows my name, he’s Santa.” Can’t argue with that! I was amazed by the editing, it was flawless.

Do yourself and your child/ren a favor and get Package from Santa! You still have three more days to order to get it in time for Christmas! Order at Package from Santa and save 25% OFF your order when you use FAMS17 at checkout.

Bonus, use this link to personalize your own Nice List Guide! I made one for both girls already :)
Package from Santa // a review

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