What I’m Reading and What I’m Going to Read

When I asked what people would like to see  more of on my blog some said MORE BOOKS!! LOL So, here you go!!

I have 2 swap books that need to be read and mailed by the 21st and one by the 26th (I think…. ) for swap games at PaperbackSwap. Wish me luck!! Usually that wouldn’t have been a hard thing but for the past year I have had a hard time settling down to read. There’s just always too much to do! LOL

Here are the books in the order that I will be reading them:

 

The Fetch

 

I have just started The Fetch and I can say that it is already completely different than anything else I have ever read. The subject is one that I have not encountered before, although part of the setting is one of my favorites, Imperial Russia (at least so far).

The writing is very descriptive without being overly flowery (I can’t stand that sometimes).

This is a new author for me! YAY!!!

 

 

Wicked in Your Arms 

 

 

Another new to me author! 2 in a row!

 

 

Heartless

 

 

Now, here is a favorite author!! Heartless is book 4 in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. I have loved the previous 3 books and have the 5th on my TBR (to be read) mountain. 😉

This series is full of action, intrigue and humor. It is definitely steampunk but don’t let that throw you off if you aren’t interested in that genre. This series is mystery, romance, historical and paranormal all rolled into one.  Alexia is definitely a character that you won’t soon forget and one of my favorites. She reminds me a lot of Amelia Peabody from the book series by Elizabeth Peters.

 

 

Meanwhile, I am busy thinking up my next design for Project Run & Play. I think I know what I want to do, I just need to get it done! LOL  The dress I will be making will be one that I send to Pam for dresses for South Africa. Cailey may end up a little disappointed since I will be using her as a model but they fabric was donated. I can always make her a similar one later. 😉

 

 

 

My New Page for Bags of Hope and Love <3

I added a page up at the top. It is for Bags of Hope and Love. Many people have asked how they can help and what items are needed for the bags so I put that all on one page where it will be easier to find. Dummy me,  I forgot to add some important info! LOL So here it   all is.

 

The Bags of Hope and Love are for foster children. I called my local social services department and spoke with the lady that is over foster care. I asked her if there was a need for this type of donation and she said DEFINITELY. I then asked her what age group she was seeing the most and she replied that preteens and teens were largest group that she sees. Then I asked what items she would like to see in the bags. Here is a list:

 

Body wash
Deodorant
Razors
Sanitary items
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body spray
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Books for teens and preteens
Magazines for teens and preteens
Pens
Journals
Individually wrapped snacks
Juice boxes, water bottles, etc
Blankets
Anything you think might make a teen or preteen feel more at home in a strange place

 

The other items needed are the bags themselves. I have a tutorial for making drawstring backpacks and that is what I am using. The only difference is that I am fully lining the bags to make them more durable.

More info is also on the Bags of Hope and Love ❤ page if you are interested in donating items to make the bags.

 

These kids that are going into foster care have NOTHING. I mean that. Absolutely NOTHING. Most of the time they are picked up somewhere other than their homes like school, day care, etc. Even times when they are picked up at home they will not be able to bring much more than a plastic bag of items. I want you to stop and think about that for a little bit. Think about how you would feel if that was to happen to you. Then once the children are removed from their homes they must sit in an office for hours waiting on paper work and placement into a foster home. For many of these kids the first foster home will not be their last. They may bounce around from one foster care home to another. Think of how that would feel. My heart just aches and breaks for them.

This may be just a small thing but I think it could give them HOPE. And maybe they will know that someone, somewhere cares about them.

We can all make a difference. Even if we only help one person, it means the WORLD to that person and that is strong. That has meaning.

I don’t mean to get all preachy but this means a lot to me. You see, I was one of those kids. I went to a foster  home. I was one of the lucky ones, though. I had another option. I called my dad who lived in a different state and whom I hadn’t spoken to in over a year and I begged him to come and get me. He was there the next day. I have no idea what would have happened to me. I could have been one of those kids….. I was 16 when this happened and I was terrified! All I had was my purse and the clothes on my back.  So, you see, I KNOW! I have been there. And I want to help in anyway I can.

There are a lot of charities and a lot of causes. This is one that speaks to me A LOT. Find one that speaks to you and support it in anyway you can.

 

 

I WON! I WON!!

I WON!!! 🙂 WHAT did I win???

Jump over to this link Handmade by Hilani and you will see that I won THIS!

 

Enter to win the below fabric from my good Friend Jennifer at Sisboom

 

I have a little over 1/2 a yard to gift.

 

check out this awesome bag I made from it! Summer Purse

 

YIPPEE!! I never win ANYTHING! LOL 

 

 

Bloglovin’

Signing up for Bloglovin’!! 

 

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Contest at The Graphics Fairy

The Graphics fairy is giving away a $100 visa gift card ! Go enter now!

 

 

 

Linking up Sunday!

Linking up to I Heart Nap Time and Creative Jewish Mom and Flamingo Toes  and Your Thriving Family  and Petite Hermine!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Posts

I have some great stuff coming up for y’all!! This week I’ll be posting a tutorial for my May Flowers Skirt and creating a list of my favorite homeschooling sites. I will be picking a great book from the library, “When Pigasso Met Mootisse”.

I’ll have to come up with some fun ideas for the kids to do.

I’ll be adding some more info to my About Me page so y’all can “get to know” me! 😉

AND I’ll be adding some more of my finished projects.

Soooo, stick around! Sign up for the e-mail so you won’t miss anything!!

What I would LOOOOVE to do (if/when I get enough followers) is to have some contests and swaps. Pattern swaps, project swaps, etc.

Linky Party #5

Linking up over at Life According to Damaris for the Spreading the Love Weekend Blog Hop!

 

 

 

Linky Party #4

Linking up at Funky Junk Interiors in the Craft section!!! 🙂

 

 

 

Linky Party #3

Getting ready to link up over at Sew Country Chick!! :)) LOVING the linky parties! I find so many great blogs to follow!!