June Reading Recap

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen (5/5)


It's hard to find those books that you really connect with and The Sugar Queen was just one of those.  The author's writing makes it easy to identify with the main character Josey and root for good things to happen for her.  The daughter of a wealthy family, her father passed away when Josey was young and feels like she needs to make up for her rebellious childhood by taking constant care of her demanding mother.  In turn, Josey is sad and lonely - drowning her feelings in sweet treats (something I think a lot of us can sympathize with!).  When she wakes up one morning to an unexpected visitor hiding in her closet, things in Josey's life begin to change.

I wholeheartedly loved this book!  The authors breezy writing made it the perfect book to bring along on vacation.  Easy to pick up and start reading where I left off, but kept me engrossed enough that I couldn't stop until I finished it one morning while enjoying the view of Lake Superior from the deck of our vacation home.

Totally recommend!  Both the book...and the relaxing vacation on the North Shore :)

May Reading Recap

This month's book comes from my Kindle.  I synced my Kindle and it downloaded a book that I don't even remember buying.  Does this happen to anyone else? I'm not sure if it was one I found free, accidentally ordered at somepoint, or if I just am getting old & forgot I bought it.  Either way, it was like a mini Christmas!

Hidden by Catherine McKenzie (2/5)

Written from the perspective of Jeff Manning and the women in his life, alternating by chapter.  Following his untimely death - his wife struggles with grief as well as secrets she uncovers.  With many questions and suspicions, it is a bonus for the reader to go back and read chapters from Jeff.  Unfortunately, however I did not enjoy the topic of this book.  While I believe the title of Hidden may be eluding to the fact that there are secrets kept in marriage, I felt like it glorified infidelity.  I would read another book by this author, but I would read the description and choose one on a different subject.  

Happy Monday #23

Have a Happy Monday!
~Melissa

Happy Monday #22

Have a Happy Monday!
~Melissa

My First Craft Fair!

Yesterday was the big day - my very first Craft Fair!  And I call it a success!  It was a beautiful day here in WI - which besides Easter Sunday, was the very first one all Spring!  Unfortunately, I think that since it was so nice out, people were more inclined to spend time outside and less time shopping :(  Thus I only made two sales - one to my mom (thanks mom!) and one from my good friend Heather.  Regardless, I had a great time and I hope to do another one again some time!

My Table

 Do you guys like these Microwavable Rice bags?  So nice to heat up on put on sore muscles or I like them when I have a headache.  Since sometimes after being used over & over they can start to smell a little like cooked rice (duh, it IS rice!), I infused mine with Essential Oils.  Love these!

Aromatherapy Rice Bags. 

I didn't sell either of my baby quilts, but I did get quite a few comments on the fun, bright colors!

When we were up at my parent's farm for Easter I was able to get some gorgeous pictures of them hanging on their clothesline.  They are now on my Etsy shop if you want to check them out!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/mymeller

Overall it was a great experience!  Another cool thing was networking and seeing other peoples crafts, I learned about the world of Scentsy - how did I not know about this!  I also met another vendor who lives in the same town as me and shares the same love I have for Moda and Riley Blake fabrics.  We even discussed the possibility of starting a Modern Quilting group here in town - something that is desperately needed!  

New Itms in my Etsy Shop & Getting Ready for the Craft Fair

I just love when I get home from work and there is a box of new fabric here for my Etsy Shop.  While contemplating opening my own shop, I decided that I would not list anything that I didn't LOVE. And the Giraffe Crossing line from Riley Blake - I LOVE LOVE!

In addition to these adorable prints, I also have 5" Stackers - which are a 5 inch square of each fabric in the Giraffe Crossing line (similar to a Charm Pack by Moda).  They are all super cute and I think would make a perfect quilt for a little boy!


The other line I just got in is And Sew On by Henry glass.  I mean, come on, how could I resist those adorable little scissors!

 


I had a little set back with my Craft Fair preparations. Two weeks ago I hurt a disc in my back, wow I have never experienced something like that! It was awful, I could barely move.  Its finally starting to feel better where I can go up & down stairs again, and don't need help from my husband to go from sitting to standing.  Unfortunately, with being out of commission with my back - I have gotten as much sewing done as I wanted to have complete by April :( Today has been the first day I've gotten back into my Craft Room, so I've got some catching up to do!

March Reading Recap

First off, I am excited to announce I have signed up for my first Craft Fair!  I've been spending time sewing & getting ready for it, so I only have one book to review for March.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (4/5)

Tom Sherbourne, a young, quiet and reserved veteran, decides to take a lighthouse keepers post on Janus Rock, the most southwestern island of Australia between the Southern and Indian Oceans.  Before departing he meets Isabel, a feisty and fun girl, and after writing back & forth, the two get married and start their life together on the secluded post.  After dealing with infertility and Tom's guilt over surviving war when so many of his comrades were lost, it's as if their dreams came true when a stranded boat appears on the shore along with a baby - who they name Lucy.  Isabel who is a natural mother loves the child as her own, and little Lucy makes her way into Tom's heart as well.  However, upon learning more about the situation surrounding how Lucy came into their lives, Tom and Isabel become divided about what to do next.

This is a well-written book and the author makes it easy to get lost in the story and what it would be like to live isolated on an island keeping the beacon of light for passing ships.  Overall, I give it a 4 out of 5.