Book Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Read this for book club, it was great for discussion and I learned a lot about myself and how much being an extrovert or introvert affect your life.  It was very academic at first, and although the information was interesting, if you've had a long day, it could put you to sleep...not saying it did that to me or anything.  The second half of the book was a lot more real world application, I really enjoyed it.  I especially liked the chapters about relationships and raising children that are the opposite of your own personality.  There are so many facets to being an introvert or extrovert and I didn't realize how much of an introvert I am.  I love being with other people, just in smaller groups.  Fascinating book.



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Bloglovin'

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Trench Work

Trenching for sprinklers...

...with a Ditch Witch.

Made a step too.  Hopefully the next pictures will have grass covering up all that dirt!

Book Review: The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith

The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think this is the last book in this series, but I'm not 100% on that.  I have loved reading the Isabel Dalhousie "Sunday Philosophy Club" series throughout the years.  In true Alexander McCall Smith fashion, this book is slow, steady and doesn't always give all the answers.  It does provide plenty of things to ponder, such as the proper time to teach children academics or how best to negotiate with disapproving parents or what is the best way to solve an art theft...particularly when the thief might be the owner's own child.  Isabel seems to find a way to help all of those around her by meddling in everyone's lives, whether they ask for it or not.  The Scottish countryside and dear Edinburgh are always featured, along with a healthy dose of Auden's poetry. It's best to start these books at the beginning, but they can be read alone, as it does follow Isabel's life from single divorcee to mother and wife.



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Pixel Quilt

 My son needed a new quilt for his twin bed.  His birthday was coming up, so I gave myself a deadline and got to work.  I let him choose a quilt design from my Pinterest page, that way he had some say in the design and I got to make something that I liked.  He finally decided on THIS quilt because it reminded him of pixels, like in a video or computer game.  That's my boy.

There was a lot of cutting and fiddling with placement, but after that, it all came together really quick.  It's basically a patchwork, just with more purpose in placement of the squares.

Trying to decide on design.  I made myself a little "key" out of graph paper squares, you can see it just a little bit in the top left corner.

Sorry for the funky pictures, they were cell phone pictures I played around with to post on Instagram.  Next time, I'll make sure and get some normal camera shots too.

 Ahh....that's better.

 Quilt top done.

 I cut 5 and a 1/2 inch squares, after sewing with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, each square measured 5 inches even.

 

Pieced together a backing and started quilting with a rainbow quilt thread.  I still haven't tried free motion quilting, I'm completely intimidated by it.  Maybe I should take a class or something.

 My nine year old on a step stool isn't quite tall enough or has enough wing span to show a twin quilt properly....yet.  Maybe this time next year.

The quilt is 60 x 90 inches and fits his bed perfectly.

 He loves his quilt and brings it out in the living room to snuggle in during morning cartoons.

 

Pieced backing.  Some leftover pixels and a cool maze-like grey fabric.

My son actually got a bit frustrated with me for dragging his quilt outside and getting it dirty on the deck.  I threw it in the wash as soon as I finished taking photos though and all was well again in our home.

My son picked out the binding himself.  I probably wouldn't have chosen it since the greens don't match, but he loves it and when it's all put together, I think it works.

 I think I'll wait a bit before tackling a twin size quilt again.  They are hard to work with because they are large!  This was a lot of fun though and it was worth every ounce of trouble because the recipient is so happy with the finished result.


 

Star Wars Party Favors

Found these adorable party favor printables at Sandy Toes and Popsicles. Actually, it's a Father's Day kit, but we changed it to party favors.  I didn't put together all the printables, check out the link if you want to see the rest.  These were a breeze to make: just a trip to the grocery store, some printing, cutting, and taping.  My boys enjoyed helping putting them together as well.

The Vaderade was my favorite.

 

We used Pringle chips for the R2D2, Rolos for Hans, individually wrapped cookies for Chewie, red Gatorade for Darth Vader, Trident for the Boba gum, a jar of trail mix for Jar Jar Binks, and a can of Sprite for Yoda.

Not pictured:  We made the pretzel Lightsabers too.  Just dip large pretzel rods in tinted chocolate, leaving a bit of pretzel uncovered for the hilt.

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The night circus shows up in various towns without warning and leaves just as quickly.  The tents and performers are stunning in their black and white themed show, leaving patrons all over the world wondering where the circus will spring up next.  Inside the circus are a cast of characters and managers who are all part of a bigger picture: a game set up by two masters of magic.  Each has a protegee that he must guide to defeat the other.  The only problem is the two protegees are falling in love with each other...

I loved this book!  The imagery, the characters, the storyline, all seemed very original and vibrant as you read along.  I've never really read anything like it and will probably reread this book again someday.  Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy and/or Victorian novel.  A warning though: the book skips around a lot and can be confusing if you don't pay attention to the dates at the beginning of each chapter.



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