Merry Chrismas and a Happy Holiday

I would like to wish you all a merry Chrismas and a wonderful 2010.  And if you do not celebrate Chrismas, I hope you have a blissful day filled with all the things that make you happy :)

I am leaving for a few days' holiday and will be back after the New Year.  See you then!

Curl up with a book contest

“Click above to enter  "Curl Up with a Book…and  a Nook Contest”.

Wow, this looks like a yummy competition!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Lulu, the winner of the Heaven and Earth design.  I have send you an email already but it came back "undeliverable"!  Please email me.

EDIT:  Congratulations again, Lulu - glad you liked it!  Don't forget to send a pic when you are done stitching it!

Only one day left for the give-away

See my post below to take part in the give-away for a HEAVEN AND EARTH design.  Only one day left!

Oh Bones . . .

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, I have to agree with the girls in the Paranormal Romance group - Bones is amazing, sexy, funny . . . wow . . . I loved this book. And when he calls her "Kitten" . . .
Cat is a half vampire who becomes the Night Huntress with the help of Bones, a master vampire. Even thought there is lots (and I mean lots) of action, there is also a love story that is not to be denied. I must say that "sad" endings are usually a total no-no for me, but I knew there were more in the series, so I had hope . . .
This book also had me laughting until the tears ran down my face . . . hubby must have thought me crazy!
Just look at this little paragraph from the book . . .

“I’m saying I’m a moody, insecure, narrow-minded, jealous, borderline-homicidal bitch, and I want you to promise me that you’re okay with that, because it’s who I am and you’re what I need."

What more can I say - nothing could beat that.

View all my reviews >>

A Chrismas give-away

 Well, it's only a week to go till Chrismas (can you believe that!) and I though I would have a little give-away for my cross stitch friends.  You guys have meant so much to me, so I just have to share the love  :)  I received a few HEAVEN AND EARTH designs from a fellow stitcher a while back (too many to possibly do myself - you know how slowly I stitch!), so I decided to share . . . and since it is Chrismas, I am making it a Chrismas design " Father Christmas with Toys".

If you would like to receive this design, please leave your name and details on this post up until 23 December 2009.  I will draw the name on the 24th of December and get in touch, just before we leave for our little mini holiday.

A good feeling

Billionaire's Proposition by Leanne Banks


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I needed a little break . . . and what a sweet little break this was! I have forgotten how good these little books can make one feel :) No terribly difficult storyline . . . just a man, a woman and a love story. What could be better :)

View all my reviews >>

A witchy story

My Favorite Witch by Lisa Plumley


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It even made me late for work this morning.  It is always a good sign when I cannot put a book down.
This love story was pretty simple. The big, powerful law man (with his sweet and loveable partner) take on an assignment to bring in a girl he cannot resist and sparks fly.  And don't forget the beautiful popular girls (or women in this case) that want to take over the world . . . Really sweet book :)

View all my reviews >>

A rant worth reading

These days I also read "book blogs" beside my cross stitching blogs and found this rant about the Twilight series on "A good addiction"  (http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2009/12/random-rant.html).  I agree with it all - I was also tired of all the baggage thrown at Stephanie Meyer but Kari said it so much better that I could . . . I know that the Twilight series is not a literary masterpiece but these books gave me "reading" back :) 

My thoughts on Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce

Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I didn't like the female lead, Claire, in the beginning of this book. If I had to read about her fear of "sex crimes" one more time in the first chapters, I was going to throw something! But as the story progressed, I liked her more and more and before long, I was hooked. And off course, Malcolm, is a very, very likeable hero! (these authors know how to keep a girl happy :) It was a easy story to follow without too much thinking to be done.

View all my reviews >>

Sony Ebook Reader

Does anyone have a eBook reader?  I am interested in buying one and would like to know if anyone have any comments about it?  I am leaning towards SONY because 1.) it's cheaper (a big consideration with our exchange rate) and 2.) because it can also "read" .pdf -files (and I already have some ebooks in .pdf -format.  I will just have to forget about my .lit-files).  Kindle is beautiful (sigh) but it doesn't help that it only seem to work with books bought from Amazon . . .

Evolution of Dance

This guy is amazing . . . and talented . . . and funny.  I recognized almost all the dances . . . and was giggling all the way :) 

The League Series

I have read the first in the series of THE LEAGUE called BORN OF FIRE. First let me say that I love Sherrilyn Kenyon, so I loved the book.  The story was easy to read and romantic tension was the order of the day.  I just didn't like the female character, Kiara, that much.  Every few pages, she would end up in a crying mess.  Okay, I admit - if I was in THOSE situations, I would probably also be a teary wreck but really . . . she is supposed to be the herione.  I kept on waiting for her to break out of it and grab a gun!

The Mercy Series

I finished the first of the Mercy-books, Moon Called.  It was light, easy reading - full of strange magic, the kind that I have not come across yet.  (but then I have only read the very commecial, romantic novels).  Here, werewolves, gremlins, vampires, fae and Mercy, herself a walker, filled the pages but not in the usual kind of dreamy fiction way.  The author made this world seem normal although these werewolves have issues - they are not the werewolves of romantic novels.  They can be downright dangerous!  Even friends can be growled down to submission before the alpha males.  I guess I am still in my romantic story-fog because I just longed for a little intimicy for Mercy. And I couldn't decide up to the last two pages who the lucky devil should be . . . but the right choice was made and I can't wait for that relationship to grow in the next books.

Before I go, I just have to share this little snippet I found in the review that made me search out the book.  It is a note written by Adam, the next door neighbour of Mercy - he is the local alpha werewolf :)  This note is taped to the cat carrier on Mercy porch.

MS. THOMPSON, it said in heavy block letters, PLEASE KEEP YOUR FELINE OFF MY
PROPERTY. IF I SEE IT AGAIN, I WILL EAT IT.

Technology scares me . . .

I don't mean in the "doom and gloom"-way or that I have a technology-phobia.  It is just that I am one of those people that wants the cellphone with the least amount of features.  It just has to be able to make or receive my calls, that is what it is for.  For a long time, I couldn't even send understandable SMS's (text messages in other languages :)  Luckily I love my little NOKIA now, it must be right at the bottom of the range . . .but at least I can make it work (that was until a friend tried to send me something by BLUETOOTH this week - she had to take my phone to push the right buttons.)  I AM USELESS!  (lol)

Tonight I tried to figure out TWITTER . . . nope, I am non-the-wiser.  When did I get left behind in the dark ages!!  At one time I was the one that showed my friends the wonderful world of computers . . . what happend?

Blog Candy

Kari of A Good Addiction  reviewed this book and Random House decided to sponcer a give-away (you can also read her review on her blog).  This is a paranormal book which I have discovered is a favourite medium of mine at the moment.  I am not lucky in these kinds of give-aways (can't even win when there is only a few entries) but decided that I would give it a try anyway . . . Wish me luck!  If I am not lucky, I will be buying it in the new year.  Would really have enjoyed having it for my upcoming few days of holiday but it will take a little longer to order online (the postal system doesn't seem to be my friend most days!)

Ending:  06 December 2009

EDIT:  I wasn't one of the lucky ones :(  

Phoned my local bookstore this morning - the friendly girl there phoned the local publisher . . . the books are been distributed today (Monday - yipee).  My name is on the list, so I will get my copy later on in the week when it arrives at their store!  (smiles all around!)  I am not sure if I will be able to keep this books for my holiday-reading like I thought I would. . . 

EDIT:  Got my copy on Wednesday!  And I have been good - only read the first sentence!  Can't wait for my holiday.  Hubby even offered to hide it for me . . . that won't be a good idea.  I will be turning the house inside out trying to find it.  Better to just have it in eyesight all the time.

A few stitches

Here is an update of the stitching I have been doing - not much but at least I have started again (and it is still fun!).

100+ Reading challenge for 2010

I decided to join a reading challenge for 2010.  Since I have re-discovered my reading mojo and I AM a list-junkie, I decided that I would list all the books I read for 2010 here (with little amuteur reviews as I read them in my blog posts).   If you would like to join the challenge, you will find all the details here.  Let's join the fun . . .

1.  The Host by Stephanie Meyer 

2.  Dark Lover  (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)by JR Ward  

3.  Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1) by Melissa Marr 

4.  Fallen by Lauren Kate 

5.  The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underwold#1) by Gena Showalter 

6.  Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood#2) by JR Ward 

7.  Lover Awakend (Black Dagger Brotherhood#3) by JR Ward 

8.  Kamakazi by Moira Rogers 

9.    Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood#4) by JR Ward 

10.  Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood#5) by JR Ward 

11.  Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood#6) by JR Ward 

12.  Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield 

13. Ecstacy (The Shadowdwellers#1) by Jacquelyn Frank 

14. UR by Stephen King  

15.  Evermore (The Immortals#1) by Alyson Noel 

16.  Dead until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse#1) by Charlaine Harris 

17.  Devil in a Kilt (MacKenzie#1) by Sue-Ellen Wellfonder 

18.  The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride#1) by James Patterson 

19.  Irish Thoroughbred (Irish Hearts#1) by Nora Roberts 

20.  Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls#1) by Maggie Stiefvater 

21. Dangerous Highlander (The Dark Sword#1) by Donna Grant 

22. A Honeybun and coffee by Sam Cheever

23. A Rose in Winter by Kathleen E Woodiwess 
24. Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander#1) by Karen Marie Moning 
25. Pack Challenge (Magnus Pack#1) by Shelly Laurenston 
26. Go Fetch (Magnus Pack#2) by Shelly Laurenston 
27. Here Kitty,Kitty (Magnus Pack#3) by Shelly Laurenston
28. Once dead, twice shy (Madison Avery#1) by Kim Harrison 
29. Rapture (Shadowdwellers#2) by Jacquelyn Frank 
30. Life,Liberty and thePursuit of a Honeybun(Honeybun Hunks#2)by Sam Cheever

31.  Nice girls dont have fangs (Jane Jameson#1) by Molly Harper

32. Ruined: A Ghost story by Paula Morris 

33. Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling#1)by Nalini Singh 
34. Visions of Heat (Psy-Changeling#2) by Nalini Singh 
35. Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changeling#3) by Nalini Singh  
36.  Mine to Possess (Psy-Changeling#4) by Nalini Singh  
37. Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood#7) by JR Ward
38. Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling#5) by Nalini Singh
39. An Enchanted Season (Psy-Changeling Novella) by Nalini Singh
40. Two Man Team by Jet Mytles
41. Change of Heart by Mary Calmes
42. Aint to proud to beg (Dog Walkers#1) by Susan Donovan
43. Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling#7) by Nalini Singh
44. Angel's Blood (Guild Hunters#1) by Nalini Singh
45. Lord of the Highlands by Veronica Wolff
46. Fantasy Lover (Dark Hunter#1) by Sherrilyn Keyon
47. Blaze of Memory (Psy-Changeling#7) by Nalini Singh
48. Outlander (Outlander#1) by Diana Gabaldon
49. Pleasure (Shadowdwellers#3) by Jacquelyn Frank

New Moon - the movie

 I loved the movie.  It was the first time that I was in a movie full of teeny-bobbers and a few "twilight moms".  And off course the few boyfriends that got dragged in.  It was such fun "ooo-ing and ahhhh-ing" at the gorgous men and off course all the little goooyeee moments . . . and the end had some of the girls yelling at the screen  . . . fun, fun, fun!

A reading bug

The old "reading bug" has bitten me again.  When I was younger, I used to absolutely LOVE reading and did it every spare minute I had.  This past week, hubby had to work night shift and since the "Twilight-series" have re-awakened my reading love, I finished a book almost every night.  When I was in a bookshop recentely, the girl there recommended Sherrilyn Kenyon to me.  I just loved the first book and have now read the first 5 books of her "Dark Hunter series".  Not my usual "cup of tea" but I have always loved old Greek Mythology, which is the basis of the series.  And off course they all have happy endings . . .

No stitching again this week but I am planning on getting a few stitches in this weekend.

Brothers and Sisters marathon

 

Yesterday I had a little "Brothers and Sisters" marathon of my own.  Since the series started a few months ago, I have been recording it with our PVR and yesterday I decided to start the watching a few episodes.  Finished my marathon after 11 last night and only have three episodes to go before I am up to date!  Love this series although it is worse than a soap opera sometimes . . .    

I'm back

I have been a little obsessed with the Twilight series these past two weeks.  I went from reading the books, to watching the movie, to getting the sound track! It was amazing - can't wait for the new movie although the second book definately was not my favourite. 

I haven't stitched in two weeks . . . I also haven't blogged.  But here is where I am at the moment . . . she can see . . .

Twilight series

Okay I don't know quite how to explain this but I read all four books in the Twilight-series in four days.  After finishing the first book, I went to the shop for the other three books that same evening!  I know that they will never qualify for litarery prices but the underlying love story is absolutely amazing.  Just something in them have touched me deeply.  I have never had the experience where I think about a fictional relationship even after finishing the books but Edward and Bella is just such special characters . . .

Thank you for all your birthday wishes - I had a wonderful day.  When I got into work this morning, my collegues already decorated my desk with balloons and streamers. I also only had to work half day (yipee) - so this afternoon I went to a nearby shopping mall and had a very nice salad. And then more eating - Tonight hubby took me to dinner and I had the most delicious Canneloni - yummy!  It was a wonderful day, can't believe that it is past already!

I also visited a bookstore while in the mall and bought a "from me-to me"-gift.  I have seen it around so much that I thought I had to see what all the fuss was about.  I bought "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer.  I started reading this afternoon while waiting for hubby to come home and I must say that I am enjoying it so far (although I am only in the first chapter).

Birthday girl

A fun weekend

I am always looking for bits of fabric these days - so what a thrill I got on Friday when I found a HUGE (and I mean enormous) bag of scraps on my chair when I stepped into the office.  A friend cleaned out her sewing room and gave me all the off-cuts that she had thrown into a bucket while sewing.  It was such fun sorting it and then ironing it all neatly (yeah, yeah - it's the perfectionist in me I guess).  It will be a wonderful addition to the quilt I am planning.  Here is what the pile looked like when I was finished ironing and trimming . . .

This week was also very productive when it comes to my cross stitching.  I have made nice progress - her face is taking shape.  Not far to go and she will be able to see - only one eye to go . . . :)

The frame have pushed some of the stitches a little skew . . . Is there a way to straighten them again?  Maybe I should put some fabric between the stitches and the "snap" holding it in place?  I don't want anything to spoil this my first big project.

Still only Fairy Tales

I have stitched some more on Fairy Tales - she is the only one I am stitching on at the moment, the only one I want to stitch.  All the other patterns will just have to wait for a little while longer - I just love working on her.  I decided to take out the little patch on her forehead and I feel much happier with it at the moment - will have to see how I feel after the whole face is finished (hope that two froggings were enough!).

I have discovered a website called SWAP-BOT.  And I think I might be enjoying it for a while.  I have registered and have already signed up for some email swaps.  :)  I might even join some of the package swaps in the future.  :)

A totally Useless SAL

Here is my TUSAL. Spud decided that he needs to be part of the picture!

Blog candy

Doesn't this prize look absolutely heavenly.  Brenda from Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt shoppe is having a give-away - hurry on over here.  The more guys that enter, the more prizes there is going to be, so come on and share this (and don't forget to say that I sent you :).
Ending 31 October 2009 - Halloween!

Happiness is finishing a page of a HAED design

Yes, that's right - I can hardly believe it myself . . . page 1 is finished!  I am so happy!  Last night I sat in hubby's office and stitched the last part.  He kept on asking "Can we go to sleep yet?"
"Only a few more stitches . . . " was all I said.  :)  I don't know which one of us was happier when the last stitches went in :)
I am still not happy with the little patch on her forehead but I am waiting till after I finish the right side of her face before I frog it again.  I am just going to blend it with the colours beside it.  If I don't, it will forever be jumping out at me.  Sometimes you just have to do things for peace of mind.

For some blog candy, go and visit Jenny here.  She is having a fabric give-away.  She is new to blogging, so let's make her feel welcome!  The give-away ends 21 October 2009.
EDIT:  Melissa was the lucky winner.

Yesterday was a good day - today was not!

I took off the day yesterday.  I just needed some me-time . . . I tried very hard to just recharge my energy levels and maybe a little of my sanity.  I had such fun.  I started the day early and went to a local fabric shop I found that sells the "off-cuts"  from the rolls of material (you know, the last little bit (and sometimes not so little) on the rolls of material that no-one will buy).  They sell it by weight - I got a huge bag for a small amount out of my wallet. :)  Always a good thing!
I got out my sewing machine and sewed together my first quilt-pieces.  I think it is the first time I used my sewing machine - fun, fun, fun!  I know the sewing is not totally straight but I am going to incorporate it somehow into my first quilt.  I am terribly soppy about such things and just have to keep it.  I will always remember the feeling when I look at it.  Here is a picture of the pieces.

Today it was back to the place that turns my mood black.  Rumours have been doing the rounds that the company has a "cash-flow problem" and that they are struggling to pay salaries . . . and it doesn't help when HUGE errors are caught out and it seems that a "write-off" of huge proportions are on the cards.  I wish I could be a housewife!  I am tired of all the stress.

Painting class

I had a painting class again today - and here is what I have done.  Mostly only the hat and top part of the chair. 

We are nearing the end of page 1

I finished the face of page 1 - I am so chuffed (is that a word that is used outside of our borders?).  I am very happy with the results except for a few stitches on her forehead. 
I have checked and checked and checked again to see if I used the right colour but it keeps on saying DMC 407 everytime I look. :) And that is what I used . . . but it seems to just jump off the face and hit you in the eye.  It looks out of place and much too dark for the rest of the face. 
Please help - should I change it and if so, to what colour?

My maiden aka Fairy Tales

I am really unhappy in my job.  I haven't been able to enjoy this weekend as my mind keeps on returning to all the trouble that will continue on Monday and probably for the next week.  I seem to keep going from one crisis to the next there.  I wish I had the courage to just quit.  Unfortunately I am in the position where I need to work . . . one salary is not enough at the moment.    Even my stitching couldn't help this weekend.  I hoped that it would help me relax but my mind kept on wandering back . . .   I wanted to finish the first page of my HAED this weekend but there is just too many confetti stitches going on.  Here is my update photo.

Is that a face?

It could be . . . a little of the side of my Fairy Tales Maiden is slipping in there.  The photo is a little "washed out", so you can't really see the nice colours making the shadows of her face.  I am really satisfied with the way it is coming around.  :) When I at last learn to use a camera properly, I will take a nicer picture (hubby is much better than I am!).

Isn't Cape Town beautiful?

(This picture is clickable)

Blog Candy

This is a great give-away!!  I would love to be the winner . . . check it out here.

Ending 30 September 2009

EDIT:  Congratulations Barb-Corgi.

Heritage day

Today is national heritage day here in South Africa.  We have such a huge variety of nationalities and cultures but the one thing all South Africans have in commen, is a love to "braai" (barbeque I guess would say it best in English but the term means so much more).  So today has also become NATIONAL BRAAI DAY.

Today is pretty dreary - it is overcast and it has been looking like rain will fall since this morning but I am sure most South Africans are standing in front of a fire, waiting to burn some meat right now :)    Hubby is a pretty loyal braaier but I haven't said anything about it . . . so it looks like we are going to give it a miss . .

I have been stitching some on my HAED project and here is a progress picture . . . I am really having a lot of fun on this one.

Want to join in the fun?

I was looking around different sites and I see so much different fabrics around - too many to ever be able to buy. So, I thought "wouldn't a kind of a swap be kinda cool"? Maybe we could all just come together and send two/three blocks (maybe 5" (13cm) to each other and then use it to make something special to showcase on our blogs on a certain date? Just a little impronto kinda project? Or do you have another idea?

More blog candy

We are helping to celebrate 29 years of marriage on this blog . . . wow, isn't that absolutely wonderful!!

See the lovely give-away here.

Ending 07 October 2009

Blog candy

Fiona is having a jelly roll give-away to celebrate her huge sale - see here for all the specials she has on offer.

Ending 30 September 2009

EDIT:  Congratulations Ariane.

Spring has sprung!

Today is the official first day of spring here in South Africa (although it doesn't feel like it yet - still have my long sleeves out). I absolutely love winter (nothing better than a fire in the fireplace and rain beating on the windows) but today I thought for the first time that a change from my winter clothes would be nice . . .

In celebration of spring, I have changed to a little fun spring background for the next few days . . . weeks . . . isn't it pretty?

Blog candy

Isn't that just the cutiest way of referring to a give-away (too cute!).

There is some blog candy here - but you have to hurry, its ending soon! You could win a jelly roll . . . I would love that!

EDIT: Mel won this wonderful gift!

And another weekend bites the dust.

It Sunday evening and I am trying to get my mind right so that I am not in a bad mood tomorrow when I have to get up for work. This week is only going to be four days long (yeahhh) and that is because Thursday is a public holiday. Hopefully that will mean that Friday will be a slow day . . . here's hoping! Last time I had that hope it turned out horribly (see a few posts back). It is still early, so I am positive.

I did do some stitching (off course) and here it is:

And let the confetti start falling . . . so far it is only red and black but hey, it's only page 1!! Still my favourite piece so far. MAMMA MIA is on the dish tonight, so I will be doing a little of the "good stuff" (as Nancy calls it) while watching.

It is that time again!

Yes, time for the Totally Useless SAL again - and here is mine.

I have started pressing down or else I won't be able to keep this container until 31 December :)

Isn't the web great?

I just love shopping online.

I will admit, I hate shopping IRL. I hate having to go from one shop to another, searching and searching. I used to love that when I was younger. I could go to the shopping mall for no reason and just browse . . . but now trying to get past hundreds of people that just stop dead in front of you for no reason - and the lines at the till . . . urgh! Just thinking of the Chrismas shopping lying ahead, is making me cringe.

This morning, I have spend the last two hours browsing "Sew and So". . . and filling a shopping cart. Yes, I know I will filter it out again and get rid of some for the next shopping date but it is just so much fun filling the cart with all your wishes without looking at prices. And all that without lifting a toe . . . :)

Fairy Tales

This is what have been keeping me busy (and sane) in the evenings this past week. This is such an easy and very relaxing piece so far. It is the Aida that makes it easy and the colors just flows and flows which just relaxes me . . . (I am sure the confetti stitches is still coming. LOL)

Goodness HAED patterns have soooo many different colors!! I have been buying the colors in drips and drabs because floss is really expensive here. But I will be spending a little tomorrow to get some of the colors I still need (what a surprise, huh? I keep on spending my extra money on stitchy things!). Hopefully I will then be able to get a little past the background this weekend. :) Can't wait to get some of her face in the picture. . .

It's Friday . . .

The Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to Storytime With Tonya and Friends.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I just bought Dan Brown's new book The Lost Symbol today, so I will turn to page 56 . . . and the fifth sentence . . .

Somehow, the oneness of this shared experience, the coalescing of millions of minds, had affected the randomizing function of these machines, organizing their outputs and bringing order from chaos.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Making cup cakes . . .

Got this email today and just had to share the cuteness . . .

MAKING CUPCAKES

"A Charming Give-away"

A sweet give-away on "Badlands Quilts". Take a look!

Ending 16 September 2009

EDIT: Congratulations ladmquilter

Among the Gum Trees

The designers at the new blog, Among the Gum Trees are giving free Chrismas downloads every Monday from October 5th. Go and check out their blog!