I am still here...

...yes, it's true.  I haven't dropped off the face of the earth!  Just feels that way!

I have been feeling very uninspired these last few months.  Not loving my knitting, not feeling like baking (cause I will just eat it and who needs to add gaining weight with uninspired) and feeling quite drained.

This too shall pass!

Recently I was able to finally purchase a sewing machine (I'm expecting it to be delivered any day now).  I'm very excited however I have no idea how to sew - slight problem, I know.  In anticipation of my new sewing machine I have looked into some classes here in Winnipeg where I could learn but I was only able to find one that would teach me the basics that I need to learn and it is only scheduled on a night that I am not available.  Sheesh.  So now I am trying to find a book that could perhaps teach me step by step how to sew.  Sewing for Dummy exist?  If anyone has a suggestion I am all ears.  Or if you know of something that is good to sew for beginners, I would love to hear it.  I'm thinking pajama bottoms?

As always, if you are on Pinterest - feel free to follow me here.  Happy pinning!

Sunday Night Chit Chat

What are you...

Reading:  I am focusing on The Stone Diaries right now because I have it from the library and so I'm on a time crunch with it. Plus the library emailed me that I have another book from my wish list that is available and I have to pick it up tomorrow, so I need to get this one read.  I always try to give priority to my library books first and get them back asap.
Watching:  I am watching the Winnipeg Jets on TV right now and waiting for Downton Abbey to start in a few minutes.  I LOVE Downton Abbey so much...probably my favorite show.

Listening: Well technically I'm listening to the hockey game on TV but in terms of music I am enjoying right now, I would have to say 90s music.  I have been enjoying 90s dance parties on Songza a lot lately.  Been great to snap my mood since it has been a rough couple of weeks.
 
Baking/Cooking:  I just made this dessert yesterday for our family dinner that turned out great.  Here is the pin I got it from:  Best Ever Cobbler  

I actually made it with pears this time because I have made this with peaches many times and wanted something a little different.  Everyone thought it was delicious and wanted the recipe so that is great.

Happy you accomplished this week:  Surviving this week!  Seriously, the last two weeks have just been too much for me and I have been miserable.  This past week was sooooo looong I thought it would never end, so to make it to today is great all in itself!

Looking forward to next week:  Getting back to a more 'normal' schedule this week.  Trying to feel more like myself so I can enjoy next weekend (which is fully packed again).

Thankful for today:  I had several hours to finally put my feet up and relax.  I am getting time to blog!

*BONUS QUESTION* What chore around the house do you dread doing the most?  My most hated clean is toilets but I am fortunate that my husband cleans our bathrooms, so I guess my most hated chore would be...dusting because it always feels like it reappears just as fast as you can dust it.

Well, Carla thanks again for this great chat - have a great night everyone!

Book Review: Where'd You Go Bernadette? by Maria Semple

This was the second book I read on my holidays and found it very entertaining!  Maria wrote this book in an unusual style and it totally worked.  You get the complete picture of Bernadette, not from her, but from all the people around her, i.e. her daughter, friends, enemies, etc.

The story is technically about a woman who is having a bit of a meltdown physiologically and would normally not be a lighthearted situation but because you get to 'see' the perspective from all people watching this breakdown happening it puts it in a totally different light.  The author should get a lot of credit in how she wrote this book and how entertaining she made it and ultimately a great read!

I hope you enjoy reading this book!

Book Review: The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

I have done a lot of reading so far on my holidays.  The first book I finished was The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty.  Very good read!

For some reason when I read the book jacket I thought the book was going to be more about the girl she was chaperoning, because she is based on a real life person, but interesting enough it really is the story about the chaperone. 

I found her life story utterly fascinating and enchanting.  She was a woman who lived in difficult circumstances in a time when people were not understanding and compassionate and she was determined to live the best life she could and not just survive but thrive in those circumstances.

This book also covers her whole life which I enjoy.  Often books end as soon as the main issue is resolved or once someone gets married, has a child, etc. but I love it when I can get the whole picture to a story and see someone's whole life. 

I highly recommend this book and know you will enjoy reading The Chaperone!

I love you chocolate chip cookies!

My Saturday night:

 

Yum Yum!

Happy Friday!

Here are some random shots to help you enjoy this fabulous Friday even more!

I love these colours and think they are the most comfortable colours for decorating with.

This is my favorite mug right now.  My dear friend bought it for me and every time I make tea I think of her now!  What a great gift for someone.

This is me - can't you tell!  Just kidding!  My 10 year old niece made this picture of me using an app she just loves.  She is such an artist and loves to create, especially fashion and so she designed this outfit for me.  Don't I look glamorous!

Book Review: The Last Juror by John Grisham

I'm going to openly admit that I am a John Grisham fan.  I am behind in reading his latest books but other than the last couple I have read all his books...fiction and non-fiction.  Don't know what it is but I always enjoy him.  His books are usually about the legal community and based in the deep south which would seem like it would get old, but I still keep coming back for more and more!  I even work in the legal community so you would think that I would be totally sick of it and not want to read about it...again, wrong!

The Last Juror was shorter than his normal books but I found there was still lots of story in it and great character development.  Based on how the cover described the book it was not exactly as I expected...yes, that means there is drama!  But amongst all the drama there is wonderfully written characters and you discover a very likable little town (despite all its nuances and quirks). 

The ending was not what I expected and I totally love that.  I love it when a book keeps you on your toes so that even when you try to predict what will happen you are mostly wrong.

Do you like reading pop fiction like John Grisham?  I recommend The Last Juror - go read it!