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To me there is nothing like a good quality piece of jewelry. One that speaks for itself, and tells a story. That is exactly what Militarygal Jewelry offers.

This Momma has a husband that has served two deployments in the Army so far. She has been blessed with a 7 month old, and somehow manages to keep everything together while still having time to make some amazing statement pieces. She loves to make custom pieces, and loves beading necklaces.

This Military Momma has been making jewelry since May of 2009. I really love that she buys all of her beads from The Bead Lady in Concord, NC (A family owned business). Kathleen and Amanda of The Bead Lady taught her how to bead during the first week of her husbands 2nd deployment.

When you buy from Militarygal, you are not only supporting her Military family, but another family business!

What I thought:

I received a custom necklace. She asked me what my style was. I did my best to describe my personal style... Bohemian rocker (Yes two completely opposite styles... I'm special :) ) I thought for sure she was going to think I was nuts, and wasn't sure if there was a way to bring the two together in one piece. She proved me wrong. She also asked my favorite colors, which I answered: purple and turquoise.

This is what she came up with...

Beautiful Perfection! This embodies my style!!
The Beads are magnetite, agate, and seed beads, and the clasp is made out of gunmetal. Beauty and quality!

I have worn this necklace since I got it in. I am rough on necklaces, never really taking them off. I forget and shower with them on, and sleep with them on. Zoey also likes to play with it. It is very sturdy, and very well made. The weight of the necklace is perfect!

Militarygal is just getting started on FB, so be sure to show her some support.

You can order from her Etsy Shop here.

What is up for grabs?
A $25 gift card for any piece of Militarygals awesome jewelry!

Go to her Store!

"Blue Bloods" by Melissa De La Cruz

When I first started reading this book I was not impressed. I found the writing to be a bit distracted, and I felt as if the book itself was missing fluidity.

I will be the first person to admit when I am wrong, and here it is... I was wrong. If you have not read this book I am urging you to do so.

Without this writing technique the story wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

The story line is like no other I have read. Melissa De La Cruz has taken a common interest (who hasn't read a good vampire novel or two) and turned it into something she can truly call her own. You will not read about people running around with stakes, holy water, or anything of that nature.

In short:

Schuyler Van Allen is a bit of an outcast. She goes to a very prestigious Manhattan private school in her baggy thrift store finds with girls who will wear nothing less than Prada. On her 15'th birthday her life is turned completely upside down. She is accepted into a very exclusive social circle were she finds out who she is... A Blue Blood. Now it is Schuyler's job (with the help from a friend or two) to find who or what is preying on this elite group.

"Sweep" by Cate Tiernan

This was a three in one book including:
Book of Shadows
The Coven
Blood Witch

Really great Book: I would highly recommend this!!

I had a very hard time finding this book, as a lot of places either did not stock it, or were sold out.

This series is a home run so far on all of the marks. Morgan (the main character) seems to be someone I think most people can find some common grounds with. I found it very easy to relate to her, and as soon as that happened... Zap... I was in quite an interesting magickal world. This book was not short on action, love, betrayal, and suspense. All in which makes it not only as easy read, but the kind of book that you finish, and find yourself quite disappointed. Not of course by the ending, but because I had to go back to the store to pick up the next one. (on my next book store list)

In short without spoiling the book this one is about a girl named Morgan. She thinks of herself as quite ordinary, until she meets Cal. Cal is handsome, mysterious, and captivates her. She soon finds out after he invites her to cast her first circle that he is a Coven Leader. After this discovery Morgan learns a lot about herself, and her own heritage that turns her life upside down. She soon find out that Cal is keeping things from her... things about who she is. Now she has to figure out what she comes from, and what she chooses to become... Good, or Evil.

I have only ready the first three of this series, there are several more to come (at least 12) that I will post on later.

To start this off...

I have spent the last several months thinking about the age old question.... What makes me happy?

I can think of a few easy things off hand. Painting, spending time with my friends, cooking, eating (that might be one of my personal favs :) ) bla bla bla. The biggest of all lately has been reading. When I was younger I absolutely despised reading, and now I can't go without having at least one unread book at my disposal.

I took this question to the next level. I know one thing that I want to do with my life. I want to design amazing spaces. You know, the kind of room you walk into and every think that happens in that space is different. You are more calm, centered, happy or excited in that space. The air quality itself seems to be different. But who is to say I can only have one goal? Eventually I would love to write a book. Something that takes you to a different place. An escape into a different place. This is after all why we read, right? As I realize what an ambitious goal I have set for myself, and I have found myself thinking more and more about writing something (maybe not a book yet, but something).

And so starts this blog. I will be reviewing the books I have read, and the place the books have taken me. I should have started this clean at the beginning of a new year, but obviously have not so I will be posting those books as I get the time. I would love comments from all!!

Thanks for reading and I will leave you with this....

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan