Simply Calligraphy

This book is just as its title suggests. Simple. I'm not sure why I was expecting something otherwise. It's a great book for the very beginner if they are looking to learn the traditional form and style of calligraphy. The instructions are simple, as well as the tools and techniques explained. The book seemed to be categorized well and moved easily from one lesson to the next. I'd recommend this book for a beginner or someone a little rusty. It's not a book for someone advanced or looking to learn a few of the more modern and creative techniques. . Overall I think the book was comprehensive for what it was and would have no trouble recommending it to the right person. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Just like Jesus bible story book

What an adorable book filed with great illustrations. The pictures are so cute, it helps to over look some of the deficiencies. I've never been a huge fan of bible type kids books that offer written prayers, as I like teaching my kids to pray from their own heart. But I do like how all the lessons were brought back to a characteristic Jesus possessed or shed understanding on biblical stories for the kids to get excited about hearing the whole story and read it in the real bible. I can't say I thought the content was fantastic, apart from the pictures of course. But I think it's nice enough, and my kids like it, and that's what matters right ?:)

M is for Manger

What a cute little book! My kids adore reading, especially if it's a book with cute illustrations and. Story they like. (Naturally). They loved that this one rhymed, and I loved that it was teaching them the alphabet while teaching them something even more important, Christ's birth. The added scripture was a great reference. Such a fun edition to the little stack of Christmas booms we are slowly collecting. I'm sure it will be read even after my kids know their Abc's and have written the story of His birth in their hearts. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Hairstyled - Anne Thoumieux

From buns to braids to headbanded hairstyles, learn how to achieve you next look in five steps or less! You'll also find technique for short, medium and long hair, as well as straight and curly. And don't forget hair for that special night out! Each hairstyle is given a level of difficulty rating, tools needed, written instructions as well as full color step by step photos. So grab a brush and start styling! As a hairstylist, I'm always looking for new ways to reinvent mine or others looks. I was hoping this book would help me do so. Unfortunately I'd realistically use very few of these ideas. While it may be a helpful resource for the person who has absolutely no knowledge of hairstyling In general, for me it was just kind of blah. I felt some hairstyles didn't bear instructions, nor the attention to even be in the book. They looked sloppy and juvenile considering the targeted audience. The idea of few instructions is nice, but depending on the skill level, it feels like in a lot of the styles some instruction is left out altogether. Overall, I think there are a few styles I can use, the other dated and otherwise uninspiring ones I can do without. If I were to recommend this book I would say I'd give it to a young girl (not young woman like the book implies) one who likes to try out new ideas on her self or other young friends. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Room for Hope

Historical fiction is by far my favorite genre. Getting to live the life of others in a time I cannot go back to. This book was no exception. To think about the decision Neva had to make when illegitimate children show up at her door in a time when adultry was so taboo. With no husband to question,she assailed with hurt and confusion as she decides who's well being is more important. The story is written from multiple perspectives which is a fun an interesting break from most novels. Overall I really enjoyed the box and am positive it'd interest many other bookworms I know . I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Flower Workshop

Learn the art of painterly arrangements, how to make tonal arrangements and spruce up any table with a branch arrangement! Use berries and fruits, make handheld arrangements and compotes.Simple instructions, easy to find supply lists and beautiful full color photos of gorgeous flowers. If you want to wow your guests, these pages will help you do just that! Really pretty book! I cannot wait to get started. The books pages are so pretty. The arrangements look like they'd be to complex for an amateur, and while each one would take time and practice, I think they are do-able even for a beginner. The fruit arrangements are beautiful and classy and a little whimsical. And the florals look like they'd easily spruce up a casual party or add more elegance to a savior affair. The color combinations are perfect, and I loved seeing all the varieties of flowers laid out in a simple background to really showcase their attributes. I am not an expert florist by any means, but I'd definitely gift this to all my friends with a green thumb or an eye for design. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The elements of Landscape oil painting

As an intermediate artist, if you are looking to hone or sharpen your skills, look no further. Here is your perfect comprehensive guide! You will begin with a list of what's needed to get started and begin your painting. And move into an in depth look of multiple different types of landscape; sky, terrain,trees, and water. And then you be shown how to put it all together. The information and guides are written in a manner which is easy to understand, and almost every page includes a beautiful painting by various artists. Learn to think like a painter, and how to set your paintings apart from others. Invoke a mood, capture the perfect light and make your paintings come to life! I thought this book was really great for an intermediate painter. I am still a beginner, and so was able to glean a lot of useful information, although I'm not able to execute some of her form quite yet. But this will be a great book to move me onto the next skill level. The guides and information are written very simply and easy to understand, while still holding the experience of the author. I loved all the paintings, seeing the moods they invoked, and the realistic qualities of some. Great book for an intermediate or a beginner like me aspiring to move to the next level. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The bee friendly garden

From teaching you the benefits of a bee friendly garden to becoming a bee activist, this book has it all when it comes to bringing bees to your own backyard. You'll find out what to plant in your flower and edible gardens to attract bees. How to design your garden and how to create a bee friendly world outside your garden as well. The books lists plants that grow best regionally,and has chapters for each region to better each persons success when planting in their area. All of this on beautifully photographed pages! Great book! I am planning for a future garden, and reading this has changed my approach. It has helped me to understand why I'd be planting certain things, and has given me the desire to purposefully attract the bees. I love how it's broken down into regional chapters, I don't have a green thumb and knowing more about the Native plants was really insightful. I loved all the photos and I found the information very easy to understand and interesting to read. For now I can highly recommend the book! And I hope to be able to do the same thing once I apply its principles. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Cats in Paris

Cats, books, Paris!! What's not to love?!! See cats roaming the streets, lazily snoozing in the bookshelves. And dozens of other cats in an array of patterns and fun. Color your way to cat happiness! When I saw this book I couldn't resist! Not only am I a cat lover, but a bookworm and Paris junky. Mix that with my artist, love of color side, and this was a match made in heaven. The cover of the book is beautiful. I love the colors, the gold foil and the illustration. The first chapter I adored all the coloring pages. But after that, unfortunately for me, it took a dive. While the rest of the pages have cats, they have nothing to do with Paris, and honestly they feel like an after thought. There are a couple pages I like the repetitive pattern and few I love the pictures of the cats. But they don't have the same high quality feel of the first part of the book. I will still however enjoy coloring in this, just wished it was all as great as my initial impression. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Very pretty inspiration

This review is from: The Knot Outdoor Weddings (Hardcover) Whether you want to get married on the Ranch, water side, in the grapes of the vineyard or amongst your favorite cityscape, you'll find your inspiration here! Or do you imagine yourself in the garden surrounded by roses, or a luxurious estate? You'll find that here too. Along with tips on design, decor, planning and catering. You'll see cakes, dresses, invites; all with a style specific to your individual style. So get ready, get planning, and use this as your comprehensive guide for the perfect wedding. I'm not planning a wedding, but I got this book really for inspiration in setting up exciting outdoor gatherings of any type. I was impressed with all the photography, and loved all the different styles displayed. This would have been a great book when I was planning my wedding, and so I'm confident other brides/grooms will feel the same way. It would also be a great too, for wedding photographers, and definitely professional planners. It has lots of great advice, information, check lists and inspiration.