Sketch! France Belleville-Van Stone

Get your drawing choice drawing pad, select your favorite drawing implement, and get cozy with this inspirational drawing diary of sorts. Go on a journey with an untrained artist, as she sketches her way into the category of accomplished artist. Learn how she began, what tools she uses, how to go digital and finding the time to draw. Flip through these pages and feel as if you are sitting down with the artist having an exclusive conversation. Get a peek at her sketches, the finished and left un-done. You'll even go on an alphabetical adventure of inspired ideas for your next sketch. So sit down, and sketch! Very enjoyable book! I was pleased right away by the publishing of this book. The pages are supple, but pliable at the same time. The creative cut and layout are very esthetically pleasing. And the book it's self is a fun quick read. I wouldn't recommend this as a guide or how-to type book. But more of an artists journey and discoveries as she learned to draw. But I would recommend it as inspirational.just seeing her start to finish, and utilizing a lot of her great and simple tips. Fun book for any sketchers collection.

Daily Painting - Carol Marine

Get your brush ready, because you won't be able to put it down after reading this book, Here, nestled in between gorgeous pieces of art, you will find just about everything you will need to get on the 'daily painting' path. From supplies, to proportions, to application and color theory, it will be Impossible you don't learn something new. You wil find ways to beat artists block, how to get re-inspired and where to sell your lovely creations, for a profit! You will also meet other artists, see their work, and hear a bit of their story. So be prepared to be inspired and get creating! Really great book. I think I was only expecting a painting book to help me improve my skills . I wasn't aware I'd learn so much about where to sell my art, or that daily painting was actually a specific technique/movement being taught. I think she's dead on with this idea though. Staying immersed in your art not only helps you improve as she states, but keeps you inspired at what you are most passionate about. I look forward to shopping for supplies off her lists, and using her advice on getting my art out there, to see if I too can start profiting from my work. I loved all her color theory and detailed tips and tricks. (And she lives in my home town to boot). I would definitely recommend this to any aspiring or uninspired artist. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The First Christmas Ever

Gear up for Christmas with these wonderful illustrations, as you listen to the wonderful story of Jesus birth! I love this story of course. But I wasn't a huge fan of this book. I think the illustrations are really cute. But the story is lacking somewhat in it's presentation, and some of the facts aren't exactly right. The book also feels like the same quality as cheap little school books. But overall, it's sure to a fun book to add to your children's Christmas collection. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Finding Jesus

Everyone is at the lake, where is Jesus? Will he be walking on the water, or has he found a more conventional way to get around? Now you are back at the campsite, where is Jesus? Could he be playing volleyball, or eating a sandwich with the loch ness? Time to head up for a hike. Where is Jesus now? Will he be hiding in a cave, knitting with a squirrel or maybe looking for a good cup of tea? Follow Jesus around as he adventures with his modern day friends in this colorful book of fun! If you are looking for a silly new twist on Where's Waldo, you will find it here. This book is irreverently fun. The illustrators style even keeps up with the Waldo books. I like the small compact feel of it, easier to carry around than the bigger books of this type. And The scenes are really fun. I'd say the themes overall are aimed more at an adult demographic, but nothing overly mature for older kids. Overall, it's funny and entertaining, and would make for a great gift. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Refinery29 Style Stalking

If you've  got style, street style, a style like no other  then you'll swoon over these images and helpful hints!  You can learn the basics, see the best ways to layer, find out how to wear a piece three ways, and finally be the fashion rule breaker you've always warned to be. 
Sift through hint after hint of inspiring advice, get super savvy advice from the hippest fashion icons and learn to shop like a seasoned pro. Look your best in what your closet already has to offer, and the fabulous finds you are sure to find after training your eye with these expert tips.
Never has standing out been so fun!

This is a very interesting book, to say the least!   I'm a pretty creative dresser, but this takes having your own style to a whole new level. And while In my opinion a good portion of these looks say "rich homeless" to me, and look very unflattering, I know this is what the creative hipster type are wearing now. There were lots of good tips, such as where a skinny jean should stop on your ankle, or buying the right height bootie, but sometimes I saw their advice contradicted in the photos. I think the photography is great, very colorful and inspiring. And there are a lot of great pieces used in the creation of these outfits. I can't say I'd wear half of it, as it's very unpractical and unflattering ..but there were some really pretty looks that I'd love to recreate. I would have liked there to be a bibliography of sorts with the designer name of a lot of the pieces. I know a lot were thrift finds, but knowing who made the garments would have made for a fun internet search or something to look for when I am thrifting. 
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Never has studying the bible been any easier! Dig deep with more than 500 beautiful photos, a comprehensive cross reference system, charts, maps, tables and helpful outlines. The pages are a full color and even stay open to your spot for ease of use. You will find bible history, in depth descriptions and much more! A great tool you won't want to leave out of your collection. This is a really great bible dictionary. It's very easy to use and very aesthetically appealing. I love the largeness of it, though it is rather heavy. (Which is just fine if you study at home). It's very easy to use and is packed with loads of information. I am not a bible scholar nor a seminary major, so I cannot speak for the super serious bible examiners. I am just one who loves the bible and sometimes need a new book to re inspire my bible studies, and right now this will do the trick! Highly recommend! I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Adventure Time Crafts- flippin' adorable stuff to make from the land of OOO

Bring your favorite 'Adventure Time' characters to life with these simple,adorable and fun crafts! Decorate your babies room with a Lumpy Space Princess Pom-Pom mobile, get old fashioned with embroidery loops making Jake's Bacon Pancakes Wall Art, or get ready to hug a reversible Jake/Cake plush. You will even find a way to add these lovable characters to your wardrobe with items like a Hot Like Pizza Supper Skirt, a warm and fuzzy Fionna and Finn hat, a Wildberry Princess Fascinator to adorn your hair or add some fashion to your wrists with a Candy Kingdom Friendship Bracelet. And the excitement doesn't stop there! There are dozens of creative projects for express you love for all things Adventure Time. All with easy instructions, material lists and pages of templates you can print and use. So get creative and let the fun begin! I have to admit, I have never seen this cartoon series, but I thought I would like these crafts just because they looked fun for my kids and I to do. And i was right! I think for the person who watches this show, they will adore this book. But I think even for the person who has never seen one episode will find this book to be really fun and useful. You can use the patterns as is, or recreate them to suit your needs. There are so many cute projects in this book. The instructions are really easy to follow and the templates in the back are an added bonus. I will definitely be doing a lot of these projects! I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.