Review: Here, Home, Hope

Recently I was sent a copy of Here, Home, Hope written by Kaira Rouda. It was a great summer read.

The main character is going through changes in her life (a new career, amongst many others) that can be easily related to by anyone who reads it. I love that she has a T2C list (things to change) and they are sprinkled in through out the novel. Add in different elements of humor when relating to the local know it alls and such, and you realize that this could be about any town in America.

I definitely recommend this book for summer trips as it is such an easy read. Rouda has a way with words that make them seem more like a conversation than a book, which is one of my favorite aspects of her writing. I also love the multiple pop culture references, though one time my creative writing professor told me things like that could alienate certain readers. I was not one of those readers. I love pop culture references.



Check out the book trailer:



More info on the author here.

Follow her on Twitter here. 

Check out places to buy the book here.


This review was made possible due my affiliation with One2One Network.

Real California Cheese: Pair Savvy

Today, I have a pretty sweet new app to talk about for you wine and cheese lovers out there. That should be everyone, because who doesn't love wine and cheese? And it is completely free!

Pair Savvy is a user-friendly application that works on both iPhone and Android devices and allows users to search by cheese, wine or beer varieties based on personal preference. California cheesemakers make more than 250 varieties and styles of Real California Cheese, everything from bandage wrapped Cheddar to award-winning Brie.

Here’s how it works: 
Download Pair Savvy to your mobile device and you can select by cheese, wine or beer. If you don't have a compatible mobile device, users can still use the Pair Savvy site to find savvy pairings.

Pair Savvy will come up with a pairing that has a list of suggested cheeses, California cheesemakers and brand names they can purchase at retail.  So cool!

Some pairings even suggest fruit accompaniments, which is great when putting together a cheese plate or display.  Users can also save pairings and rate the pairings they have tried.  There’s even a “Surprise Pairing” option for the more daring at heart. 

This fun app is available for free download, just in time for holiday events.  A beautiful, perfectly paired selection of cheeses and beverages will make you the most celebrated host or hostess and the favorite guest at every party you attend. 

Real California Cheese Pair Savvy is available today to most smart phone users through their mobile browser: pairsavvy.realcaliforniamilk.com

For the iPhone:  Visit the App Store, search for “Pair Savvy” then download for free (available soon).

For Android users: Visit the Android Marketplace, search for “Pair Savvy” then download for free.

Better yet, Pair Savvy is linked to RealCaliforniaMilk.com so the app will update automatically with no need to download future updated versions. 

Dairy products – including cheese – made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms.  Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are family-owned. California produces more fluid milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.

Disclosure: I was asked to write about this topic due to my involvement with One2One Network. I was not paid for this promotion.

Book Review: Vintage Fashion Knitwear by Marnie Fogg

A couple of weeks ago, Sterling Publishing, sent me a copy of the book Vintage Knitwear by Marnie Fogg, to review on the blog. And away we go:

This book is a must own for anyone who sells vintage clothing. It is a coffee table book full of amazing pictures of knitwear through the decades, dating all the way back to 1900.

The pictures are amazing. I love the fact that it has a great mixture of photographic examples, along with detailed writing about each decade. My favorite piece is a 1950s sweater with ridiculously adorable puppies on it (pg. 216).

It also contains several pictures of tags from each decade, making it a useful tool for those of us who spend hours trying to date each clothing item.  Fogg really shows her knowledge on the subject, making it a useful reference guide for Etsy sellers, such as myself.

An index in the back is full of famous and lesser known brands/styles, making the book easy to navigate. The back also contains great places to view collections of vintage knitwear around the world. Also, it features a list of books to further your knowledge on the subject. This book, though large, has become a staple in my thrift store trips, trying to reference pieces on the spot. It is SO helpful.

With Christmas around the corner, this is a great item to put on your wishlist!

You can read more about it right here.

Note to the Man: Sterling Publishing provided me with a copy of this title for review purposes. My review was in no way influenced by the free nature of the book. I really loved it that much.