The Cossacks & the Raid Review

This is my latest review for the classics club. The Cossacks and the Raid is the first book by Leo Tolstoy that I have read. Actually, the book consists of two stories and not just one, they are also part of his earlier works. While I didn't dislike either story, at the same time I didn't love them either. The first in the book is The Cossacks, which tells the story of a small village of the everyday life, soldiers lives, and the people of it as well. Since I am not that familiar with the history and different groups that make up Russia, it was a tad confusing trying to figure out the various people (who liked who, what side was fighting against the other). Some parts there was long stretches with no dialogue, which normally do not bother me, but in some areas it was very repetitive. The ending was a let down I thought, as I felt there was more that could be said. The Raid is a very short story (50 pages or so), and in some ways I enjoyed it better than The Cossacks. In the beginning it made you think about courage and war, but mostly focused on a battle and a few soldiers. One character got on my nerves with his attitude. This story was another that did in some ways leave more questions than answers. I hope this isn't a trait of Tolstoy's work, in that the endings seem short, as I have a few of his other works to read. I am going to rate both books 2.5, as I am glad I read them but do not see myself reading them again. I feel that a author does a disservice to the reader when they leave so many things unanswered. Next book to read: Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

Love You More review...

I was given a copy of this book free from the publisher by BookSneeze, and am in no way obligated to give a positive review. These opinions I express are my own. I read Love You More: The Devine Surprise of Adopting my Daughter by Jennifer Grant. The book tells the story of Jennifer and her family, that consist of her husband and their three biological children. They decide to adopt a child from Guatemala, and the book is about that process. I really thought that I would enjoy this book and would feel some type of connect with the author, alas it was not meant to be. I felt that the book was choppy and jumped from place to place, anywhere from the past, to present and future. I felt that I was trying to spend half my time trying to figure out the exact order of the book. In some cases I felt that the author came off as being a little uppity, which was a huge turnoff for me. It took me a really long time to finish this book, even though it is a very short read. I rate this a 2 and a half.

Homemade Pizza!

I made some homemade pizza, which I have never made my own dough before. I think it came out pretty good, there are just a few things that I would change, such as adding more sauce and toppings.

WIPocalypse 2013

Another craft challenge I plan on joining for next year, some of you crafters have probably seen the challenge on other blogs this year. I have some ideas for projects that I was not able to either finish this year or even start. However, I do know that I might need to add more projects to participate for the whole year. I will show my list later on, probably at the beginning of the year. Follow the link to join!

Skirts and Dresses..

I have made clothes on my own, just one skirt with the help of my mom. Lately, though I have wanted to make my own skirts and dresses. Mainly for a few reasons; I am very picky on my clothes, my size is not always in stock, and the prices now are getting out of control for a nice skirt or dress. Here is some fabric that I have chosen;

I plan on making this navy flower fabric into a dress.

Normally I am not a pink person, but thought the fabric was cute with the green. This will be made into a skirt.

I love blue, as you can probably tell, so far I cannot make a decision if I want to make this into a skirt or a dress. I guess it will depend on if I have enough fabric to make it into a dress or not.

I started taking some classes over on Craftsy. I want to make an A-Line skirt , I will probably make mine longer, and the retro bombshell dress as well. Later on I hope to get some fabric to make a blouse.

Future Cross Stitch Projects.

I purchased these cross stitch projects, and hope to start them in the future. These will not be a gift or anything. I specifically purchased these in mind to make for our house and my sewing/craft room.

Grandmothers Flower Garden...

This is part of the 2014 raffle quilt that my guild is making. I made this part as my contribution for it.

Wives & Daughters December Readathon

Amy from Yet Another Period Drama blog is having a readathon this month for Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. So I am going to join her and some of the other classic clubbers in reading this book. I have never read the book before, but I vaguely remember watching the mini-series. I do have this on my classic club challenge list, so I figured might as well join the readathon. I am still currently reading The Cossacks & the Raid by Leo Tolstoy.

Classic Club Readathon

Join me and the other classic clubbers in enjoying a readathon on Jan. 5th. Book a classic book and start reading for all day! Course a mini break maybe needed every now and then, but it sounds great. Not sure what book to pick for the readathon though, probably one of the bigger books on my list such as War and Peace. Join the 24-hour Readathon

Making A Difference 2013 Challenge

Do you want to make a difference in someone's life or in the world? I am starting a challenge for 2013. Here is the rundown every month post a charity that you want to help, include how you plan to do this (donating money or making something), and if there is a charity that holds a special place in your heart. You can choose to help the same charity every month if you prefer. Every 1st of the month, use the link below for us to see your post. Join me in trying to make a difference!

Period Drama blogs.....

I love the BBC period dramas, and own several of the movies. I think this is mostly due to my love of history and the dresses. Most of the period dramas I have yet to actually read the books, although they are on my classic club list to read soon. I recently found the following blogs, and wanted to share:

Not enough room for a Christmas tree?

Or do you know someone who is a fan of the Charlie Brown Christmas movie? I got this small little Charlie Brown Christms tree at the grocery store. It even plays the theme song as well, besides having Linus's blanket it has an ornament. As you can see it doesn't take up much space either.

Books to read and staying organized.....

I recently purchased these books below, and can't wait to start reading them. The Wolf Hall book will be a part of the historical tapestry challenge.

On another note, I really want to stay organized next year. So I have purchased a daily planner. I think it will work out great, as it has a lot of space and added features. I am hoping that my starting early before the years end, by time next year rolls around, I will already be in the habit of using the planner.

Books I want...

Here is a few books that I would like to read To Marry an English Lord and Lady of the English. I might end up adding them to one of my challenges for next year.

What books are you wanted to read, but have yet to purchase?