Book Review: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist

 This post contains affiliate links.  This is a sponsored post. 

Book: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone
Author: Jenny Lundquist
Recommended Age Range: 8 - 12

Charm school?  At first Izzy isn't too excited about the prospect.  Combat boots, rowing, and shooting basketball with the neighbor doesn't exactly mesh with Izzy's idea of Charm School: walking in high heels and minding your pinky while drinking tea.  She's all spunk while her idea of charm school would better suit her sister (who clearly doesn't need it).  Luckily, Mrs. Whippie's charm school is different.  Izzy must complete tasks and earn actual charms, as in, charms for a charm bracelet.  While earning her charms she earns a prize "unlike any other".

Sound interesting, but not quite ready to buy the book?  Check out Jenny's blog, she has an excerpt available to read online.

Obviously I'm a bit older than the intended audience for this book, in fact it's much closer to being a book for my daughter, however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Charming Life of Izza Malone.  In fact, I finished it in less than 24 hours.  All 280-ish pages of it. There are a few themes that are hugely important for the recommended age range, such as self esteem, bullying, crushes, and family relationships.  I give this book a thumbs up!

There are lots of ways to keep up with Jenny.  Here are a few:

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Random Notes

I do have one gripe.  Grey doesn't have to be boring.  During the 24 hours that I was reading through this book I was also working on painting my living room, kitchen, dining area, and library.  I'm doing it two tone -- and one of the colors is a lovely grey.  Of course, I'm pairing it with a vibrant blue and having lots of splashes of color . . . so maybe it really isn't the same thing . . . but grey does not necessarily mean boring!  (I do have to admit, grey throughout an entire school would be a bit much.  It might even be enough to make me "beautify" a wall or two as myself, just like Izzy.)

I was curious if people really do race pumpkins-turned-into-boats, and yes that is a real thing.  Don't believe me, check the internet!

{Spoiler alert} Can I just say?  I love that Izzy had a crush and made the conscious decision to not do anything about it.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a little romance, but let's see more about forming friendships and adventure (especially for this age group)!

For my header photo for this post, that's the top one, I wanted to evoke Izzy's personality through my own stuff.  I have my favorite jacket -- a lightweight army green blazer.  My version of a charm bracelet -- my Origami Owl necklace.  A fun, but somewhat funky, hat -- my Sterling Unicorn Hat.  Of course, I also had to include the book itself!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone Book & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway (Ends 12/12/16) US Only

This is a sponsored post.  This post contains affiliate links.

To celebrate the release of The Charming Life of Izzy Malone Jenny Lundquist is sponsoring a giveaway!  I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book before it's release and I have to say it was a delightful read.  (See more of my thoughts in my review.)  This book would make a great gift for a daughter, or niece, or a neighbor girl, or . . . . the list goes on.

One winner will receive a copy of The Charming Life of Izzy Malone and a $50 Amazon Gift Code.

Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  Winner will be randomly chosen using Rafflecopter.  Winner will have 48 hour to respond to my email; after 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. Entries will be verified.

Please Note: I have tried my best to give you a variety of entry methods.  You can complete one method of entry or all of them.  I know not everyone is on Facebook.  Many people aren't on Instagram.  So on and so forth.  I have included multiple entries that are blog comments -- which you can do if you can see this post.  There are some daily entries, so be sure to come back each day for those.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sterling Unicorn Hat

This post contains affiliate links.  This post is sponsored.  Everything here is my own honest opinion.

This is my favorite hat right now.  I had such fun crocheting it!  This hat uses two of my favorite yarns, and I think both are stunning together.  The name of the hat is a simple mash up of the yarn colorways, but I think that it totally works!


Yarns Used
Unicorn Fields DK by Kimarie's Knit Knacks
This is 246 yards of 75% Merino & 25% Nylon hand dyed loveliness.  It even has sparkles!  Can I say that again?  My unicorn yarn has sparkles! It can be machine washed.  It is very soft and works up wonderfully.  I didn't encounter any tangles or messy bits.  Overall, it's an ideal yarn.

Marshall Island Sport in Sterling by String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn 
This is the same that I used on my Cherry Twist Hat and you can read all the details about the yarn there.


Hooks Used
Clover Amour H
Clover Amour I
(My Clover Amour hooks are my favorites!)

Pattern

Please Note: This is an untested pattern.  This pattern is made from the notes that I made while crocheting the hat.  If you encounter any problems or mistakes in the pattern I would greatly appreciate if you'd let me know and I'll do my best to help and/or correct the pattern.

Using H hook:

Chain 79.
Join without twisting.
Rows 1 - 6: 78 sc across, slip stitch into first stitch.

Using I hook:

Step 1: Using grey yarn: ch 4, dc in the first st (this counts as your first V stitch). *Skip 2 sts, [dc, ch 1, dc] in the next st. Repeat from * until 2 sts remain.  (This is a fairly standard starting row of V stitches). Slip stitch together.  Pull a long loop of yarn out -- enough that your work won't unravel while you work the next row.  NOTE: You will be alternating which yarn you are working with, but you will not be finishing off each row.

Step 2: Using unicorn yarn: Chain 3 in ch sp of 1st V st of previous round 2 DC. Three DC in each ch sp around.  Join with a slip stitch.  Again, pull a long loop of yarn so that this row won't unravel while you're working the next.

Step 3: Using grey yarn: Put your hook into the long loop of grey. Chain 4 and dc between first and last V of the grey round (note, this is not in the ch sp, but between the Vs). [Dc, ch 1, dc] between the earlier grey V stitches around.  Close with a slip stitch.  Pull out long loop of yarn.  (This is the row where the magic happens for this hat.  This row is how the unicorn clusters are surrounded and made to pop.  It does take a little getting used to -- you are working this new row with the row from not the last row but the row before that one. )

Step 4: Using unicorn yarn: Chain 3 in ch sp of 1st V st of previous round 2 DC. Three DC in each ch sp around.  Join with a slip stitch.  Again, pull a long loop of yarn so that this row won't unravel while you're working the next.

Work steps 3 & 4 until you reach your desired length.

Decrease part of the crown:

Using grey yarn.  *V stitch in first space.  1 dc in next space.*  Repeat around.
Using Unicorn yarn *3 dcs in each V space.* Repeat around.
Using grey yarn. Create a faux V stitch with a (dc, ch 1, dc) around, placing a dc on either side of the single dc in the spaces of the grey row below (continuing to capture the Unicorn yarn). Repeat around.
Using Unicorn yarn. *3 dcs in each faux V space.* Repeat around.
Using grey yarn. *V stitch in space between unicorn dc group (capturing the
Using Unicon *3 dcs in each V space.* Repeat around.
Using grey yarn.  *1 dc in space of each Unicorn group from below most recent row of unicorn stitches.1
Using grey yarn. DC2TG around.
If necessary, sc2tg around.

Finish off.

This was a mash up made in yarn heaven.  Both shops were wonderful to work with -- businesslike and friendly.  I highly recommend both Kimarie's Knit Knacks and String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn, as such both can be found in my Best Little Yarn Shops Gift Guide.

I will be sharing this post at some of these awesome parties!

#Groupon Goods #Ad

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

Did you know that Groupon has more than just deals for experiences?  I knew that there were lots of discounts to be had there for things like restaurants and skydiving, but I hadn't realized that there were deals to be had on stuff too!

When I went to Groupon Goods today, because I had to check it out, I was drawn to the "For the Home" category.  If you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed that I have a painting project going on right now.  It's a doozy of a project -- basically all of the common areas in the entire house.  This means though that I am looking for various items to finish out my decorating.  I really love this rug that I saw there.  Isn't it fun?

Of course, this is also the time of year to be on the lookout for Christmas presents for your family and friends.  This should be one of the places that you check -- from the comfort of your own home in soft pjs -- because there is surely something for everyone!  (I think that my kids would love one of the trampolines . . . )

And just in case you're wondering, yes, I regularly check out the skydiving deals.  I might be afraid of heights, but I will intentionally jump out of a perfectly good plane someday.  Skydiving is pretty near the top of my bucket list.

Check out Groupon on Facebook and Twitter. 

WIPS: A General Update

This post contains affiliate links.

So many projects . . . so little time!  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I have a problem starting new projects before old ones are finished.

I have a few more inches on my simple beanie that I'm knitting.  I started my first crochet corner to corner square.  I have some gorgeous new yarn that I'm going to be reviewing as a part of my Best Places to Buy Yarn Gift Guide.  I have a couple of sewing projects cut out.  I also have a craft room that looks like it exploded.  

I also have started a major painting project in the house.  (My hubby is awesome and doing lots of the work.)  Dominic's room is finished being painted; we'll see how the second coat dries, but I think all that's remaining is super minor touch up work. Then there's just the living room, the kitchen, and the library . . . otherwise known as every common area in the house.  I think it's going to look so much nicer though when everything is freshly repainted!  Right now it's a bit of a mess: with the spackling, a single coat here, a single coat there, and all the furniture pushed to the middle of the room.  The goal is to be finished in time for Thanksgiving!

Don't forget to enter my current yarn giveaway!  (Ends 11/20/16.  US only.)

I'd love for you to link up your yarn project at my weekly Yarn Fanatic Party!  The party for the week of November 13, 2016 can be found here.

How about you?  What are you crafting this week?

I'll be sharing at Small Things and Frontier Dreams. 

Yarn Fanatic Party #69

This post may contain affiliate links.

Happy Monday!  It's a new week -- hopefully you will get lots of time to play with yarn this week.  I'm going to have a little less time than normal . . . I've committed myself to a fairly large home decorating project this week.  We are painting the living room, library, kitchen, Dominic's bedroom, dining area, a couple of hallways, and maybe even a couple of bathrooms.  It's pretty intense.  Especially since we are hosting guests pretty soon!  I will be taking some crochet and knitting breaks, this is me after all.  

I loved looking at all of the projects linked up to last week's party!  This heart garland by Made by Demi especially caught my eye.  Isn't it adorable?  It makes me want to drop my paintbrush and pick up my crochet hook immediately . . . . If I used fall colors it could be Thanksgiving decor, right?

Don't forget to enter the handspun yarn giveaway before it closes on November 20, 2016.  

Link up any of your yarn projects!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  

Actually, I guess there are two rules.  The second rule is that your project must include yarn.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add a link to the Yarn Fanatic Party to your post or party page.

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife.

• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.

• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)  

• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!  Or even link a Facebook or Twitter photo.  (Just make sure your settings are set to "public" so that we can all see it!)

• By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

• Please do NOT link directly to a paid pattern.  You may link to your blog, Facebook, IG, whatever, which in turn links to the pattern.

Joovy High Chair Giveaway (Ends 11/25) US

Amber at Viva Veltoro recently had the opportunity to try two Joovy high chairs: the newly redesigned Nook and Foodoo! She loved both of them but for very different reasons. You can see her full reviews of the Joovy Nook and Joovy Foodoo to get a better idea of which high chair would work best for your family. We've teamed up with some of our favorite bloggers to offer you a chance to win YOUR choice of the Nook or Foodoo in black!

Joovy Nook High Chair

  Here are some details about the Nook from the Joovy website: Say hello to a new tradition in high chairs! The Nook uses a swing-open tray to simplify mealtime. This fantastic high chair features a large swing-open tray that operates with a one-hand motion without having to use two hands or line up cumbersome rails. Mom or dad can easily hold their child while operating the tray and there is no need to remove dishes from the tray before taking the child out of the chair. Simply swing the tray open, unbuckle your child and off you go to the next task. This feature makes your kitchen feel larger than it is. Folding the high chair and putting it in the pantry or kitchen nook makes your kitchen larger too.

• The Nook has a swing-open tray that operates with a one-hand motion, without having to use two hands or line up cumbersome rails. Includes dishwasher-safe insert.
• Adjustable Tray has four depth adjustments for additional space as your child grows.
• The leatherette is easy to wipe down and we have eliminated most nooks and crannies.
• Roomy enough to accommodate children from six months to 50 pounds.
• Even with the tray on, the Nook has an incredibly compact, one-hand fold. Perfect for trips, picnics or grandmas.
• No assembly required

Open size: 40.5 x 32.5 x 23.8 in Folded size: 23.8 x 9 x 28.5 in Tray Size: 21 in Wide High chair weight: 15.4 lbs

Joovy Foodoo High Chair

  Here are some details about the Foodoo from the Joovy website: Newborn ready, the Foodoo allows baby to be with you in the kitchen from day one.As baby grows, the Foodoo grows with him up to 50 lbs. Easy height and recline adjustments make meals comfortable at any table. Infants and newborns can join the family tableside in the fully reclined Foodoo. Five seat recline positions allow for use with baby from day one. Perfect for sleeping baby and convenient first feedings, the Foodoo adjusts to a more upright position as baby begins to sit up. Baby will be comfortable in the deluxe leatherette seat which is soft and padded. This easy-to-clean seat is a breeze to wipe down after meals and snacks. As baby starts to explore solids, the large adjustable tray works with a one-hand motion and provides a great surface for sampling new foods. The tray includes a dishwasher-safe insert which makes for easy clean ups. It’s easy to move from room to room without scratching floors with two rubber front wheels and non-slip rubber pads.

• Deluxe padded seat is soft and holds a child from infancy up to 50 lbs
• 8 adjustable height positions to fit any table
• Feed baby from birth to 4 years of age with 5 reclining positions
• Adjustable 2-position tray with dishwasher-safe insert
• Move easily from room to room with high-quality rubber wheels
• Footrest adjusts to 2 positions as your child grows
• Standing fold for easy storage

Maximum child weight: 50 lbs Open size: 27.5 x 21 x 42 in Folded size: 21 x 15 x 36.6 in High chair weight: 26 lbs

One lucky reader will win their choice of either the Nook or Foodoo in black!

Open to the US only, ages 18 and up. Ends 11/25/16 at 11:59 PM EST. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited.

I See Me! Christmas Sing-A-Long Book & CD Giveaway (Ends 11/23) US

Here's another giveaway for you that might help make your Christmas just a little bit merrier!

Welcome to the I See Me! Christmas Sing-A-Long Giveaway!

Sponsored by: I See Me!

Hosted by: Tyrneathem

If you follow my blog super closely you might remember Catherine reviewing a book from I See Me over a year ago.  (And of course, she's modeling a hat I made for her.)  Since Catherine still enjoys her I See Me! book I jumped at the chance to join some other bloggers to bring this giveaway to my readers. 

From the host:

"What can I say? I See Me! has blown me away once again! They have a knack for creating beautifully illustrated books. Each page is full of little details that leave something new for your child to discover each time they look."

Read more of Tyrneathem’s review here.

One lucky reader will win a personalized I See Me! Christmas Sing-A-Long Book & CD!

$39.99 total value. Open to US residents ages 18+ only. Giveaway will begin 11/10/2016 at 6:00 am CST and end 11/23/2016 at 11:59 pm CST.

Giveaways are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, or any other social media network. No purchase necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Winners chosen at random. Confirmed winner(s) will be contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email notification with shipping info (no PO Boxes, please) and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen. It is recommended that you add tonya@tyrneathem.com to your safe sender list. The bloggers associated with this giveaway, including The Philosopher's Wife, are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason.

Entry-Form

Yarn Fanatic Party #68

This post may contain affiliate links.

This is a place to share what you've created using yarn!  It could be a crochet or knit project, weaving, or any craft project, as long as it includes yarn.  So, please, link up and then check out what everyone else has been crafting.

Did you catch this adorable Bunny Hat from last week's Yarn Fanatic Party?  Too cute! 

Don't miss this yarn giveaway!

Link up any of your yarn projects!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  

Actually, I guess there are two rules.  The second rule is that your project must include yarn.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add a link to the Yarn Fanatic Party to your post or party page.

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife.

• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.

• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)  

• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!  Or even link a Facebook or Twitter photo.  (Just make sure your settings are set to "public" so that we can all see it!)

• By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

• Please do NOT link directly to a paid pattern.  You may link to your blog, Facebook, IG, whatever, which in turn links to the pattern.

$100 Sears Gift Card Giveaway (Ends 11/15) US

Welcome to the $100 Sears Gift Card Giveaway!

If you haven't read about Sears Heroes at Home initiative and partnering with Rebuilding Together you can do so here.  Sears has been kind enough to give Mom Blog Society a $100 Sears Gift Card to one lucky reader. Enter on the widget below.  Good luck!

Giveaway runs from 11/4/16 - 11/15/16.

You must be 18+ and a resident of the US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Mom Blog Society (and any other blog participating including The Philosopher's Wife) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Here are a few more giveaways that might interest you:

Handspun Super Bulky Yarn Giveaway (Ends 11/20) US

I have a lovely Etsy shop that I'd like to share with you today.  It's called Purple Lamb.  This shop specializes in handspun & hand-dyed yarn, art batts, roving, and even some artisan pieces.  Each skein of yarn is handspun by Carla.  (I have to say, I was incredibly fascinated by her spinning blog post.  It's certainly worth a look.)  Purple Lamb has been on Etsy for a while and has a five star rating -- always a good sign when you're looking for a new little yarn shop.

Shop on Etsy. 

Visit Purple Lamb on Facebook.

Check out the blog.

One lucky winner will receive this incredibly unique yarn.

Yarn Details

Name: Saint Patrick
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky/Chunky
Length in Yards: 36
Recommended Needle Size: 13-19
US Rec'd Hook Size: M-13 to Q
Spinning Style: Very thick and thin with kid mohair locks
Contents: 74% merino top, 10% viscose bamboo, 10% mulberry silk, 5% mohair locks, and 1% firestar
Colors: deep green, soft green, sky blue, magenta, white, gold, softer gold, green firestar
Washing Instructions: Wash in cool water by hand and air dry.

You can see the reserved listing on Etsy right now.

This is a great colorway for Christmas!  You could easy make a quick gift to give, or make yourself something festive for the holidays! (I'd love to see whatever you make!)  This yarn could be an eye catching accent on a larger project, or could make a lovely neckwarmer, or maybe some earwarmers.


Important Information: One winner will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google, or any other social media. Void where prohibited. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment.  US only.  Must be 18+.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yarn photos are from the Purple Lamb Etsy shop, and are used with permission.

Our Library Bag #4 and WIPS

This post contains affiliate links.

I'm combining posts today.  (Ginny's Yarn Along includes both knitting and reading, and she's awesome, so I might as well follow suite this week!)  Without further ado, here's what I'm knitting and reading right now:

After all of the Halloween costume crafting (Rey and BB8 from Star Wars) and coordinating shirt sewing, I am enjoying a very simple knitting project.  It's a straightforward, rolled-brim, no fuss, super basic beanie.  I'll share the pattern with you when I'm finished. 

I also finally published my free Peacock Hood Crochet Pattern!  I really love the way that this hood turned out.  I used the incredibly popular Caron Cakes, and I think the color changes really work for this project, but of course you could use any similar weight yarn.

Don't forget to link up your own yarn-y projects at the weekly Yarn Fanatic Party!  This week's can be found here. 

The library shelf in our personal library is bursting at the seams.  As of today I have 54 books checked out on my card.  I asked Catherine, age 6, to select three of her current favorites for me to highlight on the blog.  She brought me the following:

Gazpacho for Nacho: It's a cute little story about a boy who only likes to eat one food, you guessed it, gazpacho.  The story is filled with Spanish words, which is such a great way to introduce another language.  (The glossary in the back is fantastic for non-Spanish speaking parents like myself.)  Despite it's message that there are a plethora of awesome foods out there it hasn't encouraged my picky eater to branch out.  (Shout out to Sweeping Up Joy for this recommendation!)

A Place for Zero: Catherine loved Fractions in Disguise so much that I immediately checked the library to see how many of the Math Adventure books they had.  Sadly, there aren't many, but I put holds on all that I could, of course.  Personally, I'd say A Place for Zero is rather weak compared to the fractions book, but it was still a good book.

Cranberry Thanksgiving: Now that it's November I have a giant stack of Thanksgiving themed books.  There is just something about this sweet story of a Grandmother, a Granddaughter, a bad guy, a scruffy hero, and delicious cranberry bread that exudes "Thanksgiving" to me.  Catherine says that she just loves this story.   

Freight Train: There really is no question which book is Dominic's current favorite.  We've read this book roughly 9,999 times since it's been checked out.  I think the entire family has it memorized -- not that it's very hard to do.  Despite the fact that I might have had enough of this book it really is awesome.  The illustrations are stylized simplicity in bright bold colors.  The words  are carefully chosen.  This isn't a story book per se, since there's no actual story, but it's great for what it is.  It keeps my two year old engaged so I love it.  (Shout out to Rosie, she mentioned this book last month and I immediately added it to my library list.)  

I finished The Mysterious Benedict Society.  I'd say it was just shy of being a great book.  I am now reading Hearts in Atlantis.  (My first King!  It feels like a milestone.)  I also have been reading a few fluffy books not worth mentioning, because sometimes we all need a little fluff.  Ok, I'll mention one of them: First Love.  Spoiler alert.  It's basically another Walk to Remember, but with way more grand theft auto and way less character development.  I'd give it a D+ and yet it still brought me to tears.  

Linking up with Small Things, Frontier Dreams, and A Gentle Mother.