2011 Reading from my Shelves Project

If you would like to join this challenge, go here:

http://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-reading-from-my-shelves-project.html

Here are the details if you are interested:

Challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2011.

Read books from your own shelves, and then pass the books on to someone else: a friend, relative, the library, used book store, swap them, just as long as the book leaves your house once it has been read.

Decide on your goal (12 is the minimum - no maximum). Cross over books are allowed.
Grab the button and do a post about the challenge.

Keep a running list of the books you've read and passed on.

Leave a comment with a link to your post and you are entered (no Mr. Linky).
Have Fun and GOOD LUCK!

The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover

I am reviewing this book for Pump Up Your Books today. Here is a product description on Amazon.com about this book:

Tim Slover crafts a marvelous, magical novel about how Santa Claus became the man he is today. After reading The Christmas Chronicles, you’ll believe all over again in the magic of the season.

Snow is falling, and the clock ticks toward midnight on Christmas Eve while countless children, too excited to sleep, anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. But in Tim Slover’s deeply charming and utterly thrilling novel, that’s the end rather than the beginning of the story. In this richly imagined tale of Santa’s origins, the man in full finally emerges. The Christmas Chronicles is at once an action-packed adventure, an inspiring story of commitment and faith, and a moving love story.

It all starts in 1343, when the child Klaus is orphaned and adopted by a craftsmen’s guild. The boy will grow to become a master woodworker with an infectious laugh and an unparalleled gift for making toys. His talent and generosity uniquely equip him to bestow hundreds of gifts on children at Christmas—and to court the delightful Anna, who enters his life on a sleigh driven by the reindeer Dasher and becomes his beloved wife.

Still, all is not snowfall and presents. Klaus will be shadowed by the envious Rolf Eckhof, who will stop at nothing to subvert him. But in the end, Santa’s magic is at last unleashed, flying reindeer come to his aid, and an epic battle between good and evil is waged in the frosty Christmas skies.

By turns enchanting, hair-raising, and inspirational, The Christmas Chronicles is a beguiling tale destined to become a holiday favorite for the ages.

My Review:

I have to say I really enjoyed this book! It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit! The author takes you on a wonderful, magical journey through the creation of Santa Claus. This story isn't too long (only 176 pages) and it is just perfect for a Christmas read that will definitely take you through the enchanted world of Santa! Merry Christmas everyone!!

The book is available for purchase from Amazon at
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Chronicles-Legend-Santa-Claus/dp/0553808109

Twinning Murders by Shelly Frome

I will be doing a review of this book sometime in January, but I wanted to let you know all about it now:

The Twinning Murders is a modern day classic mystery centering on the ventures of Emily Ryder, a thirty-something rambler and tour guide. The story opens just before she embarks on this year’s Twinning ritual exchange. It’s between her historic New England home and its sister village deep in Dartmoor, a wild upland area in the west of the county of Devon, England. Emily becomes personally involved in a suspicious death.. A few days later, at the Twinning itself, her main client meets the same fate. As Emily’s world continues to unravel, and though she has little help, she finds herself compelled to piece together the games being played on both sides of the Atlantic.

This book was sent to me from Pump Up Your Book. Watch for my review in January!

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden with Christmas Lights!

Saturday night our oldest daughter, Megan and her husband,Ken joined John and I at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to see the Christmas light displays. We also went to hear my friend, Robbin from knitting group play the bells with her Church. They did a great job! The lights were absolutely beautiful and it was like walking through an enchanted land! We had such a wonderful time walking through the orchid conservatory and then outside to the lovely gardens. They had carriage rides and train rides (the train was really a tram made to look like a train). We had some wonderful hot chocolate and spiced cider, which kept the chill in the air away. Here are some pictures of our lovely visit to DSBG and I can't wait to go again next year!

First off I have to apologize for my night time photography, it isn't the greatest but you will get the idea.


This is the entrance to DSBG-it was just beautiful walking up to this and then entering a holiday wonderland!!


This was one of the 4 angels that greeted us.


When you enter the main building there was this huge orchid Christmas tree! Just gorgeous-there was hundred of orchids on here!!


All throughout the building there were arrangements like this. Just so sparkly and beautiful!



All the arrangements had these beautiful jeweled butterflies in them.


Inside the room where alot of weddings are held was this gorgeous chandelier!


There are 2 arbor walkways and they had them lit up with these lovely purple flower lights and green leaves and vines!




Lovely snowflake/star lights in the tree


All throughout the ground they had red, white and blue Christmas balls hanging from the trees.

ORCHID CONSERVATORY

Walking to the entrance of the conservatory were these wonderful lit palm trees.


These red Christmas balls were hanging from the ceiling of the orchid conservatory-just beautiful!


There is a pool which has been dyed black and these 2 poinsettia arrangements were "floating" in the pool.


All throughout the conservatory were beautiful poinsettia arrangements like this. I love the color combination.


This is one of the pretty orchids they had growing at the beginning of the conservatory. Just absolutely gorgeous, this picture doesn't do it justice!


What holiday season wouldn't be complete without a "kissing" ball! This one is made from air ferns!


Here is something you don't see every day-a Christmas tree made out of Bromelaids!


There was a train set up and going around the track in the conservatory too. It was a really big hit with all the children visiting DSBG.

Here are the lights all throughout the grounds:


Hummingbird on a flower


This lovely dove flying past the trees and you can see the Orchid Conservatory in the background.


Christmas Bells outlined on a hedge.


These lovely blue arches through one section of the gardens.


Poinsettia outline.


A walkway was lined with these cute toy soldiers.


This is one of the small fountains.


There is a fountain that sprays over the path and it was lit up beautifully! Of course, they have a path that goes around each side too so you don't get wet!


This is the largest fountain at DSBG. It looked like it was on fire that night.


Another lovely fountain with doves flying.


There were groups of these lovely white "snowball" lights in the trees.


There is a white garden at DSBG, which is just gorgeous when all the flowers are blooming. This is what it looked like Saturday night!


This beautiful oversized silver ornament was hanging in the back arbor of the white garden.


This lovely group of oversized silver ornaments was hanging in the trellis you walked through to get into the white garden. I would love to have this in my yard!!


There was a gate with these beautiful wreaths hanging on them as you left the white garden. I would love to have this gate at my house!


As we were leaving just outside the door was this beautiful Christmas tree all deck out in gold!


This little angel sent us on our way!

I know there were alot of pictures, but I really could have taken so many more! If you are ever in North Carolina, please check out the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden no matter what time of year it is-it is well worth you time!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Don't forget to enter my 750th post giveaway on my December 11, 2010 post!!

750th Post Giveaway!!!

As promised I am having my 750th post giveaway! As y'all know I make jewelry and gem related items and have them posted on etsy.com. I am giving away a ribbon bookmark and a pair of earrings in the color of your choice!

All you have to do for this giveaway is the following:

1. Leave me a comment with your favorite color.
2. In that same post tell me whether you prefer silver, gold or copper.
3. Also if you do not have your ears pierced I will make a necklace or bracelet, please tell me which you would prefer.
4. Leave your e-mail address, so I can contact you. If you don't leave me your e-mail address, I will have to go to the next person on the list.

That's all their is to it! You have until December 15th at 5 p.m. to enter this giveaway. Please only post once about this giveaway also.

I wish that you all could win, you have all been such great blog buddies!! Have a great weekend!

I will be hosting a Giveaway and will post more about it on Saturday 12/11/10!

Everyone I have almost reached my 750th post on my blog and I will be having a giveaway for this milestone!! I will be announcing the details tomorrow. Hope everyone joins in on the celebration!!

I would like to thank all my blogging friends for coming to my blog and making such lovely comments! Love you all!

Office Party today!

Our office decided this year not to go to a fancy restaurant and spend alot of $$, we decided to have a potluck luncheon around 3 and it will be for about 2 hrs. One of the superintendents is going to fry a turkey outside the office, I'm making meatballs in the crock pot (they are cooking as we speak)and I also made a cake. We have also had avocado/tomato dip, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, rolls, a rice dish and cranberry sauce come into the office so far! Everything is always so good that everyone brings in to share! I think due to the economy it is also a good thing to have a potluck. This is a way for everyone to come and enjoy each others company!

I hope everyone has fun at their office parties too!