The Queen's Lover By Vanora Bennett

I was excited to see a blog tour from TLC Book Tours for Vanora Bennett's new paperback release and quick to sign up for it. I have Bennett's previous book Portrait of An Unknown Woman that I enjoyed reading very much. I was interested in The Queen's Lover because it's central characters are figures in England's history that tend to be a bit shadowy due to the lack of information about them. As little information as there is, the couple still had a big impact on the period of England's history I first became interested in, Tudor England.

The Queen's Lover

Paperback: 624 pages

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (March 8, 2011)

Publisher Synopsis: Catherine de Valois, daughter of the French king Charles VI, is born into troubled times. Though she is brought up in a royal court, it is a stormy and unstable environment. Before she is out of her teens, Catherine is married off to England’s Henry V as part of a treaty honoring his victory over France. She is terrified at the idea of being married to a man who is a foreigner, an enemy, and a rough soldier, and is forced to leave her home for England.

Within two years she is widowed, and mother to the future King of England and France—even though her brother has laid claim to the French crown for himself. Caught between warring factions of her own family and under threat by the powerful lords of the English court, she must find a way to keep her infant son safe. In Owain Tudor, a childhood friend for whom Catherine has long had affection and who now controls the Royal household, Catherine finds both strength and kinship. As their friendship turns to love, however, she risks not only her life and that of her son but the uneasy balance of power in England and France that will be forever changed.

History comes alive in this lyrical and moving true story of one woman’s courage and the inception of one of the most famous royal lineages of all time.

My Thoughts:

Unlike a lot of historical fiction I read, I was not overly familiar with the main characters besides a few brief details. The way Bennett fleshes out Catherine and Owain into full fledged beings makes for very good reading. I enjoyed how she also included other lesser known historical figures from the time period such as Christine de Pizan, Europe's first feminist and author, and a more well known Joan of Arc.

Bennett's writing is richly detailed and The Queen's Lover is an example of historical fiction at it's best, a genre I read a lot and where poorly written and trite stories are possible to identify within the first few pages. While the love affair between Catherine and Owain is the backdrop for most of the story it is in no way a lightweight romance. The novel has the feel of a well researched piece of writing and is a book readers interested in history will enjoy greatly, while still being accessible to those new to the time period. An award-winning journalist, Vanora Bennett is the author of Portrait of an Unknown Woman and Figures in Silk. She lives in North London with her husband and two children. Find out more about Vanora at her website. I am the last stop on this TLC Book Tour, the previous two stops were:

• Tuesday, March 29th: Hospitable Pursuits
• Wednesday, March 30th: Peeking Between the Pages

For a full listing visit the Blog Tour Page.

Disclosure: A complimentary reviewers copy of this title was provided. The experience and opinions related in this post are personal and unbiased.

A Crafty Soiree #31

So I've been thinking, gee I really need to get to work on a Spring banner for my fireplace mantle or before I know it it'll be one of those projects I meant to make as I get ready to switch over to Summer decorations. Although as I'm typing this and remember how cold it was today, summer seems very far off! I'm feeling a bit tired and unispired these days so I was hoping my crafty friends would link up some inspiration for some quick, easy, but really pretty ideas to get me in the mood for crafting. While browsing the links last week I came across this beautiful example by Tanyia at Surviving Motherhood. It's created digitally but with some hybrid additions to add dimension and texture, cute! I thought to myself, I can totally do something like that, now that I've got an example to work off of. A little more visiting and I found this banner on At Second Street. Guess what? It's a printable banner, so if you need a pretty time saver project, like I do, go get it! Thanks Kalleen for sharing your downloads!After finding those two great options for a banner, I could feel the creative juices getting going again. That's when I spied this pretty little Spring Has Sprung Canvas at Making a Mess. I really like how the butterflies look like they're flying by. This is such a darling way to add some interest to your mantle, table tops, or when you just want a sweet little touch to a room.
<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="A Crafty Soiree" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/FeaturedOnBlueButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>Ladies, for being our features this week, we're happy to offer you our special Crafty Soiree Ribbon! It's yours to proudly display! Don't forget to check out today's Crafty Soiree post at Yesterday on Tuesday, we both pick three participants to feature each week so you might have been featured by Malia. But you'll have to visit her to find out!
<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="Katie's Nesting Spot" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/KatiesNestingSpotButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>Now it's your turn to link up! The linky will be open for a week, so you have plenty of time to join us! Here are some guidelines for our guests:

• Link up your creative projects! Crafts, Kid Crafts, Decor, Recipes, Sewing and Organizing tips are are welcome.
• Add up to FOUR links to share, you can link up projects from your archives, but please make sure it's not something you've previously linked up to A Crafty Soiree AND you add a link back to the party!
• Add your links to the specific posts and not your blog's homepage.
• Add my Crafty Soiree button above or link back to me in your posts, so others can find us and join in!
• Please comment on the post linked up in front of you. All partygoers love meeting new friends... don't just stop there...if you see something that catches your fancy-- stop by and say hi!
• Please consider following the hostesses, me and Malia, we want to get to know our guests.
• Most importantly... enjoy yourself and have fun!

Don't forget, A Crafty Soiree is hosted on two blogs, so when you link up on one your link will automatically show up on the other one too! Please note, by linking up to A Crafty Soiree, you're giving permission to feature your project and photos in the future, with proper credit of course☺

Simply Bags Review: Beach Duffle Bag

One of our favorite family activities is going to the beach, and in the Great Lakes state we have plenty to choose from! Last summer we went to a local inland lake almost once a week in July and August. While we love meeting friends there, splashing in the water, and playing in the sand I always dread packing up and carting everything down to the water front. One thing I've discovered it, you can never have too beach totes! I just got a great new one from Simply Bags. The Beach Duffle Bag is available in two bright summery color choices and retails for $23.99. The best part? It comes monogrammed with your initials or name! Since we normally head to the beach with a group, that means it'll be easy to find our bag at a glance. The name embroidery is so nice that I wish I had a longer name to get put on it! I can tell it's quality because the letters are thick and raised. The green looks so pretty against the flamingo rose bag. Not only is the bag very cute, it's quite functional too! Here is the product description from the Simply Bags website: Start your summer fun with this hands free sling style beach duffle bag. Vertical duffle features a padded strap, Ipod or cell phone holder, side zipper compartment, 12-grommet drawstring closure. Bright, fun snazzy pattern, in mango and flamingo rose.. Includes name, single or three letter monogram. Beach duffle bag measures 18”H x 12”W x 8” deep. Made of polycord with one inside zip pocket. The key phrase for me was "hands free", that will be great as sometimes regular straps slip off my shoulder while walking from the car. You carry this like a back pack but it's much much cuter and stylish. I also really appreciate the design features like the holder on the strap, that will be a great place to put our entry ticket so I'm not digging all over for it on the way out. It's very convenient how you can assess one zippered pocket from the side, without having to undo and unpack the bag. There's another pocket inside for things you want to keep more securely. The inside of the Beach Duffle Bag is lightly coated. It would also be a great bag to take to the pool, because can throw your damp swimsuit inside afterward. The top opens nice and wide and you can stash a lot inside.

If a duffle bag is not your personal style there are plenty of other personalized beach bags to choose from. I am also quite partial to the Damask Print Tote and the Canvas Tote Bag. Plus there is a lot more than Beach Totes at Simply Bags. They have a wide selection of bags ready for you to personalize, from Kids Bags to more elegant choices like the Classy Carpet Bag and even smaller things like Cosmetic Bags and Lunch Bags.

I was surprised by how many choices were available and how quickly my personalized Beach Duffle Bag arrived on my doorstep. Over all, I was very impressed by the embroidery, quality, fine selection and service. I hope you'll check them out; I'd love to know what your favorite bag is at Simply Bags.



Disclosure: I received the bag reviewed above as a complimentary sample. No other compensation was received and opinions and experiences expressed in this post are personal and unbiased.

Jolly Jungle Layouts

Another kit from Adorible Digital Designs that I recently got to create some promotional layouts with is Jolly Jungle. This kit has some really cute jungle animal vectors! I had a great time using the digital papers, fasteners, journal boxes, frames, digital pin badges, alphas and more! Here are the two I made, click here to see the full digital kit description on Louise's site.


Disclosure: I'm a member of a Adori Graphics Design Team.

Remembering Grandma

Today is the memorial mass for my dear Grandma, even though it's only been a year since she went up to heaven, it feels like longer. I still miss her every day and it's still hard to accept she is gone. I wonder if it ever gets easier, I have a feeling it doesn't.

Thank You Card

Last weekend was Maryanne's last online crop before her baby girl is born. One of the challenges was to scraplift an example she picked. I turned mine into a card to thank my Mother In Law Norma for the birthday gift she gave me earlier this month. Since it was a gift card to buy more maternity outfits I thought a picture, that's technically of both me and her to be born grandson, would be appropriate. After all, it's kind of a gift for both of us, I'm sure baby isn't too comfy squeezed into too tight "before" clothing.

Shared At: Scrappy Gifts, Born Again Crafter,

My New Baby Bag by Vera Bradley

Look what my Godmother gave me for my birthday, a Baby Bag from Vera Bradley in Imperial Toile! This is the pattern I really wanted one in because it's still girly but not overly so but also neutral enough for me to carry most days. I have a bucket tote in the same pattern and love it.

I like how Vera's Baby Bag design is a little longer in length and not as deep as the ones I carried with ER. That means I won't have to dig through layers and layers of stuff to find what I need, which always seemed to be on the very bottom! The pockets are wonderful and the only thing I wish it had was an inside zippered pocket, other than that, it's perfect! I know it's going to be my go to bag for the new baby.

In other Vera news, the summer colors have hit the stores, I'm excited to see Watercolor and Viva la Vera. I certainly don't NEED anything, but am interested in the Pocket Cosmetic. I like the inside mesh pockets and am hoping it will be the right size for holding my diabetic testing supplies. The pockets should be a nice way to keep the different components organized instead of in a big jumble.



Photo courtesy of the Vera Bradly site.

A Crafty Soiree #30

Wow I can't believe we're at our 30th party already! You all continue to amaze me each week! Every time I really feel I should be featuring everyone who links up, but then of course it would take forever to scroll to the linky☺ I was going to wait until April until switching over to Easter but I just can't resist the pull of all the sweet little bunnies, eggs, and chicks anymore! I have two of the Pier 1 bunnies that Jenny from Our Nifty Notebook used for her bunny topiaries and am planning on stealing her super cute decoration idea really soon! I made a heart shape out of buttons for a Valentine pillow a couple of years ago and am loving this sweet egg made out of buttons from Auntie Lolo Crafts. I think it looks especially great against the brown burlap.
Natalie at a Turtle's Life for Me made the easiest pillow ever, out of all things, a placemat! I actually like it tons more as a pillow. Now the cute design isn't covered up by a plate.

<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="A Crafty Soiree" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/FeaturedOnBlueButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>Ladies, for being our features this week, we're happy to offer you our special Crafty Soiree Ribbon! It's yours to proudly display! Don't forget to check out today's Crafty Soiree post at Yesterday on Tuesday, we both pick three participants to feature each week so you might have been featured by Malia. But you'll have to visit her to find out!
<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="Katie's Nesting Spot" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/KatiesNestingSpotButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>Now it's your turn to link up! The linky will be open for a week, so you have plenty of time to join us! Here are some guidelines for our guests:

• Link up your creative projects! Crafts, Kid Crafts, Decor, Recipes, Sewing and Organizing tips are are welcome.
• Add up to FOUR links to share, you can link up projects from your archives, but please make sure it's not something you've previously linked up to A Crafty Soiree AND you add a link back to the party!
• Add your links to the specific posts and not your blog's homepage.
• Add my Crafty Soiree button above or link back to me in your posts, so others can find us and join in!
• Please comment on the post linked up in front of you. All partygoers love meeting new friends... don't just stop there...if you see something that catches your fancy-- stop by and say hi!
• Please consider following the hostesses, me and Malia, we want to get to know our guests.
• Most importantly... enjoy yourself and have fun!

Don't forget, A Crafty Soiree is hosted on two blogs, so when you link up on one your link will automatically show up on the other one too! Please note, by linking up to A Crafty Soiree, you're giving permission to feature your project and photos in the future, with proper credit of course☺

Scrapbook Layout: Dressed in our Easter Best

I'm so glad it's officially spring! Sunday ended on a very rainy note, but Monday we got some sunshine late in the afternoon. We got outside to blow bubbles and it felt like spring was really going to come. That being said, I'm a little afraid to check the upcoming forecast! Spring means Easter to me. We're having friends over for brunch on Palm Sunday so I've got chicks, bunnies, and daffodils on the brain right now. I'm trying to figure out what to serve, how to decorate, and which activities will keep the girls the busiest.

It seemed like the right time to share one of my favorite recent scrapbook layouts, featuring a line of paper and stickers by Dear Lizzy from American Crafts. I just love the soft pastels, premade felt embellishement, and little egg pattern.

Rainbows Everywhere: Preschool Art Projects

Rainbows seems to be the current theme in my daughter's class, makes sense since it was just St. Patrick's Day. Since there were a few I thought I'd share my favorites. Are your kids gaga over anything they can wear? Many of you already know my chicklet loves to wear crowns and tiaras, but they also seem to make a lot of hats for holidays in preschool, way more than I did in K-land, and they seem pretty popular with the four year old crowd. I'd never seen a rainbow hat before. It's just so darn cute! Here's their version of a paper plate rainbow. I used to do one in kindergarten with tissue paper balls glued onto the plate to form a rainbow. This looks infinitely easier for preschoolers and is just as cute. If I go back to the class I might "borrow" this idea but have the kids do all the cutting themselves. There's no way ER cut those strips!Then just yesterday she came home with this work of art. She's on the right, wearing a rainbow crown, in a rainbow dress, standing next to a rainbow, and I'm on the left. Seems I'm not quite a nearly as colorful, as I'm in black. Wonder if I just ate something bad or thought about how much her college education was going to cost, perhaps that led to the green face?!

These projects have been shared at my other blog, ABC & 123: A Learning Cooperative. We have a linky party called Show & Tell, you know just like that much anticipated day at elementary school, every Tuesday. We'd love for you to join us!

Bundle of Joy: Minibook Freebie

I have two exciting things to share with you today. First, Louise the designer behind Adori Graphics has moved her digital scrapbooking kits over to a new site: Adorible Digital Designs! You can find Louise's digital design blog there and also her new store. It is more of a digital scrapbooking kit devoted site and will make it easier to find all her fun kits and other goodies! I hope you will check it out! Now on to today's new release, since we just found out about our boy joining our family in August, it's perfect timing for a baby kit! Adorible Digital Graphics just release two versions of Bundle of Joy, a Boy and a Girl version. While the color palatte are soft pastels, there's plenty of things this kit can be used for besides baby pages. Other than the Word Art it's not baby specific at all!

I've got a great freebie for you this time! To prepare for our baby I've created a minibook, that's all ready for me to drop in some photos and a few details after he's born. I love being prepared! Plus, I've made the whole thing available for you to download! Here are the Front Cover and Back Cover.

Here are the pages to complete your book with! From left to right, click on titles to download. Introduction Page, Details Page, Meeting Friends and Family Page, Photo Page, First Bath, and My Room Page. Please remember that this freebie is for personal use only, enjoy!

I used my pages to create a simple accordion fold mini book. These are so easy to make and once you get the basic technique down, you'll find it's fun to make them in all sorts of sizes and lengths. I'll give you a brief little how-to, to get you started.

Since my pages are sized to 5 inches tall to 4 inches wide, after adding my photos and text I dragged four pages onto one 8X10 canvas in PS Elements and then repeated with the remaining four pages. 8X10 is a commonly available print size so if you don't want to print them at home, you can easily send it off to a developer. (For tips on printing at home, see my guest post at Adori Graphics.)

What's great about this size also, is I only needed one sheet of 12X12 paper to make the base. Begin by cutting two 5X12 strips of paper. Fold at four inch intervals. You results should look like photo (a) above. You will have one extra 4X5 section, so cut off one so that your papers look like picture (b). Now overlap the last section of one strip of paper with the first section of the other. Glue together so that you have one piece of paper like in (c).

I opted to ink all the edges and folds of my book base and all of the pages. Once I'd done that, it was just a matter of attaching my digitally created pages, one to each 4X5 section in an order I liked. To give the finished book a cohesive feel, I made sure the Front and Back Covers are glued on so that my book would open in the same direction as a real book. Here is one side of my mini book.

This is the other side, what I consider the "inside" of the book. I really like how compact it is and because the pages are created and decorated with digital elements it fold up nice and compact. It's fun how it's a mini book and also something you can display as it'll stand up on it's own. It'd make a really special baby annoucement for Grandparents, as you can leave out the Meeting Page and add another photo page instead.

Guess what? That's not my only freebie today! We've got Blog Train featuring the brand new kit from Adorible Digital Designs. Visit each of the Design Team member's blogs and pick up a baby annoucement or card using either the Bundle of Joy Girl or Bundle of Joy Boy kit! I know you're gonna love the variety of cute 5X7 designs you'll get. They're perfect for letting everyone know about your newest addition to the family. Here's mine, all you'll need to do is add your own photo and fill in the details.

 For Personal Use Only - Click Here to DownloadHere's the Blog Train order:

• Adori Graphics
• Amanda & Millie Designs
• Me:)
• Life, Scrap, Bake
• Mommy & Wife

Shared At: Scrappy Gifts, Craft-O-Manic, Making the World Cuter, Sew Can Do, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Keeping It Simple, Embellishing LIfe, Skip to My Lou, Today's Creative Blog, and for the first time the Chic & Crafty Party at The Frugal Girls. Disclaimer: I'm a member of the Adorible Digital Design Team and receive access to kit to make promotional items.