Mushroom Bookmark Giveaway

16 Jul, 2010 by in etsy, mushrooms 23 comments

Today’s giveaway is from Etsy shop owner Alice Cantrell

Hello! I am Alice and this is my tiny shop.
I am a wife, mother, sewer, doodler, gardener, painter, teacher and collector.
I love simple lines and natural colors. Autumn days and camping nights. Vintage, well loved objects and good music. Walks in the woods and the smell of fresh bread in the oven. My faith and my family. My husband and I homeschool our six (yep, 6) kids and glean much inspiration for our learning and living from the natural world around us. Welcome!
I’ll put the kettle on.

Description
My great-great-grandmother was a wife, a mother, and a poet. Her name was Marie Louise Smith Edgar (1851-1946) and it is one of her handwritten poems that makes up the background of these little bookmarks.

I have digitally collaged one of my watercolors over it (A multi-generational collaboration of sorts.) and added one of my favorite Einstein quotes. I have left the back blank for jotting down favorite pages and passages. A set of six, professionally printed, “Noteworthy Bookmarks” comes packaged in a clear cello sleeve. At 2″ x 6″, they are just the right size for tucking into your correspondence or gifts.

Alice has donated THREE packs of bookmarks to our blog readers.

To enter to win 0ne:

leave your name and email address below
+1 for visiting her shop and hearting it http://www.etsy.com/shop/AliceCantrell
+1 for each retweet @FireIcePhotos
+1 for following us on Twitter
+1 for following our blog
+5 for posting this contest or our button on your site
+1 for becoming a fan of Fire and Ice on Facebook (see right sidebar for our page)
+3 for each dollar donated to Chile relief efforts

Contest ends August 16, 2010 and is open internationally

Book Review- Of Witches and Warlocks

14 Jul, 2010 by in of witches and warlocks, publish america 4 comments

published November 12th 2009 by PublishAmerica
details Paperback, 206 pages
isbn 1448980844
4 stars

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school’s handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance’s checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

My dear blogger friend Susan Mann from the UK introduced me to this series which I am sure will prove to be a big success. Fans of the Sweep Series by Cate Tiernan will love this book. The story starts as Portia realizes she is not who she seems. Sweet sixteen holds many secrets. Best of all is the sudden and shocking attention of Vance…man on a motorcycle with a tough boy edge. He is majorly swoon worthy ladies. You’ll find yourself drawn to him as his past unravels and his relationship with Portia is challenged by more than one force. Together Vance and Portia explore their heritage and lean how to use their powers all the while feeling something watching them and waiting. Hold on for an action packed magical adventure with roots in the past and present.
Lacey Watherford does a great job of keeping this book clean for teens and teaches youth about true love and trying to avoid leading others lives to darkness. The characters are endearing and fun to get to know. Her pages are packed with surprises and twists of plot that will keep you engaged. A short and fun read, I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

Our copy of The Trouble With Spells is already touring the country so contact us at fireandice.heather@gmail.com to sign up for a chance to read the first installment. In the meatime check Lacey’s website at http://www.ofwitchesandwarlocks.com/ to learn more!

Book Reivew- Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

13 Jul, 2010 by in maggie stiefvater, scholastic Leave a comment

published July 13th 2010 by Scholastic Press
details Hardcover, 362 pages
url http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/
characters Grace Brisbane, Sam Roth
isbn 0545123283
5 stars

In Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past…and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves…and is nonetheless drawn to Cole. At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love–the light and the dark, the warm and the cold–in a way you will never forget.

After I finished reading Shiver last year I was forever hooked on Maggie Stiefvater’s writing and just could not get enough. A book buddy of mine suggested reading Lament and Ballad to fill the gap between Shiver and Linger, which resulted in two more five star ratings. really, Maggie is just a genius. I watched in pain as other bloggers around me got advanced reader copies of Linger and started reading, then by a twist of fate I got a hold of the Twilight MOMS ARC tour copy. Once I had it in my hot little hands it all came back to me just WHY I love Maggie so much. her stories have a way of finding their way deep under your skin. You feel you know the characters and have entered the woods to be a part of the story. They are each in the process of finding out who they are and what they will fight for.
All I have to say about Linger is Hell-o Cole! When we meet him along with Isabel there will be spark aflying! I genuinely enjoyed their relationship in this book and the way they both have strong personalities that work. I still cheer for Sam and Grace like I did in Shiver but Linger is multi-layered. There is so much more going on in the sequel. I can guarantee you will enjoy the journey to the very last page. 5 stars and thanks to Maggie for writing truly intelligent and enjoyable young adult fiction.

Wolf Scrabble Tile Pendant Giveaway

13 Jul, 2010 by in etsy, tiny tree boutique, wolf 15 comments

Today’s ETSY giveaway goes with the newly released book LINGER and was donated by TinyTreeBoutique!

I live in Las Vegas, NV with my wonderful supporting husband & my two adorable cocker spaniel doggies. I have always made handmade things since I could remember. I remember when I was about 4 years old, my mom would get craft kits in the mail every month & I would help her with them. She was always making handmade things, even sold custom knitted sweaters at one time. She mostly knit & crocheted, but always did something. I have always treasured things handmade & love giving & receiving them, I just think that something handmade is so precious. And now I am lucky enough to be able to stay at home & make things for people to buy here on Etsy. It is so rewarding to know that people all over the world might be wearing something I made.

Description
The Scrabble Tiles I use Are All Recycled From Found Retired Scrabble Games. Tiles are 18mmx20mm. Tiles are sealed with a thick coat of jewelry grade resin & a sterling silver plated bail is attached for hanging a chain or cord. I have a wonderful selection of chains & cords of all kinds available in my shop that look great with these. Scrabble tiles are water resistant, but not waterproof. I do not suggest wearing them while bathing or swimming. Like all small objects, please do not let small children play with them as they could cause choking. All of my designs are copyright protected. Images appear larger in photo than they actually are.

Thank you so much for stopping by my little “Tiny Trees Boutique”


To Enter to Win a Wolf Scrabble Tile Pendant: Leave your name and email address below. Additional entries
+1 for hearting her shop on ETSY http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinytreeboutique
+1 for visiting our Wolf gallery on Flickr and commenting on your favorite photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherzahngardner/galleries/
+1 for each retweet @FireIcePhotos
+1 for visiting our Maggie Stifevater shop and picking your favorite item http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeatherZahnGardner?section_id=6655495 heart it on Etsy or comment here
+ 5 for posting this our our button on your blog
Total your entries and leave the total below

Contest ends August 13, 2010 and is open Internationally

Contest Winners

12 Jul, 2010 by in giveaway 7 comments

Congrats to LadyTink_e34 who won our Etsy shop’s SEA jewelry contest http://fireandicereads.com/2010/06/happy-book-birthday-sea.html

Alawena who won the Forks Forest bookmarks http://fireandicereads.com/2010/06/forks-forest-bookmarks.html

and @CrescentFeather @FoodisAwesome @uprobdontknowme @SusanKmann @RoseCBR All won one of our Twilight inspired CDs on Twitter

Please send us your mailing address and we will send out the prizes!

Chasing Brooklyn By Lisa Schroeder

09 Jul, 2010 by in simon schuster 1 comment

book data Chasing Brooklyn
published January 5th 2010 by Simon and Schuster
details Hardcover, 412 pages
literary awards YALSA Best Fiction Nominee for Young Adults (2010)
isbn 1416991689
4 stars
Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe’s ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn’t Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they’re being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

Lisa Schroeder is an amazing and inspiring author that I discovered in January when I picked up “Far From You” off of our local library shelves. It was one of my very favorites so far and I was thrilled she had more books out there. Chasing Brooklyn is written in her signature style of poetic verse which makes for a short and emotional read. I am amazed at how deeply one can connect to the story in so few words. Truly each of Lisa’s books are a masterpiece.
This one was a bit more creepy and eery with a paranormal element. Brooklyn and Nico’s alternate writing journal entries about their joint loss of Lucca. Both are haunted by their dead friends and each has a journey of healing from the loss. You will sympathize with their grief and deep longing to resolve nightmares and the sense of being haunted. Schroder writes in a way that teens will understand. The voice is resoundingly one of healing and endurance. She teaches that thick in the midst of loss there is hope through love, through learning to trust again.
What I like:
  • the musical references in the book
  • the picnic scene and description of how Nicco and Brooklyn feel towards each other as feelings start to develop. The kiss!
  • That the two main characters are training for a triathlon together. They have something they are working toward and they are strong, each in their own way.
  • Nicco is an incredible person. He does his best to pull Brooklyn out of her depression while holding onto himself. It’s admirable that neither one of the main characters jumps into love quickly. It is a slow going process of getting to know each other and supporting one another.
Would love to have seen more of:
  • an ending. I was so disappointed when I turned to the last page. I wanted to know more about Brooklyn, Nico and Lucca and less about Gabe. He was just a little too creepy for me. In short, once you’ve started this story, you can’t get enough! Truly hoping Lisa writes another companion novel to complete what was started with “I Love you. You Haunt Me.” If you haven’t picked up any of Lisa Schroeder’s books, you must! They are a guaranteed good read.

Blogmania Spotlight

08 Jul, 2010 by in etsy, Heather Gardner Photography Leave a comment

Special thanks to “Writing is a Blessing” for spotlighting Heather’s Etsy shop this week! We’ll be hosting a giveaway with them soon so hop on over and read her blog at http://writingisablessing.blogspot.com/2010/07/blomania-sneak-peek-heather-zahn.html

Heather’s photographs and handcrafted items have been featured in several Etsy treasuries this month. Wow! Thanks so much to the crafters for choosing us! 40 % of our sales go to families in Chile who are recovering from earthquakes.

Please stop by the shops at HeatherZahnGardner and LittleRedReads on Etsy and take a look. In the meantime, feel free to browse the fun treasuries in our shop announcement while you can 🙂