Knit For Dolls - A Doll Sweater, A Review, and Picture from 2006

If you know me (or have followed me on Twitter since 2011), you know I have an unhealthy obsession with American Girl dolls. So when I was offered the chance to review Nicky Epstein's new book, Knits for Dolls, I was totally in! 

I grew up with American Girl dolls (I have 4 - Samantha, Felicity, Kirsten and a "Girl of Today," my lovely model), and I'm happy to say that my nieces are starting to get into them, too. They have Bitty Baby dolls, and I love looking for knitting patterns for them. Perfect Christmas and Birthday gifts! 

Knits for Dolls fills a void that I noticed when searching for patterns - Nicky has designed hip, trendy sweaters for these dolls! I made the Perfect Match hoodie, and it turned out adorable. There's an array of cute cabled and color-work projects - perfect for using up those odds and ends left over from human-sized projects - with coordinating accessories like purses, headbands and socks. 

Proof of my AG-obsession? When I first moved to Chicago (in 2006), I worked as a Doll Hair Stylist at the American Girl store. Yup, you read that right. "Pics or it didn't happen"?

You're welcome. 

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog tour for Knits for Dolls:

July 1

Toys In the Dryer

House of 34

July 2

Under the Red Umbrella

Crafting A Green World

July 3

Karen Mom Of Three's Craft Blog

Doll Diaries

July 4

Smashed Peas and Carrots

On The Laundry Line

July5

The Doll Wardrobe

Untrained Housewife

July 6

American Girl Fan

July 7 

Stitch and Unwind

Currently Reading!

So after my "Recently Read" post last week, I wanted to continue with what I'm currently reading. Yes, I'm reading three books at a time (one audio, one Kindle, one serial):

Title: The Alchemyst

Author: Michael Scott

Read Via: Audio Book

So far: Ok, I'm only on the second chapter. And yes, this is mostly just to break things up from my last two audio books (super serious and super dumb). So far - it's magic-y! 

Title: A Storm of Swords

Author: George R.R. Martin

Read Via: Kindle

So far: Best of the Game of Thrones books thus far. 

Title: Gooseberry Bluff Community College of Magic, the Thirteenth Rib

Author: David J. Schwartz

Read Via: Kindle Serial

So far: So I heard about Kindle Serials from Amanda from Hey Porkchop, and got on board with this book. When I bought it, two episodes had been released, and I tore through them. And then it took THREE WEEKS for the third to be released, which was kind of a bummer. Since then, they've released about one a week, which is much better, but I still don't think I'll buy another of these serials. I loose track of the story too easily, and get impatient waiting. But the story itself is so far, so good. 

Recently Read, Since January

Way back in January, I made a New Years Resolution to read more. I love reading, and that's one of the main reasons I became an actor. What's better than being IN a story!? 

But in the past few years, I hadn't made much room for reading in my life. So this year that changes. Or goes back to normal, I guess, since as a kid I would devour books. 

So how did I make all this reading happen? TECHNOLOGY. I've been reading books on my Kindle and listening to a lot of books on tape. Thanks, Audible. Since a lot of what I do at my day job is filing, I have a lot of time to listen to books, and it's been awesome. 

Here's the run-down of the books I've read since January (not including Blogher Book Club books):

Title: A Homemade Life

Author: Molly Wizenberg

Read Via: Actual, physical, book. 

Stars (out of 5): 3

Comments/Questions/Concerns: My mom gave me this one for my birthday last year. Molly has a fun blog, Orangette, where she posts little stories followed by a recipe. And that's pretty much what this book is, too. No through-line, no overarching theme, no real point. But man, some of the recipes sound delicious! 

Title: Boneshaker

Author: Cherie Priest

Read Via: Actual, physical, book. 

Stars (out of 5):

Comments/Questions/Concerns: This is a fun, steam punk, series set in an alternate dimension Seattle, where a gas leak has turned the downtown area into a hotbed of zombies. The characters are pretty classic genre characters, but the action is nail-bitingly intense and all the steam-punk-y tech talk is addictive. The only reason I haven't read the sequels yet is that I am terrified of zombies. Seriously, after reading a chapter with a zombie attack, I couldn't sleep. And yet, I loved this book, and that should speak more than anything. 

Title: The Casual Vacancy

Author: J.K. Rowling

Read Via: Audio Book

Stars (out of 5): 4

Comments/Questions/Concerns: Like every other Harry Potter fan, I was excited to read Rowling's foray into the adult fiction world. After the first reviews poured in, naming this a crass piece of trash, I knew I would love it! No, but seriously: I loved it. She has crafted some intensely dark characters that I still cannot get out of my mind (I read this one back in February), that live within a realistically detailed world. On top of that, the audio book is read by Tom Hollander, and he's an outstanding narrator. 

Title: Outlander

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Read Via: Audio Book

Stars (out of 5): 3

Comments/Questions/Concerns: I listened to this because my mom recommended it, because she knows I love historial fiction. Although I enjoyed it, it was loooong, and that wasn't helped by the audio book narrator, who liked to draw out her sentences. A lot. I'm talking a 40-hour audio book here. So perhaps my rating relies too heavily on that experience, but in general I wasn't terribly thrilled with Outlander, and probably won't read the sequels. 

Title: A Clash of Kings

Author: George R.R. Martin

Read Via: Kindle

Stars (out of 5): 4

Comments/Questions/Concerns: After struggling through the first Game of Thrones book, I resolved to stop watching the TV series, and just read. Thank goodness, because reading the second book was really enjoyable. I'm totally sucked in, although I find Martin's writing style to be a bit... derivative and overwritten. That said, the man has crafted some very interesting characters, and I have to give him props for having making his 9083018230 story lines work, all at the same time. 

Title: The End of the Affair

Author: Graham Greene

Read Via: Audio Book

Stars (out of 5): 3

Comments/Questions/Concerns: Ok, I admit it: I started listening to this because it was narrated by Colin Firth, and I lurve him. So sue me! I was totally engaged in this classic at the start, but about halfway through, it lost me. I don't want to give it away, but the ending is surprising and strange, and I guess I should have done my research on Greene before starting. I didn't dislike it, but probably won't read it again. 

Title: Seriously... I'm Kidding

Author: Ellen Degeneres

Read Via: Audio Book

Stars (out of 5): 2

Comments/Questions/Concerns: While this book was slightly cute or funny, it mostly felt like a waste of time. Each chapter is a short story (or in many cases, just a list) with no connection to the next, except that Ellen constantly talks about 1. her show; 2. being a celebrity; and 3. that you SHOULD be happy. Thanks for that. 

What have you been reading? I'm on a roll, so recommend away!

Ps. Other book posts here.

Recently Read: Let's Pretend This Never Happened.

It’s been a long time since I laughed out loud at a book, but then again, I guess I haven’t read many books as hilariously charming as Jenny Lawson’s Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. 

I put this one on my Amazon Wish-List when it first debuted, and jumped at the chance to read it for review. Suffice it to say, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened did not disappoint. 

Lawson’s journey begins in a small town in Texas, where her father owns a taxidermy shop and frequently torments Lawson and her sister with dead animals. Hilarious! As someone who grew up in a small town in Michigan, I can relate to her farm anecdotes. Swam in a ditch? I’ve been there! Played in an inappropriate place? Definitely. (Mom, why did you let me go over to friends’ houses if they were FARMS?)

As Lawson continues her memoir, I can’t help but relate to her strange life. True, it’s nothing like my life, but her wild and wicked sense of humor bridges the gaps easily. Her self-depreciating tone never wears thin or rings false - she is a fine example of an original and modern voice. 

And that’s why you’ll love this book - Lawson is real, funny, and someone you wish you could get coffee with and hear her stories in person. And see her collection of taxidermy animals. I never knew I wanted a dead mouse dressed up as Hamlet, but Lawson makes it sound adorable, charming and almost normal. 

This post is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own. Past book reviews are here. 

Recently Read: Here I Go Again by Jen Lancaster

The most recent BlogHer Book Club pick - Here I Go Again, by Jen Lancaster - was like delicious candy. Wait... it was also cheesy. Can candy be cheesy? If it can - this book is it.

Here I Go Again starts off with 30-something Lissy Ryder, teenager of the 90's, prepping for her High School reunion. Lissy was the “Mean Girl” in her high school, and when her life falls apart, she realizes she should have done a few things differently.

I had high hopes for this novel - that it might go off in a Young Adult - type direction (the recent indie film), with the main character driven to therapy by her social instability in adult life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get dark, but it does get campily fun and paranormal, which is a-ok by me. 

As Lissy travels back to high school, thanks to what is basically a mystical potion, she gets to revisit her past sins, her cheerleading uniform, and past boyfriends. She learns a few lessons, and her’s is a pretty general high school story. But some of the peripheral characters are more colorful, and change throughout the book, making for an engaging and relatable read. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters I went to high school with, and where they might be today. 

What really makes this book different than others is the goofy tone. The parentheticals! Who knew you could pile one on top of the other? But it just added to the light, conversational tone of the book, and made for an easy read. I think I breezed through it in about three days. If you’re in the mood for a light, fun novel, this is it. 

This post is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own. Past book reviews are here. 

Recently Read: The Willpower Instinct

I think the Blogher Book Club has officially changed my mind about self-help books. The most recent book up for review, The Willpower Instinct, by Dr. Kelly McGonigal, was not only an interesting read, but one I found quite helpful.

You may remember that one of my New Years resolutions is to “Lose 30lbs before I turn 30,” so when the chance came to review a book about willpower, I knew it could be useful. Although I’m always skeptical about non-fiction (what can I say, I love me some fiction!), McGonigal’s book immediately drew me in. She has a easy, chatty tone with interesting stories about her students and their willpower challenges, and a great sense of humor. 

McGonigal’s writing style combines a scientific discussion of willpower with strategies to overcome nature’s pitfalls in your own life. Chapter 4, which focused on Moral Licensing, really spoke to me. How often have I told myself “I deserve this treat,” when it’s counter-productive to my overall goal? No longer! 

The book is designed to be used like her class - at the end of each chapter there are lessons and rules to put into practice, along with a chapter summary, and you’re supposed to conquer one a week. Of course I had to read the whole book in one go for reviewing purposes, but I think I’ll go back and reference McGonigal’s rules and ideas for weekly improvement throughout the next few months. This format makes it easy and accessible to really use the book for it’s intended purpose - giving you the willpower to overcome your challenge. Hopefully it’ll help me with mine! 

This post is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own. Past book reviews are here. 

Recently Read - Game of Thrones

I finally finished this epic book - A Game of Thrones. And no, I don't mean I've finished the whole series. I mean I've finished the first book. Yup, only the first book.

This was one of my Summer Goals, so I wanted to follow up on my progress. I think I finished in October, and it was a bit of a struggle. No, not because I hate reading, but because I watched the HBO Series before I read the book. It took out a lot of the suspense, and it's a mistake I won't make with the next book. 

And I will read the next book, because I really enjoy the story and the characters. I think Arya is my most favorite character, and I think she's heading down an interesting path. Anyone else reading these?

Recently Read: Matched by Ally Condie

I was pretty excited when Blogher offered Matched by Ally Condie as a Blogher Book Club book. I’m a huge fan of distopian futuristic fiction and YA fiction, so this one has been on my list since it’s launch. 

The novel follows Cassia Reyes, a member of “The Society” in the future. It reminded me a lot of the setting of the Giver, which is, unsurprisingly, one of my favorite childhood books. It’s a scrubbed-clean society where everyone carries anti-anxiety medication; people are cited for things like running in the street; and everyone is assigned to their spouse and job at age 17. It’s with Cassia’s Matching that throws everything else off in Cassia’s world. When she’s shown her match, she also sees another boy, and things spiral from there. 

Although most of the book centers on the love triangle and feelings, toward the end it does take a more interesting political turn. The book clearly draws inspiration from the latest YA bestsellers (The Hunger Games and Twilight), and Condie is following suit with two sequels. 

In fact, in reviewing this book, it’s hard not to draw comparisons between Matched and those two. While not being as well-crafted as The Hunger Games, Condie has written a promising first book. Cassia Reyes seems to be an accurately portrayed 17-year-old: she’s sweet, kind, frustrated and doesn’t know what she wants. Overall it’s fluffy, fun and enjoyable for a SciFi geek like me, and I hope the  other two books continue to explore the corners of “The Society,” while further developing Cassia’s character. 

This review is compensated as part of Blogher Book Reviews, but all opinions expressed are my own. 

Recently Read: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Ok, I’ll admit it: Sometimes I sign up for these book reviews before I actually read through the book summary. The sign up sheets fill up so fast! And I love reading and doing reviews! 

This book - Daring Greatly by Brene Brown - was completely unexpected. After I realized what I had signed up for, a “self-help,” type book, I was dreading the reading. I’m not really a self help-y person. 

But Daring Greatly is about so much more than self-help. Brown writes a funny, insightful manual on shame and vulnerability, and offers personal stories and tips on how to deal with your own shame and build personal relationships by being vulnerable. I was riveted from the first chapter. 

Her work is profound for everyone, but I found many of the examples in the book apply directly to confidence in art and specifically, acting. Sharing yourself with another person is difficult enough in everyday life - sharing yourself at an audition is a whole other ball of wax. Try being vulnerable when everyone else in the room is blonder, skinnier, and has a longer resume!

Brown offers a few specific examples in the book, but one of her personal mantras stuck out to me. I immediately wrote it on a post it note and have been carrying it around in my planner. “Give me the courage to show up and let myself be seen.” Sounds like a good plan to me. 

This review is compensated as part of Blogher Book Reviews, but all opinions expressed are my own. I really do think this book is fabulous, and have already recommended it to friends! 

Recently Reviewed: My Artist's Way Toolkit

Of all the self help books for artists, I think The Artist’s Way is one of the most talked about. Julie Cameron published her guide in the 90’s, and it’s been helping artists of all kinds ever since. I know a lot of actors who swear by it, and I can see how it would be immensely helpful for writers and visual artist as well. So when BlogHer BookClub offered me a chance to use the new online tool, My Artist’s Way Toolkit, I jumped at the chance. 

Before I received my login, I was discussing The Artist’s Way with another actor, who said, “It’s great, just don’t waste your money on the workbook you buy separately. It’s all the exercises in the book, just written out with space to write your thoughts! It’s useless!” My Artist’s Way Toolkit is basically an online version of this workbook, but with a few fun tools that make it a bit more worthwhile.

The basic premise of The Way is to set yourself up to receive great artistic energy by doing three things: 1. Morning pages, a 3-page writing dump to help clear your mind; 2. Artist’s Dates - a fun, new activity to trigger some inspiration; and 3. Artist’s Way Exercises - writing prompts to help stir creativity. The Toolkit incorporates all of these (except Morning Pages, which you must do by hand) on one site, letting you sift through old entries and save affirmations, and connect with the community of Artist Way followers online. 

There is also an iPhone app, which I did download, but didn’t really end up using. I’m not very good at sitting down and writing big chunks of text on my phone, but it seemed like it could be useful for the right person.

Overall, I felt like the site makes The Artist’s Way a bit more accessible and convenient, which is nice, but was about as handy as the workbook. You could just do all the exercises in a journal. I’m hoping the site grows and the online community fills in the gaps, making it a nice tool to connect with other artists. 

This post is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own. Past book reviews are here. 

Recently Read: The War of Art

A few weeks ago, my boss and I were talking about the Artist's Way, and other creative books, and she asked if I had ever read The War of Art. In her words, it's "super helpful, and really short. " Yes, I'd love to borrow it!

A lot of people ask me how it is that I do so much in my life.  "How do you knit a whole sweater, I could never do that! How did you learn how to sew? How did you learn how to play the accordion? How do you make your own (insert word here)? How do you make such pretty food? How do you get up on a stage every night?"

Answer: I just do. I don't really think about how hard something is or how bad I'll be at it when I start, I just go for it! 

I'll tell you, I still have my own outstanding list of things to do:

- be a better blogger

- lose 20 lbs

- get an agent

- write more

- anything involving business accounting (ha!)

- speak fluent Spanish

Steven Pressfield's little book, The Art of War, focuses on resistance, that little voice that tells you to procrastinate, that "You could never do that." Pressfield focuses on the resistance to art & creativity, but his lessons can be applied to any sort of goal. Right now I'm applying to being a better blogger (I wrote this last Saturday!) and trying my darndest to apply it to my weight-loss goals. 

It's a quick read that I recommend to everyone. We all have a list, right? 

"You Have No Idea" Book Review

As a child of the 90's, I really only knew Vanessa Williams as a pop star. She sang hits like "Save the Best for Last"and the pop version of "Colors of the Wind", but I was way more interested in singing along to the original cast recordings for "Les Mis" and "Phantom of the Opera." (Nerd alert!) Little did I know, that's what Vanessa would rather have been doing, too. I loved getting to know Vannessa as a more well-rounded person through her autobiography, "You Have No Idea."

"You Have No Idea," written by Vanessa and her mother, Helen, is not only a vivid re-telling of Vanessa’s life, but an interesting take on the form of autobiography. Each chapter begins with Vanessa's recollections and stories, and ends with her mother commenting in the same events.  Sprinkled along the way are little comments and anecdotes from Vanessa and he mother. The format really lends itself to Vanessa's story. Yes, there are stories if broadway and Hollywood, but the core of Vanessa's story lies in her family. Her strong familial relationships really shine, and it's clear how she was able to make a successful career - the support, warmth, and sometimes challenges of a strong family.

This post is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own. Past book reviews are here. 

Book Review - The Underside of Joy

I was crying by the 18th page. The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson takes off at a run from the first chapter, immediately drawing you into the vivd world of Elbow, CA, a small town on the coast of Northern California.

The plot is not terribly unique - after the death of Ella's husband, Joe, Ella is enveloped in a custody battle over her two step-children, Zach and Annie. It's the compelling language and beautiful setting that sets this book apart, and makes you feel as if you're living the story. We're thrilled with descriptions of beach and Redwood forests that make it seem like Elbow is something out of a fairy tale. As Prince Halverson describes Ella's love for it, you can't help but love it yourself.  

Ella becomes as close to you as your best friend. The friends and family surrounding her are full of life, down to the smallest town "character." Even her dog, Callie, comes to life as she comforts Ella through her trials. Who hasn't had a pet that stuck their nose under the covers at just the right time?

And her children - Zach & Annie - are completely real. They are bubbly and emotional, saying the wrong things at just the wrong time, and sometimes the right things, too. The whole family in Elbow comes to life and fill the pages with an idyllic small town scene - albeit filled with tragedy.

The second chapter wasn't the only time I cried - after taking this emotional roller coaster with Ella, you're bound to get a bit verklepmt over the outcome - but there are lots of lovely, warm moments in the book as well, and you won't be able to put it down.

Sometimes I do paid reviews for BlogHer Book Club, because I love reading, but the opinions expressed are my own. I promise, the next post will be about crafts. 

Book Review - Lunch Wars by Amy Kalafa

I started watching Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution last year because, let’s face it, Jamie is cute, and food is delicious. After seeing him make “chicken nuggets” from leftover chicken pieces, including pureed bones and blood, and having kids enthusiastically raise their hands to sample one, I knew something was wrong with America. These kids couldn’t even identify a raw potato!

Ever since that fateful day, I’ve taken an interest in food education, and food in the school systems. So when the chance to review Lunch Wars by Amy Kalafa for the Blogher Book Club came along, I thought it would be a good read. I love books on food and the science of food. However, not having kids or being involved in any sort of school system, I completely underestimated this book.

What I thought would be the telling of Kalafa’s struggles with her child’s school and the sub sequential movie she made, Two Angry Moms, turned out to be a step-by-step guide to starting your own food revolution. Kalafa goes through each hurdle - from starting a blog  to gain support, to creating a wellness committee at your school, to taking on the USDA - and does so in minute detail. She provides suggestions for everything from getting kids to try a new veggie to how to build a community garden. Kalafa is thorough with a capital T. 

Because of this thoroughness, and because I am not the intended audience for this book, I was totally bored. I skimmed through the second half, stopping fully only to read the chapter on international lunches (lunch time in France is awesome). So it wasn’t for me - but if you’re the parent of kids in school, I highly recommend it. 

This is a paid review for Blogher.com, but the opinions expressed are my own - see the part where I say "I was totally bored." 

New Blogher Book Club Review - The Kid

My new review for Blogher's Book Club is up, here. The Kid by Sapphire, is the sequel to Push, and is not  for the faint of heart. My feelings toward this one were a bit complicated, and the other reviews are worth reading. Find them all here. 

My review of A Good Hard Look on BlogHer's Book Club

Hi, friends! My second review for BlogHer's Book Club is up. A Good Hard Look is my kind of summer reading, so check out my review here.

My first Blogher Book Club review

I mentioned awhile ago that I am now part of the BlogHer advertising hub, and that includes reviewing books for their Book Club.

My first review - an >ahem< honest and constructive criticism of What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen - is up on the BlogHer site now. Click over to read!