Thursday, April 15, 2010

Things to Make You Smile Part II

I must confess that I am a book and magazine junkie. By books, I mean decorating, cookbooks, craft, how-to books mostly. I love to read novels and non-fiction books too, but I like the fact that with crafting or cooking kinds of books...you can read for a bit and put them aside and not have to read them from beginning to end. I always learn some new technique or see something that inspires me to try a new thing. My problem is that I'm cheap thrifty as far as buying books goes. It's hard for me to go into a book store and plunk down the full price for a book. So, I have discovered other places to get some great deals. Locally, I always check Sam's Club, where I found this book last week....I already receive the Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien's, daily newsletter (it's free and you can sign up here), filled with fun recipes and reveiws of new products that are healthy and within Weight Watcher's guidelines. The newsletter is free but I wanted one of her books. At Sam's, I think they had 4 or 5 of her books....this one is the newest.....
I have already made the Holy Moly Cannoli Cones...
of course I always start with dessert...life is uncertain you know!
These were yummy and only 3 WW points if you're counting...

Another source is a Book Club that I have belonged to for years, Homestyle Books. I don't order very often but every once in a while they make an offer I can't refuse. This time it was choose any two books for $10 each and get a free book in April. Nope-couldn't let that one go by, especially when the two books I chose were these....
From Jo Packham and Jenny Doh comes Where Women Create; Book of Inspiration. You may already be aware that There is a Where Women Create magazine that comes out quarterly. This is a hard-cover book.

This book is filled with pictures of the studios of wonderfully creative women. Here is just a sampling..


The other book I picked is a new book by Lisa Pace of It's In the Details called...




Delight in the Details. I have taken some of Lisa's on-line classes and she is an amazing artist!
 Her book is also available at Amazon.com. A sampling from Lisa's book....


The other place I buy lots of books is Half.com, which is a division of eBay. I have bought books from here for years and have also sold books, too. The prices are always great and my only caution is that you choose sellers who have high positive feedback, just like you would on eBay.

Ok, I've just shared with you some things that have made me smile this week but there is one more thing...
I have written before about my sweet David and his fun little red Mazda Miata...
He's had that little car for 11 years and has taken loving care of it, never driving it in the Winter months. In the Winter he drove a Subaru Outback..

Very dependable in snow and ice. We've talked for two years about trading both of these cars and getting maybe a bigger convertible or a small SUV. The truth is, that little red Miata is harder for me to get in and out of at 61 than it was when I was 50! The day after Easter, we went car browsing....
found this and fell in love...
Meet Celeste...our new-to-us Volvo.

I figure that David drove the Miata for 11 Years...it's my turn to have some fun...don't you think?
The car is celestial blue, hence the name Celeste.
 PJ-when we go to Rehoboth Beach the next time, I will be sure to come and visit
with the top down and my hair completely wind blown!
Can you see me smiling from where you are?
XOXO

19 comments:

marie said...

I'm a magazine and book junkie too! Love all the inspiration in them and it's fun to learn a bit too. I just read about that Delight in the Details book on another blog and already have it in my Amazon cart. But I think I'll stop at Costco first and see if they have it!

I love the Where Women Create magazine but didn't realize they had a book too! I'll need to check that out. I'm also going to check out the Hungry Girl books! Oh my! The Holy Moly Cannoli Cones look so yummy and I do count points! : )

That red Miata a nice looking car but Celeste ~ well, she's just divine! No wonder you guys are in love! Enjoy your windy travels!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I am with you on books and magazines!!! I need to find the one by Lisa Pace. I looked for it at the library..didn't have it. I'll look on line!
Have a great weekend!
Warmly,
Deb :)

vivian said...

youre making me want to go to the book store! I got the new hungry girl book in my easter basket from my kids and am dying to try those conoli cones. are they really really good??? maybe I'll try them this weekend.
have a great night!

Unknown said...

Joyce,
I have a real obsession with books and magazines too!!!!! I am always finding a little stash somewhere.....I just lvoe the books you show here...I will have to check them out when I get back in town.....:)
Love Celeste...she is a looker!!!!!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I can totally seeing you smiling! You are soooooooooooo much cooler than me, Joyce!


I can't lower myself into the seat a standard car, so I'm relegated to the high seats in SUVs and other gas guzzlers.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I name my cars too. Right now we have Betty and Stormy. They said to give their best to Celeste.

Hearts Turned said...

I'm a complete book and magazine junkie, too! Drives my husband crazy! Thanks for the tip on the half price book site--I'll be paying them a visit in just a minute!

I've been wanting Lisa Pace's book--do they have it here, too?!

And your new car--heavenly! Love the style and the color--and the name--perfect!

Looks like you'll be having a wonderful weekend! Thanks, as always, for your visit today!

Unknown said...

Now this is a smiling day! With good weather ahead, I see lots of trips in your future! I love Homestyle Books and had quit it more than a year ago. They offered me 6 Free books to join again - how could anyone resist! (Of course I have to purchase four new books) Oh well! Have a great weekend Joyce! E

Elyse said...

ooh la la, i can feel that big smile for sure! celeste is a beauty!

i get cheap about books more than magazines and will often test-drive them (hee hee) from inter-library loan at the library. i have a stack out right now of cath kidston and others. do i have to return them? i just renewed them for 3 more weeks.

happy and safe driving!

xo
elyse

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

FIRST OF ALL..your new car is WAY BEYOND super good looking...you will look SO FINE driving that sweetheart.....LOVE HER NAME... and color too.

Yes, I have a hard time parting with my special magazines too...I JUST MUST start taking pages out of them..and filing the pages individually.
I don't remember who does that...whomever it is...they are WISE...because you have your favorite idea's immediately accessible and that way they are organized in a SANE manner.

I nw have another another eleven years of them STACKED here and there around our house here in Texas ....some I just HAD to unsubscribe too..for that reason alone.

I did have to give away about 100 (* ? ) ORIGINAL ~ Victoria ~ magazines when I moved from Indiana...just had to part with ALL my others too......sorry to say.

Love, Rose

Kathy said...

I just discovered your blog this evening-What a fun time I have had browsing -you are in my favorites now :-)

Mimi Sue said...

Love your cool new car. So fun for cruising! I love books and magazines too. Got that same deal with Homestyle. Too good to pass up. I sometimes take my 50% off coupons to Michaels or Joanns and use them for books. Can't beat the price. Mimi

Unknown said...

Swim Joyce, Swim! Flail those arms! I absolutely adore you and your creative process! I'm off to visit Officer TSG and the Antique Mall! Have a happy day! E

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Hi Joyce, sorry it has taken me forever to get over here to answer your question: The paint colors name is Fairmont Penthouse Stone from Valspar at Lowe's. Thanks for you sweet comment!
BTW, Celeste is awesome! :)

Heidi said...

Yes. I can see your smile from way over here on the west coast! Nice car! And I love your book picks...I always knew we had the same taste! Thanks for sharing! Surprisingly enough, I didn't have any of them! (And I have my fair share of books!)
Have a great week! I've just been TOO busy to blog a thing...wedding stuff and baby stuff. Work, etc. But just know I'm always here, even if I don't leave you a comment!
Hugs, Heidi

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Hi sweet friend,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful (and oh-so-cute) card you sent my way recently. It cheered me up that day. : )
I loooved looking at all the adorable tags you received in your tag swap. I clicked on the photos to get a close-up!
The latest books you've purchased look divine. I MUST check them out.
And speaking of divine...Celeste is a real "head turner"!!! Make sure you keep that wedding ring in plain view while driving with the top down. :-D
Take care,
Mary Lou

mimi said...

Celeste is BEAUTIFUL!!!I had such fun on our little ride :) I can't wait to take a longer trip--hmmm lets say like to Ohio :) Good thing she has lots of room to hold our packages
xoxox

Unknown said...

You are sure to drive to Rehoboth beach in style with that sweeet ride! I love the things that make you smile. Thanks for stopping by!

Sandy xox

Unknown said...

Joyous Sunday Greetings! Pot Roast and children home, thunder storms expected. Thank you for enjoying my Bobwhite stories, they are my favorite! Hope you have a great week ahead, hope you got to travel about in your new car! Elizabeth

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