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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Review: Volume Twenty Five

If you love inspiring art, great quotes and charming prints then you'll want to check out Volume Twenty Five. Started in 2008 by Jessica, a self taught artist looking to bring a little happiness into the lives of her customers, Volume Twenty Five was named after her age at the time and the fact that starting her new business was a new chapter, or volume, in her life. Jessica's prints are perfect as gifts, little ways to tell your significant other how much you care, and others are totally perfect for the home (think kitchen or laundry) and classroom (ideal as a gift for that special teacher).

{Love Print}

{Remember Happiness}

I loved that Jessica's products are so uplifting, with messages that you want to see hanging on your wall to motivate and remind you about the important things in life.

{Wherever We Are Together}

{Yes, You're The Fairest}

I liked Volume Twenty Five's prints on sight so I was really excited when Jessica offered to send me one for review. Picking just one was the hard part. I finally decided on a personalized Do All Things With Love print that I envision taking place of pride on the gallery wall I want for the office in our new home. I figured, what better way to remind my husband ~~who~~ what he's working for than a great print with our initials? ;) Fitting too, as we just celebrated our seven year dating anniversary this past Sunday!

Let me just say that Jessica was a doll to order from--so nice and patient from beginning to end of the process. The shipping was also quick and the print came packaged very safely to avoid any damage. I was looking forward to seeing what our print would look like in hand and I can safely say I was not disappointed. Not only is Jessica's selection charming and varied, but the actual print is great quality with vibrant colours and a sturdy backing, absolutely perfect for mounting and sure to look fab above our desk!

{The Secret}

{Soar With Your Own Wings}

Like what you see? Head over to Volume Twenty Five to browse and grab one of your own fab prints...and stay tuned for your chance to win one--giveaway to be announced in the next week!

Thank you to Jessica of Volume Twenty Five for the review product.

Opinions expressed here are all mine.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Book of the Week: I'd Know You Anywhere

I've come to rely on Laura Lippman for taut, psychological thrillers that are full of emotion and ask the hard questions. The first of her books that I read was What The Dead Know, followed by a succession of any other Lippman book I could manage to get my hands on. Both I'd Know You Anywhere and What The Dead Know centre around kidnapped girls, although I'd say the element of mystery is much more prevalent in the first. Instead, I'd Know You Anywhere is more about the psychological ramifications of being kidnapped--and being allowed to survive.

When Eliza was 15 she stumbled upon Walter digging the grave for one of his victims--strictly wrong place, wrong time--and finds herself kidnapped and held captive by the killer for over a month. In that time Eliza and Walter form a strange bond so much so that, years later, she still feels as if she would know him anywhere. And vice versa. When Walter ostensibly spots a photo of a grown up Eliza--married, a mother, with a new life and identity--in the society section he writes to her to make amends. He also includes four ominous words about seeing her picture: I'd know you anywhere.

One would assume that a grown up Eliza, seemingly well adjusted (despite still sleeping with the windows tightly shut), wouldn't want anything to do with Walter, yet something keeps pulling her back. On the eve of Walter's execution Eliza is not only afraid he will expose her by giving interviews, but also needs to know the answer to the question that plagues her: Why did Walter let her live and kill all of his other victims? As Eliza digs deeper into their shared past more questions emerge, like to what extend was she psychologically manipulated by Walter? Why didn't she escape the times she had a chance and, most importantly, was she an unwitting victim or an accomplice to Walter's crimes? If you're anything like me you'll be on the edge of your seat as Lippman's narrative takes you from past to present in search of the murky truth.

Browse Inside

Thanks to Harper Collins Canada for the review copy.

I hope all of you had a lovely weekend!

The winners have been announced for The Recessionista giveaway and don't forget to enter for your chance to win a Tea Accessories headband. Also, head over to The Alternative Wife if you get a chance--Dawn is giving away a fab Betsey Johnson bow necklace!

Hope you have a great week!