Book Reviews

Recently, I picked up two of the books from the Northridge Publishing Signature Series.

Kelly Purkey...

and Elizabeth Kartchner's books. I may pick up Amy Tan's eventually, but that will probably be it out of the seven authors. Luckily I have a connection that was able to get me the books for $8 each as opposed the the $18 price tag. A huge bargain!

For starters, I love Kelly's book! Really beautiful projects inside, as there are inside Elizabeth's book. But there are two things that made me enjoy Kelly's book just a bit more.

1. She shares a little bit of her thought process and fun details about each project. I love to hear  more about how pages come together, and she does that quite frequently in her book along with a short "how to" section. Liz Kartchner does do a step by step tutorial for each project, but it lacks the background information that makes reading the book much more interesting.

2. I also love the chapter topics in Kelly's book. She covers mini books, stamps, sketches, all About You, finding inspiration, favorite things and techniques, plus project life. And each chapter is really well done in my opinion.

The one thing that did set Elizabeth's book apart, is that she had a section in the back with projects from other scrapbookers. That was fun to see.

So if you have been eying either of these books, my vote goes for Kelly Purkey's book. I just found more inspiration for possible future projects in that one.

Have you bought or read any of the books in the series?

Also, for all of you mamas out there. I just started reading this book...

She also has a blog that you can see here. I am only one chapter in, but am enjoying it so far. Lots of fun memories resurfacing for me about the "good old days". When I was younger and life seemed simpler. The author makes a lot of good points. And truthfully, as with most "parenting books", I take it all in with a grain of salt. I don't think there is one right, perfect way to parent. But I will take all the help I can get :)

Funny story though. I had the book sitting on the bathroom counter because I like to read a few pages of a book while I brush my teeth. I was laying down with Erin reading her a bedtime story when I heard Evan's voice from the bathroom. "Mom! I can't believe you are reading a book called "Mean Moms Rule". He was just so shocked by the title it was hilarious. I told him that it was a mom being funny, but also giving good advice about being a parent. He seemed to accept that and moved on. :)

I hope you all have a great weekend! See you next week :)