#brigid's cross bracelet

[welllpthisishappening]

Welllp These Are Books: the February 2021 Edition

Most of my last month was spent on deadline and waiting for people to respond to my emails, which meant I did not have the time (or energy) to write much of anything, but had plenty of time to read, quite frankly, an absurd number of books. Some of which were very good, some of which were very cheesy, and some of which I have now told multiple people was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. As always, though, what are my opinions if I am not sharing them with the internet? Ridiculous headlines, links, and those aforementioned opinions under the cut. As always, part two, feel free to send me any and all recommendations. It cannot possibly be worse than this one book. Seriously, you’ll understand in a second.

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Quite Possibly the First Book I’ve Gone Out of My Way to Buy On Release Day Since Breaking Dawn, Which Says a lot About Me. As a Person.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

I’m not kidding when I tell you that I was counting the days until this came out. I was kind of indifferent to Nesta after the original ACOTAR books, but intrigued enough that I was like, I need to read this, and then I did read this and now I care quite a lot about Nesta. And how in love with Cassian she is. And vice versa. Because, let’s be honest, dude is in l o v e. There were some parts of the story I was not super into — namely, Ferye having to die in childbirth. Like, you’re telling me Cassian could have his guts hanging out at one point and we don’t know how to do a c-section? Nah, that ain’t it. Also, pregnancy as a storyline is not always my favorite thing, but more on that in a second. Also, also, here’s a bunch more words about ACOSF.

A “Huh, So That Happened” Sort of Ending. Which Was Disappointing.

A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer

Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone--even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace.

Fight the battle, save the kingdom. Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and a magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As the two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Cursebreaker series.

I loved the first book in this series. Absolutely adored it. So much so that I pretty quickly got the second one and read it. Enjoyed that on its own, but like I said in that one ask, I’m fairly certain A Curse So Dark and Lonely could have very easily been a standalone story. Should have been a standalone story? There was just SO MUCH going on here, and not nearly enough of it was resolved. Plot points just hung by the end of the trilogy, I was not ever entirely convinced Rhen and Harper were actually in love, let alone liked each other, and I thought Rhen got the very short end of an exceptionally cracked stick by the time the whole story wrapped up. Really, I think this  tried to do too much in not enough time and there should probably be another book. Also Lia Mara getting pregnant was dumb. There I said it.

Free Books On Amazon Unlimited That Were Better Than Expected, But Also Read Like Fic

The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken.

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

No one is going to be able to convince me this wasn’t ACOTAR fan fic. I don’t care about timing or dates, or whatever. The similarities just...did not stop. In all three books, even. There were three books in this series, by the way. Most of which I really enjoyed. I read them all in like four days of email waiting, so they must have been doing something right. Des was a good love interest and I really liked the flashbacks in the first book. Also Callie didn’t super annoy me. That being said, whoever edited this book. Oof. Some of the prose was so goddamn cringe, I literally lol’ed. Right out loud. Every now and then it was like we had to be reminded that Des was a BAD GUY ™ but it felt very Edward “I’m a killer, Bella” Cullen, and Callie’s internal monologue was occasionally hysterical. Not in a good way. Also Temper was the worst. She was so annoying. Every time she talked, I was like, oh, her again. The first book was the best one.

HITTING ALL MY ROM COM BOXES! BASEBALL! ROMANCE! PINING! ONLY VAGUELY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN THEY HAD SEX IN THE PORT JEFF DUGOUT BECAUSE I’VE BEEN IN THE PORT JEFF DUGOUT.

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Georgette Castle’s family runs the best home renovation business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven’t taken her seriously since. Frankly, she’s over it. Georgie loves planning children’s birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She’s determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World... whatever that means.

Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?)

Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (fyi, leggings are pants.)

Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)

Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)

Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there's Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme—that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job—he agrees. What’s the harm? It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her...

Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn’t been on a date since, well, ever. Nobody’s asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that’s for sure. Maybe if people think she’s having a steamy love affair, they’ll acknowledge she’s not just the “little sister” who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite.

Legit, I saw the description for this and I was like—did I write this? Kind of. (Shameless plug to read my own rom com, it also has baseball and pining) It didn’t matter, I loved it. Seriously, it hit all my rom com boxes: childhood friends, best friend’s sister, coming back home under duress, FAKE DATING and, let’s be honest, I am not immune to the use of “baby girl” as an endearment. Every time Travis called Georgie “baby girl” I was like, oh, ok, this is cool. It was cool! I only have two quips. One, that the fake dating didn’t last a little longer. The pacing of the story felt very quick, but that’s also this genre’s style. So I kind of get it. And two, that it happened in Port Jefferson, which is a town in Suffolk County that I have not only been to, but have spent significant time in. Meaning I could picture every single thing, knew exactly where they were and have used the exit on the Northern State Parkway that the final moments of the book took place at. The Port Jeff girls basketball team won a Long Island championship last weekend. In real life, not the book.

In Which Spinoffs Continue to be my Kryptonite. Especially Well-Written Ones

Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler

Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can't stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana's determined to prove that she belongs...even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town's hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.

And really...how hard could it be?

The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it's not getting any easier now that his dream girl's back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it's clear she needs help, fast...and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It's an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that darn moose before it destroys the town, Rick and Lana might finally find a place where they both belong...together.

I mentioned The Tourist Attraction in my January list, and this is the second in the Moose Springs trio. And it’s so good! I wish people were all as nice to Lana as Rick was. It’s what she deserved! More small-town antics, more kissing, another moose. This one was just as cute as the original book, especially because it brought back original characters and Zoey and Graham were so goddamn adorable as a committed couple I genuinely feared for the state of my teeth.

Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler

Former Hollywood darling River Lane's acting career is tanking fast. Determined to start fresh behind the camera, she agrees to film a documentary about the picturesque small town of Moose Springs, Alaska. The assignment should have been easy, but the quirky locals want nothing to do with River. Well, too bad: River's going to make this film and prove herself, no matter what it takes.

Or what (literal) mountain she has to climb.

Easton Lockett may be a gentle giant, but he knows a thing or two about survival. If he can keep everyone in line, he should be able to get River and her crew up and down Mount Veil in one piece. Turns out that's a big if. The wildlife's wilder than usual, the camera crew's determined to wander off a cliff, and the gorgeous actress is fearless. Falling for River only makes Easton's job tougher, but there's only so long he can hold out against her brilliant smile. When bad weather strikes, putting everyone at risk, it'll take all of Easton's skill to get them back home safely...and convince River she should stay in his arms for good.

Wrapping up the Moose Springs trio, this one might have been my least favorite, but that’s not really saying much. Since I loved them all pretty equally. River and Easton’s banter was grade-A, top-notch, which is a one-way ticket to my reading-heart. Maybe part of the problem (I say problem like there really was one) was that most of the story took place on a mountain. I kind of wanted more small-town shenanigans, and updates on the condos and the state of the town and Graham being mayor. Still, this was very cute. I swooned multiple times. I’ll probably read anything Sarah Morgenthaler writes from here on out.

Seriously, What Is YA? Does Anyone Know?

The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh

In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to   seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after   she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent in the middle of the carnival season,   Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city, from its music to its fancy soirées and even its danger. She becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of  the group's enigmatic leader, Sébastien Saint Germain.

When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in Sébastien's own lair--the second dead girl to turn up in recent weeks--Celine battles her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions about his guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.

After a third murder, New  Orleans becomes gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the  loose--one who has now set Celine in his sights. As the murderer stalks  her, Celine finally takes matters into her own hands, only to find  herself caught in the midst of an age-old feud between the darkest  creatures of the night, where the price of forbidden love is her life.

Like I said last month, I put a hold on pretty much everything Renee Ahdieh had written in my library. And this was just as good as the last series I read. Her world building is just—chef’s kiss, gorgeous. I dream of writing this airy, magical way, that makes you feel like you’re in New Orleans. That being said, I do not know what kid is reading this because apparently this is YA and I had to read every single word to figure out what was going on. Now, I know there are two more books in the series, but this one felt like a lot of set up and I spent most of it being like...will this make sense eventually? It did, but only during a very rushed climax of final few chapters. The sequel isn’t available on Kindle at the library, and I haven’t bought it yet. So, that’s probably kind of telling.

In Which You Cannot Always Depend On Old Favorites

No Judgments by Meg Cabot

When a massive hurricane severs all power and cell service to Little Bridge Island—as well as its connection to the mainland—twenty-five-year-old Bree Beckham isn’t worried . . . at first. She’s already escaped one storm—her emotionally abusive ex—so a hurricane seems like it will be a piece of cake.

But animal-loving Bree does become alarmed when she realizes how many islanders have been cut off from their beloved pets. Now it’s up to her to save as many of Little Bridge’s cats and dogs as she can . . . but to do so, she’s going to need help—help she has no choice but to accept from her boss’s sexy nephew, Drew Hartwell, the Mermaid Café’s most notorious heartbreaker.

But when Bree starts falling for Drew, just as Little Bridge’s power is restored and her penitent ex shows up, she has to ask herself if her island fling was only a result of the stormy weather, or if it could last during clear skies too.

I love Meg Cabot. That should be stated upfront and at the very beginning because for a very long time I have claimed that being Meg Cabot was my dream job. I’ve read pretty much every book Meg Cabot has ever written and was fairly certain I’d be into these once I did read them. Only I was...not. Not really. Everything in this book happened so quickly, I felt like I was the one in the hurricane. People were kissing and then they were having sex and there was a storm and pets and then—it was over? The pacing was all over the place, I had no idea why Drew and Bree liked each other, some guy kicked a dog at one point?? It was weird. Which leads us to—

No Offense by Meg Cabot

A broken engagement only gave Molly Montgomery additional incentive to follow her dream job from the Colorado Rockies to the Florida Keys. Now, as Little Bridge Island Public Library’s head of children’s services, Molly hopes the messiest thing in her life will be her sticky-note covered desk. But fate—in the form of a newborn left in the restroom—has other ideas. So does the sheriff who comes to investigate the “abandonment”.  When John Hartwell folds all six-feet-three of himself into a tiny chair and insists that whoever left the baby is a criminal, Molly begs to differ and asks what he’s doing about the Island’s real crime wave (if thefts of items from homes that have been left unlocked could be called that). Not the best of starts, but the man’s arrogance is almost as distracting as his blue eyes. Almost…

John would be pretty irritated if one of his deputies had a desk as disorderly as Molly’s. Good thing she doesn’t work for him, considering how attracted he is to her. Molly’s lilting librarian voice makes even the saltiest remarks go down sweeter, which is bad as long as she’s a witness but might be good once the case is solved—provided he hasn’t gotten on her last nerve by then. Recently divorced, John has been having trouble adjusting to single life as well as single parenthood. But something in Molly’s beautiful smile gives John hope that his old life on Little Bridge might suddenly hold new promise—if only they can get over their differences.

This isn’t a sequel SEQUEL, but another one of those “exists in the same universe,” or same town, as it were, and it was better than No Judgments. Molly and John actually had a few legitimate conversations before they started kissing. The conflict was still weird and sort of forced, this was not Meg’s usual banter (I fell like I can call her Meg at this point, y’know?) and, again, the ending just felt like it...happened. I don’t know guys, maybe I should just reread The Boy Is Back. Or that quasi Persephone-Hades series. It’s been awhile. On that one, at least. I read The Boy Is Back like six months ago.

ABSOLUTELY INFURIATING ROM COM THAT I CANNOT BELIEVE I FINISHED, SOMEONE GIVE ME A PRIZE FOR FINISHING THIS

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to   Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn't hell enough, a cloud of   volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to   Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an   arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from   under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava's ever had. And  that's all it was--until Caleb shows up on her doorstep. 

When pure chance pulls Ava back into Caleb's orbit, he proposes they enjoy their physical connection while he's stranded in Boston. Ava agrees, knowing her heart's in no danger since a) she barely likes Caleb and b) his existence in her life is temporary. Not long thereafter Ava realizes she's made a terrible error because as it turns out Caleb Scott isn't quite so unlikeable after all. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. But even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her...

When I tell you guys that this was the worst book I have read in recent memory, I am not kidding. Might actually be the worst book I have ever read. Bar none. And that’s saying something because one time I had to read Ender’s Game in college and that, like, physically pained me. This was awful. Awful people. Awful plot. Awful resolution. AWFUL. Where to start? Well, I’m not going to apologize for spoilers, because God help us all, do not read this book. Ava has been through so many horrible things in her life it was like someone was trying to set a record. Bad parents, cheating ex-boyfriend, dead former best friend who was former because of the cheating ex-boyfriend. Naturally, this made her a control freak because—of course, or something. And Caleb! Oh my God, fucking Caleb Scott. The dickwad. I’ve never rooted for anyone to not get the girl more. When Ava “broke up” with him (they were never really together) I might have cheered. Shitty things does not give you an excuse to be a dick, and Caleb was a dick. Seriously, he started crying about how his ex-fiance KILLED THEIR BABY and I was like—this cannot possibly be a real book. It was! With lots of abortion opinions out of FUCKING nowhere, and weird possessive behavior from, like, every dude in it. Both Ava AND her best friend (not the dead one, a different one) got assaulted at one point. I kept reading solely because I was desperate to see how they rationalized Ava and Caleb getting back together at the end and they didn’t. He showed up on her flight when her boss came up with a fake work trip so he could sit next to her on the plane. What? WHAT?? It was so dumb. So bad. I can’t believe I read it. 

[jamieroxxartist]

My Wife Dani and her business partner Travis's Webshop www.spectralmoon.com Instagram: @thespectralmoon (www.instagram.com/thespectralmoon) "We are a small metaphysical shop that specializes in handmade bracelets and ceramic charging plates, as well as creating a safe space for all.

Imbolc is coming up on February 1st so to celebrate and prepare we want to post throughout the next week things you can do to celebrate! * Imbolc is a Gaelic traditional festival. It marks the beginning of spring and was originally a pagan holiday associated with the goddess Brigid. Brigid is associated with poetry, blacksmithing, protection, and domesticated animals. She is said to visit homes that leave offerings on February first and offer protection to the house and their crops for the coming spring. * During the festival pagans we’re known to make “Brigid Crosses” out of straw, reeds, or rushes in honor of Brigid. They would then hang them above the doorways or windows to protect the house from harm. * Follow us for more traditions or offerings of Imbolc and other pagan/neo-pagan holidays! We appreciate all of you!" * * * #imbolc #pagan #neopagan #paganholiday #neopaganholiday #spring #witchholiday #pagansofinstagram #paganism #paganwitch #paganlife #pagancommunity #pagangoth #pagans #paganwitchcraft #brigid #brigidcross #goddess #goddessbrigid #cross #gaelic #irishholiday #history #culture #paganshop #celebrate #imbolcblessings #imbolcritual #offerings #offeringstothegods

[districtofthehare]

Meditation to Brigid

- white pillar candle with my personal sigil carved into it with a quartz point - Brigid’s cross placed under candle - Correspondences: Amethyst, cauldron, friendship bracelet I crafted, hibiscus (divination aid)

[liadine]

gonna ask 8 again because I always ask 8, and also, 19 xxx

8. Give me five songs which remind you of your deitiesYou DO always ask it and I LOVE THAT but it’s so haaard :x I’ll do one song per deity then :x Brigid: Charlotte Martin - Dancing On Needles (live, can’t find the studio version on Youtube) Hekate: Björk - BacheloretteHermes: Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The FloodHimself: First Aid Kit - WolfPersephone: Emmy the Great - A Woman, A Woman, A Century of Sleep (live, once again no studio version) 19. Do you wear any symbols of your path? (Tattoos count.) You know this answer and I love you :x My constant companions are my lamppost tattoo, my lion ring, and my antique key necklace; those mean a variety of things, but all of them are related to... all this. I also have a Brigid’s cross necklace, a crow necklace that incorporates a Brigid’s cross, a Brigid prayer bracelet I made, earrings made from clay pipe pieces which washed up from the Thames, an antler necklace... honestly, most of my jewellery is either witch or deity related. Plus, more tattoos. I want more tattoos. 

[stampington]

Glimpse Inside New October Issues + Giveaway + Coupon!

Receive $5 off on new October issues, $14.99 and up. Copy and paste coupon code BLOG1017 when prompted at checkout. (Discount code can only be used once per customer.)

Art Journaling

Dive headfirst into the wonderful world of Art Journaling, and find new ways to express your artistry! In this 144-page issue, artists share unique and innovative techniques to take the pages of your journal to the next level.

Inside the Autumn 2017 Issue:

Be inspired by the beautiful artwork accompanied by courageous stories from featured artists

Lynne Moncrieff shares her technique for creating a purse to store your miniature journals

Renee Zarate finds journaling inspiration in playing with a color wheel

Brigid Gallagher Davies journals in soft, feminine neutral shades

Mary Walden shows her lovely sewn journal

Haute Handbags

Inside the autumn issue of Haute Handbags, carry your yoga mat in style with Hélène Cardon’s handmade yoga bag complete with a dreamy watercolor pattern and plenty of bohemian flair.

Learn how Sara Templeton turned an empty basmati rice bag and a passion for green living into a successful line of eco-chic bags made from 100 percent reclaimed fabric.

Also featured in this issue, Terry Lischka transforms recycled men’s suit coats into sophisticated and fashionable cross-body purses, Abraham Ruiz channels his passion for architecture into stunning geometric clutches made of die-cut, German-milled wool felt, and Roxana Elena Nicolae developed a unique 3D collage technique that she pairs with hand-painted and hand-cut leather pieces to create beautiful and whimsical clutches.

Jewelry Affaire

Sometimes it is the simplest things that are the most elegant. Come join us in celebrating the beauty that can be found in easy-to-make jewelry in this 144-page issue of Jewelry Affaire.

Inside the Autumn 2017 Issue:

Meagan Crockett transformed leftover fabric scraps from a dream catcher into bohemian bangle bracelets

Toni Pullen sculpted a monochromatic design with a handmade polymer clay pendant

Laser-cut hardwood pieces that form the base of Jayme Lillie’s kaleidoscopic earrings are brought to life with colorful eco-friendly resin

Becky Nunn created an innovative way to make dimensional cuffs, earrings, and lapel pins

Andrea Shodipo cleverly incorporated sequins into her chic earrings that celebrate African culture

A scrap of leather inspired Sherri Welser to create an organic Southwestern necklace that uses paint to imitate a soldered look

Mingle

It’s time to embrace autumn with the newest issue of Mingle! With page after page (144 to be precise!) of party tips and tricks, you’re bound to be inspired. You’ll be brainstorming your upcoming holiday gatherings before you know it!

Inside the Autumn 2017 Issue:

Tracy Carpenter shares her detail-filled farmhouse Christmas bash

Enjoy Halloween in Paris with Toni Roberts

Don’t miss the spook-tacular pirate party by Shannon Von Eschen

Peek inside Tara Berger’s blush-and-Bordeaux-themed friendsgiving and her Christmas play date featuring a vintage camper

Alyssa Crocker hosts a lumberjack birthday party

Kathy Pardell throws a fun-filled event honoring teachers

Check out Katie Garrahy’s tree trimming get-together!

Somerset Life

Celebrate the artful and the creative inside the autumn issue of Somerset Life! Each 144-page issue provides an abundance of inspiring ideas to infuse our daily lives with simple pleasures, art, romance, creativity, and beauty.

Inside this issue we have Melissa K. Lippert’s adorable boho on-the-go purse, Lynne Moncrieff’s “Hanging Around the Christmas Tree” ornaments, and book collages for the holidays with L. Katherine Roberts.

You will also find tutorials for art bento boxes, rosebud corrugated fabric collage tags, altered peat pots, and fabric stamped bridal gift bags.

We’re also celebrating Pinots and Merlots with our sommelier gift bundle idea for the wine lovers in your life. Get ready for the holidays with projects like creating a tiered embroidery hoop ribbon Christmas tree, alum-dyed holiday star ornaments, and a burlap advent garland.

Plus, discover 10 new Creative Living Ideas to help you live an artful life!

The Stampers’ Sampler

It’s beginning to look a lot like Craftmas! Start welcoming the holidays with the autumn issue of The Stampers’ Sampler! As with every issue, there is a special Tempting Template pattern and free artist paper tucked inside to inspire your upcoming card making projects.

Inside the Autumn 2017 Issue:

Ignite your creative spirit just in time for the busiest card season of the year with Our Holiday Happenings challenge

Get dialed in with the latest card-making techniques with our Telephone Tempting Template results

There’s still plenty of time for those last-minute Halloween cards. Check out even more Frightful & Delightful results that were so great we are featuring them late!

Find out who our next Guest Artist is!

Where Women Create BUSINESS

Where Women Create BUSINESS is an invaluable, 144-page guide for every woman business owner – from those just starting out to experienced artisans. Through advice columns and in-depth feature articles, this magazine offers a multitude of knowledge and inspiration to women with a passion for success.

Inside the Autumn 2017 Issue:

Elizabeth Lane delivers customers the best books of the season through Quarterlane book subscription boxes

Gigi Fasano’s Vintage Moon clothing boutique

Rebecca Armstrong spreads happiness through her apparel company, Peace Within

Susan Eastin offers farmhouse and cottage decor, gifts, and antiques at De Smet Trading Co.

Stylist and wedding designer Rebekah Carey

A Somerset Holiday

Dive into your handmade holiday gift preparations with the 2017 issue of A Somerset Holiday! This issue puts a rustic-chic spin on the holidays by offering fun and simple ideas for handmade gifts.

Inside this issue, you will find a variety of gift wrapping and decor ideas, like Dalia Blevins’s sweet little snowmen salt shakers, and Carol Fisher’s Putz house village crafting kit.

Plus, for those who want to personalize your gifts, but just don’t have time, look no further than the A Little Bit Handmade department to create gifts with a handmade touch in minutes.

Also featured in this issue, several artists share inspiration to make gorgeous Christmas tree ornaments that will be sure to get you even more excited for the holidays!

  Enter Our Glimpse Inside Giveaway!

We’re giving away brand-new October issues to THREE lucky winners! Simply follow these steps to enter for your chance to win:

1) Click on your favorite spread above.

2) Pin or “Like” that particular issue.

3) If you pinned to Pinterest, share the link in the comments section below. If you “liked” on Facebook, tag us so we can see.

4) If you don’t have Facebook or Pinterest, please comment below and tell us which issue you find most appealing and why.

Winners will be randomly selected for our magazine giveaway and contacted via email. Contest is open to U.S. residents only, and ends 10/31/17 at 11:59pm PST.

*$5 off coupon code applies to purchases of any of the following (Autumn ’17) issues only: Art Journaling, Haute Handbags, Jewelry Affaire, Mingle, Somerset Life, Where Women Create BUSINESS, and A Somerset Holiday. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Discount code can be used only one time per customer and expires 10/31/17.

The post Glimpse Inside New October Issues + Giveaway + Coupon! appeared first on Somerset Place: The Official Blog of Stampington & Company.

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[wherever-i-look-blog]

Marvel’s Runaways is the kind of show you’d expect to be on FreeForm thanks to this eclectic group of angsty teens who are coming of age and discovering their immense powers.

Creator Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage Director(s) Brett Morgen Writer(s) Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage Noted Cast Alex Rhenzy Feliz Nico Lyrica Okano Karolina Virginia Gardner Gert Ariela Barer Molly                 Allegra Acosta Chase Gregg Sulkin Destiny Nicole Wolf Dale Kevin Weisman Stacey Brigid Brannagh

Trigger Warning: Rape Like Situation in Episode

The Introduction

(Left to Right) Alex [Rhenzy Feliz], Nico [Lyrica Okano], Karolina [Virginia Gardner], Chase [Gregg Sulkin], Molly [Allegra Acosta], and Gert [Ariela Barer]

Poor Alex. Seemingly between the troughs of high school and with the death of his friend Amy, this group he was part of collapsed. Nico, Amy’s sister, is now a goth who stays to herself. Karolina has become heavily involved in her mother’s religion, based on her grandfather’s teachings. When it comes to Gert, she has become a social justice warrior of the most annoying variety and her adopted sister Molly is just, this sweet girl. Lastly, there is Chase, the one who used to make fun of the popular kids only to become one of them and just like them. Thus leaving Alex all alone and on the anniversary of Amy’s death, trying to bring his friends back together.

Which, considering two of them are discovering new things about themselves, and they all learn their parents are into some weird cult stuff, they may need each other more than ever.

Other Noteworthy Facts & Moments

The town they live in is Brentwood.

According to ComicBook.com, Runaways takes place in the same universe as Netflix’s Marvel shows and The Wrap follows that up with saying the events of the cinematic universe also exist but won’t play a heavy role. However, the article is from the TCA around July 27th, 2017, before Disney announced it was creating its own streaming service. Which implies Disney will only pull their movies from Netflix and not their co-produced, through Marvel, television shows. So, with this new service in place, who knows if Disney may be willing for crossovers on networks they don’t own or share ownership of. However, according to the Hollywood Reporter, it seems the idea is for this show, Cloak and Dagger, alongside New Warriors, is to do as we saw in the MCU. That is, establish each entity independently before potentially having them cross over.

Collected Quote(s)

Some people hide behind makeup, others behind a smile. It’s still hiding.

Highlights

Molly & Alex

Allegra Acosta – Molly

Rhenzy Feliz – Alex

  With so many characters fitting into tropes, whether we are talking about the parents or the teens, Molly and Alex sort of stand out amongst them. Molly is this sweet girl who, while on her period, we discover has these monstrous powers which give her super strength! Plus, with us learning she is adopted by the ever so odd Dale and Stacey, after her parents died in a fire, there comes some intrigue gone into more below.

Then with Alex? What can I say, I’m a sucker for nerdy Black kids. But also, there is something sweet about him in a fashion similar to Molly. Especially in terms of his friendship with Nico which sort of implies something is, or once was there, and it pushes you to want to not just invest in him but her as well. Making Alex seem like an excellent lead for he helps push these characters past their almost shallow and straight trope depictions.

The Mystery of the Church of Gibborim

Between the cult the parents are in and this church based on Karolina’s grandpa’s teachings, the side eye is strong with this show. Especially with the bracelets they have which clearly are more than jewelry. Karolina, for example, after taking hers off, experiences the first sign of her having powers which overwhelms her to the point of passing out. Yet, when Chase puts it back on, after his “friends” seemingly were going to rape Karolina or take embarrassing photos, she pops right out of her fainting spell.

On The Fence

So Many Slightly Cringey Tropes

While I recognize people drift apart in high school, and especially after a member of the group dies, there is just something about Alex’s friends that are worth rolling your eyes. First and foremost is Gert. Oh my god, I’m all for social equality but she is the kind of social justice warrior which makes people shy away from calling themselves feminist. She is so agitating that it is hard to say whether she is supposed to be a person or a parody.

Yet, despite saying that, as she tries to reconcile with Chase, by offering to teach him Spanish, there seems to be hope for her yet. Same goes for Nico. Based on the picture on Alex’s phone, it shows there was a time she wasn’t gothic and seemingly trying to summons demons. And while a gothic character is by no means terrible, like with Gert, you get this vibe that we’ll have to wait a bit for the actor to settle into the character for this to feel authentic. For right now it is like watching someone put on a Halloween costume and play pretend.

From there we got Karolina who honestly is a bit too boring to talk about, never mind analyze, and then there is Chase. You know, your usual, “We were best friends in middle school but now he has become my bully” kind of guy. Who, like with the rest, they try to create jagged edges with. In his case, it’s by showing his dad isn’t the nicest of people but while Sulkin showed on Faking It, he can sometimes be convincing as an actor, I can’t recall him breaking away from the idea of him not being a pretty face and a set of abs.

But, who knows? That show ended a while ago and maybe he is out of the “Learning on the job” stage of his career?

The Cult of the Parents

The main reason the kids know each other is because of their affluent parents. Of which contain CEOs, real estate magnets, lawyers, and then there are Gert and Molly’s parents who are into holistic things. Alongside keeping some kind of monster behind a huge metal door. But, we’ll have to wait until episode 2 to hopefully learn what the hell they are into.

But while the cult definitely is intriguing, especially considering how each of their jobs are likely connected, it is hard to gauge the long-term potential here. If only because the show honestly fits The Secret Life of the American Teenager era FreeForm, back when it was ABC Family. Meaning, the writing and acting is by no means award-worthy, but there is something about the stories which give you hope. The kind that, as actors settle into their characters, and things pick up, you can only hope this doesn’t end up like the majority of Marvel shows not on Netflix.

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Marvel's #Runaways: Season 1/ Episode 1 "Reunion" [Series Premiere] - Recap/ Review (with Spoilers) Marvel’s Runaways is the kind of show you’d expect to be on FreeForm thanks to this eclectic group of angsty teens who are coming of age and discovering their immense powers.

[ao3feed-mythology]

Persona Shutter Layer 1

read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2M9V6C0

by Darkrealmist

Akaba Layra exorcises Zarc’s evil influence from Sakaki Yuya’s body, and in that moment, their souls commingle.

Words: 498, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V, Yu-Gi-Oh! - All Media Types, Persona Series, Japanese Mythology, Arthurian Mythology, Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms, The Sword in the Stone (1963), Magic: The Gathering, Cloak & Dagger (TV 2018), Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney - All Media Types

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen

Characters: Akaba Reira, Sakaki Yuya, Zarc (Yu-Gi-Oh), Akaba Ray, Yuto (Yu-Gi-Oh), Yugo (Yu-Gi-Oh), Yuri (Yu-Gi-Oh), Hiiragi Yuzu, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, Starve Venom Fusion Dragon, Gideon Jura, Nicol Bolas, Brigid O'Reilly

Relationships: Akaba Reira & Sakaki Yuya, Akaba Reira & Zarc, Akaba Ray & Akaba Reira

Additional Tags: Acceptance, Action, Action/Adventure, Adventure, Aftermath of Possession, Age Regression/De-Aging, Ambition, Ambushes and Sneak Attacks, Anime, Anger, Animal Attack, Animalistic, Apocalypse, Armageddon, Ascension, Asian Character(s), Astronomy, Babies, Battle, Biological Warfare, Biological Weapons, Birds, Bittersweet, Bittersweet Ending, Bloodlust, Bloodshed, Bracelets, Cameras, Canon - Anime Dub, Canon Backstory, Canon Character of Color, Canon Compliant, Card Games, Character(s) of Color, Character Study, Chases, Childhood Memories, Children, Child Soldiers, Clinging, Competition, Complete, Confrontations, Consensual Possession, Control, Corruption, Courage, Creation, Cross-Posted on FanFiction.Net, Cruelty, Crying, Cultural References, Dark Fairy Tale Elements, Dark Fantasy, Dark Magic, Darkness, Demonic Possession, Demons, Demon Summoning, Despair, Destruction, Destruction of Earth, Devils, Devotion, Dimension Travel, Disasters, Doppelganger, Double Entendre, Dragons, Drama, Duelling, Duel Monsters, During Canon, Emotional, Emotional Manipulation, Emotions, Empath, End of the World, Enemies, Epic Battles, Episode Related, Evil, Evil Plans, Exhaustion, Exorcisms, Extinction, Fanfiction, Fanservice, Fantasy, Fear, Feels, Female-Centric, Female Character of Color, Feral Behavior, Fights, Final Battle, Flashbacks, Flowers, Forced Bonding, Friendship, Friends to Enemies, Geography, Ghosts, Gift Giving, Girl Saves Boy, Gluttony, God Complex, Gods, Goodbyes, Guilt, Hair, Harm to Children, Hatred, Having Faith, Heaven, Heroes to Villains, Hiding, High Fantasy, Hope, Hope vs. Despair, Hubris, Humanity, Humiliation, Hybrids, Identity, Identity Reveal, Immortality, Imprisonment, Inheritance, Injury, Insults, Internal Conflict, Intimidation, Japanese Character(s), Japanese Culture, Japanese Mythology & Folklore, Judgment, Justice, Kings & Queens, Knights - Freeform, Loss of Control, Loss of Identity, Loss of Powers, Loyalty, Madness, Magic, Magic and Science, Magic-Users, Male Antagonist, Male Character of Color, Male Protagonist, Manipulation, Marvel References, Master/Servant, Memories, Memory Loss, Mental Anguish, Mental Breakdown, Mental Instability, Mental Link, Metaphors, Mind Manipulation, Minor Canonical Character(s), Minor Character(s), Miracles, Missions, Monsters, Moon, Multiple Selves, Names, Nature, Nature Magic, Near Death Experiences, Nostalgia, Oaths & Vows, Omnipotence, One Shot, Originally Posted Elsewhere, Originally Posted on FanFiction.Net, Origins, Pain, Panic, Parallel Universes, Past Lives, Personification, Philosophy, Photography, Planet Destruction, Possession, Post-Possession, Potions, Power Dynamics, Prayer, Pride, Prodigies, Protectiveness, Psychological Drama, Psychological Torture, Psychological Trauma, Puns & Word Play, Quantum Mechanics, Rare Characters, Reality Bending, Rebirth, References to Canon, Reincarnation, Reminiscing, Responsibility, Restaurants, Restraints, Resurrection, Reunions, Revenge, Rituals, Rivalry, Sadism, Saving the World, Scheming, Science, Science Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Self-Sacrifice, Shame, Sharing a Body, Shock, Short, Short & Sweet, Short One Shot, Sins of the Father, Smile, Sorcerers, Soul Bond, Souls, Spirits, Spiritual, Strategy & Tactics, Strong Female Characters, Substitution, Summoning, Summoning Circles, Supernatural Elements, Superpowers, Switching, Swords, Swords & Sorcery, Team, Team Bonding, Team Dynamics, Team Feels, Temporary Amnesia, Time Shenanigans, Tongues, Tragedy, Trapped, Unexpected Visitors, Villains, Violence, War, Weapons, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Wizards, Wordcount: 100-500, Wordcount: 100-1.000, Wordcount: Under 10.000, Worry

read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2M9V6C0