Picture Perfect Party Linky #71

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and

I wish you all a very Happy New Year 2014!

This is a South African "snowman" that we found

on the beach while visiting my in-laws for

Christmas. I'm going to put together some

awesome collages next Tuesday, so be sure

to come back for another fabulous Wordless

Wednesday (with or without words). Don't

forget to link your picture post below!

Click on the images to view them larger.

The photo below is a peek at my
latest photos on 1camera1mom.

***************************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Princess Madeline Trilogy and Giveaway

Welcome to an exciting Princess Madeline Trilogy

book blast with a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal
cash giveaway!

I want to take a quick moment to remind my readers that I

won't be posting my Make My Saturday Sweet and my Picture

Perfect Party Linky from the 20th - the 27th of Dec.

I wish everyone a peaceful and safe holiday!

Now, on to the book blast!

About the Books

Title: The Escape of Princess Madeline (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #1)
Author: Kirstin Pulioff
Publication Date: November 4, 2012
Publisher: Caliburn Books
Number of pages: 138
Recommended age: 10+

Summary: The Kingdom of Soron is known for many things, its rolling landscape, haunting history, fiery sunsets, and its beautiful princess. Princess Madeline woke on her sixteenth birthday to realize that her future had been planned out, a life full of privilege, royalty, and boredom... a life with a husband and knight champion that she did not choose. Using her charm, strength and stubbornness, she defies the King at every turn, determined to keep her freedom on her terms.

Freedom quickly turns to disaster as she finds herself seized by a group of wandering bandits. With the kingdom in turmoil over her capture; her Knight Champion eager to prove himself, a group of dedicated suitors determined to win her hand, and a group of exiled wizards join forces in the hunt to rescue her. Follow Princess Madeline in this adventure full of twists and turns as she tries to find her freedom and answers to her questions about life and love.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

Title: The Battle for Princess Madeline (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #2)
Author: Kirstin Pulioff
Publication Date: May 21, 2013
Publisher: Caliburn Books
Number of pages: 159
Recommended age: 10+

Summary: The Kingdom of Soron bustled with activity as preparations for the Fall Festival began. Lively merchants, hardworking farmers, and musicians eagerly awaited this event of harvest and joy. This year’s festival was even more important, as they celebrated Princess Madeline’s betrothal to her knight champion, Daniel. Celebration quickly turns to disaster as Prince Paulsen returns with curious demands, either Princess Madeline will be his, or no ones. Rejection turns to obsession and battle is declared.

In a tense struggle to decide her future, Princess Madeline must choose where to put her trust… in the king’s tried and true plan, the wizard’s cryptic messages and maps, or her own sense of bravery. Follow Princess Madeline on this adventure as she battles evil in an attempt to create a future of love and magic.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

Title: Princess Madeline and the Dragon (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #3)
Author: Kirstin Pulioff
Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Caliburn Books
Number of pages: 135
Recommended age: 10+

Summary: After a season of battle and rebuilding, the Kingdom of Soron is exhausted. With the return of the exiled wizards, the Spring Faire, and her upcoming wedding, Princess Madeline is looking forward to a peaceful season of celebration. When the mysterious green dragon reappears, threatening the kingdom and the king, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden won’t rest for long. Faced with this incredible new danger, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden must find a way to lead their kingdom and secure their future. Can they find the answers hidden within their mother’s cryptic messages from the past, or will the dragon destroy everything they hold dear? Follow Princess Madeline as she embarks on a dangerous new adventure to save her kingdom and her family.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

The Buzz

Book 1: "Well-written, fast-paced, and entirely appropriate for its target audience (middle grade fantasy), this short but succinct novel (novella? It was maybe a little between a novella and a novel) tells a delightful tale of a naive princess who learns the real meaning of freedom. Kirsten gives her characters a sufficient amount of depth to make them genuinely likeable, and she leaves room for much, much more to come." ~ 5 Star Review, Ally, Amazon

Book 1: "An inspiring thought provoking, and wonderfully written fairy tale by an author who transports us to a time in our imagination where everything is magical and possibilities are real." ~ 5 Star Review, kathyls, Amazon

Book 2: "Fairy tales are filled with knights and princesses and castles and a special magical feel that takes the reader far, far, away into another world, another place, another time. The Battle for Princess Madeline fits the bill to a tee! Author Kirstin Pulioff has created a special feel to the tale of Princess Madeline with her own special talent for using words to paint pictures in our minds." ~ 5 Star Review, Dii, Amazon

Book 2: "The story is well developed and easy to follow. The vivid scenes will transport young readers into the magical world of fairy tales with thrilling characters that have come to life. Another splendid read for young readers! I can hardly wait for a new book, Princess Madeline and the Dragon. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mrs. D., Amazon

Book 3: "The story is engaging on many levels, as is Pulioff's writing, but on this occasion I was mostly drawn into the action and the mystery as how to prevent the worst from happening. This is great entertainment and should do well across a wider age range." ~ 5 Star Review, Christoph Fischer Books, Amazon

Book 3: "Kirstin Pulioff has saved the best for last. 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' is the final instalment in the 'Princess Madeline Trilogy'. I thought the first two books were finely wrought stories, but this novel surpasses its predecessors. Prophesies, family tragedies, magic and - of course - dragons, combine to produce a tale that is an instant classic. Written with a great deal of charm, 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' will not disappoint Ms Pulioff's young fans. I look forward to seeing where next her imagination will take this natural storyteller. " ~ 5 Star Review, Diogenes, Amazon

My Review

What I liked about the first two books:

The Escape of Princess Madeline is a wonderful coming of age adventure story for middle-grade readers. The descriptions are vivid without being boring and allow one to imagine the fairy tale world of Princess Madeline, which includes brave knights, mysterious wizards and the mention of dragons. The story moves quickly and takes a couple of unexpected turns. Even the Epilogue grabs the reader's imagination and makes one want to find out more.

The Battle for Princess Madeline has an exciting beginning and the plot thickens. I enjoyed finding out who Elias is. There was some suspense when Madeline was taken to see one of the towers in Soron for the first time. I also appreciated the author taking the time to express the change in Madeline when she had to learn boring history that seemed to be unrelated to her until she learned about something that was indeed a part of her future.

I am looking forward to reading the rest. There will be a blog tour of the third book in the trilogy, Princess Madeline and the Dragon. I will be reading it over the holiday and giving a review of it in January.

What I liked least about the first two books:

The author could improve in the area of using more synonyms and repeating words less. I also found that the first book was a bit simplistic in nature.

About the Author:

Kirstin Pulioff

Kirstin Pulioff

Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in Oregon, and enjoys being a stay at home mom. When she’s not writing, she is busy with her kids and church.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest runs: December 18, 2013 to January 16, 2014, 11:59 pm, 2013

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Kirstin Pulioff and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I received three free pdf downloads of all three books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and you can find them under My Review.

Picture Perfect Party Linky #70

Here are some neat random photos of recent weeks...

Click on the images to view them larger.

Mixed Media on Canvas by Christina Morley

Amanda in a boutique shop

Amanda in a boutique shop

Our sleeping cats

An uninvited guest
We get a few rain spiders every year
and you can find out more on this
Picture Perfect post.

I count my blessings when I get
to see this beautiful view from
my kitchen window.

I would love for you to visit my latest post on 1camera1mom.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll see.

Cape Sugarbird sitting on a protea
Bergsig Wine Estate - Part 2

Here is a fun Candy Cane Activity and Christmas Tree Game for small kids that I posted last year.

Amanda doing a Candy Cane Activity

***************************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Lobo's Howliday (Christmas story) and $100 Giveaway!

Welcome to the Lovable Lobo book blast and

$100 iTunes gift card (or PayPal cash)

+ a Wolf stuffie giveaway!

About the Book ~ New Release

Lobo's Howliday
(The Adventures of Lovable Lobo)

Author: C.L. Murphy

Publication Date: Dec. 1, 2013

Publisher: Independent - Peanut Butter Prose

Number of pages: 32

Recommended age: 3+


Summary
It's almost Christmas and Santa finds himself in quite the predicament due to unintended consequences as a result of trying something new. Lobo, and his raven sidekick, Roxy, travel to the North Pole to help the jolly ole' one and are guided by the Arctic animals. The colors of the season delight along the way and make for a howling good holiday. Can you howl Ho Ho Ho?

Book Trailer

The Early Buzz

"The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday is a children's book written by C.L. Murphy. Lobo and his friend Roxy, the raven, are surprised when an owl comes to see Lobo with a special delivery. Within the bag is Arty, an Arctic mouse who has an urgent request from Santa. Santa needs Lobo's help this year, and the three of them set off for the North Pole. Along the way, they meet an Arctic fox, who lets them stay the night in his den and a polar bear who transports them across icy water. An Arctic wolf accompanies them for the rest of the journey to Santa's Village, where an Arctic hare is waiting for them. Santa has updated his method of delivering gifts on Christmas, but he's got a problem that Lobo can help him with.

"I was spellbound reading The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday. C.L. Murphy's artwork is simply amazing. Each page is filled with images you can get lost in: lush green forests, sparkling night skies, snowy expanses, and the animals have personality and incredible appeal. If you're lacking in Christmas spirit this year, no matter what your age, spending some time with Lobo, Roxy, and Arty will soon change your attitude. Lobo's Howliday is also a great way to introduce a child to the Northern Lights, the Arctic, and the amazing animals that live there (see if you can find the Orca!). I've already recommended The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday to friends who have children or grandchildren. It's a very special book. " ~ 5 Star Review, Jack Magnus, Readers Favorite

Purchase

Available for 99 cents!

iTunes

Lobo's Howliday will be available as a

FREE download

on December 18th only!

iTunes 

My Review

I put Amanda on my lap and read to her the story of The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday. She loved the story and told me that every part was her favorite. What she liked most about the illustrations were the stars and Christmas trees.

I also enjoyed the illustrations. They were bright and colorful and the characters were adorable. I thought the polar bear was the cutest of all.

The story was also lots of fun to read. It had its own unique take on the traditional concept of Santa getting his presents to the kids in time for Christmas. Santa's helpers are woodland and arctic creatures. Lobo, the main character, is an adorable wolf pup. The cawing raven, his companion, is very entertaining. You will have to read the story to meet all the wonderful animals and to find out what the trouble is and how they are able to help Santa.

About the Author:

C.L. Murphy

C.L. Murphy and Lovable Lobo

While new to the children's book writing and illustrating scene, C.L. has been doodling her way through life since she won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. She's had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder and curiosity of young children. For years, she filed picture book ideas away, until the reality of the empty nest syndrome sunk in and she decided to bring her favorite one to fruition.

She based the character, Lovable Lobo, on something very dear to her heart, a real wolf that she's raised for the last 13 years. She's felt the need to protect him his entire life, primarily due to the preconceived notions that wolves are to be feared.

She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in the beautiful Oregon wilderness. She has always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in her life. She was that little girl who brought home the strays asking "Can we please keep it?" At an early age she realized her connection with animals by training a wild bluejay to appear on command to take food from her hand.

Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

$100 Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: $100 iTunes gift card (or PayPal cash prize) + a Wolf stuffie

Contest runs: December 16, 2013 to January 14, 2014, 11:59 pm, 2013

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, C.L. Murphy and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I was given a free pdf copy of this book and asked to give an honest review. All opinions are our own (mine and Amanda's) and you can find them under My Review.

Make My Saturday Sweet - Blog Hop #62

Welcome to another weekend of family friendly blog hopping! You may link your favorite family friendly post from this past week below. Make sure you visit two people who linked before you and make their "Saturday Sweet"!

I will not be posting my Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop or my Picture Perfect Party Linky hop during the week of Christmas from the 20th to the 27th of December.

I will be posting two more book reviews - one is a fun Christmas story for kids (new release) with a $100 giveaway and the other is an awesome trilogy for older kids with a $25 giveaway - so please come back to check them out!

Today is your last day to enter my Christmas giveaway of a beautifully illustrated book of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

There's a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash giveaway on my Tumbleweed Christmas post. The contest runs until January 9, 2014.

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
• Follow any new blogs that you like.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a blog hop!

Tumbleweed Christmas Story and Giveaway

Welcome to the Tumbleweed Christmas book blast

and $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash giveaway!

About the Book

Tumbleweed Christmas

Author: Beverly Stowe McClure

Publication Date: July 20, 2013 (original pub. date - August 28, 2011)

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

Number of pages: 24

Recommended age: 3+

Summary (Back Cover): Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes a child must make her own miracle and one for her siblings.

Purchase

Amazon | 4RV Publishing Bookstore | Barnes and Noble

The Buzz

"Through the storytelling of Beverly Stowe McClure and the book illustrations of Bridget McKenna, the reader is drawn to feel the pain of poverty and choices that must be made due to economic circumstance. We are drawn into Jackie's world by her giving spirit and root for her every word of the way. And when all is said and done ... We, too, believe in the miracle of a Tumbleweed Christmas. Timely for the season and its reason, but also gives us reason to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive year 'round." ~ 5 Star Review, Ruth C., Amazon

"I can't think of a sweeter tale of the season than Tumbleweed Christmas." ~ 5 Star Review, Cheryl M., Amazon

"This is a delightful 24 page book which shows the reader about selflessness. Many parent's give up much to make things work when they don't have a lot of money, and being creative is certainly a key in such situations. Jackie gave up what was dear to her the most to be able to give gifts to her family so they had something to open on Christmas day. In many ways, gift giving has gone out of control. The most expensive items are not necessarily the best. Sometimes it's the handmade items or drawings that come from the heart that are truly memorable. A gift from the heart is what truly matters most, and it doesn't have to be much. Children and parent's alike will enjoy this story because it touches upon one of the best gifts in the world that we can give--LOVE!" ~ 5 Star Review, Children's Book Reviewer, Amazon

My Review

This is a meaningful Christmas story that is perfect for little ones and older. It teaches about sacrifice and generosity during a difficult time without the doom and gloom. In fact, it's a very cheerful story despite the hardships that are mentioned or otherwise alluded to.

I put Amanda, my 5 year-old, on my lap and read her the story. Every part of the story, including the colorful illustrations, was her favorite. It helps if the listener knows basic addition and subtraction, which Amanda can already grasp. The choice of words and the length of sentences are perfect for kids learning to read. This book will make a great Christmas gift for young children around the ages of 4 - 8.

Our Christmas in 2008

We live in the southern hemisphere in the Western Cape, South Africa. We almost always spend Christmas with my in-laws, which usually have an African twist, something non-traditional. A couple of times my mother-in-law put up a tumbleweed Christmas tree. Here's a photo of the kids in front of the one in 2008. It's the same color as the one illustrated on the book cover. This was Amanda's first Christmas. She was 10 months old.

Click on the image to view it larger

A tumbleweed Christmas, 2008
Siblings: Jeremiah, Amanda, Samantha and Jessica

About the Author:

Beverly Stowe McClure

Beverly Stowe McClure

Beverly Stowe McClure is a former teacher turned writer. When she was a kid, writing was the last thing on her mind. She loved music and played clarinet in the junior high and high school bands. She also was a majorette. She still plays the piano to relax. Her cats don’t appreciate good music, however, and run and hide when she tickles the ivories.

She lives in the country with Patches and Tiger (the cats), along with a variety of wild critters that stop by for a handout. Next to her sons, grandchildren, and great-grands, writing is her passion and joy. She also enjoys researching her family roots and snapping pictures of clouds, flowers, deer and birds, especially the roadrunner that visits on occasion and the hummingbirds that she feeds.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Shelfari | Library Thing

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)

Contest runs: December 11, 2013 to January 9, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Beverly Stowe McClure and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for our honest opinion. All opinions expressed are our own. The author contacted us to participate in our Book Promotion Program where we will tweet and share information about this book, the author, and the giveaway.

Picture Perfect Party Linky #69

It's time for another Wordless Wednesday (with or without words) link party! Check out my pictures and link your picture post below.

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Christmas watercolor fun for kids

I got my watercolor paper and watercolor paints out for Amanda to use. I'm usually very protective of my things and save stuff that eventually perishes, especially when it comes to good quality posessions like my art supplies. My paints and paper are from my teenage years living in Germany.

As you know, little kids use up stuff really fast, so it doesn't always make sense to give them something like real watercolor paper. Scrap paper is the norm around here. However, what's the use of having nice stuff when no one uses it or keeping it "safe" for so long that it perishes and becomes useless?

I don't think Amanda would have had nearly as much fun with crayons and paper. And yes, she does use up the good quality paper really fast, but the experience is worth it. She's also gaining knowledge about how to work with watercolor.

Here's a break down of what we used:

Watercolor paints

Watercolor paint-brushes

Watercolor paper
A pencil

Wrapping paper to copy from

Art masking fluid to make dots for snow-flakes

Permanent markers to outline the pictures

Stencils for the candle shapes

This is what we did:

I used the wrapping paper to give me something to copy from. I don't draw anything well from my head. I used permanent marker for my snowmen as I didn't want the marker to run when it got wet from the paint.

We applied lots of large dots with masking fluid that we later rubbed off after all the painting was done. The masking fluid puts a protective barrier on the paper that the water color cannot penetrate, leaving the paper white in those places.

Amanda did most of the stenciling of the candles with a pencil. I drew over them with permanent marker. She had the challenge of painting the background around the candles, so I helped her. I could have used the masking fluid to protect the candles until it was time to paint them.

She painted in the snowmen, but she wanted it to be a shared project, so I painted with her.

***************************

I took Christmas themed photos

of our sleeping cats.

Sheela sleeping among the Christmas bears

Sheela sleeping with her head hanging over the back of the couch

Sheela and Prince

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I have an awesome Christmas giveaway that's open world wide. One lucky winner will receive a beautifully illustrated children's edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Since I will be posting it from South Africa, it will probably arrive after Christmas.

***************************

Take a look at my Bergsig Wine Estate - Part 1 post.

I've got lots of new photos to share with you.

The American and South African flags
flanking the Bergsig Estate flag

In case you missed it, here's the link

to my McGregor Wine Region - Part 3.

Pink blossoms in a plum orchard near McGregor

***************************

Now on to my blog hop...

Here's your chance to link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Come join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me. Please leave a comment so that I can follow back (as long as your blog is family friendly).
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• Grab the button below and add it on your post or side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.