Showing posts with label check it out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label check it out. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

PaperBack Swap


So it's been around for a while but I just found it. 



Here's how it works. You sign in, list a handful of books you're willing to swap and you get 2 credits (to start). You can go browse for books you'd like and use your credits. When others find books in your shelf that they want they request them. Each book you mail (and they receive) you earn another credit. You can then use those credits to request books of your own.


It's free. You just pay to ship your book (generally about $2 a book for medial mail) and it's yours to keep or list again and swap with someone else. Then when you request a book, they send it to you for free!

It's especially helpful if like me, your town library doesn't offer a huge selection. Also if you like to take your time reading and the library deadlines always come too fast. Plus it helps if you don't like to spend lots of money on a book.  This really helps clear out some of the books on your bookshelf...oh and then collect new ones. :) And if you really can't find anything you're in the mood to request, there is an option to buy to give you great discounts on books using those same credits.

I signed up about two weeks ago and have already mailed out a few handfuls of books and requested a few of my own.

Something fun to consider if you're a book lover like me.



Click here to sign up or learn more. 
Trade Books for Free - PaperBack Swap.

Or go to http://www.paperbackswap.com
and use "Cranberryfries" as your referral. 


Anyone else use this too?

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Happy Birthday to me!

Sooo, yesterday was my birthday. 

I'm a lover of all things association so for turning 31 I decided to do a few fun / dorky things. 
  • I watched Season 3 episode 1 of Boy Meets World. 
  • My morning run was one of my longer ones (I dont go far or fast), a 5k, or 3.1 miles. 
  • I read 31 pages in my latest book. Outside in the glorious sun. 
  • I took a 31 minute power nap. 


Other notable things that didnt have anything to do with the number.
  • Had to renew (and test-since I recently moved to a new state) for a new drivers license.
  • Enjoyed an ADORABLE! song/dance show dedicated to me, by my kids.
  • Got a surprise group dinner date (ate my favorite, Mexican food!).
  • Got a free Froyo (my favorite desert)!

And you know how much I love it when people love my birthday. :) I adored all the phone calls, texts, and emails. And Facebook was awesome, with all my friends giving me shout outs and such. It means the world!


And then there was this too! 
  • 13 (yah, see. I just gotta say it. 31 backwards) super cool tweets from super great people!

Lacy Arnold, LeanMoms.com, Fitness
Richelle Mead, Author (Vampire Academy)

Danielle Fishel, Actress, Boy Meets World/ Girl Meets World

Rowan Blanchard, Actress, Girl Meets World

Jim Brickman, Pianist

Sarah Dessen, Author (The Truth About Forever)

Ally Carter, Author (Gallagher series)

Bertie Ranger, The Bertinator, Fitness

Shannon Hale, Author, (Princess Academy, Austenland)

Lori Harder, Busy Girl, Fitness
Holly Black, Author, (Curse Worker series)

Bree Despain, Author, (Dark Divine)

Sara Zarr, Author, (Story of a Girl)






Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Writing & Illustrating For Young Readers 2013

If you've been following me, you probably are aware how much I LOVE promoting authors and good books so it might not be much of a stretch that I want to tell you about WIFYR. 

WIFYR is a pretty incredible week-long conference that brings in nationally published authors, publishing house representation and amazing talent across the board from both authors and illustrators for young readers. There is a slew of great classes and workshops plus you get to mingle with others that share your interest and passion (and get to rub shoulders with the faculty).

Registration is NOW open!!

Writing & Illustrating For Young Readers
June 17-21 2013 in Sandy, Utah.
(Click to enlarge photo)
Check out their website, Writing and Illustrating For Young Readers for more information.
Also you can find them on Facebook & Twitter.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Reading Report 3

My reading from Jan 25-Feb 8th: 


 The 7th Month by Lisa Gardner
Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich
The Secret Sisters Club by Monique Bucheger 
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Dole


Everbound by Brodi Ashton
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti


What are you reading this week?


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Marriage Monday (on a Thursday): National Marriage Week

I realize it's not a Monday but today kicks off National Marriage Week so I figured a good marriage post appropriate.


Check out National Marriage Week USA's website or facebook page for tons of information on activities and classes around the country, tips, and even a free tool kit!



And a fun quote that my friend Kathryn posted.


"If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness." 
~ Thomas S. Monson

You can find my other Marriage Monday's here.




Saturday, November 17, 2012

Christmas Oranges (Review) & Interview w/ Actors!




My Review:
My family and I got a chance to screen and review the new movie Christmas Oranges. It was such a fun movie! I have three young kids ages 9, 6 and 5 and I gotta tell you I was amazed that they all sat still and watched the entire thing without getting up once. We are a media loving family but it's not often we find a movie that appeals to everyone! In fact not only did they love it the first time, they've watched it 3 more times in the past one and a half weeks! They loved all the fun kid actors (and the adults were great too!).

The cinematography was fantastic and I really enjoyed Lyde's style. Definitely a fun one to add to your family's Christmas collection.


Buy it from Amazon here:



More Information: 
Format: DVD
Rating: PG
Director: John Lyde
Production Company: MainStay Productions
Studio: Covenant Communications
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

From Amazon:
Christmas Oranges, starring: Edward Herrmann, Nancy Stafford, Bailee Johnson. Christmas is a Time of Miracles In a town not so far away and a time not so long ago, baby Rose was left at Greenwoods Orphanage, where Mrs. Hartley (Nancy Stafford) and the children under her care become the young child's family. But when tragedy strikes, Rose (Bailee Johnson) loses the only home she has ever known and is abruptly shipped to Irongates a place that seems as cold and cruel as her previous home was kind. The strict headmaster, Mr. Crampton (Edward Herrmann), immediately seems to dislike Rose and makes sure all children are punished for any infraction of his rules. When she learns that every Christmas Mr. Crampton's generous brother gives an orange to each child, Rose waits in eager anticipation. She's certain it must be the most delicious treat in the world. However, on Christmas morning, Rose is devastated when she learns Mr. Crampton is punishing her again. But Christmas is a time of miracles. Share a slice of Christmas sweetened with friendship in this poignant Christmas story based on a classic holiday tale.



Interview with some actors!
It just so happens that I scored an interview with a few of the actors from the movie! I'd like to give a big thanks the Hunt family for being willing to participate on my blog. Ethan Hunt played Gilbert and his siblings got to portray some of the younger orphans in the first scene when baby Rose was left on the door step. 

What did you like about being in the movie Christmas Oranges? 
Ethan (age 12-today is his birthday!!!): I liked acting with all the kids because I got to spend time with them and play games with them. I also liked crafty on set (could eat snacks all day long). 

How did you like playing a bully? 
Ethan: I really liked it because I had never played a character like that before!


How did you like the premiere?
Ethan: It was a lot of fun to see and hear the people's reactions when they watched the movie! And signing autographs was fun!



Joshua (age 8): I liked working with my family and seeing myself on the big screen. I always wanted to be in a movie and my dad finally found a part for me!

Jaxon (age 6): I liked being with all the kids and seeing baby "rose". 

Hannah (age 4): I liked acting with the kids. I loved the baby"rose". I liked working with my daddy. And I liked working with my brother jaxon.


Paul (their dad, one of the producers) said that one thing John (the director) would do was when all the kids were getting to wild and crazy, he would have everyone take a break and would take them outside to play a really crazy game of Simon says so they could get their wiggles out. He said it really helped and the kids were able to get focused and finish their scenes.

[Images used with permission.]

Thursday, October 11, 2012

50 % Off Photography Session



Utah & (South East) Idaho friends! Do you still need to get your family pictures taken for Christmas cards and such?

Archangel Photography (or check out their blog ) will be traveling from California through our area the weekend of Nov 1-4. 

Check out the site and prices and let us know if you're interested. If at least four of us book appointments they're willing to offer us 50% off the family pricing!!!












*All photos used with permission.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Writing and Illustrating For Young Readers (WIFYR): Check it Out!

Writing and Illustrating For Young Readers (June 18-22) in Sandy Utah. You can get more information over on their blog here! Even if you're sort of interested, go check it out now because class sizes are limited and fill up fast. 


Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers - 2011 Participant



Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults

Picture Book Class

Illustration Class

Middle Grade Novel

Beginning YA Novel Class

Fantasy Class

Science Fiction Class

Paranormal Class

Writing the LDS Middle Grade and Young Adult Novel

Advanced Class

Advanced Class

Writer's Boot Camp


Also, be sure to check out this years Scholarship/Contest

Anyone going this year? I love to live vicariously through my friends who get to go soak up the wisdom and motivation. Have you gone before? 

Friday, January 13, 2012

Books I read in 2011

Generally I post reviews or ratings so if you're interested you can see what I think over on my goodreads account Debbie Cranberryfries. But for a quick glance here's a list of books I read last year with my favorites bolded.



1. A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
2. The Entitlement Trap by Richard and Linda Eyre
3. Howls Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones*
4. Crossed by Ally Condie
5. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
6. Variant by Robison Wells


7. Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
8. That Summer by Sarah Dessen
9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett*
10. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
11. Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
12. Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale*


13. After Obsession by Carrie Jones
14. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare*
15. Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande
16. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
17. I'd Tell You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter*
18. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer


19. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith*
20. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
21. A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
22. A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
23. Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis
24. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly*


25. Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
26. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie*
27. The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
28. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Annie Barrows
29. Queen of Babble in the Big City by Meg Cabot*
30. Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins


31. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
32. Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
33. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
34. Hold Me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride
35. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
36. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick*


37. Everneath by Brodi Ashton
38. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
39. I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak
40. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
41. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
42. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen*


43. Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
44. Amy and Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson (My favorite of the year)
45. How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison
46. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares*
47. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury*
48. Iron King by Julie Kagawa


49. Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen*
50. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
51. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
52. Wake Me When It's Over by Robison E. Wells*
53. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
54. Frogs and French Kisses by Sarah Mlynowski*


55. Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
56. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen*
57. Peeled by Joan Bauer
58. The Shy Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson*
59. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen*
60. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen*



61. The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie
62. Bossypants by Tina Fey*
63. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
64. Heist Society by Ally Carter*
65. Possession by Elana Johnson
66. Intrinsical by Lani Woodland


67. The Crazy Daze of Motherhood by Jane Still
68. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
69. The Boxcar Children Surprise Island by Gertrude Chandler Warner
70. Back When You Were Easier To Love by Emily Wing Smith
71. Jimmy Stone's Ghost Town by Scott Neumyer
72. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain


73. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
74. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan
75. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
76. Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
77. Disney War by James B. Stewart*
78. Miss Delecourt Has Her Day by Heidi Ashworth
79. The Xanadu Adventure by Lloyd Alexander (somehow left off my picture list)

*Books I listened to on audiobook

Have you read any of these books?
What did you think?
What was your favorite read of 2011?




Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Micro Scribbles: Affordable Custom Designs


Check out Micro Scribbles for affordable custom designs.

You can see the examples of a woman, bat and reindeer at the different price levels and decide if your image would work into one of those categories. If you're looking for something more, that can be arranged too!

Click around the site and see how the quality, detail and color of each design changes with the amount you’re willing to spend.

Ideas for your micro scribbles needs: :)
  • birthday card
  • an image for blog post
  • spice up your webpage
  • an avatar (twitter, blogging, pinterest, any social media site really)
  • coloring page
  • school project
  • newsletter
  • iron-on (you know you want to stand out with your one-of-a-kind shirts!)
  • stand out advertisement for your yard sale or bake sale
  • scrap booking embellishment
  • tattoo
You can check out tarl's scribbles for your illustration, animation, graphic design or general art needs.



*Different pricing available for businesses and branding.