Book Review: The Elemental Journal

The Elemental Journal: Create Expressive Books from Salvaged Treasures

Book Description:  "Rusty doorknobs, cardboard containers and plastic packaging may seem like trash to some, but through the creative mind, they are transformed into beautiful expressions - equally parts artful book and assemblage. The Elemental Journal will show you how to craft a wide variety of journals to hold your secrets or express your inner thoughts, and discover new ways to use wood, paper, fabric, plastic and metal in your art.”

This was quite a pretty book to look at but the whole time, all I could think was, “What would you do with these things?” The journals are made with all sorts of odd items and are strange shapes and sizes. Are they meant to be put on a shelf, given as a gift, or used? I couldn’t tell! I thought that I may get a few craft ideas from this book, but it all was just quite odd. Also, the instructions for each journal made were so specific, but the items that were being used were often things that were found at a thrift store or auction. You would not be able to make the exact project without getting the items that she used (which is impossible!). Overall, a pretty book to look at, but not one I would want to own or give as a gift.

**I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review from the website BookSneeze.com.**

Review: McCain Purely Potatoes

McCain Purely Potatoes

Disclaimer: I was given a free coupon from BzzAgent to test this new product in exchange for an honest review.

When I opened the bag of frozen potatoes, I noticed right away that one of the potatoe chunks was rotten and black. This definitely was not a good way to start the meal! I cooked to potatoes and my husband and I both tried a chunk of potatoe before adding any condiments or mashing them. They were not tasty that way at ALL! After mashing the potatoes and adding butter and milk, they were fixed and tasted great! Overall, a quick way to make mashed potatoes and a nice product. I would buy them again for the convenience, but I would not want to pay full price (sale or coupon please!).

Review: Eat Your Peas for Mom

"A delightful book to give Mom to prove you DID listen to her advice, wit, and wisdom. If you want a special way to celebrate your mother, look no more! Eat Your Peas® Mom is a 3-minute read with a forever message. Upon opening this little package, her heart will smile through the pages filled with affirmation, appreciation, and gratitude expressed for all the ways she loves and cares for you. Each page is artfully hand-illustrated for a charming and homespun feel. It’s a perfect keepsake and reminder for Mom to hold onto forever."

I thought this book would be a bit different from all the other mother "gift" books. I've given books like this as gifts before, and this one wasn't anything special. Each page was quite pretty, but many of the sayings were very very similar. Also, with the phrase "3-minute read" I thought that it would flow better when reading it all at once. A few of the sayings did resonate with me and made me feel like the book was great, but then the next page would be something so similar, or something that didn’t really pertain to me/my mother. Overall, a cute book, but not something that I would purchase myself.

**I was given this book free from the website Book Sneeze in exchange for this honest review. **