Ali Edwards's Blog, page 147
April 17, 2018
AmazonCrossing Celebrates World Book Day With Free Ebooks
As many of you know I'm super passionate about storytelling and about reading in general. For over a year I've been sharing what I've been reading here on my blog each month and for all you readers out there I have something super exciting to share with you today.
Earlier this month I was contacted by an agency on behalf of
AmazonCrossing - the literature-in-translation arm of Amazon Publishing which translates award-winning, best-selling contemporary books from around the world in an effort to make international literature accessible to many readers for the first time.
In celebration of World Book Day (if there ever was a day to celebrate you know I'm on board with this one) AmazonCrossing is giving away a selection of nine free Kindle books during the week leading up to April 23, 2018 (World Book Day). You can download any or all of these English-language translated, award-winning foreign language books curated by AmazonCrossing editors starting Tuesday, April 17th and concluding on World Book Day on April 23rd at 11:59pm Pacific.
>> To download any of the nine books for free use this link that will take you to the Amazon website to download the books through your browser. Digital downloads cannot be made within the Kindle or Amazon Apps or iOs: https://www.amazon.com/readtheworld-ali <<
I am seriously so excited about this idea and the opportunity to read more books - especially books by voices from different places in the world.
Here are the nine books available:
The harrowing true story of one man’s life in—and subsequent escape from—North Korea, one of the world’s most brutal totalitarian regimes. // Half-Korean, half-Japanese, Masaji Ishikawa has spent his whole life feeling like a man without a country. This feeling only deepened when his family moved from Japan to North Korea when Ishikawa was just thirteen years old, and unwittingly became members of the lowest social caste. His father, himself a Korean national, was lured to the new Communist country by promises of abundant work, education for his children, and a higher station in society. But the reality of their new life was far from utopian.
In this memoir translated from the original Japanese, Ishikawa candidly recounts his tumultuous upbringing and the brutal thirty-six years he spent living under a crushing totalitarian regime, as well as the challenges he faced repatriating to Japan after barely escaping North Korea with his life. A River in Darkness is not only a shocking portrait of life inside the country but a testament to the dignity—and indomitable nature—of the human spirit.
From acclaimed Greek writer Lena Manta comes an emotionally powerful saga following five young women as they realize that no matter where life leads them, the only constant is home. // Theodora knows she can’t keep her five beautiful daughters at home forever—they’re too curious, too free spirited, too like their late father. And so, before each girl leaves the small house on the riverside at the foot of Mount Olympus, Theodora makes sure they know they are always welcome to return.
Having survived World War II, the Nazi occupation of Greece, and her husband’s death, Theodora now endures the twenty-year-long silence of her daughters’ absence. Her children have their own lives—they’ve married, traveled the world, and courted romance, fame, and even tragedy. But as they become modern, independent women in pursuit of their dreams, Theodora knows they need her—and each other—more than ever. Have they grown so far apart that they’ve forgotten their childhood home, or will their broken hearts finally lead them back again?
The first book in Swedish author Viveca Sten’s enormously popular Sandhamn Murders series. // On a hot July morning on Sweden’s idyllic vacation island of Sandhamn, a man takes his dog for a walk and makes a gruesome discovery: a body, tangled in fishing net, has washed ashore.
Police detective Thomas Andreasson is the first to arrive on the scene. Before long, he has identified the deceased as Krister Berggren, a bachelor from the mainland who has been missing for months. All signs point to an accident—until another brutalized corpse is found at the local bed-and-breakfast. But this time it is Berggren’s cousin, whom Thomas interviewed in Stockholm just days before.
As the island’s residents reel from the news, Thomas turns to his childhood friend, local lawyer Nora Linde. Together, they attempt to unravel the riddles left behind by these two mysterious outsiders—while trying to make sense of the difficult twists their own lives have taken since the shared summer days of their youth.
An award-winning story of love, friendship, and the power of human connection. // Kohei Araki believes that a dictionary is a boat to carry us across the sea of words. But after thirty-seven years of creating dictionaries, it’s time for him to retire and find his replacement.
He discovers a kindred spirit in Mitsuya Majime—a young, disheveled square peg with a penchant for collecting antiquarian books and a background in linguistics—whom he swipes from his company’s sales department.
Along with an energetic, if reluctant, new recruit and an elder linguistics scholar, Majime is tasked with a career-defining accomplishment: completing The Great Passage, a comprehensive 2,900-page tome of the Japanese language. On his journey, Majime discovers friendship, romance, and an incredible dedication to his work, inspired by the words that connect us all.
An international bestseller by one of Turkey’s most beloved authors. // As the daughter of one of Turkey’s last Ottoman pashas, Selva could win the heart of any man in Ankara. Yet the spirited young beauty only has eyes for Rafael Alfandari, the handsome Jewish son of an esteemed court physician. In defiance of their families, they marry, fleeing to Paris to build a new life.
But when the Nazis invade France and begin rounding up Jews, the exiled lovers will learn that nothing—not war, not politics, not even religion—can break the bonds of family. For after they learn that Selva is but one of their fellow citizens trapped in France, a handful of brave Turkish diplomats hatch a plan to spirit the Alfandaris and hundreds of innocents, many of whom are Jewish, to safety. Together, they must traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in a desperate bid for freedom. From Ankara to Paris, Cairo, and Berlin, Last Train to Istanbul is an uplifting tale of love and adventure from Turkey’s beloved bestselling novelist Ayşe Kulin.
“The Gray House is enigmatic and fantastical, comic and postmodern…Rowling meets Rushdie via Tartt…Nothing short of life-changing.” —The Guardian // The Gray House is an astounding tale of how what others understand as liabilities can be leveraged into strengths.
Bound to wheelchairs and dependent on prosthetic limbs, the physically disabled students living in the House are overlooked by the Outsides. Not that it matters to anyone living in the House, a hulking old structure that its residents know is alive. From the corridors and crawl spaces to the classrooms and dorms, the House is full of tribes, tinctures, scared teachers, and laws—all seen and understood through a prismatic array of teenagers’ eyes.
But student deaths and mounting pressure from the Outsides put the time-defying order of the House in danger. As the tribe leaders struggle to maintain power, they defer to the awesome power of the House, attempting to make it through days and nights that pass in ways that clocks and watches cannot record.
A Read Russia Prize Finalist.
From award-winning Indonesian author Laksmi Pamuntjak comes a tale of profound love against the backdrop of myth, culture, and politics. // In this sweeping saga of love, loss, revolution, and the resilience of the human spirit, Amba must find the courage to forge her own path.
Amba was named after a tragic figure in Indonesian mythology, and she spends her lifetime trying to invent a story she can call her own. When she meets two suitors who fit perfectly into her namesake’s myth, Amba cannot help but feel that fate is teasing her. Salwa, respectful to a fault, pledges to honor and protect Amba, no matter what. Bhisma, a sophisticated, European-trained doctor, offers her sensual pleasures and a world of ideas. But military coups and religious disputes make 1960s Indonesia a place of uncertainty, and the chaos strengthens Amba’s pursuit of freedom. The more Amba does to claim her own story, the better she understands her inextricable bonds to history, myth, and love.
From bestselling Spanish author Paul Pen comes a haunting and hopeful tale of discovering light in even the darkest of places. // For his whole life, the boy has lived underground, in a basement with his parents, grandmother, sister, and brother. Before he was born, his family was disfigured by a fire. His sister wears a white mask to cover her burns.
He spends his hours with his cactus, reading his book on insects, or touching the one ray of sunlight that filters in through a crack in the ceiling. Ever since his sister had a baby, everyone’s been acting very strangely. The boy begins to wonder why they never say who the father is, about what happened before his own birth, about why they’re shut away.
A few days ago, some fireflies arrived in the basement. His grandma said, There’s no creature more amazing than one that can make its own light. That light makes the boy want to escape, to know the outside world. Problem is, all the doors are locked. And he doesn’t know how to get out…
Award-winning Chilean author Marcela Serrano weaves a beautiful story about the universal connections between women. // For nine Chilean women, life couldn’t be more different. There is the teenage computer whiz confronting her sexual identity. A middle-aged recluse who prefers the company of her dog over that of most humans. A housekeeper. A celebrity television personality. A woman confronting the loneliness of old age.
Of disparate ages and races, these women represent the variety of cultural and social groups that Chile comprises. On the surface, they seem to have nothing in common…except for their beloved therapist, who brings them together. Yet as different as they all are, each woman has a story to share.
As the women tell their stories, unlikely common threads are discovered, bonds are formed, and lives are transformed. Their stories form an intricate tale of triumph, heartache, and healing that will resonate with women from all walks of life.
An International DUBLIN Literary Award Nominee.
Enjoy!
Share this with your friends and use the hashtag #ReadTheWorld.
April 15, 2018
Menu Planning | Week Of April 16th, 2018
Hi Friends! Dinners this week are going to be super simple and cooking mainly from what we have in the freezer. I will be busy at our Story Camp event from for much of this week (which means eating near the event). So much about all this is making it work for what's happening in our everyday lives. This is one of those weeks where we all just need simple.
Just a reminder: I don't plan lunches and usually just eat leftovers or make a bowl with protein + greens + veggies that we might have on hand. Anna and Simon usually buy lunch at school and the other three take their lunches so we are working on having healthier options for them vs. our current reliance on packaged snack foods.
Here's a look at what I'm planning to make for this dinners this week:
I have two whole chickens in the freezer that I'm going to defrost and try cooking in the Instant Pot. I'm going to follow the suggestions on this post from the Real Food Dietitians. I'll use that meat + roasted veggies for some super simple dinners - easy and I know everyone will eat them.
Frozen lasagna from Costco for kids + Aaron (I would like to move away from using those and make them from scratch so I have more control over the ingredients but this week I'm using what I already have on hand) // I will eat some variation which will likely be zucchini noodles + a no sugar marinara from Trader Joes. Sweet Potato Apple Sausage Bake from Coffee + Crumbs // I also have everything on hand for this so I will likely make it as well one of the nights
Reviews from last week //
Sweet Potato Lasagna from Detoxinista // This was a winner as far I was concerned. Aaron + Simon both ate a bunch and liked it. Anna's not much of a fan of quinoa so she was biased as soon as she knew it was in there. This was a great comfort food recipe. I added spinach and some Italian spices after reading the reviews and those were really good additions. Slow Cooker Chicken Korma from Wholesomelicious // This one was a total success for every person in the family (all kids were here). I was a little worried because it had a bit of spice to it (I could of omitted the red pepper flakes - I used half the suggested amount) but once they tried it everyone liked it - super excited about that for even the pickiest kid. Simon and I had ours with cauliflower rice and the rest of the crew had it with brown jasmine rice. We did broccoli as the veggie (we usually buy the froze organic broccoli from Costco). 30 Minute Turkey Meatball And Kale Soup from Savory Lotus // The meatballs in this were a major hit. Everyone ate the soup but a few had a hard time getting the kale down (mainly because they ate the meatballs first + left the broth). I would totally make it again. Sheet Pan Ginger-Orange Salmon Bowls from Real Food Whole Life // Everyone loved this except for one kid who strongly dislikes salmon (but he did taste at least one bite to see if his taste had changed = win). Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Cauliflower Soup from Skinny Taste // Made this for myself and had it for lunch two days and thought it was good. Not awesome but totally fine and I loved having a simple soup on hand for my own lunches.
April 13, 2018
Type Story Kit™ + May Stories By The Month™
In the Story Classroom this month we are focusing on stories related to the theme of Type.
Here are a few thoughts about this particular theme:
I have long been a fan of letterforms and I thought this would be a fun theme to explore in terms of design ideas and in terms of the stories from our lives. This month’s stories can really be about anything or about something more specific like the “type” of person you have become (or want to be), who is “just your type,” and maybe something about your favorite type of adventure. Join me as we come together again to get more of our stories told.
Initial story ideas for the Type theme include:
Who is "just your type" and what are the characteristics of that person? Pick any story from your life right now and tell it by using a variety of letterforms/fonts. Go big with your type choices. What is your most favorite type of adventure?
If you are new to the Story Subscription program, check out all the details here.
If you are already a subscriber the content in the classroom will be available to you on the 15th.
Here's a look at
the
Story Kit™ contents for Type (this subscription is currently at capacity - please join the waiting list to receive a kit as soon as a spot opens up):
ADD ON OPTIONS | Current and new subscribers can select + purchase Add-On's via your new drop-down menu access under your user name in the top right corner of the site. If you subscribe to more than one you will have a Box for each subscription and the ability to purchase Add-On's for each one. Depending on product availability subscribers may be able to purchase the Add-On's after the Add-On period has ended and regular shop shipping rates will apply because they will ship separately from the kit.
Here are the optional Add-Ons for subscribers of the Home
Story Kit™ theme. All three of these products are exclusive to subscribers at this time (but may be added to the shop in the future).
Here's a video overview of the
Story Kit™ and Add-On options this month:
STORY STAMP™
The Type Stamp Set:
The
Story Stamp™ also has Add-On options available to subscribers:
Here's a video overview of the
Story Stamp™ and Add-On options this month:
DIGITAL STORY KIT™
Your digital kit and the classroom and any Add-Ons purchased will be available to you on the 15th once your card has been charged for the month.
Here's a look at what's included in the Digital Story Kit™ for Type:
Digital Story Kit™ subscribers also have two Add-On options available (if you subscribe to both the Story Kit™ and the Story Stamp™ these should also be available to you for purchase):
And a couple peeks at the layouts I created with the kits this month in addition to the one featured at the top of this post (full details, including process videos and how-to handout, are included with subscription):
Again, thanks so much for subscribing and/or considering my
Story Subscription program! If you have any questions about this program please let me know below in the comments.
Last December I introduced a brand new subscription called Stories By The Month™. Each
Stories By The Month™ kit includes chipboard, 3x4 and 4x6 cards, and a 3x4 stamp. These are all based on the designs we offered digitally each month throughout 2017.
Here is a full look at the kit for May:
This month we included two additional 3x4 cards for those of you who use the term "Mum" rather than "Mom."
And a video overview:
The response to this kit has been far beyond our initial estimates and we are increasing quantities each month. Stories By The Month™ is currently on a Waiting List. Sign up on the Waiting List to be able to receive the first available kit.
This subscription is a great option for those who are looking to tell more calendar/everyday life sorts of stories.
Check out
this post for more information about this new subscription, including differences between the subscription options offered.
April 12, 2018
AE Creative Team | Home Digital Story Kit™
Happy Thursday!
We're so happy to share the projects created by our awesome Creative Team using the Home Digital Story Kit™. Today is the last day left to start a subscription to receive this current theme. A big thank you to our awesome team for sharing the stories of their lives and crafting it so beautifully!
Hope you all have a great weekend
April 10, 2018
Week In The Life™ 2018 | Q&A
As we get closer to embarking on the 2018 Week In The Life™ I wanted to start off with a Q+A post using questions collected from the Craft The Story™ and Week In The Life™ Facebook Groups.
Just a reminder that the "official" documenting week will start on May 7th. During that week I'll share my words and photos each day on my blog and then I'll start the process of putting my album together after that week.
Also, here's a post I wrote last year in advance of this project that might be helpful: Things I've Loved + Things I've Learned.
Check out all my past Week In The Life™ blog posts here (includes word + photo posts and completed album posts). Also, here's a Getting Ready post from 2016 with some good tips.
Let's dive in:
Susanne // I would love to know if you had a rough time estimate for the chipboard to be back in stock please?
Hi Susanne - unfortunately we are not restocking that product this year. Our hope is to adjust future quantities of the chipboard sets to be able to meet more of the demand. Since the chipboard set is produced in China it has a much longer lead time than other products we can get in the warehouse.
Kelly // Will you do a vlog for WITL like you did for your last DITL?
Hi Kelly - I don't think so. I am really looking forward to focusing on the photography aspect of this project. I loved doing video for that last Day In The Life™ and I'll probably do that again in the future but for this project it just feels like too much. That said, you never know what I might decide at the last minute.
Stefanie // Are any of the creative team members using the 3x8 album? All the unboxing vids had the 6x8 - I am hoping for some inspiration from any of the ladies.
Hi Stefanie - yes, a few of them are using the 3x8 album and I can't wait to see how it goes for them. I know Brandi, Ingunn, Lory, Lisa and Jenny for sure. You can find links to each of them here.
Also heads up that these have been restocked and are now available.
Sarah // How much do you plan ahead and how much is in the moment? If you do some pre-planning, how do you keep track during the week when you've captured those photos and stories?
Hi Sarah - for this project I really don't plan too ahead much. I rely more on my past experience which has taught me that I don't have to take photos of EVERY SINGLE THING throughout the week in order to love my end result. I almost always go back through my past projects just to remind myself of what I've loved from those albums - that helps me think a bit about whether I want to change my approach at all for this year.
In terms of keeping track I keep all the photos organized in a separate Week In The Life™ folder in my photo management program (still using Aperture). I don't usually break them into daily folders but you could easily do that. I upload my photos at the end of each day and then also create a blog post each evening that includes my photos and words from the day. That blog post then becomes the content that I simply copy and paste into my album when I get to that part of the process (I don't do any "making" in the album itself until after the week is over - I just focus on words + photos during the week).
I've done a few different things for keeping track of the stories/words during the day. Some years I have used Daily Sheets and other times I just use that time at the end of the day while I'm uploading and reviewing photos to come up with the words I want to go along with the photos. Some times I've also used Instagram to hold stories related to some photos - meaning whatever I type into the caption on IG is what I end up using in my blog post and then in my album.
Here's a link to a blog post that includes what I did to get started last year.
Lori // Following the same “set up” so to say for documenting each day makes getting the project done a little easier. Do you get your plan together ahead of time or just see how the first day goes and copy that the rest of the week?
Most of the time I don't usually have it all planned out in advance. Last year I did a little more pre-planning but I think that was mainly opening up the kit and thinking about where things might go. Most of the time my album follows some kind of design rhythm throughout the week. I almost always have more content at the start of the week and less at the end of the week. As I have less content at the end of the week I usually make adjustments to design plan as needed.
I would say that often when I begin the process of putting the album together is when I finalize any kind of actual formula I might follow within the design.
Mary Sara // How do you determine what pictures to take and then use? Some things we do are repeated daily and others are not. How do you decide if you want to take what pictures including food pictures? I tend to end up with a lot of food pictures and then wonder why I took so many pictures of food.
When I am taking photos for this project I am really looking to capture what makes up the pieces of my life right now. What am I into? What am I doing over and over? Where do I go? Who do I talk to?
I focus on the following (for more on my vision/voice related to memory keeping check out my Lens Of Joy workshop):
Relationships // How are people within my family connecting right now? Who am I chatting with or hanging out with? Who is part of our tribe/team at this time? I love photos where people are not looking at the camera - I love this project so much for simply giving me the opportunity to be an observer of my own life.
Nature // What's happening outside this time of year?
Loving // What are we all into right now? What are we reading? What are we watching? What are the words we are saying to each other (or what are the words you are saying to friends)?
Eating // Photos of food definitely find their way into my album but I don't at all feel like I need to include each meal of each day (for me I couldn't fit that into my album with all the other photos I want to include).
Self-portraits // It's important to see myself in my story so I definitely make a point to use my timer and get myself into my shots during this week even more so than other times when I'm just doing random documentation.
I think one thing to remember is that you don't have to photograph or write out every single detail of the week. I would encourage you to challenge yourself to go beyond the food photos (unless that's a piece of the project you really love) - what else can you show us about what your life looks like right now.
There have also been times in the past where I have taken the same shot every day - one year that was of me sitting at my table eating lunch. Picking one specific thing to repeat each day is another way to have a bit more consistency/design/story rhythm in your album.
Traci // If using prompts like watching, listening, reading, moving, driving, do you use them each day or spread them throughout the week? Do you set up//orchestrate photos or go with the flow? Do you make a list of things you want to be certain to not miss during that week?
Hi Traci - some years I have used a prompt each day to focus my journaling and other times I've tracked by time and see what I came up with at the end. I think it would be fun to use those -ing words as a story-focus for each day. For many people the simplicity of that kind of focus definitely makes the project that much more do-able.
I don't usually make a list of things I don't want to miss during the week because I feel that if it's really that important it will end up being captured. I have done this project so many times that I welcome a bit of flexibility to see how I actually feel during the documenting week vs. putting too many constraints or "must do's" on myself.
That said, if this is your first time I think setting up some parameters for yourself might be really smart.
Traci // Do you have photo heavy days? How do you handle a photo heavy day: multiple pages, pick one or two from the day, layered templates to get as many photos as possible?
Generally my photo heavy days are at the beginning of the week. When I have photo-heavy days I usually do in a couple of directions:
Add 4x6 photos that are adhered back to back and hole-punched and added to the album. Love doing this.
Use the 2x2 page protector to be able to include a bunch of small photos.
Go full page and sometimes use Layered Templates to be able to include more photos. Lots of options for layered templates in a few sizes can be found here. New ones for 2018 coming soon.
Again, I don't use every photo I take during the day. Photos that don't get used in this project often end up in Project Life® or are used to tell other stories in my traditional albums.
Tina // Are there going to be daily sheets sized for story planner?
Hi Tina - yes, I will be creating those and releasing them before the documenting week.
Alyssa // Do you think you'll alter any of the pieces? (painting the wood veneer, cutting the rubber pieces, etc.)
Hi Alyssa - I think it's possible that I will paint the wood veneer pieces and cut the rubber pieces. Those are decisions I usually leave for after the documentation week.
Kin Jal // As there are some elements with only six (rubber and hexagons), how will you approach the normal "repeating" formula for 7 days?
Hi Kin Jal - my plan is likely going to be to include one of those large embellishments each day - either the oval or the hexagon. Any leftovers I have can be used in other projects. I don't always repeat with exactly the same design from day to day - there are usually a few elements that are repeated to create cohesion and others that are added as accents depending on the stories of the day.
Lacey // My life is pretty mundane right now... empty nesters, but raising the "twin toddlers " puppies
April 7, 2018
April 2018 Digital Release
Happy Saturday! New digital products for April are now available.
This month's releases include a new Stories By The Month™ Digital Kit for April 2018 (this will become a physical kit for next year's Stories By The Month™ Physical Subscription), and the Fabric Digital Story Stamp™
UPDATE: Moving forward we will be referring to our "Monthly Digital Kits" kits (this is what we called them as they were released each month in 2017) as our Digital Stories By The Month™ Kits. These digital kits will be released monthly and these designs will turn into the physical products for the subscription program and will be released in 2019.
At this time we are not offering Digital Stories By The Month™ Kits as a subscription option.
We are so excited that many have you have already subscribed to our new physical Stories By The Month™ Subscription. That subscription is currently on a Waiting List, but we anticipate activating several people on that waitlist next month. Please sign up if you are interested and we will active you at the first available opportunity. Thank you!
NEW PRODUCT BREAKDOWN FOR APRILStories By The Month™ Digital Kit: April 2018
Fabric The Love Digital Story Stamp
April 6, 2018
Menu Planning | Week Of April 9th, 2018
Hey friends!
I am loving my new menu planning routine - it is seriously making a difference in my life. Right now it's really working for me to plan on Friday or Saturday morning and then heading to the Farmer's Market and grocery stores on Saturday morning. It's a routine that I've started looking forward to at the end of each week.
Also, heads up that I recently opened up an AE Wellness Tribe group over on Facebook if you are interested in joining a community of people sharing their wellness adventures.
Here's a look at what I'm planning to make this week:
Sweet Potato Lasagna from Detoxinista
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma from Wholesomelicious
30 Minute Turkey Meatball And Kale Soup from Savory Lotus
Sheet Pan Ginger-Orange Salmon Bowls from Real Food Whole Life
Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Cauliflower Soup from Skinny Taste (I will probably make this sometime on the weekend to have for lunches for myself)
Have a great week!
April 3, 2018
Around The Yard | April 2018
It's amazing how fast things actually happen in the yard when I'm paying close attention. The changes from last month to this month are small but also huge at the same time - so much green peeking out of everywhere.
Love that feeling of coming back to life.
I feel super lucky to live where I do (knowing many of you are still having snow) and super lucky to be a witness to the change of seasons. I love that I feel different in each one and I think as I get older I am more and more conscious of how I feel in different seasons. The shift happens gradually and I love being able to use my camera to capture the rhythm.
In my yard right now it's really all about the daffodils and a few tulips (all ordered from Floret).
This past month I also purchased and planted sugar snap peas and arranged them to climb up these poles that I set up over the ranunculus (which should bloom soon).
I have super loved the idea of planting bulbs in this raised bed area just for the purpose of using them as cut flowers to bring inside. All kinds of happiness coming from that decision.
Other things purchased that need to go into the ground include spinach, kale, sweet peas (flowers), and two daphne bushes.
Here's a quick walk-around to show you what's happening in the yard this month:
CAMERA: Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II
EDITING: iMovie
You can also view this video on my YouTube Channel here.
April 2, 2018
For The Love Of Books | What I Read In March 2018
A really light month of "completed" books read for me - lots of other things happening and the weather changing outside always forces a recalibration. Check out my video below for real-time reviews after completing each book.
WHAT I READ IN MARCH 2018
The Astonishing Color Of After (BOTM) // This book started out a little hard for me to get into but once I did I ended up adoring it. Totally adoring and loving it. I loved the interplay between the present and the past, the treatment of the experience of grief, learning about Chinese/Twaianese traditions, the magic of the way she views her family memories, and the continual use of colors as descriptors for scenes and feelings. I feel like this is one that will stay with me for a long time. SO GOOD.
The Last Equation Of Isaac Severy (BOTM) // This one took a long time to hook me - not sure if that was due to my sporadic reading this month or the story itself. I almost moved on 1/2 way through but decided to give it one more try over a weekend getaway and I was glad I did overall (but also happy to move on to the next story).
I also started Educated: A Memoir on the last day of March and am almost halfway through. Totally recommend already just for the writing style so far.
This month I'm also sharing a video overview of what I read last month and what I am planning to read next month.
You can also view this video on my YouTube channel here.
It's also time to select new books from
Book Of The Month Club.
As part of their Ambassador Program I get to order from their monthly selections a bit early in order to share with you and celebrate their new releases each month.
This month I picked two books:
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Circe by Madeline Miller
I also received an advance copy of a book from the publisher which also happens to be a Book Of The Month option this month: The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya & Elizabeth Weil. This is a non-fiction memoir telling the story of Clemantine and her family fleeing Rwanda and eventually gaining asylum in the United States. Looks like it's a preorder via Amazon so BOTM is your best bet at this time.
JANUARY 2018
The Heart's Invisible Furies (BOTM) // I super, super loved this book. Just go read it. Now.
The Woman In The Window (BOTM) // Perfect suspense book. Great beach read.
Everyone Brave Is Forgiven // It’s been quite awhile since I underlined passages in a non-fiction book but I did a few times in this one because the language and imagery used was just so beautiful. It’s a story that will stick with me.
The Year Of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store // Super quick read on a topic I’m interested in - how less can mean more. This book is more memoir than how-to and I was interested in her story and all the ways in which she cake to having and wanting less. Glad I read it. It’s so much more than just a story of not shopping for a year.
Turtles All The Way Down (BOTM) // This one was a like but not love for me. I did really like some of the writing, especially towards the end, that related to the forward movement of life with mental illness. I think these kinds of stories are important and the pieces where he was writing about her self-talk/voices really resonated with me personally.
WHAT I READ IN FEBRUARY 2018
Bel Canto (finished this one right at the end of January) // I really, really enjoyed this book. I love her writing style and I loved the way the story flowed all the way until the end. It felt super abrupt - but I guess that's how life goes sometimes too. I loved the themes of adaptation, of love, of change, of escape (literally from the life you were living one moment before), and the push and pull between relationships. Oh and it totally made me want to go to an opera.
The Great Alone (BOTM) // I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this one last night because I just couldn't stop reading. I loved this book. I loved that Alaska + the climate was basically a character. The subject matter is challenging for sure - violence, loneliness, family issues, etc. - but the story is rich and complicated and well-told. Love these kinds of epic stories. So, so good.
The Broken Girls (BOTM) // This book legitimately freaked me out multiple times. The kids around here all know I was reading a scary book because I kept saying “this book is scary” - ha. Loved the twists and turns - I zoomed through the last half super quick. If you are looking for a haunting style of story this one’s for you. I actually almost stopped reading it at one point but I am so glad I finished.
An American Marriage // I read this one without knowing anything about it because it was recommended highly by a friend (and then I saw it popping up everywhere). This is an emotional, real, raw and very well written story that is different from what I've been reading lately. I love being surprised. Beautiful, compelling writing that really gets to the heart of complicated human relationships. A line I loved : "But mostly my life is good, only it's a different type of good from what I figured on." This has been the lesson of my life as well.
You can see everything I read in 2017 here.
March 30, 2018
AE Creative Team | March 2018 Release
Today we are sharing the projects made by our 2018 Creative Team using the March 2018 Digital Stories By The Month™ kit and the April Physical Stories By The Month™ kit. Please note that the physical Stories By The Month™ list is currently sold out. Click here to join the waitlist.
We are also super excited to share a new feature for these posts. In addition to sharing the Creative Team project image, Ali has also put together a video overview for each kit that highlights tips and ideas from the Creative Team's projects. See these videos below (
they are also available on Ali's You Tube Channel).
Here's a video overview from Ali highlighting ideas from the Creative Team projects using this kit:
Here's an overview from Ali highlighting different pieces of the Creative Team's projects using this kit:
