The One That I Want*Book Review*

{Image Credit}

Author: Allison Winn Scotch
ISBN: 0307464504
Page Count: 288 Pages
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Grade from Me: 3 out of 5


Synopsis:

Thirty-two year old Tilly Everette-Farmer is completely complacent with her life-Married to her high school sweetheart in the small town of Westlake, Washington, working as a guidance counselor in the same high school she graduated from, trying for a baby; life is perfect in her eyes.

Until she runs across an old high school frienemy, Ashly Simmons, at the local town state fair who bestows upon her the gift she always thought "Silly Tilly Everette" needed ever since their Elementary school days-Clarity.

Now Tilly is seeing things, things that she doesn't want to see. Things that work to destroy the world she worked so hard to create her whole life. At first when she sees these visions, she completely shuns them-ignores them and tries to explains them away.

After her visions start coming true, things change. She starts to change. Her vision of the world around her starts to clear. She starts seeing things with clarity.


My Thoughts:

Honestly, this wasn't one of my top 10 favorite books, but it wasn't as horrible as I thought it was while reading it early on.

In all truth, I'm not big on books that portray woman this particular way (the feminist part of me was screaming from the insides out with each word read), but I forced myself to finish the book from beginning to end, and I'm really glad I did.

I really couldn't stand Tilly until about 2/3 into the book. That being said however, the transformation Tilly underwent was undeniably a remarkable one and I really enjoyed the metaphysical spin thrown in with her futuristic visions. By the end of the book, that screaming feminist inside was smugly grinning at the character's new-found freeing clarity and her take-charge attitude.

The read was a bit slow for my tastes and I did have a difficult time getting through it, but all in all, I'm glad I read it.

**Disclaimer:: I was not compensated in any way for writing this post regarding the one i want by Allison Winn Scotch. I wrote this strictly for the benefit and enjoyment of my readers.**

Read It Forward-Read it First. Pass it on.

I follow a site called Read It Forward-their motto:: "Read it first. Pass it on."

For those of my readers and passersby who are avid readers and who can't pass up a good book (much like myself), this is definitely a site for you my friends!

Not only do you get to see what type of upcoming books are scheduled to come out firsthand from your favorite, as well as, new authors, behind-the-scenes interviews from different authors, reader's guides, and monthly book clubs, you also get to ENTER to win ARC (advance readers copies) of the books as well!

I've already won several ARC books thanks to Read It Forward, and I'm a little sad that I haven't thought to blog about them sooner! I actually just finished one of their recent lovelies last week, which you can expect to see later on today *wink wink*

If you're like me and love to read, head on over to their site and take a look around-I know you won't be disappointed!

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter for up to date news and special goings on.

**Disclaimer:: I was not compensated in any way for writing this post regarding Read It Forward and their associates. I wrote this strictly for the benefit and enjoyment of my readers.**

Win It Wednesday(3/30)

~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~

Win a Copy of Black Swan starring Natalie Portman on DVD!!


Ends March 31, 2011


Enter Here

Win a Pair of Bashanti Boots from RJ Girl Footwear!!


Ends March 31, 2011


Enter Here

Win a Luminess Air Eye Make-up Kit from Luminess.com!!


Ends April 4, 2011


Enter Here

Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!

Cos That's What I Love-NeatBeading

Welcome to The Element Anita of NeatBeading on Etsy!

Anita can currently be found doin' her beading thing in the town of Christchurch in the country of New Zealand, but hopefully not for long! She informed me that she hopes to move to Canada some time in the next 12 months.

Before that happens, however, her life in New Zealand consists of working for a bathroom retailer, managing the account of a large housing company. "Etsy is definitely a side job for now; a creative outlet outside of my creatively unsatisfying job."

I think we all need that creative outlet from the reality of real life :)

Anita's creative journey started with a simple book, lent to her by a friend-One look at what the beading life had to offer, and she was hooked!

Unlike many of us crafters who have several creative passions, beading is mostly it for her:: "I've never been very good at crafts or art. I was into origami as a kid, and have always been better at painting pictures with words rather than actual paint. My bracelets are my only real foray into crafts."

Working with a single medium isn't a bad thing by any means-It gives you more time to perfect your art and further divulge into it! One of Anita's favorite things to work with when beading is Delicas Seed Beads. "I love me my Delicas," she declares, "Love them!" Besides her Delicas, Anita also works with glass beads, and dabbles in a few things that add texture to her pieces.

Advice from Anita:: "Do what you love. If it makes you happy, what do the opinions of other people matter? At the end of the day, my craft is about me. My bracelets are about me. I make designs I like, I use colours I like, and making bracelets makes me happy. So, even if I never sell a bracelet, I’m going to keep making them. And I have to do something with all the beads I keep buying!"

Things to know about Anita and her jewelry:

*Besides Etsy, you can find (and purchase) her and her jewelry on Cargoh.com.

*Facebook anyone? Anita can be found there too!

*For payment, shipping, and other information, check out her Shop Policies Page.


It was such a pleasure to feature Anita and her amazing work on the blog today-If you haven't already, give her store on Etsy, NeatBeading, a look-see and if nothing else, appreciate what she can do with a few seed beads and some precious time :)

Good luck with your future relocation!



Items in Post:

Beaded Bracelet, Smart Squares Narrow, Matte Black and Grey on Matte White

Beaded Bracelet, Floral Brocade, Amethyst on Blushed White

Beaded Bracelet, Swirls, Iris Grape on Dark Red

RASArtWorks Graphic Design *Giveaway*

Due to life and it's sometimes beautiful, sometimes sad reality interferences, both Rick and I have extended his giveaway for another 2 weeks!!

Want $25.00 worth of graphic design work from Rick's store?

Read and enter below ;)

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If you've been a reader of my blog, you've probably noticed my blog button on the sidebar or even on a few other blogs around the blogosphere-Even after almost 2 years of blogging, I haven't opted to change it because I just love it so much!

It matches not only my blog, but me as a person {not to get all philosophical on ya'll}.

The story goes like this:: I basically just put out an 'ad' on Etsy saying I needed a banner for my blog and I got many responses from different Etsians-I did end up choosing someone, but being... well...me, I felt bad that I couldn't choose everyone, so I decided to do a blog series on different graphic design artists who answered my ad.

That is where I came across Rick of RASArtWorks on Etsy.

Rick was an absolute GEM-Even though he wasn't the original person to do my banner, I asked him if he could possibly match the button to my banner. He whipped my button together in no time flat {seriously, I think it only took him like 5 minutes}, did an incredible job, and made sure I was good and happy before charging me for it :)

I hadn't talked to him in awhile, but we recently reconnected and he wanted to give me a wonderful opportunity-A giveaway for his store!

{The Giveaway}


1 lucky Element winner will receive a $25.00 credit to Rick's Etsy store, RASArtWorks!!

{This can be used towards a graphic design package, something custom you may want created, or something already in his store}

{The Rules}

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.
2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.

{Win It}

Head on over to RASArtWork on Facebook and 'Like' the page-Come back and leave me a comment letting me know you did so and include your first name and last initial or Facebook name you're under.

{Extra Entries}

1. Tell me what you'd use your $25 credit for(1 extra)

2. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

3. Subscribe to Me(1 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

4. Follow Me and/or Rick on Twitter(2 extra)

5. Tweet this giveaway(1 extra daily)

RT:: #Win a $25 GC to RASArtWorks Graphic Design on Etsy! @TheEclecticE @RASArtWorks http://bit.ly/geFDXc #giveaway

7. Blog about this giveaway leaving a link(3 extra)

8. Purchase something from RASArtWorks on Etsy(5 extra)

That's 1 mandatory entry + 28 possible extra entries which = 29 entries total!

Good Luck!

The Eclectic Element Disclaimer:: This contest is open worldwide and will run from Friday, February 4th, 2011 4:00 pm central standard time until Wednesday, April 12th, 2011 11:59 pm central standard time. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be contacted within 24 hours of the drawing. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information-If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.

Tuesday Blog Hops

So, I'm hoping on the linky-love train and joining in on the fabulous memes I've seen circulating around the blogosphere lately...

Follow Me Back Tuesday!

Thanks goes to our hostesses for putting on such a lovely meme::

Survey Junkie
Little Yaya's
Boobies, Babies and a Blog



To-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!


Give it up to the hostesses with the mostesses::

One Little Mister
Frugal Plus



Blog It Forward Tuesday!


Give a round of applause for these Blog Hop hostesses:

Sweep Tight
Just Married With Coupons


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New to The Eclectic Element?

Pop a squat, grab some refreshments or nosh a little {I'd offer you a wide variety of somethin-somethins, but I'm not sure where ya'll live}, and say Hi xD

I'll be sure to visit and follow you as well!

Inspirational Tuesday(3/29)

{Image Credit}



"Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude toward us."

--John N. Mitchell




What inspires you today?

Aloha Friday #34

From Kailani of Island Life:

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer."

I'm going to follow her lead, kick back, relax and see what you all have to say on this lovely Friday!

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Today's question is:

What made your day yesterday?

I'd have to say getting to spend more then an hour on the computer! I REALLY missed it.

Is that sad?



Enjoy your Friday and impending weekend everyone :)

Health Update Thursday(3/24)

All I can offer you, dear readers, are 5 little words that pretty much sum up my health at this point in time...

You.

Don't.

Want.

To.

Know.

Yes, things have taken a turn for the worse{again}-That being said however, I've come up with a theory that seems to explain several things::

This all happens around the same time each month {one guess WHAT time that is}. Since I already have a weakened immune system due to the Lyme, when Tom rolls into town, it weakens even more, making me susceptible to a plethora of different things going around, hence, why I crash REALLY hard.

I've been in bed for the past 2 days too weak to walk or even sit up for more then a few minutes at a time. Horrible, HORRIBLE joint, muscle and nerve pain. Constant, draining fatigue {I'm averaging 12 hour night sleeps}. Headaches that come and go. Mental issues.

Just...Not good.

I guess all I can do is wait and see what happens-Hopefully after I get Tom, it'll be better and I'll bounce back.

Win It Wednesday(3/23)

~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~

Win Your Choice of Dress from Shabby Apple!!


Ends April 1, 2011


Enter Here

Win your own Synonyms Game!!


Ends April 4, 2011


Enter Here

Win a Specific Beauty Care Package from Specific Beauty!!


Ends April 11, 2011


Enter Here

Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!

My Blog is AWESOME!

I gotta take this moment to give a shout out to a fellow blogger, Etsian and jewelry designer, Max of Krafty Max Originals for passing this amazing, or shall I saw awesome, award onto me!

If you haven't visited her blog or jewelry shop(s), you're definitely missing out :)



Onto the rules::

I'm supposed to inform you of 7 things you do not know about me, so here it goes:

1. My boyfriend and dog share the same name.

2. One of my favorite things to eat is sour patch kids with teriyaki beef jerky.

3. I'm hoping to get a new phone soon because mine is a piece of s%^$!

4. I love incense, but unfortunately can't burn it because my mother and sister get sick =/

5. I'm a second level Reiki Master.

6. James Rollins is my favorite author.

7. I pole dance ^.^


So, now that you know a little more about me, I get to pass this on to 15 bloggers whom I get to learn more about if they choose to accept this award!

1. Dolly of XmasDolly
2. Ruthie of Rose Works Jewelry
3. Grace of Sandier Pastures
4. Lorie of The Shewbridges of Central Florida
5. Callie of JAmericanSpice
6. Charlene of CJCMOMMY'S Stuff
7. Terra of Heck of a Bunch
8. Jessi of The Juici Life
9. Jana a.k.a Boobies of Boobies, Babies and a Blog
10. Jennifer of Sweep Tight
11. Matty of Matty Thoughts
12. Michelle of Flying Giggles and Lollipops
13. Melissa of Outnumbered 3 to 1
14. Shannon of The Mommy-Files
15. Brandie of Free Sample Freak

I'm off to share this awesome award with everyone!

Tuesday Blog Hops

So, I'm hoping on the linky-love train and joining in on the fabulous memes I've seen circulating around the blogosphere lately...

Follow Me Back Tuesday!

Thanks goes to our hostesses for putting on such a lovely meme::

Survey Junkie
Little Yaya's
Boobies, Babies and a Blog



To-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!


Give it up to the hostesses with the mostesses::

One Little Mister
Frugal Plus



Blog It Forward Tuesday!


Give a round of applause for these Blog Hop hostesses:

Sweep Tight
Just Married With Coupons


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

New to The Eclectic Element?

Pop a squat, grab some refreshments or nosh a little {I'd offer you a wide variety of somethin-somethins, but I'm not sure where ya'll live}, and say Hi xD

I'll be sure to visit and follow you as well!

Inspirational Tuesday(3/22)

{Image Credit}

Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!

--L.H. Bailey

I know Sunday was the first day of Spring, but it's still inspiring!

What inspires you today?

Surprise a wee bit late.

It's March.

It's been the month of March for 21 whole days now.

I celebrated my sister's 20th birthday, my friends 21st, my boyfriend and my 7 month, St. Patty's Day...

So you'd think I'd remember a very important and significant event on the 10th of this month.

SURPRISE!

Apparently, The Eclectic Element hit 2 years old and I didn't even realize it! I was sitting on the couch the other day and this is the extent of my a conversation between my mother and I:

Me: (realizing it was March) "What day is it?"

Mom: "It's the 18th."

Me: (completely astonished) "Damn. I missed my blogoversary."

Mom: "What day was it?"

Me: "The 10th."

Mom: (thinks for a second) "Yup, you sure did."

I still can't believe it!

Happy 2 year to The Eclectic Element (a little late)!

Music Moves Me Monday(3/21)

Welcome to Music Moves Me Monday!

This meme is hosted by a group of seriously great people-Dolly of XmasDolly, Lorie of The Shewbridges of Central Florida, Larrie of CakeBlast, and last but certainly not least, Callie of JAmericanSpice!

Here are the rules if you wanted to participate::

First step: Run over to You Tube, (or wherever), and lock & load! Get your pick for the theme of the week.

Second Step: Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button::



Third step: SIGN THE LINKY - Dance (follow) your host/hostesses, and grab their buttons.

Final step: Start lookin' for a partner and boogie on down to her blog, and say hello, and tag (follow) her/him, and leave a nice comment. If you've been tagged (followed) be hip, and get on over there, and tag (follow) her back and leave a comment.

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Yes indeed everyone, I am back (hopefully) and this week's musical theme is Male Artists Only.

Hmmm...Okay, this shouldn't be too tough ;)

Enjoy!


Michael Buble-Haven't Met You Yet

Have a musical week everyone!
And if Michael is reading this....Marry me!? Hehe ^.^

Health Update Thursday(2/24)

It has been a very bad week.

I really don't even know where to begin. I was just coming back from my flu/pneumonia-I was catching up with the classes and school work I missed, settling into my new volunteering spot, attempting to hang out with friends...

Of course I had residual symptoms: the varying muscle, joint, and nerve pain, stomach issues, leg issues. But I was able to deal with them and continue with everything I needed to do.

Then Tom came into town Sunday and everything came crashing down.

Even though there WAS a great deal of pain with this month, it wasn't the worst pain I've ever had. That being said however, it WAS the worse month I've had in a long time.

Pain does not always constitute severity though o.O

I haven't been able to get out of bed since Sunday, and since my sister has commandeered the household's laptop for school work {totally understandable}, I've only been able to sit at my desktop for 5 minute intervals, and even that was pushing it. I haven't been able to eat anything because of my stomach aside from a few french fries for the past 3 days. Sitting up for more then 5 minutes is a chore...

Things just haven't been going very well.

Yesterday though, I noticed a few little changes in the positive direction, so I'm clinging to those damn things like they're a life-saving device!

Anyway, I've got to leave you people because the good college student just gave me a 5 minute warning. Lol I'll hopefully be back up and blogging next week :)

Win It Wednesday(3/2)

~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~

Win an Adorable Lavender and Polka Dot Coin Purse with Matching Ring Holder!!


Ends March 5, 2011


Enter Here

Win a Beautiful "You're in my Heart" Bouquet of flowers from Bloom Avenue!!



Ends March 5, 2010



Enter Here

Win a Quantum Scale!!


Ends March 10, 2011


EnterHere

Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!

Tuesday Blog Hops

So, I'm hoping on the linky-love train and joining in on the fabulous memes I've seen circulating around the blogosphere lately...

Follow Me Back Tuesday!

Thanks goes to our hostesses for putting on such a lovely meme::

Survey Junkie
Little Yaya's
Boobies, Babies and a Blog



To-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!


Give it up to the hostesses with the mostesses::

One Little Mister
Frugal Plus



Blog It Forward Tuesday!


Give a round of applause for these Blog Hop hostesses:

Sweep Tight
Just Married With Coupons


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

New to The Eclectic Element?

Pop a squat, grab some refreshments or nosh a little {I'd offer you a wide variety of somethin-somethins, but I'm not sure where ya'll live}, and say Hi xD

I'll be sure to visit and follow you as well!

Inspirational Tuesday(3/1)

{Image Credit}

"The March wind roars
Like a lion in the sky,
And makes us shiver
As he passes by.

When winds are soft,
And the days are warm and clear,
Just like a gentle lamb,
Then spring is here."

-- Author Unknown

Since today is the first day of March, I found today's inspiration very apropos :)

What inspires you today?