Porcupine Quills & Chainmail {review}

 

 

So, I know it may seem like I've been posting an awful lot of reviews lately. I apologize if this has become excessive to you readers - it's just, that when I get something to review, I don't like to have it sit around for a while without being reviewed. It doesn't feel fair to the person who sent me the item to review - does that make sense?

 

So. It's not like this blog is going to become solely a place for reviews. I just wanted to clarify. For now, I'm just in a season of being blessed to be able to get to offer opinions on some awesome things, that's all! *grins* And speaking of awesome things, that's why we're here today.

 

I got sent a unique Handmade Persian Chainmaille bracelet from ShricketHandmades some time ago.

 

 

In the beginning, after conversing with the shop's owner, I was expecting this piece to be more chainmail gauntlet styled., and thought I'd let my brother review it.

 

However, obviously my alleging proved false. Even though this wasn't a piece of semi-armor, as I was expecting, it's still really cool. I decided to review it myself since my brother's not big on jewelry. (he was hoping for chainmail armor, haha)

 

 

It's a simple bracelet, and more on the masculine side. I can picture a guy wearing it. However, it's also a unisex piece, and I like simple things because they can add a little something complementary to an outfit, without being "too much".  This bracelet could be worn with basically 99% of my wardrobe - that makes for a pretty versatile accessory.

The metal links are solid and do feel like real chainmail. There is a smaller, less sturdy, standard jewelry chain at the end where the clasp attaches, so that the bracelet could extend for a larger wrist. 

And of course, let's not forget the epic little porcupine quill at the end of that chain. 

 

This little detail makes all the difference on this bracelet. Honestly, it adds a ton of uniqueness... and boosts the overall coolness, in my opinion. Seriously. Whenever do you find jewelry that has porcupine quills affixed to it? 

 

 

Overall, I like this bracelet a lot. It's cool against the skin, making for a nice, practical summer accessory. I do have to be aware of the quill, because it's fragile and I wouldn't want to get it all bent up accidentally. Not to mention, it wouldn't be very pleasant to accidentally stick myself with it!

 

So...Have you checked out ShricketHandmades yet? If not, well, there's the link - so yes, you should go give them a visit. There's a pair of  neat porcupine quill earrings up right now, and some other chainmail and crochet stuff. Go take a look!

 

 What do y'all think of chainmail jewelry? What about porcupine quill accessories?

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Note: I was provided this item from ShricketHandmades in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone.

MittenMade Hobbit Hat + Paradox Book Cover Release! {review + extras}

 

 

Happy Friday, y'all!

Today I have a dual kind of post for ya...A review, and a look at...well, let's just go ahead and get to that, shall we? So, a writer friend just released the *official* cover for his Christian fantasy novel, and has asked people to spread the word about it. I think this book looks quite promising, so, here's a little snippet about it for y'all to enjoy.

 

Paradox is a Christian fantasy novel aimed at the young adult audience (14-18).

 

    Here is the premise/back cover description: Four troubled teens, two worlds, one God, one goal: to defeat the Darkness before it's too late. When David, his twin sister Alicia, and their two best friends, Jake and Hannah, stumble through a portal and into another world, Paragon, they discover that they are not who they thought they were... they are descendants of an ancient race known as Starcrafters, and they've been endowed with God-given abilities - impossible abilities.

    They train and learn to harness their abilities. Now, they are ready to take on the Dark Prince.

    Their attack on the prince is interrupted, however, when they are taken by a group known as the Renegades who are after universal domination by means of an artifact known as the Paradox Stone.

    They must escape the Renegades, retrieve the stone, and defeat the Darkness; all while learning to trust one another and work as a team, and to put their faith in the one true God.

 

    Paradox is being self-published by Outskirts Press and is the debut novel of seventeen-year-old author Brian McBride.

 

If you want to learn more about this novel, why not check out some of these media pages Brian has set up?

     - Brian's Facebook page 

  - Brian's blog

- Brian's Goodreads account  

  - Paradox on Goodreads 

 

 

 

Now, onto the review segment of today's installment.

 

It was some time ago, I'll admit, but I was sent an ah-dor-able handmade hobbit hat from the Etsy shop Mitten Made.

 

Okay, I know it might sound like I say this often in my reviews, but as I've mentioned before I only mention something if I truly mean it! So please don't mistake my notations for fluffed-up flattery.

Anyways, they had me from the get-go, even with the packaging. I mean just look, isn't it perf?

 

 

 

The packaging and business cards suggest a professional manner of business, which I always like to see.

 

 

 

It's soo very soft. I'm kinda really sad that winter is still many a month off, because, well, obviously summer isn't a big time for knitted hats, and I'd really like to wear this places more. *sniffs* (Another big reason to look forward to the cooler months!) But as far as comfy-ness goes, this hat is super comfy.

 

 

 

Attempting a cheesy smile...sadly I'm destined to always flunk cheesy smiles. -_-

 

 

 

 

I like this color a whole lot because it can practically match with anything.

 

Overall, I think this is a super cute accessory. It's youthful and charming - perfect for the wintry months of bonfires and roasted marshmallows. *start idealistic daydream here*

 

If you've not done so yet, you should definitely check out Mitten Made. There are lots of other cute knitted items which, if you liked this hobbit hat, you will be sure to admire!

  

 

Oh, and in other news...this blog has officially topped 60 followers!! I'm so thrilled - and you know what? All you readers/subscribers are just wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to put up with my ramblings and nonsense. Gracias, amigos!

 

 

Note: I was provided this item from Mitten Made in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone.

I've Been Nominated!

I've been nominated for the Liebster Award, by Arlette at Living Life Bright! Thank you Arlette!

About the 'Liebster award' Bloggers nominate other bloggers that they like with 200 followers or less. It doesn't matter what kind of blog you have, or in what language. If you have a blog then you can be nominated! It's to get to know new bloggers a little better and go networking with them, it's going on for a few years I guess. It's never ending! 

The rules
1. List 11 facts about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you left
3. Ask 11 new questions for those you nominate
4. Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate
5. Go to each blogger's page and let them know about the award
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog

11 Facts about me
1. I am extremely scatterbrained.
2.  I ran ten miles in about an hour.

3.  I tear up really easily when watching emotional movies.

4. I adore dark chocolate. White chocolate truffles are also wayyy too yum.

5.  My birthstone is garnet.

6.  People call me wierd and enigmatic, and I take that as a compliment.

7.  The Chronicles of Narnia will always be a favorite on my bookshelf, no matter how old I get.

8.  Winter is my favorite season and I thrive in cold weather.

9.  My feet are gigantic - I have some boots which are size 13, and cowboy boots which are actually mens'...my feet were too wide for the womens' selection.

10. Turquoise is my favorite color.

 11.  I oftentimes can be found acting out my characters from my novels and screenplay...you might think I am just being moody but for all you know I'm acting a dramatic scene from my most recent writings!

Questions from Arlette

 1. Favourite piece of clothing in your closet? Gah, that's hard. At the moment, a new striped long-sleeve blouse I got for my birthday.

2. What one  thing would you take with you to a deserted island? Another toughie! Hm. Lemme think. A salt-water purifier, with a built in fishing pole, signaling device and firestarter. Does that count? :D

3. Your biggest inspiration? God's beautiful creation... gorgeous orange sunsets, luscious green forests, and awe-inspiring dark skies splashed with billions of twinkling stars.

4. What is your morning ritual? Pull my lazy carcass out of bed, fix a cup of hot green tea, take my vitamins and Emergen-C (if it's cold season), take a cup of apple cidar vinegar, do oil pulling, water the gardens, maybe do some stretches/excercises.

5. The book you're most looking forward to read this year? My own, when I finish it. :D

6. What was the reason you started this blog? Because I needed an online 'location' for my businesses and music.

7. Biggest passion? GAH. Why not biggest passions? Only ONE biggest passion, you say? Oh well then.  Serving God.

8. What is the most random/weirdest thing you've done in your life? Hmmmm....wierdest? Putting rocks in random peoples' swimsuits that were hanging on a laundry line at the beach. Most RANDOM? Doing pranks on the phone when some sales person tries to call. "Can we get a large, pepperoni pizza?"  OR, counting how many people were wearing skirts, while at a NYC airport.

 9. What is your guilty pleasure? *grins* Starbucks frappechinos. They are just TOO good.

10. Your feel good song?  I have about a gazillion of them, but at the moment, a particular fav is Ghostriders in the Sky.

11.  The one thing you really want to achieve in your life? To point as many people to Christ as possible.


Questions to my nominees

1. Would you rather be respected, or loved?

2. What is a favorite quote of yours?

3. List 3 of your favorite songs at the moment?

4. Cows or peacocks?

5. Describe your style/taste in art, design, fashion?

6. What place would you travel to if you could?

7. Coffee or tea?

8. Introvert or extrovert?

9. What do you hope to do with your life?

10. What's your favorite entree?

11. If you could be granted 1 wish, what would it be?

Nominees
1. Rosie
2.  Bobbie

3. Elizabeth
4. Jake
5. Lizzy
6. Kelsey
7. Alyson
8. Evangela
9. Brian
10. Summer
11.Bruno

Have fun! Remember to follow the rules, and link back to me! :)