Top 100 Books

The Big Read says that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they've printed.
Well let's see. Here's how it works.

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Underline the books you LOVE, and strikeout the books you read but didn't like.
4) Reprint this list so we can try and track down these people who've read only 6 or less and make them read.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. The Harry Potter Series JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh .
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen .
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving Took several attempts
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan .
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry .
87. Charlotte's Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down. Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

OK, so I've only read 24. I would have liked to be able to tell you that I've read more than that, espescially since I was such an avid reader for so long and tried to read all the supposed classics. There are only 6 on the list that I haven't read that I would like to read. I can't underline or strikeout in Blogger for some reason, but of the ones I read, I have strong feelings about a few of them and would have loved to note that.

I do love the fact that Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is on the list. I loved that book. I read it twice and read the second book in the series. I have been wanting to re-read the first two and get on to the next ones, but I haven't had the time.

Thanks to A Cozy Life for putting this on her blog. I blatanly stole the concept.

How many have you read? Post it on your blog and leave me a link in my comments. Or simply count them up and leave that in the comments. Enquiring minds want to know!!

Happy Reading!
~Melissa~

I'm featured at the EtsyBlogger's Blog!

Woo-hoo! Check me out! http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com/2008/06/mini-monday-made-by-melissa.html

Ribbon Necklaces!

Ribbon necklaces are my newest favorite jewelry item to make. They are so cute and colorful and can be custom made to your favorite colors. These necklaces were a big hit with the little ladies at my craft show. Quite a few moms were pulled back to my table with a little whisper "Mommy, can I have one?".



I have several in my shop right now, I have been pairing them with clay charms. The kitty cats seem to be most popular, with the flowers a close second. I also have puppy dogs, fish, and dragonflies.



I have the kitties available in 6 different colors and 4 different breeds of dog.



If you don't see a color combo that you like, as always, feel free to send me a conversation in Etsy. I love getting convos! And don't forget about my sale, ribbon necklaces are eligiable for free shipping!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS, yup, just got one! I know, I know, I'm a little late on getting it, but I got a cute pink one used at GameStop. I saw a commercial for the new Brain Age game. You know, my brain is tired! I forget lots of things. My brain needs exercise! But, I don't have a DS, nope, not me, all I have is a GameBoy Advance with lots of games that I am very tired of. I could only play for a short time before getting a headache from that teeny little screen.

On Friday I casually asked my hubby if he still used my GBA. He said "Nope, why?" I suggested trading it and all the games in and pondered if we'd get enough cash back to get me a Nintendo DS. He thought it was a great idea, reminded me that we still had $32 credit from when we brought back Game Cube, all its games and accessories and some other random PS2 games that had been long beaten. We just had one tiny problem - where was the GBA charger????

Needless to say, we found the charger and a few other PS2 games that hadn't been looked at in a while and packed up and headed to GameStop. Long story short, they had a cute pink used Nintendo DS and used Brain Age (the first one, of course). We had enough credit that all I had to pay for was the game. Woo-hoo!!

On Saturday night, my brain was an embarrassing 73 years old. Today, Monday, my brain is a slightly less embarrassing 41 years old. Now that's what I call progress!!



I now want to get Mahjong Quest (which I saw used) and Tetris (my all time FAVORITE game). So, pretty please go buy something from my shop??? Don't forget, I'm still having a sale!!

PS - I find it absolutey hilarious that Nintendo DS comes with a health and safety precaution booklet! Apparently, all Nintendo systems do... HA!

Free Shipping Sale!

For a limited time, get FREE SHIPPING on any jewelry, vintage and destash item in my shop. Just put FREE SHIP in the notes to seller at checkout and I will reimburse you the shipping fees, or you can request a revised PayPal invoice.

If you pay using Revolution Money Exchange, I will give you free shipping and 10% off your purchase! Just put RME FREE SHIP in the notes to seller along with your email address and I will send you an invoice. If you haven't signed up for RME yet, click this link to sign up:
https://www.revolutionmoneyexchange.com/ReferAFriend_landing.aspx?referreremail=littleone78@yahoo.com

I am also offering a multiple item order discount to my blog readers. If you order two or more items, I will take an additional 10% off your entire order! Just add the code FREE SHIP BLOG when you check out.

Bracelets: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5016771
Anklets: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5391489
Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5016768
Necklaces: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5016770
Vintage: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5438057
Destash: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5395035

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Lovin' the craft!

As you can tell, I love making things and I love what I make. Sometimes though, I love what I make a little too much and I can't bear to part with it. I've kept quite a few things over the years, but most recently, I've kept two things.

I made this blanket while I was home on bed rest right before my son was born. I made this in less than 4 weeks using yarn completely from my stash. I couldn't give it up for two reasons. The first being because I love it, the colors are so totally me - browns and blues. And secondly because it kept me sane while I was home alone every day for a month. I wasn't totally alone, I had my pup with me, but she doesn't have the energy to keep me entertained all day long, I mean, a dog needs her sleep!



Its not the best picture in the world, and does the blanket no justice whatsoever, but cut me some slack! I took the picture the day before I was admitted to the hospital to be induced. And it was the most physical activity I did since I was threatened by everyone I know to "take it easy".

The most recent thing I have decided to keep for myself is a simple white and blue cotton washcloth. I made a round cloth with some leftover white yarn from a custom order and added a border with some of the blue ombre yarn (I have tons of it!). I've been trying to duplicate it and for some reason I can't. I count stitches and use the same hook, same weight cotton yarn. Nothing... it comes out terrible. So, I am keeping the one that came out simply fabulous and hoping that one day I can duplicate it, if for no other reason, than I want another one!!


Have no fear! There is plenty in my shop that I have decided not to keep for myself!

Happy Crafting and Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Another Successful Trade on Etsy!!

As if you didn't already have enough reasons to love Etsy, here is one more - TRADING. I've had successful trades in the past with ScrapTrendz (I traded a pair of earrings for some cute botte cap pendants for my little cousin) and PurpleLicious (I traded some earrings and bracelets for some key fobs for Christmas gifts).

My most recent trade happened on a whim. Every Monday through Thursday I start the daily promotion thread on Etsy for the EtsyNJ team. Purseonality Bags posted a link to her gorgeous Hi Ho Cherry O Purse and I instantly fell in love with it. But, like many people, right now, funds are tight and I can't justify spending money on a new purse. So, I contacted her to see if she'd be interested in trading. I was totally prepared for a polite no, since two of the last two people I contacted said no and I also turned down a couple of trade offers myself. She said yes!! Woo-hoo! So, I got this purse:


For these washcloths, facial scrubbies and kitchen items:

And of course, she couldn't resist this adorable ladybug bracelet:


Purseonality Bags snatched up my entire inventory of crocheted washcloths and cleaning cloths, but have no fear, I am busy creating more and will have them listed as soon as my son allows me to take some photos after dinner. You see, he always tries to get in the shot... I'm not trying to sell him! Feel free to convo me if you are looking for something specific and I'll do my best to get it made for you!

So, if you are a seller and interested in trading, I would put a note in your profile or in your shop policies, since I tend to look there before I contact a seller to if they are interested. Also check out the Etsy Trade-a-holic Team’s blog for a list of trade friendly shops. Here are the guidelines they offer for a successful trade:
♥Don't be offended if someone isn't able to trade with you, it's okay - someone WILL need your stuff
♥Try to heart sellers & items as you go, show some love!
♥Shop
♥Have fun & see you in the stores
♥Remember to leave prompt feedback as a buyer & a seller!

If you would like to initiate a trade, be polite and offer an out, I usually say "Hi! I simply love your ________. I was wondering if you would be interested in trading for something from my shop. If not, I understand. Thanks for looking!" And remember, always be polite to someone who asks you for a trade. Even if you say no, they may still buy from you, but not of course, if you are rude to them.

If you are interested in trading with me, please keep in mind that I typically don't trade for anything that I can make myself, such as beaded jewelry or crocheted/knit items. I am not into scrapbooking and I don't know many people who would appreciate the crafts(wo)manship of handmade cards and I am not much into vintage items even though I do occasionally sell a few. I am interested in toys or clothes for my one year old boy, sturdy toys or treats for my 2 year old black lab/basset hound mix, crochet patterns, bath & body (not candles though), purses or totes, handspun worsted or bulky weight yarns, hair accessories for grown-ups, men's clothing, jewelry supplies and candy or baked goods (yum!).

Happy Trading!
~Melissa~

EtsyBlogger Featured Member - AliciaMae

June's featured EtsyBlogger is AliciaMae. Alicia has three shops that are chock full of awesome goodies. She has eclectic design gifts here. I love her trinket boxes, this one is sweet and simple and worthy of a heart or two!


Alicia Mae Art and Photography features some stunning prints and photos. This lighthouse print would make a great Father's Day gift:


Need some supplies? Alicia Mae's random supplies even offers a 10% discount on orders of $5 or more, and believe me, its easy to spend $5 in this shop!! This sweet handmade polymer clay flower pendant is sure to fly out the door before long!


For more info on the fabulous EtsyBloggers street team, check out the website!

Happy Shopping (and blogging)!
~Melissa~