October's Book Club: The Fault in our Stars

Last Wednesday our book club got together to discuss

The Fault in our Stars

by John Green.

This was such an amazing book, and we had so much fun discussing this book together.

One of my fellow bookies put together this month's treats.

It was absolutely magnificent.

She made homemade Stroop Waffles,

which I learned are a Dutch treat, in honor of the Amsterdam references within the book.

They were so good, and I'm hoping to make these in the future.

 A Stroop Waffle set right on top of a hot cup of coffee is perfect.

It melts the caramel in the center, and makes it soft and gooey.

 

If you've read the novel you will be familiar with the glasses of champagne.

It's not real champagne, it's ginger ale.

Don't worry Barnes and Noble, we're not bringing in alcohol.

 And I felt so honored that she used napkins that she had brought all the way from Amsterdam.

Isn't that neat?

And of course I had to make up some fun bookmarks.

There were so many great quotes in this books so I found a few I liked and used them.

The discussion questions we used this month can be found at Shmoop.com,

and litlovers.com.

November's Book Selection is:

Life after Life

by: Kate Atkinson.

We will be meeting Nov. 20th at 7PM.

And thanks for stopping by 

Through Betsy's Looking Glass.

Individual Frosting Dips

Cameron recently had her birthday.

She turned 4.

Wow!

How did 4 years already go by?

So last week we took a treat to Cameron's school for her birthday.

We did this last year as well, but I did cupcakes.

And what a mess cupcakes are.

So I wanted to go a different route.

Something not as messy, and fun as well.

So we came up with individual frosting dips.

So easy, cheap, and fun for the kids to eat.

 The only necessary supplies are animal crackers, frosting (I used cream cheese frosting),

and sprinkles to add some extra fun.

Oh, and of course some small bags for the animal crackers,

and little cups for the frosting.

You could even do thematic sprinkles for different holidays.

So fun!

Thanks for stopping by 

Through Betsy's Looking Glass.

This page was shared with Made in a Day.

Monster Pops

Hey blogging world!

Today I thought I would share a treat that I made a few weeks ago.

I made these fun monster pops for my birthday celebration, 

per request of Cameron.

The Monster Pops are made out of rice krispies bars, chocolate melts, 

oreos, mini m&m's, and frosting for the mouths.

They were super fun to eat, and super rich as well.

Hope this inspires some monsterific treats.

And thanks for stopping by 

Through Betsy's Looking Glass.

This page has been shared with Rhinestone Beagle.

Indian Candy Corn Cake

The Fall Festival is here.

Tomorrow night we will be tossing rings over milk bottles,

fishing for toys,

digging for prizes,

and strolling the cake walk.

The cake walk is always the most popular game.

And that's no surprise. Who wouldn't want to win an entire cake for .50 cents?

Since Halloween is quickly coming around the corner, and candy corn is secretly being consumed while little ones are asleep, I thought a Fall themed cake would be perfect. 

I'm going to have to admit,

I couldn't find my food coloring (these kind's of things happen often),

and so I had to borrow yellow and red from my neighbor to create orange.

Well, sadly I couldn't really get the right color, 

but really I'm certain the 2-5 year olds aren't going to mind.

I want to try and tweet this cake later.

Work with making it bigger, and more vibrant, and just all around more awesome.

And hope and pray that one of the layers doesn't decide to crumble on me when assembling.

So, I know it's not perfect, but still fun, and festive for the Halloween season.

Ingredients:

2 boxes of White cake mix

1 box of Chocolate cake mix

orange food coloring

your frosting of choice

This really was a very easy cake to make.

I used chocolate for the bottom layer, 

and sliced the sides off so that the colors would be more visible when viewed.

I'm hoping to try this again soon before Halloween.

If I do I will most definitely share and let you know how it goes.

Happy Baking,

and thanks for stopping by
Through Betsy's Looking Glass!

Button Bookmarks

Tonight I'm hosting a bookclub.

And I have been making bookmarks for each month's discussion.

Some of them are simple paper bookmarks and others are a little more indepth.

For tonight's discussion I thought I would make some cute button bookmarks.

So EASY to make, and very cute.

All that is needed to make these are 

the buttons of your choice, large paper clips, and a hot-glue gun.

I'm sure that instructions aren't needed.

 

Have fun making button bookmarks,

and thanks for stopping by

Through Betsy's Looking Glass.

I will be sure to post more after our book discussion tonight.

This page was shared with Sew Can Do.

Curious George Storytime

Storytime at BN is one of my most favorite things to host.

I love the anticipation of the little one's eyes as they wait for each page to turn.

They get so excited, and they each have such wonderful imaginations. 

So as some of you may know I USED to be one of the children's leads at BN,

and I was able to host storytime every Wednesday.

But with school, and everything else I was getting a little overwhelmed working

full time so I had to cut back, and I now only sparingly host Saturday storytimes.

This past Saturday we had a Curious George storytime, 

and it was quite a blast.

 

Cameron and I dressed up as the "girls in the yellow boys',

in relation to the "man in the yellow hat".

I was able to make a few large bows for us from scrap fabric I had laying around.

To see my tutorial on the hairbows click here.

Just thought I would chat up the Saturday storytimes.

They are a blast, and everyone should come and join in our crafts, treats, and fun story.

For dates and times check out BN.com for more details.

 

Thanks for stopping by 

Through Betsy's Looking Glass,

and I hope to see you at the next storytime.

Fruit Tarts

This past Friday was Cameron's helper day at school.

Which means that I get to come in and spend her whole school day with her and the other kiddos.

I love it!

Each parent is designated one day of the month.

And on your day you get to bring a healthy snack for the little ones to enjoy.

And you know me, I had to make something, slightly healthy, but also fun.

And I love fruit pizzas.

I'm sure you've tried fruit pizza before.

But for a little kid, a big slice might be too big, and a little too messy.

So I thought tarts were the perfect size, and hopefully to help control the mess a little.

Eh, I'm not sure if this was true for the latter, but they sure were yummy.

 

 My awesome husband had the great idea of putting them in cupcake liners 

so that this could help with the mess.

Once again not so sure it helped, but they were cute.

 

 These were super simple to make, and they were done within an hour.

Ingredients:

*sugar cookie cookie dough

*cool whip

*cream cheese (8 oz.)

*and fruit of your choice

I found out 3 year olds are hesitant on trying Kiwi. 

Most of them hadn't tried it yet at this point in their life, and so that was a no no,

but if they were brave enough to try it, they loved it.

Anyways, it was super easy to make.

Press cookie dough into cupcake tins. 

I used the amount in one tin that you would use to make one cookie.

Use a tart punch to punch down the center, or use your fingers.

Mix cream cheese, and cool whip in mixer until smooth.

Cut up fruit and decorate as you wish.

Super easy, and yummy too.

Have fun baking,

and thanks for stopping by

Through Betsy's Looking Glass!

2013: 1st Day of School

School has started again, Yay!

That's when the parents start jumping up and down, and silently yell.

Okay, I'm not doing that.

I still get a little sad when she leaves, even though she only goes for half a day.

Today was her 1st day back at preschool. 

Cameron goes to a school where she can participate in preschool 

for 3 years before entering Kindergarten.

 I think it's a really good way to transition into an all day school situation.

This morning she was a little nervous which kind of surprised me.

Last year she loved it, and always looked forward to each day,

but I sure it's just new class, new teacher, new jitters.

Last year I made this fun chalkboard out of a table top.

I've been able to use it for a ton of things such as her birthday,

last years school pics and more.

 

Last year I thought it would be fun to join in the 1st day of school hype.

Many people are asking their kids what they want to be when they grow up, 

and I think it is such a neat idea, and to be able to look on.

 

This year Cameron wants to be a Ballerina when she grows up.

Last year, 2012, she wanted to be a Princess when she grew up.

We will see.

Can you tell she's a girly-girl?

 There she goes.

How sweet.

Well thanks for stopping by 

Through Betsy's Looking Glass.

Don't Forget Me!

Hello Blogging World!

My first instinct is to start apologizing, and making a million excuses to why I have not been here to see you, or to talk to you.

But, I'm going to just admit it.

I kept choosing to spend time with family, or doing things that I love (not that I don't love blogging),

but by the time evening rolled around I was so worn out I just wanted to curl up into bed, 

and take a snooze.

Okay, so yes I did start making excuses, but whatever...I'm back!

And I plan to not run away any time soon.

I'm not sure if you missed me, but I know I missed you.

But anyways...

About 4 months ago I took the initiative to start a book club through my work.

I work in a bookstore, why didn't we already have one? 

I don't know.

But I later opened it up to the public.

Any and everyone is welcome to come.

We have been having so much fun with it.

It took the first few months to get the ball rolling, but I think it's finally taking flight.

The books that are being chosen are books that are thought to be the next "IT" book.

A lot of times we (the choosers) have no idea if it really is going to fly off the shelves,

but we are going off ARC reviews, publicity for the book, and the fads that are running through books at that initial time.

The first book we chose was 

The Fifth Wave

by: Rick Yancey

*Chosen, because it was receiving a large amount of publicity before it's release date. (Goodreads ads, corporate emails suggesting us to read it, positive ARC reviews, window posters for the windows). This obviously was going to be something big.

Thematic cookies to go with the book discussion. That was a big hit!

 

 

The second month we read

The Bookman's Tale

by: Charles Lovett

*Chosen, once again because pre-publicity.

Since this was a British book I thought it would be SO much fun to have tea, and digestive biscuits along with our discussion. I made bookmarks for this one as well, but once again NO photos. But I do have extras and I plan to do a post about them later, because I made them out of old book spines. SUPER FUN.

The third read was

World War Z

by: Max Brooks

*Chosen, because of a recent spike in sales because of the movie release.

 

So on this one I did have thematic cookies. I made lady fingers. Get it? It's a book about Zombies and I was going to make lady fingers, HAHA. Well, long story short, they looked ridiculous when I finished them. So in the trash they went, and to the store I went.

And finally, what we discussed for the month of August was

Gone Girl

by: Gillian Flynn

Obviously we know this is a big thing right now, but it was a big thing and still is.

It has now been on the bestsellers list for 14 months. If a book can stay on over three months that's phenomenal. I knew this one had to be read, and discussed.

Dark chocolate truffle balls, red jelly beans and paint swatch book marks.

 I had a ton of fun putting this last months book club together.

I did truffles instead of cookies, because Amy Dunne's (main character) favorite treat was dark chocolate truffle balls, and I served red jelly beans because of Betsy's (character) habit of throwing them. I thought it was too funny that Betsy (my name is Betsy) did this. And lastly I made the bookmarks out of paint swatches, because Amy had this belief that you could just start fresh, and just paint over the past. Too awesome!

Okay I'm done blabbering about the book discussions.

Can you tell I had fun planning them, and having them?

I also came up with my own questions for all the book discussions. If anyone is interesting in me sending them to you just send me an email to 

betsy.brogren@washburn.edu, 

or just comment on this post.

Any other questions or comments just comment down below.

I would love to hear suggestions, or would just love to hear what you have to say.

And thanks for stopping by

Through Betsy's Looking Glass!

Oh, and September's book is 

The Cuckoo's Calling

by: Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)

Hopefully you know why this one will, and is a big thing right now.

Last Day of Preschool

Today Cameron finished her first year of school.

She learned so much, and I couldn't have asked for a better teacher than the one she was blessed with.

Mrs. B helped Cameron transition into a shy little girl that always played by herself, to a 

more outgoing, taller girl that wants to now play with others. 

I'm so thankful that this year was a success.

She is most definitely ready for a little summer break, 

but I know when it comes time to go back to school she will be happy to transition into her new class.

And of course, once again I couldn't decide which photo I liked the best so I'm posting a few to many.

Thanks for stopping by

"Through Betsy's Looking Glass".

To check out my post on the homemade chalkboard click here.

Or to see my post on her first day of school click here.

Oh, and I asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up, this morning, and she said...
Rainbow Dash.
Remember the first day of school, she wanted to be...
a Princess.
We will see!

Displaying Artwork

Yesterday I found another roadside find,

but I have to admit it wasn't the greatest find.

A lot of times the things I find are on the side of the road are there for a reason, they're junk.

I happen to see a desk and immediately pulled over, but

I didn't take the time to REALLY look it over.

So, I'm awkwardly lifting this large thing into the back of my vehicle, 

when crash, the entire thing collapses.

UGH!

What do I do?

Do I put it back on the side of the road, uhh, not after I see the owner staring out of his window.

Oh, how awkward is this?

So, I finish shoving the piece of poop desk into my car, and drive to a dumpster.

But when inspecting the fallen pieces I find this random piece of the desk.

I don't even know what this piece was for, but I had an idea.

What about a place to display Cameron's artwork?

She brings home so much stuff from school, church, random home projects, etc. that I 

don't know what to do with everything. 

So, I still don't know what I'm going to do with everything, but for

now I thought I could display the latest pieces and then box away each piece after.

So, at least each piece of artwork will have it's moment to shine.

I first painted the center part.

 I then glued a clipboard clip onto it.

And if you ever go in search of one, you won't be able to find one.

No one knew what one was, and no one had one.

But I finally found one at Hobby Lobby for $1.50.

Now hang and display the latest artwork.

I wish I wouldn't have painted the board the same color as the walls though.

Oops. I can change that later.

 And thanks for stopping by

Through Betsy's Looking Glass.

Let the Summer Begin!

I know your probably wondering if I dropped off the face of the Earth.

No, I didn't, but I did finish another successful semester of school.

So that means, I now have time for crafting, sewing, and goodies. Yay!

I can't wait.

Throughout this semester I have done a lot of roadside pickups such as an antique desk,

a wooden chair, a rocking horse, and a few other random things.

I'm so excited to spruce them up, and either sell them, or

make them the latest piece in our home decor.

I have such a great idea for this awesome rocking horse.

I can't wait to start on it.

Check back later to see what I happen to do with it.

And I promise to not leave the blogging world again for awhile.

Thanks for stopping by 

"Through Betsy's Looking Glass".

"17 & Gone" Review

"17 & Gone" was written by Nova Ren Suma,

 and was published on  March 21, 2013.

She is also the author of "The Imaginary Girls", and "Fade Out", and

can be found here at her website.

Wow, such an amazing book! I am so glad that I received this as an ARC for review. "17 & Gone" is my most favorite book of the year. I was blown away as Nova Ren Suma twisted this tale to unbelievable heights. She is an amazing writer, and has a major talent with words. I was very impressed how much she knew about the subject she was writing on, not only on missing girls, but on the mysterious conclusion. You, as the reader, will be so shocked when you come to find out what Nova Ren Suma was able to do with this bone-chilly novel.

"17 & Gone" is about a young girl of 17, who is being haunted by the spirits, or what she thinks may be spirits, of "missing", 17 year old girls. She is put through the test, and pushed to find these girls that have chosen to reach out to her for help. When she feels she is almost to a conclusion, she is then at risk to become one of the "missing" girls.

I cried, cheered, and even squeezed in close to my loved ones as I read each word. If you are one for a little spook, read "17 & Gone", and help spread the word of Nova Ren Suma's next "IT" book.

Thanks for stopping by

"Through Betsy's Looking Glass".

A change of Pace!

Since I'm not blogging consistently this semester, with school, and everything else,

I thought I would share my book reviews until the semester is over at least,

or I may just keep doing them after the semester as well. We will see.

Anyways...

Recently I have become a reviewer for ARC's (advanced reader copies) of teen, and

children's literature. I post my reviews on Goodreads.com, and I thought why not put my

blog to use and post them here as well.

Well my first book I'm gonna share is "The Orphanage of Miracles", by Amy Neftzger,

and is scheduled to be published on May 28, 2013.

She is also a popular writer of non-fiction, and the popular "Bedtime..." stories.

You can find out more about Neftzer on her blog.

"The Orphanage of Miracles" was given to me as an ARC, and I was very glad to read this beautiful fantasy novel for children aged 7-12(??). But then again I'm 24, read it, and loved it. The age thing is overrated. I don't want to give a synopsis, because I feel with too much information I may give something away. So in short, there is a journey, a struggle, friendships, and above all else MIRACLES!!!! I really enjoyed all the magic, and fantastical elements added in, and it made me want to join the world that these children lived in.

But of course I feel I need to give the downfalls (UGH):

2 POV"S: The author chose to switch the POV each chapter which I normally like, and I did start to like, but gradually would wish to hear from one POV, and would quickly try to skim past others. I was favoring one character over another, but the novel wouldn't have worked without the switching of POV's so I understand why she did it. Only a small downfall.

Relating to characters: I had a really had time connecting to the characters. Normally I feel for the characters. I get sad, when they are sad, I'm happy when they are happy. I didn't grasp this in "The Orphanage of Miracles". I really wanted to know them more, and to become more of a friend to them. This was probably the biggest downfall, but it wasn't bad enough for me to not enjoy the story.

What happens next: So many things were left unanswered. I started questioning things as I was reading and would make a note of it, but when the last page was turned I still was left questioning. The final chapter summed up many things, but left so many more unanswered. Why? Maybe the author felt that as the reader, you were to create your own answer. I have trouble doing this.

All in all I really liked this book, and I may check some of her other stories out. I think upper elementary school kids will really enjoy, and appreciate this story.

Thanks for checking out 

"Through Betsy's Looking Glass".

Textbook gone FUN!

Wow...do I have some explaining to do, or what?

I have not even gotten on to my blog in over a month.

Last semester was a close one, on if I were to pass my classes or not.

I made a promise that I would take NO time at all on fruitless things such as blogging, 

reading for pleasure, etc. while I was in school this semester.

I am almost done, and I need to just focus, and finish!

But today I weakened.

I have this horribly dull textbook, inside and out!

UGH!

I hate to look at it, open it, or even read it.

I needed something to spunk it up, and give me some inspiration to read it.

I told myself that I had 30 minutes to make a book cover, and no more.

I can do that, right?

LOL! 

I can if I don't measure, etc.

Let's just say I did it, but don't look to closely.

I think it's uber fun though!

 

 Not perfect, but much more enjoyable to read out of!

 

 I might have to do this for all of my textbooks!

 

 And of course the inside of the cover has an extra added splash of color.

Thanks for stopping by

"Through Betsy's Looking Glass".

And sorry, but once again I won't be getting on very often this semester, 

but right after school ends, I will be back to my normal groove.