Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia (Book 4) by John Flanagan

Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia (Book 4)

by John Flanagan

copyright 2006

Challenge:  Ranger's Apprentice Challenge (my own challenge)

Back Cover:

For Will and Evanlyn, freedom has never felt so fleeting.

Still far from their homeland after escaping slavery in the icebound land of Skandia, the Ranger's Apprentice and the princess's plan to return to Araluen is spoiled when Evanlyn is taken captive by a Temujai warrior.  Though still weakened by warmweed's toxic effects, Will employs his Ranger training to locate his friend, but an enemy scouting party has him fatally out numbered.  Will is certain death is close at hand until old friends make a daring, last-minute rescue. The reunion is cut short, however, when they make a horrifying discovery: Skandia's borders have been breached by the entire Temujai army.  And Araluen is next in their sights.

If two kingdoms are to be saved, the unlikeliest of unions must be made.  Will it hold long enough to vanquish a ruthless new enemy?  Or will past tensions spell doom for all?

I really like the Ranger's Apprentice series.  This 4th book - The Battle for Skandia - did not disappoint.

Will, Horace, Evanlyn and Halt all maintained their character strengths as I described in Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3 reviews.  The boys and Halt maintained and/or matured in  chivalry.  Evanlyn continued to show courage and initiative.

First Sentence:

It was a constant tapping sound that roused Will from his deep, untroubled sleep.

This story - true to the Ranger's Apprentice nature - had plenty of action for the Araluens (Will and co.) teamed up with the Skandia to battle a highly skilled (Temujai) army.   While leading up to the battle,  Will,Horace and Evanlyn grew in their skills and belief in theirselves.  Halt...Halt still is amazing.  He amazes at how well he stays calm and in control while planning, making decisions and dealing with bad outcomes.

If I had one complaint it would be with the battle.  It was a bit too tidy as far as the main characters go.  Otherwise, the battle is descripitive...there is plenty of action.  I can completely see the battles in these played out on the screen.  I really could see the Ranger's Apprentice series played out well on the screen.   

On to the relationship...

Will and Evanlyn have undertones of feelings for each other.  Will, though, finds himself uncomfortable in Evanlyn's royal circle.  Whereas Horace finds himself very comfortable with the etiquette demanded in the royal circle.  This leads to the question...is there a future beyond  pleasant friendship between Will and Evanlyn?  Horace and Evanlyn?  What adventures await Will and Horace?

The Battle for Skandia did not disappoint.  I look forward to reading the next Ranger's Apprentice installment - The Sorcerer of the North.

Rating: 4/5 stars

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments - book 1) by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments - Book 1)

by Cassandra Clare

copyright  2007

Challenge:  None - for my own reading enjoyment

Back Cover:

When fifteen-year old Clary Fray heads out to Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder-much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons.  Then the body disappears into thin air.  It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing-not even a smear of blood-to show that a boy has died.  Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons.  It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk.  Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon.  But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother?  And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight?  The Shadowhunters would like to know...

When I first opened this book I did not think I would like the story, yet, I was curious.  Within a few pages of reading I knew I would like reading City of Bones?  Why?  From the start there was a since of action, adventure and intrigue with those who live in another world as Shadowhunters.

First Sentence:

"You've got to be kidding me," the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest.

 Although, in the beginning I did not know of Shadowhunters.  What I did know is that Clary was girl who was curious about something she saw- something that other humans (mundanes) could not see.  She gained my attention right away.  The story gained my attention and held it as it was packed with action while moving along at a quick pace.  The plot line did not reveal all in one shot rather, it let bits out at a time.  The story took a turn that I did not completely expect. This one particular turn did not exactly thrill me.  I see why it would add tension to the story but I must admit, this turn is not what I would have chosen.  I am hoping that the following books -City of Ashes and City of Glass- will flesh out that this specific turn is not at all as we think it is currently.

I enjoyed reading about the Shadow World as it has structure with its laws and levels of society. The rules are there.  Rules that the Shadowhunters and all non-human creatures most abide.

City of Bones has depth in the story and in its characters. I think the author did a good job weaving the action, fantasy elements and the bit of romance wonderfully throughout the story.  I liked the characters...maybe not in the sense of "like" but in the way that the characters all had a purpose...made sense.  

The main characters (Isabelle, Alec, Jace, Simon and Clary) all had strengths and weakness.  

Isabelle is a character that seems very cool and collected.  She does not shriek back from her duties.  Yet, there is a sense of loneliness within.

Alec is a character that at first I misread but realized that he feels out of place...a secret he must maintain.  I must admit, I did not connect with him very well but I did feel a sense of sadness for him. 

 Simon - Clary's best friend.  He sticks with her through thick and thin.  He comes off as a geeky sort of guy, intelligent and loyal.  I was glad to see him evolve to feeling a bit more secure with himself - that he has skills, thoughts and ideas to contribute.

 Jace is a guy who is quite sure of himself.  He does not attach readily to others and we find out why that is.  He leads life knowing what he is and how to accomplish his tasks.  He is a black and white, laws are laws kind of guy...no questions..that is until Clary comes into his life.  She rattles him to where he starts to think beyond himself, his tasks. 

Clary - the central character is thrown into a world so far from her own.  She learns many things about her family and herself.  She shows much courage in the face of danger.  Yet, she is the character that has the most growth to do.  Yes, Jace has a lot to deal with and learn but Clary was so isolated about truths that she has a lot to learn not only in facts but in how to handle herself - to evolve from courage to one with courage and strength to settle matters on her own.

 

I think that City of Bones did a good job bringing these characters together.  I was pleased with this ensemble of strengths and weaknesses.

Overall,  I really enjoy the storyline of the Shadowhunters in a world where there are demons, warlocks, werewolves and vampires which all  live in the same world with the mundanes (humans).  

City of Bones is a book that I think my 13 1/2 yo daughter will enjoy.

I will caution you to not read reviews that give away too much about the characters and the nature of the story. I am afraid that if you do, the story will be ruined.  Sometimes, I feel it is better when reviews leave out who is with who, what twist and turns happens, etc.  When those things are revealed the book is in jeopardy of being spoilt for the one who will be reading the book. City of Bones is a book that I do think would not hold up well to those type of revelations.

Rating:  4/5 stars.

The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Wizard Heir

by Cinda Williams Chima

copyright 2007

Challenge:  Kid's Choice...was to be...

From the back cover

Sixteen-year-old Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of one exclusive private school after another.  And it's not his attitude that's the problem: it's the trial of magical accidents-lately, disasters-that follow in his wake.  Seph is a wizard, orphaned and untrained, and his powers are escalating out of control.

First sentence

Their target was a run-down three-story building in an area of the City of London that had not yet been gentrified.

The Wizard Heir is the second book of The Heir Trilogy.  I really had enjoyed The Warrior Heir so I had high hopes for this book.

The Wizard Heir failed to capture me in the beginning as the first book accomplished.  I did find myself interested in Seph and his journey but it really took me until around the fourth chapter.  The character of Seph really started to take off and develop at this point.

Seph started off as a wayward boy who is struggling to find and understand himself.  He did not have strength of character or at least it was not evident in the beginning.  We do eventually see that Seph does have strength of determination, a solid sense to do right and much courage.  He is resilient.  I was pleased to see his character grow, mature and make good decisions.  Truly, for a child who was left without much guidance, Seph is quit strong.  Seph has a powerful gift of wizardry and he struggles to learn how to control this gift.  He is untaught and eager to learn.

The same as in The Warrior Heir, I found that Linda and Hastenings to be the central, strong foundation.  Again, they are the characters that I am most drawn to.

The Wizard Heir is packed with adventure, good vs evil, courage, finding oneself.  It is about relationships and has some romance.  Although, romance is not the main focus.

One thing did bother me a bit, the evil aspect lent itself a bit to a cultish feeling. It was one scene that made me go "whoa".  This scene is quickly turned to a positive/courageous decision.  Would this be enough for me to discourage my 13yo from reading this book-no-but, it would be something for us to discuss.  This is a fantasy book - not a recipe book and the strength lays within the good.

The Wizard Heir is a good read but lacking some of the intrigue that The Warrior Heir contained.

Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Rating 3.5/5 stars

Thursday Tunes: Pink

Thursday Tunes is hosted by S. Krishna's Books.  

Each week music will be showcased.  Join in on the fun, share what you are listening to, what music artist you have discovered, to see what others are showcasing, etc. 

S.Krishna's Books - Thursday Tunes 

This week, I am showcasing ....

Pink

Ok...I know.  She is heard of and not an up and coming star.  She is a star.  The thing is...we did not pay much attention to her until the Funhouse album.  The song that drew our attention was So What!   Yeah...why?  I love the edge the song has.  There are times when I want to listen to music that just rocks...that has an edge- there's energy.  Pink seems aggressive and on the edge and honestly, I do not care much for her protrayed lifestyle but gosh...she has a great look.  Regardless of her protrayed lifestlye-living on the edge -

Pink's music rocks.  I also greatly appreciate that she writes or co/writes her music.  So, my question, will Pink's music continue to have energy...with an edge when she is older?  My dh and I have decided that young artists that sing with angst usually do not have that type of energy when they are older.  Only time will tell.

We own the Funhouse cd...we like just about every song on this disc.  

Take a listen (you need to pause my playlist  music which is located on my sidebar - right side - down towards the bottom).

Teaser Tuesdays - April 28

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.  Share with 

us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given! 

Please avoid spoilers!

My Teasers:  This time, I am using more than two sentences.

"I'll kiss them and make them better," he said when he saw my bruises.

I slid one foot back to balance myself and raised my arms, hands fisted, into blocking positions.  "Try and I'll bruise you."  I actually said it out loud. 

Terrier (The Legend of Beka Cooper, book 1)  by Tamora Pierce, page 197

What's On Your Nightstand? May 2009

5 Minutes for Books asks once a month - What is on your nightstand? 

I am posting about my goals for the month of May.  

The books that I have on my plan for reading.

Outlander Challenge 2009

Seriously, I so love...yes, love this series!  I could have been done with this book in April but I am so not ready  to stop reading about Claire and Jamie.  I purposely held off reading this book...book 6.  I started reading it but decided to set it aside until May.  I did not set it aside because it was a bad read, a slow read no...I set it aside to savor these books.

A breath of Snow and Ashes, book 6

Ranger's Apprentice Series Challenge

(this is my own personal challenge - I want to read this series including the ARC I received before it's U.S. release in August 2009 - a total of 6 books)

Author:  John Flanagan

The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 5)

Once Upon A Time III Challenge - Quest the First

Daughter of the Forest 

by  Juliet Marillier (Folklore)

Ysabel 

by Guy Gavriel Kay (Fantasy)

The Kingmaking 

by Helen Hollick

U.S. Presidents Reading Project

John Adams 

by David McCullough

I am using S.Krishna's approach to reading.  I think this approach has been helpful.  I also have been using the audiobook - that is helpful as well.  However, I am still working my way through this book.  I will say...this book, so far, is a good read.  I am enjoying learning about John Adams.  I suppose it has been helpful that I am reading the Outlander series with Claire and Jaime as they are now living in America during John Adams time period.

Mom-Musings : Kids' Choice Pick (this is my own personal challenge - I want to read at least one book/month that one of my girls are reading or read.)

and

Read Together Challenge

The Strictest School in the World (EJ - Read Aloud)

by Howard Whitehouse

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks  (ED - Read Aloud)

by E. Lockhart

The Hunger Games (EM and ED) (Read together with EM)

by Suzanne Collins

Artemis Fowl:  The Eternity Code (book 3) (EJ)

by Eoin Colfer

So... a few of Kid's Choice are from last month.  We did not finish our Read Together books so I am extended them through May.

For my own personal non-challenge enjoyment

    

The One Year Chronological Bible

Scarlet

by Stephen Lawhead

Dead and Gone  (Book 9)

by Charlaine Harris

This is my plan.  Will I finish all these books?  Not sure.  I probably will add in books based on my whim...whim of moods.  I am excited about all the selections for the month of May.

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Warrior Heir

by Cinda Williams Chima

copyright 2006

Challenge:  Kid's Choice (it was suppose to be...anyways.)

From the back cover

Before he knew about the Roses, sixteen-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity.  Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart form the other high schoolers.  Then one day Jack skips his medicine.  Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before....Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself: he is Weirland...he is a Warrior.

First Sentence

The Scent of wood smoke and roses always took him back there, to the boy he was and would never be again.

I found Warrior Heir to be an intriguing novel.  The book pulled me into the fantasy world of Weirland.  The prologue intrigued me and the book did not fail to deliver twists and turns.  I found that I needed to pay attention to my reading as the details were important to understand the Wizards, Enchanters and Warriors.  I appreciated the details.

Jack was an interesting character but I was more drawn to Hastenings and Linda.  I want to read more about those two characters - their past and how they have come to were they are now.  However, I would love to read more about Jack - to see him develop into a powerful warrior leader.  

Warrior Heir is not a romance-relationship type story.  Although, those elements do exist.  It is more of an action fantasy story.

Weirland characters are born with a special power of either a wizard, warrior, enchanter, sorcerer, soothsayer.  I did not find the powers being drawn from another source but more of a gift that was given and each Weirland character needed to learn how to use, control and understand their particular power.  

The storyline certainly kept me reading and wanting more.

I looked forward to reading the next book in the series - The Wizard Heir.

Kid's Choice - this was a book EM requested.  She has said to me that she picked the book up, read the first chapter and put it back down.  Why?  It bored her.  Oh well, win some-loose some.

Young Adult Fiction

Rating: 4/5 stars

Ranger's Apprentice: The Icebound Land (Book 3) by John Flanagan

Ranger's Apprentice: The Icebound Land (Book 3) 

by John Flanagan

copyright 2006

Challenge:  Ranger's Apprentice Challenge (my own challenge)

Back Cover:

Kidnapped and taken to a frozen land after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship.  Halt has sworn to rescue his young apprentice, and he will do anything to keep his promise-even defy his King.

Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will's friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia.  On their way, they are challenged again and again by freelance knights-but Horace knows a thing or two about combat.  Soon his skills begin to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around.  But will he and Halt be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?

First Sentence:

The Wolfship was only a few hours from Cape Shelter when the massive storm hit them.

I seriously am liking the Ranger's Apprentice series.  This third book in the series held my attention. Again, we have some great characters thrust into situations that demand their quickness of thought, calmness, strength, courage, loyalty.... chivalry.

Will and Evanlyn are trying to survive...survive the life of slaves.  Will has such strength of character that he knows to hold his temper and not be baited into a fight but even with this strength he finds himself in a predicament that I was shocked to learn of.  It saddened me to see this situation take away Will's zest for life.  Evanlyn, she is a fighter, courageous and strong.  She becomes a central role in Will's fight for survival.

Halt and Horace- while on their way to find Will and Evanlyn - find themselves in situations that put Horace's skills into action.  Halt continues to be a strong adult character.  Halt is a central player - I truly appreciate his lead with Horace.

Jarl Erak was a surprising character for me...he became likable.  Why?  His character tends to be closer to that of Halt and Will.  Yes, he is a raider, he is fierce but he also tries to be just in his actions.  The Skandia people are brutes, Erak while being a brute does have some honor.

The Icebound Land did not fail to deliver in an action packed story.  A story that has a beginning, middle and ending...a story that was not compromised for action.

I look forward to the next installment -  The Battle for Skandia

Rating 4/5 stars

The King's Daughter by Sandra Worth

The King's Daughter

by Sandra Worth

copyright 2008

Back cover

Some are destined for greatness, few more so than Elizabeth of York.  Yet while she was the only English queen to have been a wife, daughter, sister, niece, and mother to English Kings, the legacy of her noble spirit and love of country far outweigh her impressive bloodline.  In this groundbreaking novel, award-winning author Sandra Worth brings us the first complete account of the people's queen, "Elizabeth the Good".

First Sentence

Hoodman's Bluff was so much fun with my Father!

I first started reading this book with the intention to read a few pages to see if I wanted this to be the next book for reading.  Before I knew it, I was on page 75.  The story pulled me right in.  It was hard for me to lay down the book for sleep as I wanted to know more.  

The King's Daughter is told from the perspective of King Edward IV's daughter - Elizabeth.  She starts her narration from her tender age of 5 and moves forward.  There is a handy Family chart placed in the front of the book.  I must say, thank God for the chart as all the players involved becomes complex...I lost track a couple if times in regards to who is who.  My goodness, the King/Queen business of the late 1400s and onward is a tricky business of trying to stay one step ahead of those who wish to overthrow and behead. So not the life for me.

As the story progress, I became completely drawn in to where I could not put the book down at all.  Why was I so drawn in?

Elizabeth tugged on my emotions.  She was a girl/woman who accepted her lot/fate in life-she accepted her duty as a royal even though it did not bring her personal happiness.  Elizabeth endeared herself to me for her undying love for her Father and for her deep feelings that she must conduct herself with dignity and choose her words wisely. She was fully aware that she was in a position that could greatly impact those around her...the lives of those she loves.  There were many times that I wish she was more forthright.  However, I fear if she was forthright it would have been the doom for her.  I wonder, if she stood up to her Mother, would things have been different?  I felt great sorrow for Elizabeth as she did not feel she could make no other choices than she did.  Even when the outcomes were not to her liking, Elizabeth continued to make her choices based on what she thought would do the most good for the crown, for the people, for her family...

I find myself fascinated by the Royals during this 1400-1600 time period.  I find myself in awe of their power..in awe and revolted.  I find myself feeling sorrow for those women who could do much good but are powerless.  They seem to have constraints put upon them that if they were to do other than expected - their lives would be put in the mercy of those in power. The Kings I found to be interesting but the one that interested me the most was King Richard III.  I truly would like to know more of him as this book put him in a good light rather than the dark light he has been portrayed.

 

The power of this book is in the writing.  The author wrote this book through the eyes of Elizabeth which made the story feel very personal.  The writing had me wanting to know more of Elizabeth's life, King Richard III, Queen Anne and that of the Tudors - especially Henry VIII.  Yet, at the same time, I do not want to know more of Henry VIII as he is a bit evil.  

Ahh...such sadness, such turmoil, such honor, such love, such despair, such joy, such loyalty, such belief, such duty...

The King's Daughter was wonderfully written.

The end of novel, Sandra Worth gave us her Author's Note which gave me historical insight.  I found the note interesting.  I greatly appreciated this historical insight.

I highly recommend this book for those who like historical fiction.

Rating: 5/5  

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Faefever

by  Karen Marie Moning

copyright 2008

Challenge:  None - for my own reading enjoyment

Back Cover:

He calls me his Queen of the Night.  I'd die for him.  I'd kill for him, too.  When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister's journal, she is stunned by Alina's desperate words.  And now MacKayla knows that her sister's killer is close.  But evil is closer.  And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt:  For answers.  For revenge.  And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it...

First Sentence:

I'd die for him.

No, wait a minute...that's not where this is supposed to begin.

Ok...this book does not sit well with me!  There is so much retelling of "facts" that it becomes a bit tiresome.  I wanted to see more of Christian MacKelter (by the way...he is connected to the Highlander series - I like the connections between the Highlanders and this Fever series).  I would have liked a bit more interaction between Mac and Barrons.  I know who and what I want Barrons to be...not sure it will happen.  I also know how I want V'Lane to fit in...am not sure that will happen.

Eating Unseelies...ooo...Gross!  Stop doing it!  So not worth it me thinks.

This story had potential to be a story instead of a "filler" until the next book.  Yet..yet, it should be read because there are a few new details to not be missed.

Now...the thing I disliked the most...THE ENDING!!!   It sucked!  I am so not in to these type of cliffhangers in a book.  This ending was not an ending at all.  It was...oh yeah....it was not an ending rather it felt like.... "Hey!  Where is the next chapter?"  Geesh...seriously...so abrupt.  I have and am reading books in a series that make very aware that this type of ending is so not necessary to get one to read the next book which by the way is months from being released.

So...bottom line...read this book if you are reading the Fever series as there are a few good details.  Read it knowing though that it could have been better.

Rating 3/5 stars

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

BloodFever

by Karen Marie Moning

copyright 2007

Challenge:  None - for my own reading enjoyment

Back Cover:

MacKayla Lane's ordinary life underwent a complete makeover when she landed on Ireland's shores and was plunged into a world of deadly sorcery and ancient secrets.

In her fight to stay alive, Mac must find the Sinsar Dubh - a million-year-old book of the blackest magic imaginable, which holds the key to power over both the world of the Fae and of Man.  Pursued by Fae assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she cannot trust...

First sentence:

"You're a difficult woman to find, Ms. Lane," said Inspector O'Duffy as I opened the diamond-paned front door of Barrons Books and Baubles.

Again...another good book with MacKayla Lane as our main character.  That girl is really becoming something.  She has courage and smarts...she is learning.

The story of the Faes and the search for Sinsar Dubh continues to be shrouded in a feel of a mystery.  I am so liking this story.  I am liking that I have a feeling of "whoa...wait a minute...how did that happen?" Once I figure it out, I get it...it makes sense.  I thoroughly like the first person point of view of Mac.  I also liked reading Mac's journal entries.  The journal is helping to give me insights into Mac's mind - her thinking.  I like that.

  

I still am intrigued by Barrons...less so with V'lan and am now curious about MacKelter.  Who are these players?  How are they ultimately going to play out in Mac's life?  What is to become of Mac?  Gosh... I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment - Faefever.

Bloodfever certainly continued down the paranormal path of having me the reader think.

Love it.

Rating:  4/5 stars

Gardening ... You can win an Osais Garden!

This summer I am going to try my hand at gardening...vegetables that is.

I really want our own grown vegetables and it is frugal!

The thing is...we need a place to garden...a structure...a raise garden box. 

I want dh to build me one...soon!

 While searching for raised garden boxes...I ran into a garden site called Backyard Botanical Garden. I like this site...there are some neat tips.  A raised garden like this one would be great. 

DH said that he does not have time to build a raised garden box...hmm...we will see.  

In the meantime, I hope I win an Oasis Garden!  

The giveaway is being held at Resourceful Mommy.  

Check it out...maybe you could win.

Internet Readings - A La Carte...Earth Day...April 22

For those who know me, know that I am not huge green person.  Oh, I love the color green but "Green" as in "environmentalist"...no.  I am just not into the "save the earth" mantra.  I know, blasphemy in this day in age but so be it...this is where I am in my thoughts at this point in my life. Even so, I am a big fan of trying to reuse, repurpose although...I am not good at it.  I like less chemicals in our home cleaning products, I like to try and use all of our food...creatively.  Why?  Well, I am now on a kick of trying to find ways for us to spend less money...to spend less, want less, need less.  I am not this way because of the Earth, because of some big "other than me"reason.  No , frugality is speaking to me because we (my family) needs to spend less.  Frankly, the thought of trying to be frugal (not stingy) seems like a challenge...a challenge that is calling to me and intrigues me.

The following posts appealed to me not because of Earth Day but because of my desire for frugality.

Green Cleaning Products

This post seems great.  I am going to look into all of the products - research the cost for the ingredients and more than likely...make, make, make and use, use, use.  Hopefully, we will like the end results.

Saving Money and the Environment: Where Green and Frugal Meet

This article has some simple and practical ways to reduce consumption and conserve.

Recycled Crafts fro Earth Day

Some cute craft ideas that uses things you probably already have on hand.

What will you do on Earth Day?

Benji already pointed out to me about shutting off our computer.  This will start to be done in our home.

"Green" by Way of Frugality

There are some interesting and doable tips to found in this article.

Washing Machines and Laundry:  Tips for making laundry more frugal

This is a big area for my family.  We have mountains, mountains of laundry.  Even though this article is written for families living in Israel - the article can still apply to us Americans (or where ever you are from).

Before reading this article, I decided to tackle the tip of having family members using their own distinctive towels...this is going to be done here.

Frugal Laundry Tips

Some more tips can always be helpful.  I think I may try the homemade stain remover.

My Tips for Living Green...some great things! by A Patchwork of Books

Air dry our clothes...hmmm...I will have to give this one some thought.  We do have Sigg bottles, my only complaint is that I do not like the metal taste from where I drink.

Considering God's Creation

I really like this blog.  There are some neat tips and ideas linked into this post.

Green Christian Network

Take a look.  There are some real cool ideas for saving money...frugal tips...

PaperBack Swap

I would be remiss if I did not mention a frugal book tip.

I am going to start utilizing this site.  I have books. Lots of books.  Many books that we do not need to keep.  There are many books I want to read but should not buy (frugal wise).  This may be a great way to "recycle" my books while freshening my reading supply.

BookMooch  is another way to "recycle" books.

The Library...this is obvious.  I love utilizing our library.  It has allowed us to read many books that we would not have been able to do otherwise.  

The tip is...utilize your library's online function.  Our local library utilizes ibistro and WorldCat Local.  I log on...search for our books...place a "hold"...the library obtains the book (either from their shelf or interlibrary loan process)...notifies me that the book is ready for pick-up.  Love it!  Also, my library will send out email reminders of when the book is due back...great fee reducing cost function!  Love it!!

Check your library out...