Today kicks off a Book Tour Blog Hop for Melissa Stramel’s new book- A year of Making Life Beautiful: 45 projects to bake, grow, craft, and sew throughout the year.
First I’ll start by mentioning the book comes in both spiral bound (love this especially for projects and recipes) and in hard copy if you prefer that as well. The book is full of sweet pictures of kids playing, yummy dishes, gorgeous flowers and of course… quilty projects!
I was really excited about reading through the book because it is something I can totally relate to! Family, farm life, cooking and crafts in one book? Definitely right up my alley. The book is arranged in months. Each month has a quilt pattern, a recipe, usually a craft, something from the garden, and there are several extra non-quilt patterns and some embroider projects as well. In other words- there is something for everybody.
I like that the book also has that homegrown feel to it. It’s like you had someone in your family put it all together and then made copies to hand out to the rest of the family. You know, like a family heirloom full of recipes and favorite projects.
I have to admit one of my favorite things about the book is the variety of recipes on preserving homegrown food. I am really interested in trying my hand at canning this year and the book has several canning recipes that I have to try… salsa, marinara sauce, plum jam…
My husband who looked through the book and didn’t get past the month of February section was pointing at a picture saying, “Yea, you gotta make these ASAP.” Wondering what he was all excited about in a crafty book like this one I glance over to see. As much as I wanted to believe he was talking about the adorable Love Letter cathedral windows pillow he clearly wasn’t. He was practically drooling over the Triple Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. Ha!
So, like I said. There is something for everyone. I think this book would make a great little gift for crafty friends and family. And here is your opportunity to win one for yourself.
To enter: All you have to do is leave me a comment below telling me what is your favorite month of the year and why. Easy enough? I think so!
Giveaway ends: Wednesday, June 20th at 11:59pm EST.
Prize: One copy of Melissa Stramel’s new book- A Year of Making Life Beautiful
Ann
My favorite month of the year is December when every sense is tempted! Decorating, baking, shopping, caroling, cooking, wrapping in warm quilts in front of the fire to watch classic Christmas videos with lots of family surrounding us. Children’s awe of Christmas!
Ng
Hi, my favourite month of the year is February. My birthday and Valentine’s Day are in it. Sometimes Chinese Lunar New Year also coincide with this month.
Min
My favourite month is December. This is the month of Christmas! The shopping malls and main shopping street (orchard road) in Singapore are all decked out in full Christmas lights and decorations; the weather is much cooler (we are a tropical island); the kids are having their long school vacation (I am not too sure if I should be thrilled with this at times though); and if I have saved up enough, it is a time for an oversea holiday too:)
beebee
My favorite month is January. The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, the weather here is cool, and a new year begins. Another year to cherish with my family and give thanks for all the blessings we have.
Sallie
My favorite month is January because I love New Year’s Day and the cooler weather. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this great-looking book!
nettie
November would be my very favorite month of the year! Everything wonderful in my life happened in November. I was born in Nov., was engaged and married in Nov. and my sister was born in November. Thanksgiving is just the “icing on the cake!
Thanks Vanessa for everything you do for the crafting community.
Nettie
Lee
I love October – fall season is my favorite and its my moms, mother in laws and my birthday month! thanks!
Mimi
I love July – summer delight to do as my hearts content!! This book looks right up my alley! Thanks for the chance!!
Jenny
i love planting a garden in May…and get excited about the end of the school year!
Kathy H
I love October, the weather is cooler here and the leaves are at their most colorful. There are apples and cider and lots of fun things to look forward to.
Kathryn Whitehead
As many others have said, my favorite month is probably October. It’s cooler and more colorful than any other month here in Illinois. There is so much crafty stuff that nature provides for free that I feel like this is when I get most of my crafting done. From leaves and pumpkins, to wreaths and gourds, there is just so much color and texture to be explored in those 31 days.
Judith
My favorite day of the year is Halloween! I love all the decorations and the children dress to scare you at the door… TRICK OR TREATS! Plus I get to enjoy the trees changing, smell if pumkin spice in the air. Judith, Texas
MAThu
march– its a wonderful month for me , coz after three months of wait i got my new sewing machine …which is sitting in my table and inspiring me everyday to do/try new projects ….. that has made me to read this 🙂
Debbie
I have to say December, not only because of the Christmas season…just the hustle and bustle of it…going out in the cold….the excitement in children (and those young at heart). Would love to win a copy of this book
Marianne
I have to say my favorite time of the year is January, because you can kind of relax a bit after the holidays, and here on the east coast of Florida, the weather is actually nice, in the 70’s, and I get out to work in the yard, and I can actually wear my jeans!
Marlene
June is my favorite time of year . I was born in June. I was married in June. School always let out in June. I don’t know , there’s just a feeling this time of year .. even though I’m almost 48 years old I still get that “school’s out for summer” feeling 🙂
LisaT
I like September. The temp is cooling down, the leaves will be turning colors soon and the bugs start going whereever they go!
Katie
November ~ the weather here in Denver is generally chilly, but not bitterly cold, everything seems so cozy, things are gearing up for the holiday season, but not crazy yet, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Craftyhomemade
I love October, I don`t know why, but it`s just that month that it`s not to cold and not too hot, and Christmas is almost here. I like it.
Indira
Barb M
My favorite month of the year is August, my birthday month. When the boys were in schhol, it time for getting ready for school to start, new school suppliew & shopping for clothes. An exciting time and a sad time, end of summer. State fairs, produce in abundance from the garden, some canning, freezing. Just an overal busy & fun month.
Tana
I love the Fall….so my favorite month falls in that area. It is November. I love the weather and the holiday that is November. We have so much to be thankful for in the United States and we don’t take time enough to be thankful. This is a month that lets us celebrate and thank the Lord for his blessings. It is the quite before the hustle bustle of December.
Smiles,
Tana
Chicagostyle
It’s hard to pick just one! I like April because all the kiddos are dressed in pastels for Easter, and I like September because it is a symbol of fresh starts with the new school year, but I think my favorite is May because the weather is perfect! The neighbors start coming out from their cozy houses, the hustle and bustle is back, and we are all taking care of our lawns and pruning and planting flowers! It is also nostalgic seeing all the new grads driving around enjoying their summer! Those were the days! It’s like everyone comes out of hibernation for new beginings!
Lauren
My favorite month of the year may be June, because school is out, and I enjoy working in the garden, running in sprinklers, and having picnics with my girls.
Anonymous
my favorite month is April… flowers are blooming; winter is gone; the weather is perfect and all is right with the world again…
Pat K
My favorite month is October, love the leaves changing and the crispness in the air. The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon spices!
ndquiz
My favorite month is January. I love the cold weather and snow. I love wearing warm, cozy sweaters and curling up in front of a fire.
Wibecke Ferreira
my favorite month is September when summer turns into fall and all the colors on the trees change
Garilyn S
I would have to say that June is my favorite. It’s my birthday month (along with alot of my family), but it also really kicks off summer activities.
April Bailey
I would have to say all of the months are my favorite! If I would have to pick one certain one it would be May. We are able to start putting the seeds in the ground, the vegtable garden and flower, herb garden. I love summer months and the beginning of the warm weather, I am able to spend time outside in either/or the vegtable garden and flower/herb garden. I spend more time outside then inside doing crafts, sewing, and quilting during the summer instead of being cooped up inside for the winter.
And at the end of the summer/fall I can do my canning and freezing with the vegtable and herbs (yes, sometimes the flowers) storing them away for the winter and along with the memories!!
~Cassie~
My favorite month is October. It’s right in the middle of the seasons so it’s not to hot, not to cold, and just a weebit rainy.
Jodi - usairdoll
I grew up on a farm and sounds like this book will bring back some great memories. This book is right up my alley as well. Pictures are beautiful. I wish it was favorite season then I’d say Fall. hehe. Guess I will say November. I love the celebrations and spending time with family and friends.
Thank you and Melissa for a great giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
grammypink
First let me thank you for the awesome giveaway. My favorite month is February,why February is a fun month to share the love. I love making homemade candy,jewlery,bathsalts,pillows,blankets for my 7 grandkiddos ages 13 to 1. We make somethings together for thier parents for Valentines Day,and Annivarsary. I always make a home made gift for my honey that reflects the previous year. I also love Feb. for in sunny Cali it is a month to more then not give us a nice cold rain to snuggle with those you love. And my oldest son and myself are February babies, and both my daughter and son were married to thier loves in the month of Feburary,so without that month thier would be no me,no son,no weddings that led to glorious blessing known as our 7 grandkiddos.So February is my blessed month.
МамаФиалка
Thank you and Melissa for a great giveaway and a chance to win
My favorite month is October.
I love Autumn
I love the yellow leaves
I love to walk in the park strewn with leaves
I love the rain!
Diana
Thanks for the great giveaway, October is my favorite month. I’m from upstate NY and the beauty of the trees is awesome. The reds, oranges, and yellows are so fabulous.
Beth
My favorite month is probably October. I am amazed at the autumn colors–we moved north after living in Southern California, so autumn was a revelation for us. I love the scents, the colors, the chill in the air.
wordygirl at earthlink dot net
Heidi
I’d have to say December. My birthday and anniversary are that month. I love Christmastime too.
Twiga
My birthday month of June. I love the summer. Thanks for giveaway.
Karrie S
I love May. It’s my bday month, school is getting out for the summer, and it’s an exciting time of the year. Thanks for the chance to win
Kristi
I love the air in the month of April, that is when the fields smell like manure-weird I know-but that is how I know Spring has officially sprung! I can’t wait to get into warmer weather after winter time.
kidshomelove at yahoo dot com
012d40dc-b454-11e1-b5f6-000f20980440
My favorite month of the year is definitely December. It is ma favorite for many reasons, first it’s Christmas and holidays everyone is in a cherry mood. People seem to come together and give and be charitable. There’s lots of family gatherings and and lots of yummy food and they it’s wrapped up with wonderful thoughts for the coming year.
Absolutely Marvelous Treasures
I have two favorite months and I can’t possibly choose just one of them. My two favorite months are October and November. My Oldest boy was born in October and my youngest was born in November. I enjoy celebrating their lives, throwing them parties, seeing the joy in their faces as they are opening gifts, and loving the fact that these two boys bring such joy into my life every day of the year!
kantuckee
September is
Change in the air with a bite of excitement
Leaves with their different colors
The smell of the wet ground
Chilly rain and warm fires
The incense of burning leaves
An exciting promise of things to come
The first celebration of our holiday season!
Gil C.
My fav month is…well I’m not really sure.
Now that we moved from a tropical climate to the Midwest, I like Spring. All the beautiful flowers poking up through the ground. June has special meaning to me – I lost my Dad who I loved so very much. Then there are the patriotic months. October has Halloween in it…we are huge fans in our house of this holiday. November brings the family together for festivities and to watch football. December…well let’s just say thatI have a thing for ole Saint Nick. And in January we start all over again.
Deb Brennan
My favorite month is April. It starts you off laughing with April Fool’s (my wedding anniversary!). It melts the winter blues and gets me in the mood to clean up and start fresh. Whether it’s in the garden, or in my closet!
Mary Jane
My favorite month is November. It is a wonderful time for family and friends with the beckoning of rest and renewal over winter around the corner. Allergies are less wild and the air contains a hint of crispness (at least in the deep south).
Kathy Kauth
My favorite time of the year is December, making gifts and decorating and baking and entertaining and precious time with family, making memories to last a lifetime.
Ann Michelle
March!!!! I celebrate March 1st every year friends and family put up with my antics on that day. Why? Because March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”. It’s the beginning of consistent spring weather… Although we may still get some cold weather through out the month, there is definitely a smaller chance of it as each day goes by! Here in Texas, we start working on the yard, planning and tilling the garden, the BBQer gets fired up and we eat outdoors more often than not. YES!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MARCH!
quilary
Deceember – it’s my birthday month and Christmas as well!
robynsews
June is my favorite month….summer, play time, baseball and my birth month. But, then March is my favorite month…..spring, baseball, the world waking up in color. But, then again, December is my favorite month. Decorating for the holidays and making gifts and creating a sense of magic and awe for the children around me. I have lots of favorites, mostly seasonal.
Margaret
I love October. I love getting ready for fall and putting up all the decorations and making costumes for Halloween.
Shirley
June is my most favorite month….I was born in June. June starts summer, my most favorite time of the year. Flowers are beginning to bloom so beatifully, vegetable gardens are beginning to produce here in North Carolina and oh yes, it is so beautiful from the mountains of North Carolina to the beaches. Come and enjoy all the lovely weather we have to offer in NC during the month of June!!
Anonymous
June is my fav. It’s the start of summer. The weather is nice here in VA and the days are longer. More quilting/crafting time plus time to get outdoors. Looks like a nice book. Thanks for the give away! Tammy Mabry
Lauren Jimenez
My favorite has always been October! I live in Miami so there really aren’t any seasons except Summer, but October has always been that time when there might be the one or two days of cool autumn breezes and getting anxious for both Thnaksgiving and Christmas.
Seams Unique ~ n Simple Pleasures
My favorite month of the year is what ever one I am in at the present!! (The older I get, the more I realize that) There is so much to enjoy and celebrate in each and every one. Tomorrow is not promised to us, so I believe it is important to seize the day and find the joy, beauty, and inspiration in each day and each month. I love to bake, garden, sew, quilt, landscape, photograph, and my family is the delight of my life. Doing things with them, making things for them, spending time together…….and every single month is perfect for appreciating them, as well as friends. I love your new book, and will look forward to using it, whether I win it or have to buy it for myself. Thank you for bringing some inspiration to my days and joy thru your blog, trash to treasures ideas and videos. You are a real delight! Blessings to you and your family~
Josanne
August is my favourite month, with my Anniversary on the 14th and birthday on the 23rd 😀
[email protected]
hueisei
My favorite month of the year is August. I’m celebrate my birthday and my son birthday together 🙂
Linda
My favorite month might be May. It is getting warmer, but not hot yet. Planting is going on….there is hope of a harvest. Love the look of the book. Enjoy your blog.
Anonymous
My favorite month is May. I have always loved Mother’s day! What a wonderful person to celebrate. Where would we be without our Mothers!
Genevieve
My favorite month is May because that’s when my kids are finish with their school year. We all breathe a little easier, big weekend breakfasts are no longer just for the weekends, we start on crafts/projects we’ve been planning all school year, have our goofy school’s-done-its-time-for-summer “fashion show” (lots of black mail pics when they’re all grown), and we laugh a lot.
Thanks for the opp to win!
Genevieve
elizabeth
I love the month of October! The colors of the leaves on the trees, the pumpkin patches, and all the fall baking! This month also really kicks off the projects for the holidays for me!
cleverblonde
I sure do want a copy of A Year of Making Life Beautiful, it looks lovely. My favorite month is October. Over here in Tropical Australia our winter is definitely over and the gardens and bird life are full of life. I too come alive as its great time of year for getting outdoors. Christmas is drawing near so it’s time to prepare and get excited. And also: its my birthday month.
Rejina Tyson
That pillow is amazing! I thought the hubs was talking about it too! LOL. But the cupcakes are more like it. 😉 This book seems pretty amazing. BTW, August is my fav month because a lot of great things happened in August from special bdays to special anniversaries. 😉
Knittingdancer on Ravelry
My favorite is April when are the flowers and trees are blooming. Everything looks so fresh and new.
Diann
My favorite is April when daffodils and cherry blossoms bloom. Also, the weather is finally starting to get warm.
Goosegirl
Oh fun! My favorite month is July because it is my birthday month and the weather is usually pretty wonderful. The kids are off from school so we can sleep in and go on fun adventures. The evenings are warm so we can sit outside late into the night singing while my hubby plays guitar. And we cook outside and eat lots of goodies from the garden. Yes, July is my month.
Thank you for the chance. Melissa is wonderful!
MoeWest
My favourite month of the year is December. I love Christmas! Thanks for the chance to win this book. It looks like a great one.
Anonymous
May is my favourite month. Weather has cooled down, a little bit of bite early in morning, cool nights make sleeping easier. Able to take long walks in daytime, watching trees start changing colour. Just love the crispness in the air!
Robyn
jorja89atyahoodotcomdotau
Anonymous
My favorite month of the year is April. Winter is ending, Spring is starting, and I’m anticipating Summer. The jonquils start blooming and popping up everywhere.
Elisa
My favorite month of the year is January. The year is begining and hope of renovation is in the air!
trudie
September of course, my birthday month. Also the beginning of the slow down from summer heat and activities and the beginning of the coming holiday season. How could you not love September?
KatieQ
My favorite month of the year is September. I love collecting and preserving the harvest from my garden. The temperatures are still mild, but the evenings are crisp and cool. As a hold over from my school days, I always feel like September is the beginning of a New Year rather than January.
Lopexnancy
My favorite month hands down is October, when the leaves here have turned a bright color of orange and red. As a child, I had so many dreams, then real life takes over. Halloween in October takes me back to that place, the little girl in me that dreamed to be anything and everything! I always say, ” it’s the only time of year you can be anything you dare to dream!” I always feel so creative and inspired during this month, and there are no limits with crafting/ sewing, etc. The weather is perfect, the time of year inspiring, October just ROCKS!!
Cherilyn
I love December and the Christmas season. This book looks fun! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Celeste - South Africa
Oh WoW!! This book looks amazing!! My favourite month of the year is December. Not only is it my birthday month but also the month of Christmas. The weather is warm and the spirit of Christmas is everywhere.
Needled Mom
Ha! Maybe you could make the pillow and tell him that you misunderstood him. It is a gorgeous pillow! My favorite month is May.
sandyandcosmo
My favorite month is October, there’s nothing I don’t like about it! The sunny days, the cool evenings, the fall colors and food, and of course, Halloween!
LeAnne
Don’t really have a favorite month. I just like the changing of the seasons. I must get bored easily. When it’s too warm, I want fall to hurry up and get here. When it’s fall, I want it to be Christmas. When it’s too cold, I’m ready for spring. Can’t wait to see the other projects in this book.
Carrie P.
I am enjoying this book tour. The book looks like something I would really like. The photos are so inspirational.
My favorite month is probably October. By then I am so tired of the summer heat and humidity even though I love what it does for my garden.
thanks for a chance.
Your little boy is so cute picking blueberries. It won’t be long before we get to do the same things.
Anonymous
My favorite month is July because of Independence Day. Every year I like to make quilts, pillows, wall hangings and such in red, white and blue for soldiers. This looks like a fantastic book and I can’t wait to try some of the projects, crafts and recipes. [email protected]
Kathleen
my favorite month is October….I love to see the trees turn a beautiful bronze and yellow, the pumpkins and corn fields…but I love this book, I think it really has a lot of fun ideas…
Carol Meyer
October, because in phx, az that’s when the weather starts (no longer over 100)to cool off. And I always say you can smell fall in the air.
Anonymous
Hi Vanessa – just found your blog and tutorials this week. I made a pillowcase dress for my granddaughter – it had been a while since my last pillowcase dress and your tutorial was the perfect refresher – thank you!! Would have to pick October as my fav month – I love fall and it takes a while for it to hit us here in Texas!! Love the ideas in the new book for happy home living……[email protected]
Sherry
It is hard to choose a favorite month but I do believe I would choose October as I love fall and the rush of September is over and we can look ahead to Thanksgiving and Christmas. I usually spend time in October getting a good start on handmade gifts for Christmas.
Christal Espinosa
October is my most favorite month. I love the smell in the air as the leaves are turning. The cool nights to gather around a fire with the family. Oh, here at the Lake of The Ozarks the colorful leaves on the trees around the lake is a sight to see. October is a family month for me. I feel that in this month when the weather starts to cool it brings the family in together.
Anonymous
I love October and April – for the same reasons…it’s not too cold and not too hot; anticipation of the up coming season (Spring/Fall); the air has a magic smell to it; the leaves are changing…etc. Thanks for a chance to win. Laurie
[email protected]
Lisa
December is my favorite month. I love giving Christmas present! I buy or make the presents all year long trying to get the best gift for each person! Would love a copy of this book!
pbs.seams
I really enjoy fall, the colors, the crispness of the air, cuddling in a blanket when you’re reading.
Jeanne Gwin
I love the fall, it is the quiet transition from the summer heat to cool autumn days just begging for us to go for a walk in the woods. Sitting out on the back deck watching the deer come out of hiding to eat at dusk. They are no longer afraid of us as they know we won’t harm them.
Joan
I think December is my favorite month. My favorite quilts are all the Christmas ones and I’ve made so many that I have to rotate them through the holidays. I love to hang the stockings my aunt knit for us when we were born. The traditions are so special that our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are exactly the same and always have been…. for more years than I’d like to admit…..
HelenMarie
I would love to win a copy of this book… so many projects and recipes! my favorite time of year is fall… cool crips days… brightly colored trees… love walking this time of year.. not too hot or too cold.
Sharon
My favorite month is July. Most important of all it is Christmas in July at the craft stores!!! It is has 31 days of warm summer days. Enjoying the events of Independence Day honoring the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. A time for picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and to remind us why we should fly the American flag. In our house this also is the month we also celebrate the birth of life…a second chance… my daughter who is 23 years old is a 4 year brain cancer survivor.
Gill
I love June! It has the longest day, midsummers day (not that we’ve had any summer yet!!) and my beautiful son’s birthday
Lisas Mom
My favorite month is June. My birthday, the county fair and my favorite “Shop Hop all fall in June. 🙂
ellen
my favorite month is July warm and sunny and working in my garden is pure pleasure.
Shelley
My favorite month of the year would have to August…the bugs are gone and it’s still hot enough to swim 🙂
Deb
April is my birthday month and Spring!
Donna F
My favorite month is May. It’s beautiful outside and its the month for my birthday!
Sarah E. White
Probably April where I live, because it’s getting warm but not too hot, no bugs yet, and everything is coming alive.
June D
I look forward to May. The weather is even more beautiful – but the work cycle calms down. I always feel like it’s a new opportunity to get caught up and enjoy!
Rachael H
I love July because it has my favorite holiday….the 4th!! No pressure of buying gifts, making big huge meals, stress, shopping, going broke. Nope, the 4th of July is just filled with fun with my family, fireworks, glow sticks, sparklers and a BIG can of mosquito spray!
Inge Lise
I love the month of July – the flowers are in full bloom and the best of everything: my to grandchildren, Anna 5 years and Ellen 8 years, coming on vacation – they live far away so we do not see them often.
Jo
I love October- sewing costumes, Hay rides, pumpkin carving, candy! and looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Karen O
Maybe I am getting this comment in under the wire. 🙂 My favorite month is May – when my daughter was born and when the earth seems to be reborn each year.
Marla Nelson
Fall is always mu favorite time of the year. I love the colours with the changing of the leaves. The cooler days. [email protected]
Gasafe Concorde
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