The 'Manchester Craft Market' In New Hampshire!

THE 'MANCHESTER CRAFT MARKET' IN NEW HAMPSHIRE!

By Arianne Plehandzic

Every crafter/artisan dreams of having a place for their work to be displayed for more than a day. Craft fairs only last for a day or so and who can afford a shop of their own. However, Jessica Moores is making that dream come true for hundreds of artisans in New England. Her gift shop titled 'Manchester Craft Market' is located in the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester. Shoppers are welcomed by a huge variety of  local handmade artisan goods. Any handmade shop lover would be delighted to take a peek around. As a featured artisan, I am happy to display my items here. It's cozy and a treat for the eyes! 

LET'S TAKE A TOUR!!

 Pretty displays throughout the whole store!

 Something for everyone...

 I love these glass flowers...!

 I love the little crystals on these fabric wreaths!

 I'm a sucker for hand sewn items...

 Those flower jars on top...!

 Lovely window displays!

 Love those hand painted glasses.

 So cozy...

 So unique...perfect gifts!

 Beautiful display...

Love the artwork!

Back wall where my items are displayed.

My watercolor prints in magnetic frames, rose/lavender bars of soap and my rose scented bath salts in teal jars...so exciting!

My kids were so excited that mama got to put her things in the mall!

Love the 'LOCAL' behind the counter!

Shop owner Jessica Moores 

As an artisan herself...Jessica is delighted to support local artisans! She knows how hard it can be for craftspeople to get their items out there to the public. She also knows how much work they put into their products. It is a true joy for her and she is wonderful to work with! If you are interested in becoming a vendor or you want more information about the shop, visit www.manchestercraftmarket.com

Happy shopping!
xoxo, Arianne

Book Review: Harry's Spooky Surprise!

BOOK REVIEW: HARRY'S SPOOKY SURPRISE!

www.ariannesjoy.blogspot.com

'HARRY'S SPOOKY SURPRISE!'

By N.G.K

Illustrated by Janelle Dimmett

Who else loves new books to read with the kids?!

It is always nice to have a new read to enjoy with the kids. Goodness knows you can get tired of the 'regulars'!! When I was asked to review this book, it peeked my interest because I LOVE Autumn!

Plus it helps to have a cute mouse on the cover!

This morning before school, we had some time to sit and read the book.

The kids got comfortable on my bed and I started to read...

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Right away the kids thought Harry was a cute character. I thought the font was adorable with its cute curls. The opening lines are a little confusing, especially for the kids. 'On the crest of a wave and the wisp of the wind. Harry The Mouse is thinking spooky things'. They weren't quite sure what that meant, although I thought it sounded charming. However, after you turn the page you are draw into what Harry is up to.

WHAT I LIKED:

I really enjoyed the tiny details the illustrator added into the drawings. The birdhouse on the fence, the shooting stars in the sky, the little squirrel in the tree... I also liked how the pictures made you feel cozy with it's deep colors. I like how the author gets the kids attention with the mystery of 'who is blocking the track?!'. The kids get excited and want to figure it out before you turn the page. I liked when the author used cute rhyming like ''Of course!' said the Frog, 'But why do you need that?' It seems rather odd, a chair as big as that". I also enjoyed that fact that-SPOILER ALERT- he is going through all the trouble to do something nice for his wife. That was a very sweet ending!!

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:

Somewhere in the middle of the book, you seem to get lost in the words. Harry is having a conversation with the Mole and then he is suddenly talking to the Bat, even though technically he was talking to the Cat at the beginning of the conversation. It seems a bit jumpy and needs to flow nicer to be understood. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

I thought the book was very charming and cozy. It has some interaction for the kids to enjoy. The length of the book is perfect for a cozy Autumn night! Not too long, but not too short. Took us about ten minutes with our added conversation about the pages. The overall story line is cute. The artwork is detailed and adorable. I give it 5 stars!! I recommend this as your new book for Autumn...the kids will enjoy it!

HAPPY READING!
XOXO, Arianne