Book Review - Ready Or Not the next Nom Nom Paleo book.

Ready or Not!: 150+ Make-Ahead, Make-Over, and Make-Now Recipes by Nom Nom Paleo by Michelle Tam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not a Paleo dieter but I do love many of the Paleo recipes and the Nom Nom crew have done it again with this book.
They are always creative and usually quite easy to make, although there are a few harder ones.
I love the background behind it all that she puts into the book.
All I can say is even if you aren't a strict paleo eater then you can still enjoy the Nom Nom books, this one is my new fav.
I received an e-copy of this book in return for an honest review but I know I need a proper copy for my kitchen now.


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Book Review - Balanced & Barefoot by Angla Hanscom

Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am 100% in favour of children spending as much time outdoors, climbing trees and running barefoot in the grass.
Therefore I did enjoy this book.
Some of the theories she presents on how this lack of play is affecting children takes things a little too far.
overall a good read.
I do notice with my own children that when they are cooped up inside too long they go crazy.
I think this is an issue that many primary schools need to address more also, there are some children that need more outside time than others.
I also agree that children need to be left alone outside to their own devices for periods of time as they get older. So many parents don't let their children learn to think, fall, scrape their knees and problem solve by themselves, especially in an outside environment.
Overall my children are a little big now for this book to make too much difference but I am pleased that without even knowing I have followed many advices this book gives and my children are happy and healthy because of this.
I received this book for free in e-book format in return for an honest review.


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BOOK REVIEW: Dead Level by Damien Boyd

Dead Level

The DI Nick Dixon Crime Series, Book 5

by Damien Boyd

Thomas & Mercer

Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (Adult)

Description

In the early hours of Christmas Eve, the wife of parliamentary candidate Tom Perry is brutally murdered in an apparent burglary gone wrong.

With the by-election campaign about to start in earnest, and the festive season in full swing, torrential rain brings with it flood warnings on the Somerset Levels.

Suspended on full pay and transferred to the cold case unit, Detective Inspector Nick Dixon is languishing on the sidelines as the investigation into Elizabeth Perry’s murder unravels and the floodwaters rise.

Returning to duty, Dixon is convinced that the answer lies hidden in Tom Perry’s political life, but why was Elizabeth the target and not her husband? The more Dixon uncovers, the further he is from finding the truth.…

Dead Level is the fifth novel in Damien Boyd’s addictive DI Nick Dixon Crime Series.

REVIEW

I love this series of books. Each book can be read stand alone if you haven't read the precious ones but if you are like me and like to read all of a series from the beginning you will love all of these.
Damien Boyd writes an awesome crime novel, his characters are real, they have opinions, they have flaws and DI Nick Dixon is such a great character. He has flaws but his moral and ethical code are so strong. His instincts speak to him but they don't give him too much information, he has to work his way through the evidence and suspects.  With the help of his girfriend/colleague DC Winter and the other members of the team he works his way through another murder crime that is relevant and current to the world around us today and keeps you guessing right to the end.
I love that he is a real man, with a real health issue that he also has to battle, he has real demons from his past and also a future that he is trying to build.
Again I will say, I love all these books and can't wait for the next one

BOOK REVIEW: Buttercream Dreams by Jeff Martin

"Buttercream Dreams"

Small Cakes, Big Scoops, and Sweet Treats

By Jeff Martin & Andrews McMeel Publishing

5 Stars.

Chock full of such delicious recipes I really didn't know where to start.
As a total bonus there was a section on Ice Cream and another with some cookies and other baked treats.
I was very impressed with the range of different cupcake recipes and also the way they had their own matching icing recipes.
They are all very simple to make with their wonderful differences in flavour and looks.
I have now made 3 of the different varieties and they have all been very easy and so delicious once cooked.
I have also had a go at one of the ice-creams and it worked out very well even though it was my first time making ice-cream.
This book has made my family very happy and increased my dessert inventory substantially.

I received no
payment in any form for this review.....

It was an Advance
Reader Copy book for review.

Book Review: Herbal Goddess by Amy Jirsa

Feedback for "Herbal Goddess"

Discover the Amazing Spirit of 12 Healing Herbs with Teas, Potions, Salves, Food, Yoga, and More

By Amy Jirsa & Storey Publishing

5 Stars

So much goodness from only 12 herbs.

I loved this book and here are my reasons.

1. The look, it's just beautiful to look at, from the second you open it you are presented with gorgeous photo's, that fill the page and also create the background. The different font styles used, the colours, the setting out of chapters and sections. It's all just a gorgeous book to look at.

2. The information. Now if you are just not interested in herbs at all, you may be one of those that think it's all hippy mumbo-jumbo, then this book is not for you.  BUT...

If you have even just a teeny bit of interest in herbs and what they can do then I recommend this book highly.

She has taken just 12 herbs, many of which you could find in the yard, the park, the side of the road or a nearby farm.  You could grow them all yourself if you wish, most would grow easily.

These 12 herbs can do so much, I thought I knew a little about herbs but I hardly knew anything.

The amount of information packed into this book on those 12 herbs is amazing.

There is a variety of sections for each herb with all the ways you can use them in cooking, beauty, for the mind, even yoga poses chosen to compliment the individual herb.

There is even more but then this review would get too long.

Have I mentioned how much I loved it, well I do and I will be using it a lot.

I received no
payment in any form for this review.....

It was an Advance
Reader Copy book for review.

BOOK REVIEW: Hand Stitched Home by Susan Beal

"Hand-Stitched Home"

Projects to Sew with Pendleton® & Other Wools  by Susan Beal

 

I rate it 4 Stars

Review

This is a beautiful book, to look at.

When I requested to read this book I didn't realise that it was all about using wool and fabric from Pendleton Wool Mill for the projects.

The Author obviously has a deep love and respect for the fabrics and products produced by Pendleton, just reading her words makes me want to own a few pieces and get myself some fabric to use for myself too..

There is a wonderful piece on the history of the company, their production methods and designs that is very interesting, she then goes onto give information about wool, weights and uses.

There are some basics on sewing implements, stitching and piecing then you get right into the projects of which there are 25, they range from quite simple to more difficult applique and piecing.  None of them are extremely difficult but all are very well outlined, explained with some great diagrams and photos.

They all give you the type and weight of pendleton wool that is used which is helpful if you need to substitute, and some give you substitution ideas too..

This book made me want to get some wool and make a cushion or a blanket or a scarf and I am looking forward to the cooler weather when I will do just that.

BOOK REVIEW: Stitch it Simple by Beth Sheard

"Stitch It Simple" by Beth Sheard

I rate it 4 stars

A gorgeous book.

A lovely book to look through and many lovely projects.

The projects are exactly as the title suggests, simple but I found them very effective. and not to be thought bland.

A simple introduction to a few hand stitches, a couple of basic sewing tips and you get straight into the projects.

Lots of cute designs, applique, stuffed items, hanging items, bags, bunting, cushions and so much more..

this book would suit a beginner and intermediate, or just someone looking for a cute whimsical project.

I don't think any of the projects would take weeks to complete either which is appealing., there are 25 projects included and you could quite easily chop and change them using one template or another for the different finished products.

Overall a lovely book, I may even do some hand stitching for a change this year.

I received no payment in any form for this review.....

It was an Advance Reader Copy book for review

BOOK REVIEW: Lucky Spools Essential Guide to Modern Quiltmaking

BOOK REVIEW

"Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making"

I rate it 5 Stars

A gorgeous quilting book.

Yes there are lots of quilting books out there and these days there are lots of books on Modern Quilting but this one just made sense to me.

It has a wonderful section on colour, all the hues, variations, saturations and so on, this is not my strong point but I read this section thoroughly and it was written really well with some excellent photo's and diagrams to help along.

Sections on working with solids, prints, structure, improvisation and just about anything you could want to try in a quilt can be found in this book.

As I said there are many books on quilting on the market and some will suit, some won't. This one is thorough, well written, diagramed and photographed..

There are troubleshooting guides all the way through so you don't have to find them in the back of the book, other little tidbits and "Geek" tips.

Patterns galore in many styles and then to my absolute pleasure there is 

"A Study of 50 Modern Quilts" right towards the end, full of pictures and descripitions of 50 different "Modern" quilts.  It's heaven in a book for quilters, I just loved it and now I can't wait for the kids to go back to school so I can get the fabric and the sewing machine out....

I received no payment in any form for this review.....
It was an Advance Reader Copy book for review.

BOOK REVIEW: The Crochet Answer book 2nd ed. by Edie Eckman

The Crochet Answer Book, 2nd Edition by Edie Eckman

I rate it 5 Stars

A very comprehensive Crochet book.....

As the title says it really is The Crochet Answer book, I was so excited to be able to review this book as I have been crocheting for a few years now but still consider myself a bit of a beginner/not quite intermediate.

It is set out in a very clever way with a Question and then the Answer directly after.

It's very comprehensive with chapters on the usual, hooks, yarns and stitches.

But I found it to be much more than your regular how to crochet book and the author says in the introduction that is not what this book is supposed to be.

She is right.

It's got to be every question I could ever think to ask answered all in one book, and then some that I never would have thought to ask.

There is even an explanation as to why some hooks have the dip below the head, I had not even noticed this on my hooks.....

I sat down and went through this book in a few hours and it’s just amazing how much information is packed in, and how well it is written.  Very easy to understand with lots of diagrams on hooks, yarn, reading charts and so on.

There is a section on the unusual varieties of crochet, pattern language and on fitting garments to yourself.

I could go on and on but I really think anyone interested in being able to have all the answers at your fingertips should read it for themselves.

I would recommend this to my crochet friends......

BOOK REVIEW: The Hunger Type Diet by Lowri Turner

Hunger Type Diet by Lowri Turner

I rate it 4 Stars

A new way to look at weight loss.....

I was curious as to how this book would be different from the huge range of diet books already on the market.

I was pleasantly surprised to see it's approach was quite different to anything that I have ever read.

There was quite a bit of information in the first few chapters that is very detailed descriptions on how our bodies and hormones work which then lead into describing how this affects our eating and how the different types of people relate to the different types of hunger.

I admit, the information was almost overwhelming at times, I thought I would just skip some of it and read on but I was glad I didn't, it was all groundwork to better understand my hunger type and how to manage it.

I took the quiz, a very simple yes or no to 33 questions and it was spot on.

I was then given a choice to do a 48 hour rehab before going on my 14 day weight loss food plan, a very detailed menu that is quite realistic.

I am even going to give it a go, it's all food that I can access easily and fit into my regular lifestyle.

I now think I have a better understanding of my eating habits too, it has really opened my eyes and made me look a little closer at what and how I am eating and how I can address any deficiencies in my habits and my diet.

I recommend this to anyone who wants to take a different view of their eating and weight management.

I received no payment in any form for this review.....

It was a NetGalley book for review.

Blogging & Books

I have recently discovered a wonderful website where I joined up and can request books to read and review for publishers all over the place.

How amazing I hear you say, so where can I find such a wonderful website (because if you know me and my love of books you know I am in heaven)....

Well here is my secret......



I am not a very good blogger, I tried very hard to blog about our life on the farm but I keep forgetting and so much happens, but I have noticed that when I decide to review a book or a sewing pattern, I actually manage to post.

So as a result, you can expect to see a few more posts coming up here in the way of book reviews.

These will be books I am reading for Netgalley as well as books I am reading or have read just for me.

They will be both Fiction & Non-Fiction and I really hope that whomever is out there reading enjoys it.

Most of all they will be honest from my heard and with no-compensation given to me at all....

Catch you in a bit with a new book review.......

The Donkey Project....... Day 1

Welcome to a new era in my blogiverse, I have tried to be a good blogger and I usually end up doing a few random posts every few months but yesterday we picked up the 2 newest members of our farm and it's my little project so I am going to blog about it to keep a record of what goes on.
I am going to call it (please forgive my long winded story but the background is just as important).......

The Donkey Project......

It all started with an interview I heard part of on ABC Radio about 18 months ago, the lady was talking about using Donkeys as protection animals and weed control on farms.  I thought it sounded like a great idea and told my husband about it, he agreed it sounded like something we might try but that was about as far as it went.

My mother in law and I talked about it on and off over the next 8 or so months and I tired to get more information on getting a Donkey for our farm but I just couldn't seem to find the right information.

Enter Mic McFarlae from the Hume LHPA (Livestock, Health & Pest Authority, he decided to run a trail project in our area using Donkeys to protect sheep from wild dogs and foxes.

Now this may sound a little odd to alot of you out there... Why do sheep need protecting? What harm can wild dogs do, poor little foxes they are just so cute what harm can they possibly do??????

Lots of questions you may ask like this but to many sheep farmers these 2 pests can literally break your heart and put you out of business.  To many people their sheep are their livelihood and a Wild Dog can devastate a herd of full grown sheep in a matter of a few nights especially then when you have lambs around and they are your next generation of income and you cannot afford for them to be killed.

Foxes too may not be a large animal but they can kill many lambs and have a significant impact on a farmers livelihood.

Around 3 years ago we had our first Wild Dog attacks in our sheep, the first ever that we know of in the history of the family farm, it's not a pleasant thing to happen, the dogs are cruel and more often than not the sheep are left in a very horrible state that requires being put down.  Then the foxes are something we battle all the time especially at Lambing season.

There are many ways that farmers try to combat these 2 problems,  We are lucky to have some very good wild dog trappers in our area and a baiting program that we hope helps with foxes but it's not foolproof.

There are also things like Alpaca's, Llama's, Marema Dogs and then there are Donkeys.

All of these animals are used by farmers by putting them out with their sheep hers and they are supposed to bond with the herd and protect against predators.  There is success stories with all of the above animals being used with sheep but it seems that the humble donkey is the next big thing.

We were lucky to be offered 2 donkeys to have on our farm to be part of the project put together by the wonderful Mic who is a superman and very hands on when it comes to helping out the farmers in his area.

So without further ado please meet................

FLIP & CHIP

The kids chose the names, I have no idea where they got them from.

Flip - lighter colour on the left is a de-sexed male

Chip - darker colour on the right is a female who is going to be a mother soon.

They are super smart and they are going to be my project, I will be getting to know them and hopefully in a week or 2 they will be ready to go out into a herd of sheep after a gradual introduction to the herd.

Winter on the Farm

So after lots of sewing chat lately I thought I would show you a few things that we see/do around the farm during the Winter months.

Let's start off with this little guy who was crossing the road when we were on our way out to the main road last  weekend.

Echidna's are very shy creatures, this little guy heard me coming, hunched his back and dug his claws into the earth so all I could see what his spines, I just crouched quietly and waited for him to stick his nose out for me, can you see it there?????

Some more cuteness for you, we have LOTS of these running around at the moment.

The Lambs are so funny, we have the feed cart on the vehicle and it runs a line of pellets out and the sheep just run stupidly from place to place getting pellets, the Lambs all run into a big group sometimes, like a playgroup and they run around, together jumping and playing, very cute indeed.

This little guy got a bit close so got captured for a quick pat.

 And last of all I thought I would show you why I could never go back to living in the city, especially now that I have kids.
Who wouldn't want this playground for their kids.  Sam takes his football everywhere and practices kicking every chance he gets and Jessie just likes to run around after him.

Can you see them all the way down there????

Running and taking a bounce......

Kicking for goal....... and he scores!!!!!!!

It was a perfect Winter day, the sun was out but it was still quite cool and because the grass is shooting green it's quite pretty to look at, a beautiful July day.

Jocole Crossover Tunic/Dress Pattern Review

This is getting to be a scary habit, I am yet again blogging about an awesome sewing pattern I have just made up.

This pattern is another one designed to be used with knit fabric and it looks so much more difficult than it actually is.

The designer is Jocole Sewing Patterns and she has a great range of patterns for Ladies and Girls.  There are some for woven and some for knit fabric also.

I have a large number of her patterns already but this is the first that I have actually cut and sewn up.

The Crossover Tunic/Dress caught my eye as it looked to be flattering and also has a number of lengths you can choose from.  It comes in a Girls or a Ladies option. There was mention of a Sew-a-long so I thought I would take part and see how I go.

There is also a number of free modification tutorials you can download from her store.... yes I said FREE.
This designer is very generous with her tutorials both on her blog and with free modifications for her patterns from the Store.  Blog

The original pattern comes with a cap style sleeve but I chose to modify the pattern to put sleeves on it as I do try to cover my arms up even in Summer due to my large number of Moles on my skin.  

The pattern also comes with great instructions, lots of pictures and many options/instructions on finishing your edges and neckline, these are also free tutorials on her blog.

Here is my finished tunic, it's quite flattering I think, I can wear it with pants, shorts or skirts and I only used 1 meter of fabric for this whole thing.

I mostly used my overlocker but for some parts I did some test sewing on scrap pieces of fabric before doing things like the neckline, hem and sleeve ends.

I am sure you an see the ripples at the front bust, that's my sewing, not the pattern, I rushed a little but it's still VERY wearable and next time (there will definately be a next time) I will be more careful when make a dress length.

It's very versatile, I also want to try mixing up the fabric on top and bottom and using binding around the neckline.

I suggest anyone that has wanted to try sewing with knits go and take a look at some of Jocoles tutorials and instructions on her blog, it has a huge amount of free information and her patterns are wonderful to follow and sew up.

The store has some great Bundle Pack Pricing options too so you can buy multiple patterns for a fraction of the price. Along with some great Mix and Match options you could be set for anything in one visit.

Again I stress I have not been paid or bribed in any way to write this review, I just throught i would share another adventure in my sewing world......

Seafarer Top Sewing Pattern Review

I am fairly new and still a a little scared of sewing with Knit fabric so when I saw this pattern being talked about a month or so ago I thought it looked easy enough to have a go.

The Seafarer Top Pattern by Sew Much Ado

I printed the pattern out, taped it together then it sat around for the next 6 weeks until I had a clean up on the weekend and found a nice piece of fabric I thought would be perfect to try out.

So I cut it out, decided on my options, yes there are a number of options you can choose from, you can have bands on the arms or not, a band around the bottom/hip area, and one around the neckline if you choose.... OR you can choose to do all of those without bands or a combination as I have done.
I nearly forgot there is a pocket option and instructions on adding a lace or ribbon detail down the front

I wanted to experiment too so I cut it out 1 size smaller than I measured to see if it would fit a little closer like a regular t-shirt.

The instructions are VERY good.  Lots of great explanations and pictures to follow, some good suggestions for working with knits for newbies like me and also for handling them a little better to stop it getting out of shape and stretching while sewing.

I think it took me less than 1 hour to put together, that includes cutting fabric and sewing it to completion and it was soooooo easy to do.  I have to admit, I do have an overlocker so that made it super easy, I just had to make sure I did a test run on some scrap and adjust the feed so it didn't stretch the fabri cout.

I didn't feel hesitant or confused at any point and it just worked.  Here are my photo's, I have put bands on the arms and the neck but done the longer bottom hem.

View of the Arm and Neck band.

Please excuse the thread hanging down on my arm, I totally missed that and it's too cold to strip off and do it again.

Just for the record I have not been paid or bribed in any way to write this review, I just throught i would share......

Also I know some of you may hate my fabric but it was an odd end and I will wear it for Netball training and working out, it's super comfy and I quite like it.

Quilt A Long

One of my favourite blogs to follow is The Quilting Gallery.
There is always lots going on, competitions, information and now they have a super quilt a long going on for anyone to join in.



There will be lots of great blocks to make that you can use up your Fat Quarters for.
And some awesome prizes.
I will be saving all the information to use and make up the blocks as I get time.
Go and have a look it's going to be a lovely quilt.

I'm Up for a reading challenge

Especially when it involves my favourite Jane Austen novel "Pride & Prejudice"

Yes I know I have my reading challenge page up there that needs updating but I have been reading, just not updating and I know I am a super baaaad blogger but here is the gist of the challenge (as copied over from the following bloggers)

Kylie @Little Black Marks, Miss Dove, Car.

Everyone knows who Jane Austen is (hopefully) so here is the challenge:




The challenge to anyone who cares to take part is to read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Given the general craziness of most people's lives, the suggested time period of just over 3 months - from now until August 31, 2013 - consider it the perfect winter challenge.

You may also choose in those three months to do the extended version of the challenge and watch what started this all - The Lizzie Bennet Diaries which can be found on the official site, on tumblr, or YouTube.

.

If you are really brave, you can go the super deluxe version and also watch the movie or BBC production or any other production you know of.

The 2005 movie version starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth and Matthew Macfadyen as Darcy Which I happen to have in My collection

The 1995 BBC version with Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth and Colin Firth as Darcy

 which I have been dying to watch

I am going to try the super deluxe version - Book, both movies and the Lizzie Bennet Diaries.  Also in case anyone is reading and interested I read another book last year that was free on Kindle for a while called "Darcy's Voyage"
It's just another little take off of the original Pride and Prejudice and I loved it.

I will write up a review after I re-read it as part of an extra challenge for myself.

Bloglovin

I have decided that as Google Reader is closing down shortly, I will try a new reader.

Have a go yourself if you like, it's really easy to transfer over all your feeds from Google Reader too.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Oops so much for my posting more often.

I will be back by the end of the week with news, lots has been happening that I can talk about.

Candle for a Corpse book review

My first every official book review:
(Please not this review is un-paid, I receive no compensation in any way for reading and reviewing this book, except the pleasure of a free book to read)
I am a member of "The Romance Reviews" website and the original review can be found here: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=7996

Author: Marilyn Leach
Publisher: Pelican Ventures
Release Date: December 2012
ISBN: 9781611162646
Four Stars from me....
Book Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery

An Advent gathering that ends in murder, a vicar's wife with a nose for investigating and a small English village full of colourful characters that all seem to have something to hide. 

Along with an incompetent police constable and a reluctant husband, Berdie Elliott investigates the mystery, uncovering town secrets along the way very discreetly over tea and scones. Her best friend/sidekick Lillie accompanies her and has the good fortune to meet a handsome caring doctor who then jumps into the fray and assists them in their pursuit of the murderer.

An Indian grocer who happens to be in the right place at the right time, the electrician apprentice who tries to leave town, the strange visiting clergyman with a short fuse and the poor confused neighbour are just a few of the interesting people you will meet.

With a whole cast of wonderful characters that feel like you could meet them should you walk into any small country village in England, CANDLE FOR A CORPSE is a great romp through the countryside.

This was a very enjoyable read, the characters felt very real without all the excess waffle and fancy conversation that seems to appear so much these days in books. Berdie and her husband are lovely caring characters and their relationship is a good old fashioned marriage with all the right values of caring for each other and the people around them. The story rolls along nicely, meeting new characters and discovering new elements smoothly.

Overall I found it a great read. The story flowed well and was a very enjoyable old fashioned murder/mystery without the sex and gore that can sometimes occur in today's fiction. I hope there is another mystery for Berdie Elliot to solve soon for me to read about.

Washi Dress pattern review.

I have not done a review of a sewing pattern before but this dress has got me so excited that I had to do a review.
Just so you know I am in no way affiliated with this designer or getting any profits from this review, it's merely my joy in a great pattern.

Washi Dress - Made by Rae



There is also a long sleeve tutorial which is free:  Free Long Sleeve tutorial for Washi dress.

This pattern comes in both Paper and PDF format and is multi-sized.

I purchased the PDF so that I could get it right away. It was easy to print the pattern pieces and they are very well marked for sticking together and cutting out.
These days I tend to not cut out a particular size, I use a wheely marker thing (yes very technical I know) and some tracing paper to mark my fabric by rolling along the appropriate size lines and marks, then I cut out the fabric.

There are only a few pieces to the pattern.
The back of the dress is 1 complete piece and shirring across the middle back adds a lovely fit to the body without needing to add zipper.
The front, comes as a bodice and skirt that need to be attached after the skirt has small tucks folded.
The bodice has side darts which are very flattering and you can choose to do a keyhole in the front or leave it straight.
The dress has pocket option, with length options of tunic or knee length and again on her blog there are free tutorials for maxi length.
There are so many great options to this dress. The pockets can be sewn in separately if your fabric is not wide enough to cut them in one piece with the skirt.
Short capped sleeves are included in the purchase but as I said above there is a free pattern and tutorial for adding lovely sleeves (this is the option I put together).

I made my dress using 100% quilting weight cotton by Riley Blake, part of the Alphabet Soup range.

I have to say I was worried, it can be very hard to find a tunic style dress that does not make my tummy look pudgy (or even pregnant) and the pockets had me worried that I would look wide around the hips.

However, upon finishing and putting it on I was so very pleasantly surprised and so very happy that I made this dress.

The tucks at the front skirt are small and not over done and do not add weight to my tummy. The pockets sit beautifully and you would not even know they are there.  The shirring across the back brings the dress around the body in a very flattering way and eliminates the need for a zipper so it can pull on and off with ease.
I used the 3/4 sleeve option as I try to stay covered up even in summer and often am self-consious of my upper arms. The sleeves have a slight gather at the shoulder and are flattering.

Overall as you can probably tell, I am in love with this pattern and the many options open to it.
I will be sewing up another one very soon and I am going to mix up the fabric and maybe even add some lace or trim.
I am going to try it in a slightly heavier weight fabric for winter too and wear it over some long sleeves.  For this option I will probably make it one size bigger too for layering purposes.
Here is a pic of me, see what you think.....