Just in time for the upcoming release of my book, Haystack Full of Needles: A Catholic Home Educator's Guide to Socialization, comes this pretty new blog design (almost complete) and companion website. Both sites still need a bit of tweaking, but I hope you like them and let me know what you think!
Many thanks to extremely talented designer, Cathy of Avalon Rose Design, for turning a dream into reality!
Haystack is now available for pre-order. Here is a portion of the beautiful foreword written by Laura Berquist:
Everything in A Haystack Full of Needles is guided by the principle that we must see Christ in all those around us. That is what makes this such a valuable resource. Frankly, I think it is a valuable resource not only for those who are homeschooling, but for all who have school age children or grandchildren. Alice talks throughout the book about her good friends and she does it in such a way that she, and they, become our friends, too. They become the very best kind of friends, those united in the pursuit of virtue and the love of God.
I love this book and I don’t say that lightly. It is truly wonderful. I am honored to write the foreword.
If you have a moment, please consider picking up a copy!
This is beautiful, Alice...very nicely done.
Posted by: Donna | June 26, 2008 at 06:22 PM
This site is beautiful and you've really captured the spirit of "the" cottage. Just lovely...
Posted by: Elizabeth Foss | June 26, 2008 at 06:26 PM
The new blog design is gorgeous, Alice!
Posted by: Lisa Tobin | June 26, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I'm spellbound, Alice.
It's like walking into a beautiful, beautiful cottage garden. And I know the "real thing" is just as beautiful. :)
Posted by: Cay G. | June 26, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Beautiful! And I can't wait to read your book!
Posted by: Christine M | June 26, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Ohhh! I love the new design and colors and the beautiful artwork on your website. Simply lovely!! You should be so proud, Alice. I can't wait to read your book.
Love,
Erica
Posted by: Erica | June 26, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Oh, the new site is just lovely, and I am so looking forward to reading your book.
Posted by: Beth | June 26, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I think it is just beautiful.
Posted by: Jennie C. | June 26, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Just scrumptious, my dear. Loving it!
Posted by: Lissa | June 26, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Oh, Alice, this is stunning!
I love the "click on the pictures" thing(you can be sure I'll click on "tea time" often!). The colors are soothing, and the picture choices manage to recall feminine beauty, the centrality of faith, simpler times and your (may I say wonderful) Irish heritage all at once...and you managed to keep that awesome First Communion photo besides! (I hear there's a 1st Communion photo contest going on -- might you be running away with first prize with any of those delightful scooter pix, perhaps??) :)
It's beautiful, a perfect reflection of the beauty to be found in its pages.
Posted by: Eileen | June 26, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Alice, It's all just lovely!!! :)
Posted by: Cheryl M. | June 26, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Congratulations on this accomplishment, Alice!
Just wonderful!
Posted by: Maria P | June 26, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Wow! Your site is so pretty, Alice! Congratulations on your new book! :)
Posted by: Rebecca | June 26, 2008 at 09:43 PM
I love the new look! I can't wait to read your book, too. :)
Posted by: Amy | June 26, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Oh, wow! It's so beautiful, Alice! I already ordered your book and can't wait for it to come. I only wish I could've had it when we met so you could autograph it for me!
Posted by: KC | June 26, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Your new site is simply divine. I'm looking forward to the new book as well!
God Bless,
Jane
Posted by: Jane | June 26, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Just lovely and still familiar, the blog is a visual and literary treat.
I've been writing about you on my blog and I just ordered your book.
Best wishes.
Posted by: +JMJ+ at TotusTuusFamily.blogspot.com | June 26, 2008 at 11:23 PM
It is all so beautiful, just like you, Alice! I love the links on your website to teas, crafts, writings, etc. It's like a candy store over there!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | June 27, 2008 at 01:03 AM
wow! i'm loving it.
congratulations, again, on the new book.
Posted by: cici | June 27, 2008 at 02:19 AM
Alice, the new design and website are lovely! Monica and I are just oohing and ahhing!
I am very much looking forward to reading your book!
Posted by: Our Magnum Opus | June 27, 2008 at 06:31 AM
The new site is gorgeous - and the book looks WONDERFUL! Congratulations.
Posted by: Beck | June 27, 2008 at 08:04 AM
What a lovely design. The new website is incredible, great job and congratulations, Alice!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 27, 2008 at 08:17 AM
This new format is so lovely and peaceful, Alice!
Posted by: Jeannine | June 27, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Oh Alice, it's SO BEAUTIFUL!!! Words cannot fully describe how perfect they both are, not to mention you sweet lady!!! I love them, congratulations sweetie!!!
Posted by: Meredith | June 27, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Dear Alice, congratulations on your new book. I am sure everyone will love it, like we all love you xoxoxox Clarice
Posted by: clarice | June 27, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Lovely, Alice!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | June 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. And I'm anxiously awaiting my pre-ordered copy of your book... :o)
Posted by: Wendy in VA (now in MD) | June 27, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Oh! Your blog looks so BEAUTIFUL!!!
I am anxiously awaiting your book as well!
God Bless!
Posted by: Jessica | June 27, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! It is so "you" Alice -- so beautiful!
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | June 27, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Just for fun, you should throw in a link to your favorite Heavy Metal musicians.
Ha.
I am hard pressed to pick my favorite section of this beautiful new design, but I think I may have to side with Lissa and say that the Liturgical Tea page is AWESOME. I love those teas!
And now we've got your book, to boot! Having been blessed with a sneak peek I can heartily say that I CAN'T WAIT. (I am ordering some pricey, delicious tea to have on hand for its arrival. You just gotta do these things up right!)
Cheers to you, Sweetie, for all the good you do, and may God continue to bless The Cottage.
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | June 27, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Congratulations, Alice! Your new site is beautiful! I can't wait for my budget to allow me to make some purchases, including your book.
I am looking forward to visiting the Liturgical Tea page often.
Posted by: Christine | June 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Alice -
It's so beautiful! Can't wait for your book to come out. Yeah!
Posted by: Cindy | June 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM
My breath caught in my throat when I clicked on to your sight today, Alice. There are no words to describe how utterly bee-U-ti-ful it is! Well done!!!
Posted by: Mary | June 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM
How positively lovely!! Congratulations Alice --what a beautiful launch!
Posted by: Michele Quigley | June 27, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Alice,
I love it! I'm looking forward to your book.
Posted by: Mare | June 27, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Oh, this is so pretty!! I am going to sit here and feed my brain with these beautiful pictures for a while...:)
Posted by: Margaret | June 27, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Wow, it's all so pretty and I just read Melissa's beautiful tribute to your book -- grace upon grace!!! I can't wait to read it. God bless you and thanks for all the inspiration.
Posted by: michelle waters | June 27, 2008 at 09:27 PM
I LOVE your blog design!!! I'm sure it's as wonderful as your book!
Many Blessings,
Amber
Posted by: Amber | June 27, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Oh Alice, your new design is perfectly lovely!!
I am looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered copy soon.
Blessings,
Posted by: Theresa ♥ | June 28, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Alice, what a little haven to come to!!!! I'm speechless, it is just so beautiful!!!
Well done, dear friend, well done!
Posted by: aussieannie | June 28, 2008 at 02:21 AM
Your blog and website are just gorgeous. Does your web designer do home interiors? I want my house to look like your website!
Posted by: Nadja Magdalena | June 28, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Your blog and website are just gorgeous. Does your web designer do home interiors? I want my house to look like your website!
Posted by: Nadja Magdalena | June 28, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Your blog and website are just gorgeous. Does your web designer do home interiors? I want my house to look like your website!
Posted by: Nadja Magdalena | June 28, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Your blog and website are just gorgeous. Does your web designer do home interiors? I want my house to look like your website!
Posted by: Nadja Magdalena | June 28, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Your blog and website are just gorgeous. Does your web designer do home interiors? I want my house to look like your website!
Posted by: Nadja Magdalena | June 28, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Oh it's so pretty Alice. Just makes you feel all warm and welcomed when you click on your blog.
I'm looking forward to your book!!
Posted by: Kathy | June 28, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Simply stunning! It's so lovely how the design encompasses so much of what is 'near and dear' to our beloved Alice! It's such a delight to visit.
Posted by: Kimberlee | June 29, 2008 at 10:42 PM
The blog is absolutely gorgeous! I love it.
Posted by: Ruth | June 30, 2008 at 08:08 AM
It's beautiful, Alice, and easy to get around on. I love it!
Posted by: Cheryl | June 30, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Everything is beautiful Alice!
Posted by: Helen (Mary Vitamin) | June 30, 2008 at 10:44 PM
It's very lovely, Alice. Congratulations on the book, too!
Posted by: Jennifer Miller | July 02, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I love visiting you here. It is absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on the book. I would love to read it and was wondering if it can be shipped to Canada. Hillside said this is not an option.
Posted by: Tina | July 03, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Alice,
Your blog is absolutely gorgeous! I love it! Congratulations on your book too!!!
God bless and hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle | July 03, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Oh Alice! Your website is absolutely breathtaking! And I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of your book! I'm sure it will be just as lovely! Congratulations and happy 4th of July!
Posted by: Hallie | July 04, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Your new blog design is absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on the book!
Posted by: Kim | July 05, 2008 at 04:11 PM