B3

Don't Kiss Him Goodbye

2010-10-09T18:42:00.004-05:00

Don't Kiss Him Goodbye
London Confidential #3
Sandra Byrd
Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian
978-1-4143-2599-6
$6.99 US

Synopsis:
Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!

London Confidential is a new series for young girls. In the series, British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith. The series follows Savvy's entertaining attempts to fit in during her first year at a new school in a new country.

My Take:

A quick, easy read, "Don't Kiss Him Goodbye" follows Savvy in her first year of high school in England. I think this would be a great book for any girl in 6 - 9th grade, and enjoyed reading it myself. The plot was well detailed, and Savvy was a believable character. The message in the book was clearly delivered without preaching.

4 stars :)

I was provided a copy of this book at no charge. The opinion in this post is entirely my own.

Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang

2010-08-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

Author Maureen Lang - view author info
List Price: $12.99

ISBN: 978-1-4143-2436-4

Release: September 2010

Synopsis:
In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper amid the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother. But Edward refuses to go, and soon Isa is drawn into his secret life printing the newspaper . . . And into his heart.

My Take:

This was my first read by Maureen Lang, and I've definitely stumbled on another great narrator. Maureen takes you back to Belgium 1916, richly describing the war torn country now occupied by Germany. Conquered but not defeated, the Belgiums are still hopeful and rebellious.

Edward and his family are Belgium natives, and stay during the German occupation. Edward is shipped off to a work camp, and returned home when he is to ill to work. Doctors hold little hope for a recovery, yet through a miracle he survives. His mother has a death certificate forged to protect Edward so he won't have to go back to the camp, and Edward stays in Belgium undercover, writing, publishing and delivering an underground newspaper to keep hope and pride in the country alive.

Isa is a rich, slightly spoiled, American whose parents left Belgium at the start of the war. Isa spent most of her time at the hotel Edward's parents ran, and loves his mother like her own. She also develops a crush on Edward. Soon Isa grows from girlhood to adulthood, and sets out to sneak in Belgium in the hopes of rescuing Edward and his family. She brings with her current news articles and letters of those that made it across the border. She makes it safely across, and finds Edward, his mother, and his young brother Jonas alive and well, but his father was killed at the start of the war. Edward refuses to leave Belgium, feeling obligated to keep his secret press going as long as possible.
Isa and Edward's family refuse to leave without Edward, and soon Isa is involved in the newspaper herself.

The story was richly woven and beautifully told. You could clearly see the country, and root for the Belgiums.

Five out of five stars :)

Missing Max by Karen Young

2010-07-03T10:40:00.004-05:00

Missing Max by Karen Young
Howard Books - a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ISBN # 978-1-4165-8749-1
Fiction - Romance (General)
$14.99 US / $19.99 CAN

Synopsis:

It took precious seconds of 16-year-old Melanie's diverted attention at the Mardi Gras parade for someone to take baby Max from his stroller. Another hour for police to present Max's mom, Jane, with all the kidnapper left behind...one small shoe.

Six months later, the family is in a turmoil they cannot seem to escape. Max is out there somewhere - Jane is certain and she won't stop until she finds him - while Melanie takes a horrific step to make amends for those few seconds of attention lapse. Kyle doesn't know who to comfort first and, even if he could determine whether his wife or daughter needs him most, he can't put aside his own anguish over his missing infant son to chart a corrective course of action.

With their marriage on the rocks and a teenager taking matters into her own hands, can this family survive MISSING MAX?

My Take:

An amazingly written tale (I'll definitely be looking for more books by Karen), "Missing Max" tells the story of the fallout from Max's abduction. Jane (Max's mom and Melanie's step-mom) leaves Max in the care of Christine (her best friend) and Melanie during the Mardi Gras Parade to grab a bite to eat for everyone. In the few minutes she's gone, Christine rushes to help a stranger who's collapsed, leaving Max in Melanie's care. Max is sound asleep in his stroller, resting comfortably in the shade, back from the crush of the crowd. Melanie takes her eyes off Max for a few minutes to chat with some guys she knows on a parade float. When she turns back to check on him, he's gone. No Max. No stroller. Melanie calls Jane, and chaos ensues. Kyle (dad) is called from work, Jane rushes over. The police swarm to search, but all they find is the stroller and one tiny shoe.

The story focuses on the family, and how they deal with the the loss of Max. Jane focuses desperately on finding her son, spending hours volunteering for the local Missing Children department. Kyle pulls inward, working more and more hours, unable to deal with Max's loss. Melanie rebels, going from a sweet, ambitious teen to a surly, rebellious brat who blames Jane for everything. The family is on the verge of imploding, with each one blaming the other for Max's abduction. Months pass, and no Max. Every lead, every rumor, is followed, each one delivering another blow to their hope of Max being returned.

The story is amazingly narrated, Jane, Kyle and Melanie are easy to love and believe, and I was hoping along with them for Max's return. Each suspicion has you guessing who really took Max, and if he'd be returned alive and well. Jane, Kyle and Melanie's relationship is thoroughly plotted, from the start as a warm, loving blended family to the strain that is put on everyone.

5 stars.

Storm of Visions by Christina Dodd

2010-06-02T20:46:00.003-05:00

Storm of Visions by Christina Dodd (The Chosen Ones)-
Signet
First Published August 2009
ISBN # 978-0-451-22763-8
$7.99 / $9.99

You can read an excerpt here.

Buy this book at:

Amazon.com | B&N.com | Borders

Synopsis:

When the world was young, twins were born. One brought light to a dark world; the other, darkness and danger. They gathered others around them, men and women destined to use their powerful gifts for good or evil. Today their descendants walk the earth as the Chosen, and the ultimate battle is about to begin.

My take:

This is pure Dodd -hot, fast, and impossible to put down. Part of the Chosen series (#1), Storm of Visions revolves around Jacqueline and Caleb, two characters I fell in love with from the first chapter.

Jacqueline is a Chosen one, but wants no part of her gift and is working in a winery, trying to live a normal life - impossible when your mother is Zusane, the worlds most renowned psychic. Enter Caleb, Zusane's top bodyguard and major thorn in Jacqueline's side (due to the love her and leave her he pulled) who hopes to bully Jacqueline into accepting her Chosen destiny.

Jacqueline soon finds herself swept up, and tricked into the Chosen life, and fireworks quickly follow.

Dodd does an amazing job of detailing her characters, flaws and virtues, weaving a richly painted story that had me devouring book #2 (Storm of Shadows) the same night as I read this one :)

5 out of 5 stars.

Between Two Kingdoms (book review)

2010-05-02T16:34:00.004-05:00

Between Two Kingdoms by Joe Boyd

Published by Standard Publishing

pub date: 2010-03-01

ISBN # 9780784723586

Read Excerpt

Synopsis:

There is a land of two kingdoms, but only one true King. A living land, where foundations grow in trees and rivers sing and breathe. A dying land, where the darkness of a false prince threatens to swallow everything in its shadow.

Enter Between Two Kingdoms with Tommy, an eternal seven-year-old child of the Great King, as he and his friends accept the challenge of the Good Prince to live as grown men and women in the Lower Kingdom -- where hope is hidden, vision is clouded, and pride twists truth into a beautiful yet deadly deception.

My Take:

Between Two Kingdoms is an enchanting allegory tale that revolves around Tommy and Mary, eternal seven year olds in The Upper Kingdom. They must brave the evil of the Lower Kingdom to save many lives. The story twists and turns, leaving you guessing what will happen next. The story reads like a fairy tale, and yet covers the age old battle of good and evil, and faith conquering all.

I loved the depth of detail, and how detailed is character is. I didn't want this book to end.

4 out of 5 stars.

I Has a Hotdog - Review

2010-04-19T19:19:00.008-05:00

I Has a Hotdog (What Your Dog Is Really Thinking)
Grand Central Publishing, A Division of Hachette Book Group
ISBN 978-0-446-56638-4
$12.00 US / $13.50 Can

Synopsis:

Professor Happy Cat knows exactly what goes on in Dogs' minds and he has IHasaHotdog.com to prove it. Now you can share this knowledge in a handy-dandy dog friendly--sized book.

I HAS A BWAIN!!1! An you thawt we dint! Now Professor Happycat tells you what's in it and, from I HAS A HOTDOG.com and beyond, lets over 200 LOLdogs loose on the world, all barking the truth about kibble, toys, and bad kitties. This collection of favorites and never-before-seen photos will have you barking for more! For all you hoomins, a LOLdog is a kay-nine picture with a funny, misspelled caption.

I Has a Hotdog is available April 20, and to celebrate the launch of book, they're running an I Has A Hotdog Book Launch Contest (ends 4/25)! Send your email address to iwantihasahotdog@cheezburger.com and you’ll be entered to win the grand prize pack of:

-Signed copy of I Has a Hotdog: What Your Dog Is Really Thinking by Ben Huh and the team that brought you the book.
- $100 lolmart.com gift certificate

For contest official rules, click here.

My Take:

Laugh out loud funny, this one had me rolling from the first photo :) Appealing to all ages, it was like having my favorite website in print form. I've loved the I Can Has Cheezeburger (funny cats with a misspelled caption) site, and I Can Has Hotdog is every bit as enjoyable, only starring canines. Ben Huh (aka Professor Happycat) is a former journalist turned dotcom entrepreneur and CEO of the Cheezburger Network, the company behind all these hugely popular blogs. Scroll waaaaay to the bottom of this blog to see one of my all time favorite photos from their sites :)

5 out of 5 stars :)

Check out IHasaHotdog.com
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow @LOLDogs on Twitter

I received this book free of charge to review.

PLEASE NOTE: I used pictures from the I can Has Hotdog site, not from the actual book to avoid spoilers :)

Dutch II - Angel's Revenge by Teri Woods - Review

2010-04-12T19:33:00.002-05:00

Dutch II - Angel's Revenge by Teri Woods
Grand Central Publishing /Hachette Book Group
March 2010
ISBN # 978-0-446-55155-7
$14.99 US / $17.99 CAN

Synopsis:
He is the most merciless of his lieutenants, with style and skills that even the hardest hustlers fear . . . and none survive. And with Dutch gone, Angel is fueled by a shattering vendetta and methodically eliminating every successor, wannabe, and mobster trying to lead Dutch's madly profitable organization. The only person between her and ultimate control: One-eyed Roc-aka Rahman-Dutch's other trusted lieutenant and a man with his own zealous master plan. He and his crew are cleaning up the streets and righting his wrongs by any means necessary. And he's checkmating Angel's strengths and playing her every weakness. Neither can stop. Neither will give in. And they will never surrender Dutch's lethal legacy, even though their last devastating power play could destroy it all .

My Take:

Second in the Dutch Series, this book drew me in from the get go. Fast moving action and dialogue keeps the story going, while well detailed characters hook you completely. I think reading "Dutch" would have helped me fill in a few areas, but this one definitely stands alone.

Angel is back, out of prison and up to her old tricks. Roc, Dutch's other lieutenant, is also released but has been "saved" by religion and decides to clean up the streets. Angel and Roc both have completely different ideas for the streets, but their methods are the same, leading to tragedy and loss on both sides. Dutch II provides a no holds barred look at the inner workings of gangs, and what happens when their leaders die.

Explicitly detailed (NOT for under 18), with steamy scenes woven in, this was a fantastic read I couldn't put down.

4 out of 5 stars.

Married on Mondays by HoneyB - Review

2010-04-12T19:24:00.002-05:00

Married on Mondays by HoneyB
Grand Central Publishing / Hachette Book Group
March 2010
ISBN # 978-0-446+58232-2
$21.99 US / $26.99 CAN

Synopsis:

By day, Valerie Cooper, Dierdra Dawson, and Foxy Brown assist their husbands, all partners at the law firm Brown, Cooper, and Dawson. But at night, they become Vanilla Cream, Cherry Cream, and Sugar Cream, and run an upscale swingers club called Creamé. Their clientele include everyone from judges, lawyers, politicians, and police officers, to soccer moms and housewives. Business is booming at the hottest club in town. Until the police chief extends an indecent proposal to Foxy: sleep with him, or go to jail.

My Take:

Another explicit dive into Urban Literature (NOT for under 18), Married on Mondays follows Valerie, Dierdra and Foxy as their lives twist from the normal working, married to their second career moonlighting as sexual fantasy helpers.

The story is very well written, and carries a depth and emotion to the characters. Valerie, Dierdra and Foxy are presented honestly, with their flaws and strengths clearly detailed. Sometimes sad (each lady struggles with their marriage and how their moonlighting affects their relationship) and always steamy, Married on Mondays is definitely an enjoyable read.

3 out of 5 stars.

The Mayo Clinic Diet (book review)

2010-03-22T21:34:00.003-05:00

The Mayo Clinic Diet

Published by Good Books 1/1/2010

ISBN #978-1-56148-676-2

$25.99 US

Synopsis:

In our work with literally thousands of patients, we've identified the critical habits of people who maintain a healthy weight, and the habits of those who don't.

With The Mayo Clinic Diet, we've boiled this research down to five simple habits to help you take off the extra weight -- and five habits to break so that you can keep it from coming back. Plus, we've made it easy, because what works best when it comes to weight loss is keeping it simple!

The Mayo Clinic Diet is composed of three sections to get you started, to keep you on track, and to give you the knowledge and tools you need to keep those unwanted pounds off for good

Loose it! is a two-week quick-start program designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in a safe and healthy way.
Live it! is a long-term plan in which you continue to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week until you reach your goal. Then, you learn how to maintain your healthy weight for life.
All the extra stuff includes meal planners, recipes, tips on overcoming challenges and much more to help you along the way.

The Mayo Clinic Diet puts you in charge of reshaping your body and improving your health -- for a lifetime.

For more information, visit The Mayo Clinic Diet book Web site.

My Take:

I've struggled with my weight for years, and have finally made progress, dropping 40 pounds in 10 months. I still have a ways to go, but definitely feel I am well on my way to success. I don't do well on traditional diets, rebel if I have to count points or calories, and will eat pretty much anything that is off limits (I ate donuts every day I was on Atkins, and I HATE donuts :) But I needed something to help, something that would provide motivation and a common sense attitude towards meeting my goals.

The May Clinic Diet is exactly that - using clinically tested techniques, you make simple changes that result in success, both short term (losing) and long term (maintaining).

I loved the direct approach, and the fact the book is divided into three sections - "Lose It", "Live It" and "All the Extra Stuff". To lose, you just break 5 habits and add in 5 new ones - sounds to easy, but it works - that's how I've managed to drop 40 pounds. rather than jumping on the latest weight loss trend, I've just concentrated on eating healthier and moving more. To maintain, you focus on your success in part 1, and know if you slip you can always start over. The last section is fantastic - loaded with information and recipes, I'll definitely turn to these pages over and over.

My book also included the Mayo Clinic Diet Journal - an easy way to track what I'm eating during the day. I loved the food pyramids included on each day - no counting carbs, calories, or fats, you just check off for each fruit, vegetable, etc..

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to lose weight, or just eat healthier.

I received this book free to review - the opinion in this post is entirely my own.

Sexaholics - Book Review

2010-03-13T12:32:00.004-06:00

Sexaholics by Pynk
Grand Central Publishing - Hachette Book Group

Category: FICTION
Format: TRADE PAPERBACK
Publish Date: 3/23/2010
Price: $14.99/$17.99
ISBN: 9780446179584
Pages: 336
Size: 5-1/4" x 8"

Synopsis:
Miki, Valencia, Teela Raye, and Brandi share one thing...they are all addicted to sex. United through Sexaholics Anonymous, these women try to recover from their dependence on wild, spontaneous, and even sometimes, dangerous sex. From whips and chains, to sex in public, they have done it all! Led by Dr. Rachel Cummings, each woman takes the first step to recovery by sharing her biggest sexual act with the group. SEXAHOLICS takes readers through the outrageous experiences of four women on their long path to success.

My take:

This book was a steamy, explicit (NOT for under 18) ride into the sex addicted lives of four women that will grab you from the get go. Pynk, author of Erotic City, writes a no holds barred tale of sexcapades and self indulgence, a perfect guilty pleasure read. The story weaves around Miki, Valencia, Teela Raye and Brandi, perfectly developing each character, touching on the shame and pain of their addiciton. I really enjoyed this book - more than just a hot read, it provides depth and background, making the characters believable and leaves you wanting them to succeed. I loved how this book gives each character their own story while beautifully pulling the individuals together to create a single story.

Definitely a 4 star read.

I received this book free to review - the opinion in this post is entirely my own.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls (Review)

2010-03-06T23:13:00.003-06:00

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
Steve Hockensmith
Published by Quirk Classics March 2010
ISBN# 978-1-59474-454-9
$12.95 US
PG 13

Synopsis:

Readers will witness the birth of a heroine in Dawn of the Dreadfuls -- a thrilling prequel set four years before the horrific events of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. As our story opens, the Bennet sisters are enjoying a peaceful life in the English countryside. They idle away the days reading, gardening, and daydreaming about future husbands -- until a funeral at the local parish goes strangely and horribly awry.

Suddenly corpses are springing from the soft earth -- and only one family can stop them. As the bodies pile up, we watch Elizabeth Bennet evolve from a naive young teenager into a savage slayer of the undead. Along the way, two men vie for her affections: Master Hawksworth is the powerful warrior who trains her to kill, while thoughtful Dr. Keckilpenny seeks to conquer the walking dead using science instead of strength. Will either man win the prize of Elizabeth's heart? Complete with romance, action, comedy, and an army of shambling corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls will have Jane Austen rolling in her grave -- and just might inspire her to crawl out of it!

My Take:

This is definitely my kind of classics! Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls is a delightfully twisted take on Jane Austen's classic. I was hooked from the first chapter, when Elizabeth is at a funeral, and the corpse refuses to lie still so it can be buried. The story moves quickly, and Elizabeth and sisters soon learn their father was a warrior who fought the first wave of zombies. As a member of the Order, he had sworn to raise his children in the way of the warrior, which of course, he didn't. The girls are soon pushed into training, hand to hand, swords, and an assortment of other weapons, and doing their father proud by killing zombies.

The story is very well written, and impossible to put down! The characters are delightfully portrayed, and their various histories are woven into this tale, providing a rich backdrop to this tongue in cheek portrayal of the classic. The story includes black and white drawings, adding another layer to the story.

4 stars

Saving Cicadas - Review

2009-12-28T18:53:00.001-06:00

Author: Nicole Seitz
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Amazon Price: $10.19

Synopsis:

A novel of unconditional love and the freedom of letting go.

When single mother Priscilla Lynn Macy learns she's having another child unexpectedly, she packs the family into the car to escape. Eight-year-old Janie and Rainey Dae, her seventeen-year-old sister with special needs, embark on the last family vacation they'll ever take with Poppy and Grandma Mona in the back seat. The trip seems aimless until Janie realizes they are searching for the father who left them years ago. When they can't find him, they make their way to Forest Pines, SC. Priscilla hasn't been to her family home in many years and finds it a mixed blessing of hope, buried secrets, and family ghosts. Through eyes of innocence, Janie learns the hard realities of life and the difficult choices grownups make. And she must face disturbing truths about the people she loves in order to carry them in the moments that matter most.

This novel sucked me in from the beginning. Beautifully written, the plot is carefully unfolded, leaving you eager for the next page. The author paints a vivid picture of each of her characters, each flawed but striving to do their best. The characters are very believable, especially Janie and her grandmother. Saving Cicadas covers the life - struggles and triumphs - of single mother Priscilla. The author provides plenty of history for her characters, but it is woven into the story so there is no drag to the story line. The ending left me puzzled, and a bit angry that the characters I'd grown attached to were given that ending.

Overall this book is a great read, I really enjoyed it.

Lonestar Secrets - Book Review

2009-11-18T09:54:00.000-06:00

This one took a lot longer than I anticipated! I finally finished Lonestar Secrets by Coleen Coble.

The plot line to Lonestar Secrets was quite promising - Shannon returns to her hometown (she'd left years before) to be the local veterinarian. She is now a single mama of a young girl, and hopes to provide a good life for her there as she's inherited a home. Her daughter is one survivor of a twin, the second (identical) girl having died at birth. Shortly after moving home she runs into an old flame - who is a single father to a little girl the same age as Shannon's daughter and bearing an uncanny resemblence.

I didn't enjoy this book - the story line dragged in several areas, the "betrayal" Shannon experienced from her old boyfriend was laughable - you expect, from the way this is written, it would be truly something awful, like did he sleep with her best friend? Steal from her bank account? So the plot is building and building and, fizzle. Turns out the betrayal was none of the previous - Shannon thought she'd seen a unicorn horn on her horse and Jack had shared the story.

The ending also left a lot to be desired.

Download Sample Chapters

This was a review for Thomas Nelson Books. I received Lonestar Secrets by Coleen Coble at no cost to review.

Thank you Thena @ Patiently Waiting!

2009-10-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

Thank you Thena @ Patiently Waiting for this awesome award!

With this award comes a list of questions that must be answered, then I will be sending the award to five more bloggers.

1. Where is your cell phone?.... somewhere in the house

2. Your hair? ......has a mind of it's own

3. Your mother? ......At home

4. Your father?....Boston

5. Your favorite food? ......Shrimp

6. Your dream last night?......surreal

7. Your favorite drink?....Diet Coke

8. Your dream/goal? .......Win the lottery and retire to Paris :)

9. What room are you in? ......Den

10. Your hobby? ......Blogging, jewelry, books

11. Your fear? .....spiders

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?........Somewhere warm

13. Where were you last night?.... home

14. Something you aren't?.......green

15. Muffins? .....jumbo with crumblies

16. Wish list item? ......more time

17. Where did you grow up?......Wisconsin

18. Last thing you did?...... Watched 10 kids for the local foster support group

19. What are you wearing? ......T-shirt and jeans

20. Your TV? .....too loud

21. Your pets? .........dog, cat

22. Your friends? ......the best

23. Your life?........crazy, wild, joyful

24. Your mood? ......Relaxed

25. Missing someone? .....Always

26. Vehicle? ......Mom-mobile

27. Something you're not wearing? ........jewelry strangely enough

28. Your favorite store? ..........Target

29. Your favorite color? ......Orange

30. When was the last time you laughed? ......20 minutes ago

31. Last time you cried? .....last week

32. Your best friend?........Jessi

33. One place that I go over and over? .........computer

34. One person who emails me regularly?.......Jessi

35. Favorite place to eat? .......off the grill

I am passing this award on to my five bloggy friends who follow this blog - awful pictures and all :)

Helping Mommys Win - who is my BFF in the real and bloggy World

Ascending Butterfly

Bedtime Stories

Priscilla Styles

Jen's Herd

Snow Fire

2009-09-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite bracelets I've created.

I did this one a couple of years ago. It's a simple straight string of Swarvorski flower crystals, double strung on memory wire. The beads were double drilled, which is great since the beads are quite heavy, especially with this many and the two wires give plenty of support. I used a crimp on each end, tying it into a flower toggle. It doesn't show well in the pictures, but this sparkles like crazy, casting rainbows!

Go Greyhounds Go!

2009-09-18T23:01:00.001-05:00

We had our homecoming parade last night. I've watched this parade every year for, well, since I was 7 :).

Poor, Neglected Blog

2009-09-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

I've been run ragged all this month. My daughter's now in HS, and the drama, money draining, and activities never seem to end. But I wouldn't trade her, or this time in our life, for anything. I'm a very lucky, very blessed mom.

Made it to the homecoming parade and got some awesome pics (Yay me!). Anyone who knows me knows my pictures - heads cut off, random pieces of strangers that always float in front of the lense when I snap the picture, etc. etc. etc. But these are Awesome! And, since someone was kind enough (thank you SHG!) to show me how to upload pics I'll be getting those up. If you don't see pics by tomorrow, it is safe to assume the computer has won and is reduced to a puddle of smoking techy goo.

And - wonders never cease - I have a window charm that survived! I want to post a pic of that one. It's one my mom made with my frog bead, and is really gorgeous.

I got my new book from Thomas Nelson books. I was going to devour it one bite, but then the library called and "Skin Trade" by Laurell K. Hamelton was in. So I devoured that one instead :). Love this whole series - vampires, werewolves, mysteries, head in box via UPS, yep. Something for everyone.

Skin Trade continues Anita Blakes sad, sexy, fun saga, but this time it's personal. After receiving an invitation via a bloody head, sans body, at her office, she heads to Vegas to hunt the serial killer that escaped in the previous book (may have been the book before last). The plot thickens as Max, Bibiana and children surface with their own agenda. Anita is working once again with Ed, a.k.a "Ted" and Olaf (they're scarier than the vamps most times!) to process clues and kick butt. I would absolutely love to see this series turned into a TV series. If you like Sookie Stackhouse, or Betsy the Vampire books, you'll love these.

New book

2009-09-15T09:21:00.001-05:00

I got my latest book from Thomas Nelson Books!

2009-09-09T08:49:00.000-05:00

Burt's Bees Sample :)

2009-09-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

I love love love trying before buying - there's nothing worse than paying for something that doesn't work.

I've been a fan of Burt's Bees products for awhile now, and am looking forward to trying their new Natural Acne Solutions.

Pretties

2009-09-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

A very good friend of mine gave me an awesome b-day gift - a gift card to Barnes and Noble (it doesn't get any better than that). I bought the Book "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld. It was every bit as good as I expected, and a lot more intense that I would have thought. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series.

I also bought 2 others, "The Witchling" Sorry! Complete blank on the author - I'll add tomorrow and "In Grave Sight" by Charlain Harris. Anyone who is a fan of the Southern Vampire Series (Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood) knows Charlain and her quirky outlook on paranormals. This book introduces Harper Connelly and her brother. Harper hears / speaks / sees the dead (I see dead people!!) and this leads to lots of funny run ins with the locals.

Scott Hamilton - The Great 8

2009-08-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

"The Great Eight" was a beautifully written piece that covers Scott's many trials and tribulations - learning the "figure 8" skate move (and patience and not giving up in the process), testicular cancer, brain cancer, going for the gold - that Scott has triumphed in his life. This book gives the 8 secrets Scott has lived by, and is an uplifting, easy read that applies to real life. I thought when I first started this book it would be a preachy "be happy" book and was pleasantly surprised to find it was an uplifting, sometimes humorous, take on life. The best part of the book was the way it was written - almost as though Scott was there, speaking directly to you. Definitely a must read for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. And a perfect gift for someone hard to shop for.

Links:

Sample Chapters
The Great Eight
Product Page

Finally!

2009-08-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

For my birthday my husband and daughter gave me "The Awakening" by Kelley Armstrong, Book #2 in the Darkest Powers Trilogy. This trilogy is the ongoing saga of Chloe Saunders, one necromancer extraordinaire. The books parallel the Otherworld series, but these characters do not interact directly with those characters - well, at least not yet.

I love love love Kelley's Otherworld series, and absolutely had to read this new one when it came out. The DPT is every bit as good, just PG rather than R.

In this book, Chloe awakens back in the lab, locked into a "hotel room". Rachel has also been caught and contained. Chloe is able to access a computer, where she learns not only are they "others" but they have been genetically modified by the Edison Group in an experiment to control their powers. The Edison group claims to be working for the greater good of man kind (yep, key scary music here) and have modified their genetic codes in an effort to offset the "difficulties" paranormals experience at puberty, when powers tend to settle in. Chloe accesses a list of students, 1 who is considered "rehabilitated", 3 who have been terminated (Yes, Liz is definitely dead I fear), and she and Derek, who have "???" by their names.

Chloe cleverly tricks the Edison group into taking her with to look for the rendezvous point, stating she could be bait to lure Derrek and Simon out into the open for the Edison group to catch. She is able to get away (yay!), and amazingly, Tori comes with. Turns out Tori's had enough, her mom's an evil witch (literally!) and they take off together. Tori stays true to character, totally shallow, pushing Chloe into danger on more than one occasion and abandoning her when things get scary. Chloe's powers are intensifying (side effect of genetic modification - if it works your powers are less, if it doesn't then yours are more). Derrek is still unable to transform completely, but comes closer with each "fit". Derrek is now terrified of the changing process - a normal werewolf of course would and could shift when ready, but with the modifications who knows what will happen.

Chloe's powers are very unstable, she concentrates to contact Liz, and bats raise. The body of a homeless guy raises (funny as he tries to crawl up her legs) and a bird. Chloe discovers the hard way she can raise bodies in her sleep while dreaming, and fears what she will see each time she closes her eyes.

End of the book leaves you hanging for the finale of course - I won't spoil it, but you won't be disappointed. Definitely another winner from Ms. Armstrong.

Spotlight on PR

2009-08-04T11:18:00.001-05:00

I caught this chance today, and would love to join the fun of doing reviews and giveaways.

It can all get a little overwhelming when you're a new blogger like myself. I'd love to be more involved with companies, organizations and other people. Ifound a post on Tara's blog, Feels Like Home, called Spotlight on PR with simple (even I can do this!) instructions.

My name is Bri, I'm over 30 but under 35, married with one daughter who is 14 and work full time for a living. I'm a neat freak who is always on the search for an easier solution to household messes (and vehicle messes. and yard messes). I love to read just about anything fiction, enjoy crafting jewlery and trying new things. I love sharing my experience, and research all purchases over 30.00 (money is as tight as time these days). I hate spending money on an item or product that doesn't work! I'm also in the process of remodeling our home, and am open to ideas and suggestions. We have a (30 pound!!) cat and an 8 month old puppy (puggle) to add to the fun.

I would be intersted in hosting giveaways (if the company is responsible for shipping) for any product that is family friendly, and would love to review books, crafting kits/ideas, makeup, clothing, easy fix meals, home improvement/decor/cleaning, cat / dog items and anything teenager trendy.

My real-world and bloggy friend Silverhart Girl helped me start my very first blog which is still quite new. I hope to share my jewelery ideas, give honest opinons on books I've enjoyed (or not), other crafts I've tried and the ongoing saga of updating my home which I purchased in May.

Time flies when you're not having fun. . . . .

2009-08-03T08:02:00.001-05:00

It's been a loooong week, and it's only Monday, which I think is not a good sign.

I crafted the Honey Peppermint Lip gloss Sunday, from I Want to Make That! Fun and easy! And it actually came out pretty good. I used 1 ounce "paint and mix" pots from Hobby Lobby ($1.99/12 and was able to fill 8 completely). I roped my daughter into helping, and we cackled like hyenas the whole time :) I made 3 w/ the peppermint essential oil, 2 with a splash of vanilla extract instead of the P.E.O., one w/ vanilla and P.E.O, and one with a bit of rasberry coffee syrup Brit's idea!). The syrup didn't blend completely, but it looks kinda cool - honey colored on top and bright pink on the bottom, It did set up well, so next time I think I will blend it in the pot over heat, rather than adding to the bottom of my containers and trying to shake it together. Which is not the best blending method apparently. The lip gloss smells fantastic and feels so good on! I want to make more (more! more!) this weekend - I'm going to try to use extracts rather than essential oils because I'm a cheap crafter :)

I'm waiting on my first book to review - Scott Hamilton: The Great Eight - from Thomas Nelson books. STILL hasn't arrived. I'm looking forward to reading it though.

I've got a couple of window charm ideas rolling around in my head - If I can pull them from my brain onto string I'll get them posted. These are a fun project that looks really neat hanging up.

2009-07-28T16:05:00.001-05:00

silverhart girl at Silver's Hart gave me this wonderful blog award. I really like her blogs and was honored that she thought of me. Thank you Silver Hart! Silver Hart is also the one that got me started on my blog, and showed me how to put pictures and links in (see! I got a picture AND a link and I think they are both working!). Sad but true, I did have to hit Brittany (my 14 year old daughter) up to show me how to get the pictures from the camera to the computer.

I plan on blog surfing tonight to find new blogs, and will list them this evening.

Here are the rules of this blog award.Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

In surfing, I also stumbled on an adorable giveaway at Stepford Dreams, a beautiful Mother & Baby Owl Set by Honeybunch Designs. Perfect for a little boy or a little girl, this adorable pair would make the ideal gift.

1. Diana Rambles - I tend to babble myself :)
2. Lisaannerosalie - I have got to learn how to make those glass things!
3.

Steph's B-Day

2009-07-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law's birthday is next month. Usually I'm way last minute, but this year I wanted to get a head start and finished early (yay me!). I made her a silver medallion necklace - the medallion is etched with flowers and has Swavorski crystal accents. I also tried something I've been wanting to do for a while - make a box. I started with a plain, small cardboard trunk from Hobby Lobby and lined it with navy blue etched felt. I covered the outside (using the same technique as Scrabble Tiles) with a card suite motif since Steph loves Vegas. End result is adorable - pictures don't show well as I stink at taking photos.

Next up - window charms. Most of mine fell apart in the move, which is as good an excuse as any to make more.

First Post

2009-07-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

My first post. . . . .

Short and sweet like all the good things in life.

I have three passions in life - my family, creating jewelery and reading trashy paranormals.

I want to blog about all three -

The joy and tribulations of guiding a 14 year old beautiful girl on the path to adulthood.

The many wonderful jewelry creations I make.

And my guilty pleasure - books.