Books, Recipes and Life, OH MY!

Giveaway winners!

2012-02-06T10:25:00.002-05:00

Sorry I didn't do this over the weekend but I've been in pain most of the weekend.

The winners and books they win are as follows:

1st place: Heather and you get your #1 pick of the David Tutera book.
2nd place: Jennifer B. and you get your #1 pick of the Stylish Weddings for Less book.
3rd place: Molly and you unfortunately end up with the Groom book. I hope you enjoy it still or your fiance at least!

Please email me with your names and addresses so I can send the books off this week! jennifercepero11 at gmail dot com.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Check back soon...I plan on giving away another book that I think a lot of people will want!

Boob Tube Babble: Feb 3, 2012

2012-02-03T10:15:00.001-05:00

OK seeing that I am not in love with too many shows right now, I will talk mainly about Gossip Girl. If you watch and haven't kept up with the episodes as of right now, STOP READING!! So, before Christmas we start off with me so frickin happy since Chuck and Blair were getting back together and were going to run away so she can get away from the paparazzi. Then the unthinkable happened, they got in a bad car wreck, Princess Diana style. I was crying thinking Chuck would be killed off. I love this dude seriously. Their happiness is what I live for in TV land. Then the show comes back in January...I was so excited and ready to cry more seeing Chuck all hurt up in the hospital, but no, they decided to skip time and act like everyone's recovery was so quick...even though Chuck had been in a coma. Weird, right? Blair is still marrying the Prince Louis and I am disgusted at this because her only reason is because she thinks that if she is with Chuck, God will kill him or whatever. She made a promise to God that she won't be with him so he can be saved and she thinks this is true. Something they skipped that I am pissed and am wondering when it will come back: Diana(Liz Hurley) called Jack Bass when the accident happened telling him there had been one and he said he was on his way. I know for a fact that Diana is really Chuck's mom. It's pretty obvious. But seriously when were they going to show these two go to the hospital to see Chuck???!! I want to know when Chuck is going to find out she is his mom .... and how funny is it that Nate was having sex with her? LMAO. This week was the Royal wedding. Georgina came back for some more treachery. I was actually happy to see her since she wanted to stop the wedding, lol. Long story short, Chuck comes to tell Blair not to get married because her mother brought him there and she tells Chuck how much she loves him but that she can't be with him for reasons she doesn't choose to say. Georgina gets this all on video, gives to Chuck thinking he is still evil. He chooses that he will leave, Serena tells him the real reason Blair won't be with him. During the ceremony though, everyone gets a very loud alert(nice, turn your damn phones off during a wedding....this thing was a Royal one for God's sake!) from Gossip Girl with the video. Blair gets pissed at Chuck of course and yet still marries Louis....I knew there would be repercussions for this. He tells her during their first dance that it's just a contract and she cannot leave it and has to pretend all if fine in front of the cameras but at home, he will ignore her. She then runs off with DAN of all people.......I really am sick of them trying to pair these two up. It makes NO SENSE at all. I can see them as friends but not as lovers. Oh and the biggest GASP: Georgina revealed as Gossip Girl at the end. My husband knew it the whole time, lol. He is so silly. It makes sense though, because she has been obsessed with only Serena and her friends. She, herself has never been blasted on there either. Let's see how much Gossip Girl pisses me off this season. All I want is Chuck to have his love with him again. Don't forget to enter my giveaway that ends tonight!!! Wedding Book Giveaway!!

My Pregnancy ~ Week 29

2012-02-02T11:07:00.000-05:00

I am just 11 weeks away from my due date...holy crap did time fly! I am also just 7 weeks away from my maternity leave start date, thanks to FMLA.

Here is a pic of me on Saturday night...we went out for my birthday to the restaurant we got married. So nice.

I've gained about 30 lbs so far. Pretty hard for me to deal with seeing myself so big but I know that it's all for my baby. I hope I will be able to lose it quickly.

Also...how cute is this outfit I just ordered from Zulily??!!

Totally love it...can't wait to see my baby girl in it!

She has been kicking my butt lately. Last night was horrible trying to sleep because all I felt was constant kicking and moving around. I'm pretty sore today from all that. Not fun to be at work when all I want to do is go home and relax on the couch.

My shower is coming up on March 4th. I have my mother in law and my husband to thank for taking care of it. Without them I don't think I would have been having one. Pretty sad since you would think my mom would be all gung ho about it since it is her first grandchild and all.

Thanks for reading,

XOXO,

Jennifer

Breathless by Jessica Warman

2012-02-01T09:58:00.003-05:00

From Goodreads: When Katie Kitrell is shipped off to boarding school by her distant father and overbearing mother, it doesn’t take her long to become part of the It Crowd. She’s smart, she’s cute, and she’s an Olympic-bound swimmer who has a first class ticket to any Ivy League school of her choice. But what her new friends, roommate, and boyfriend don’t know is that Katie is swimming away from her past, and from her schizophrenic older brother, Will, who won’t let her go. And when he does the unthinkable, it’s all Katie can do to keep her head above water.

My Review: ****

Katie's story is a pretty realistic one. Dealing with the issues of her dysfunctional family (seriously who doesn't have one), but more so with the issue of her older brother who has suicidal and homicidal tendencies. Her parents ship her off to boarding school to help her get away from all the issues and to be able to do better for herself. The stories of trying to fit into a boarding school full of rich kids are things that all teens deal with no matter the case of the school....poor, rich, fancy, public, etc. Katie is a strong girl but she does fall into peer pressure at times.

This is definitely a good book for teens to read. Maybe they can relate a bit to the character in the story.
Getting this book for only 99 cents for my kindle about 2 weeks ago, this was a great deal! I really enjoyed reading this book.

Also....don't forget to enter my giveaway! It ends Friday! Wedding Book Giveaway!!

It's OK Thursdays: Birthday edition

2012-01-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

Link up to play along by clicking the button above! It's OK:

That today is my 34th birthday and I seriously haven't even thought much about it. I really don't care this year too much about it. I guess that's what pregnancy does to you. lol.
That you haven't entered my wedding book giveaway yet.....you still have time!!
That I still intend to eat carbs even though the midwife was making a big deal of it on Tuesday. It's not like I eat them all day frickin long! She made it sound like that is all I eat! Telling me my baby is going to be fat unless I cut out having bagels, pizza, pasta and bread. Seriously? I know I've gained like 30 pounds but I was super tiny before pregnancy...and I rarely ate all day long...so guess what, food is gonna make me gain weight!
That people constantly asking me how I'm feeling even though I rarely talk about my issues, annoys the crap out of me. I am not going to tell you people at work that my hips and back hurt from being here.
That I know what my daughters name is going to be and I am not telling yet!
That hubby and I are completely addicted to The Big Bang Theory. We just bought all 4 seasons from Target for only $15 each!!! AWESOME!
To realize I act like Sheldon from said show at times. I am pretty anal about food and things like that. Even when he gets literal on people, I say OMG I DO THAT!!!!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

2012-01-26T10:19:00.000-05:00

FROM GOODREADS: Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed. With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers.

MY REVIEW: ****

FINALLY! Another classic I have read and I really enjoyed! I was worried since Pride & Prejudice made me put it down and not even finish it; and I didn't like The Scarlett Letter or Wuthering Heights.
Jane is a very strong female character and she makes me want everything to work out for the best. The story kept me very interested and wanting to find out what happens. I like the writing style in this compared to other classics I've tried. Charlotte was obviously a brilliant writer. I hope I enjoy another of her books soon. I think I will try to read Emma by her. I definitely recommend this book for others to try and I will let my stepdaughter know she just might enjoy it as much as I did!

Wedding Books Giveaway!

2012-01-21T08:19:00.000-05:00

Hey ladies!!! Recently engaged? Want to learn more about planning a great wedding? Want a great gift to give to a newly engaged couple? Enter my giveaway and you can win one of three books for yourself or you can give them to someone who is engaged and planning.

The books that are up for grabs are:

The Big White Book of Weddings by David Tutera

Who doesn't love David or My Fair Wedding?

Stylish Weddings For Less by Catherine Sabino

This book was great while planning my not so expensive wedding!

The Knot Guide for the Groom by Carley Roney

Why not win a book for your man?!

Do you guys love this or what?! So here are the rules:

You must be a follower of Books, Recipes and Life, OH MY!
State which book you would like to win in your comment, in order 1st, 2nd and last if possible. You never know if I end up with two of the same book winners.
If you want extra entries, you can tweet, blog about this giveaway and/or post it on FB. You will get an 1 extra entry for each.
Enter this giveaway by Feb 3, 2012 at 11:59 PM.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2012-01-09T09:16:00.000-05:00

From Goodreads: Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Review: *****

From the beginning of the book, I was hooked in. The story was much different than anything I have ever read. Imagining a world like the one in the book is very sad to think of. No emotions after the age of 18 would be horrible. No love...at all. Not even for your children? Crazy.

Lena is a great character. She is strong even though she doesn't think she is. The fact that she treasures her friendship with Hana so much made me hope she would in a way end up like her mother so she can always remember the love she has for the people around her. I know the story is going to get VERY good in the next book since the way this one left off made you say, "WHAT???, COME ON!" Cannot wait.

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

2011-12-30T22:25:00.001-05:00

I saw this recipe on Annie's Eats and thought, "my husband would love these!" He is a Boston Cream Pie lover and I thought I'd try making these for Christmas. So I did. They may have taken a bit of time to do but it was worth it. He loved them and so did my mother and few others. I even tried them since I've never had anything Boston Cream like. I did enjoy it, but would probably have liked it more if I was not pregnant since my pregnancy doesn't have me liking cakes and stuff right now very much.

Here is the recipe from the website above:

Yield: about 30 cupcakes
Ingredients:

For the pastry cream:
4 large egg yolks
½ cup sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
Pinch of salt
2 cups milk
1¼ tsp. vanilla extract

For the cupcakes:
9 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing pans
2¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2¼ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
¾ cup milk
4 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1½ cups sugar
1½ tsp. vanilla extract

For the ganache:
9 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1½ tbsp. light corn syrup

Directions

To make the pastry cream, place the egg yolks in a medium bowl and whisk. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk in a steady stream and cook until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 minutes. Whisking constantly, slowly add about a third of the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks to temper. Return the contents of the bowl back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil and is thick enough to hold its shape when lifted with a spoon, 2-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Lightly brush standard size muffin pans with melted butter. Coat the muffin wells with flour and shake out the excess. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add the eggs, egg yolk, and sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high speed until pale yellow, fluffy, and thick enough to ribbon when the spatula is lifted, about 5 minutes. Add the dry ingredients and mix on medium-low speed just until incorporated.
Bring the milk mixture just to a boil. With the mixer on low speed, add the hot milk mixture in a slow, steady stream, mixing just until smooth. Blend in the vanilla.
Fill the prepared muffin cups halfway with the batter. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 15 minutes total. Transfer the pans to a cooling rack and let stand for 10 minutes. Run a small offset spatula or knife around the edges of each cake to loosen. Turn the cakes out onto the cooling rack and let cool completely.
To make the chocolate glaze, place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Combine the cream and corn syrup and bring to a simmer in a saucepan (or with short intervals in the microwave). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let stand 1-2 minutes until the chocolate begins to melt. Gently whisk the mixture until the chocolate is totally melted and a smooth ganache forms.
To assemble the cupcakes, split each cake horizontally with a serrated knife. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the pastry cream on the bottom half of each cupcake. Replace the top halves. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate glaze over each cupcake. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. (These can be made and assembled up to 1 day in advance.)

Note: My husband suggested that the next time I make these that I double the amount of the cream for the middles so there is a little bit more on the inside of them. I guess I would suggest this for those who want the cupcakes to feel more moist tasting.

Gossip Girl series by Cecily von Ziegesar (some spoilers)

2011-12-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

***

I am reviewing this as a series since I didn't want to do each individual book. I did do one for the prequel, but this for books 1-12. All of them except prequel.

As many of you may know, I am a HUGE fan of the show Gossip Girl. I read these books because I wanted to see what the differences were in the show and books. WOW, did I think there would be so many, no, but there definitely are some major differences. I do say, I love the way the show is done. The book, not so much. Sure, sure, this could be because since they got together, I've been all about Chuck and Blair especially because they were the most intriguing characters on the show in my opinion.

There is one thing that annoyed me throughout this entire book series. The Nate, Serena, Blair love triangle. Seriously, I wanted to kick these two girls but more so, Nate! I started hating him big time. He just seems like he kind of is on the show(the kind of guy who goes from girl to girl). It was worse in the book though, it's like once he is with Blair, he sees Serena and falls for her and sleeps with her and vice versa. SO ANNOYING!

I get why Chuck isn't a major character in the book, but I love him so much in the show! lol. I did get a little giddy in book 12 when he and Blair are together finally. I think that was Cecily's way of adding what so many love about the show.

I also like the way book 12/I Will Always Love You ends. Definitely better than I expected.

Would I recommend these to a teenager to read??? NO. They are something quick and light but definitely way too inappropriate most of the time. Sure, the show is too, but wow. I can't believe when I worked at a bookstore there were 14 year olds buying these and we knew they were suppose to be pretty crazy but I didn't think this much. Not great role models in these books I tell ya.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (spoilers)

2011-12-13T09:38:00.000-05:00

From Goodreads:

What if you had only one day to live?
What would you do?
Who would you kiss?
And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

My Review: *****

When I started this book, the long chapters made me feel like I wouldn't like it very much. By the middle of the book, I was hooked on this story and wanting to know how it will end. Yes, Sam relives the same day over and over again until she is able to come to terms with the reason this is happening.

This book defiinitely sends out a positive message I believe. Just because you are popular and have been rude to people doesn't mean you cannot turn it around and change for the better. Don't think about what your friends will think of this newfound conscience you have. Knowing how much it hurt to be picked on in your past should never give you the right to pick on others later just because you have become prettier or more popular with the in-crowd.

Sam realizes she had to stop being selfish and stop trying to save herself from dying. Instead her journey ends with her helping out someone she didn't really know very well. It's very touching.

20 Weeks!!

2011-12-06T10:37:00.000-05:00

Ok my 20 weeks technically started on Wed of last week but this pic was taken on Sunday! Also, sorry I am such a BAD blogger lately. Between not posting damn near at all on here and rarely reading yours, I suck.

Oh and we also found our we are having a ...... GIRL

and here is bit of a better shot of the belly itself....

No we haven't named her yet. We are still working on that.

Eff, Marry, Kill #2

2011-11-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

And here is another addition of Eff, Marry, Kill. Link up by clicking the button above!!! Enjoy.... This time I am going to bring it down to the boys of How I Met Your Mother. Eff Marshall Erikson ... since he is soul mates with Lily...I will leave him for her to have. They are too cute.

Source: google.com.mx via Pao on Pinterest

Marry

Barney Stinson .... I love him! He is AWESOME. And after this weeks episode had me crying, I hate Robin! So screw her!

Source: fuckyeahbarney.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Kill

Ted Mosby. Sorry, Ted, you gotta go. You are beginning to become so annoying.

Source: tvloop.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Who would your choices be???

The Ultimate Twilight Fan Link Up

2011-11-16T08:50:00.001-05:00

Hey, Twilight fans...and yes, I mean those who have also READ the books. I will admit, I'm not huge on the movies but I started watching because of my stepdaughters. AND Robert Pattinson is fun to look at ; p

Join in the fun over at Star's & Tara's blogs. Click on the button above to take you to the link up.

1. Are you going to see Breaking Dawn at the midnight release?

No, I will not be one of the crazies at midnight going. I work at 7 am and am pregnant but I've never been to a midnight release of a movie anyway. Maybe one day.

2. Scene you're most looking forward to in Breaking Dawn?

Oh.....so many to choose from since this book was awesome in my eyes. I think I am looking most forward to Jacob's imprinting. It made me go WHATTTT??? in the book and I was dying at the aftermath!

3. Team Edward or Jacob?

Are you serious??? There is no question about it. EDWARD. Jacob isn't even in the running, people.

Although I like book Jacob better than movie Jacob. TL seems like a snobby, conceited jerk and he portrays Jacob that way which makes me mad. I only like Jacob with long hair in the movies.

4. Favorite book in the Saga?

Eclipse. It made me realize Edward is the shit.

5. Favorite character in the series and why?

I think my favorite character would be Rosalie. There is more about her than people think at first which I like.

6. Why do you love Twilight?

I like Twilight. Not sure if I would say I am obsessed with it or anything but I like it for the story that it is. I DO NOT like the way vampires are portrayed in these books AT ALL.

7. Are the books or movies better?

BOOKS! Again, is this a serious question????

8. What do you dislike about the series?

I dislike Bella being a whiny bitch and I dislike Kristin Stewart even more so for being a horrible actress in them.

9. Your craziest fan moment.

Ummm I don't think I have one.

10. Do you have a Twilight collection?

Yes, I bought the books when I was swayed into reading them by the book club on The Nest instead of just criticizing the shitty movie that Twilight was. I figured, let me buy these since my stepdaughter will read them as well. We also own the movies which we have played drinking games to. FUNFUN

Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner

2011-11-14T12:57:00.001-05:00

From Goodreads:
First comes love. Then comes marriage. And then things start to get really interesting...

In Good in Bed, Cannie Shapiro conquered public heartbreak and shaky self-esteem. In In Her Shoes, Rose and Maggie Feller learned about family secrets and the ties that bind. Now, in Jennifer Weiner's richest, wittiest, most true-to-life novel yet, this highly acclaimed storyteller brings readers a tale of romance, friendship, forgiveness, and extreme sleep deprivation, as three very different women navigate one of life's most wonderful and perilous transitions: the journey of new motherhood.
Rebecca Rothstein-Rabinowitz is a plump, sexy chef who has a wonderful husband, supportive friends, a restaurant that's received citywide acclaim, a beautiful baby girl...and the mother-in-law from hell.

Kelly Day's life looks picture-perfect. But behind the doors of her largely empty apartment, she's struggling to balance work and motherhood and marriage, while entering Oliver's every move (and movement) on a spreadsheet, and dealing with an unemployed husband who seems content to channel-surf for eight hours a day.

And Ayinde Towne is already on shaky ground, trying to live her life to the letter of a how-to guide called Baby Success, when her basketball superstar husband breaks her trust at the most vulnerable moment in her life, putting their marriage in peril -- and their new family even more in the public eye.

Then there's Lia Frederick, a Philadelphia native who has just come home, leaving Los Angeles behind, along with her glamorous Hollywood career, her husband, and a tragic secret, to start her life all over again.
With her trademark warmth and humor, Weiner tells the story of what happens after happily ever after...and how an eight-pound bundle of joy can shake up every woman's sense of herself in the world around her.

From prenatal yoga to postbirth sex, from sisters and husbands to mothers and mothers-in-law, Little Earthquakes is a frank, funny, fiercely perceptive Diaper Genie-eye view of the comedies and tragedies of love and marriage.

My Review: *****

I don't know if it's because I am pregnant right now or what, but I loved this book. I think the synopsis from Goodreads says it all about what to look forward to in the book, but I definitely think this is a must read if you like chic-lit or even a good story about being a mother and wife. I actually got a few tips for motherhood too from these stories. This is one of my favorites of Jennifer Weiner's now. It just might be my top fave.

17 Weeks!

2011-11-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

This is my bump at 17 weeks. I am feeling ok except for back pain especially while in bed. Who would think going to bed would be the most dreaded part of your day?? I don't look forward to waking up in pain. We go for the ultrasound that could tell us the sex of the baby in 3 weeks! So fun, even though I don't care about finding out, but Aaron wants to know badly.

Cravings: none

Aversions: anything mint flavored (yes, I had to change to cinnamon toothpaste)

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-11-04T10:35:00.000-04:00

Join in on the Friday fun over at The Little Things We Do

1. My favorite thing about this week was/is: feeling my little baby tickling me last night and today at work. It makes me thing it's using its toes to tickle my tummy from the inside.

2. Cold weather makes me: feel like the holidays are coming. I love it and yes, I love snow too. Although it was pretty weird getting that during October this year.

3. Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are: my husband, my little one inside my belly and having some new clothes even though they are maternity.

4. If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose: heels, but only if they were super comfortable. Unfortunately they aren't.

5. My personality type is: most definitey Type A. I am an introvert until I really can trust and get to know someone. I find it very hard to talk to people.

6. I have a serious problem resisting: cheese. I love it. The stinkier it is, the yummier it usually is too.

7.My favorite color to wear is: blue. It brings out my eyes. I also love to wear grey.

It's OK Thursdays #5

2011-10-27T09:24:00.000-04:00

It's another week of It's OK Thursdays with Neely and Amber. Link up to join in the fun! It's OK: ~ That I deleted someone who was a friend from my Facebook because I feel like she really isn't anymore. Not congratulating me on anything in my life lately? Then, screw you! ~ ~ To LOL at people who think they are high end when you know for a fact that they are just big talkers. Just because you have a couple of real Coach bags (ew...esp when it has the C's all over it.) doesn't mean shit. Try buying LV. ~ ~ To dream about Gossip Girl and Chuck Bass chooses to be with you since Blair chose Dan in the dream! ~ ~ To want to quit your job because it's the most boring, life sucking thing in the world (think Office Space) even though it pays well. ~

Eff, Marry, kill (Week 1)

2011-10-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

This is a new link up that I figured I would give a whirl. Link up with Michelle and Heather by clicking on the button above. This should be lots of fun, since we get to pick the people! I figure for the first time, I will pick something that most people know and are looking forward to: The Twilight Boys(disclaimer: if my husband is reading this, I would never do any of these things...except maybt the kill one, lol) Eff : Emmett Cullen ...out of all those boys..he is definitely has the sexiest body.

Source: google.ca via France on Pinterest

Marry: Edward Cullen..if it's not obvious, I am Team Edward.

Source: None via Brandy on Pinterest

Kill: Jacob Black...yes, I despise this kid...ok maybe not Jacob in the books but thanks to TL playing him, I don't like him one bit. He is way too stuck up.

Source: breakingdawnmovie.org via Carin on Pinterest

I completely understand some of you may be angry at me for my last choice there, but I don't care, lol. Who would your choices be??

It's OK Thursdays #4 (for me that is)

2011-10-20T10:20:00.000-04:00

Link up with Amber and Neely for some fun on It's OK Thursdays! Click the button above to join in.

It's ok:

To be grossed out by the thought and smell of chocolate right now. Hey, I'm pregnant!
To not like maternity shopping thanks to the cost of having to buy a whole new wardrobe...even bras!
To want to delete a certain person who use to seem like a friend on Facebook but seriously, I'm sick of having to be the one to contact you. You haven't even congratulated me on my wedding (which they were invited to and didn't go) or the fact that I am pregnant. What's that tell me?? You are no friend of mine.
To not want to come to work because sitting in my chair at the desk is killing my back even more than trying to sleep some nights.
To get super excited when you see Joshua Jackson make his reappearance on Fringe!

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

2011-10-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

My Review: ****

I really liked this author's take on the villain of The Wizard of Oz. It really makes you feel like this is the true story of the Witch and how she was truly a good person seen the wrong way because of her green skin and her views on certain things. I also think it's pretty interesting how Glinda is portrayed in the book.

Any lover of The Wizard of Oz books and movie would really enjoy this book.

I have never seen the play even though I live in NY, but I'm sure it's fabulous. I just wonder how it's done since I assume there is music involved.

13 weeks!

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am 13 weeks pregnant! SO exciting. I am starting to show too. My regular clothes no longer fit, so I have purchased some maternity wear from Motherhood Maternity and Gap Maternity.

Since I have not been blogging much, I apologize. I am just not very into it right now. I have no idea why and I am sorry for all those whose blogs I frequently read and I have been not commenting much on lately.

Here is our baby at 10 weeks: Such an adorable little peanut! I seriously LOVE this photo!!!

And here it is at 13 weeks: (taken yesterday) Look at him/her waving at us!!! It even turned it's head and looked in our direction. It was so cute!!! I have a very active baby in there moving around like crazy..although I cannot feel it yet.

I figure some of you may be wondering what I look like right now, so here is a photo of me last week (12 weeks). My bump is pretty tiny but it's there. This is me in my real clothes...

And another one of me with the pregnancy pillow on to see how the clothes will fit when I am bigger. I bought this outfit...Being silly at The GAP alone was kinda fun!

I do not have any cravings really right now. I just haven't stopped loving Italian food which is awesome. Maybe that is a craving since when I see a good looking plate of food on TV or in an ad of it, I practically salivate.

For foods I don't want: Sweets like chocolate, cake, cookies aren't something I want and also salty foods gross me out. It's like I can taste how much salt is in things like chips, soup, taco seasoning. I guess this is all good things though since I mainly want healthier foods.

Giveaway Winners

2011-10-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

It is time for me to announce the winners of the two books from my giveaway!

I used random.org to pick the winners and here they are :

Winner of Taking Charge of Your Fertility is:
Meghan from The Perfect Compilation Tape.

and

Winner of The Beauty Detox Solution is:
Stephanie from Blonde Highlights

CONGRATULATIONS ladies!

To all those who entered, thank you! I promise I will have another giveaway sometime soon.

Contact me @ jennifercepero11 at gmail dot com to give me your info so I can send the books your way!

Boob Tube Babble

2011-09-30T08:31:00.000-04:00

Link up for all the TV talk you can handle with Neely and Ashley. I thought instead of talking about all the shows I love right now, I would talk about the TV shows I miss from the past.

Source: google.com via Kassaundra on Pinterest

Friends: Sure, I watch the re-runs or my DVDs a lot but I totally miss the comedy of this show. It was truly one of my absolute favorite shows of all time. I can quote damn near every episode. Hubby HATES when I do that!

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

Will & Grace: Again, another show I absolutely LOVED! I have been DVR'ing all the episodes on Lifetime since I miss them so. JUST JACK! I loved the dynamic this show had.

Source: google.com.ph via Misty on Pinterest

Dawson's Creek: Ah I love this show. Hello, Pacey Whitter! Good thing Fringe put him back on weekly television! Who doesn't love the fact that Joey chooses Pacey over Dawson?! I know I loved that final episode!

What old shows do you miss? Sure there are plenty from the 80s I loved too but I figured some 90s ones would suffice for today.

Also...don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE! Today is the final day for submissions! Tomorrow I will pick the winners! Good luck to everyone.

Fall TV: Fabulous Fall Challenge

2011-09-26T08:24:00.000-04:00

Today is day 6 in the Fabulous Fall Challenge. Sorry I have not done all the days, I've just been very lazy. Today is a fun one though, FALL TV!

Shows I am super excited about:

Dexter...need to order Showtime this week...SUNDAY!
Gossip Girl ... WHOO HOO TONIGHT!!!!!!
90210
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Fringe
2 Broke Girls
New Girl
Saturday Night Live
Tosh.O

What shows are you excited about this Fall??? Link up with Neely & Amber to talk about it!

My secret....

2011-09-23T10:14:00.002-04:00

Not sure if any of you saw my post on It's OK Thursdays a couple of weeks ago mentioning how I had a secret...but I am ready to reveal that secret to you all now!

I have dreamt of this time of my life since I was a little girl... I was OBSESSED with babies and the thought of having kids as a little girl. I am so happy to say that my dream has finally come true! I am 10 weeks pregnant!

I am due on April 18, 2012. We have gone to the Dr twice already and seen the ultrasounds. The first time it was just a little ball and as of this Tues it looks like a real baby! So cute!

I am sorry about being lazy like not posting much and going along with meme's and stuff but I guess I can blame some of my laziness for certain things on being pregnant. I haven't even wanted to read much. I've been on the same book for 3 weeks! Can you believe that crap???!!!

Also...don't forget to enter my giveaway! click here for giveaway!

Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge: Fall Traditions

2011-09-19T10:58:00.001-04:00

Link up with Neely & Amber for this fun challenge for the next couple of weeks.
Today's topic is Fall Traditions

My favorite fall traditions are :

Halloween

Source: instructables.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I hope to have a home someday so we can decorate it all crazy for the holidays.

Hot apple cider

Source: google.com via Diane on Pinterest

Seeing all the gorgeous colors of the leaves

The humidity going away here in NY! YAY!

Cozy fall clothing

Source: handsforhope.myshopify.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Baking! Love the smells of yummy pies and things baking away in the oven.

What are your favorite Fall things??

Win, Win!

2011-09-16T07:49:00.002-04:00

I recently talked about the fact that I would be doing a giveaway for 2 books. Yes, there will be 2 winners!
I have never given away books on my blog! Go figure, a book blogger who hasn't done a book giveaway?! Yea, I'm slow. lol.

Anyway here are the books you have a chance to win:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

This is a great book to learn about the female reproductive system. Whether you are trying to have a baby or trying to prevent a pregnancy from occurring this is a great book to have.

&

The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Snyder

For all you ladies (or men) who want to get healthier, check this book out. It is chock full of super healthy ways to eat, ways to get rid of that acne and to have healthier skin and hair.

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

You must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment stating which book you prefer.
To earn an extra entry, blog about this giveaway and leave the link in a comment (separate comment from the above one).

Deadline for the giveaway is Friday Sept 30, 2011.

Giveaways!

2011-09-14T08:25:00.001-04:00

Today I entered a great giveaway over at Krystal's Kitsch. She is giving away something that will be personal to yourself! How awesome is that?! If you blog about beauty, you will probably end up with something from Sephora, Books like myself ...a gift card to buy more! (I would totally love a Barnes and Noble gift card since I am a member), etc. So head on over and enter yourself in this fabulous giveaway!

Also would like to alert you about a giveaway I will be having of my own!
I will try to set it up sometime this week. It will be to win one of two books:
Taking Charge of Your Fertility
or
The Beauty Detox Solution

Keep an eye out for this to happen soon!

It's OK Thursdays #3

2011-09-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

Once again, It's Thursday! Sorry I've been sick since Friday and haven't read too many blogs lately. I am trying to catch up. Link up with Neely & Amber to play along! Click on the button above to be brought to the link-up.

Hey, It's OK:

To not want to tell my sister certain things because she just tells the whole world even though I tell her NOT to and that it's a secret.
To feel weird that my husband has to drive me everywhere because my car is kaputz right now. We are getting another car by next week, not new but better.
To be afraid to drive said "new" car, actually I should say "truck". I've never driven a big car like that. It's an Isuzu Rodeo.
To still love Joey Lawrence. He cracks me up in the new show Melissa & Joey.
To be excited it's almost time to decorate for Christmas!

It's Ok Thursday!

2011-09-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

Link up with Nelly & Amber for It's Ok Thursdays! It's OK:

that I have a secret I can't tell.
that I have become bored with many things including blogging and reading.
that I actually watched a couple of episodes of Jersey Shore recently.
that I laughed at said episodes of JS, specifically when Deena removed the girl from Vinny's bed and when the girls dressed up for dinner as 40 year olds from Yonkers. (you have to be from here to know why it was hilarious) They were spot on with the accents (Lady Gaga has it)
to hate my job but still stay because the pay/benefits are great.
to feel like my real life friends aren't really "friends" anymore.
to hate this new blogger design. It's very confusing. First FB, now this.
to not see the appeal of Bradley Cooper. He skeeves me.
to be 33 and excited for the Breaking Dawn movie coming out this Nov. Only 2 months!!!! Team Edward! Jacob makes me want to spit on him. For real. I think it's actually Taylor that makes me want to spit on him. lol.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-08-23T08:49:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads:

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater .
In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

My Review: ****

I liked this book the most out of the entire trilogy. I wasn't sure I was loving the story of Sam and Grace, but this made me love it much more. I do have to say I tend to like Cole and Isabel better though.

The amount of drama in this book was crazy! I was freaking out during the last 100 pages. If you have read the first two books, I guarantee you will love this book!

Movie Remake Madness

2011-08-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

Seriously, Hollywood needs to come up with something better than remaking movies. It's really beginning to piss me off. Here are my thoughts on the remakes.

Dirty Dancing ~ I almost punched the computer when I heard about this last week. Then it became definite while watching So You Think You Can Dance and the maker was one of the judges (he made the original). I just will not watch this movie!

Source: google.com via Maryelys on Pinterest

Footloose ~ Another, really? I know the 80's were like, what? 30 years ago "shudder" but come on! Remaking a movie that showed everyone who Kevin Bacon was is just sacrilege. Even Sarah Jessica Parker is in the original looking adorably 80's. Don't get me started on the fact that when they do go to dance, it looks like a scene out of Step Up. Hoochies everywhere.

Source: google.com via Karin on Pinterest

Karate Kid ~ I still haven't seen this. I just cannot imagine Ralph Macchio NOT being the Karate Kid. I didn't even see The Next Karate Kid with Hillary Swank. Sorry Jaiden Smith, but no, just because your daddy pays to put you in a movie doesn't make you an actor.

Source: fuckyeah1980s.tumblr.com via Jimena on Pinterest

Notice that these are 80's movies??? Yea, so did I. Another I've heard they are going to remake is Back to the Future ( I will seriously want to stab someone in Hollywood!). I am hoping it's a lie because this being one of my absolute favorite movies from the 80's, I will protest the new version.

Next thing you know they will want to remake Pretty Woman, Flashdance, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. I will seriously protest these movies if done!

Maybe we are living in dream land thinking that the 80's weren't so long ago. Technically I'm sure they remade 50's & 60's movies back when we were in the 80's & 90's. Eh well, I am still mad!

100 Things That Make Me Happy

2011-08-12T10:04:00.000-04:00

I got this idea from a girl I have been following for what seems like forever. When she was a YouTube video blogger, I watched her blogs then and now I read her regular blog. It is pretty cool to have seen someone grow so much since you first seen/read them. Emmalina is a pretty ~~great~~ awesome blogger. She is from Australia and now has two darling little boys with her husband. I might also add, her name is one of my favorite girl names. Anyway, time for my list (in no particular order) ...

My husband. This is an obvious one. He makes me happier than anyone has ever made me.
Reading.
Trying out new recipes from our cookbooks or from Food Network. Who cares if they don't always taste the way we hoped.
Exercising. Even though I don't do it very much, when I do and when I keep up doing it, I am much happier than when I am not.
My stepdaughters. When we get to see them that is, which is only during the summer. =(
Finding exactly what I'm looking for when I go shopping.
Those beautiful sunny days that aren't too hot or too sunny. You know, some clouds are there.
Snow. Yes, I love snow. It's so gorgeous when it happens. I just want to go out and play in it like I'm 5 again.
An amazing filet Mignon. Yes, I love that stuff.
Getting a pedicure. I usually paint my own nails to save money, so when I do, it's like heaven.
Dancing.
Wearing dresses & skirts
Finding a great fitting pair of jeans...this hasn't happened in a while.
The sound of rain when I'm home with my husband.
Hanging out with friends.
Cotton candy
Getting an amazing discount because of a sale or coupons!
Sex...obviously. Whose list wouldn't this be on??
Getting my hair done by my hairdresser. I love the feeling when I walk out of the salon!
Romantic nights (or days) with my love.
Going to the city ~ NYC ~ at Christmas time.
Bobbi Brown eye liner.
Making my homemade sauce. I always get RAVE reviews from everyone who has had it!
Christmas shopping. I know, sounds crazy but I love finding gifts I know people will love. I hate when people are impossible to shop for!
Not being tan. I know I won't look like leather or have skin cancer.
Barbie dolls. I know I'm 33, but I see them and get all giddy.
Watching Gossip Girl and it makes it even better since Aaron loves to watch it too!
Speaking of shows....DEXTER!
Playing RockBand. I sing. Not well, but I sing.
Godiva chocolate. I wasn't really into chocolate until my husband bought this for me on our first Valentine's day. WOW. It's like sex in a box.
Watching Chuck Bass...wait did I say that already??? Oh well, it deserves another mention since he is the reason to watch Gossip Girl.
Going to a concert.
My husband's rice & beans. Arroz con gandules. YUM
Getting lovey dovey texts from the hubby.
Organization. I know I'm weird but it makes me happy knowing things have a place.
My kitty, Gizmo. He is too cute. So cute that even though I am allergic to cats, I keep him. I get shots and take Claritin when needed.
Awesome comments from my readers. It makes me feel loved.
Wearing makeup. Yes, it makes me happy because it makes me feel prettier. I should wear it everyday I guess, huh?
Watching movies I loved growing up. i.e. Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Sixteen Candles, Back to the Future, etc.
Laying out on the grass and just relaxing.
Walking around NYC with my best girl friend. Although, we haven't done this in sooo long!
Shopping with same friend. She is the only other person I know who loves shopping as much as me and can do it for hours.
Reading all of my favorite blogs.
Shopping for new furniture for our apartment.
A new Anne Rice book.
Playing old games I did as a kid...i.e: hopscotch, hula hooping, jump rope.
Music. I have so many different kinds I like, I just put it as music.
Babies.
Shoes...I love them. Pretty girly ones!
Looking at the stars (when we are upstate or somewhere that you can see them)
The smell of suntan lotion.
Brownies
Girly pop songs.
Watching Justin Timberlake anything...
Vacations
Hearing songs that remind me of our wedding day.
Playing Call of Duty: Black Ops with my husband. The zombies part of the game.
Running through a sprinkler.
Getting dressed up on New Years Eve
Going to a carnival
Going on a loopy roller coaster. I love the rush I get.
My chiropractor. Seriously he helps a lot!
Getting my makeup done by my awesome makeup artist. She is AMAZING! And I always love how I look.
Getting a facial.
Massages
Giving a massage too.
MAC lipstick...specifically Viva Glam IV.
Sharing my love for books with my oldest stepdaughter.
Books. Real ones. Not those E-reader ones. I am hoping I will never have to convert.
Claritin on those high allergy days.
Writing. On paper.
Fashion magazines.
Watching runway shows. Yea most find it boring but I'd give anything to go to a live one!
Laughing
Knowing that I know all these 80s movies they are trying to remake (Dirty Dancing, Footloose). So glad I don't HAVE to go see the ruined versions.
80s music. Especially hair bands! I am listening to a Pandora station I made for Warrant. Jani Lane was found dead today.
When the leaves change during Fall.
Halloween.
White clothes. Seriously, it's my favorite color to wear.
Having favorite perfumes. Paris Hilton's Heiress, Yves St Laurent La Parisienne & a new Vera Wang one. I forget the name. Have to go buy it. Blair from GG is the model for it.
Remembering great childhood memories.
Soft socks
Sexy lingerie ...seriously I like it.
Looking at old photos.
Knowing I didn't stay with a person I wasn't happy with.
A great slice of pizza. NY style of course...is there any other way??
Having a job. I might not love it, but it pays me.
Learning new things.
Knitting. I need to get back into it and learn more. I didn't learn very much yet.
The cold side of the pillow
Weekends
Chatting with friends online.
My wedding ring
Flowers
When my hair comes out perfect when I leave it naturally curly.
Getting compliments.
Eating healthy. I need to do this more often.
Being told I love you.
Saying I love you.
Hugs & kisses.

Our Wedding Blogged Yet Again!

2011-08-12T09:01:00.000-04:00

Check out this awesome post that Danielle over at Danfredo Rivera did of our wedding. I love it! She asked me some questions which I answered as best I could. You can email her about having your wedding posted on there as well!
I think you should just read her blog in general because she cracks me the hell up. Also, check out her wedding plans....I subway themed wedding! It's really awesome!

Boob Tube Babble: SYTYCD!

2011-08-05T22:53:00.000-04:00

Yes, again...I am here to talk about my love for the best dance show ever! So You Think You Can Dance! This week, Caitlynn, one of my favorites was kicked off. Here are some of her dances! I absolutely LOVE these ones!

Caitlynn & Ivan (hip hop)

Caitlynn & Marko ...my favorite guy.. (Contemporary)

Caitlynn & Pasha (Samba) This is one of the only times I was able to look at the girl dancing with this man instead of just him. She did awesome!

Join in the link up to talk TV...remember it can be whatever you want!

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

2011-08-05T16:11:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen.
For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse.

For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation.

On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I don’t think of myself as a victim. I survived.

A Stolen Life is my story—in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it.

My Review: *****

To say that I loved this book would be in a way, wrong. The details of this book are not something to love. Obviously, the love I have for it is not the same as say, my love for the Harry Potter books. I love that Jaycee Dugard was found still alive and has the strength and courage to speak about her time of abduction.

I remember reading about these events in 2009. I was horrified then that someone could do something so insane and also disgusted with that piece of shit (sorry) of a "man" and his wife. How could a woman help with an abduction let alone one that her husband had the intent to rape the child and hold her captive.

Reading what happened to Jaycee in her own words was at times, difficult to get through. I did shed a tear or two (or a million). Even though she had to grow accustomed to this new life being forced upon her, the entire time she knew it was wrong and had hope that she will one day see her mom again. I have such respect for someone who stayed so strong for 18 years of captivity. I truly hope the government does not fail other missing persons. They had so many opportunities to search this man's entire property and never did so. They seen the little girls and didn't think, hmm this man is on parole for rape of a child, maybe he is lying. No they didn't until much later. Thank goodness all of them were alive and can now hopefully live a normal life. I hope the best for all of them.

I do love Jaycee's message that she gives in the beginning of the book. The fact that she wrote this so that her abductor would be seen for the animal he is and to help those who can be in similar situations or even just going through struggles in life.

I have gone through something pretty bad in my past and I must say I got through it very well. I unfortunately have never told many people. Jacyee makes me see how much stronger she is than I am for being able to go into detail what horrific things that happened to her.

There is one thing that concerned me while reading this, I kept wondering, being that Jaycee was getting older and this sick man had a thing for young girls, did he try to do something to his own children that were bore by Jaycee??? Since there is no mention of it at all in either this book or in reports that I know of, I am assuming no.

True Life: I'm a book blogger

2011-08-05T07:57:00.002-04:00

Join in on this new meme by clicking on the button above! I follow both of those girls' blogs and I think they are both fabulous! Anyway, on to my story...

TRUE LIFE: I'm a book blogger.

As some of you may all know, my name is Jennifer. I am recently married, this past March to the man of my dreams. He and I were high school sweethearts who just so happened to reconnect via Facebook (who would a thought, huh?). My husband didn't come into our relationship alone, I am also a stepmother to two teenage (or almost) girls. They do not live with us, but we do get to enjoy our time with them for the short time we do have them during the summer.

I started this blog almost 2 years ago because I thought ti would be a nice way to keep track of the books I read and what I thought, the recipes I try and how we enjoyed them and pretty much anything else I felt like talking about that day. I will admit that lately, I have pretty much only been talking about the books I've been reading. I have a yearly goal to read 50 books this year and as of right now, I have read 33 books. I am very proud of myself. I am getting to read some books I've wanted to read for years and some new popular types. I keep track of all these books I'd like to read on a site called http://www.goodreads.com/ . You can see my link on the left side there that shows what book I am currently reading and hopefully enjoying.

The great thing about having two stepdaughters is that one of them, the oldest, lived with us for a little bit and she LOVES to read as well. Even though her choices tend to be in the supernatural/paranormal romance category, I do try to read some that we can talk about. I mean, I do after all adore the hell out of Anne Rice, who if you know anything about her, is the greatest vampire and witch author there is. Even my husband read the Twilight saga (due to the fact that I was updating him everyday as to what happened in the books). He just had to read them himself I guess!

My husband has started to take interest in historical books. I am thinking this is mainly thanks to his classes he goes to at night. Funny thing is every time he was learning about something, I was reading an historical fiction novel about the same subject. Isn't that just crazy?? Well, now we can both enjoy these things which makes me super excited. He use to not want to watch The Tudors on Netflix with me because it seemed boring, but now that he knows all about Henry VIII, he gets sucked into it when I have it on.

I know, that my blog title has more in it than books and you are probably all wondering, "when the heck are you going to try some new recipes out??" And I swear, I will hop right on that ASAP. I actually have one I tried a couple weeks ago I need to write a post about. When it comes to the life part, I wonder what else would you all like me to write about? I would love to hear your ideas. I am usually too chicken to write about the trial and tribulations of my day to day life, but then at times, I think, "all I do is go to work everyday and come home, so there isn't much going on". I guess that is true sometimes, but I do have lots of thoughts in my head that I never put down on ~~paper~~ screen. I know I've said it a couple of times before, but I really hope I get into writing interesting blog posts more often.

Well...to all you new followers/readers, I hope you enjoyed my little story and to all my past followers, I hope you continue ~~loving~~ liking my posts.

One thing I would love to work on, is my book reviews. I feel like they don't really say much and I find it hard at times without giving the book away.

Ringgold Reads

2011-08-04T19:10:00.000-04:00

Two, very generous book bloggers, Julie & Crystal, have set up a book donation for the schools in Ringgold, GA that were destroyed by tornadoes this past spring. All of the details can be found on Julie's blog Booked Hooked, on this post here ~~~~>Ringgold Reads!

I hope many of you can donate as many books that are needed if you can. This is a great cause. I, myself am donating by purchasing books off of Barnes & Noble.com and having them shipped straight to the address given on Julie & Crystal's sites. So please, spread the word to everyone you know to help out the schools in Georgia.

It's OK Thursday!

2011-08-04T07:43:00.000-04:00

Check out Neely's blog to link up to It's OK Thursdays! Hey, it's OK:

that I haven't been cooking lately. My husband is in school at night and I hate having to cook for just me. It's just not the same.
for me to read while at work. Hey, when it's dead and there is nothing to do, wouldn't they rather me do that, than say ..... blogging? Oops. I do that too.
to read instead of watching TV. Seriously, it bothers my eyes 90% of the time to look at that thing.
to prefer the other seasons over summer. I really cannot stand the heat! Neither does my hair.

Bloodspell by Amalie Howard

2011-08-03T10:44:00.001-04:00

From Goodreads: The spell was simple...

Cruentus Protectum (Defend the Blood)

But what do you do if your blood is your enemy?

Victoria Warrick has always known she was different. An outcast at school, she is no stranger to adversity. But when she receives an old journal for her seventeenth birthday, nothing prepares her for the dark secrets it holds -- much less one that reveals she's a witch with unimaginable power.

What's more, when she meets the dazzling but enigmatic Christian Devereux, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. Enemies will hunt her. Friends will turn on her. The terrible curse that makes her blood run black will stop at nothing to control her. And Christian has a sinister secret of his own...

Without knowing whom to trust, can Victoria survive her blood's deadly desires? Or will she lose everything, including herself?

My Review: *****

First off, look at that gorgeous cover. Seriously one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen.

First thoughts: As I was reading this, I did notice some similarities to other vampire books for YA. The difference I loved, the main character, Victoria is a witch. And no, not some cheesy "Charmed" witch, a real bad ass witch. Somewhat like The Mayfair witches in Anne Rice's novels. The fact that the female in this was not some regular girl falling for a vampire made it so much better. We've read those a MILLION times and seriously, it gets old. Real quick. Sure, Christian is very alluring, the way all vampires should be(sorry that's a spoiler I guess). He reminds me a bit of Louis from Interview With the Vampire (without all the incessant whining).

Final thoughts: Holy shit! (excuse my French) Seriously though, if you don't get sucked in by the love story itself, then you will love the last few chapters. The darkness that this book has in it is just what I've been wanting in some of these YA series'. I think it's something that most are missing. I guess it's the Anne Rice fanatic in me that longs for it. Don't get me wrong, it's nothing insanely gory or anything but some serious shit goes down. I really don't want to mention much else because I will give it all away! I truly cannot wait until the next book comes out.

Definitely check this book out if you are into vampires, witches, Young Adult or even just paranormal romances. But keep in mind, this isn't your average romance!

Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey (Spoilers)

2011-07-29T07:39:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: This enthralling confection of a novel, the first in a new trilogy, follows the transformation of a coddled Austrian archduchess into the reckless, powerful, beautiful queen Marie Antoinette.
Why must it be me? I wondered. When I am so clearly inadequate to my destiny?

Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mother’s political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon.

Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen.

Filled with smart history, treacherous rivalries, lavish clothes, and sparkling jewels, Becoming Marie Antoinette will utterly captivate fiction and history lovers alike.

My Review: ****

I really enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for the 2nd one to be released. I guess I will have to wait about a year or so since this one is still not published. I won this on Goodreads as an ARC.

Maria Antonia, as she is called in her homeland of Vienna, Austria, is being raised to become Queen of France. She is to marry Louis Auguste (Louis XVI), who is an awkward and immature boy. Her transformation that she has to endure in Austria which include hair extensions and 18th century braces are all to make her appear more appealing to the people of France since she has not yet developed her womanly assets. When she arrives in France, it's as if her husband could care less. At times, I wondered if he was gay. The story is telling how he is very intimidated by the act of sex, not knowing what to do. (Although it made me think, who knows what they are doing their first experiences? I mean really?!)

Marie gains Louis Auguste's trust and companionship. The ending of the book shows them attending the funeral of Louis XV, his grandfather. Louis and Marie are now King and Queen of France. Louis is not enthused at all by it, but even more so intimidated by the job at hand.

I look forward to reading more about this fictional account of what really happens when the final King and Queen of France ruled.

Lovers of historical fiction or of Marie Antoinette will adore this book.

My Stack o' Books

2011-07-28T08:59:00.001-04:00

These are the books that I will be reading soon. I must say, the Bill Clinton one will be last on that list since I've already started it and I find it hard to get through. It's HUGE and just a lot of details about his life.

Weekend Wrap-up

2011-07-26T08:36:00.001-04:00

This weekend was pretty good. On Friday night, we went to see Justin Timberlake's movie Friends with Benefits. Not going to lie, I was shocked I really liked this movie. I didn't expect it to be as cute as it was. Sure there was some cheesiness involved, but what chick type flicks don't have that? He was a great leading man. I really hope I get to see some movies with him in it. When he is funny, he cracks me up!

Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Saturday, I decided to so some shopping. First, I went to Nordstrom and they were having their Anniversary Sale. I got this one piece swim suit from La Blanca. Not totally sure I love it since there was a Badgley Mischka one I felt was a little more comfortable but was $30 more.

Then I headed to White House Black Market because I need a dress for a wedding I am going to in Septemeber and I saw this in a catalog I received:

Seriously, this dress looks awesome on! I loved it and had to get it. Plus I decided to get some matching accessories.....

Earrings

Bracelet

Then I got these shorts which were on sale and they fit pretty comfortable. Totally loving this store lately.

I also had a 20% off everything coupon which worked out wonderfully.

That night, we watched The Switch with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. I love him and hate her, go figure, a FRIENDS fanatic hates Jenn. Yes, she was awesome as Rachel but not in movies normally. This movie was SO CUTE! You have to see it. Very touching. The story revolves more around Jason Bateman, thank goodness. This is probably why I loved it more so.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett (spoilers)

2011-07-22T12:45:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who's always taken orders quietly, but lately she's unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She's full of ambition, but without a husband, she's considered a failure. Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town..

My Review: *****

The stories in this book seem so real and are so captivating, you will end up falling in love with one of these strong women. I, myself, love Minny. I loved every second of her story. I wanted to hear more and more about her and her job with Miss Celia. I love that she grows to realize that not all white folks are the same. I am also glad that she finally stands up for herself in her personal life. I should say that about all three of the women that this story focuses on. Skeeter and Aibileen also have amazing stories. I really loved hearing about Aibileen raising Mae Mobley. The way she teaches her to respect not only herself but EVERYONE is a great thing. I truly wish all caretakers/parents were that way.
This is a movie that is coming out soon with Emma Stone as Skeeter. I do believe they got the looks down for that part. The way the preview looks, it looks like it will justify the book. I look forward to seeing it and most likely laughing and crying during it. That is the way this book was, very emotional on all different levels.
Also, I must add, the fact that the author's ending chapter "too little, too late" was about her life growing up in Mississippi with a colored maid/caretaker makes you realize just how REAL this book is. I am so glad she wrote this and hopefully it will teach people to not be so judgemental of others and to treat each other with kindness.
If you haven't read this already, PLEASE DO NOW!

My Life in France by Julia Child

2011-07-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

Source: lulus.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

From Goodreads: When she arrived in France, she was a gawky, six-foot-two, wide-eyed girl from Pasadena, unable to cook; or, for that matter, speak French. Despite this inauspicious beginning, 32-year-old Julia Child was to transform herself into a Gallic cooking genius. In this memoir, completed after her 2004 death by her grandnephew, Child reminisces about her culinary training, her life in France, and her beloved husband, Paul.

My Review: ****
Oh Julia, Julia. How I wish I would have watched you when I was a little girl. I guess seeing Julie & Julia would have to make me interested in your cooking. I guess I always had heard or thought of you as intimidating. Why? I have no idea.

Julia Child didn't start cooking until she went to Paris when she was 32 with her husband and lived there due to his job. Her love of food and realizing just how much time and care the French put into their dishes made Julia want to learn everything there was to know about cooking French cuisine. As she learned she met so many different people in the cooking industry including the women she would collaborate with to make the cookbook that started it all: Mastering the Art of French Cooking. All of the time and effort they put into the cookbook made it become what they wanted it to be, the perfect cookbook for Americans who want to learn how to cook French cuisine, yet done simply. Her journey in France is amazing, one that few have in this world.

I want to buy her cookbooks and learn some of the recipes she went through hell perfecting. I also would love to go to France of course. Julia makes you want to go there even more so than you thought you did. Although, I am sure it would have been a much more beautiful place back when she had first arrived there. Now, I am sure there are lots of commercialism there compared to before. But still, it would be amazing to go to Paris and maybe find some of these amazing restaurants Julia loved so much, if they are hopefully still there.

Julia, you inspire me to be a better cook.

Source: None via Jennifer on Pinterest

My Style Monday

2011-07-18T08:42:00.002-04:00

This weekend was a little on the busy side. Saturday we were going to a surprise 60th birthday party for my hubby's aunt. The party went well and she was definitely surprised! I have no photos from said party though. Here is what I wore:

Dress: White House Black Market

Bracelet: White House Black Market

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Sunday was our most anticipated day : Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 in IMAX 3D!!!! I absolutely LOVED this movie. If anyone wants to talk about it, feel free to email me so we do not spoil to anyone who hasn't seen it yet. Yes, I did cry during one particular part....it was in regards to my favorite character. If you have me on FB you will know who this is and if you read the books, you know what part I mean. Here is what I wore in true Harry Potter spirit! :

How adorable is this shirt?! Potter vs Lord of the Rings!

Shirt: http://www.woot.com/

Jeans: DKNY Soho

Link up with Lindsay over at :

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

Oh for the love of .. lust???

2011-07-14T13:40:00.001-04:00

Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I have been wanting to write a post about this subject for a little while now. Is it just me, or does anyone else notice how many teen books are written about paranormal romances? Seriously, when you walk into the teen aisle at a bookstore, the main thing you see are usually a one word titled book that has to do with vampires, wolves, angels, faeries and who knows what else. Don't get me wrong, I have read quite a few of these books, mostly thanks to my stepdaughter who has a love for this genre. Trying to get her to read out of this genre is pretty difficult. I am guessing because she is at that lovely age of going on 14 where these romance stories are so scandalous to read in their eyes. I had gotten her to read The Hunger Games trilogy though, which differs in my opinion because the whole point of the book is NOT a love story. It just so happens to have one, you know, like most Hollywood action movies do also.
I have a few points as to why these paranormal romance books are not SO great for teens to constantly read:

{one} The whole, omg I love him at first sight thing and he loves me too is just not realistic. I mean come on, since when does the guy you are crushing on always end up wanting you too? Let's be real, 9 times out of 10, these crushes are better off as just that, a crush.

{two} Even if you are so lucky to land this hunk, because let's face it, these guys are always model like men (please tell me where these high schools exist), the chances of you two staying together are probably slim to none. Especially someone who is a threat to you, or at least his friends and/or enemies are (please see Edward in Twilight). Real high school relationships don't have THAT much drama. Your boyfriend wouldn't be a threat to society (unless they are in a gang or something) and and you really wouldn't have to worry about him trying to kill you, we can hope.

Source: mtv.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

{three} There is this one topic that both my husband and I were discussing about the upcoming Breaking Dawn movie. YES THIS IS A SPOILER, SO STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN"T READ THE BOOK!
As we all know, there comes a point in the Twilight Saga where Edward asks Bella to marry him and she scoffs at the idea, unless of course he is willing to pop her cherry before she is made into a vampire(also her request). The fact that Stephenie Meyer, sorry but it was you who wrote the books, makes it seem like losing your virginity (for a girl) is a walk in the park. Sorry to burst your bubble, but losing your virginity isn't all "oh wow, that was amazing, let's do it again!" for most girls/women. I say girls because well, this book is about an 18 year old and the kids reading it are younger, sometimes WAY younger. So sure, sex sounds very appealing to these young women who most likely would not be ready for it. In the book, Edward and Bella are married and then go off to their honeymoon on a discreet island owned by the vampires of course, and well...we all know she wants to bomchickawowwow ASAP. She obviously gets her way, but Edward has to be super duper careful on her, because let's face it, his extreme vampire strength could truly hurt her while doing such an act since it would be hard for him to control himself. Normal boys/men have to be careful when they are with a virgin, so my husband and I do not understand how after all is said and done, even though Bella is bruised pretty badly, she still wants to go at it. Sorry but from what I remember, sex wasn't all ooh awesome the first time. What a lie these writers are telling kids who read these books.

{four} It seems as if no one writes about any type of realistic lifestyle anymore. What ever happened to books like Catcher in the Rye? Sure, I know this book may not be for everyone and sure, if I wasn't forced to read it during English class, I may have never read it, but books like this are a bit more realistic in terms of how life is. I feel like kids today reading (or watching) so much about these fantasy worlds are going to be in for a HUGE surprise when they get to the real world. I sure hope that schools are forcing kids to branch out on their reading choices, picking up memoirs and more advanced novels. Although, I have a feeling not al are.

Maybe I don't make any sense in this post, but I tried to make my points on this matter. I am not knocking these books, I just feel like these books have become the "romance novels with Fabio on the cover" of the younger generation, and well let's face it, even women my age love them. I just hope that it isn't all they read. Please don't hate me for writing this....

Lament & Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater (poss. spoilers)

2011-07-13T13:12:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

Lament is a dark faerie fantasy that features authentic Celtic faerie lore, plus cover art and interior illustrations by acclaimed faerie artist Julia Jeffrey.

My Review: ***
Yes, this story was much different than most paranormal books I am use to reading since they are always about vampires, witches or fallen angels of some sort. Faeries were a whole other world. Sure Dee, was your typical girl in these books. She has a friend, James, who obviously has a crush on her, but instead she falls for the drop dead gorgeous guy who is obviously bad for her.
One thing I thought was odd was as soon as I heard the male characters name, Luke Dillon, I thought instantly to 90210 back in the day. I can't help but wonder if that is where Maggie got the name for him. A combination of the actor Luke Perry and his character, Dylan McKay's names.
Also, I thought this was a little more above the age with some of the wording. There is a scene where someone says "just fuck her already". I have never heard that term used in any of the paranormal romance books I've read. Of course, I see this AFTER my 13 year old stepdaughter has read this.
All in all, it was a cute love story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Goodreads: In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James' musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.

My Review: ****

I enjoyed this story much more than the first book. I really loved hearing a love story from a guy's perspective instead of the girl. James makes you instantly love him even though he is pretty cocky, he is funny and sarcastic. Yes, Dee is also in this story, but we see things in James' eyes and how he views what happened between the two of them and their friendship. This does make you side with James but I also must say I know what it's like to have fallen in love and then lost that love just like Dee had. She was a confused girl and she didn't intend to hurt James in any way.

Some interesting things happened in this book and I am pretty sure there will be a third book to this series which I will be looking forward to.

Definitely check these books out if you like paranormal romance and if you are tired of reading about vampires, wolves and angels.

If you got it, flaunt it

2011-07-12T07:13:00.000-04:00

your wedding or engagement that is....
I found this blog thanks to my makeup artist posting about how her newest client blogged about her experience with her trial. I was seriously cracking up the second I started reading. Check out Danielle's blog, Danfredo Rivera . She is allowing bloggers to show off their absolutely fabulous weddings! Who doesn't like to show off? Even if you don't have a wedding to show off yet, you can check out Danielle's experiences with her wedding planning and all her other life experiences.

Happy reading!

Passion by Lauren Kate (SPOILERS)

2011-07-07T18:11:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

My Review: **
Yes, unfortunately this book only gets 2 stars from me. I was truly hoping to love this, even as I was reading it, I was aching for something truly dramatic to happen. It just didn't happen for me. I feel like the story just dwelled on and on in regards to the time traveling to find out about Luce and Daniel throughout the times. It truly became boring and very repetitive. Also, there is a new character "Bill" who is introduced in this and I pretty much had a feeling who he would actually be since the very minute he showed up. I knew he was not a good guy and it wasn't too hard to guess who he would be since this series is about fallen angels.
Hopefully Rapture, the final book in this series will be better. I am giving it a try when it comes out because of how much I actually ended up liking Torment. Maybe, this is an every other book is awesome kind of series.

What I Wore & BLOGGED!

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

So this weekend I went to my sister in law's bridal shower. This is what I wore: (please ignore horrible background)
\

Dress: Express
Shoes: Steve Madden
Phone: Samsung Inspire (brand new and LOVE IT!)...it's the one in the commercial where the man beats the sh!t out of the phone because he thinks the spider on it is real.

On to the bigger news! My photographer got mine & Aaron's Trash the Dress photos on the wedding wire blog! Jennifer & Aaron ...I hope you all love this shoot. If you are in the NY/CT area...check out Jewel Photo , Julie is AMAZING at what she does. She does, engagement, wedding, boudoir(amazing at this), family and even pregnancy photos.

Boob Tube Babble

2011-06-24T19:01:00.000-04:00

This week, I'd like to talk about my favorite summer show.......So You Think You Can Dance! It is season 8 of this absolutely fabulous show and this week, there were a couple of great performances, both of which I voted for.....

LOVE this song....

Then there was this amazing viennese waltz....( I do hope that's what this is...I cannot see the videos uploaded since YouTube is blocked from my computer at work.

This is Iveta ... she got sent home last night =( She was an amazing ballroom dancer...her and my favorite dancer from this show ever! PASHA!

This is by far my favorite dance show. No I do not watch Dancing with the Stars, even though some of the dancers on there now were from SYTYCD! I love seeing all the different styles of dance they show on this show. Tune in on Wed nights 8 eastern time for the performances and Thurs at 8 for the results!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

2011-06-24T08:01:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: This novel not only puts the cap on the most eagerly read trilogy in years; the sequel to The Girl Who Played With Fire marks the completion of its Swedish author's career#58; Stieg Larsson died at the age of fifty in 2004. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is, however, too exciting and too adept to be read simply as a major author's memorial. From its onset, with "avenging angel" protagonist Lisbeth Salander lying in intensive care, this fiction pulses forward. One British critic called it "intricately plotted, lavishly detailed but written with a breakneck pace and verve...a tantalizing double finale#151;first idyllic, then frenetic."

My Review: *****
I seriously cannot recommend this series enough to people who love suspenseful, thrilling, well thought out books. This final book in the trilogy was a perfect ending to the story about Lisbeth Salander. She is by far my favorite female character in a book. She embodies strength, will, femininity and just the most extreme kick assed-ness (yes, I just made that up). Finally letting Mikael back in her life, she learns to trust people who are in her favor.

I really do not want to mention things that happen in this book because I think people need to read this series. Sure, parts may be boring, but I guess I like books like that. Stieg's writing style reminds me a little of Anne Rice's. There is so much research done in order to write out a series so beautifully done. I like that while reading this, you learn a little about Sweden's government also.

Breaking the Ice

2011-06-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Link up with Jenn over at Perfectly Imperfect to join in the fun!

1) Tell one thing not many people know about you.

Not many people know this, but I took a class at F.I.T.(Fashion Institute of Technology) when I was about 22. I had wanted to go to college and what better place to do something you are interested in than at F.I.T.? While I did love the class and the sewing, it was pretty hard trying to work and then on days I had school, travel to the city and go to class, plus it's not as cheap as it seems after you add in books and supplies. I totally would have loved to stay. I got an A in my class!

2) If you HAD to change your first name, what would you change it to?

I don't know if I would want to change it now, but when I was a kid I loved so many other girls' names like:

Samantha, Stephanie, Tara...

but I love being Jennifer but I guess if now I had to I would make it Gwendolyn. It's still pretty similar and I love the name Gwen.

3) What are your 3 favorite songs of the moment?

Everything by Pitbull

Turning Tables by Adele

Motivation by Kelly Rowland (at first I hated it but it's pretty sexy)

4) List 3 goals on your life's to-do list.

Have a child of my own

Buy a home

Travel to Europe

5) What is one of your favorite quotes?

"Quod Me Nutruit Me Destruit" latin for what feeds me destroys me.

Angelina Jolie has this tattooed on her lower abdomen area...or at least she did.

6) If I had an extra 10 dollars to spend... I would buy _________?

A book. Really girls, are you surprised?? lol

7) What's your birth date?

January 26

8) Do you have a hidden talent and if so, what is it?

Hmm I don't think I do.

9) What do you think of when you hear the word blue?

By far my favorite color especially in clothes. My eyes are blue so it compliments them. Even my wedding shoes were blue!

10) Finish this thought, I need....

to seriously start working out again like I keep saying I am going to. I need Jillian Michaels herself to come over and kick my butt into gear =)

So What! Wednesday

2011-06-22T08:05:00.000-04:00

<br /><a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com"><img
src="http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j449/shannonrdew/SWWbutton.jpg" border="0" /></a>

This is my first time joining So What! Wednesday over at Life After I Dew. Check out Shannon's blog. It's great. For those with a little girl, she is having a great giveaway right now too.

This week I am saying SO WHAT! if...

It is Wednesday and I still haven't gone food shopping for the week. (I normally go on Sundays)
I wear my hair in a bun or ponytail damn near everyday to work. Sorry, but it's way too early for me to get all dolled up for my job.
I am confused between two Android phones I would like to get.
The only reason I want an android phone is so I can play fun games like Words with Friends while at work.
I find it hard to shop sometimes. I think of my age as that in between stage of clothes....I am too old for juniors clothes yet not old enough for some of the womanly stores. It's way too confusing!

Sway With Me

2011-06-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

On June 11 my friend Kelly and her now husband Ryan, got married. I hadn't seen Kelly in about two years, but what can I say? Seeing her get married was fabulous! Their ceremony was one of the cutest ceremonies I have ever seen! When they walked back down the aisle after being announced married, the song Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now came on and at first her hubby stopped and started singing to her! Little did I realize they had it planned, because when it got to the girls part in the song, she sang! SO adorable! I truly wish I caught that on video.

Next came the reception. They did AMAZING first dance....it started out slow but then got a Latin feel to it...check it out! Very sexy....

My husband, stepdaughters and I had a great time. There was LOTS of dancing but unfortunately not much room on the dance floor to get too crazy. It was one of the rare weddings I've been to where nearly EVERY guest got up to dance!

Aaron and I (this was INSIDE the hotel!)

My two stepdaughters and I...how cute are their dresses?!

Me with the blushing bride!

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin (SPOILERS!)

2011-06-14T12:46:00.000-04:00

FROM GOODREADS: The New York Times bestselling novel about a woman who falls in love with a man she shouldn't.
Rachel is an attorney living and working in Manhattan who has always been the good girl-until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party. That night after too many drinks Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiance. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for him.
As the September wedding date nears, Rachel has to choose. She discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk it all to win true happiness.

First thoughts while reading: How dare Rachel sleep with Darcy's fiance Dex! Sure, Darcy might be annoying and always get her way and what not but I do not think that justifies the fact that her best friend/ maid of honor slept with her fiance. It is an unforgivable act in my opinion! I guess it might just be me? I would never go after a friends significant other even if I had liked them in any way beforehand.

Final thoughts on the book: I still don't get how a friend can sleep with another friends' boyfriend, let alone fiance. This book is definitely not your typical love story, it is full of deceit (on all sides). I did still enjoy it, but I didn't fall in love with any of the characters. Yes, I can see why some people would hate Darcy right away, sure she is selfish but maybe she did things the way she did, because she wanted to BE like Rachel? Who knows, maybe I will find out more when I read Something Blue since that is from Darcy's perspective. I will say this also, I did not get this story line in my head from the previews for the movie which I have not seen yet. I saw that yes, Rachel sleeps with the fiance but I thought it happens much later in the story and is a one time thing. I also thought it looked like Darcy stole him from her when she knew that Rachel liked him.

My rating: ***

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-06-09T09:06:00.000-04:00

FROM GOODREADS: Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

MY REVIEW: ***** Just when I was extremely crazy about Patch, of course the 2nd book has to make you want to hurt him but then love him at the same time. What the heck is he doing with this other girl, Marcie? How could he just stay away from Nora even though he does love her? To find out why, you definitely have to read this book. I am now in suspense for the 3rd book which doesn't come out until October.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-06-07T07:43:00.000-04:00

FROM GOODREADS: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

MY REVIEW: *****
Oh my, my, my. Becca certainly knows how to write a male character to make you want to be in the female characters position. Patch is so mysterious and sexy, you can't help but think of how hot he must really look. Nora is a much stronger character than some female paranormal characters I've read about (note: Bella in Twilight), but still she is unable to resist the lure of Patch.

If you like the paranormal romances, pick this one up. It's a quick read and you will be wanting more of Patch as you read! Trust me. One thing that makes me wonder though, is that my 13 year old stepdaughter read this! Holy cow! She does agree though that Patch is a hottie.

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

2011-06-02T09:52:00.000-04:00

FROM GOODREADS: It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone-Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her." And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.

MY REVIEW: ****
Not only just a story of love, but also a story of hope. Two people born with different disabilities, end up in an institution in a time when people thought these types of people to be a nuisance. The fact that the author took personal experience with also news stories via Geraldo and a story she read, makes this story so much more real. Knowing that these types of places existed in our country at one time makes it such a heartbreaking story.
I was rooting for Lynnie and Homan, Martha & Julia, even Kate. Each chapter is told from a certain characters point of view which helps you to get to know them more so than most books. I loved knowing that both Lynnie and Homan were able to achieve so much more in life than what others in their past expected of them. A truly inspiring love story.

SO EXCITED!

2011-06-01T09:03:00.000-04:00

Snape is the shiznit! Enough said! Cannot wait to see this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jemima J by Jane Green

2011-05-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

FROM GOODREADS: Jemima Jones is overweight. About one hundred pounds overweight. Treated like a maid by her thin and social-climbing roommates, and lorded over by the beautiful Geraldine (less talented but better paid) at the Kilburn Herald, Jemima finds that her only consolation is food. Add to this her passion for her charming, sexy, and unobtainable colleague Ben, and Jemima knows her life is in need of a serious change. When she meets Brad, an eligible California hunk, over the Internet, she has the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself–as JJ, the slim, beautiful, gym-obsessed glamour girl. But when her long-distance Romeo demands that they meet, she must conquer her food addiction to become the bone-thin model of her e-mails–no small feat.
With a fast-paced plot that never quits and a surprise ending no reader will see coming, Jemima J is the chronicle of one woman's quest to become the woman she's always wanted to be, learning along the way a host of lessons about attraction, addiction, the meaning of true love, and, ultimately, who she really is.

My review: ****
I cannot believe it took me so long to pick this book up and read it. I absolutely loved this story. Jemima surprisingly has many traits I have myself. No I am not overweight but the shyness, love of books, etc. Jemima makes you love her instantly and root for her the entire time. Also, Ben makes you root for him and to beg him, will you PLEASE realize Jemima is an amazing woman no matter what her size is?! But, the story takes on a different twist where Jemima starts up with a man in California and thinks she is in love. As others have done to her, she is judging solely on looks. Will Jemima really fall in love with Brad in California(which I cannot help but imagine as Brad Pitt...ha ha) or will Ben finally realize his love for Jemima is more than just friendship? Read this book to find out!

ARGH! Blogger!

2011-05-25T07:42:00.000-04:00

I am not sure if it is just me or what, but every time I try to comment on a fellow blogger's blog (and this only happens when the person has the word verification turned on), it redirects me to sign back in to blogger but then repeats the process like a million times!!!!!!! It is so irritating! Just so you girls know I WANT to comment on your blog posts but thanks to the word verification system, it won't let me.

Please tell me I am not the only one getting this issue.

Wedding Items For Sale!

2011-05-24T08:08:00.015-04:00

Hey everyone. I have a few of the things I used on my wedding day for sale! Email me by clicking on the contact me link above on toolbar. All prices are negotiable and include shipping.

~~3 1/2 bags of pink silk rose petals. Bags have 1000 petals~~.
$30 (SOLD)

~~Mr & Mrs wooden signs bought off of Etsy. The writing is in gold. There is a ribbon attached to both for hanging or you can place them in the stands below like I did.~~

$25 (SOLD)

Photo stands in gold

$10

~~ "I DO" letters painted in gold and glittered in gold. (used for my cake table)~~

$10 (SOLD)

2 1/2" wide white ribbon. 10 yards. Never used.

Table #'s ordered from Zazzle. Numbers are from 1-10 and are in gold

Irish saying programs. Pkg of 100. Never used but opened. Paper is thin like regular printing paper.

$10

White favor boxes. 49 left.

Happily Ever After white ribbon with black writing. 2 rolls(10 yards each) of 3/8"

Mermaid gown crinoline. Freshly washed. Worn twice. Size small. (email me if you have questions)

$50

~~Basket never used. Can be used for programs/favors/tossing items. Silver ribbon can always be changed.~~

$5 (SOLD)

~~9 table # holders. silver.~~

$10 (SOLD)

~~Garter bought off of Etsy. Never used. Ivory satin and lace with blue bow and celtic love knot.~~

$15 (SOLD)

~~8 ~ 90" organza champagne overlays. 1 has never been used and the rest have been cleaned.~~
~~$40~~ (SOLD)

~~5 72" satin champagne overlays ~ freshly washed.~~

~~$25~~ (SOLD)

~~8 ~120" white poly tablecloths. freshly washed....one is still in packaging.~~

~~$80~~ (SOLD)

3 ~ 108" white poly tablecloths. Freshly washed.

$30

1~ 90x132" rectangle tablecloth. Still in packaging. Never used.

$11

Feather hair clip: Never worn: $15 bought off Etsy

~~3 flower & pearl hair pins. Worn once on wedding day. $10~~

SOLD

Giveaway Winner!!

2011-05-21T22:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! Thanks to everyone who entered into my giveaway. Good thing the world didn't end so I can send this out! ha ha.

I am pleased to announce that the winner is : SUZANNE!

First I wrote down the names of everyone who entered plus if they got extra entries and numbered them, like so:

Then I went to http://www.random.org/ and entered 1 through 20 and it came up with the winner.

Please contact me ASAP Suzanne with your address so I can send out your Barnes and Noble gift card.

Sorry to all those who didn't win. I will definitely be hosting another giveaway soon. Look out for it!

Boob Tube Babble

2011-05-20T07:08:00.000-04:00

Link up by clicking the button above!

This week I will talk about a couple of my shows that had/are having season finale's.

First up: Gossip Girl..............................

Chuck and Blair...seriously, this is what this show is all about even though the intent was suppose to be surrounding Serena. Oh well, their storyline is SO much better and juicier than anything Serena does or did. It wouldn't be a season finale with some sort of Chuck and Blair drama to end it. I still cannot believe Deroda didn't see the pregnancy test when she is always so observant. My predictions is that next season, Blair will be pregnant with Chuck's baby and since she is also suppose to be marrying a Prince, will not be able to go through with the wedding, because who has ever seen a pregnant bride during a Royal Wedding? That would be a travesty on the family. Chuck will find out she is pregnant and will want her back, the way he should have been greedy this past week and taken her back when she even said they belong together.
Seriously I was so happy and excited watching them get it on again!! Notice the pic of their first time...haha.

Saturday Night Live: Everyone this is an important one. Do you know who is hosting??? Seriously the best host this show has had in a LONG time.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is by far, my favorite of the hosts. He is hilarious and the entire show ends up making you crack the f*&k up. Gaga is the performer also, so that is a good way to go out for the season by waiting to put Gaga on the finale when the best host is on.

Here is an awesome skit from Justin the last time he was on....

I'm sure we can expect another "ville" skit and I really hope he and Andy Samburg do another of their shorts. Mother Lover was hysterical!

Aaron and I watch SNL all the time...although we DVR it, so we usually watch it on Sunday. One of my ABSOLUTE favorite characters right now is Stefan during the weekend updates. He is so frickin funny and it's so funny that he is laughing so much at it while trying to do the skit.

How hysterical is that???? SPICY! haha

Don't forget to watch Saturday at 11:30 PM eastern time OR DVR/TIVO it!

MORE IMPORTANTLY TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF MY GIVEAWAY. GET YOUR ENTRIES IN BY 11 PM TONIGHT! I WILL PICK THE WINNER OF THE $20 GIFT CARD TOMORROW!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!!!!!!

Currently

2011-05-19T14:48:00.000-04:00

Join Jennifer over at Perfectly Imperfect for this....

Current Book(s):

Jemima J by Jane Green

Current Playlist:

Adele's new CD

Current Color:

White!, love this color in summer

Current Drink:

water...I know, boring, but I love it

Current Food:

Steak for dinner tonight . mmmm

Current Favorite Show:

XOXO, Gossip Girl. Cannot wait for next season!

Current Wishlist:

new sundresses for summer, a cute sun hat too

Current Needs:

Sleep, for my neck to stop hurting so much

Current Triumphs:

not sure if I have any lately..

Current Bane(s) of My Existence:

Work. I seriously hate sitting at a desk for 8 hrs in front of two computer screens that are just making my eyesight worse.

Current Celebrity Crush:

Justin Timberlake....he is on SNL this week!

Current #1 Blessing:

Being married to the man of my dreams

Current Indulgence:

Steak tonight for dinner....

Current Outfit:

Black, grey and blush polka dot top from Express with a black tank underneath, DKNY SOHO jeans(black) and purple Jessica Simpson flats.

Current Excitement:

Tomorrow is the last day of my giveaway!!!! Can't wait to see who wins the $20 gift card!

Enter here to win!

Current Mood:

Calm I guess.

Weekend Update

2011-05-16T17:43:00.000-04:00

Besides the whole Blogger mess-up, how was everyone's weekend? Mine was pretty good, it just went by SO fast!
Friday night, Aaron and I took my mother out for her Mother's Day dinner. We figured the places would be less packed than on actual Mother's Day. It was nice to see her with just us.
After that, I painted my nails with one of my newest nail polishes: Nicole by OPI ~ The Right Thing

Yes, this is the actual color on MY hands. It's a nice shimmery light red. Sorry I am so vampire like.

On Saturday...Aaron and I headed up to CT to see Julie from www.jewelphoto.com to do our Trash the Dress session. We went to a couple of places near her studio and it was a lot of fun. Here is a little sneak peak....(this is all she sent me so far...but I am loving it already)

This was my hair inspiration.....

I think I am going to LOVE these photos so much. Actually not think, I KNOW I am going to love them. Julie is an amazing photographer. She is very creative and she makes you feel very comfortable. Julie is normally known in my area on the wedding boards on The Knot for boudoir photos. She is great at everything she does. Don't be afraid to contact her. Her studio is in Middletown, CT.

I will definitely post more photos of this shoot when I get to see them myself!

Sunday was a lazy day since we were out and about all day Saturday. We went to see the movie Bridesmaids. Seriously, one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Kristin Wiig is hilarious as always.

Aaron was cracking up too from beginning to end of this movie. We cannot wait for it to come out on Blu-Ray so we can add it to our collection. This is not your typical wedding movie.....

Also....please don't forget to enter my giveaway !!!! Deadline for entries is this Friday.

Giveaway ALERT

2011-05-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

I am sure lots of you remember signing up for my giveaway on Thursday. Unfortuntely blogger acted very strange that night and now 10 of those comments are GONE. If you can please check and re-comment if yours is not there, I would appreciate it so much. I will try to go back into emails and email back those who did.

Here is the post: My giveaway!

Celebrity Blog Challenge Day 14

2011-05-14T19:19:00.000-04:00

Today's topic is Celebrity(s) you like that passed away:

There are many I have loved in the entertainment industry that have passed over the years but by far I was very upset when this woman died so suddenly :

Aaliyah

She was my absolute favorite R&B singer. I loved her dancing style and clothing style.

Here is one of my favorite videos of hers....

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Fave Music Couple

2011-05-12T07:21:00.000-04:00

Link up by clicking the button above! You don't have to do it every day! I guess my favorite would be: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood

I'm not a big country music fan but have listened to SOME but these two make a great couple.

It's Giveaway Time & A Blog Swap!

2011-05-11T13:41:00.002-04:00

I know I mentioned having a giveaway a while ago and I never got to it. So sorry! I was trying to think of how I should have it. If I should giveaway a gift card for a store or if I should buy some things to give away.
Right now I have chosen to..........

do the gift card!

So the rules of my giveaway are simple:

You have to be a follower of my blog
Leave a comment below stating which gift card you would like.
This isn't a rule, but if you want to alert others via your blog or whatever else I will give you an extra 2 entries...please leave me the comment with the post so I know who it goes to.
Remember to check back when I announce the winner on May 21, I will need the winner to email me right away!

The winner will have a choice of gift card worth $20 to one of these places:

Barnes and Noble
Target
Sephora
Express

These are some of my favorite places to shop, so that is why they are the choices. Hope you like them too.

The giveaway ends May 20, 2011 at 11 PM.

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Also join Ally over at Analyze This for a summer blog swap! Should be tons of fun!

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

2011-05-11T12:36:00.000-04:00

From Goodreads: Part blistering espionage thriller, part riveting police procedural, and part piercing exposeacute; on social injustice, The Girl Who Played with Fire is a masterful, endlessly satisfying novel.

Mikael Blomkvist, crusading publisher of the magazine Millennium, has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation. On the eve of its publication, the two reporters responsible for the article are murdered, and the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to his friend, the troubled genius hacker Lisbeth Salander. Blomkvist, convinced of Salander's innocence, plunges into an investigation. Meanwhile, Salander herself is drawn into a murderous game of cat and mouse, which forces her to face her dark past.

My review: *****
The moment I began this book I was hooked! As I;ve mentioned before I seen the Swedish movies for the books and this was definitely my favorite and it is so far my favorite of the books.
If you love suspense, you will love this series as well. Lisbeth is an amazing character and I love reading about her. I don't want to give too much away on this, but if you read the first and thought, eh it's an ok book, please read this. It is SO much better! If you couldn't get through the first, I urge you to bust your ass to get through it, yes I was bored with parts of it, but I noticed it was always Salander's story that kept me interested so I knew to just get through it and I would enjoy it.
If you don't like to read....get the Swedish film versions of these. They are on Netflix in the instant movies. you may have to read subtitles but they are definitely good movies. They were the first movies I ever had to "read" while watching. Now that I read the books too, I am getting the story even better now.

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Female Athlete

2011-05-11T07:13:00.000-04:00

This is a hard one since I am not into sports much. I guess I will add one I admired when I was a teen.

Gabrielle Reece

Link up with Kelly over at Kelly's Avenue

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Childhood Celebrity

2011-05-10T12:23:00.000-04:00

Someone I liked when I was a child would have to be:

Johnny Depp

I liked him when I first seen him on 21 Jump Street and I still love him today. I think he is truly one of the best actors around right now. Funny since he became an actor as a way to make money for his music.

Celebrity Blog Challenge: A Younger Musician

2011-05-09T07:45:00.002-04:00

Today is Day 9 of the Celebrity Blog Challenge and today's topic is A Younger Musician(s) You Like.

This is an OBVIOUS choice for me...sure he is only what? 3-4 years younger than me, but it still counts....

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!!!!! Oh and I love when he acts too...Don't forget to catch the season finale of SNL on May 21! He is the host and Lady Gaga is performing!!!!!!! ~~Should~~ Will be hysterical!

As for a girl...there are many of the girls I like that are out. Yes, mainly pop girls since the radio here in NY mainly plays them....Katy, Britney, Rihanna, Gaga, you know them....but I do LOVE Ke$ha. I think her music is very catchy, yes her lyrics may be a little mature for kids (but when you think of it, so were Madonna's and that didn't stop me from loving her as a kid) but I think her funky fun attitude is something the music world needed in a chick. Not someone who is all OMG I have to dress like a tramp or whatever to make it big. Her style reminds me a lot of the 80s....FUN FUN FUN...kind of like Cyndi Lauper/early Madonna

Don't forget to link up over at Kelly's Avenue for this fun challenge. I have been having so much fun coming up with these choices!

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Stylish Kid

2011-05-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

Most Stylish Celebrity Kid:

This was pretty easy! I totally love Suri Cruise. I may not like her father but I love Katie Holmes and I think she looks just like her mom. Yes I do think she is dressed too older looking at times(the heels) but she still looks too cute!

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Day 7

2011-05-07T13:59:00.001-04:00

An older musician you have a crush on:

I have mentioned some of my older crushes in the past posts so I decided to add one I haven't mentioned:

GAVIN ROSSDALE
from the group BUSH

Back around 1995/96...

and now....

Yes he is still hot....in case you don't know he is the guy married to Gwen Stefani

A giveaway, TV Talk and Favorite Movies!

2011-05-06T07:26:00.000-04:00

First things first, who doesn't love giveaways???!!

Diane over at All For Love is having an awesome giveaway! Just follow her blog and enter for a chance to win a $20 Itunes gift card and a special surprise! Who doesn't always need more money to spend on music for their Ipod?? Click on the button below to go to her blog or on the link above to the giveaway!

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Next up is ....

Click on the button above to join in the fun over at Neely's blog as well as Megs! My topic for TV this week will be FRINGE!

Fringe is on Fox Network on Friday nights at 9 PM. It's on it's 3rd year and the season finale is this week I believe.

It may be a strange show to some, but I started watching from the very beginning and have been HOOKED! Yes there were some dull episodes but these last few of this season have me on edge!

I started watching the show because Joshua Jackson is in it. Yes I loved Pacey in Dawson's Creek, therefore I love Peter on this show and 99% of the time call him Pacey. ha ha.

Fringe is a sci-fi show (odd for me to like, since I'm not too into sci-fi at all) and it revolves around Olivia, Peter and Walter. Walter is Peter's father who is a scientist who did all these crazy experiments back in the day and now they are all coming back to haunt him because his partner kept going with them AND the alternate universe is interfering in the real world. Yes, I just said alternate universe. It sounds strange but it's true, in the show and in the alternate universe, everyone has a "twin" on the other side. The alternate universe right now is trying to destroy the real universe.

If you want to start watching this show, I suggest you begin from the 1st season otherwise things may confuse you. Then again, who cares because Joshua Jackson is so adorable! Love him! Plus Olivia is pretty kick ass and their love story is killing me!!!!!!!

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Lastly, we have Celebrity Blog Challenge and today's topic is: Favorite All-Time Movies....link up with the button for Kelly's Avenue!

My favorite all-time movies are: Being a child of the 80s/early 90s, I am sure you won't be surprised... 27 Dresses....

Back to the Future! AWESOMENESS!

Pretty Woman

Dirty Dancing

Wizard of Oz

There are definitely LOTS more movies I absolutely LOVE but I don't want to make this post TOO long.
Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Who I Want to Meet

2011-05-05T07:29:00.000-04:00

This list could get long so forgive me if it does.

Angelina.....I was seriously OBSESSED with her for so long, then she started dating Brad.

Drew Barrymore: I absolutely adore her.

Katherine Heigl: One of my favorite actresses

Lacey Mosley: from the group Flyleaf...she is amazing..enough said.

Leighton Meester: My favorite girl on Gossip Girl

MADONNA: Seriously, do I need to explain....I've loved her since I was like 6 or 7

Ed Westwick...pretty much we all know why

Justin Timberlake: uhhhh I've liked him since HE was 15 lol

Robert Pattinson: Why the heck not , right?

Don't forget to play along by clicking the link below!

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Favorite Comedy Celeb

2011-05-04T07:26:00.000-04:00

Remember to link up over at Kelly's Avenue for this fun challenge!

My choice for this is pretty easy since he cracks me up so much every time he is in something. I think it's because he is so believable no matter what.

Ever since his days at SNL I have been a fan of : Will Ferrell!

From A Night at the Roxbury to Elf to Stepbrothers to The Other Guys, Will makes people seriously crack up laughing. Some may think "oh it's such a stupid movie" for some of his movies but that's what makes it so funny! I look forward to more laughs from this man in the future. I really hope he and Mark Wahlberg team up again...they were hysterical together!

Some of my other faves would be: Kristin Wiig, Martin Lawrence, Dane Cook, Daniel Tosh and Lisa Lampanelli.

Celebrity Blog Challenge: TV

2011-05-03T07:33:00.000-04:00

Today's challenge is Favorite TV Celeb.

Pretty sure everyone who knows me knows my answer to this since I am addicted to Gossip Girl. None other than Mr. Chuck Bass himself....Ed Westwick. I seriously hope he does some more acting in like movies or whatever, I would TOTALLY see them! He is awesome as Chuck which is the whole point of Gossip Girl...if it wasn't for him and Blair, there wouldn't be a story to keep this show going. His real English accent is also SO SEXY.

Also, I love Dexter Morgan (Michael C Hall)

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Who I've Met

2011-05-02T09:32:00.000-04:00

Joan Jett: I worked at a deli about 10+ years ago and she came in. I kept thinking, wow this older lady is cool looking and then found out from a customer it was Joan Jett. That explained the leather ensemble.

Ricki Lake: When I worked in B. Dalton bookstore, she came in with her kids and nanny. I rang her up.

LaToya Jackson: I met her at a signing for some weird blow up ball thing when I was a kid. I still have the autograph.

Sebastian Bach: Got his autograph on the playbill for Jekyll and Hyde. He actually sorta hit on me, it was very surreal. For those who know me, know I had a HUGE crush on him growing up.

Don't forget to link up on Kelly's blog!

Chicken Marsala in the Crockpot

2011-05-02T07:39:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've tried a new recipe and I decided this weekend to do one in the crock pot. My husband loves mushrooms and even though I don't (seriously, I hate them), I decided to make this. I can always take the shrooms off my plate and put the on his.

Out came my Williams Sonoma Slow Cooker cookbook and I found this Chicken Marsala recipe. Surprisingly I enjoyed it very much! I definitely think I will make this again.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp all purpose flour
salt and freshly ground pepper
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp olive oil
4 shallots, minced
1/4 lb pancetta, diced
2 1/4 cups Marsala wine
1 cup chicken broth
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 lb cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
3 tbsp finely chopped chives

Directions:

On a plate, stir together flour, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. One at a time, turn the chicken breasts in the mixture, gently shaking off any excess. In a large frying pan over medium high heat, melt 1 1/2 tbsp butter and 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Working in batches if necessary, add the chicken breasts and cook, turning once, until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the shallots and pancetta to the pan and saute over medium high heat until lightly browned, 2-3 min. Add 2 cups of Marsala wine to the pan and raise the heat to high. Cook, stirring, until the wine is reduced and thickened, 7-10 min. Add the broth and oregano and return to a boil.

Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and add the Marsala mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook until the chicken is opaque throughout and very tender, 2 1/2 hours on high or 5 hours on low. About 30 min before the chicken is done, melt the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp butter and 1 1/2 tbsp oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the mushroom slices and saute until the edges begin to brown, about 5 min. Stir in the Mascarpone cheese, bring to a boil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the mushroom mixture and the remaining 1/4 cup Marsala to the slow cooker. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 20 min.

Serve at once, spooning the mushrooms and the sauce oer the chicken and garnish with the chives.

CHOPPED! ~ My new hair-do

2011-05-01T14:38:00.000-04:00

So, remember my post about me going for possible bangs?? Well I got my hair cut this weekend and instead of bangs I went for a look that i knew would work for me whether I wear it straight or as my natural curls. I googled curly hair on the net and came up with Annalynne McCord (a.k.a. Naomi from 90210) as the inspiration. I do love her hair and even though she doesn't seem to have as much hair as I do, I think the style will work well. Here are the photos of her hair:

Here is what my hair now looks like!

My curls are pretty similar to Annalynne's (wild and crazy!) .... I will do it soon that way (possibly next weekend)

Next up I am due for my highlights...wondering if I should go a little lighter (like Annalynne) since it is practically summer now or if I should keep it the same or go darker or possibly add red like Isla Fisher

Celebrity Blog Challenge: Day 1

2011-05-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

Link up with Kelly over at Kelly's Avenue for this fun blog challenge for the month of May. Day 1: Favorite Celebrity Couple(s) Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt: Whether I was for it or not, they seem to make a great couple. He may not be someone I particularly like, but they are two hot people.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: I think they truly look happy together.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart: On camera and in real life...they are adorable together!

Lastly: My favorite of the moment: William & Kate. Such a great couple. They are truly happy to be married and I am so happy for the both of them! Look at the smiles in their faces as they are kissing! LOVE IT!

Boob Tube Babble

2011-04-29T07:53:00.003-04:00

Join in the fun by clicking on the button above! Every Friday you can talk about anything TV related!

For my first post, I am going to post about a new show on CBS called Mad Love. It stars Jason Biggs (yes, American Pie guy), Sarah Clarke(Scrubs), Judy Greer (many movies including 27 Dresses) and Tyler Labine (never seen him in anything else, will have to check him out).

I feel like this show isn't getting enough recognition. My husband and I find it to be HILARIOUS! I instantly started DVRing it when I saw that it was starting and starring two people I love (Jason and Judy). I was never a fan of Scrubs but I do love Sarah's character in this MUCH better. The show is about Kate(Sarah) and Ben(Jason) who are dating and their friends which are Connie and Larry. Connie and Larry have that hateful reltionship that is always so funny in tv/movies but you know will always end up with them hooking up because they secretly DO like each other. They make this show for me! I crack up everytime Larry opens his mouth, he seriously is hysterical.

I think the actors all have such a great chemistry and I see some good potential for this show. I just hope it makes it to a 2nd season. So check it out on CBS at 8:30 PM Eastern time.

P.S. Today was the best day on TV. Prince William married his princess bride Kate(Catherine) Middleton! She looked amazing in her gown and Will looked SO happy when he was saying his vows he made me want to tear up!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas & Lock and Key

2011-04-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

I am combining these two reviews to just make it easier.

First up: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

From Goodreads: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is the best chronicle of drug-soaked, addle-brained, rollicking good times ever committed to the printed page. It is also the tale of a long weekend road trip that has gone down in the annals of American pop culture as one of the strangest journeys ever undertaken.PNow this cult classic of gonzo journalism is a major motion picture from Universal, directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

I read this mainly because it was in my apartment since my husband had to read it for one of his classes. I tried to watch the movie with him too (I'm a HUGE Johnny Depp fan), but I seriously couldn't deal with the randomness of it. So I gave the book a whirl. Even though I read the whole thing, it was still such a weird book. Yes I know, he was high on many many drugs but I still don't get the point of it. Is it suppose to make this kind of life look cool or something? I guess maybe give a perspective of what it's like being on those drugs. I guess because I have NEVER done ANY drug like pot or anything in the book. I haven't even smoked a cigarette.

I guess I just find it hard to believe some of the things happened because, well, they were on drugs the whole time. A lot of it can be made up crap that they "thought" happened in their mind. Just a VERY strange book in my eyes.

I gave this book: **

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Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

From Goodreads: "Ruby, where is your mother?" Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she
hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

This book was also sitting in our apartment. It's my stepdaughters book, but I've seen so many people read Sarah's books that I gave this a try.

This was a very good story. I love that it shows how Ruby was very standoffish when she first arrives at her sister and brother in law's home, but comes to enjoy her time there, making her life better than when she lived with her mother or lived alone. Meeting Nate, the neighbor also helps Ruby to give others a chance too and accept help when it's needed. Making friends who she at first thought would all be stuck up, rich snobs but then realizes they have problems just like her. This is something I think kids today should keep in mind. I think it is wrong to judge someone because they have money or they don't have money. Just because they grow up a certain way doesn't mean they are going to be that stereotypical idea we all have because of tv and movies.
I will say at first when I was reading this, I thought "omg why did my stepdaughter read this at such a young age (11 I am guessing) since there is so much talk of drug use" but then when I realized the point the author was making in the story, I hope she learned a lot from the book.

I gave this book: ****

Review: Sedu Revolution flat iron

2011-04-27T16:02:00.000-04:00

Very, very rarely am I ever one to splurge on a beauty item. I have naturally curly hair VERY much like the curls Sarah Jessica Parker has. So yes, it is FRIZZY as all hell! I do love when my hair is straight at times too because I don't need to put SO much product in it plus I can go a couple of days without washing it. I've had the same straightener for a few years now. I bought it for around $30-$40 at Marshall's and it was a Bedhead brand one. Yes it worked nicer than the previous ones, but I still never felt like I could get results that were similar to when I go to a hair salon.

I decided I need to splurge and get a good brand. I asked on the Nestie fashion and beauty board which they recommend the best. I got lots of ladies telling me to go to http://www.folica.com/ and order it there. Either the Sedu or the Solia brand. I went over the reviews and decided to get this Sedu Revolution flat iron.

via

I actually got a great deal for it being $159.99. There was a package deal for spring which included the flat iron, Sedu frizz control serum, Sedu heat protecting spray, clips, comb, pouch to hold straightener and a Folica umbrella with carry case/tote bag.

Friday night, I decided to give my new flat iron a try. I washed and blow dried my hair (I am not great at this. I look so frizzy when I do this. It's actually pretty funny.) Then, I heated up the flat iron. This took only a few seconds for it to be ready. It definitely glides on my hair MUCH smoother than my old one. It doesn't pull at my hair at all. The smoothness??? WOW! I was amazed I was able to make my hair so soft and smooth looking myself! Usually I ended up with a little bit of frizziness still on the ends with other flat irons.

You are able to use this flat iron as a curling iron as well, but I will have to try that another time. I definitely think anyone who wants great results from a flat iron should invest in a great one like this Sedu one! They also have it in pink but it didn't come with the package I got so that is why mine is black.

Sorry for not such a great photo but I loved how it came out!

My next beauty product review will be my new hair dryer from Devachan Salon. I look forward to trying it out this weekend!