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February 19, 2015

Books on Books on Books

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The #1 New York Times-bestselling author presents a riveting novel where a canine search and rescue volunteer fights danger and finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness. 

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life-a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare... Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of the Red Scarf serial killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancĂ© and his K-9 partner. On Orcas Island, Fiona found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. But all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. 

He's the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon's house, and he's at his wit's end. To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can't handle. Simon, however, is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and in-tensely private artist, known for the exquisite furniture he creates from wood. Simon never wanted a puppy-and he most definitely doesn't want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to his hormones. 

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands.  [picture and summary via good reads] 

This book was a great read. I loved pretty much everything about it. Roberts created two amazing characters and brings them together in a unique manner. What I love about this romance is how real it felt. Quite often the Nora Roberts characters seem so fake even if the story is fun. These two people for once felt like they could be people I knew, just two people with their own drama. Part of me now wants to be a dog search and rescue person because Fiona makes it sound so fulfilling. I admit, the climax of the book was a lil anticlimactic but overall this was a fabulous book in my opinion. Lil word of warning, this has more swear words than any of the other Nora Roberts books I've read, so be prepared. 

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For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined [picture and summary via good reads].
 

I loved this series. Cass did an amazing job writing this fantasy world and the whole Selection process was incredibly fun to read about. I loved the heroine, America, from the beginning and immediately felt the chemistry between her and Prince Maxon. It was pretty interesting, too, how the author set this in the future where the USA and other continental powers are no more. Overall the series was four out of five stars for me, the middle book was the slowest in my opinion. If you want a fluffy, fun and youthful book, I highly suggest you read this series. 

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At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State — and she would do it alone.

Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her [summary and picture via good reads]

I had no idea about the movie hype when I grabbed this book randomly from the library. It looked interesting and I've always been intrigued by hiking. Le Husband and I hike a lot and while this journey is NOTHING I'd want to try, I thought it would be interesting read about. Wild is a good story, but I often got annoyed with the personal struggle of Cheryl. Maybe it's because she and I are polar opposites in our childhood or maybe it's because she sometimes acted so stupid I stopped ready, but I just found myself unable to relate to her and her profound journey. I am glad I read the book, though. The information about PCT was incredibly interesting.

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"The President knows it's a perilous, high-risk assignment. If he gives the order, he has the opportunity to take down a global menace, once and for all. If the mission fails, he would face certain impeachment, and the threats against the nation would multiply. So the president turns to the one team that can pull off the impossible: Will Robie and his partner, Jessica Reel.

Together, Robie and Reel's talents as assassins are unmatched. But there are some in power who don't trust the pair. They doubt their willingness to follow orders. And they will do anything to see that the two assassins succeed, but that they do not survive.

As they prepare for their mission, Reel faces a personal crisis that could well lead old enemies right to her doorstep, resurrecting the ghosts of her earlier life and bringing stark danger to all those close to her. And all the while, Robie and Reel are stalked by a new adversary: an unknown and unlikely assassin, a woman who has trained her entire life to kill, and who has her own list of targets--a list that includes Will Robie and Jessica Reel" [picture and summary via good reads]

Baldacci is one of my favorite authors and he 100% delivered with this book. It's part of a short series, but I've only read one of the three. However, that didn't make a difference into how awesome this story played out. I'm a huge fan of the hero, Robie, and think Reel is a great colleague for him, too. The story jumps with speed and there are lightning fast twists and turns, some I saw coming and some that completely blind sided me. It provided an interesting [albeit fiction] looking into the government and the way things can go south quickly. I particularly devoured the North Korea connection because it brought up a world we know so little about. If you like action packed adventures, you'll love this book.

What are some of the books you're reading now? I need to fill up my kindle for a trip in the near future.

Linking up with *kristin* and *annie*

February 18, 2015

Confession Session

I confess…

… I was a bad employee at home yesterday. The first big snow was too distracting to stay glued to the emptier and I needed to catch up on some sleep. I did work an hour later than normal, though.

… I don't understand people that can't take what they dish out. #cantstandtheheat

… Watching people use the self scan stations in a grocery store with a full cart makes me all kinds of ragey. I had to brave the store during the snow storm on Monday night and almost lost it when I stood in line for 15 minutes because of idiots.
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… Abby on Dance Moms baffle me. Is she really that great of a teacher? I just don't think I could handle taking critiques from such a rude and mean teacher, even if it gave me the opportunity to be on TV.

… I don't think I could take direction from her because she couldn't do the work she would be correcting. It's a pet peeve of mine when teachers are not in shape enough to even demonstrate what they need. I know as we get older we aren't as shape, but I wouldn't yell at a student to do a push up, if I couldn't do a push up.

… This pin makes me scratch my head something fierce. I'm not a cat lover by any means, but um, really?
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… I haven't logged into My Fitness Pal since last Friday. I have a hard time logging on weekends and for whatever reason I've lost a bit of my mojo in tracking this week. Worst week to have this happen.

… Warm weather is in my future and I am so excited. #hurryupsun


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confessing with Melissa today

February 17, 2015

Wanna Take a French Dip?! {Recipe Files}

Lately I've been on a big cooking kick and having a fun recipe linkup has helped me document some of the new meals we've been making at home. With it being so cold, I've been on the hunt for tasty but also clean crock pot recipes and last week we made one found on *this* pin. A tasty meal waiting for me when I get home from work? Yes, please!

There are a lot of tasty looking meals on the pin and I plan on making a few, but this time I grabbed the *Crock Pot Shredded French Dip* recipe. According to Meagan it's a super easy recipe [4 sloths on the laziness meter] and I have to agree with her, you don't need to put forth much effort to make this tasty meal.

Ingredients
4 lbs pot roast
32 oz low sodium beef broth (We didn't need a whole container)
7 cloves garlic, peeled (I did about 10)
1 onion, cut into quarters 
1 TBSP Italian Seasoning 
1 TBSP Ground Mustard (I'd omit this next time and add a different spice)
1 TBSP Pepper 4 rolls ( we completely omitted rolls since it was a fat day)

Step One: Place pot in your slow cooker. Next place garlic, onions and spices in the pot then pour beef broth over your concoction. Personally I don't think the mustard did much, so next time I plan to use dried rosemary or thyme.

Step Two: Turn crock pot on low for seven hours. When the time is up, your pot should look like this.

Step 3: Remove roast and place on cutting board.

Step 4: Using a fork [and a knife if you prefer] shred the roast into small pieces [this should be easy because the meat is so tender from cooking].

Step 5: We chose to not use rolls, so instead we put all of the au jus in a processor and blended everything together as a sauce. If we used rolls I would have kept the onions and garlic as add ons to my sandwich.

Step 6: Plate and enjoy

I really enjoyed this meal and look forward to trying it again with my own lil tweaks. I think it needs more salt overall and I'd season the meat after I shredded it on the cutting board, too. I hope you'll give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

Tonight I'm planing to make my SHROVE tuesday pancakes with *this recipe* I found via Kathy. I hope that y'all get your Shrove Tuesday on today and enjoy Phat Tuesday as well. Last chance to party until Easter, friends!

Linking up *here**here**here* and *here*.

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psdotcom. Today is my engagement anniversary and I know it's cheesy silly, but I can't help but give it a mention here on le blog. That night changed my life for the better and I'm so thankful to be married to the guy of my dreams.
Engagement of my dreams

February 16, 2015

Will Travel for BOFF and Baby!

Morning, dear friends. How are you this Monday? I'm doing pretty well, just a bit sleepy from a late night flight Sunday. In case you missed it, I flew to Ft. Worth to attend my beautiful BOFF's baby shower. I was so thrilled I was able to join her and her friends in the celebration of baby Evelyn. It was a wonderful weekend, I loved seeing my lovely BOFF and her sweet baby bump. I even was able to feel pretty girl kick, which was precious. I'm so sad the weekend is over, because it truly was a fabulous weekend of joy, fun and celebration.

This weekend I…

Caught a late night flight to the Ft. Worth area.

MIssed my airplane buddy like I never expected. It was kind of weird how out of sorts I felt without Le Husband with me in the airport. I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I flew alone.


Spent the flight watching Planes: Fire and Rescue while drinking wine. Best way to keep from being too anxious while flying solo.

Woke up Saturday morning, at breakfast and then headed out to watch a twirling competition. It was so much fun watching twirling since it was such a big part of Lynn's life. I was completely taken in by the talent of all the girls and of course the sparkles. So many sparkles.
 

Loved this lil girl, she was one of the cutest ones out there.

Came home and took a nap to a crazy Lifetime movie. #affairkidnappingandcrazies

Ate a delicious Valentine's Day dinner of Pei Way with Lynn and J. It was so perfect and we enjoyed Bridesmaids while we ate.

 Loved on these lil girls. #lovethosepuppies

Missed my true love and Valentine.

Hit the hay because Sunday was early church. Woke up for church, loved the message then went to a delicious brunch.

Came home, watched more Lifetime then changed for the baby shower.

Went to the host's home and helped set up. She did an amazing job with the decor and the drinks.


Drank lavender lemonade, champs while munching on mini sandwiches, bundtinis, and pita chips with dip.


Loved on Lynn while she opened her gifts. Oohhed and ahhed over the darling baby clothes.


Enjoyed meeting more of her dear friends and catching up with those I met at the wedding. Helped clean up and then headed back home.

Headed to the airport, enjoyed Precheck, lucked into a row by myself, met the sweetest flight attendant and watched How to Train Your Dragon 2 on the flight.

Landed safely, kissed Le Husband and passed out at home.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with these beautiful ladies  < 3

February 13, 2015

'Lovey' Friday the 13th!!!!

Happy Friday! Woohoo, it's here and I'm heading to Texas this weekend, yeehaw! Bring on the Friday faves, okay?

Favorite Gift of the Week: I made a Valentine's day puppy chow for my work, using this recipe from a link up last week and it was incredibly delicious. I'm definitely keeping this for all holiday parties, with season lil pops of course. Maybe I'll make some with my BOFF this weekend ;)!



Favorite Quote of the Week: Gossip Girl had a great episode where Serena is reminded that she doesn't need to dull down her shine because her friend needs her too. I've been there and it's tough when someone doesn't let you be your true self. Stay sparkly, friends!
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Favorite Video of the Week: I'm such a fan of silly dancing videos. I could watch them all day. #canttouchthis

Favorite links of the week: There's been a lot of incredible stuff on the Internet lately, so I thought I'd share my favorites with you today.

This video is gorgeous, especially now that I know how HARD all the moves actually are to perform.

We all hate losing money at the grocery store, right? This article was very informative, check it out.

This valentine's day, why don't you write some letters?

I loved this hair tutorial by Elle, can't wait to try it one day soon.

Favorite Funnies of the Week: Enjoy the laughs, I know I did!
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Hope you have a FAAABULOUS weekend, ladies! Mine's gonna be with my BOFF and I'm so stinking excited. I'll miss Le Husband of course, but I can't wait to celebrate lil Evelyn and shower her in love with some lovely ladies. Enjoy your weekend of love and pampering, I'm sending y'all so much love < 3!

February 12, 2015

Carole King to AC/DC

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***This post was written stream of consciousness on Sunday. I almost deleted it, but then thought that wouldn't be real. These are my thoughts for Thursday. ***

Today has been weird. Just plain weird. I'm in a funk and honestly have no idea why. I went to bed happy, I watched Despicable Me 2 for crying out loud. Oh and guess who slept for 12 hours last night? Yep, that would be me. So I cannot figure out what my gal darn problem is today. Le Husband has commented multiple times on my mood and asked me countless times what's wrong. I tried to tell him this morning that I just felt off, which clearly hasn't helped. I mentioned emotions and just being blah later in the day, but to no avail. I really thought that trying to explain it to him would help me understand what the frick is wrong with me.

I'm not in a rain cloud or a storm, I'm just in a bit of a hazy fog. Have you ever been there? Where you know NOTHING is wrong, but everything seems to be a bit grey [not 50 shades, though]. I feel so lackluster at the moment, but there isn't ANYTHING troubling me in my life right now. Life is really good. Like sickening good, almost. I'm so happy with Le Husband. We laugh all the time, I'm excited to go to the gym with him and have him to come home to at the end of the day and our cooking dates are so much fun. We've been married almost 1.5 years, but I still feel like a three month newlywed. So, there's nothing at home bothering me.

No one in my family is terminally sick, nor am I dealing with any major health issues [if you are, please know my prayers go out to you. BIG HUG < 3]. I'm so thankful for my health and my body's ability to keep up with what I think I should be able to do. I know so many out there that suffer, daily and I'm not one of those people.

Le Husband and I both have our jobs, and while they are a bit annoying at times, we aren't  over worked, super stressed or scared regarding a layoff [big hug if you're dealing with work troubles < 3]. Nor are we dealing with a forced move due to jobs, family situations or finances. My job is not my favorite thing in the world, but the money is good, I have great insurance and I can take vacay whenever I want.

We also aren't dealing with any issues/struggles of fertility or baby rearing. Who knows what the future may hold, but for us the time for children is not right now. One day I hope to be a mother and God willing that dream will come true, but Le Husband and I are on the same timeline page regarding the when and it's not in our plan for this calendar year [if you are struggling friends, my heart goes out to you. Even though I've never been in your shoes feel free to ask me to pray for you. I truly belive in the power of prayer and am sending you all a huge hug and lots of love < 3 ].

While we aren't planning on children anytime soon, we are looking to make a big change in our life this year, but there are a lot of moving pieces that have to come together. Le Husband and I are ready, yet we are powerless because of the forces that be and could be for quite some time. I think I'm a bit anxious to get to that point, though. So yeah, there may be a bit of nervous energy around this adventure, but the excitement is much more prevalent than the worry. I'm ready for the next chapter, apprehension and all.

I'm annoyed with myself right now, because I feel so whiny. And, unless I'm being silly or I'm truly hangry, I'm not whiny. Le Husband is being so great to me today and I wish I could figure out how to get back on track. I need to be like the  CHEVY commercial, Carole King to AC/DC {although my song is back in PINK, not black, haha}.

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So, around 8pm, Sunday, my day turned around. A sweat session at the gym, homemade pizza and a funny show helped right my attitude. Honestly, I can also attribute my swing to this blog because when I was recapping my weekend I realized what a charmed and blessed life I have right now. If you're bored after reading this post, I don't blame you. I almost just trashed it because it felt a lil too journalesque. But, that day was weird and I want to acknowledge my thoughts in case something like that happens again. I know I'm blessed and I hope next time I can figure out how to shake it off!

How do you get through a grey day? Any thoughts when it's totally random?

Linking up with *kristin* and *annie*

February 11, 2015

I Spy Five Things to DIY

Morning, ladies. Today's a Pinterest DIY day in pinkland. I love adding lil crafts to my DIY board [follow me *here*] and quite often they are a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit out of my comfort zone. But, I've also found some really quick and easy DIYs that I know I can do if I take [aka make] the time.

[One] Is this not the cutest wrapping paper? Le Husband and I don't do V-Day gifts, but I'm totally doing this the next time I buy him something. So simple and so cute.
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[Two] We buy a lot of produce and I feel so bad when I use tons of plastic bags. We try to recycle them, but quite often they get thrown away. These look super easy and are earth friendly, too. Plus, I'm always looking to clean out my tshirts.
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[Three] I love wine. Which means I have lots of wine corks hanging out in my apartment [wine-o alert]. This might be the most difficult craft for me to attempt, but I think it would be well worth the effort. I constantly sign letters and cards with 'XOXO' and this could become my lil signature. Has anyone tried cork carving before?
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[Four] Back in the day [elementary school], my mom had us cross-stitch ornaments for our teachers every Christmas. We also dabbled a bit in small embroidery but that fell by the wayside with high school and college. Recently I've felt a pull to pick up a small hobby and I thought 'why not cross stich'? Pinterest has some fun patterns to choose from and I'm excited to find a small project to keep my hands busy.
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[Five] This might be more of a repurpose than a DIY, but how beautiful do those flowers look in that perfume bottle? I'm near the end of a few of my perfumes and could totally see repurposing them with real or fake floors. Wouldn't something like this look lovely in a guest bedroom/bathroom? I might make one for my vanity, which of course I'll share.
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Fingers crossed I get up off my tush and have some 'Saw it, Pinned it, Did it' posts in the future. I think if I can hunker down and get at least one of them done this month. Yes, that's my goal. Hold me accountable ladies.

What are some DIY pins you're looking at conquering?

Linking up *here* *here* and *here* today.