Have a love for Christianity? How about history? How about a mixture of both? If so, then check out On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan. In this book, you will discover the historical events that happened on each day of the year in Christian history.
Book Description
Amazing stories of faith from twenty centuries of church history.
From the Roman Empire to the Reformation, St. Valentine to St. Francis, Martin Luther to Billy Graham, On this Day introduces readers to a parade of preachers, popes, martyrs, heroes, and saints from 2,000 years of Christianity.
This introduction to 365 of the most interesting men and women of faith brings a year's worth of inspiration and spiritual challenge and offers an enjoyable glimpse into church history. Each day includes a related Scripture reading and a simple, colorful story about history-making events in the lives of people who loved God wholeheartedly.
My Thoughts
Robert J. Morgan does a very good job giving the reader a great story to correspond with each day out of the year. Not all of the stories included are about good things that happened either, actually, many aren’t. It is a real account of the things that have happened throughout Christianity presented for the reader to have a better understanding of Christian history.
I actually quite like how the stories were laid out, and enjoyed reading many of them. It is an easy read for someone and if you read even just one for the day, it would be something to look forward to every day of the year.
I recommend this book for all those who like to read Christian books, and would also make a great present for someone that enjoys this type of a book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 30, 2010
November 24, 2010
The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion Pack Review
The Sims 3 is perhaps my favorite game of all time. It has taken the best aspects of prior Sims games and made it more visually stunning and more entertaining.
One of the biggest things I have been waiting for is the addition of vampires. My love of vampires comes as no shocker to anyone that reads this Blog every now and then. True Blood vampires, Twilight vampires, basically any vampires I love. If you love vampires too, trust me The Sims 3: Late Night expansion pack is worth purchasing.
Game Info:
Get your Sims an all‐access pass to the hottest spots in town. Whether they mingle with celebrities or enjoy a casual night with friends, your Sims’ social lives are getting a boost! But keep in mind that some scenes are more exclusive than others, so make sure your Sims have the right connections to get past the bouncers at the hottest clubs. Wherever your Sims go, they’ll discover new things to become—adored celebrities, all‐night partiers, rowdy bandmates, or sexy vampires. What will your Sims get up to after dark?
FEATURES
• Hang out at the hottest spots in town, from dive bars to dance clubs to chic lounges, complete with bouncers.
• Gain fame and fortune as a member of a music band, mixologist, director, or local celebrity.
• Explore certain areas of town in the thick of the night and you may be initiated into the dark life of a vampire.
• Gain excess to exclusive areas and enjoy celebrity perks like penthouse living, luxury hot tubs and cars.
My Thoughts:
Words really can’t express how excited I was to play this game, but I will try anyways with a visual depiction of my experiences in game with my very own Sheri Newton Sim that is also available to download into your game, if you want.
I started out trying to move the Sim version of me to Bridgeport with my Robert Pattinson Sim, but it didn’t work out too well. It can probably be done, but I couldn’t wait to start playing there, so I ended up just changing the outfits to some new Late Night clothes and started over in Bridgeport.
After creating a new game in Bridgeport, I moved into a high-rise apartment. I think the new penthouse/apartment/high-rise system is really great. I had fun living downtown in this area for a while.
Notice the new hot tubs? Yes, they are back too, which is really fun and I’m quite happy they finally decided to give us hot tubs in The Sims 3. Also, Sims can go skinny dipping in them and WooHoo in them! You can even steal another Sim’s clothing if they are skinny dipping, which is really pretty funny to watch.
Late Night activities can’t go on without going to bars, clubs, and lounges – right? Well, Bridgeport has some really fabulous places for your Sims to get into – if they have the celebrity levels (or cash to bribe their way in) to gain access. Visit a vampire lounge, sports bar, rave like club, or one of the other fun locations available with Late Night. Some of these bars even have stages where you can perform – and you don’t even have to be in a band to do it, though that is preferred.
My Sim became famous pretty quickly. I may have used some cheats to acquire vast amounts of Simoleons and friends, but so what? Soon she was able to enter all the fabulous clubs, bars, and lounges, and was even chased by the paparazzi!
While exploring the downtown area and venturing out at night, your Sim is bound to encounter some vampires.
I made friends with one and brought him home, and asked him to turn me into a vampire too. It didn’t take a lot of begging…
After a few days, my Sim turned into a vampire too! It was a really cool process to watch, and perhaps one of the most wicked things I’ve seen yet in The Sims games.
The Sims 3: Late Night expansion pack is my favorite Sims game that has been released so far. It offers me everything I want from The Sims and provides endless amounts of entertainment, which is really what The Sims is all about.
If you or someone you know loves The Sims 3, this is a must buy expansion pack – and would make a seriously great holiday present too. If you happen to live with the person you are buying it for, perhaps buy the digital version of it on Gamers Gate and secretly download it onto their computer the night before Christmas, and in the morning tell them they have a surprise waiting for them – it would surely be a welcome surprise that they never saw coming!
* Note that you must have The Sims 3 base game already installed on your computer in order to play this.
* Thank you to the publisher of The Sims 3: Late Night, Electronic Arts, and Gamers Gate for providing me a digital copy of this game and allowing me to review it. All experiences and opinions expressed are my own.
November 18, 2010
Live Gluten Freely Giveaway!
Having to eat Gluten-Free can sometimes be a pain, but for those such as myself that have to stay away from gluten, it has gotten better recently. More products are available that don’t taste awful, and it is really making it easier to cook and enjoy things in life again like pancakes, waffles, pizza, biscuits, etc. So, I was really excited to get the offer from MyBlogSpark to review Gluten-Free products and also get to host this giveaway.
Honestly, I really loved everything in this prize pack. The Gluten-Free Bisquick is great, and I even made a pizza (recipe is on the box) with it. Amazing! Seriously, if you have been missing pizza that is easy to make, this is easy and delicious! The Gluten-Free Honey Chex cereal was also really good, as was the instant potatoes and the kiddie snacks like Gushers. Delightful!
LiveGlutenFreely.com
Live Gluten Freely is an online community that was created by General Mills that offers gluten-free product news, articles, and real life stories from people like us. It also offers amazing recipies for gluten-free dishes like blueberry corn muffins, chicken nuggets, brownie ganache torte with raspberries, and carrot cake. Yum!
General Mills offers more than 300 affordable gluten-free products. Sign up for the free list on LiveGlutenFreely.com to get news, recipes, tips, and coupons for gluten-free products each month.
Live Gluten Freely Prize Pack Giveaway
I’m very happy to get to share this amazing gift pack with one lucky reader. This package includes: a Live Gluten Freely product box that includes an assortment of gluten-free products from your favorite brands like Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Chex and Larabar, a Betty Crocker Red Serving Spoon, and coupons!
To enter please leave a separate comment for each entry, if you do not have a viewable e-mail in your Blogger profile, please include that in your entries:
One Comment – Follow my Blog publicly and tell me what you’d like to try that is gluten-free.
One Comment – Blog about my giveaway (linking to this post). Leave URL of the post in your comment.
One Comment – Follow me on Twitter and tweet about my giveaway (linking to this post). Leave URL on here. http://twitter.com/sherinewton
Contest will end on November 30, 2010
Good luck!
Thank you to MyBlogSpark and General Mills for allowing me to review and giveaway this prize pack. The products, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me from General Mills through MyBlogSpark.
Honestly, I really loved everything in this prize pack. The Gluten-Free Bisquick is great, and I even made a pizza (recipe is on the box) with it. Amazing! Seriously, if you have been missing pizza that is easy to make, this is easy and delicious! The Gluten-Free Honey Chex cereal was also really good, as was the instant potatoes and the kiddie snacks like Gushers. Delightful!
LiveGlutenFreely.com
Live Gluten Freely is an online community that was created by General Mills that offers gluten-free product news, articles, and real life stories from people like us. It also offers amazing recipies for gluten-free dishes like blueberry corn muffins, chicken nuggets, brownie ganache torte with raspberries, and carrot cake. Yum!
General Mills offers more than 300 affordable gluten-free products. Sign up for the free list on LiveGlutenFreely.com to get news, recipes, tips, and coupons for gluten-free products each month.
Live Gluten Freely Prize Pack Giveaway
I’m very happy to get to share this amazing gift pack with one lucky reader. This package includes: a Live Gluten Freely product box that includes an assortment of gluten-free products from your favorite brands like Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Chex and Larabar, a Betty Crocker Red Serving Spoon, and coupons!
To enter please leave a separate comment for each entry, if you do not have a viewable e-mail in your Blogger profile, please include that in your entries:
One Comment – Follow my Blog publicly and tell me what you’d like to try that is gluten-free.
One Comment – Blog about my giveaway (linking to this post). Leave URL of the post in your comment.
One Comment – Follow me on Twitter and tweet about my giveaway (linking to this post). Leave URL on here. http://twitter.com/sherinewton
Good luck!
Thank you to MyBlogSpark and General Mills for allowing me to review and giveaway this prize pack. The products, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me from General Mills through MyBlogSpark.
November 17, 2010
Cities XL 2011 Review
Cities XL 2011 is a new simulation city building game. In this PC game you are the mayor of a city and create it from the ground up. You can also link your cities together to create a global economy, so really it is like you are ruler of the whole world.
This visually stunning world is yours for the taking, care to create your own?
Game Description
Imagine and Conceive cities of all types and sizes on Cities XL planet. From a several million citizens megalopolis to a hyped seaside resort, to an industrial city, everything is allowed!
Take advantage of an incredible collection of more than 700 buildings and structures, 47 different types of maps featuring realistic environments. Enjoy never seen before freedom in a city-builder!
As a virtual mayor, find the right balance between economic development of your cities, attractiveness, transportation (road traffic, bus, metro…), pollution, social services, taxes and even leisure activities.
For the first time in this kind of game, you go beyond the simple creation of a city! Connect every city that you build in a trade network, specialize some of them so that they can provide for others, thus creating a large-scale economy balance.
Key features
• More than 700 buildings, structures and monuments inspired by various architectural styles.
• 47 incredibly detailed and diverse 3D maps: mountains, hills, canyons, islands, cliffs, as well as famous places: Hollywood, Manhattan, Paris, Hong Kong, the Krakatoa volcano…
• Connect cities that you build in a trade network, specialize some of them so that they can provide for others, and create a large-scale economy balance!
• A sophisticated public transportation system: manage in detail the road network, as well as bus lines, and the underground and elevated railway.
• Take profiles of your citizens into account to provide the services and the entertainment they need.
• A self-sufficient global economy, controlled by price variation and by citizen’s needs in the game.
• An all new tax management system allows you to refine the city's administration.
• A very high quality graphic engine which provides nearly photorealistic visuals.
Cities XL 2011 Official Trailer
My Thoughts
Looks amazing, right? The graphics are fantastic, especially when viewing your cities up close. The detail that is going on is really fun to watch, and you can spot funny things happening like a man dancing on a car to everyday things like people walking, driving, and having fun around their city. Cities XL 2011 brings you the best detail to a simulation city available to date.
The different settings and zones/terrains that you are able to build on really impressed me. My favorites were the beachside zones and the ones with the Asian theme. Very beautiful cities!
My laptop isn’t the highest quality gaming computer out there - in fact it isn’t even a “gaming computer.” Yet, I was able to run this game smoothly with no lagging or having to compromise the graphics. I was highly impressed by this factor, especially since my computer is below their minimum requirements.
The controls in the game were pretty simple and easy to get used to playing with. I also like the fact that there were different playing levels of difficulty.
Overall, I really had a good time playing this game. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes simulation city building games. This would also make for a great PC game gift for the holidays!
System Requirements
• OS: Windows XP SP3 / Windows Vista SP1 / Windows 7
• Processor: Intel core 2 duo or higher - 2.5 GHz and AMD equivalent, or higher
• RAM: 1GB (XP) / 1.5 GB (Vista)
• Hard Drive: 8GB
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8800 / ATI Radeon HD 3850 or higher, 512MB, DirectX 9.0c
* Thank you to the manufacturer of this game for providing me with an electronic version of this game for review purposes. All opinions and experiences are my own.
This visually stunning world is yours for the taking, care to create your own?
Game Description
Imagine and Conceive cities of all types and sizes on Cities XL planet. From a several million citizens megalopolis to a hyped seaside resort, to an industrial city, everything is allowed!
Take advantage of an incredible collection of more than 700 buildings and structures, 47 different types of maps featuring realistic environments. Enjoy never seen before freedom in a city-builder!
As a virtual mayor, find the right balance between economic development of your cities, attractiveness, transportation (road traffic, bus, metro…), pollution, social services, taxes and even leisure activities.
For the first time in this kind of game, you go beyond the simple creation of a city! Connect every city that you build in a trade network, specialize some of them so that they can provide for others, thus creating a large-scale economy balance.
Key features
• More than 700 buildings, structures and monuments inspired by various architectural styles.
• 47 incredibly detailed and diverse 3D maps: mountains, hills, canyons, islands, cliffs, as well as famous places: Hollywood, Manhattan, Paris, Hong Kong, the Krakatoa volcano…
• Connect cities that you build in a trade network, specialize some of them so that they can provide for others, and create a large-scale economy balance!
• A sophisticated public transportation system: manage in detail the road network, as well as bus lines, and the underground and elevated railway.
• Take profiles of your citizens into account to provide the services and the entertainment they need.
• A self-sufficient global economy, controlled by price variation and by citizen’s needs in the game.
• An all new tax management system allows you to refine the city's administration.
• A very high quality graphic engine which provides nearly photorealistic visuals.
Cities XL 2011 Official Trailer
My Thoughts
Looks amazing, right? The graphics are fantastic, especially when viewing your cities up close. The detail that is going on is really fun to watch, and you can spot funny things happening like a man dancing on a car to everyday things like people walking, driving, and having fun around their city. Cities XL 2011 brings you the best detail to a simulation city available to date.
The different settings and zones/terrains that you are able to build on really impressed me. My favorites were the beachside zones and the ones with the Asian theme. Very beautiful cities!
My laptop isn’t the highest quality gaming computer out there - in fact it isn’t even a “gaming computer.” Yet, I was able to run this game smoothly with no lagging or having to compromise the graphics. I was highly impressed by this factor, especially since my computer is below their minimum requirements.
The controls in the game were pretty simple and easy to get used to playing with. I also like the fact that there were different playing levels of difficulty.
Overall, I really had a good time playing this game. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes simulation city building games. This would also make for a great PC game gift for the holidays!
System Requirements
• OS: Windows XP SP3 / Windows Vista SP1 / Windows 7
• Processor: Intel core 2 duo or higher - 2.5 GHz and AMD equivalent, or higher
• RAM: 1GB (XP) / 1.5 GB (Vista)
• Hard Drive: 8GB
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8800 / ATI Radeon HD 3850 or higher, 512MB, DirectX 9.0c
* Thank you to the manufacturer of this game for providing me with an electronic version of this game for review purposes. All opinions and experiences are my own.
November 16, 2010
Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home by Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson’s eighth book features 190 amazing recipes. 60 of these scrumptious recipes are even able to be cooked in 30 minutes or less. The “domestic goddess” writes in a way to capture your attention and actually makes you want to try all of these delectable recipes.
Book Description
“Comprehensive, informative, and engaging, Nigella Kitchen offers feel-good food for cooks and eaters that is comforting yet always seductive, nostalgic but with a modern twist–whether super-fast exotic recipes for the weekday rush, leisurely slow-cook dishes for weekends and special occasions, or irresistible cakes and cookies in true “domestic goddess” style. Nigella Kitchen answers everyday cooking quandaries–what to feed a group of hungry teenagers, how to rustle up a spur-of-the-moment meal for friends, or how to treat yourself when you’re home alone–and since real cooking is so often about leftovers, here one recipe can morph into another . . . from ham hocks in cider to cidery pea soup, from “praised” chicken to Chinatown salad. This isn’t just about being thrifty; it’s about being creative and seeing how recipes evolve.” – Nigella Kitchen
My Thoughts
Nigella Lawson’s new book, Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home includes fun information on Nigella’s kitchen, and how to turn everyday ingredients into an amazing meal. I personally loved reading about how some of her “Hall of Shame” kitchen gadgets didn’t work out for her either. I mean really, who needs all of the gadgets in the kitchen department anyways?
Some of my favorites included in this cookbook:
• African Drumsticks
• Chicken Tortillas
• Coconut Rice
• Curly Pasta with Feta, Spinach and Pine Nuts
• Flourless Chocolate Lime Cake with Margarita Cream (gluten free!)
• Indian Roasted Potatoes
• Parsley Pesto
• Quick Chick Caesar
• Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Venetian Carrot Cake (gluten free!)
Overall, I think that this is a great cookbook for all levels of cooks. It has many different types of recipes and is very easy to read and follow. What more can you ask for in a cookbook?
Thank you to the publisher of Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home, Hyperion Books, for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 13, 2010
Spiritual Astrology by Jan Spiller & Karen McCoy
The fully revised and updated Spiritual Astrology by Jan Spiller & Karen McCoy brings you the opportunity to find your “path to divine awakening.”
Book Description
“With more than 100,000 copies in print and now completely revised and updated, Spiritual Astrology is a simple yet complete astrological guide to understanding life's higher purpose and finding the key to your personal
• Self-expression
• Self-worth and emotional security
• Independence and freedom of spirit
• Emotional ecstasy
• Self-mastery and personal power
Spiritual Astrology's breakthrough—the startling rediscovery of the importance of the solar and lunar eclipses occurring just before one's birth—reveals the lessons you came here for, and provides a revelation to anyone who has ever looked to the zodiac for guidance.”
- Spiritual Astrology
My Thoughts
I love astrology and astronomy. Perhaps growing up by Kennedy Space Center does that to a person. I’m the type of person that loves to read their horoscope, but don’t really look for those things to happen – if they do, that is cool… if not, that is okay too.
I’m technically a Leo, but was supposed to be a Virgo (I was born about 3 weeks early). Sometimes I think that makes me unique in the horoscope area since I’m not really the main “Leo” type. What I found highly interesting in this book is that “a birth chart is not duplicated for 25,000 years.” How incredible is that?
With the help of the free astrology chart that Jan Spiller provides on her website, this book is able to help you understand where you are astrologically speaking. I have to say that it is pretty accurate on me, will it be for you? Try it out for free and see for yourself!
Overall, I really liked this book. If you also like astrology and new age books, this is the book for you!
Thank you to the publisher of Spiritual Astrology, Fireside, a division of Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Poker Face by Maureen Callahan
Lady Gaga seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and reached superstar status overnight. Poker Face by Maureen Callahan is the account of what actually happened before Lady Gaga became who she is today.
Book Description
“In little over a year, Stefani Germanotta, a struggling performer in New York’s Lower East Side burlesque scene, has become the global demographic-smashing pop icon known as Lady Gaga. She is a once-in-a-decade artist, a gifted singer, composer, designer, and performance artist who mixes high and low culture, the avant-garde with the accessible, authenticity with artifice.
Who is Lady Gaga? She is a twenty-four-year-old woman whose stage mantra—“I’m a free bitch!”—is the polar opposite of who she is offstage: isolated, insecure, and unable to be alone. She is an outré artist who wanted to be a sensitive singer-songwriter, whose musical heroes include Britney Spears, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen. She is a woman who says no man can ever compete with her career, but who still isn’t over the ex-boyfriend who said she was too ambitious. She claims not to care what people think, but spends her downtime online, reading what people have to say about her. She claims to be a con artist and utterly authentic. She is never less than compelling.
Based on over fifty original interviews with friends, employees, rivals, and music industry veterans, Poker Face is the first in-depth biography of the extraordinary cultural phenomenon that is Lady Gaga.” – Poker Face
My Thoughts
Lady Gaga is one of my favorite artists of all time. I’m the type of music lover that likes things I can sing along to, dance to, and workout to. Judging by how popular Lady Gaga is worldwide, I don’t think I’m alone in this.
I never knew how Lady Gaga became famous, or even what her real name was until reading this book. Sure, I could have googled it or whatever, but as her Twitter and Facebook friend, I never really found the need to. I love her for her, regardless of her journey on how she got where she is.
Reading through Poker Face by Maureen Callahan, I discovered that she was on The Sopranos (one of my favorite series), is Italian, grew up on the Upper West Side in New York City, worked as a burlesque dancer, and much more.
Overall, the biggest thing I got from it is just how dedicated and hard she actually works. This is a woman who really wanted and worked for where she is now, and anyone who disagrees should have their head examined. I enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to all who love, like, or hate Lady Gaga. This is not a book written by Gaga herself, but Maureen Callahan tells her tale from an outsider’s perspective in way that almost makes it feel like we were right there with Gaga on the edge of fame.
Thank you to the publisher of Poker Face, Hyperion Books, for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 11, 2010
The Perfect Happiness by Santa Montefiore
The Perfect Happiness by Santa Montefiore is a witty love story that also has risk, temptation, and much more. It is a story about a woman who is married with children, and is relatively happy, or so she thinks, until she meets a mysterious man from a faraway country. Should she tempt fate and risk it all for a once in a lifetime love affair? If she does, what will become of her life now?
Book Description
“A wife who has forgotten her own beauty and allure. A distant, distracted husband. A smart, candlelit dinner party, witty conversation, and a charmingly rugged vineyard owner from South Africa. So begins Santa Montefiore's powerful and poignant new novel in which a woman who finds herself in a common predicament must confront the most unlikely aspects of herself.
"I hope you don't mind my writing to you," begins the first e-mail bestselling children's book author Angelica receives from Jack. Surely it can't do any harm to indulge in a mild flirtation. After all, she wouldn't risk her stable marriage and the happiness of her treasured children. But things don't stop at an e-mail, and when Angelica goes to Cape Town for a book tour, her affair with Jack begins in earnest. On their last day together, he makes a stunning confession, and now everything Angelica thought she knew about love and passion, safety and experience, right and wrong are entirely upended once again.
A tender book about the true meaning of love and happily ever after, The Perfect Happiness is for any woman who has ever looked up from her steady, secure life and secretly wondered "what if . . ." – The Perfect Happiness
My Thoughts
A love story that is not your cookie cutter formula and involves actually many love stories in one? That is essentially what The Perfect Happiness is about.
Angelica and Oliver have been married for years, have children, both have great jobs and are in the upper class in London, and still something is missing. When Angelica meets Jack, something is sparked inside her, but she doesn’t quite know what to do with it. When she finally gives in to the temptation, and begins to love another man, her world is turned upside down.
I enjoyed the characters, which seemed to be a blend of Sex and the City and a soap opera. They are in the upper class, and wear plenty of fabulous designers, and the author makes sure to name drop the designers frequently. I love my fashion as much as the next fashionista, but this even started to bore me in some areas. It isn’t a book about fashion, so it wasn’t needed to the extent it was used.
On the bright side, the settings that the novel took place in were vividly described. The love affair was full of excitement and wisdom – not necessarily something that would otherwise blend together so well.
Overall, I did enjoy this novel due to the strong storyline and surprises that it throws at you. If you like your love stories to be unique, and not on the “romance style” of writing, this book is for you!
Thank you to the publisher of The Perfect Happiness, Touchstone Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 10, 2010
Like a G6
Wow! It has been awhile since I have gotten a chance to write an update style Blog post about what is going on with me lately. Sorry about that.
I’ve been studying more so than usual, which is paying off. I’ve made 97, 98, and 85 on my recent exams. So, I have to say I’m feeling really good about that. I have about a month left for the semester, so I’ll probably still be working hard until the end of the term.
I’ve bought a few really cute things from Overstock.com and Target’s Liberty of London collection. Such cute things, I love when they have the big names design a collection (and then it goes on clearance for even better savings). I’d love to buy a ton of other things too of course, but with paying for school and saving up for nursing school limits my budget on things I don’t really “need.”
Anyone else love this song? It reminds me of my Bloggy friend Andhari. Don't know her? Check out her Blog, she is awesome, I promise!
“Like a G6” by Far East Movement…. Enjoy!
I’ve been studying more so than usual, which is paying off. I’ve made 97, 98, and 85 on my recent exams. So, I have to say I’m feeling really good about that. I have about a month left for the semester, so I’ll probably still be working hard until the end of the term.
I’ve bought a few really cute things from Overstock.com and Target’s Liberty of London collection. Such cute things, I love when they have the big names design a collection (and then it goes on clearance for even better savings). I’d love to buy a ton of other things too of course, but with paying for school and saving up for nursing school limits my budget on things I don’t really “need.”
Anyone else love this song? It reminds me of my Bloggy friend Andhari. Don't know her? Check out her Blog, she is awesome, I promise!
“Like a G6” by Far East Movement…. Enjoy!
November 9, 2010
In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite by Melissa Clark
A good cookbook engages the reader with tips and advice as well as delicious recipes. That is exactly what In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite by Melissa Clark delivers. This cookbook shares stories about the recipes, making this a whole cooking experience to be savored.
Book Description
“A Good Appetite,” Melissa Clark's weekly feature in the New York Times Dining Section, is about dishes that are easy to cook and that speak to everyone, either stirring a memory or creating one. Now, Clark takes the same freewheeling yet well-informed approach that has won her countless fans and applies it to one hundred and fifty delicious, simply sophisticated recipes. Clark prefaces each recipe with the story of its creation--the missteps as well as the strokes of genius--to inspire improvisation in her readers. So when discussing her recipe for Crisp Chicken Schnitzel, she offers plenty of tried-and-true tips learned from an Austrian chef; and in My Mother's Lemon Pot Roast, she gives the same high-quality advice, but culled from her own family's kitchen.
Memorable chapters reflect the way so many of us like to eat: Things with Cheese (think Baked Camembert with Walnut Crumble and Ginger Marmalade), The Farmers' Market and Me (Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Almonds), It Tastes Like Chicken (Garlic and Thyme-Roasted Chicken with Crispy Drippings Croutons), and many more delectable but not overly complicated dishes.
In addition, Clark writes with Laurie Colwin-esque warmth and humor about the relationship that we have with our favorite foods, about the satisfaction of cooking a meal where everyone wants seconds, and about the pleasures of eating. From stories of trips to France with her parents, growing up (where she and her sister were required to sit on unwieldy tuna Nicoise sandwiches to make them more manageable), to bribing a fellow customer for the last piece of dessert at the farmers' market, Melissa's stories will delight any reader who starts thinking about what's for dinner as soon as breakfast is cleared away. This is a cookbook to read, to savor, and most important, to cook delicious, rewarding meals from.” - In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite
My Thoughts
I love cookbooks that also share stories about the food that is included in the cookbook. In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite fully delivers this whole experience. One of my favorite stories was about the Grilled Cheese sandwiches and how that is a big reason the writer loves visiting those with children.
Some of my favorite recipes from the cookbook include:
• Pomegranate Roasted Carrots
• Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli
• Spicy, Garlicky Cashew Chicken
• Queso Fresco Quesadillas with Papaya Avocado Salso
Many of the recipes used flour and other things I cannot eat, but I could still perhaps try out with alternate ingredients in the future. One such dish is the Crème Brulee French Toast with Orange Blossom Water. Yum!
This cookbook brings a variety of amazing dishes to the novice or experienced cook. However, the beginner cook probably will not have many of the ingredients on hand. Even regular Moms that cook dinners at home probably won’t have some crucial ingredients. That is okay though, because Melissa Clark has some options that you can alter the recipe with on some of the dishes, and as most cooks do, they change things out anyways. Next time, just add the missing ingredients to the shopping list (or perhaps do so before preparing the meal).
Thank you to the publisher of In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite, Hyperion Books, for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 4, 2010
The Prophecy Answer Book by David Jeremiah
The Prophecy Answer Book by David Jeremiah is a current book about prophecies that were written over 2,000 years ago. It is addressed in a question and answer format and gives readers answers to these questions about prophecies that they have when reading the Bible.
Book Description
“For anyone curious about prophecy and the signs of the end times, this book links the pieces of the prophecy puzzle in plain, simple language. There are 1,000 prophecies in the Bible so it’s natural to wonder, have any prophecies been fulfilled? Do they really explain the future? Can we really know what will happen at the end of time? In succinct and clear answers to most frequently asked questions, Dr. Jeremiah decodes and clarifies prophecy for the average person. He explains in simple lay terms what could otherwise be mysterious and even frightening, allowing readers to gain a balanced and assuring perspective of the significance of prophetic events to their personal lives as believers in Christ. He also helps readers understand how prophecy is directly related to world events today.” – The Prophecy Answer Book
My Thoughts
Prophecies and even the bible aren’t my usual topics of choice. I consider myself a spiritual person, not necessarily “religious” though. I have however read the Bible. I used to go to Catholic Mass every Sunday and even went to Sunday school after Mass.
I’ll let you in on a little secret about this: I was the annoying kid who questioned everything. The nuns and volunteers teaching probably hated me, but I had questions (as most kids do, I think), and usually never really got any substantial answers except something like “well it just happened like this because it was written in the Bible this way.” That doesn’t really “explain” anything to a kid more than the “because I said so” line.
So, putting my personal thoughts, questions, and beliefs aside, I think that The Prophecy Answer Book actually did answer questions about prophecies in the Bible. I especially found the “Current Events” section interesting because it showed examples of things that are happening right now that can be construed as being prophesized about. David Jeremiah also does a great job explaining The Rapture, The Tribulation, The Antichrist, and more.
I wish that I had this book when I was attending Sunday school classes. David Jeremiah makes these prophecies understandable, and isn’t too preachy about it. It is also written to easily understand for those who have questions. Not necessarily for “all ages” but definitely for those who are old enough to ask such questions. I recommend The Prophecy Answer Book for all of those who have questions about these prophecies in the bible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Book Description
“For anyone curious about prophecy and the signs of the end times, this book links the pieces of the prophecy puzzle in plain, simple language. There are 1,000 prophecies in the Bible so it’s natural to wonder, have any prophecies been fulfilled? Do they really explain the future? Can we really know what will happen at the end of time? In succinct and clear answers to most frequently asked questions, Dr. Jeremiah decodes and clarifies prophecy for the average person. He explains in simple lay terms what could otherwise be mysterious and even frightening, allowing readers to gain a balanced and assuring perspective of the significance of prophetic events to their personal lives as believers in Christ. He also helps readers understand how prophecy is directly related to world events today.” – The Prophecy Answer Book
My Thoughts
Prophecies and even the bible aren’t my usual topics of choice. I consider myself a spiritual person, not necessarily “religious” though. I have however read the Bible. I used to go to Catholic Mass every Sunday and even went to Sunday school after Mass.
I’ll let you in on a little secret about this: I was the annoying kid who questioned everything. The nuns and volunteers teaching probably hated me, but I had questions (as most kids do, I think), and usually never really got any substantial answers except something like “well it just happened like this because it was written in the Bible this way.” That doesn’t really “explain” anything to a kid more than the “because I said so” line.
So, putting my personal thoughts, questions, and beliefs aside, I think that The Prophecy Answer Book actually did answer questions about prophecies in the Bible. I especially found the “Current Events” section interesting because it showed examples of things that are happening right now that can be construed as being prophesized about. David Jeremiah also does a great job explaining The Rapture, The Tribulation, The Antichrist, and more.
I wish that I had this book when I was attending Sunday school classes. David Jeremiah makes these prophecies understandable, and isn’t too preachy about it. It is also written to easily understand for those who have questions. Not necessarily for “all ages” but definitely for those who are old enough to ask such questions. I recommend The Prophecy Answer Book for all of those who have questions about these prophecies in the bible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
And The Winners Are….
I had 2 fantastic giveaways that both came to an end on October 30, 2010. I used the randomizer tool to determine both winners, and the winners are….
Pink Together Giveaway: Stacy Kay
Bisquick’s Gluten Free Baking Mix: Tracy
Thank you to everyone who participated in these giveaways, I have some more for you in the very near future, so check back in again soon!
Pink Together Giveaway: Stacy Kay
Bisquick’s Gluten Free Baking Mix: Tracy
Thank you to everyone who participated in these giveaways, I have some more for you in the very near future, so check back in again soon!
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