so much pretty - A Book Review

 "I think I have fallen through the hole in all the logic in the entire world and I can see now that nothing holds up and I am going to keep falling." 

This quote, taken from a letter one of the characters of So Much Pretty wrote, is a good indicator of the entire book.

Wendy White was a sweet, pretty girl who lived in the small town of Haeden until she mysteriously disappeared one day.  Stacy Flynn, a reporter from Cleveland who is looking for her big break thinks there is more to the story than people are admitting.  When Wendy’s body shows up five months later, the town still refuses to believe that someone in their town could be the killer, insisting that it must have been an outsider.

It turns out that what happened was much worse than what anyone could have imagined.  The one person in town who is able to piece the entire thing together decides to take justice into their own hands, which brings up even more questions. 

Although this book by Cara Hoffman was hard for me to get into – it switches back and forth in time and between characters, by the time I got halfway in I was hooked.  This book will force you to rethink so many ideas about justice, the line between right and wrong, and the horror that can exist right next to you.

As a Mom, I found this book extremely disturbing, and even had some nightmares because of it.  If you like books that force you to take a good hard look at everything you believe and possibly turn it upside down, then this book is for you!

**I received a copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.    

Hopping Today~

Today I'm joining up with the Social Parade!

Have a great weekend!  I'm actually hoping to catch up on some reviews and such over the weekend!

Our Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend, but things have been busy since then so I'm just now posting about it!

The Easter basket was full of Hello Kitty swag - went to Grandma's and Grandpa's later and got even more!

What a cute Easter dress!

One tired puppy.

My husband

Awake after the nap!

We totally forgot to hide eggs in the yard, and take pictures of the egg dyeing fun.  We had roll-on paints this time, which were pretty interesting.    

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Praying for my Home Town Today

Last night a devastating tornado hit the town I grew up in, Tuscaloosa AL.  I spent my entire childhood there, and even attended the University of Alabama there when it was time to go to college.  The hurricane that hit was 1.5 miles wide, and so powerful that it picked up debris and dropped it in Birmingham, about 45 miles away.  In some of the photos you can barely tell where they were taken, the damage is so bad.







Thanks to Facebook and the internet, I know that most of my friends are okay - one friend from high-school lost her house, but her entire family is okay and for that she is grateful.  


At least 16 people are dead and 100's are injured in Tuscaloosa  alone.  Please keep them in your prayers as they start the huge task of rebuilding today!  I know what it's like to wake up to total devastation - Hurricane Ivan hit us in 2004, and I remember it like it was yesterday.  


Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake.  Amen


From the night service of Compline, The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (ECUSA)

Advice Needed - Swim Lesson Blues

My daughter is not enjoying her swim lessons.  We've just started, and I'm sure after a week or two she'll be fine with them, but any ideas on getting her excited about going today?  I've offered ice cream afterwards, and assure her that she's perfectly safe!

I've also talked about the different things she learned in her first class, and how proud I was of her.  They make the parents go out of the room, which I think makes it harder for her.  She gets in the pool with us a lot, but has never been without us until now.
On Friday we're going to swim at a friend's house before the lesson, hopefully that will help!  

Would love any advice!

BTW, I'm also participating in this hop today - stop by!

What's Blooming Wednesday

It's already starting to feel like summer here.  These guys are still blooming, but probably won't be much longer.  

The Hydrangeas will be out in full force soon - I like them like this as well!

And since I had a live animal last week, I thought I'd show you another this week!  This one isn't nearly as scary, though.  

Currently I'm hoping for some rain so everything keeps growing!

What's blooming where you are?

Look at my Great Prize!

I don't often show my giveaway winnings on my blog - I don't win that many, and most of them are nice, but I don't feel the need to share.  However, I just loved the stuff I got from Jill over at Envirocraftiness!  

The contest was only for the bag, but she was a little late in mailing it so she threw in some other goodies as well.  How sweet was that!

  
I can't wait until I have a good reason to use this cute little handbag.

And I think these hair clips are just adorable.  She sent as headband as well - you can see it at the bottom of the first picture.  


What is the best prize you've won on a blog?

Roasted Potatoes and a Review of Garlic Gold

You know that wonderful garlicky smell you get when you walk into any good Italian restaurant?  That’s what you smell as soon as you open a bottle of Garlic Gold.  I swear I wanted to just leave the bottle open on the counter for a while so my kitchen would continue to smell like that!

 

Garlic Gold is based in California, and they use all organic ingredients to create all of their products by hand.  In addition to their oil, they have garlic nuggets – perfect for jazzing up almost anything!  I don’t know how they do it, but their Garlic Gold oil has the amazing flavor of real garlic right there in the oil – great for just dipping your fresh bread in.  Or if you want to go really crazy try adding the Garlic Gold Italian Herb nuggets to it!

If you know anyone who loves to cook, this would make a great gift!  They currently have a special promotion going for Mother’s Day – use code Tomoson20 for 20% off of any order over $20.  This code is valid through Mother’s Day, May 8^th.  I think their vinaigrettes look yummy, and I can tell you with certainty that any garlic lover would love the oil! 

I made some roasted potatoes with the Garlic Gold Oil.  I love simple recipes like this to highlight great products.

Roasted Potatoes

• 3 red potatoes per person, cut into eighths
• Garlic Gold Oil
• Freshly cracked black pepper

1. After cutting the potatoes, place them in a container that has a lid.  Pour oil over to coat lightly, then crack fresh pepper on top. 
2. Shake potatoes to ensure that they are all coated.
3. Transfer to baking pan, and bake at 400 degrees until potatoes are no longer hard and golden brown in color.  Enjoy the wonderful smell of them cooking!

Submitted to:

MMMM
Veggie Converter
Just Another Meatless Monday
my meatless mondays
Hearth and Soul
Tasty Tuesday - FTLOB
Full Plate Thursday

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Visiting the Easter Bunny

Last weekend we went to an egg hunt and visited the Easter Bunny.  I forgot to post the pictures then, so I thought I'd do it now!

Little Miss didn't want to sit in the bunnies lap, but she didn't mind standing next to it!

She also did some coloring with her cousin (the blonds right next to her).

After all of that excitement, we still managed to go to the beach that evening!  Grayson Capps was playing, so we had good food, good scenery, and good music!

PenAgain - The Right Way to Write - Review and Giveaway!

It’s no secret that many pens and pencils are just way too big for children to easily use.  I’ve noticed this with Little Miss, who is just learning to write.  That’s why I love the idea behind PenAgain.  PenAgain is a small pen or pencil that is easier to hold than your normal pens, due to its unique design.    It forces your child to hold the pencil correctly, and is actually extremely comfortable to use!

Read more »

Do You Secret Shop?

I do, on occasion.  If I ate a lot of Fast Food I'd do it a lot more, but MarketForce occasionally has Panera Bread or ice cream places, which are nice for an occasional treat.  You're not going to get rich doing it, but it's nice to get your meal for free!  MarketForce is currently looking for new shoppers.    If you sign up and use my ID, I get a bonus!  So if you're interested, please use my link!

I've used this company for years, and find them very easy to work with!

Thanks!  -April

For anyone who becomes a shopper using your referral link and completes an approved mystery shop by May 31st 2011, you earn a $5 referral bonus. This offer ends on May 31st 2011, so start spreading the Market Force word and earn your $5 referral bonus now!

What's Blooming Wednesday

I love the smell of honeysuckle - we have some growing along our back fence.

And our roses are still going strong!

This guy isn't blooming, but I sure was shocked to find him!

I think it's a Black Racer.  

Peeled Snacks are Healthy Snacks!

Little Miss is a snacker.  She come by it honestly, I’d rather have 5 small meals a day than just three.  Because of this, I’m always looking for healthy snacks for her.  The more portable they are the better!  Peeled Snacks are organic, gluten free, and all natural with no sugar or oil added.  They are also very portable – they come in three sizes:  single size for when you’re on the go, a resealable pouch that holds 2-4 servings, and the family packs, which hold around 9 servings – perfect for using to add fruit to a lunch box!

Read more »

Winner Announcement!

I was cooking lentil tacos in my Instant Pot, thinking about all of the time I would have saved had I gotten a pressure cooker earlier, when I realized that I hadn't announced the winner to the Instant Pot Giveaway!

From now on most winners will be announced on facebook only, but since this is a big prize I thought I'd make a post.

Congratulations comment 158!  I'm e-mailing you right now!  Thanks to everyone who entered!!

loriag said...158

Following Instant Pot on twitter.

@loriagalbraith

Peanutty Noodles from Vegan Bites and a Review!

My husband is on the road a lot, and even when he’s home we have very different tastes in food.  One of the challenges I often face is cooking food in small quantities so that I’m not eating the same thing for an entire week.

 

That’s why I’ve really enjoyed Vegan Bites, Recipes for Singles.  According to the introduction, it’s meant for single young people in their teens and twenties, but I think it would be a great book for anyone looking for a simple introduction to the basics of being vegan and lots of great, simple recipes.  I’ve been a vegetarian for many years, but since my daughter has been born I’ve been gravitating towards a more vegan diet.  I like these recipes because they all look like they’ll taste great, but they’re simple enough that they’ll leave plenty of room for tweaking and making your own if you’re so inclined.

Read more »

Natural Parenting Blog Party!

I am so excited to be participating in this amazing blog party and I'm looking forward to meeting some awesome ladies (and maybe even a few Dads)!  If you follow me through the blog party, be sure to leave a comment and I'll definitely follow you back!

I've got some great giveaways going on - you can check them out here!

Here are the questions that were posted to kick things off:

1.    How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have a beautiful three year old daughter – she’s my world!

2.    Do you have a partner, or are you a single parent?

I’m married, but my husband works out of town A LOT, so I have great admiration for single parents – it’s a tough job!

3.    What are your “hot button” parenting issues? 

I try not to have any – that feels a little like judging to me.  I do hate that in the United States Doctors don’t make more of an effort to tell people how important breastfeeding is. 

4.    Have you made any parenting choices that you didn’t think you would make before you were a parent, i.e. cloth diapering a child when you had previously thought it was disgusting?

I never thought our house would be all pink and princess!  I never realized how engrained the gender differences are in some children until I had a child of my own. 

5.    Is there one book or person in particular that’s heavily influenced your parenting choices?  No

6.    If you had to describe each of your children using only one word, what word would you use?  Independent!

7.    Is there one parenting decision that you regret more than others and wish you could change? 

No – I’ve lost my temper at times and yelled, but I try not to focus on the negative and work towards being the best parent in the present moment that I can! 

8.    Is there an area of your parenting you wish you were better at? 

I wish I was more patient!

9.    Now for the fun questions – is there one particular food or type of food that you could eat every day?  Dark chocolate!

10. Vanilla ice cream or chocolate? Chocolate

11. What’s your guilty pleasure?  If I told you, it wouldn’t be my guilty pleasure : ).

12. If you could be part of any television show, which show would it be?  I think being on Glee would be fun!

BRUBAR Energy Bars - A Review and Giveaway!

Like most busy families, we’re often on the go and even though eating a balanced meal is important to me, sometimes it just isn’t possible.  That’s why I love it when I find healthy snacks that are not only good for you, but taste great as well!  BRUBAR Energy Bars definitely fit this bill!

 

When I first heard about them, I didn’t have high expectations.  I’ve had a lot of “healthy” energy bars that didn’t taste that great.  However, I was happy that the ingredients list was short, and I knew what every single one of them was!  BRUBAR Energy Bars are sweetened using barley malt, a healthy sweetener made from whole grains.  I love that there are no refined sugars in the bar!!  As an added bonus they are vegan!

 

The first time we tried them we were at the park.  We went there for a local jazz festival, and I packed a BRUBAR Energy Bar for me and some other snack for Little Miss, assuming she wouldn’t care for the bar.  Boy was I wrong!  I managed to get one bite of the bar before my daughter consumed the entire thing!  The bite I had was delicious, and I loved the moistness of the bar.  The texture was great – not overly sticky like some moist bars get in the heat.  Little Miss absolutely loved the bar, which I like because the ingredients are so great!

 

Both of the bars were good – I don’t think either of us preferred one over the other.  I’m pretty excited about the apricot flavor they have coming out soon too!  That sounds yummy to me.  If you’re looking for something that will not only give you energy, but that you can feel good about eating, give BRUBAR Energy Bars a try!  

BUY IT:  You can buy BRUBAR Energy Bars online here, or shop for them at these locations. 

  

Congratulations to the winner - comment 57!

   Dale Graves said...

57

I follow you through gfc

Don't forget to check out my other giveaways here!

**I received BRUBAR Energy Bars for review purposes. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  The winning comment will be chosen by random.org.**   

What's Blooming Wednesday

Seems like there is a ton of stuff blooming right now!  I love it, even though some days my allergies don't.  You only get three pictures though - I've got to make these blooms last a few weeks!

I love my clematis - it comes back bigger and better each year, and doesn't seem to mind neglect!

Close-up of a blue iris.  They were growing in our pond really well, so I decided to experiment and see how they would do in the ground (I have a flower bed I'm trying to fill up with non-maintenance flowers).  They are doing great!

 
My white climbing rose is blooming like crazy now!  Notice the hint of pink?  It picked it up from a neighboring rose bush.  Later in the year it will probably produce white flowers with pink splotches - pretty!

What's blooming in your garden?  Leave me a comment telling me and I'll be sure to return some comment love!

Our New Family Addition!

Two weeks ago we welcomed a new family member – say hello to Snoopy (or Snoop-Dog, as I like to call her)!  A girl my husband works with gave her to us.

She’s a peekapoo, a cross between a Poodle and a Pekinese.  She’ll be living with my husband for the time being, but we love out weekend visits with her!  She has already warmed up to Little Miss, and is incredibly patient with her, as you can see.

Since Snoopy will be on the road a lot, we decided to invest in a great car seat for her.  Fortunately, we found the Stow and Go Away Pet Car Seat at CSN.com.  I love products that serve multiple functions, and this fit the bill.  There is a small suitcase to carry toys and food that also serves as a booster.  The cushioned car seat doubles as a bed, which she can use while she’s on the road with the husband or at home for visits with us.  Snoopy quickly got used to the seat, and typically settles in for a nap when she’s travelling.

 

CSN delivered the car seat quickly (it arrived several days before the estimated delivery date), and it arrived in great condition. I was really happy with the service they provided, and amazed by the selection of products they had!

 

If you’re a fan of daily deal sites, you’ll love Joss & Main! It's an exclusive private sale site that CSN Stores recently launched. It offers exclusive sales on top brands and designers for the home at up to 70% off retail. Sales only last 72 hours, but new ones are launched daily and all are backed by the high levels of customer service and quality that you’ve grown to value from CSN.

** I received a gift card to CSN in exchange for a review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

Mexicali Black-Eyed Pea Patties

These patties are some of the best things I've made in a while - I thought they were great!  I served them on a tortilla with a spicy sour cream, spinach, and sprouts.  They were very easy to put together as well!  If you're looking for something with some spice and fresh flavors, give them a try.  

     Mexicali Black-Eyed Pea Patties

• 1 ½ C Black-Eyed Peas
• ¼ C diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¾ C bell pepper, chopped (I used a yellow one)
• 1 T lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobe sauce
• ¼ C pancake batter
• ¼ C bread crumbs
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp salt

1. Mash black eyed peas, leaving some of the peas intact.
2. In the meantime, sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper in a little EVOO. 
3. Add the sautéed veggies to the black-eyed peas mixture and mix. 
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
5. Chill mixture for one hour, and then form patties.
6. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Patties can also be frozen to heat later.  

Submitted to:

MMMM
Veggie Converter
Just Another Meatless Monday
my meatless mondays
Hearth and Soul
Tasty Tuesday - FTLOB

Pentel Recycology Line - A Review and a Giveaway!

As Earth Day approaches, I find myself looking for more ways to Go Green in my household.  As you all know, we already do a lot of the big things.  We’ve cut down on our power usage, we don’t use bottled water except in rare circumstances, we’ve eliminated paper towels and we’ve greatly reduced the number of napkins we use.  We practice the three R’s always! 

Now, it’s time to start looking at the small things.  That’s where Pentel comes in.  They have a great line called Recycology, which is made from a minimum of 50% and up to 100% recycled content.  Additionally, many of the products are refillable, making them even greener.  I enjoyed using all of the products that they sent me – no leaking, bleeding, or other problems with any of them.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Jolt Pencil:  I love using lead pencils (Did you know that 1 piece of lead writes 720 meters vs. 530 meters for an entire wood pencil?), and this one has a wonderful feel in your hands.  So much so that my husband tried to steal it!  I also love the bright colors – makes it easier to find down at the bottom of my purse.

Handy-line S Retractable and Refillable Highlighter:  I actually use highlighters A LOT.  This one is great for two reasons – it is retractable, so you don’t have to worry about a lid, and it’s refillable!  I will be replacing my current highlighters with this line when they run out! 

I liked all of the products, but those two really stood out.

The prize pack will be similar to this!

Another great thing about these products are that they aren’t any more expensive than Pentel’s regular products, so you don’t have to pay a premium to go green!  Every product also comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship – so it’s just our job to not lose them!

BUY IT:  You can buy Pentel Recycology here.

WINNERS

The Loops said...6

I like pentel on fb!

April 9, 2011 6:25 PM 

Tory said...80

I'd probably get good use from the Slicci Metallic pens! Neat!

Diana said...179

I follow you on twitter

heinzmom  said...105

I love their Slicci.

Don't forget to check out my other giveaways here!

**I received Pentel Recycology products for review purposes. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  The winning comment will be chosen by random.org.**