Books I have read recently and soon to read

Have read lately (since end of July-ish):

Stephanie Meyer:  Twilight; New Moon; Eclipse; Breaking Dawn

Jennier Weiner:  Good in Bed; In Her Shoes; Little Earthquakes; Goodnight Nobody; The Guy Not Taken; Certain Girls 

 Sophie Kinsella:  Confession of a Shopaholic, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic and Sister, Can You Keep a Secret?

Janet Evanovich:  One For the Money; Two for the Dough; Three to Get Deadly; Four to Score; High Five; Hot Six; Seven up; Hard Eight; Visions of Sugar Plums, To the Nines; Ten Big Ones; Eleven on Top; Twelve Sharp; Plum Lovin’; Lean Mean Thirteen; Plum Lucky; Metro Girl; Motor Mouth

Charlaine Harris:  Dead until Dark

 

Soon to read  (all on order, in the mail, or on my bookshelf)

Sophie Kinsella:   The Undomestic Goddess; Remember Me?; Girls Night In, Shopahoilc and Baby

Janet Evanovich:  Back to the Bedroom, Smitten, Wife for Hire, Rocky Road to Romance, Fearless Fourteen

Charlaine Harris:  Living Dead in Dallas; Club Dead; Dead to the World; Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, From Dead to Worse; From Dead to Worse

Lorna Landvik: Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons

1. Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman- Elizabeth Buchan
2. Wives Behaving Badly- Elizabeth Buchan
3. Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn- Kris Radish
4. Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral- Kris Radish
5. Children of God Go Bowling- Shannon Olson (HC)
6. The May Queen- Nicki Ricjesin
7. The Four Seasons – Mary Alice Monroe
8. Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons – Lorna Landvik
9. Just Between Us – Cathy Kelly
10. Sparkles- Louise Bagshawe
11. The Faraday Girls- Monica McInerney
12. The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love - Jill Conner Browne
13. Under the Tuscan Sun- Frances Mayes
14. Sometimes I Dream in Italian- Rita Ciresi
15. Do Me, Do My Roots- Eileen Rendahl
16. The Persian Pickle Club – Sandra Dallas 
17. The Master Bedroom- Tessa Hadley (HC)
18. Happiness Sold Separately – Lolly Winston
19. P.S. I Love You- Cecelia Ahern
20. Love, Rosie- Cecelia Ahern
21. Swift as Desire- Laura Esquivel
22. The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell- Loraine Despres
23. The Reading Group – Elizabeth Noble
24. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation- Lauren Willig
25. Intuition – Allegra Goodman
26. Second Honeymoon – Joanna Trollope
27. Emotionally Weird – Kate Atkinson
28. The Hot Flash Club- Nancy Thayer
29. The Hot Flash Club Chills Out – Nancy Thayer 
30. The Starter Wife- Gigi Levangie Grazer 
31. But Enough About Me. . . – Jancee Dunn

Meg Cabot:  Size 12 is Not Fat; Size 14 is Not Fat Either; Big Boned; Queen of Babble; Queen of Babble in the Big City; Queen of Babble Gets Hitched; The Boy Next Door; Boy Meets Girl; Every Boy’s Got One

 

Product Review: Kraft GRATE IT!

Ok, I normally buy the Kraft Parmesan, asiago, Romano blend, if not a true wedge of Parmesan.  But for a mere $4.99 I found the Kraft Grate-it fresh. 

Here’s a video demo I found

Now, it does grate that easily.  The mess is minute.  But it seems TOO soft to be true Parmesan cheese, not to mention how quickly it melts on my hot dishes.  I feel the flavor is too mild.  But my family loves it, and it’s not messy.  I’ll probably buy it again.

 

Sad, sad, sad

Mike just called me and asked if I could bring the air pump up to him, as he let too much air out of his tires.  He then said, ‘Gumbo (our dog) is not coming home.’  He was hit by a car.  This seriously makes me sad.  He was the best dog.  We got him on Zachary’s birthday.  He was a brindle colored chow mix, with the very back of his tongue being black. 

We were sitting outside earlier eating chips and salsa, Mike was playing with his bike (the air on the tires of course), and he had asked where Gumbo was.  I figured he was down at the lake, which is where he normally is.  He never leaves our street.  He always came in or out like we asked him to.  Not a very good guard dog though. A few weeks ago, around 9pm or 10pm, just me and the boys were home, and the doorbell rings.  I open the door to find our dog sitting on the front step with a man (who ended up being a friend of Mike’s that we know, and our potential new Realtor).  Silly dog.

He’s laying on the side of the road, stiff already.  It makes me mad that someone hit him, and kept on going.  Never stopping to see if he could be helped.  Ahh heck, he had a dog spa day scheduled for tomorrow, anal gland squeezing included.

I guess with the older two boys, I’ll have to be straight with them.  I think they’ll understand what happened.  I seriously have never cried over a pet before.  Damn it!

 

Fall Favorites

Yes, I’m talking about the telly.  My favorite shows were cut short last year due to the writers strike.  But they all start this week!  And of course, I work.  Thank goodness for the internet!

 

Dirty Sexy Money  LOVE this show!  BTW, don’t google search images for “dirty sexy money”, especially around your kids, or your grandmother.

 

Samantha Who?  I love the characters on this show, always funny!

 

Private Practice  I’ve never seen an episode of Grey’s Anatomy (I know, I know), but love this show.

Dancing with the Stars  Always live, always entertaining, I love it!

 

Presidential Stuff

 

Yes, I must say my part about this.  This November will be one of the most influential times in our country.  With the health care issues, environment issues (gas/oil, clean energy), money/financial (hello wall street), the War in Iraq, and many other mainstream issues, not counting perhaps the first non-White President, or the first female vice-President, you need to vote.  If you are unsure of who, what, where, or when, here is some help.  *links DID work at one time, please don’t fill out things if you don’t want emails and junk sent to you, nor blame me*

I put info on just the Presidential candidates.  Please be sure to check out your local and state government offices, as they are just as important as the Federal level.

First the contenders:

http://www.johnmccain.com/palin.htm

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

http://biden.senate.gov/

CNN.com

FOXnews.com

Issues:

Views by Issues

Side by side view

Presidential Elections

On The Issues

Quizzes to help you decide

Vote Help

Vote Chooser

Vote Match

President Match

Political Base

 

Team Parenting 9 And 10

For whatever reasons, I have not felt like blogging lately, and have a need now to catch up on a few things.

Jarrett, at http://affinityrev.wordpress.com/  has a wonderful Team Parenting series that I’ve been following.  Here are the latest.

Part NINE

‘Give each other a day off’  I’ve already have mentioned this, but Mike and I will do this.  It may not be a entire day, but a few hours, or an evening.  It’s important that we have time to ourselves, to benefit us and our kids.  It gives us a break, allowing to get away from the hub-bub (is that a word) and stress that a day can bring.

Part TEN

‘Hold each other accountable (be positive)’  I think the hard part of this is the be positive part.  On both ends.  I know that either party can become defensive and take a look or a tone of voice the wrong way, and all heck breaks out, and the blame game (with finger points and all) starts.  I think both parties need to learn and understand accountability and constructive criticism (myself included).

 

Question of the Day

What makes them Polka?  Why can’t they just be dots?

 

Wasting Money

AOL has a list of “Top Ways to Waste Money” .  I’ve broken down the list for you, and of course, my wonderful comments added.

1.  Convenience Stores.  I do agree, they are over priced, but you pay for that, the convenience of being able to run in and out.  I only go there for small things (snack crackers or peanuts for sports practice).  I’ve been known to leave without buying milk because they want over $5 for a gallon (here in Arkansas, milk is still less than $4).  One thing I wish our stores had:  LOTTO.

2.  Tanning Salons.  I agree, big waste, although I’ve been known to visit them.  Instead of spending $25-$80 a month, why not buy a great moisturizer with sunscreen, and know that at age 40 or 50, you’ll have great young looking skin?  (Do I sound like a commercial or what?).

3.   Government Funded Space Exploration.  Hmmmm.   I guess it should be gov’t funded, otherwise wouldn’t a private establishment claim space?  But AOL does have a good point, all those millions (BILLIONS) of dollars could go to something more beneficial for the people, food, health care, cancer research, etc.

4.  Movie Rentals.  I don’t do these.  We do pay for every satellite channel out there (another waste).  But if you do rent, use the RED BOX.

5.  Disposable Razors.  Landfill.  ‘Nuff said.

6.  Pet Clothing.  Uh yeah.  Duh.  Don’t only the obscenely rich do this?

7.  Paper towels.  Debatable.  I love me some Viva paper towels.  Yes you can do anything with a paper towel that you can do with a washcloth, but have you seen the things 3 boys can do????

8.  Nail Salons.  Again, us being Vain.  I can’t wear fake nails to work, but I do love a good manicure. 

9.  Eating out on lunch break.  I think that if you poll many working people, this is a big expenditure that could be cut back.  I know when I worked those few weeks of day shifts earlier this summer, omg my lunch bill was high!  Pack it!

10.  Not shutting lights off.  OMG.  BIG pet peeve of mine.  I’ll come home, and every stinking light will be on!  Big money waster!

11.  Caring for lawns.  Hmmm, debatable.  The article says it’s a waste of money.  But, it increases the value of your home, which is an investment.  I say mow it!

12.  Insurance you don’t use.  lol, not me!  But if you are one of those lucky people who never have to file a claim against your insurance, you probably already pay a low premium.  I think All-State offers a discount if you don’t use it in so many years.  Health insurance, I pay the same premiums as those who max out their benefits each year, which we never (THANKFULLY) come close to.  It’s a luxury to have in this day and time, and I won’t complain!

13.  Death row inmates (who sit there for years and years).  I agree.  Zap them.

14.  Duplicate Spending Due to Disorganization.  Or frazzled mommy brain?  I did this yesterday.  A friend gave us an old dresser, which we dolled up for the living room under the big TV.  While I was at Wal*Mart, I bought a new desk for this desk top pc, which is balanced on the current baker’s rack.  On the way home, I realized the dresser frees up the desk, that now can be moved and used for the pc.  Duh.  At least I can return it.

15.  Clothes Dryer.  Hmmm.  I don’t really have the time or desire to hang my clothes outside.  But I do understand that it would save energy and some dollars.  I may investigate this one.

16. Buying a new vehicle.  Anyone who has done their research, knows that buying a brand spanking car is stupid, to say the least.  It loses a huge portion of it’s value the moment the papers are signed and you drive it off the lot.  Buy used with a great warranty.

17.  Designer hand bags.  Ahhh you got me.  I do lurve me some purses (and shoes).  I am happy with buying cheap knock offs though!

18.  Children’s Birthday Parties.  I know that some parents can go WAY over the top.  Our parties are traditional cake and ice cream, fun game, etc.  No bounce house, paid entertainer, full course meal.

19.    Huge Houses.  Again, ’nuff said.  If you haven’t heard of all the foreclosures, well get with it.

20.  The War in Iraq.  ‘Nuff said.  It was useful the first few years.  Now it’s stupid.

21.  Swimwear.  LOL, the article says to go nude.  Yeah right.  Do what I do, buy at the end of the season, or on eBay.  I bought an awesome Ralph Lauren suit for $20, 90% off the original price.

22.  Alcoholic drinks at restaurants.  A few weeks ago, after a trip to the zoo, we went to Copelands(YUM), and the cheapest drink was $8.99.  Of course it was a huge glass, but OMG. 

23.  Over packaged items.  I have thought of this on recent trips.  Why does ham need to have eight different wrappers on it?  Or why does detergent need to be in a huge plastic bottle?  Why not a carton?  Why must cereal be in a bag AND a box?  (yeah I know, some does come in just a bag, we buy it).

24.  Organic produce.  Hmmm.  It is healthier (so I hear), but I do know it’s pricey. 

25.  Disposable Diapers.  I have recently thought, that with all the cute cute cute reusable diapers out there (check out www.esty.com)  that I would do that, if I had to do it all over again (gack).

26.  Using “Super” gas in your Tank.  Really?  I know my hubby uses it for his bike, but it only holds a few gallons, and gets a high mpg.  Can anyone really afford the super price anymore?

27.  Energy drinks.  Obviously AOL people never have worked overnight, then come home to 3 boys.  I love my RockStar.

28.  Plastic Cups.  Not sure what they mean by this.  It says at home, but I don’t know anyone who uses plastic cups at home (except for a party/get together).

29.  Junk Food.  I agree, a big waste for your pocketbook and waist.  But who can resist a treat every now and then?

30.  Disposable Cleaning Supplies.  I can agree, but love me some Clorox wipes.  Have you ever seen the pee spray from 3 boys?

31.  Playing the lottery.  LOL, see item #1.  Anytime I go to a state that has it, I play.  Hope.  Hope.  Hope.

32.  The Wedding Industry.  OMG YES!  Have you seen those shows, where they spend $100K, $300K, even a MILLION on a wedding?  OMG.  I spent, maybe, maybe $3,000 on  mine.  Food, dresses, pics, tuxes, EVERYTHING.

33.  Convenience store drinks.  I agree.  I read somewhere that Americans put some 23 million water/soda bottles into landfills DAILY.  HERE, it says, ” Each day in the US more than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, and millions litter America’s streets, parks and waterways.”   ‘Nuff said. 

34.  Underwear.  LOL, go natural!

35.  Strip clubs.  Never been, but yeah, a waste.

36.  Four Year Universities.  I can agree.  2 year community colleges have a great tuition, and many great degrees available.

37.  Designer skin care.  Hmmm, to me that’s like Clinique.  But I know there are people who spend HUNDREDS on ONE bottle of cleaner, moisturizer, etc.  That’s crazy!

38.  Extended warranties.  Maybe.  Depends on the item.  I bought one for my laptop, and sure did use it.  Maybe not all items, but the higher end ones I would (computers, camera, etc).

39.  Brand Names.  There are many items (most actually) that I will buy the store brand.  But sometimes there just a little something more in the name brand that makes a difference, kwim?   Medication, yes I will buy store brand names.

40.  Luxury Hotels.  I agree.  Why spend so much money on a hotel room at Disney, when you plan on being in the park all day?  I plan on a place to sleep and shower.  That’s all I need.

41.  Driving a gas guzzler.  I think many people are realizing this here lately.  We traded in our Chevy for the honda, but do have the Tahoe still (but it stays put while Mike rides his bike).

 

Sorry

I haven’t felt like blogging.  Wierd huh?  I haven’t really spent much time on the computer either though.  I work the next three nights, so we’ll see how I feel when we meet up on the flip side.

 

Ice Ice Baby

Who knew that ice would ever be a hot commodity?  I guess it was Sunday, we went out for a drive around town to see the damage (darn human curiosity), and kept saying ‘oh we need to get ice’.  Since payday was Friday, I had bought a good chunk of meat for the next two weeks, and didn’t want it to get spoiled.  So finally, toward twilight, we thought, hmm we need ice.    Well heck, 9 gas stations later and several miles, we found ice!  Everyone else, (DUH) also needed ice!

I guess there still are many people in the area still without power.  Ugh! I feel for them.