Book Description - From Amazon.com - A hilarious collection of true tales of culinary catastrophe, Dinner Party Disasters guides you through the faux pas that other hostesses have made so that you don’t make the same mistakes. Vital facts about each party (the number of guests, the menu) followed by a first-person description of the ensuing disaster, are accompanied by sidebars offering real-life solutions, such as how to prevent fires, how to recover from a hangover, how to spark conversation among your guests, and how to mend broken furniture. The author also provides her simple formula for the headache-free dinner party, which includes the perfect mix of guests, food, décor, entertainment, and preparation, ensuring your next gathering will be a rousing success. A wonderful gift for the host or hostess, these witty stories and charming illustrations will have you chuckling from start to finish, and will help you devise an event that your guests will never forget—but in a good way!
This is another quick read, I read it over the weekend, just reading here and there. It was funny to read about people who have the best intentions and then the dinner party goes south!
My Weight Loss Ticker!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
My hubbys weight loss!
My hubby is doing so well, I just had to brag! He went shopping yesterday and got some shirts and shorts and got mediums! He used to be in XL shirts and Large pants and shorts. He has lost almost 30 pounds and is going to the gym regularly and cooking such good meals for us!! He called me and was so excited! Glad you are doing so well hon, I'm so proud of you!!!
Dogs I Have Met And the People they Found - Ken Foster
Book Review - From Publishers Weekly - In this moving sequel to his 2006 bestseller The Dogs Who Found Me, Foster introduces readers to dogs and owners he encountered while promoting his earlier book. In many cases, the dogs had been rescued from death by people who had "decided that they were worth the work of saving," and Foster interweaves their remarkable stories with updates on his own life and the dogs who continue to change his life in surprising ways. The stories are as diverse as the dogs themselves, from a woman who found a pregnant, one-eyed stray in the exact spot where she had been involved in a car crash six years earlier that killed her best friend, to a man certain that his adoption of a pit bull saved him from Hurricane Katrina. Foster concludes with a more detailed look at the animals affected by Katrina's devastation, including a moving tribute to the volunteers who helped give shelter to the dogs of New Orleans. Dog lovers will welcome this new collection of moving and poignant canine stories.
I had read his first book which I loved and he did it again! What a great book about some amazing animals and some amazing people who have rescued, cared for, adopted and/or surrendered animals. After hearing so many bad stories about how animals are treated its nice to read a book dedicated to the people who do no harm and love these dogs unconditionally.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Week 31 Weigh in..
I gained .2 - not that bad, I still don't feel good and I tried going back to the gym, but overdid it and I'm still recovering! I'm just hoping I can shake this thing and get back on track sooner than later! I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired! So I'm down a total of 39.3 pounds. I was hoping to hit 40 lost today, but it wasn't in the cards.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Twinkie, Deconstructed - Steve Ettlinger
Book Description - From Amazon.com A pop-science journey into the surprising ingredients found in dozens of common packaged foods, using the Twinkie label as a guide
Like most Americans, Steve Ettlinger eats processed foods. And, like most consumers, he often reads the ingredients label—without a clue as to what most of it means. So when his young daughter asked, “Daddy, what’s polysorbate 60?” he was at a loss—and determined to find out.
From the phosphate mines in Idaho to the corn fields in Iowa, from gypsum mines in Oklahoma to the vanilla harvest in Madagascar, Twinkie, Deconstructed is a fascinating, thoroughly researched romp of a narrative that demystifies some of the most common processed food ingredients—where they come from, how they are made, how they are used—and why. Beginning at the source (hint: they’re often more closely linked to rock and petroleum than any of the four food groups), we follow each Twinkie ingredient through the process of being crushed, baked, fermented, refined, and/or reacted into a totally unrecognizable goo or powder with a strange name—all for the sake of creating a simple snack cake.
An insightful exploration into the food industry, if you’ve ever wondered what you’re eating when you consume foods containing mono- and diglycerides or calcium sulfate (the latter, a food-grade equivalent of Plaster of Paris) this book is for you.
I was truly amazed at the amount of "stuff" and man hours goes into creating a twinkie! Did you know that there are companies that do nothing but break eggs?? Not to mention the ingredients that are used for other things besides food. I have already changed the way I eat a lot and I think this book will make me take a second look at a lot of labels.
Like most Americans, Steve Ettlinger eats processed foods. And, like most consumers, he often reads the ingredients label—without a clue as to what most of it means. So when his young daughter asked, “Daddy, what’s polysorbate 60?” he was at a loss—and determined to find out.
From the phosphate mines in Idaho to the corn fields in Iowa, from gypsum mines in Oklahoma to the vanilla harvest in Madagascar, Twinkie, Deconstructed is a fascinating, thoroughly researched romp of a narrative that demystifies some of the most common processed food ingredients—where they come from, how they are made, how they are used—and why. Beginning at the source (hint: they’re often more closely linked to rock and petroleum than any of the four food groups), we follow each Twinkie ingredient through the process of being crushed, baked, fermented, refined, and/or reacted into a totally unrecognizable goo or powder with a strange name—all for the sake of creating a simple snack cake.
An insightful exploration into the food industry, if you’ve ever wondered what you’re eating when you consume foods containing mono- and diglycerides or calcium sulfate (the latter, a food-grade equivalent of Plaster of Paris) this book is for you.
I was truly amazed at the amount of "stuff" and man hours goes into creating a twinkie! Did you know that there are companies that do nothing but break eggs?? Not to mention the ingredients that are used for other things besides food. I have already changed the way I eat a lot and I think this book will make me take a second look at a lot of labels.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Good Dog. Stay. - Anna Quindlen
Book Description - From amazon.com “The life of a good dog is like the life of a good person, only shorter and more compressed,” writes Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen about her beloved black Labrador retriever, Beau. With her trademark wisdom and humor, Quindlen reflects on how her life has unfolded in tandem with Beau’s, and on the lessons she’s learned by watching him: to roll with the punches, to take things as they come, to measure herself not in terms of the past or the future but of the present, to raise her nose in the air from time to time and, at least metaphorically, holler, “I smell bacon!”
Of the dog that once possessed a catcher’s mitt of a mouth, Quindlen reminisces, “there came a time when a scrap thrown in his direction usually bounced unseen off his head. Yet put a pork roast in the oven, and the guy still breathed as audibly as an obscene caller. The eyes and ears may have gone, but the nose was eternal. And the tail. The tail still wagged, albeit at half-staff. When it stops, I thought more than once, then we’ll know.”Heartening and bittersweet, Good Dog. Stay. honors the life of a cherished and loyal friend and offers us a valuable lesson on our four-legged family members: Sometimes an old dog can teach us new tricks.
A very quick read, I love dog books! Yes it is a sad book, but it was nice to glimpse into the life of this grand animal that did nothing but be himself. I was also excited to hear that Beau didn't like water until out of the blue when he was six he jumped inot a pond! There is hope for my water phobic lab yet!!
Of the dog that once possessed a catcher’s mitt of a mouth, Quindlen reminisces, “there came a time when a scrap thrown in his direction usually bounced unseen off his head. Yet put a pork roast in the oven, and the guy still breathed as audibly as an obscene caller. The eyes and ears may have gone, but the nose was eternal. And the tail. The tail still wagged, albeit at half-staff. When it stops, I thought more than once, then we’ll know.”Heartening and bittersweet, Good Dog. Stay. honors the life of a cherished and loyal friend and offers us a valuable lesson on our four-legged family members: Sometimes an old dog can teach us new tricks.
A very quick read, I love dog books! Yes it is a sad book, but it was nice to glimpse into the life of this grand animal that did nothing but be himself. I was also excited to hear that Beau didn't like water until out of the blue when he was six he jumped inot a pond! There is hope for my water phobic lab yet!!
Week 30 weigh in!
I lost 2.8 pounds this week! Not bad for not being able to work out this week! I know my body averages a week behind, so I just need to do all I can to not show a gain next week. I did very well with the food this week and I sure missed going to the gym. I never thought I would be one of those people who have exercise withdrawls! LOL!! I am now down 39.5 pounds! I hope to work out a little today and get myself back into it. I'm going with hubby in case I don't feel well and he will keep me on track but make sure I don't over do it either.
It's All About Him - Denise Jackson
Book Description from Amazon - Written by Denise Jackson, with co-writer Ellen Vaughn, this inspirational book gives the reader an all-access look into one of country music's most famous couples: their love story, struggles, dreams, success, the near-failure of their marriage, and the rediscovery of their faith and how that has dramatically shaped their lives.
I loved the insight into Alan Jackson's life, his wife is truly an inspiration. She has such a strength and confidence about her. There are a lot of similarities between Denise and I and I hope that I can apply some of this book to my life. When I checked this one out it was because I wanted to know more about Alan, but know I feel like Denise is an old friend cheering me on and praying for me.
I loved the insight into Alan Jackson's life, his wife is truly an inspiration. She has such a strength and confidence about her. There are a lot of similarities between Denise and I and I hope that I can apply some of this book to my life. When I checked this one out it was because I wanted to know more about Alan, but know I feel like Denise is an old friend cheering me on and praying for me.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Plum Lucky - Janet Evanovich
Book Description from Amazon.com
Looking to get lucky? Stephanie Plum is back between-the-numbers and she's looking to get lucky in an Atlantic City hotel room, in a Winnebago, and with a brown-eyed stud who has stolen her heart.Stephanie Plum has a way of attracting danger, lunatics, oddballs, bad luck . . . and mystery men. And no one is more mysterious than the unmentionable Diesel. He's back and hot on the trail of a little man in green pants who's lost a giant bag of money. Problem is, the money isn't exactly lost. Stephanie's Grandma Mazur has found it, and like any good Jersey senior citizen, she's hightailed it in a Winnebago to Atlantic City and hit the slots. With Lula and Connie in tow, Stephanie attempts to bring Grandma home, but the luck of the Irish is rubbing off on everyone: Lula's found a job modeling plus-size lingerie. Connie's found a guy. Diesel's found Stephanie. And Stephanie has found herself in over her head with a caper involving thrice-stolen money, a racehorse, a car chase, and a bad case of hives. Plum Lucky is an all-you-can-eat buffet of thrills, chills, shrimp cocktail, plus-size underwear, and scorching hot men. It's a between-the-numbers treat no Evanovich fan will want to miss!
I love Stephanie Plum!! This was a very quick read and yeah it was fluffy, but we all deserve a fluffly read now and then right??
Looking to get lucky? Stephanie Plum is back between-the-numbers and she's looking to get lucky in an Atlantic City hotel room, in a Winnebago, and with a brown-eyed stud who has stolen her heart.Stephanie Plum has a way of attracting danger, lunatics, oddballs, bad luck . . . and mystery men. And no one is more mysterious than the unmentionable Diesel. He's back and hot on the trail of a little man in green pants who's lost a giant bag of money. Problem is, the money isn't exactly lost. Stephanie's Grandma Mazur has found it, and like any good Jersey senior citizen, she's hightailed it in a Winnebago to Atlantic City and hit the slots. With Lula and Connie in tow, Stephanie attempts to bring Grandma home, but the luck of the Irish is rubbing off on everyone: Lula's found a job modeling plus-size lingerie. Connie's found a guy. Diesel's found Stephanie. And Stephanie has found herself in over her head with a caper involving thrice-stolen money, a racehorse, a car chase, and a bad case of hives. Plum Lucky is an all-you-can-eat buffet of thrills, chills, shrimp cocktail, plus-size underwear, and scorching hot men. It's a between-the-numbers treat no Evanovich fan will want to miss!
I love Stephanie Plum!! This was a very quick read and yeah it was fluffy, but we all deserve a fluffly read now and then right??
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I hab a code....
I have a cold! This has totally messed up my workout schedule and I'm trying very hard not to let it mess up my diet, but I'm starving all the time!! So far I'm doing well, but I don't know how much more I will last if this dumb cold sticks around.
Run - Ann Patchett
Book Description from Amazon - Since their mother's death, Tip and Teddy Doyle have been raised by their loving, possessive, and ambitious father. As the former mayor of Boston, Bernard Doyle wants to see his sons in politics, a dream the boys have never shared. But when an argument in a blinding New England snowstorm inadvertently causes an accident that involves a stranger and her child, all Bernard Doyle cares about is his ability to keep his children—all his children—safe.
Set over a period of twenty-four hours, Run takes us from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard to a home for retired Catholic priests in downtown Boston. It shows us how worlds of privilege and poverty can coexist only blocks apart from each other, and how family can include people you've never even met. As in her bestselling novel Bel Canto, Ann Patchett illustrates the humanity that connects disparate lives, weaving several stories into one surprising and endlessly moving narrative. Suspenseful and stunningly executed, Run is ultimately a novel about secrets, duty, responsibility, and the lengths we will go to protect our children.
Great book!! I loved it and cannot wait to read more of this author! The desription doesn't do it justice and after about 20 pages I wanted to quit reading it, but I'm sure glad I stuck it out! I would have missed out on the most amazing story of two worlds really are not so big after all.
Set over a period of twenty-four hours, Run takes us from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard to a home for retired Catholic priests in downtown Boston. It shows us how worlds of privilege and poverty can coexist only blocks apart from each other, and how family can include people you've never even met. As in her bestselling novel Bel Canto, Ann Patchett illustrates the humanity that connects disparate lives, weaving several stories into one surprising and endlessly moving narrative. Suspenseful and stunningly executed, Run is ultimately a novel about secrets, duty, responsibility, and the lengths we will go to protect our children.
Great book!! I loved it and cannot wait to read more of this author! The desription doesn't do it justice and after about 20 pages I wanted to quit reading it, but I'm sure glad I stuck it out! I would have missed out on the most amazing story of two worlds really are not so big after all.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Week 29 Weigh In!
Well I shoud be upset about this one, but I'm not. First my trainer upped my workouts and made then harder, then I raised the bar even more by trying out several classes which I did well in and wouldn't have been able to even attempt 6 months ago, so the scale goes up .8 - why am I not upset? I told my hubby that I felt like I had lost inches and I wanted to do my measurments early - so in two weeks I have lost 5.25 inches!! That totally makes up for the gain on the scale this morning and I know it is only a temporary thing while my body gets used to the new workout routine. I know my acceptance means I have grown a little, I know my body will not always do what I want it to do, but that is OK - I joined WW to learn to be healthy and happy and I am both those things today and I just plan on getting better and better!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Accidental Mother - Rowan Coleman
Book description - From Publishers Weekly - Coleman makes her U.S. debut with a disarmingly sweet tale of motherhood and reluctant love. London party planner Sophie Mills becomes the improbable guardian of sisters 6-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Izzy after their single mom, Sophie's childhood best friend Carrie Stiles, dies in a car accident. Life suddenly gets very complicated and dirty for the hyper-organized career chick, and a panicked Sophie figures she'd better launch a search for the girls' long-missing dad before maternal mayhem wreaks havoc on her busy life. But once found, mysterious charity worker Louis Gregory triggers Sophie's own overwhelming sense of loss for her late dad and dead pal Carrie. And for the first time in her life, Sophie is forced to jump into the middle of life instead of planning it from a safe distance. Love isn't the instant fix for Sophie's fragile makeshift family, but Coleman shows how it can kick-start a lonely heart.
Very cute book with many funny moments and many heartwarming ones as well. The characters are loveable and believeable. I really loved this one, I couldn't put it down!
Very cute book with many funny moments and many heartwarming ones as well. The characters are loveable and believeable. I really loved this one, I couldn't put it down!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Week 28 Weigh in!
I lost .4 this week. I know it is a loss, but darn, I felt like I worked harder than that. I did have a non-scale celebration, my trainer had to change my workouts because most of the stuff he had given me to do was getting too easy. I meet with him again this afternoon and we will be changing the amount of weights I will be doing as well. I will take any progress at all! So anyway I am now down 37.5 pounds total!!
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