Inspirational Monday

"Here's what I tell anybody and this is what I believe. The greatest gift we have is the gift of life. We understand that. That comes from our Creator. We're given a body. Now you may not like it, but you can maximize that body the best it can be maximized."


Mike Ditka

When Were You Pampered Last? Let EdenFantasys Help!!

Disclaimer: This review links to an adult website that displays adult content and toys. Please read at your own discretion.



The holidays are over and the weather is cooler now for many of us and the most common issue I have been hearing is people are tired, needing some pampering or just looking for a little bit of warmth to brighten their day.  Why wait for some other source to brighten your day when you have the ability to do it for yourself.  I know my family is not alone, but when they have a relaxed and happy mommy then everything around the home functions a whole lot better.

As women we cram so much work into a day though more often then not we forget to take some time in that day for our self.  With Valentines Day around the corner there is no better time then now and EdenFantasys can help!  We all have to have a bath or shower so why not take an extra 5-10 minutes and pamper yourself or your partner with some Supremely Rich Bath and Shower Gel.  It will leave you feeling soft and smelling good enough to eat!  Then why stop pampering yourself there.  Winter brings dry weather for us all so this means dry hands.  No matter if you buy this for yourself or to help benefit your partner Good For You Milk Made Duo will make your hands feel like a Goddess hands should!

Do not delay Valentines Day is in less then 3 weeks and you will want to make sure you have all the goodies there for you to enjoy and why not get them sooner then later so that you can show yourself some love too!

EdenFantasys, an online retailer of sex toys, provided me with a gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

Chance to win your own Treasure Buddies 2-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack

This series is definitely a hit for my children and I am so excited to be able to have the opportunity for one of my readers to win their own copy in the latest Disney Buddies Franchise movie, Treasure Buddies!  The Buddies movies are definitely one that your entire family can watch and enjoy!  There is nothing better then cuddling on the couch with some popcorn and spending some special time with your children.

In case you have lost count Treasure Buddies is the 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped.

40 Years later Thomas is invited by a mysterious stranger to head back to Egypt to finish their search for the lost necklace.  However, Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs, is coming along and we all know cats are always up to no good.  So it is up to the Buddies to ensure Ubasti does not succeed at whatever her evil plan is.  This is no easy task as the Buddies have to avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet.

Tuesday January 31, 2012 Treasure Buddies arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD and you are able to preorder yours now.

Walt Disney Studios Canada has also been generous to my wonderful readers.  3 lucky Canadians will win their own Treasure Buddies Combo Packs (Two-Disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo).  Want your chance to win just follow the simple steps below and good luck! 

Wordless Wednesday!

Princess Tiana aka Miss "K" at a princess play

Tasty Tuesday!

I love chicken and especially chicken breast.  I find that there are so many different meals I can make with them that are low fat and yummy.  Plus if I can add cheese to a meal you know I am going to have very happy kids.  Like me they LOVE their cheese :-)

With making healthier options at home I recently came across a great recipe and tweaked it a bit for my own family.  As I know mushrooms are a great low calorie filler I decided to add them into the recipe and we served it without any pasta.  We made a salad and some cooked veggies and had a clear dinner winner!

Grilled Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

olive oil -in a spritzer

salt-to taste

ground black pepper-to taste

1/2 cup Marinara 

6 Tablespoons Mozzarella Cheese

2 Tsp Parmesan Cheese

1 cup fried mushrooms

Preheat oven to 350.  Then one breast at a time spray both sides with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Grill chicken for about 4 minutes, or until no longer pink, per side and flip once. While the chicken is grilling fry up mushrooms with a spray of olive oil.  Once chicken is done transfer into a baking dish and top with mushrooms.

Heat up the Marinara sauce and put at least 2 Tablespoons of sauce on each breast then top with Mozzarella (1/2 Tablespoon) and Parmesan (1/2 Teaspoon).  Bake for 3-5 minutes depending on your oven.  Bake it until the cheese is melted!

Enjoy!

Escape from reality with Georgina Kincaid!

We all need at some time an escape from reality.  Some of us do it through acting, some by watching a movie and others by grabbing a book and putting your feet up.  As for myself I am more of the kind who uses books to escape and have some fun.  With participating in the #50bookpledge last year I learned a lot about myself as a reader and honestly I even learned some things about myself through various characters.  This new series that I fell in love with is no different at all.


The Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead is as of right now is one of my favorite series that I have read lately.  I  have to say Richelle Mead might very well be my favorite author as well right now.  This is just one of the many series she has written and each one has drawn me in one way or another, though nothing as much as this particular one.  I have to admit there was main thing that did upset me was that there was not more in the series then the 6 books.  I understand why the series ends when it does, but that does not mean I am going to like it.

Borrowed from the authors website:

Succubus (n) - An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men.

Pathetic (adj.) - A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.


The first book in the series starts off with "Statistics show that most mortals sell their souls for five reasons: sex, money, power, revenge, and love.  In that order."  Personally when I first read that I though that couldn't be true.  However, with reading through the book series and coming back to that quote and taking a look at the world around us this is true.  We are bombarded with images and stories about chaos and the reality shows and news articles that show more chaos seem to be the top on the watched list.  There is temptation all around us and it just takes the right offer for one to sway the wrong way.

This series dives into all of the above reasons why people sell their soul and takes you through the highs and lows of of Georgina life as a Succubus.  Without a doubt it allows you to see the world around you with new eyes and to remember nothing is what it seems, ever.  Especially when it comes to creatures on the dark such as demons, vampires and even about immortals on the light side, angels.  Georgina allows the readers to see the dark side with fresh new eyes and know that love and pain are even possible for those who sell their soul.

I know I mentioned above about how I did learn a bit about myself through the book.  This may seem strange now that you know what the main character is.  No it has nothing to do with her "job" that she is the ideal lover for all men or any of that sort.  It is that with the years (centuries) she has lived she makes the same mistake over and over and until she comes to terms with what she is doing wrong in her life things will not work out right.  This is exactly how I feel in my weight-loss journey.  Getting out of the never ending circle and stepping outside our comfort zone is difficult for all of us, Succubus included.   Though the question is can any of us do it?  Do we have the courage to break out of what we know and how we live??

When you head out to get this book keep in mind this series is NOT  a Young Adult read so parents beware if you are out looking for a book.  Richelle Mead does write YA books, but this is not one of them.  The love and passion in this book is only for adult readers and I know if you love any aspect of  fantasy, sex, money, power, revenge, and love then this book is a must read for you!

Are you looking for some fun activities to do with your little ones?  In honor of the new Disney movie "Treasure Buddies" that comes out Jan 31st I have some activities you can do with your children!  Oh Ya, did I mention they are FREE!!  Wondering what this new movie is about?  Check out below and be sure to stay tuned for the giveaway for TREASURE BUDDIES Blu-Ray Combo Packs coming this week!

Disney’s talking canine superstars are back in “Treasure Buddies,” their 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped. Forty years later, Thomas is living in Fernfield where he manages a museum. Digger’s grandpups, Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud also live in Fernfield and, in fact, Mudbud belongs to Thomas’ grandson, Pete. 

Thomas is about to close his museum due to lack of funding when he gets a visit from a mysterious stranger, Dr. Philip Wellington, who reveals the other half of the Bronze of Bastet and invites Thomas and Pete to accompany him back to Egypt to resume the quest for the legendary Cat’s Eye Jewel. Pete offers to bring Mudbud along but Wellington refuses as he travels with Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs. When Mudbud learns that Ubasti plans to steal the necklace for herself and use its power to dominate both dogs and humans, he rallies the other Buddies to stow away on the private plane in order to overtake the expedition and thwart Ubasti’s plan.

Once they get to Egypt, danger lurks around every secret sphinx, cryptic crypt and puzzling pyramid. With help from lovable new friends including Cammy, a baby camel and the clever Babi, the Buddies avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet. 

#50BookPledge 2012.. What I am reading so far!

Have you joined into the #50 Book Pledge??  If not its too late.  Check out where I am right now and if your looking for some new books maybe you'll find one here either with my 2011 read below or what I have been reading so far this year!

Last Year, I succeeded with my  #50BookPledge goal and I hope I do this year again!

Although I receive a lot of books to review, I will only be including books I stumble across at the library or book stores!

My 50 Books:
1. The Lovely Bones: Alice Sebold
2.  Succubus Blues: Richelle Mead
3.  Succubus on Top: Richelle Mead
4.  Succubus Dreams: Richelle Mead
5. Destined: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
6. Succubus Heat: Richelle Mead
8. Succubus Shadows: Richelle Mead
7. Succubus Revealed: Richelle Mead
8. Storm Born: Richelle Mead
9. Blue Bloods: Melissa de la Cruz
10. Masquerade: Melissa de la Cruz
11. Revelations: Melissa de la Cruz
12 The Van Alen Legacy:Melissa de la Cruz
13. The Keys to the Repository: Melissa de la Cruz
14. Misguided Angel: Melissa de la Cruz
15. Bloody Valentine: Melissa de la Cruz
16. Lost in Time: Melissa de la Cruz
17. The Mortal Instruments- City of Bones: Cassandra Clare
18. The Mortal Instruments-City of Ashes: Cassandra Clare
19. The Mortal Instruments-City of Glass: Cassandra Clare
20. The Summoning: Kelley Armstrong
21. The Awakening: Kelley Armstrong
22. The Mortal Instruments-City of Fallen Angels: Cassandra Clare
23.The Reckoning: Kelley Armstrong
24. The Gathering: Kelley Armstrong
25. Before I Fall: Lauren Oliver
26. Lenobias Vow: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
27. Dark Vengeance: Jeff Mariotte
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Inspirational Monday

 

"He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything. "

Thomas Carlyle

Thursday Thoughts: Think About More Then Yourself Please!

I am a very generous person. No I am not saying this to toot my own horn, but it helps to explain more behind the story I am about to tell. I work evenings outside of the home in a call center and yesterday we had a team potluck. Everyone was to bring in a dish and for mine I choose to bring in a vegetable platter. I try to make my own fruit and veggie platters if there is enough time and this occasion was no different. I use platters that I have gotten in the past from the grocery stores so it makes it easier to transport and arrange them in.

We had our meeting and we didn't get to eat til later in it, so this meant that some of us had to go back onto the phones and some had breaks where they could eat longer. I figured as I had to go back on the phones and others would be eating that I would leave my veggie platter for anyone who wanted some. My break was 1.5 hrs later and I figured by then everyone would be done and I could pack up my platter for home. What normally happens is that if someone cleans up after everything goes into our kitchen and people off our team or other people in the office can grab some food to eat.

Let me just say I was totally surprised to go into the kitchen to find that someone decided to take my entire veggie platter container and all its contents home with them. Honestly, I did not expect to have any to take home as you clearly hope all would get finished. However, clearly there were leftovers as someone decided that they would take everything EVEN THE CONTAINER. This completely disgusted me how someone would be so selfish with something that they did not even buy or bring in and decide that they decided they would get it over anyone else.

Believe me I do not care that people wanted to take some vegetables home, but I do care that someone was so selfish that they did not think that maybe someone outside of themselves might even want to take some. As well that they did not even think that maybe the person wanted the container back. Moving forward I have learned a valuable lesson if you go to a potluck and you would like your container back take your items when your done as ones generosity in turn feeds someones greed.

I know for some this may seem like a small thing, but what irritates me the most with how selfish some people are and it is sad that they may have children one day, if not already and this is something that they would teach future generations.  This is also not the first time with people being selfish and greedy.  I have had co workers who had their lunch in the fridge and people have stolen just parts of their lunch or even the entire lunch.  I just find it disgusting that grown adults in a work place, act this way towards one another.  I just hope who ever was looking at eating healthier at my expense has a good supper tonight as I guess its good to know I am able to feed my family and yours and I hope you reuse the platter since you must have liked it a lot to want it.

Wordless Wednesday!

Miss J with her Gingerbread house she made at school

Tasty Tuesday!

I have a huge sweet tooth and when I say huge I mean it!  When I was little my mom could guarantee if we had cookies or icing in the freezer it would not be there long.  My mom has told me stories of opening the freezer and finding a spoon in the icing container or opening up the holiday baking and finding only one left (if any).
I would like say as an adult I am better when reality is....nope!  I just make sure I try not to bake to often so that we do not have the sweets in the house as home made baking is a weakness for me.

With that being said over the holidays baking is something that I love to do with my girls.  My grandma made me a cook book and there are recipes in it that I made with her when I was small. I love being able to pass on the things I loved to do with her with my own girls.  The following recipe is so easy to make with your children and easy for them to do it all up to putting it into the oven.  Plus it does not take long to make so it works with their shortened attention span.  This is also a huge hit at any get together I attend or cookie exchange.  As with everything I make there is always options to make it a bit healthier though most importantly have fun!

Magic Cookie Bar

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1  can  Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut (unsweetened)
1 cup chopped nuts 
 
-Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
-Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
-Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

 

 

Enjoy!
 

Inspirational Monday

"Attention to health is life's greatest hindrance."


Plato

Being Fat Sucks, Don't try this at home!

Once upon a time there was this maiden who loved to head out into the concrete jungle around her and experience life in many different ways.  She would go to the mall and go shopping for hours and come home with bags full of clothes that she looked fabulous in.  Everything she tried on in the store fit like a glove and she was so excited to shop.  She adored going to the beaches and wearing bathing suits and shorts.  Being outside in the sun being one with nature was exhilarating and love the feeling of the sand in her toes.  She loved food as well.  She would taste and sample everything around her and admired how everything she ate tasted so heavenly.  She would eat whenever she wanted and could eat whatever she wanted and was still as beautiful.  Her clothes always fit the same no matter what.  It did not matter what she did as she felt like a mortal goddess everyday of her life.

If only life was like the dreams and fantasies we grow up with thinking will happen in our future.  I do not know about you, but I can not remember the last time I truly enjoyed going to the shopping mall and buying things for myself OR heading to the beach and freely walking around confident in myself in a bathing suit.  Reality is I am not looking at all for a pity party, if anything this year I would prefer to give myself a reality check.  By reality check I mean I lying to myself and sugar coating the truth.  I know not everyone will agree with my title of the post, but for myself that is as true as it can be.  Being Fat Sucks.


No it is not that I have been deluded like many of those singers and dancers on the reality shows.  I knew I was not my ideal weight and that I needed to loose some.  Gosh,  if you have been following my blog for a while you will probably remember that this time last year I was in a challenge to loose weight.  I did loose a ton and then I fell back into the same ruts and before you know it your back to the beginning.  Sure I would tell people I want/need to loose some weight,  I want/need to become more fit.  Though once I was making progress and feeling so confident in myself, my guard would drop down and viola all that progress, challenges and sacrifices I made were worth nothing.  Which in the end means that I truly was saying that I am worth nothing.  Though I know I am so what gives?

Reality is that I am living my life in a great big circle and if I do not learn and change it then I will continue to follow in the circle that I am in right now.  No one can change me from the path I am on.  I have to have the courage to admit it to myself and fight through the barriers I have put up it make it to my goal.  The strange thing is I was just reading a book where the character was doing running into the same issues over and over again over hundreds of years.  She was immortal and she kept making mistakes and to the point her fortune telling her that she never learns and she keeps making the same mistake.  In the end she does learn, but it was hard for her to break out of the cycle.  It came to she would loose so much more if she did not stop making the same mistakes. 

Breaking out of our comfort zones is a hard thing for any of us to do.  Though this is one that I am needing to do for myself.  I can not bank on another chance as we are never guaranteed tomorrow.  We have to live life fully with every breath we take as you never know when it will be the last.

Iris and the Dragonflies Book Review #50BookPledge

The power of a good book is that it draws you in and makes you feel as though you become one with the book.  You get to know the characters as your own network and when you finish it, without a doubt it will leave you wanting more.  Iris and The Dragonflies by Rosemary Danielis is a book that I had the opportunity to read and fall in love with and without a doubt is one of these books.  This novel is one that Young Adult readers will love and even many adults I guarantee.  If you like reading fantasy books then I would recommend to check out the first in this series and like me you'll be looking forward to more books to come.  The characters are fantastic and without a a doubt it is one of those books that captivates you from start to finish.

Synopsis:

After dragons, in the form of spell-bound dragonflies tell Iris she is their long-awaited Dragon Seer, Iris takes the first step toward her destiny by challenging the greedy mayor who wants to destroy the local creek, the dragonflies' home.  But evil never works alone and a man with his own mysterious connections to Iris will do anything to stop her.

 

Iris is truly a loveable character.  She without a doubt is different and pays dearly for it by being bullied and teased.  At age 11 Iris is also braver than many adults I know, she stands up for what is right and has the courage to follow her true life path.  I know many adults who would not have the courage or strength to do what Iris does and this makes her extra special to me.  I find that is many ways I could see bits of myself in Iris when I was younger.  However, my life was rather boring in comparison, though I never did fit in with the "norm".  I wish I had magic in my life back then I can say it would have definitely made life more exciting.  

My daughters are a bit young to read this story, but it is going to be one that I hold onto dearly as I know it will be a book that encourages them to read and develop a love for it.  I have to say I was also excited to find out that more books are in the works.  I will be looking out for them and adding them to the collection.  Another thing that I loved (yes there is more) is that you can buy the traditional paper books, but your also able to get it for Kindle.  With youth being so in touch with technology it is great that they will be able to read the book through different avenues.  I do not know about you, but if I see a child on a computer or an Ipad/Ipod, I would prefer that they were reading a book then on then chatting or just playing games.  The way I see it why fight against the system, just use it towards your own advantage. We can all learn so much by reading a book especially a really good book!

If you are looking for a gift for a young adult in your life then I would recommend you get them this book and give them a gift that will keep on giving.  This is a great novel to not only introduce how truly fabulous Fantasy books are, but also instill how being different can be a very good thing.  If your on facebook be sure to check out the facebook page for more reviews and information!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday!

Christmas Morning with their new dolls

Tasty Tuesday!

I have mentioned a few other times on my blog that I love when the weather gets cooler as this gives me more opportunity to make homemade soups!  I love cooking and baking and I love trying new foods!  When I go out to a restaurant I love Broccoli and Cheese soups.  I am a sucker for cheese and the two of them together taste awesome to me!  Though of course with not knowing what they have used for ingredients you do not know if it is as healthy as it should be.  When you make the food yourself you know what you are adding and can choose healthier options to add without sacrificing taste.

If you have never made a soup before and even if you have this is a simple recipe that does not take that long at all to make.  You know it is made with fresh ingredients and if you have children it is simple enough that you can make it with children!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1 bunch broccoli

1 medium onion chopped

2 small baking potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 garlic clove minced

2 cups reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp pepper

pinch hot pepper flakes (this can be left out if you do not want any added spice)

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

-Peel and chop the broccoli stems and chops up florets, keeping the stems and florets separate.

- In a pot combine your broccoli stems, onion, potatoes, garlic, broth, thyme, pepper and hot pepper flakes and bring all of them to a boil.

-Reduce your heat and while cover allow the pot to simmer for about 10 minutes.  After this time you may now add in your florets and replace the lid and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

-Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and puree soup.  Once pureed add milk until smooth.  Return to heat if required to steaming and if too thick feel free to add more milk.  Season with salt if you wish and top with cheese at time of serving.

This will make about 4-6 servings

Enjoy!!

#50BookPledge 2012...My Favourite New Years Resolution!

With the start of the new year like many people I have New Years resolutions that I decide that I would like to achieve in the year and then 6 months later I either forgot about it or I was not meeting it so I was discouraged.  Sure like many loosing weigh year after year is one thing that seems to get added to my list of goals for the year.  Just the fact that I have to do it year after year clearly shows that I am not doing so well on that resolution.

This is why I loved the #50bookpledge.  It encouraged me to watch TV less and read more, which is a positive influence for my children.  It also was something that did not seem SO overwhelming.  Yes, 50 books sounded like a lot, but going into it last year I thought even if I could get halfway it was a step in the right direction.  I also loved how participating in the challenge also introduced me into other authors and genres I did not traditionally read.  I learned a lot more about myself as a read and more importantly it was a great way to relax. 

This year I am hoping to beat my target from last year.  Along with that I have A LOT of reviews to catch up on.  So I not only want to make sure I finished adding my reviews from all my 2011 read, but stay up to date with my 2012. 

If you are new to the challenge or looking for some books to read why not check out my list from last year!

My 2011 #50bookpledge

Happy Reading!!

Inspirational Monday

"A runner must run with dreams in his heart, not money in his pocket. "


Emil Zatopek

Wordless Wednesday!

Looking for a free app?  Check out the Disney App for Iphone/Ipod my girls love taking photos and framing them!