Book Review: Lucid by Adrienne Stolz and Ron Bass

Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sloane and Maggie are two teenage girls who couldn't be more different in appearance and personality.  They share a terrible secret and know everything about one other despite never meeting or speaking face to face.  At night, they dream that they are each other.  Which girl and life is real and which is the dream?

I loved the premise and overall concept of this book.  The chapters alternate between each girl's life (or dream) as they try to navigate through school, boys, jobs, family, and the horrible realization that one of them isn't real.  After a couple of chapters of each girl's story, I was completely engrossed and couldn't put it down.  I haven't read a book this fast in a long time.  Fair warning:  the ending is not completely cut and dry, so don't expect to have all the answers.  It didn't bother me, but I know it can really annoy some people.  The language and sexual references (no scenes, just discussions and innuendos) are about the equivalent of a PG-13 movie, so I wouldn't recommend this for younger teens/kids to read.  Fascinating book and a great book club discussion choice.



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Peanut Butter Balls

 I got the rare opportunity to go visit my mom and dad for the weekend without any kids!  We had a lot of fun and tried out a new recipe.  These peanut butter balls are from Trisha Yearwood's cooking show on Food Network.  Not only were they easy to make, but they are really yummy.  They make a lot, which is great for a party or as gifts.  I think Trisha made hers a lot bigger and thus, had less PB balls per batch, but I prefer them more bite size.  I might add some mini chocolate chips or a chocolate drizzle on them next time too.  Everything is better with a little chocolate on it.  Recipe can be found HERE.

Boy Oh Boy Baby Shower

 A few weeks ago, I helped host a baby shower for a friend expecting her 4th boy!  We went with a "Boy Oh Boy" theme, keeping the decorations and food clean and simple.  Since it was an evening shower, we did a small dessert spread and hung paper lanterns above the table.  Some white cake stands for the food and a little bit of blue tulle and we called it good.

 One of the guests made a diaper trike out of diapers, baby blankets, bibs, socks, and a bottle for the headlight.  I should have asked her how long it took to make!  Super cute and would make a great centerpiece at a baby shower.

Another friend did some fun games and made an adorable video of the three older brothers talking about their new addition to the family.  It was so cute and something that the Mom to be can take home with her to cherish for years to come.  Such a great idea.

 As guests left, we had a small treat for them to take home.

The push pop containers were bought at a local craft store and filled with mini cupcakes or brownies, layered with frosting.

On a personal note, sorry for not keeping up on this blog lately....if anyone actually reads it anymore.....(crickets chirping).....

We've been busy with summer traveling and getting back to school.....AND growing our own little baby!  I'm due with my 4th around the end of March and we are excited for this new adventure.  I could be having my 4th boy, just like my friend!  And I can honestly say that I would be completely ok with that.  Boys are awesome!  We'll find out the gender after Halloween sometime, so stay tuned and hopefully I'll get a few more things up on the blog before then.

Book Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Read this for book club, it was great for discussion and I learned a lot about myself and how much being an extrovert or introvert affect your life.  It was very academic at first, and although the information was interesting, if you've had a long day, it could put you to sleep...not saying it did that to me or anything.  The second half of the book was a lot more real world application, I really enjoyed it.  I especially liked the chapters about relationships and raising children that are the opposite of your own personality.  There are so many facets to being an introvert or extrovert and I didn't realize how much of an introvert I am.  I love being with other people, just in smaller groups.  Fascinating book.



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Trench Work

Trenching for sprinklers...

...with a Ditch Witch.

Made a step too.  Hopefully the next pictures will have grass covering up all that dirt!

Book Review: The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith

The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think this is the last book in this series, but I'm not 100% on that.  I have loved reading the Isabel Dalhousie "Sunday Philosophy Club" series throughout the years.  In true Alexander McCall Smith fashion, this book is slow, steady and doesn't always give all the answers.  It does provide plenty of things to ponder, such as the proper time to teach children academics or how best to negotiate with disapproving parents or what is the best way to solve an art theft...particularly when the thief might be the owner's own child.  Isabel seems to find a way to help all of those around her by meddling in everyone's lives, whether they ask for it or not.  The Scottish countryside and dear Edinburgh are always featured, along with a healthy dose of Auden's poetry. It's best to start these books at the beginning, but they can be read alone, as it does follow Isabel's life from single divorcee to mother and wife.



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