Book Review: The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Jack lives an unremarkable life in an unremarkable town until one day he forgets to take his daily medication.  All of a sudden, he is faster and stronger and more alert than he has even been in his life.  As he eventually learns, Jack is one of the last of the warriors, destined to fight for wizards in a tournament to the death.  With the help of a very dynamic and persuasive "aunt", a teacher/coach, and a couple of loyal friends, Jack tries everything he can to train for the upcoming battle...and to survive high school.

Fun, easy read and I really enjoyed the idea behind this series.  It dragged on a bit in the middle, but I am assuming with each new installment in the series, you will learn more about this wizarding/warrior world.  Fun book for preteen and teens.



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Grilled Pizza

 One of our favorite summertime dinners is homemade grilled pizza.  We have a super easy pizza dough recipe and make them small in size for easy grill flipping and personalization of toppings.  I'm getting hungry just looking at these pictures....guess what we are having for dinner tonight?

 Pizza Dough

(courtesy of Erica)

1 1/4 C warm water

1T yeast

2T sugar

1/2 tsp salt

3 C flour (approx)

Dissolve yeast in water.  Add sugar, salt, and most of the flour and mix.  Add more flour if dough is too sticky or wet.  Mix with hands for 3 minutes.  Rest dough in bowl for 10 minutes.  Brush olive oil and cornmeal on a baking sheet.  Divide dough into fourths if making small pizzas and roll out with rolling pin, transfer to baking sheet.  Cook on baking sheet for 8 minutes in a 425 degree oven or 6-8 minutes directly on a medium heat grill.  If grilling, flip over and cook the top for a couple of minutes as well.  Add toppings and cook again until cheese is melted.

 

Book Review: I Hate It When Exercise is the Answer by Emily Watts

I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer: A Fitness Program for the Soul by Emily Watts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I loved this little book.  I have read some of her parenting books and loved them and this was just as good.  The author has a way to make you laugh and still help you feel motivated and uplifted all at the same time.  I love her view of life and her way with words.  Highly recommend this to anyone who needs a little boost of motivation and/or spiritual enlightenment.



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Balloon Ping Pong

Dad had a few late nights at work a couple of weeks ago.  We searched around on Pinterest and saw THIS idea for indoor balloon ping pong.  Genius.  The boys were entertained for the night with balloons and Popsicle sticks duct taped onto leftover Thanksgiving paper plates.

Teacher Appreciation Gift 2013

Found this great printable HERE at eighteen25 and thought it was perfect for all of my boys' teachers this year.  Printed them off at Costco, framed them, and added a card and ribbon.  We have some pretty amazing preschool, autism, and elementary school teachers.  My boys (and us parents) are really blessed.

Book Review: Palace of Stone (Princess Academy #2) by Shannon Hale

Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I loved the first book in this series and this one was a typical 2nd installment.  I enjoyed reading about the characters again and liked the descriptions of Miri seeing a large city and all of it's comings and goings for the first time.  The story itself was a little flat for me.  I am hoping the third book will pick things back up and conclude nicely.  If you liked the first book and wish to continue with the series, you will probably like it enough to keep reading like me.  If you didn't like the first book, then don't bother.



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Retro Cupcake Oven Box

  Retro Cupcake Oven Box

So cute, right?  Bought the printable HERE and am so glad I did.  They are adorable to look at, hold the cupcake well so the it is protected during transportation, and easy to print and assemble. 

So far, I have made a few for a baby shower, including a little flag on top of the cupcakes that said "bun in the oven".

And then, my son decided he wanted to make them for his class on his birthday.....

It took a long time, but we pulled it off...and the kids loved it, so it was worth it.  Just pop in a movie or two if you are planning on busting out 30 of these.