In My Mailbox (7):

In my Mailbox is a weekly post, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren ,  about what new books we got this week.



For Review:

(E-books)

- True Blood Graphic Novel Vol. 2 by Marc Andreyko,

& Michael McMillan

(Thanks NetGalley & IDW Publishing)

- Secrets, Monsters, & Magic Mirrors by Donald Lemke

(Thanks NetGalley & Capstone)

- Honestly Red Riding Hood was Rotten!

by Trisha Speed Shaskan

(Thanks NetGalley & Capstone)

- Witches by Cheryl Christian

(Thanks NetGalley & Star Bright Books)

- Wolf Camp by Katie Mcky

(Thanks NetGalley & Tanglewood)

* Check out my reviews of the last three here.

Bought:

- Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer YAY!!

(Thanks to Marquetta @ Love to Read for Fun, and her Blog Fest Giveaway. I won a $15 Amazon gift card and used it to get Wolfsbane.... Thanks so much.)

- The Witches of Santa Anna by Lauren Barnholdt

& Aaron Gorvine

The Complete Season One Books 1-7

(Bought for my nook for only .99 cents YAY!!!)

Other:

             

-Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey and Swag

( I won these in a giveaway hosted by Tara @ Hobbitsies thanks so much to her for this book and the awesome swag)

- Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari  (audio book)

(Downloaded free from audio sync check it out. Everyone loves free audio books!!!)

Well that is what I got this Week!

What did you get ???

Savory Saturday (7):

Is a weekly post hosted by me, to share the love of books and food.

You can post your favorite recipes, cook books, etc.

This is the last day of S'more Month so lets celebrate with two recipes!!!

Ice Cream S'more Cups:

( By Rachael Ray)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (available on baking aisle).
• 2 tablespoon melted butter.
• 4 scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• 1 bittersweet chocolate bar.
• 4 large marshmallow.

Directions:

- Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter.
- Press 1/4 of the crumbs into the bottom of 4 dessert cups, lining the sides and bottom of each cup.
- Fill cups with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- Shave curls of bittersweet chocolate over cups using a vegetable peeler.
- Thread marshmallows onto a metal skewer.
- Hold skewer over a burner at high heat and toast the marshmallows.
- Top each cup with a toasted marshmallow and serve.

My Thoughts:

This sounds amazing and is very simple to make. So if you love s'mores, but do not have a lot time try this yummy alternative.

Chocolate Chip Cookie S'mores:

( By Paula Deen)

Ingredients:

• Canola oil
• 3 bananas
• 10 store-bought chocolate chip cookies (the larger the better)
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup small marshmallow
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

- Preheat grill to med-high heat; brush grill with canola oil.
- Cut the bananas in half, lengthwise and grill, skin side down just until warm.
- Remove warmed banana from the skin and cut in half.

Assembly:

- On a piece of aluminum foil, place 1 cookie.
- Top evenly with banana slices, marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs, and top with another cookie.
- Wrap foil around the sandwich and place on the grill until warmed through and melted.

My Thoughts:

I love me some Paula Deen. She makes some amazing things, and this is just one of those things that would be a little slice of heaven. You need to try this. I will be very soon.

I hope you enjoyed S'more month. I haven't tried all of these recipes yet but plan on very soon especially the two featured today. They seem very simple and yummy.

TGIF and Weekly Recap (6):

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at Greads. It's about recapping on what we posted for the week, and also asking our readers a book related question. The question posted by Ginger today is?

Character Envy: If you could be one character from a book, who would you choose and why?

This is a really hard question to answer because I get to only choose one. I am actually torn between  Luce form the Fallen series by Lauren Kate, and Clary from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. If I had to choose only one it would have to be..........................

I know this isn't her but I found this looking for pictures, and thought it was a great portrayal of what Clary looks like in my head. I am not sure if I would look good as a red head but who knows I might. I would love to be Clary for numerous reasons these include:

• Clary's world is filled with almost every supernatural being you can think of, so its very diverse and I would be able to meet werewolves, fairies, vampires, warlocks, angels, etc. I think it would be very interesting and my life would never be boring again.
• I would learn how to be a dangerous Shadowhunter and be able to kick some major demon butt. This would provide me the means to help those in need and protect the ones I love.
• I would get to see and live in some very interesting places. I would love to be able to see Alicante I am sure it would be amazing.
• Clary gets to belong to a family but also another bigger family of Shadowhunters, and Downworlders. I just think it would be awesome to have a group like that there to back you up and be there for you when you need them.
• My best friend would be a vampire, and if you don't know me by now I am obsessed with vampires so this would be awesome. Especially since my BFF vamp can go out during the day.
• I would have awesome powers. Her powers are almost limitless because she can just make up marks. It would be cool to see what I could do with that.
• Lastly but most importantly I would get to be with the tough, cocky, gorgeous Jace Wayland. That is enough in itself. I love me some Jace. He is probably my favorite boy character. I even like him better then Edward.......Shhhhhhh don't tell Edward....lol.

 And this is who I picture when I think of Jace.....  Yum!!!!

Friday: TGIF & Weekly Recap (5): Bookshelf Tour

Saturday: Savory Saturday (6): S'more Brulee

Sunday: In My Mailbox (6)

Monday: Monday's Bite: Twilight Re-read Along Chaps. 16-20

Tuesday: Review: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday (5): Sookie Stackhouse Companion by Charlaine Harris

Thursday: Mini Reviews

Mini Reviews:

Wolf Camp:
by Katie Mcky
Illustrated by Bonnie Leick

Release Date: April 15 2009
Publisher: Tanglewood
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 32
Type: E-galley Arc
Source: NetGalley and Tanglewood

Maddie's mother agrees to send her daughter to a new camp- Wolf Camp. But when Maddie returns, she seems, well changed. She snaps at flies, howls at fire trucks, and chases squirrels- on all fours. She quits eating candy and starts eating only meat. Also the dog is now afraid of her when she lifts her lip and shows her teeth.

-- Amazon Description

My Thoughts:

This book is to adorable. I love the beautiful Illustrations, and the story is very unique. As a child who didn't imagine they were something else; a princess, a cat, a pirate, etc. My two year old nephew goes around stomping and roaring like a dinosaur.. (giggles). Also what child doesn't go away to camp and come back changed in some way. Maybe not as changed as Maddie, but they come back with more friends and experiences. This is an adorable book, any kid would enjoy. Just watch it because they might go around barking after reading it... (smiles)                          

Overall Rating: A

Witches:

by Cheryl Christian

Illustrated by Wish Williams

Release Date: August 15 2011
Publisher: Star Bright Books
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 24
Type: E-galley Arc
Source: NetGalley & Star Bright Books

Little witches abound in this rollicking, rhyming adventure that features all of the fun, fantasy, and treats - but none of the tricks - of a Halloween night to remember.

-- Amazon Description

My Thoughts:

The illustrations are vividly colored, and the writing rhythmical.     You will enjoy reading this with your child or any child, and they will get captured in the vivid drawings. This is a great book for children, and fun and entertaining for everyone especially around Halloween.

Overall Rating: A

Honestly Red Riding Hood was Rotten! :

By Trisha Speed Shaskan

Illustrated by Gerald Guerlais

Release Date: August 1, 2011

Publisher: Capstone

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Pages: 24

Type: E-galley Arc

Source: NetGalley & Capstone

Of course you think I did a horrible thing by eating Little Red Riding Hood and her granny. You don't know the other side of the story. Well, let me tell you......

-- Amazon Description

My Thoughts:

I loved this book! It is told from the Wolf's point of view. I think if I was in his shoes I would have wanted to eat Little Red as well. I love the illustrations, especially the Wolf's expressions. A very interesting re-telling of a classic tale, and it will have you siding with the Wolf.

Overall Rating: A

* If you think you will like this book you might also enjoy Seriously, Cinderella Is So Annoying by Trisha Speed Shaskan.   Release Date: Aug. 1, 2011*

I hope you liked my mini reviews of these adorable books. I really enjoyed them and can't wait to get my own copies.

Waiting on Wednesday (5):



Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Its about what books you just can't wait to get your hands on.

The Sookie Stackhouse Companion:

by Charlaine Harris

Release Date: August 30 2011

Readers will have the opportunity for an in-depth look at Sookie, her family, friends, enemies, adventures, and of course-- the lovers who set her world on fire.

Readers Will:

- Tour Bon Temps via the detailed map in the book, created by Charlaine Harris.

- Read transcripts of Eric and Bill private conversations.

- Examine all the branches of Sookie's family tree.

- Learn the fine points of the distinctions between vampire, shifter, and fae.

- Get must-have Bon Temps recipes including Caroline Bellefleur's famous chocolate cake.

- Test themselves with trivia questions form the series.

- And much more.

* Barnes and Noble Description

My Thoughts:

I love the Sookie Stackhouse series, and can't wait to dive into the companion to learn more about the characters, and world "True Blood" is based on.

I am not sure which cover will be released or if both of them will be. I like both of them.

What are you waiting for?





Review: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden:

Release Date: October 2006
Publisher: Vintage Books
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 428
Type: Paperback
Source: Bought from Barnes & Noble


 We follow Sayuri from her childhood in an impoverished fishing village, where in 1929, she is sold to a representative of a geisha house, who is drawn by the child's unusual blue-green eyes. From there she is taken to Gion, the pleasure district of Kyoto. She is nine years old.

In the years that follow, as she works to pay back the price of her purchase, Sayuri will be schooled in music and dance, learn to apply the geisha's elaborate makeup, wear elaborate kimonos, and care for a coiffure so fragile that it requires a special pillow. She will also acquire a magnanimous tutor and a venomous rival.

Surviving the intrigues of her trade and the upheavals of war, the resourceful Sayuri is a romantic heroine on the order of Jane Eyre and Scarlett O’Hara.

-- Barnes & Noble Description



It's really very hard to put how awesome this book is into words. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of a girl named Chiyo, and how blink of the eye moments can change your life forever. Chiyo's world is turned upside down once her mother becomes very ill. She is sold away at age nine, along with her sister Satsu. Chiyo ends up in a okiya ( a geisha boarding house), and her sister's fate is a lot darker. Chiyo goes through many obstacles and struggles in order to become a Geisha. Including numerous attempts, by her rival Hatsumomo, to sabotage her.

There are many trials and tribulations that Chiyo goes through to survive the very complex world of the Geisha's. She survives all of them with courage, and a strong will to survive. With the help of a few people, her mentor, Mameha; her love, The Chairman; and her fellow geisha in training, Pumpkin, and a few others Chiyo's name is changed to Sayuri, and she becomes one of the most famous Geisha's of her time.

I love Sayuri. She is so strong, and despite everything she goes through, she holds on to love and hope.
Memoirs of a Geisha is a breathtakingly, emotional read, and has extremely beautiful imagery. This book is a piece of art in itself, and should be treasured. The word Geisha itself means artist. The Geisha's are so beautiful. They are truly walking, dedicated pieces of art, and their world is mesmerizing. I would love to dress up in a beautiful kimono and wear the makeup myself. However, not just anyone can be a Geisha it takes much dedication and skill.

If you enjoyed the book you should watch the movie it is very good. It stays close to the book, and the scenes are amazing. If you have not read this book you should. It is truly an epic read. I loved both the book and the movie very much.

Overall Rating: A++  ( I would add more pluses but you get the point )


This is one of my favorite quotes from the book. It is accually the last sentence of the book.

"But now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all to soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper, "

Monday's Bite: Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 16-20:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer:
Chapters 16-20:

Chapter 16: Carlisle
Chapter 17: The Game
Chapter 18: The Hunt
Chapter 19: Goodbyes
Chapter 20: Impatience




- The Questions from Chapters 16-20 are from:
 Yani @ The Secret Life.

- Discussion / Answers and link up for Chapters 16-20 and Questions for next weeks Chapters 21-24 and Epilogue are from The Reading Housewives



Questions:


1. If you were in Carlisle position do you think you would have been able to fight off your vampire urges? Would you ever bring someone into that life, as he did with Edward and Esme?

- Its really hard to answer this question because I can only say what I think and hope I would do. I believe if I knew what I was choosing like Bella I would have a better chance of controlling it, or if I had someone like Carlisle helping me. However if I was all by myself like Carlisle was I would try my best to fight my urges and only eat animal blood. I think hurting anyone would be hard animal or human, but since animals are already our food source I would try my best to stay with that.

As far as bringing someone over into the life I would, but they would have the choice like Bella did. I don't want to make someone like me (if I were a vamp) unless that is what they chose and after they thought it over carefully.




2.  We are introduced to Edwards playful side in these chapters before he gets all manic about the new vampires, I think we have a better picture of who he is. If you had to describe him in 5 words, what would they be? Good and Bad qualities, whatever you like?

Gorgeous, Comical, Tortured, Protective, Gentleman.

3. While re-reading I have been taking notes: observations that I have come across re-reading and comparisons to the movie. One of my notes deals with pg. 383 in which Edward screams at Alice "there is no other option.” The first time around I didn't get that he meant the future Alice saw for Bella as a vampire (because we hadn't gotten to that part). but now that I know the whole story I see that is what he meant. Has this happened to you? Do you have any examples of things that are clearer now or things that you have realized while re-reading?.

- Yes one thing that is more clearer now is the whole mess between Billy and Bella. I know we hear the story from Jacob, but I think like Bella we focused on the "cold ones" part. At the time I didn't think that the wolves part was an important foreshadowing. You can see Billy's concern and rudeness as a part of knowing what the Cullens are and who Edward really is, but later you find out that they are pretty much natural enemies.

I also agree with page 383 being confusing. I was like what are you talking about, but I also was caught up in the moment and didn't really think on it to much the first time around. Now it makes complete since.

I really can't think of any more right now off the top of my head except what I have been talking about a ton so far. And that is about the characters in the books being better then the movies in personality and general character.



4.   We haven't talked about this yet, but I think the idea of your human gifts amplifying in your vampire life is interesting (Jaspers control of emotions, Edwards mind reading) what do you think your gifts would be?

- This question was a hard one. Especially to come up with something Stephenie Meyer hadn't thought of already. Honestly I am very sensitive to other people's feelings and also very inquisitive so maybe a mix of Edwards and Jaspers powers. Maybe I could read people auras (feelings) and control there minds....lol

Another one I thought of is I am really good with animals. To the point that most of them like me; even ones that normally shy away from people. So maybe I could manipulate animals as a vampire. This would help with my feeding.. just a thought, though it is sad poor animals :(


5.   We are coming to the end of the book, what has been your opinion on this re-read? First when was the last time you read it? Second, do you feel you like it more, the same, or less this time around?


- The last time I read Twilight was the first time I read it, and that was in 2008. I really enjoyed this experience. I really like hearing what others thought about the book, characters, Edward, etc. Also I loved being able to express my feelings about the books as well.

I think I love it even more now because I know the whole picture and the end game so a lot of the book makes more since now. Also I had more time to go in depth, instead of devouring it like I did the first time. I also read the book before the movie, but since then only have been watching the movie. This re-read has helped me to enjoy those things about the book, characters, and general world of Twilight that you miss in the movie. I have fallen in love with Twilight all over again :)

I really think we should do this again. Either continue this series or do it with another book. We could even do it with a book not everyone has read yet so we can discuss it, and maybe get more out of it then we would reading it on our own.

In My Mailbox (6):



In my Mailbox is a weekly post, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren , about what new books we got this week.

I didn't get a whole lot this week, but what I did get made me super happy. I need to catch up on reading anyway so it is good that I only got three.



Books For Review:

- The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

 (Thanks NetGalley and Open Road)

I  absolutely loved this series when I was a child, and when I saw it on NetGalley, I just had to read it again. Can't wait to dive back into these books. Eventually I hope to find the complete box set so I can have my own copies again. If you have never read these books you should they are great.

- Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer

(A major thank you to Rusty Fischer)

Can't wait to read this book. It has been on my wish list since Ashley at The Bookish Brunette had it on her blog. If you like Zombies and love stories you should check out this book.

Won:

- Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales Graphic Novel # 1

by Melissa Marr, Art by Xian Nu Studio

( A very big thanks to Paula at Paulashx, & her Book Bonanza Giveaway)

I fricken love her blog ! If you haven't checked it out yet; please do !!

Can't wait to read this book. I really enjoy graphic novels, and I loved the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr. This is a spin off story of the series. If you enjoy a good series about Faeries check out the Wicked Lovely series.  Also be looking for a review on this graphic novel soon.

Savory Saturday (6):

Is a weekly post hosted by me, to share the love of books and food.

You can post your favorite recipes, cook books, etc.

The Third Recipe for S'more Month Is......

S'more Brulee:

( By Paula Deen )

- This one takes a little more time to cook and cool
- Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 2 cups half and half
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 8 large egg yolks
• 1 small bag mini marshmallows
• Graham crackers, for garnish

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring cream and half & half to boil in large heavy sauce pan.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add finely chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and very smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- In large bowl whisk yolks until they are uniform in color.
- Gradually whisk in half of the hot chocolate mixture.
- Whisk until very smooth.
- Once eggs are slightly warmed in this way, gradually add the rest of hot mixture whisking all the while.
- Strain if desired.
- Divide custard among 8 (3/4 cup) custard cups.
- Place cups in large baking pan.
- Add enough hot water to pan to come halfway up sides of cups.
- Bake until custards are set, about 50 mins.
- Remove from water and chill for 3 hours.
- To finish, top custard with a layer of mini marshmallows.
- Use a kitchen blowtorch to evenly caramelize the tops of the marshmallow and garnish with graham crackers.
(You can also broil them so that the tops caramelize; just have to keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.)


My Thoughts:

I love Paula Deen and her recipes are amazing. I have not yet tried this one, but plan on it very soon. It sounds super delish !!!!!!!



TGIF and Weekly Recap (5):



TGIF is hosted by Ginger at Greads. It's about recapping on what we posted for the week, and also asking our readers a book related question. The question posted by Ginger today is?

Bookshelf  Tour: Where do you keep your books at home?

Are they organized?

I have to admit that my books are pretty much everywhere. This is mainly because my husband and I don't have our own place yet. So we don't have the room for book selves.

Here is a picture of some of my books on top of my dresser.

It does drive me a little crazy because I love organization.

I know this is a little boring so I have decided to add some pictures of bookselves I would love to have.



I love these two because there is a lot of room for books, and they are very organized. The top one has a built in latter that moves around. I always wanted something like that ever since I saw the library in Beauty and the Beast.

The bottom one encloses them in clear doors to keep them protected, but allowing you to still be able to look at them.



I have always wanted a window seat and just love the look of them. Reading by sunlight is nice.

I love this bookshelf. It is so unique and totally cool looking. I saw it when looking for bookshelves online.

Lastly I love the look of books kind of as art pieces in a room and these invisible shelves help with that.



Friday: TGIF & Weekly Recap (4) : Blogger Appreciation

Saturday: Savory Saturday (5): Ooey-Gooey Pancake S'mores

Sunday: In My Mailbox (5)

Monday: Monday's Bite: Twilight Re-read Along Chaps 11-15

Tuesday: Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday (4): Goddess Interrupted

Thursday: Fae, Fairies, and Faerie: Library Recommendations

Hope you enjoyed my bookshelf wish list !!!!

Fae, Fairies, and Faerie :

If you like books about Fae, Fairies, and Faerie you should defiantly give these books a try.
These are some recommendations I got from my local library.
I haven't read all of them yet, but I plan on checking them out very soon.

Tithe by Holly Black :

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces the sixteen-year-old back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms - a struggle that could very well mean her death.          
 
 
-- Barnes & Noble Description
 

My Thoughts:

I haven't read this one, but it sounds great. I will be reading it very
soon. Love the cover it is very simple but intriguing.

Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

Bailey Morgan isn't the type of girl who shows a lot of skin, but somehow, she ends up in a dressing room at the mall with her friend Delia applying a temporary tattoo to her lower back. Never one to suffer fashion doubt, trendsetter Delia knows exactly where she wants her own tattoo: on her stomach, right where her shirt ends. Annabelle, the quiet one, chooses the back of her neck, and tomboy Zo plasters hers on the top of her foot. The tattoos will last for three days, and Delia's sure that with them, the four friends will absolutely kill at the school dance.
 
Unfortunately, killing is just what someone has in mind, and Bailey, Delia, Annabelle, and Zo are in for the battle of their lives. Along with her tattoo, each girl receives a gift- a supernatural power to help them in their fight. As Bailey's increasingly frightening dreams reveal the nature of their enemy, it becomes clear to the girls that it's up to them to save the world. And if they can get Delia to stop using her newfound power to turn
gum wrappers into Prada pumps they might actually stand a chance.

-- Barnes & Noble Description


My Thoughts:

I love the concept of this book it sounds really interesting. I used to be a henna tattoo artist, so I love temporary tattoos, but none of the ones I did on myself gave me any supernatural powers ........bummer. Will be reading this book in the near future.
This is the first in the series check out Fate the sequel as well.

The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones:


Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. With her return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there.
Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly remembers why she disappeared, and realizes that she is the only one who can stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.

-- Barnes & Noble Description


My Thoughts:

This book sounds great too. I really love the cover its very beautiful. This is the first book in the series. There are currently six books out. The Faerie Path, The Lost Queen, The Seventh Daughter, The Immortal Realm, The Enchanted Quest, and The Charmed Return.

These are just a couple, I will be posting more soon !!!  :)







Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Its about what books you just can't wait to get your hands on.

 

Goddess Interrupted:

(Goddess Test #2)

by Aimee Carter

Release Date: March / April 2012

Kate Winters has won Immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she'll have to fight for it. Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him, the king of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.   Henry's first wife Persephone.

-- Goodreads Description

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed The Goddess Test, and can't wait for its sequel. It sounds really good. More drama and love, and introductions to new characters. Super excited for this one. If you haven't read The Goddess Test yet, you should. Also if you want to know more about The Goddess Test check out my review here.

What are you waiting for ???