Monday, September 30, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 30


Day 30 - Favorite book

Being able to pick this book as my 11th grade essay project in my English class (and finally being able to choose something for myself to read), and for some reason the title stuck out to me.

After starting to read it (and still having to over-analyze things) I really enjoyed this book. I didn't mind re-reading the chapters to find something I may have missed or just re-read to remember what happened. Then I remembered that I had once watched this movie (in black and white) with my Pop. We would always watch random things together.

But this is one of the few books I only have more than one copy of; as I had to have the special anniversary edition from Barnes & Noble :) The cover itself is amazing!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sunday Social

Sunday Social

1. What is your dream job?
My first dream job was to be a Veterinarian. I followed that all throughout my 2nd year of college. I liked Science and loved math. But I couldn't get past dealing with human body parts, so that dream was shot down. I would love to just deal with numbers all day. And I kinda do at my current job. It might not be the numbers I was expecting, but everyday has some numbers involved.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?
I would read and cook/bake. I miss having the time to try out new recipes for dinner and having dinner ready for my family. I would also work on my crafty side. I really want to get the hang of crochet, but my left hand needs a lot of work. I also have about 3 latch hooks I want to complete. One day ...

3. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
My "field" is an Office Assistant ... so I don't really have too much advice besides making sure you're in the know with Office and computer know-how. It's all about learning and wanting to learn.

4. What would be your ideal “just for fun” job?
I'm not entirely too sure. I would love to be able to try out new recipes and tweak them to make them even better. And of course get paid to do so ;) I love being in the kitchen, but I wouldn't want to own my own shop. I just want to cook to cook.

5. What was your first “real” job? 
I worked at a bowling alley as Office MOD. I was asked by Karen, and agreed. It was a decent job for me still being in school full time. I left in 2009 to finish my AA in Economics. 

30 day book challenge - Day 29


Day 29 - A book everyone hated but you liked

I'm not sure if anyone I personally knew hated this book. But I read the reviews ... and it wasn't well received.

I didn't think it was horrible. The beginning was boring and slow. But once you go through that part, it wasn't that bad. A girl, who is struggling with her business is haunted by her recently deceased Aunt, who teaches her to get out there and have fun (or tries to) until she finds this necklace to put her soul to rest. I enjoyed the quirkiness of the book and the contrast between these two characters.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Reveal: SlimSoft Voxbox


I qualified and recieved the Slimsoft Voxbox from Influenster!

I haven't tried these yet ... I had a couple more uses of my old toothbrush left (My 3 months end today!) and I wanted to make sure I knew how my teeth and mouth felt before I switch over to these.

What I got in my box:
* Colgate Slimsoft Toothbrush (soft)
* Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
* Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash (Peppermint Blast flavor)

I can't wait to try these out and hopefully feel a difference!

30 day book challenge - Day 28


Day 28 - Favorite title

Most of the Sookie books that Charlaine writes have something to do with death. For some reason, Dead as a Doornail just sticks out to me from all of her books (that I have read). 

Friday, September 27, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 27


Day 27 - The most surpising plot twist or ending

I didn't expect the ending to this book. I was thinking of something totally different and then POOF it happened and I was so annoyed and shocked ... I threw the book and haven't started the 3rd book yet. :/

Sure, I probably overreacted, but I'll eventually get around to book 3. I'm probably one of the few people who are not gaga over this series ... I have the movie and haven't even opened it yet. I haven't really had the time or the want to watch it yet. I guess it's like me not ready for book 3. Sometimes you just expect something completely different ...

Thursday, September 26, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 26


Day 26 - A book that changed your opinion about something

In the 6th grade, I was assigned this book to read and then I had to dress up as a character in the book. After reading this book ... I was shocked to see how Anne Frank had to live, hiding and hoping to not make a sound; being so young and naive, I thought everyone lived like I did. Who knew?

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 25


Day 25 - Favorite book you read in school

Even though I have to analyze pretty much everything ... I liked the moral behind the story. You may try to be yourself, but somewhere along the way, you become the thing you didn't want to be in the first place.

I did think the horse part was sad and I wanted to slap the damn pigs. They were so horrible! But I enjoyed this book. Even the weird video version we had to watch (or two different? I just know we dealt with this book for a loooong time! haha)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 24


Day 24 - A book that you wish more people would've read

If you liked the Burn Notice series (now finalized and over *tears*) then you'll love the book! You can read the narrative as Michael Westen since it's written just like how he would say it.

The relationships between him, Fi and Sam are just as the series, and you just get sucked in. Even if there are only 10 chapters that are 60 pages long! But they keep you until the end!

Monday, September 23, 2013

30 book challenge - Day 23


Day 23 - Your guilty pleasure
The Pretty Little Lairs Series by Sara Shepard
Next book to read: Twisted (PLL #9)

Predictable drama of 4 high school girls, always getting themselves into more trouble though each twist and turn of "A's" plan. I fall from the plot twists all the time. I also how fast of a read these are (when I find the time to read anyway) 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sunday Social

Sunday Social

Another week! I hope you enjoy and play along as well!

1. What is your favorite handbag you’ve ever owned?
I'm not one for expensive handbags. I've had Dallas Cowboys, Hello Kitty & most recently, a cute Baltimore Orioles bag I got for my birthday! All my purses are my favorite and depending on where I'm going or what I'm doing, depends on what purse I use.

2. What is your dream handbag you lust over?
I don't think this handbag exists. I have so many wants for a bag, it's hard to find them all in one place.
- Zippers shut with a good zipper. (I've had so many break off and the whole snap idea is not me)
- Pouches inside where my phone can sit, a place for my keys and a zipper pouch I had put some hidden products
- A decent strap where it's not so big but not so small it's right under my arm
- Dallas Cowboys of course

3. What are the daily essentials in your purse or work bag?
My work bag & purse are the same thing lately. So in my bag I must always have:
- Phone
- House keys
- Work keys & badge
- Phone charger & headphones
- Wallet
- Umbrella
- Planner
- Glasses cloth
- Sunglasses (in case)
- Pens
- Chapstick, ointment, q-tips, fingernail file & clippers

4. What’s in your purse (with pictures)?


What's inside your purse?

30 day book challenge - Day 22


Day 22 - Book you're currently reading

Not a book I would typically pick up to read. But it was recommended by a co-worker (and this is actually her book I'm hoarding haha) and it's a little rough to get through. I'm not a big fan of the romance novels, I'm usually for the drama, mystery, action, sci-fi areas of the book world. But I'll give it a chance. She said it gets better as you get further into the book ... and I'm only on chapter 5.

It takes me awhile to get through books lately, so I hope I don't hold on to her book for too long!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 21


Day 21 - Favorite book from your childhood

In the 4th grade and 5th grade, we had a book-reading challenge called Accelerated Reader. We read books and we got points based on what "level" the book was. I was top girl for both years, the Secret Garden was the last book I read and I beat out the boys each year as well.

Even though this book was a level "10" and got 10 points, it was a difficult book to read. But all I could think about was how cool it would be to have my own secret place to go. 

Friday, September 20, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 20


Day 20 - Book that makes you laugh out loud

This book is so out there, you just have to laugh. Mainly because I'm sure a 2-year old wouldn't buy multiple fur coats. But if you spoil them with "yes" all the time, you're going to get a fussy baby when you say "no" ... so you just have to laugh at the idea of the book, mainly since it was just so outrageous. 

I guess I find this funny (and not 100% accurate) because I was taught to appreciate what I have and if I can't have it, then I don't need it. Or if I don't need it, I don't have to buy it. If it's on sale later and I still want it or I have some extra cash for a small gift for myself ... then that's fine. But to have everything handed to you every time you ask? That's just over-spoiled and they'll never learn the true values of life. But that's just how I feel about it.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 19


Day 19 - Favorite book turned into a movie

One of the few books I enjoyed reading; granted this was my 5th grade reading assignment and was made fun. 

The movie was very well made (in my opinion) and followed the book quite well. Not many books follow the books to include all the important details and didn't stray so far away from the book where you're thinking "When did that happen?"

As for the actors and actresses, they fit the persona on the characters from the book. Especially Edmund ... I swore they were in my mind since he looked like how I would've imagined him as reading the book. I don't have many book to movie favorites, but this is at the top of my list!

bloglovin'



Finally decided to jump on the bandwagon :) Feel free to follow my rambles ♥

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 18



Day 18 - First "chapter book" you can remember reading as a child

This one was a tough one, as I don't remember a lot of my childhood. But I do remember these books and having quite a few of these books and other Goosebumps books that had you pick your fate. I do remember these books being a TV series as well, which made the books come to life (and are usually spookier than the book).

I think I saw part 1 of Welcome to Camp Nightmare on TV first and I never saw part 2, so I just had to find out how it ended ... so I got the book. Soon after finding out that was book 9, I picked up some of the other at my Elem School book fair (I loved that week!!) and I spotted Book 13 ... Piano Lessons can be Murder. I just had to get this book since I was taking piano lessons (until I was about 14) and I even had a shirt based on it.

Even though these books were small and didn't have many chapters, these were right up my alley, as I was a fan of (most) horror and spooky things (and still am). I didn't care for any of the dolls coming to life (or puppets I think it was) as I was not a fan of the Chucky movies. But these were the right amount of spook for a little kid.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 17


Day 17 - Favorite quote

I'm still here, bitches. And I know everything. - A

Who wants to get a text message like that?! At their friends funeral no less. I love the suspense of this series. Sure it may be predictable or unreal, but to have someone constantly watching you and knowing every move you make ... it's pretty creepy and keeps you wanting to read more. 

Monday, September 16, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 16


Day 16 - Favorite female character

A chick who has everything. Brain, beauty and fearlessness. She was always my favorite. From the first "It's LeviOsa, not LeviosAR" to the last ruined plan and battle with Ron and Harry. I loved seeing her grow throughout the books (and the movies) and just seeing what you can really do when you put your mind to it. 

Sunday, September 15, 2013

New Recipe!


Just posted a new recipe at Kimmi: Top Chef in the Making

Go check it out :)

30 day book challenge - Day 15


Day 15 - Favorite male character
Shawn & Gus from Psych

This one was a tough one as I think both of these characters are good together. The humor from Shawn with the seriousness from Gus just make these my all-time favorite male characters. If I had to rank them, Shawn would be #1 with Gus at #2.

Shawn is just so sarcastic and funny all the time, but it's not overkill where he's too funny or he gets old. He's the comic relief, but the needed relief when it comes to Gus who is all business all the time. Always wants to play by the rules, never get in trouble and when he does, he panics because he's worried about getting caught. While on the other hand, Shawn breaks every rule he can, blames everything on Gus (when he can) and then figure a way to get them both out of trouble, by still breaking all the rules.

Sunday Social

Sunday Social

Third week in a row! :) This is good for me haha

1. What is the name if your blog? 
This one is: Rambles of a furmama :)

2. What do you love most about blogging?
Since I haven't really been "blogging" for that long (mostly journaling), I do love just being able to share interests, opinions and recipes with people. 

3. Why did you start blogging?
It was the "thing", and somethings in my life are private, but I like to share some non-private things. And I want to get better at reviewing things; I hope to get into a couple more influenster activities. 

4. What is something you'd want to tell someone just starting out in the blog world?
Just be yourself. The world is full of enough fakes, stand apart from them.

 5. Biggest blogging learning experience you've had?
I'm not sure. I just want to be able to blog more; so I find other reasons to make posts. 

6. What are three blogs you love?

Saturday, September 14, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 14


Day 14 - Book from your favorite writer

This books shows the chemistry between Ryan and Bones, that you can't help but root for them along the way. They have to investigate and go under-cover in a biker gang to help solve a mystery. I love the suspense in this book. I was on edge at the end of every chapter. What's going to happen to Bones? Is she going to be ok? Is Ryan going to save her? Will they get the right guy in the end? I do believe this book is one of her best. 

Friday, September 13, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 13


Day 13 - Your favorite writer

This is hard for me! I wouldn't read the series (or more than just the first book) if I didn't like how the author wrote. 

Author of the Temperance Brennan and Virals series ... I am more than 3/4 of the way through the Bones books (I do believe #16 came out recently, and I'm up to 15) but I'm trying to make my way through the first book of the Virals series, but I'm having such a hard time finding time to read as so much is going on lately.

I hope she continues to write. A lot of people have made comments that in her Bones books, she gets wordy, but she's so descriptive and precise, (and correct at that) that I don't mind it so much. So even though one chapter may have a paragraph per page, she still keeps me reading on!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 12


Day 12 - A book you used to love but don't anymore

At first, I liked Rebecca and her quirkiness ... but I think the movie killed the series for me. I did read the whole series (up to Mini-Shopaholic) and I can't believe how she never changed, even after all that time.

But I think the movie (although Isla Fisher is a good actress) just killed the series since it was pretty much like books 1 and 2 combined and was so disoriented. I just don't see me re-reading this book or series again.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 11


Day 11 - A book you hated

Hated is a light word when it comes to how I really feel about this book. I used to love reading until this was apart of my 6 grade reading for the year. Start the over-analyzing of every word ... and it didn't help that this book took me forever to read. I was never "on-time" for the chapter quizzes because I lost interest so quickly with this book I couldn't make it through the chapters.

Sadly (or not really that sad) this book lead to me hating the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I wanted nothing to do with anything involving Frodo or any other hobbit-y thing ever. Especially after we read the book and then watched these horrible cartoon movies of the series and the song "Frodo and his nine fingers" still haunts me.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 10


Day 10 - Favorite classic book

I've always liked the adventure of Odysseus. What really made me enjoy it more was when Wishbone took the book and gave it doggy twist. But how can you say no to classic books with a cute adorable pup leading the main role?! I loved this story so much, I even had a video game for the PC of the Odyssey adventure. Complete with one-eyed creature attack and outwit. 


Monday, September 9, 2013

Customer Service

Every time I have to deal with customer service, I feel like it's going to be a run-a-round, headache inducing phone call. Which could include having to pay to send something back, never see the replacement, still be charged for the product, or purchasing a broken item.

But for once, I had a lovely experience and I just want to share!

30 day book challenge - Day 9


Day 9 - A book you though you wouldn't like but ended up loving

I'm usually iffy about the whole book-to-movie part. I'd either think the book was written so poorly compared to the movie, or the movie was a bust when the book was 100x better. It's been a hit or miss lately when it came to movie vs book ... but loving the TV series Bones for all these years, I decided I wanted to give the books a try.

I never read a TV series book yet (the books came first), so I was iffy while reading the back description. I thought that Ryan was no way going to be Booth and how can Bones have a kid? Let alone be married. (I read this book in 2010, so the series was in it's 5th season I believe) But as I was reading, Bones is one kick-ass anthropologist! She gets herself into danger by working on these cases with Detective Ryan, never backing down. Kinda like the TV series, since she'll do anything to get the killer. (Only without Bones getting injured all the time)

I ended up loving the series and loving how different these two stories are. This series lead me to reading other books that either created the TV show or came because of the show. I adore the Bones on TV and I love the Bones in the book. I'm currently up to Book 13 in the series ... I'm still slacking on my reading, but I hope to get caught up to her most recent book.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Momma is half-a-century


To the amazing person that is ... my mother! ♥

She's a great Momma who has always looked after me, took care of me and always made sure I was happy ... and she still does. :) My Momma has been through a lot and all I want is to see her happy.

For her birthday this year (which was a big one!) we went to The Harp. We haven't been in awhile and they always have good food (big portions at that!) for a decent price.

As for gifts, she's really hard to shop for. She always tends to buy things for herself before her birthday and I was either going to buy it or had already bought it. This year, I bought two board games ... Both Big Bang Theory which is a show we all adore in this house.

Big Bang Theory Clue sounds like so much fun because this whodunnit is who touched Sheldon's things! I'll most likely be Penny since I'm usually (and always) Ms. Scarlett and of course, Penny is red! As for the Party Game, I'm not quite sure what that game entails since the description wasn't very descriptive. But nonetheless, I'm excited to play this one too! I hope it's as fun as the Trivia Game of BBT we got for Christmas!

Mom's dessert request was for me to make her a German Chocolate Cake :) It's not a true cake, as it only has 2 layers compared the the 3 it should have, but since we have a small family, 2 will do. It came out super yummy and I was quite pleased with the outcome!

I hope my Momma had a lovely birthday :) Her Patriots won today, so that was a good present from them as well :)

Sunday Social

Sunday Social


These were a little tough this week! Fall is not my favorite season ... and I feel like a broken record.

1. What is your favorite fall activity?
I suppose snuggling up in my Dallas Blankets, enjoying some Pumpkin flavored coffee and watching football, while rooting on this handsome TE♥ ;)


2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?
Of course! My team is the Dallas Cowboys

But our house is divided ... as we also have a Pats fan and a Ravens fan

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?
Pretty much, just crab feasts before they're done for the year. I do look forward to the Polish festivals our churches hold. Mmm pierogies!

4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?
Hoodies and jeans. I'm so fashion forward. I do hope to add this one to my collection this year!


5. What things are his looking forward to most about this coming fall season?
My favorite TV shows are starting back up, so that's always something to look forward to, and of course Football season!

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition?
Any day I'm off of work! haha But for real, Thanksgiving. I love baking the feast for my small family. I usually only bake when we have dinner at my Grandmother's house though, if not my Aunt hosts and bakes the meal.
As for a tradition, Sundays are now officially FOOTBALL days. We start with NFL GameDay and then watch football until the last second of Sunday Night Football. (Which happens to be the Cowboys tonight!♥)

30 day book challenge - Day 8


Day 8 - Most overrated book

I gave it a shot. I couldn't see what all the hype was about. I didn't care for this at all. Bella annoyed the crap out of me and I secretly hoped that they would've eaten her or something. I almost got my wish but then Edward had to save her. Some hero. Heh.

There were more points where I just rolled my eyes. I sped read through the book just to get it over with. I always go into any book with an open mind, so I'm not already put off by the horrible movie that spawned from the book. But I just don't see the point in sparkly vampires.

I guess I just like my vampires hot and manly ;)

Saturday, September 7, 2013

New Recipe!


Just posted a new recipe at Kimmi: Top Chef in the Making

Go check it out :)

30 day book challenge - Day 7


Day 7 - Most underrated book

I must admit ... I hated reading this book in High School. But then again, I hated most every book we had to read. But when you have to over-analyze pretty much every sentence, how can you really enjoy the book?

After years (a good 10 I suppose), I decided to give it another try. I didn't remember some of the scenes like I did while reading it in school. Turns out there was a "school version" which must have been the one I had to read, so something like that. My cover wasn't this one here. I thought there was more to do with the eyes watching you, Daisy being crazy and more parties than private meetings. But you can forget a lot over 10 years.

I did up my star rating from 1 to 3 stars, as the book still didn't make me love it, even while I was reading it just to read. I do think this book is underrated because it could be a great book. It probably is, but I'm only seeing it as half. However, Nick as a narrator, he really goes through a lot to find himself and I think that's what makes this book better than it seems.

Friday, September 6, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 6


Day 6 - A book that makes you sad

Ok, so I'm cheating a little and re-using one book ... But this one was a tough decision. I couldn't really decide because the books as a whole, didn't make me sad. But certain scenes in the book did; mainly the death scenes and one flash back in particular in Book 7. 

Anytime a character I learn to love or have respect for dies ... it hits me. Especially when you think they're a total ass and when you learn why they're such an ass and how touching the story was ... *insert waterfall* I don't know if there are people still out there who haven't read these books ... so I won't really give too much away, minus yes ... there are some deaths; but that flashback in 7 made me stop reading for a minute. I couldn't pull myself together to get through the rest of the chapter. lol (However, the movie scenes made it 10x worse & I still tear up during those parts!)

Thursday, September 5, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 5


Day 5 - A book that makes you happy

As a fan of the TV show, I just had to check out the books. I love the banter between Shawn and Gus, and it's just like it is in the show. It always makes me laugh and smile at the bromance these two have, even though they'll deny it like crazy!

Shawn is a "psychic" that helps solve murder cases and Gus is his right hand man and scapegoat. Together, they get themselves into so much trouble but always seem to get out of it at the right time (or at the wrong time) in order to solve the case in the end, with some comicality with a touch of seriousness.

“Ironic, isn’t it?” Shawn said.
“It’s not ironic at all,” Gus said.
“Dude, it’s so like a black fly in your chardonnay.”
“How many times do I have to tell you that’s not ironic, either?”
“Rain on your wedding day?”
“‘Irony’ is the use of words to convey a meaning that’s opposite to their literal meaning,” Gus said. “That stupid song came out fourteen years ago, and we still have this exact conversation at least once a week.”
“Yeah,” Shawn said. “Ironic, isn’t it?” 



Wednesday, September 4, 2013

30 day book challenge - Day 4


Day 4 - Favorite book of your favorite series

This book is my absolute favorite out of all the Harry Potter books. I think this is when everything starts falling apart to come together for good to sneak up and finally beat evil. The plot is amazing when you finally learn who the characters really are and why they did the things they did. It has so much depth and emotion, it just sucks you in until the last word.