Another reading challenge!

Came across another reading challenge it's Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance hosted by Book Chick City.



I'm going for One Howl which is 12/UF PNR books read in 2013.

And...I've already finished my first one!


  I've finally jumped on the Parasol Protectorate bandwagon and boy am I glad I did! This book was witty, fast moving and you just gotta love the characters. Lord Maccon and Alexia Tarabotti make a great "love to hate you" couple. I wish Lord Akeldama was my friend (ha!) and that Professor Lyall had my back. I liked Alexias confidence and her unwillingness to be just like every other girl. Though she far from a girl, what with her being a long-shelf-life spinster. I liked Alexia's "curiosity" when it came to romance with Lord Maccon, just satisfying a curiosity roused by the books she had read. ha! I really dug this book and have now checked out the second one today. Looking forward to diving in!

My only complaint was that it didn't have enough of the steampunk elements I was looking for. I was kinda expecting a steampunk saturated world, a la The Iron Duke although that book was pretty smutty (left me blushing, ha) and Soulless had cute romance scenes, which I preferred. I just want more steam technology. I have acquired a bit of a steampunk obsession and I want more. (see this website I'm drooling over and can't wait to buy something, anything, from it!)

Over all I rated this a 4/5 simply because the characters were interesting enough that I wish that I could meet them and I rushed out to get Changeless, which is saying something.

relax and good reading,
paulina

oh, so this fulfills #1 on the UF/PNR and letter S on the A-Z challenge.

It's OK Thursday

IT'S OK...

 

...to conveniently "forget" to set out something for dinner tonite and have to run to the store to pick up one of their pre-made chicken dinners.

 

...to still not be happy with Face-Off this season.



 

...to still be mad Roy got kicked off. (still!!)

 

...to be frustrated with my car, it's falling apart and no-one seems to know why or how to fix it.

 

...to be kinda excited about said clunker and the whole process of looking for a new car.

 

...to be uber excited about two new movies: The Sorceror and The White Snake and Tai Chi Zero.

 

...to still be thinking about Looper, man that movie threw me for a "loop". (ha! see what I did there?!)

 

...to go to my mom's house just to drink coffee because I ran out and it's been like three days since I had some. (man, I'm ready to go now!)

 

...that my computer crashed cause now I can get that pretty red laptop I've had my eye on.

 

...to be relieved that basketball season is almost over (schools) that means no more dropping off at the ungodly hour of 5:45am and picking up at 10:00pm.

 

...that I didn't exercise yesterday because I was still sooo sore from doing a new routine on Monday.

 

linking up with: It's OK Thursday hosted by Brunch with Amber

 

relax,

paulina

 

Wearing: red, black and gold

 jeggings: Capelli, bb&b, $10

sweater: Dana Scott, thrifted, $3

boots: Decree, thrifted, $14

Hi, y'all.

I thought the hat warranted that type of greeting.

So, what to say today??

Hmm...I found these boots at a thrift store (finally!) barely worn, if at all, calve length, zippered, buckled, with a faux fur lining and my size! I had the cashier hold them for me while I ran to the ATM since they didn't take credit/debit. I had to have them. Five minutes after I gave them to her to hold some other lady was like "those are cute, if she doesn't come back call me I want them." I had to interject and say "Oh, I am coming back!"

So, today I paired 'em with these red jeggings I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They were half off. I knew I shoulda gotten the blue pair too. I kick my butt for not. They are comfortable, soft and have back pockets. I only wear jeans/slacks with back pockets, I hate the "flat" butt look. Or whatever it's called.

The sweater is big and comfy and throws a li'l glitz into the whole thing.

Well...forgot to set out something to defrost for dinner tonite so gotta go to the store and buy a chicken dinner...dang it. ha!

Can I say I'm uber excited to see these two movies: The Sorceror and The White Snake and Tai Chi Zero?

Do y'all like fun kung fu movies too?

OK, that's enough rambling for now.

linking up: thrifters anonymous, wardrobe wednesday, thursday threads, what I wore wednesday

relax,
paulina

Five Question Friday!

linking up today with: 5QF hosted by My Little Life

1. If you were going to be stuck on a deserted island, which 5 books, movies, people and foods would you take along?
Books: War and Peace, Faith of The Fallen, 1st Wheel of Time, Phantom of The Opera, A Tale of Two Cities
Movies: Wanted, Salt, Skyfall, A Christmas Carol, Licence to Kill
People: Just the four other members of my family
Foods: bananas, pork steak (a lot of it!), nacho doritos, donut holes, mango juice

2. What is your thought on year round school?

I'm a traditionalist. I like the school year how it was when I went to school. Off in June back after Labor Day. Although my kids go to a school where they have longer days but have Friday off. It was hard to get used to as I always wake up on Friday thinking it's Saturday. But they like it and it's good for those impromptu weekend getaways.

 

 

 

 

3. What is your most embarrassing potty story?

I don't have one that's embarrassing but that being said I, 90% of the time, happen to walk in the bathroom after the previous person has....well....to put it delicately...gone #2. I swear, It always happens.  And then I cough and gag and sometimes even walk right back out again. I can't stand a smelly bathroom (well who can right?). I don't understand doing that in a public bathroom, that kind of stuff is for one's private lavatory. I really gotta carry a small can of glade with me.

 

4. What's the temperature where you are?

34 degrees today. Wow, that's warm! (ha!) Lately it's been like 20 or below even got to -8 one night.

 

5. Are you a winter/spring/summer/fall person?

Most definitely Fall. It is no longer hot (I hate the heat) but not yet freezing, leaves are changing colors, Halloween(!) and of course my birthday. School is back in session and it just seems like the beginning of a new year to me with new clothes, fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils. And...the anticipation of the holidays!!

 

relax,

paulina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's OK!

Linking up today with: It's OK Thursday hosted by Brunch with Amber

 

 

IT'S OK...

 

....that I felt slightly unfilled when I realized I left a bag of groceries on the counter at the grocery store.

 

....that I felt frustrated when I couldn't find the receipt for said groceries so couldn't prove to the manager that I did leave them.

 

...that I got annoyed at the bank teller when I handed her a 20 and asked for quarters and she gave me an annoyed look. (That's your job!)

 

...that I'm mad because two tablets have broken within the space of two months. What do I do now? Call the store or send it to the manufacturer?



 

...that I think Coby products are a piece a -! That's what a get for being a cheap skate.

 

...that I'm now totally wrapped up in The Bachelor. Never watched it before and now I can't get enough. (C'mon Sara!)

 

...that I'm apprehensive about this season of Face Off - was so disappointed when Roy got kicked off that I stopped watching it.

 

...that I'm nervous/excited about working tomorrow.

 

...that I'm hatin' the snow right now.

 

...that I'm really mad at the post office for losing the package I sent to The Hubs for Christmas. FOR CHRISTMAS!!

 

...that after doing one strand on the loom I put it aside (for now). I don't really know what I'm doing.

 

...that I said "Again" and sighed when Cupcake came downstairs wearing one of my favorite comfy, cozy sweaters.

 

...that I want to go shopping for myself today. New jeans!!

 

whew! that feels better!! think I'll be doin' this more often :)

 

relax,

paulina

 

Reading: Blood Orange Brewing

 Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home-and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.

Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served.
source: goodreads

This book fulfills the "B" in the A-Z challenge and What's in a name: kitchen category.

This is my first Theodosia Indigo Tea Shop mystery and I wasn't too impressed. Everyones name is funny: Delaine Dish, Pookie Wilkes and more but I can't remember (turned in book yesterday). The plot is a little slow, the murder happens in the first chapter and I never saw the resolution coming. I mean, it seemed a little far-fetched it was kinda just thrown in at the last chapter. Some things didn't add up like why was Theo's dog kidnapped? To throw her off the trail? If they hadn't kidnapped her do she would never had figured it out and they would have gotten away (with it too). So, I guess that was why it was thrown in. Was Peyton's cat a cat or a jaguar cub? That was never solved and I really wanted to know. Is it in the next book? Then I'll never find out because I probably won't pick it up. The characters were a bit annoying. Did like Drayton though, he was my favorite. Delaine was a complete nitwit, Theo had a love/hate thing going with the detective, it's like kiss already and get it over with. Put us out of our misery.

I did like the descriptions of tea and the recipes put at the back of the book. I'm so intrigued by tea now that I went out and bought some China Oolong Tea yesterday. Gonna have a cup after posting. My mouth is watering for tea.

So, there's that at least. Although I did shed a tear on the last page, it was a nice beautiful ending but I just didn't see that whole thing coming, there should have been more clues.

I would not recommend it and would give it 2 out of 5 mainly because of Drayton, the whole cat/cub mystery and a new-found interest in tea.

relax,
paulina

Wearing: Feelin' a bit stripey

Over at Marionberrystyle the trend of the month is stripes. This is my first time doing "trend of the month" and as it just so happens I bought a couple of stripey things on my last jaunt at the thrift store. The perfect time to showcase 'em.

shirt: bobby brooks: thrifted 2.95

skirt: cherokee: thrifted 4.00

tights: ?: walmart ?

booties: coasters: thrifted 2.00 (never worn!)

beret: diy

 



Got the whole horizontal and vertical stripe thing goin' on. Wasn't sure how it would work out but I actually like it. It's not too dizzying.

But in these pics it's like looking at a fuzzy TV screen. Not the case IRL, I assure you.

Stripes!! I don't know how to explain the weird hand gestures... ;) At least I'm not subjecting you to the argyle hoodie I was wearing. Argyle and stripes? I don't think so. It's so cold here like 8 degrees, I had to put on something. But hey it is in the same color scheme so I'm not offending others - too much! ha!

Goin' to go see how others incorporate stripes...

linking up with: Trend of the month hosted by Marionberrystyle, Look at what I got hosted by Penniless Socialite, & My style, your style hosted by Lily Among Thorns.

relax,
paulina

for some reason got this song stuck in my head: maybe it's how i feel about stripes and argyle together! ha!

Reading: Wife 22

Just finished up Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon. It seriously only took me 4 days. That is probably a record for me. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and since the chapters are short I just breezed right through them.

 Maybe it was those extra five pounds I’d gained. Maybe it was because I was about to turn the same age my mother was when I lost her. Maybe it was because after almost twenty years of marriage my husband and I seemed to be running out of things to say to each other.

But when the anonymous online study called “Marriage in the 21st Century” showed up in my inbox, I had no idea how profoundly it would change my life. It wasn’t long before I was assigned both a pseudonym (Wife 22) and a caseworker (Researcher 101).

And, just like that, I found myself answering questions.

source: goodreads

I picked this baby up on Wednesday and just finished it this morning. It was a cute, fast read. I liked that it was written first person, which most always grabs me and that the chapters were so short. Although with short chapters comes the "I'll put it down after I finish this chapter" but then bleeds into more and more.

Some of the chapters are facebook updates, her answering the questions or even a dialogue of what went on at one of her best friend Nedra's dinner parties.

This book begs the question: are we too involved in our social media to really see what's going on around us?

How often do you check facebook? How often do you have a real conversation IRL? Are you ignoring your family and the pressures that come with it for a virtual world?

I don't have a facebook but I do find that I can lose myself in a book when I don't want to face reality, pressures and obligations.

Sometimes it's good to raise ones head and take a good look around. Exactly what one wishes Alice would do with her family. Is she losing her husband, her kids? What really is going on between her and Researcher 101? Will she ever live a satisfying life?

I did shed a few tears at the very end. This does wrap up in a pretty tidy bow but it's the journey there that is really cute and funny.

I did find that having the questions at the end of the book and only her answers at the beginning of chapters a little annoying but I just bookmarked the questions and flipped back and forth which can be frustrating if you are reading this one-handed. Also I just found out this book will be made into a movie. Why? I ask.  And how can it really translate into a good movie? It's the reading of it and the facebook updates and how Alice describes the dinner parties that really make it funny. I just don't see this will translate onto celluloid and I probably won't go see it. Just like I refuse to see the Stephanie Plum movie. (I mean, Katherine Heigl, really?!)

I would recommend this, I even felt the need to answer the questions myself (there's about 90 or so them) and I would give this a 4 out of 5. (The questionnaire at the back left something to be desired and I'm disappointed that there's going to be a movie not every good book needs to become a movie. More people just need to go the library.)

relax,
paulina

Five Question Friday

linking up with: 5 Question Friday hosted by My Little Life.

1. Flu mist? Flu shot? Or take your chances?

Definitely take my chances. No-one other than The Hubs gets flu shots. No-one, other than The Hubs, gets sick around here. Seriously. I haven't been sick for about two years. If I call in sick at work I'm most likely faking it, if the kids get sick it only lasts 24 hours. Cupcake hasn't been sick for over a year, neither has Little Monster. *knock on wood*

2. Do your kids have iPads? What are some good educational apps? Price?

No. I don't have one either. So.....yeah...skip.

3. What are your favorite boy/girl baby names?

Boy: Oliver and Harry. Girl: Sophia and Constance. The Hubs and I couldn't agree on names so none of the kids got these names. :/ but...their names are pretty cute anyway...

4. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, which apple do you choose to eat? (red/green, gala, red delicious...)

I don't like apples. I'd rather eat oranges and bananas.

5. What is your favorite place to escape to for peace & quiet, to think? Why?

In house: bathroom. It's quiet I can turn on the exhaust fan and hear nothing outside of those walls! Ha! Also a nice warm shower is always conducive to thinking. Outside of house: the library. Again, it's quiet and everyone else is intent on thinking or reading. I can find a nice cozy corner and not be bothered. Now if only I could bring some coffee, I'd be set!

relax,
paulina

Teaser Tuesday

Linking up today with: Teaser Tuesdays hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

 1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two "teaser" sentences from that page.
4. Include book title and author


O.K. this is my first time participating in Teaser Tuesday, expect this will become a regular feature around here.

I'm always reading, always have a book on hand or two or three. Since I'm reading two books at the same time this week, I'll share from both of them.

  "This accusation, compounded by an insult, was just too much for Theodosia. 'Please be serious,' she said in a voice dripping with ice."
Blood Orange Brewing, Laura Childs



 "And all those questions about Guy-sheer impertinence, not to mention bad taste. And pretending he was about to kiss her...The worst thing about it all was, she had no-one to blame for any of it except herself."
The Innocent Spy, Laura Wilson


relax,
paulina

Five Question Friday

Linking up today with: Five Question Friday hosted by My Little Life

1. Have you set any goals/resolutions for 2013?

Why yes, yes I have. Although this year I'm calling them "Resolve-olutions" and I have about 17 of them. Too much to list here but check out yesterdays post. Two quick ones: Go see Phoenix as much as possible and get two new tattoos!

2. Have you made any travel/vacation plans for 2013?

Tentatively. I would like to explore Montana a bit more when The Hubs goes on vacation and would like to plan a trip to Washington for next Christmas. Also when Phoenix goes on tour those will be mini-breaks as I plan on seeing them in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Canada and hopefully Montana. I don't like staying home for too long as I get cabin fever, I like to explore new places.

3. What room is never cleaned in your house?

Really?! O.K....probably my bedroom. It's the room that guests don't go into and I can just close the door on the mess. Right now I have clothes on the floor and books still unpacked in boxes.

4. What food must be in your house at all times?

Cheese, chips, tortillas and fruit. Oh, and cereal. Milk, juice and soda are a must too.

5. Are you a hugger or more of a hands off person?

Pains me to say this, but....I'm a hands off person. I don't like PDA's or holding hands. I do hug the kids goodnight or when it looks like they've had a bad day but other than that.... I do give good handshakes!

Well....I feel I bared myself a little here but it was fun...I might be back next Friday... ;)

relax,
paulina

can we get a li'l Phoenix here?? (yes, i'm slightly obsessed)

Resolve-olutions

Resolutions. Shmesolutions.

Resolutions are something I write down on a scrap piece of paper, lose, then quickly forget about.

The only ones I remember from last year were to get a new tattoo, move out of state and read War and Peace. I did get a new tattoo, moved and instead of War and Peace I picked up Anna Karenina, brand new at a thrift store for .50 cents! Got about two hundred pages left. The rest of my resolutions? Ehhh...I have no idea.

This year I'm calling them "RESOLVE-OLUTIONS". I resolve to do these things this year. I kinda feel like the pressure is off, I won't feel guilty if I don't get to them right away and if when I accomplish them I'll be like "I did it!" And hopefully, I won't lose the list this year.

RESOLVE-OLUTIONS 2013

1. Apply myself to working.
Got a couple of odd jobs lined up and I'll dedicate myself to actually doing them as long as possible (whole year?) instead of just blowing them off after a couple of weeks.

2. Apply myself to writing.
Get my first draft and second and third in the can. Start on the other ideas that are floating around in my head.

3. Get the kids and me on a cleaning schedule.
Sometimes I'll be like "meh, I don't wanna vacuum I'd rather watch Downton Abbey." No more, TV comes last and the kids need to help out more.

4. Do events around Missoula and write about them.
I applied for a job at the Missoula Chronicle, an online newspaper. It's pretty much the same thing I was doing in California, still no pay but I do get into events for free. I want to get my name out there.

5. Exercise more.
Self explanatory, but at least three days a week do cardio and lift weights while watching TV.

6. Drink less.
Again, self explanatory. I can't be drinking if I'm going to dedicate to exercise, they don't really go hand-in-hand.

7. Actively participate in the reading challenges.
I let this one slip by last year, this year I will keep up.

8. Be happy more and grouchy less.
Pretty much live each moment and find the silver lining in stuff and don't worry.

9. Participate in the European Community Culinary ABC's.
The goal is to do a different dish each month from a different country. Go here: girliechef.com to check it out. January is the Netherlands. This is just for fun.

10. Save money.
Saving money for #11 and a trip in December.

11. Go to as many Phoenix concerts as I can.
So happy they are touring this year, last saw them in 2010 and I'm tots excited!!

12. Call my best friend more.
Reconnected with Melissa, my best friend since high school and it's one of those friendships where you pretty much just pick up where you left off. I just gotta call her more.

13. Finish NHC program.
Let this one slip by last year in the hustle and bustle of moving and settling in. I only have like three more classes to take. I gotta "JUST DO IT!"

14. Subscribe to Harper's Bazaar.  Accomplished 1/12/13- was $12 for 2 yrs - even better!
Been looking for a magazine that fits my "just want to relax needs" and this one fits the bill. Got a notice that it's $15 for two years. Pretty good deal in my book.

15. Get new furniture.
We pretty much sold everything before moving and now that I have a new house to fill I can see what I'm desperately needing: nightstands, dressers, futons, bathroom decor...

16. Experience each day and don't think about the next paycheck.
Pretty much goes with #8. I can get wrapped up when I get paid next and then notice a week has gone by. Gotta slow down a bit.

and last but not least,

17. Get two new tattoos.
I want "Qui me alit me extinguit" on my right arm and an ankh on my right ankle and then I think I'll be completely done. Already have a scorpio, "Secundus ut nullus" and a dragon.

There. It seems like a lot but once I start breaking it down I believe that I can do it!

What are some of your resolve-olutions?

linking up today with: This 'n That Thursday hosted by Katie Did What


relax,
paulina

I leave you with this:

2013 reading challenges

Well, here we go again.

READING CHALLENGES!!

I didn't do too well last year. I did read but when it came to updating the challenges it was a BIG FAIL!  I had a blog break what with preparing to move, moving and then settling in I'm just now finally getting back on track so the updates went out the window.

But a new year means a new start. Right?? And with one of my goals being to "Be Serious" I'm gonna take another stab at this whole challenge thing.

So, here's what I found that piques my interest and shouldn't be too daunting. Right??

1. A - Z Book Challenge 2013 - hosted by Babies, Books and Beyond.
goal: read 26 books that start with a different letter of the alphabet until you read...well...A to Z.
You can decide ahead of time what books to read or fill in as you go. I'm choosing option B - filling in as I go, that seems a bit easier as I never really know what I'm going to read until I a book calls my name from the library shelf. I have a feeling Z is going to be hard, wish Z is for Zombie was a real book at this point! Ha!
quick update: I've already filled in letter D! yay!

2. What's in a Name Challenge - hosted by Beth Fish Reads
goal: read one book each for the 6 different categories.
Sounds like a fun challenge and with only 6 it's not biting off more than I can chew..err...read. And these books can be in any format. Always a plus!

3. 2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge - hosted by Historical Tapestry
goal: Pick one of the 5 different levels and read that many books.
I'm going for Victorian Reader which is 5 books. I just started reading historical fiction last year and really liked it so I'm pretty jazzed about this challenge. Expect some reviews from this genre!

4. 2013 British Books Challenge - hosted by Feeling Fictional
goal: To read at least 12 books by British authors, old or new, any genre.
I'm excited about this one too. I'm wanting to read more steam punk so hopefully can find some British authors along this genre.
quick update: In the midst of The Innocent Spy by Laura Wilson, a British author so yay almost one down.

5. Cruisin' Through The Cozies Reading Challenge - hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews
goal: To pick one of three levels and read that many books.
I'm going for Snoop which is at least 6 books. I find that I gravitate towards cozies when I want a light, fast read. Did this one last year and my goal this year is to actually document them!
quick update: Already finished one book - Death of a Second Wife by Marta Hudgins.

Just finished a book this morning which fills in "D" and one cozy! I'm on my way! Going to the library today to fill in the empty spot on my nightstand.

Please join one or two challenges and we can read together :)

relax,
paulina