Book Review

When I was a teenager and in my early 20s, I really disliked reading. I remember being in elementary school and really enjoying reading. In third grade, I read the entire Little House on the Prairie series! After I read the first one, I realized they were also worth TONS of AR points (you teachers know), and there was NO stopping me!

For some reason that love of reading diminished the older I got. I just fell away from it. Maybe it was because it wasn't pushed in middle school and high school. Maybe it was the schedule I had. Whatever it was I just didn't enjoy it. I kind of envied the kids that seemed to love it, because I just didn't.

After I graduated from college I was subbing in a reading class that was reading The Hunger Games. I read that book all day in the different classes, and even though they were right in the middle of it, I really enjoyed the piece of the book we read. By the end of the day I wanted to read the whole book, so I downloaded it on the Kindle app on my iPhone. I flew through that first book, and then the rest of the series. I have enjoyed reading ever since!

It is a little more difficult for me to read during the school year, but I try to have a book to read at all times! I've found it's nice to have something to pick up and read, just because! I don't typically have a specific type of book that I gravitate towards. It just has to hold my attention!

This is a list of books that I have read over the last couple of months, and I really enjoyed them all, except one. I hope that you find something in this list that you would enjoy reading just for fun!

A zookeeper's wife hides Jews from the Nazi's in their zoo in Poland. It is a great story, and one that deserves to be told. Coincidentally, this is the one book that I just couldn't get into. I managed to get about halfway through before I drove to Dallas and just saw the movie. 

The say "don't judge a book by it's cover," but how fun is this cover??? I was sold when I saw it. I thought it was SO fun! I had so many people ask me what this book was based on the cover. It is about exactly what you might think...crazy rich Asians! When I started it, I didn't realize it was one of three. So my next book was...

My third book followed suit, and was...

For some reason, I just really liked these books. There are SO many characters (thank goodness for the cheat sheet at the front), and all the twists and turns really kept my attention! Crazy Rich Asians will be made in to a movie, and I'm excited to see it when it does come out! 

A newlywed's husband disappears on their first anniversary and is presumed dead. Then he shows up years later when she is engaged to another man! What will happen??? I could not put this down. I felt like I just had to know what happened next!

The Woman in Cabin 10 was suspenseful, but not scary. It was quick to read because I just had to know what in the heck was going on. There were a few times when I was just shocked. Courtney had read it before I did, and I asked her several times what in the world was going on! Seriously this is one good read!

Behind Closed Doors is another suspenseful book! It isn't scary, but it is suspenseful. The beginning takes a little bit to get going, but once it does...hold on! I was up until 1am finishing this one night because I couldn't go to bed until I was finished. It's about a couple whose relationship seems picture perfect from the outside, but is hiding a dark secret!

I'm currently reading...

I've really enjoyed it so far!

I'm still trying to figure out what I'll follow this up with. It'll either be...

I've never read any of John Grisham's books, but Matthew suggested this to me!

or...

This sounds like it would be a fun read for all teachers, and parents! 

For all you readers, are you an e-reader fan, or do you prefer a book in your hands? I use to be strictly an e-reader/kindle app reader, and I have transitioned to a book in hand kind of girl! I love wondering around Barnes and Noble looking at books and deciding what I want to read. I love holding a book in my hand. I love being able to keep my books on a bookshelf that I can see. I love cracking the spine of a brand new book. I just love everything about it!

What do I suggest today???

1. Find yourself a book that interests you, and take time to read it just for fun! I think you'd surprise yourself as to how much you'd enjoy it.

2. If you're absolutely not a reader, check out two of my favorite romantic comedies..."Sleepless in Seattle" or "You've Got Mail." Yes, I understand they both happen to have Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in them...that's not why I love them!!! I was just watching "You've Got Mail" yesterday, and wondered if my students would have any clue what that dial up sound is that we all know so well! My how times have changed!

Absolute Must Have!

On Saturday night I worked a youth Encounter at church! It was the annual GLOW Encounter, and the kids had tons of fun! We had over 100 kids show up!!

The basketballs and volleyballs all glowed. The volleyball nets had glow sticks around them, and the basketball goals had tape that glowed in the black light. The kids loved playing in the gym, and eating of course!

It was a good way to spend a Saturday night! 

Sunday after church we decided to head to a restaurant that is one of those hole-in-the-wall type places!! I have been going there since I was a kid!

My dad did the pest control there WAAAY back in the day and used to bring home their chips and hot sauce. #thosewerethedays I'm telling you...they are THE BEST CHIPS AND HOT SAUCE!

They also come with free "queso." I put the quotes because it's actually more of a nacho cheese than a queso. They have a seasoning on them that is similar to "Fuzzy Dust" at Fuzzy's...except this is actually good! I always dip in the hot sauce, then the "queso." I can basically eat myself into one of those food comas before my food ever comes out! 

Enough food talk...it's making me HUNGRY! 

I have a suggestion that I think most of us girls could get behind. I don't like to really talk about things like this, but I feel it's too awesome not to share! 

I have found panties that DON'T MOVE! Yes, girls. It's possible. I only wear underwear that cover my bottom...if you know what I mean. When you only wear full bottom underwear, you also have to find the some that won't show a panty line. LADIES....I'VE FOUND THEM! 

I used to wear strictly Victoria's Secret underwear. However I really started disliking basically everything in a Victoria's Secret, and one day standing in the middle of the store I had enough. I set everything I had in my hands down somewhere (I usually don't do such things), and walked out. 

As it happened, I was right next door to another "intimates" store, so I walked in there, and everything changed!

I walked out that day with two bras! Both are comfortable, and hide those back areas we all pay attention to. A few weeks later, I returned and bought a strapless bra. I've NEVER found a strapless bra that didn't end up around my belly button after an hour, but this one stays put!!!

I love all my bras from Soma, but the underwear I purchased put all the bras to shame! I seriously don't want to wear any other kind of underwear again! They have a style called "Vanishing Edge." There is a strip of rubber along the bottom, and I'm telling you THEY DO NOT MOVE! Not only do you not have a panty line, but you also don't have to worry about them moving...into uncomfortable places...if you catch my drift. 😶 

They have several different cuts in the Vanishing Edge. They have hipster, bikini, high leg brief, boyshort, and modern brief.

I suggested my mom purchase some of these very panties, and the next day she texted me singing their praises! Seriously! They're the best thing ever! 

What do I suggest today?

1. Go check out Campo Verde! It's in Arlington off Pioneer. They should be starting to decorate for Christmas soon, and that is a sight to see!!! It's definitely a nostalgic place for me! 
2. Go find some new underwear at Soma! They are buy 3 get 2 free! Obviously, I'd suggest the Vanishing Edge, but explore a bit and figure out what works best for you! 

 

Labor Day Weekend Part 1

Do you know what makes a three day weekend even better??? Not realizing it's a three day weekend until Friday morning! I mean I knew we were off Labor Day, but I just wasn't thinking that far in advance! 

To celebrate the three day weekend, Matthew and I headed to one of our favorite places! 

When the weather is nice we love Reata because they have a great rooftop patio!

We've always ordered the Bacon Wrapped Crab Stuffed Jalapenos for an appetizer! They are phenomenal, and served over cheese grits! This time, I guess we were feeling CRAZY because we ended up ordering their signature appetizer...Tenderloin Tamales with Pecan Mash.

(It's served with three...but I forgot to take a picture! #blogfail)

The tamales were.......okay. If I'd never had the stuffed jalapenos, I'd probably think better of them! Next time, I'll stick with the tried and true jalapenos! For dinner, we split Jalapeno Cilantro Crusted Texas Red Fish! Jalapeno + cilantro + fish = perfect for Sydney! It was fantastic! It was delicious, filling, and light. Exactly what I wanted! (I'd show you a picture, but it just wasn't...pretty!) 

Saturday morning we headed to Waxahachie for the Good News Fest our church was helping out at!

I was part of the Outreach team, and we basically spread out throughout the park to invite people to the event, pray with them, and share the Gospel! I worked with several awesome people, and we were quite successful! 

(Me, Whitney, Mona)

We had free food (who doesn't love food???), face painting, balloon animals, praise and worship music (that you could hear throughout the park), and even giveaways! Then we all headed into the auditorium (You can see it right behind us in the picture above) for service!

(This building is historic, and was built in 1902! It is gorgeous!)

We had a successful day at the Good News Fest. In all, we had thirteen salvations! I was part of five of them! Whitney and I lead a group of five teenage girls to the Lord! It was so awesome to watch God move all throughout the day! 

After the Good News Fest, we headed to Fort Worth for the TCU football game! When we walk across campus to the game, we always have to walk by the "lilly pads" because they are just so pretty!

I'm an honorary TCU fan because Matthew went to TCU, and is all about those Horned Frogs! My college was small, and I don't think I ever attended a full football game. (Our "stadium" was the local high school football stadium. #fancy) I was also working on the weekends, if I wasn't at home!

Let's Go Frogs! 

The sunset behind the scoreboard was so pretty! I saw several people take an almost identical picture! I love a good sunset, but with the American and Texas flags waving...beautiful! 

As we were leaving the game a sign caught my eye, and we ended up thinking we needed food. We ended up at a good ol' diner! 

Judging by the amount of purple in the restaurant...we weren't the only ones with this idea! We left a little before the game ended, and we definitely beat the rush. By the time we were leaving, they were on a wait!

One of the things they are known for is the German Pancake. I don't know how to explain what it is...but it's kind of like a thick crepe with melted butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice! The German Pancake is HUGE! Fortunately they make an individual size called a Dutch Baby. I ordered one, plus a side of sausage. Matt tried it and couldn't determine if he hated it, or loved it. I don't really understand how that's possible...but I knew it meant more for me! 

I know...the picture doesn't look like much...you'll have to trust me! 

It was a perfect way to end a fun, long, busy day!

What do I suggest today???

1. Head to Reata when the weather is nice! Tomorrow night would perfect because the weather should be so pleasant! Don't make the mistake we did...just get the jalapenos! They have great steaks and fish for your entree!
2. Go to Ol South, and get yourself a Dutch Baby! I'd be curious what you think! I can't see how anyone would not enjoy it!