What I've Read | Jan 2013

Back when I first started this blog, The Reading Nook at No.14 Ivy Stone Lane (which I have closed) I was searching for other blogs that focus on books and book reviews and I came across Engelia McCullough - Time 2 Blog. She was having a giveaway for the above book (author: Catherine Converse). I entered . . . and I won a digital copy!! I contacted both and thank them and also informed Catherine that I was going to write a review of her book . . . although I am about a month and half late . . . I have finally gotten around to writing it.





Summary:
"Two girls with opposing backgrounds join a secret intelligence agency located deep in the earth located deep in the earth to remain hidden from society, where their psychic dreams are used to prevent murder. As the girls form a unique friendship, they begin to dream about the same serial case, triggering a chaos that spirals through the agency tunnels. They discover that the agency may not be all that it seems, and the lives they need to save are their own."


Review:
Although this book is for young adults, I believe many adults out there will find it intriguing.  I found myself really liking the main character (Adie). Young adults may find that they can relate with this character rather easily also.  This book has everything that many young readers want: romance, mystery,  lots of action and a ton of twist and turns that will have sitting on the edge of your seat. You can't help but root for Adie as the story unfolds.

For a rather new writer, Catherine Converse does a great job of combining a paranormal story line with a criminal story line, plus she gives you just enough information too keep you reading. I did notice a few errors (spelling, punctuation) and the occasional missing word, but all in all this was a very good read. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book.
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Tex Mex Chicken Melt Sandwiches


I haven't made this sandwich in a long time and my son has been bugging me to make these every chance he got!  I finally broke down and made them. They are quick, easy and yummy . . .



TEX MEX CHICKEN MELT SANDWICH

ingredients:

  • *one package sub or hoagie rolls (package of 6, each roll will make 2 sandwiches)
  • *1/4 to 1/2 cups chopped onions
  • *1/4 to 1/2 cups chopped green pepper
  • (the amount of onion and green pepper will depend on how strong you want the flavor to be)
  • *1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican Cheese
  • *1 12.5oz can of chunk white chicken(drained and flaked)
  • *1/4 cup mayo
  • *1 teaspoon chili powder or 11/2 teaspoons (it can be overpowering if you put too much in)
  • *1 - 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • *1 clove pressed garlic
  • *2 tomatoes sliced
  • *1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mexican cheese for topping

instructions:

  1. *PREHEAT OVEN 375 DEGREES
  1. 1. In a bowl combine: onion, green peppers, 1/2 cup cheese, chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic, mayo and chicken. Make sure all ingredients are combined well.
  2. 2. Open sub rolls and place on foil lined cookie sheet.(the above recipe will yield about 2 to 4 sandwiches) on each slice of roll spread a good amount of chicken mixture.
  3. 3. On top of chicken mixture add slices of tomatoes, then top with cheese.
  4. 4. Place in oven on center rack and cook 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven and serve with fries or you favorite chips.
Created using The Recipes Generator


While eating these we were discussing what else would be good on them;
bacon
pickles
jalapenos
swiss cheese
Provolone
and so on. The possibilities are endless.

If you try them I hope you enjoy.

Thank you for visiting.
Hope you enjoy,
Tina
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What I've Read | Marian Parsons "Inspired You"

Are there some of you out there that do not know who Marian Parsons is? No? Well if you read d.i.y. or home decor blogs then you may know her as Miss Mustard Seed. I have been visiting her blog for well over a year and I love it. She has such a beautiful home (especially if you like that kind of decor) and she did it all on a rather small budget.


Back in October/November time frame her book "Inspired You" was published.
"I'd like to lovingly remind you that your worth is not found in the outward appearance of your house, but in the inward appearance of your heart."


Isn't she just the cutest?
When the digital format became available I purchased it. I was not disappointed. It is very inspiring, informative (she has several d.i.y. projects in the book), and at times funny. Especially the extreme nesting story that took place when she was five months pregnant. I was thrilled with the fact that she broke down how much the furnishings and decor in each room cost her, and OH you will be really surprised. I wish I could find deals like she has. She also talks about the envy and perfection that many of us (and her) have/want for those staged homes we see in magazines and blogland. The book encourages you to find your own style and gift for decorating, which she believes everyone has, they just have to find their niche'.


This image is from her blog not the book
 but it gives you an idea of her style if you have never visited her blog.
She talks about the rut she found her self in and with the encouragement of her mother stepped out of her comfort zone to pursue what she loves. I am so glad she did, because the world is a little brighter with her and her creativity in it. 

The day after Christmas I order the Hard back of her book and I am so pleased that I did. The photography is much better in book form. I mean the pictures are beautiful in digital form BUT with the book you can really see the beauty in her home. And unlike many decorating books, that seem technical and stuffy, hers is very relaxed, it feels like she is just talking to a friend.

"If you highest priority is walking in faith and loving our families, we'll find joy in the sofa stains, the scratches on the dining room table, and the pile of shoes by the door."

So, if you haven't gotten your copy, go get it!

If you have never heard of her and would like to see her decor before purchasing the book, then head on over to:   Miss Mustard Seed    visit for awhile, say hello, then go get her book! You will NOT be disappointed.

"Remember the goal you're working toward: HOME. A home whose walls and rooms tell the story of the family who lives there."

This is definitely one of those books that I will read/browse through often.

P.S. Oh and she has her own brand of Milk paint that came out in 2012. I am waiting on mine as we speak, I have the perfect project for it. Can't wait!!


Linking to: Whimsy Wednesday
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Most Viewed | 2012

  This is a list, with images, of my most popular posts and projects of 2012.
Click on a link to visit.
Thank you!
WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK
ARMOIRE DOORS REFURBISHED
BURLAP, BURLAP and BURLAP . . . OH MY!
*Featured*
BAKED ZITI
*Featured*

   
     FROM CLEAR TO COLOR

BYE CARPET . . . HELLO NEW FLOORING

BEDROOM (REVEAL)

MAN CAVE (REVEAL)

THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY
*Featured*

WONDERFUL ~N~ WHITE
*Featured*






      
   
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PLACES I LIKE TO PARTY!! 
{SUNDAY: sunday's best party @ my 1929 charmer; bouquet of talent @ life on lakeshore drive; share it one more time @ one more time events}  {MONDAY: make it pretty monday @ the dedicated house} {TUESDAY: nifty thrifty tuesday @ coastal charm; tasty tuesday @ the comforts of home; the scoop (4 blogs, 1 party) @ worthing court, stongable, confessions of a plate addict, cedar hill farmhouse} {WEDNESDAY: what we accomplished wednesday @ green willow pond; party on the porch @ the shady porch} {THURSDAY: project pin-it$nbsp;@ glitter, glue & paint } {FRIDAY: be inspired friday @ common ground} {SATURDAY: saturday sparks @ pieced pastimes}      
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