Monday, July 29, 2013

What Do You See in the Mirror?

Soft Light

In Season 2, Episode 23 of The X-Files, Agent Scully and her former student act as a doubled pair. Both are styled very similarly, and it is obvious from the beginning that this young character was created as a foil to the older FBI agent. Both are very similar in personality, and both share nearly identical skepticism to the fantastic circumstances in which they find themselves. The differences are minor, and these differences cause the younger character’s subversion and demise.

Doubling

The doubling between Scully and her former student is meant to mirror the doubling of the Scientist and his shadow. From the beginning of the episode, I was absolutely sure that because of the similarities between the two women, one would not survive the episode. I had seen later episodes, so I knew that Scully would survive and that it would be the younger that would die.

Monday Morning Madness #24: Recovering From a Lazy Sunday


For once I’m actually writing this post in the actual morning. You might have noticed my weekly post was missing last Monday. Well, I do have an excuse as I went to bed around four o'clock in the morning on the 22nd. The Syfy channel was playing a Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon over that weekend and I got hooked into the madness around 10 PM after I had finished watching True Blood and Falling Skies.

I was bullied all through my high school years and I found solitude by watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel. I guess you could have called me a  Slayerette or a Scoobie as I had Buffy posters plastered on bedroom walls, I recorded every episode onto VHS tapes (I had a few of the VHS sets too), and I collected and read every tie-in novel, that is until my local Walmart quit carrying them. I eventually grew out of my Buffy/Angel phase. I still have the tie-in books in a closet. I was given both series on DVD a few years ago for Christmas, but I have never attempted to watch them to this day. Though after watching the marathon on Syfy, I may have to drag the DVDs out and watch them.

Review - The Companion Guide to Family Tree Maker 2012

The Companion Guide to Family Tree Maker 2012
By Tana L. Pedersen
Publisher: Ancestry Publishing
Pub. Date: 2011
ISBN: 978-1593313388
Retail: $24.99
Pages: 320
Buy Link: The Ancestry Store

Review:

Genealogy has become more popular thanks to the reality series Who Do You Think You Are?, which started it's fourth season on TLC last Tuesday featuring celebrities such as Kelly Clarkson, Jim Parsons, and Christina Applegate. Many people around the world have been researching their family heritage way before the series started. Thanks to modern technology you now have the ability to keep track of all your family findings by using the computer software called Family Tree Maker, a program that first came out in 1989; way before home computers were in the average household. FTM has had dozens of upgrades over the years and including several different owners. The most popular genealogy site in the word is ancestry.com, who happens to be the current owner, released the FTM 2012 in September 2011.

I was in my early twenties when I got interested in genealogy, mostly thanks to my mother who was already researching our family history. My genealogy days came to a stop several years back when I hit several brick walls, since then my mother has taken over the family research. I bought my mother the FTM 2012 software last year, which the software turned out to be a major improvement compared to the old versions as you can sync directly with ancestry.com. The 2012 version is now on my computer as well and I have now started to get back into genealogy.

There is a basic guide with the program, but there are so many changes in the program it takes awhile to figure out what is what. Luckily, there is the Companion Guide to Family Tree Maker 2012 written by Tana L. Pedersen to help us new and old FTM users understand all the cool new tools and features. If you are a new user, the first few chapters will go over all the basics on how to setup the program with your family's information.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: July 26th - August 1st

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Elizabeth.)



How do you organize your books to be read?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
Any TBR books on Kindle go into a review folder. TBR review paperbacks go into a pile on an endtable or on my desk.

Linky List:

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Is There ANOTHER Craigslist Killer?

Remember the movie, The Craigslist Killer? Well, that film was based on true events, and if you weren’t convinced then, you’ll definitely be convinced now. Shocking news surfaced recently, when reports of yet another Craigslist murder began to circulate on the Internet. The victim, 27-year-old Daniel Cook, was killed last Friday when a Craigslist deal took a turn for the worst.

A resident of Williamstown, New Jersey, Cook had been browsing classified ads on Craigslist, when he saw an ad for an all-terrain vehicle. He wanted to take a look at the ATV, but the seller was located in Pennsylvania. He was well-aware of the potential dangers involved in meeting up with strangers from Craigslist, so he rounded up his girlfriend and another friend, and the three of them hit the road for the Philly area to check out the ATV. Little did Cook know, he was driving straight into a trap from which he would not return.

Cook Murdered By Craigslist Seller

Cook and his friends arrived at the address, where they met up with Thomas Coffee, the 23-year-old who posted the ad on Craigslist. According to Cook’s friends, Coffee pulled him away, stating that the ATV was around the back of the house: that’s when their meeting took a violent turn. Cook’s friends reported that two gunshots were heard after the two men headed toward the backyard. Police believe that Coffee pulled out a gun and shot Cook twice after robbing him of the cash he brought to pay for the ATV.

Emergency responders arrived, and they saw a man on the ground with two gunshot wounds: one in the chest, and another in the ankle. Officials positively identified the man as Daniel Cook, and he was pronounced dead on the scene. Thomas Coffee locked himself inside his home, and would not allow police inside, but officers surrounded the home and waited until they were able to secure him.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Bloggers, Reviewers, Sponsors, & Others Wanted for the 13 Days of Halloween 2013 Event

This year I'm partnering with Literary R&R!


There are only 85 days left until Halloween, which is simply my favorite holiday of the year as it brings out the kid in me. I grew up as a horror junkie (still am). I would circle all the upcoming horror movies being aired on television in the TV Guide. I was never one for trick-or-treating, but I have always loved decorating the yard with creepy things and giving away candy.

October 1st - 31st will be my  31 Days of Halloween, featuring 31 days of Halloween themed posts, ranging for horror movie reviews, horror book reviews, interviews with authors, guest posts, giveaways, and more. I would like to make this year more insane than last year, but I can't do it alone.

I'm looking for talented bloggers, authors, filmmakers, and horror fans to help out with guest posts, movie reviews, book reviews, or anything creepy. Each submitter will get a byline and a link back to their blog or website.

Additionally, I’m looking for giveaway sponsors, like Halloween costumes, candy, DVDs/Blu-rays, books, or anything Halloween related.

If you like to participate please fell out the form here

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Review - A Big Year for Lily

A Big Year for Lily
The Adventures of Lily Lapp
Book 3
By Mary Ann Kinsinger & Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Pub. Date: July 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0800721343
Pages: 272
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/mVlq1
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher
 
Review:

There are countless Amish fiction books for adults in the bookstores. It is nice to see a new series aimed for middle graders. I read the first book in The Adventures of Lily Lapp series last year, but I missed out on the second book. Litfuse Publicity Group and Revell nicely sent me a free copy of the third book, A Big Year for Lily, in exchange for my honest review.

Lily Lapp is an imaginative nine-year-old Amish girl, who, along with her cousin, has adventures around her Amish community. Life isn't exactly easy for Lilly as she has to deal with some school bullying from Effie Kauffman and a particular boy who likes to pick on her. It will take the love of her family and her faith in the Lord to help her make it to her tenth birthday.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Review - Rosemary Cottage

Rosemary Cottage
By Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub. Date: July 9, 2013
ISBN: 978-1595547828
Pages: 336
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/mQ63a
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

Review:

In this sequel to last year's Tidewater Inn, Amy Lange (a midwife) travels to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to mourn the death of her brother, Ben, who was lost at sea from a surfing accident, at least that is what everyone else has told her happen to Ben. Amy does her own investigation and starts to wonder what actually happened to her brother, while at the same time she helps out the local community as a midwife.

Her only help in finding the truth behind her brother's disappearance may come from a coast guard officer, Curtis Ireland, who may not be up to the task as he currently has his hands full raising his young niece, Raine, after his sister, Gina, died in a boating accident. Normally, he wouldn't go out on a limb to help a complete stranger, but there is something special about Amy and he agrees to help with her investigation.

Science and Science Fiction Books when Combined Create Great Works

In the first special science fiction issue released by the New Yorker, a new level of mainstream interest in science fiction was developed, giving a whole structure of New-Yorker obsessed avid readers go signal to take genre fiction. The said issue has included contributions from genre experts like Ursula K. Le Guin and Ray Bradbury and the rising “literary fiction” stars like Junot Diaz and Karen Russell.

In her contribution, Le Guin claims that in the past, very few people recognized expulsion from the Republic of Letters to the ghetto of genre. “Perhaps because ghettos, like all gated communities, give the illusion of safety”, Le Guin further noted.

Subsequently, science fiction has been sneaking into all types of new neighborhoods. In fact, the U.K.-based New Scientist previously launched Arc with a tag line as “a new magazine about the future”. On the other hand, the honorable MIT Technology Review also released a special issue of science fiction that includes featured articles from Cory Doctorow, Joe Haldeman and several others. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s hit television series, Prophets of Science Fiction, explores the power of fiction to purposely advance and complicate people’s ideas about the future, while Stephen Hawking is hosting the Science Channel’s Stephen Hawking’s Sci-Fi Masters.

Friday, July 19, 2013

House Party 5 DVD Giveaway


The fifth film in the House Party franchise is being released to DVD on July 23rd from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. I thought it would be a great time to ask, "So... what's your most outrageous real-life house party story?"

Honestly, I've never thrown a house party before. I grew up as a good kid, so I have never had an outrageous party. I am curious what outrageous moments others have had, but keep your comments to a PG-13 level for younger readers.



Book Blogger Hop: July 19th - 25th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Tanya.)


What is your favorite classic novel?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
Dracula by Bram Stroker
 Animal Farm by George Orwell
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson


Linky List:

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Review: Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols

Jennifer Echols is back with her newest novel, Dirty Little Secret, which centers on Bailey Mayfield, who loves playing the fiddle on stage while her sister, Julie, plays the guitar and sings. Her hopes and dreams of becoming a country singing sister duo came crashing down when music execs signed Julie to a solo career. Her parents commands Bailey to stay out of sight until her sister’s music career launches. 

Feeling angry at her family, Bailey becomes rebellious, which leads to her being shipped off to her granddad's house in Nashville for the summer. For a teenage girl, spending an entire summer with your grandfather is the worst punishment one could give her.

To deal with her mix feelings of being betrayed by her sister and parents, Bailey picks up her fiddle again, but only this time she goes to the local mall to play her music with washed-up tribute groups. Then she meets Sam, a guitarist, who persuades Bailey to join his band. The only problem is Bailey doesn't want to get her heart broken again.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Review - Chicken Soup of the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.


Being a blogger and a freelance writer can be extremely stressful and depressing. We have dreams of becoming successful published authors, but with all the rejection letters piling up, we begin to feel our dreams will never come true. I have had my own fair share of rejection letters. No matter how many times I tell myself not to let them bother me, they still do.

Chicken Soup for the Soul recently released Inspiration for Writers, which is written by newbies to bestselling authors. There are 101 motivational real-life stories covering fears of writing, critique pals, scheduling your writing time, battling writer's block, handling rejections, and finding inspiration for your work.

Review - A Bride For All Seasons: The Mail-Order Bride Collection

A Bride For All Seasons: The Mail-Order Bride Collection
By Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub. Date: June 18, 2013
ISBN: 978-1401688530
Pages: 400
Buy Link: Paperback
Blog Tour Link: http://litfusegroup.com/author/BrideSeasons
 
Review:

I've been trying to cutback on my reading and focus more on my writings, but I became interested in this anthology when I learned Mary Connealy and Robin Lee Hatcher were two of the authors, which I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

The year is 1870 and four women, Mary-Jo, Ellie, Luvena, and IMegan, are looking for a second chance at life by becoming a mail-order bride, which the ads are placed in the Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue.

In Margaret Brownley's And Then Came Spring, Mary-Jo Parker travels from Georgia to Kansas to marry a successful attorney, Daniel Garrett, only to arrive in time for his funeral. Here is another shocker; Daniel has a son, which he never mentioned in his letters to Mary-Jo. Her hope of getting married may not be over as the sheriff, who happens to be Daniel's brother, offers to marry her.

Review: Doctor Who - The Doctors Revisited: One - Four

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.


To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, BBC Home Entertainment is releasing the best serial from each of the eleven Doctors. The first release features the first four Doctors, William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, and Tom Baker, from the years 1963-1981, each in one classic episode, The Aztecs, Tomb of the Cybermen, The Spearhead From Space, and Pyramids of Mars.

My introduction into the world of Doctor Who was when the episode "Rose" aired on the Sci Fi Channel (now known as SyFy) in the spring of 2006. I was aware of the previous series that aired from 1963-1989, but I had never watched an episode before, though I had watched the Peter Cushing's version, Doctor Who and the Daleks and Daleks - Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D., so I was eager to watch the four-disc set, which I received free of charge from BBC Entertainment in exchange for my honest review.

Each episode can be watched in its original four-part version or as a feature presentation with an introduction by Steven Moffat. For a bonus, there is a profile special on each doctor.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Monday Morning Madness #23: Revolt to a New Me!



Another week has quickly gone by and here I am again writing my Monday Morning Madness post on Monday evening. My mind was on other things over the weekend and I forgot to write my weekly Revolt Now Fitness post. The workout program was created by Nichole Huntsman and consists of five workout days and two rests days, though there are optional workouts on Wednesday if you don't want to take the day off. There are cardio, upper and lower workouts, all ranging from twenty minutes to forty-five minutes.

I had a chest cold last week, so my workouts weren't 100%, but I tried my best. My diet has been pretty good; though the scales have informed me I haven't lost any pounds yet. Maybe it's just my scale! I'm getting a new digital scale to review soon, so maybe I have lost a few pounds.

Back-to-School Giveaway Blast!


Welcome to the Back to School Blast!

Getting your family prepared to head back to school, can be difficult especially after a long, fun-filled summer. Here are a few of our favorite Back to School Tips to help you along the way.
1. Back-to-School Supplies Checklist - Backpack? Check. Pencils? Check. Safety scissors? Not Yet. Use the same checklist each time you head out to grab supplies, to keep track of what you have already purchased and the things you still need to. These are also handy if you have more than one child. Simply print 2, 3, 4 list and add their name to the top.

2. If you don't live in a big city, you'll probably restricted to Walmart stores for your child's Back-To-School shopping. Here is a smart tip: Check the Sunday newspaper ads for other stores not in your area to see if their school supplies or clothes are cheaper. If so, take the ad with you when you checkout as Walmart will meet any other store's prices as long as the ad is not outdated.

3. Yes, it may be cheaper to buy back-to-school supplies at your local dollar store, but make sure you inspect the product before buying as the product may be in bad quality and end up breaking during the first quarter of school. You're better off buying a better quality product even if it is a few dollars more.

4. Notebooks (the paper kind not the computers) are extremely cheap in July and August. I recommend stocking up on a few dozen and store them for future use. School projects popup all the time, where a student may need a required separate notebook by the next day. Getting off from work and then having to go to a store late at night may be stressing for parents. It would save time if you keep extra notebooks on hand.
The Back to School Blast was organized by Mom Powered Media.
Please take a moment to also visit our lovely co-hosts, whom without them great things such as these would not be possible: My Vegan Gluten-Free Life, Plum Crazy About Coupons, Capri's Coupons, Downshifting - Your Family, Your Home, Your Life, Jack of all trades, Master of Mom™, Quick Tattletails, Mew Review and Iowa Mom.

One lucky winner will receive a $1,000 Visa Gift Card!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Fears of Being a Writer

 *This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.

Life as a writer or even a blogger isn’t easy as it seems to be. Many people think we have an easy job, or more like an obsession, and all we do is sit at a computer and write all day. It is not as simple as it seems. We have daily life problems just as anybody else does. Many of us have a full-time job and dabble at writing early in the morning, late at night, or on the weekends. Sometimes we only get as little as five minutes to write. We have to worry about deadlines, financial troubles, and the dreadful writer’s block.

Many famous writers, like Edgar Allen Poe, turn to substance abuse to deal with their pain or try to erase their troubles. Writer’s have a tendency to have depression due to being isolated for numerous hours at a time working on a writing project. When this occurs, some recycle into the substance abuse. Sadly, a few have taken their own lives.

All of this can be avoided if you would admit you have a problem and seek help. StepHouse recovery centers help people with addiction problems, like the Outpatient Program - StepHouse Recovery located in Fountain Valley, California, where their certified counselors and licensed therapists offer specific programs to help those with addiction problems. Live-in-recovery or inpatient or residential treatments are available in these programs.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

DVD Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Enter Shredder

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.

This week Nickelodeon released the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Enter Shredder on DVD, containing seven episodes from the first season of 2012 series with all-star voice cast of Jason Biggs, Sean Astin, Greg Cipes, Mae Whitman, Hoon Lee, and Rob Paulsen - the original voice the 1987's Raphael, but now he is voicing the new Donatello.
 

DVD Review - Power Rangers Samurai: The Ultimate Duel: Volume 5

Power Rangers Samurai: The Ultimate Duel: Volume 5
Starring: Alex Heartman, Najee De-Tiege, Enika Fong, Hector David Jr., Britney Anne Pritle, Steven Skyler
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: July 16th, 2013
ASIN: B00CJ03ZMO
Retail: $14.98
Running Time: 92 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

The Power Rangers mania continues with Lionsgate releasing Power Rangers Samurai: The Ultimate Duel on DVD this Tuesday, July 16, which is the final volume in the first season. (The second season was retitled Super Samurai.) I received a complimentary copy of the DVD in exchange for my honest review. Today is a perfect time for me to post the review as the franchise airs on Nickelodeon on Saturdays, when it is not on hiatus.

The Samurai Rangers (Jayden, Kevin, Emily, Mia, Mike, and Antonio) have no time for a day off as the Master Xandred's powers are slowly returning and the Sanzu River is starting to seep into the real world, leading the Rangers to visit the Tengen Gate and retrieve The Black Box, the most powerful Samurai weapon ever to exist, which is a good thing as they must fight off the Nighloks, giant Moogers, web-shooting Arachnitor, a dream-invading Rhinosnorus, and the giant Spitfangs. To make matters worse, Jayden must have the ultimate duel with Decker!

From left to right: The Green Ranger ("Mike," left), the Pink Ranger ("Mia," left center), the Blue Ranger ("Kevin," right center) and the Yellow Ranger ("Emily," right) star in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's POWER RANGERS SAMURAI: THE ULTIMATE DUEL VOLUME 5.

5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit Review

The past week has certainly went by fast as I have been reviewing the new 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit, which is available at most Walmart stores at $44.98. I have seen the advertisements on television with the talk show host Marie Osmond and the football legend Dan Marino. I wanted to know what the hype was all about, so I decided to join the NSNation and try the 5-Day kit.

The meals in the kit are:

Day 1:  Granola Cereal, Red Beans & Rice, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Chocolatey Nougat Bar with Peanuts and Caramel

Day 2: Honey Wheat Bagel, Cheesy Potatoes Mix, Thick Crust Pizza, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Day 3: Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar, Chicken Noodle Soup, Homestyle Beef & Mashed Potatoes, Coconut Almond Bar

Friday, July 12, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: July 12th - 18th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Elizabeth.


How long have you been blogging?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
I've been blogging since April 1, 2009. I briefly had my blog on wordpress, but I later switched to blogger.

Linky List:

The Friday 56 - A Midsummer Night's Scream



Rules:
Grab a book, any book. 
Turn to page 56. 
Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you. 
Post it. 
Add your (url) post below in the Linky at http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Review: Orphan Black: Season One DVD

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.


BBC America's critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller Orphan Black: Season One arrives on DVD and Blu-Ray on Tuesday July 16th, 2013 starring Tatiana Maslany ("Ghost" in Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed), who recently won a Critic's Choice Television Award.

Tatiana Maslany plays Sarah Manning, a young woman who grew up as an orphan and is now a con artist/thief. She's in shock when she witnesses the suicide of her look-alike Detective Elizabeth "Beth" Childs, whom just happens to leave her purse containing her identification. Being a con artist, Sarah takes over Beth's identity, mostly to clear out Beth's bank accounts before the authorities learn of her death; plus, Sarah is trying to runaway from ex-boyfriend. She hopes the money is enough for her to start a new life with her seven-year-old daughter, Kira.

The longer Sarah stays as Beth, the more dangerous her life becomes as she learns there are more look-alikes, a housewife, a science nerd, and a crazy assassin. Allied with her foster brother, Felix, and two of her chameleons, Sarah is determined to figure out what is going on and who she really is.

Orphan Black, Season 1, Episode 1, Sarah (Tatiana Maslany)

Curse of Chuck Trailer!

Curse of Chucky is coming to DVD & Blu-Ray on October 8th! 


Monday, July 8, 2013

Nutrisystem 5-Day Jumpstart Kit Update

For anybody who hasn't read my post from last week, I started the new Nutrisystem 5-Day Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit, which is currently available at nearly 2,000 Walmart stores around the country. If you're like me, then you've probably seen the advertisements for the weight-loss program on television countless times. Now, everybody has the chance to join the NSNation and try the meals for five days for only $44.98.

Day one stared with the granola cereal, which I added some fat-free milk to it for breakfast. Plus, I had a cup of low-fat yogurt. For a morning snack, I drank a cup of fat-free milk. For lunch I had the red beans & rice witch chicken sausage in a spicy sauce (it’s in the above picture) with an extra smartcarb of rice. My afternoon snack consisted of one apple. My dinner consisted of a lasagna with meat sauce (look at the picture below) which I added a side salad, one slice of toast, and another 1/2 cup of rice. Dessert was a chocolatey nougat bar with peanuts and caramel.

Monday Morning Madness #22: I Put the "Pro" in Procrastination!


I have a slight problem with procrastinating! Does anybody else having this problem? I keep putting off my fiction writing; I mostly complain that I don't have enough time to write, when I have plenty of time. It only takes five minutes here and five minutes there to begin a short story or novel.

I received Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers in the mail on Friday and I'm about half way through it. The stories are written by writers (bestsellers and newbies) & even bloggers. The forty-four stories I have read so far have really lifted my spirits and have given me new encouragement to begin a daily writing routine, even it if is only fifteen minutes. Blogging and writing reviews doesn't count!

My plan is to start my daily routine today!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Review - Though My Heart Is Torn

Though My Heart Is Torn
The Cadence of Grace, Book 2
By Joanne Bischof
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Pub. Date: April 2, 2013
ISBN:978-1601424235 
Pages: 352

Review:

I do enjoy a good historical novel, which is one of the many reasons I wanted to review Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof, which I received free of charge in exchange for my honest review. I did miss out on reading the first book, Be Still My Soul, in The Cadence of Grace series, but I thought I would give the book a try.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the early 1900s, Lonnie has finally found the happiness she has always dreamed about with her bluegrass musician husband, Gideon O'Riley. Her love for the Lord has finally caught a hold of Gideon. Everything seems to be going great until they are forced to return to Rocky Knob, where Cassy Allan claims to be Gideon's rightful wife.

As Gideon's past mistakes come to light, Lonnie must continue to have faith in God if she wants to save her marriage.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: July 5th - 11th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Elizabeth.




Do you like or dislike Rafflecopter and why?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
I like using Rafflecopter for all my giveaways because you can easily add a "like" Facebook page and follow someones twitter. Plus, it will randomly pick a winner for you.

Linky List:

Thursday, July 4, 2013

DVD Review - Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series



It doesn't seem like it has been twenty years since the Power Rangers were first on television, but the franchise will officially turn 20 this September. Over the last six months, I have had the chance to review several of the Samurai DVD titles from Lionsgate. I guess you can say I got in the mood for more Power Rangers, so I ended up buying the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series a few months back. Yes, I do realize the seasons' volumes have been slowly coming out on DVD, but I was interested in the two bonus discs that only come with the complete series.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Look What Came in the Mail: Nutrisystem 5-Day Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit

I have seen the Nutrisystem commercials on television numerous times and I've always been curious if the program actually worked. Before, the only way to try out the program was by calling or going to the website, but that has now changed as you can buy the Nutrisystem 5-Day Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit at your local Walmart at $44.95, which is less than $9 a day! The kit is meant to help jumpstart your weight loss journey.

As many of my readers already know, I have been trying to get myself into shape this year, but the road has been a rocky one. Since I started a new workout program this week, I thought it would be a good time for me to try the 5-Day Kit. My first thought was to start the program today, but with tomorrow being the 4th I thought it would be best if I start it on Friday.

The kit is jam-packed with fifteen entries and five desserts.

DVD Review - The Smurfs: Smurftastic Journey

The Smurfs: Smurftastic Journey
Voices: Various
Studio: Warner Bros. Home Video
Release Date: October 15, 2013
ASIN: B00DHSDMSO
Running Time: 78 minutes
Rating: Not Rated

Review:

Yes, the little blue Smurfs will be appearing on the big screen this summer in the sequel to the silly 2011 film. Warner Bros. is taking advantage of the new movie by releasing the classic the 1980's The Smurf cartoon series on  two new DVDs, Smurfs to the Rescue (out July 16th) and Smurftastic Journey. The latter is supposed to be released on October 15th, but I ran across it while I was browsing through the five dollar DVD bin at Walmart. I'm a big of the Smurfs, so I had to buy it.

The episodes on the release are:

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Trance Blu-Ray Giveaway


Synopsis
From ACADEMY AWARD®-Winning director Danny Boyle* (Slumdog Millionaire) comes an “exhilarating brain-twister” (New York Post)! After a blow to the head during his attempted robbery of a $27 million Goya painting, Simon (James McAvoy, X-Men: First Class), a fine-art auctioneer, awakens to find that the painting – and his memory – are missing. Forced by his ruthless crime partner Franck (Vincent Cassel, Black Swan) to undergo hypnosis, Simon enters into a deadly love triangle with his seductive hypnotist (Rosario Dawson, Sin City). As the plot twists, the line between reality and dream becomes blurred in this fast-paced, unpredictable, “sexy and suspenseful” (Empire) thriller.

Danny Boyle’s Most Memorable Movie Moments

  Debuting on Blu-ray & DVD July 23 DigitalHD July 2

Through his position as director, producer, and writer for a variety of films in different genres, Danny Boyle has proven his versatility and become a well-known name in the entertainment industry. Among the many awards that Boyle has received is an Academy Award for Best Director in 2008 for Slumdog Millionaire. In 2012, Boyle was the artistic director for the Summer Olympics opening ceremony. He has certainly brought us many memorable moments in movie history. Take a look as we dive further into his filmography.

From ACADEMY AWARD®-Winning director Danny Boyle* (Slumdog Millionaire) comes an “exhilarating brain-twister” (New York Post)! After a blow to the head during his attempted robbery of a $27 million Goya painting, Simon (James McAvoy, X-Men: First Class), a fine-art auctioneer, awakens to find that the painting – and his memory – are missing. Forced by his ruthless crime partner Franck (Vincent Cassel, Black Swan) to undergo hypnosis, Simon enters into a deadly love triangle with his seductive hypnotist (Rosario Dawson, Sin City). As the plot twists, the line between reality and dream becomes blurred in this fast-paced, unpredictable, “sexy and suspenseful” (Empire) thriller.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Revolt July Uprising Week #1

Yep, I'm joining the Revolt uprising again. I was one the bloggers who tried the fitness program earlier this year, but I couldn't participate in the program for the past two months because a family emergency. There have been many trials for me over the course of those months resulting in a little weight gain and a bit of depression.

I've started to bounce back by keeping myself busy by reading a few books and working on some writing projects. To get myself back in shape, I've rejoined the Revolt Fitness Program, which is created by Nichole Huntsman.

I didn't exactly want to exercise this morning, so it took me a little while to talk myself into it. Eventually, I dragged out the a kettlebell and a stability ball, pulled the recliner out of the way, and went to http://revoltnowfitness.com for today's workout, which was Cardio: Guts & Butts Circuit. I couldn't get the video to work at first because I needed to update the java and flash in my browser. Once everything was ready, I began the workout. When I think of cardio, I think of running and kickboxing, but not with this workout as there were mostly squats. Normally, I would love doing squats, but since I have been a couch potato for several weeks, the squats were a drag, but I know I'll see results fairly quickly from the routine.

Monday Morning Madness #21: Reboots Take Time


Last week certainly went by like a flash! Actually, the whole month of June flew by too fast. My plans of reading a few Harlequin books didn't happen, though I do plan on crash coursing myself on the genre this month. Instead I'm reading a zombie romance anthology, mostly because I'm brainstorming on my own zombie romance story. So far I've been a complete dead brain, but hopefully a creative spark will occur.

I spent most of my free time editing through a short story authored by myself and four other writers. Though the story is just over five thousand words, it wasn't an easy task as all of us have our own style of writing. Nevertheless, I like the final version of the story, which I sent it into an upcoming anthology. Cross your fingers that it'll get into it!