I Have A Secret! - CONTEST CLOSED!

Many of you know that I live in Kansas City. Those who are from the area have probably heard of the fantastic local food company called Original Juan. They make BBQ sauces, salsas, hot sauces, pasta sauces....I could honestly go on and on. They have been kind enough to sponsor my August contest. We are giving away a $25.00 gift certificate to their on-line store.

I discovered Original Juan a few years ago at a local festival. The first product that I tasted and fell in love with was their Fiesta Juan's Bread and Butter Con Queso. Sweet and hot at the same time, this dip is a delectable treat. Soon it was in my pantry all the time.

Before too long, my husband and I made our way to their gift shop. They will let you sample virtually everything. I happily went home with a jar of their Frontier Traders Wild and Medium Smoked Jalapeno Salsa. Add a few tablespoons to a package of cream cheese, and you will be in HEA-VEN. No foolin', folks! With just the right amount of smoky flavoring, it makes a delightful snack.

I have yet to try a product that I didn't love - the fruit dips, the margarita mixes, the bruschetta. Try any and all for yourself, and you will not be disappointed.

This contest is only open to residents of the U.S. To enter, you must visit the Original Juan site and window-shop. Then come back here and post a comment stating what you would like to buy if you win. That's it! A winner will be drawn at random on August 15th.

CONTEST & REVIEW: The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc by Loraine Despres - CONTEST CLOSED!

When I first read the back cover of this book, I thought that it would be about a married woman faced with temptation in the form of her former high school squeeze. It seemed like it would be a bit of fluff to while away the summer days.


Wrong, Susan. Just wrong. The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc is so much more than a book about a bored housewife looking for adventure. The reader is taken back and forth between the summer of 1956 and the fall of 1941, as well as a brief foray into 2002.


The novel starts with Sissy in 2002, flashing back on the events that occurred in her hometown of Gentry, Louisiana -- events that would eventually cause her to run from the town. The flashbacks bring the reader to the first time Parker Davidson re-enters Sissy's doldrum life as a 50s housewife. Within minutes, their passion for each other reignites into flames that are sure to burn everything around them.


But that isn't the whole story. Right about the middle of the book, Sissy's flashbacks go further back to 1941 - the year everything seemed to have been decided for Sissy. Her brother was dead and her mother dying, Parker and she were history, and Sissy was a very lonely young girl. Lonely girls make bad decisions, and their hearts and desires lead them astray. The key to this story lies in that lonely autumn. What happens during those brief months leads to everything else - the life she leads, losing Parker & getting him back, and the great tragedy which is only hinted at in the beginning of the book.


The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc could easily have been named The Scandalous Life of Sissy LeBlanc. Despres shows us the deliciousness of sin -- and it's consequences. My advice to all of you: read this book! My rating: 4/5


One of you will get a chance to read this book. To enter, I just want you to comment on something 'different' that you have done during summer - no, it does not need to be scandalous, like poor Sissy's summer activities! Just tell us 1 fun or exciting or strange....etc....summer activity! Contest ends Thursday, August 14th! Good luck everyone!

My Summer Activity is that in the summer of 1993, my best friend and I made regular trips across the river to St. Louis, MO to see the rising river levels up close.

MOVIE REVIEW: Definitely, Maybe

I love Ryan Reynolds. It's OK, my husband already knows. For years, he was a guilt pleasure as he did movies like Van Wilder. These days, however, he is finally coming into his own. In Definitely, Maybe Reynolds finally gets to play a grown-up -- a dad even! Paired up with the impressive Abigail Breslin, the two make a great father-daughter pair.

The movie opens with Reynolds' character receiving divorce papers. Naturally, the divorce affects his daughter too. After a fateful lesson on the birds and the bees at her school, she demands to know the truth about her own start - how did her mom and dad get together?

What follows is a delightful trek back into Reynolds' character's love life. He explains how he and his ex got together - but as a mystery. Reynolds presents three different women to his daughter (Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher and Rachel Weisz), any of whom could be her mother. Throughout the story-telling, father and daughter become closer and learn something along the way.

I loved Reynolds' acting before this movie, and I always thought he was destined for better things. This movie shows that for sure. It isn't just any actor who can go toe-to-toe with a child actor as talented as Breslin. They feel natural together, and neither steals the scenes.

All in all, this is a darling romantic comedy with mystery thrown in for a twist. Even my husband got a kick out of it. My rating: 4/5.

Wordless Wednesday - Awesome Advertising!

TV Review: Surviving History

Surviving History is a fantastic show on The History Channel over the summer season. The show is based in Columbus, OH at the headquarters of The Scare Factory.



The premise of the show is that the builders and artists build ancient to medieval torture and execution devices. The devices are then tested on both dummies and actual people. You may wonder how they can test on real people without maiming or killing their test subjects (the workers on the show). After testing on the dummy, the device is typically made 'safe' in some way - blades removed and release switches installed. The point of having a live test subject is to have someone experience the discomfort, fear and sometimes humiliation associated with the machine.



The guys at The Scare Factory call this Experimental Archaelogy, which is a near-perfect phrase for what they do. From Firing Squads to the Rack to Chastity Belts, these fellas will test anything. Working with historians, a doctor and an EMT (just in case!), the Scare Factory crew tries very hard to be historically accurate - and have a little fun too. A recent episode showed Floor Manager Josh put in a dress to test the Ducking Stool, and the folks testing the Battering Ram (the Mongol Horde) had muffins thrown at them by defenders of the fortress (a.k.a. Crumbly). Go see their take on the joust here!



All of the workers are smart and funny - and maybe a little irreverent at times. Yet they still manage to put safety first and show respect for the horrors that people have faced at the hands of their neighbors. Check it out and you, too could have a little fun while learning something. My rating: 3/5.

REVIEW: Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

I read Magic Bites for the Yahoo Group Chilling Reads. It was just in time for me, I was in the mood for a fun paranormal book.

Kate Daniels is a mercenary for the Guild. When something magical goes wrong, Kate fixes it - or kills it. That works out OK for her, until her Guardian is murdered. Kate is hell-bent on finding the killer, even if it means working with the Order, a group that is just a bit too disciplined for her taste.

Kate's detective work lands her smack in the middle of a potential war between the Pack (shapechangers) and the People (pilots of the vampires). Humans, vampires and shapechangers are all being killed, and the finger-pointing goes in every direction.

Magic Bites is set in an Atlanta far unlike our own. Magic and technology fight for control, and the magic often wins. Filled with fighting, blood-wards, and power, Magic Bites is a paranormal mystery worth your time. My rating: 3/5.

This one belongs to the library, so I cannot raffle it off. A new raffle will be coming soon, keep your eyes peeled!

MOVIE REVIEW: College Road Trip

When most people think of Disney, they think of all the great animated movies like Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Alladin. With so many animated classics being produced by the company, it's easy to forget the fun family films. Don't do it!!! Those folks at Disney can do more than draw!

College Road Trip is a fine example of the heartwarming yet humorous movies that Disney turns out. Starring Raven Symone and Martin Lawrence, it is the story of a young girl wanting to spread her wings and the dad who just doesn't want to let go.

I have always loved Raven, from her days as Olivia on The Cosby Show to her mad-cap adventures on That's So Raven. She has talent - big-time. The girl can sing her heart out too, which she even gets a chance to do in College Road Trip. She's great as a smart young woman striving for her independence against a controlling dad.
(And Raven is an executive producer on this one, too! My little girl has grown up so fast!)

Martin Lawrence, on the other hand, has never done it for me. I never watched Martin or the Bad Boys movies. My mind started to change a little with Wild Hogs (another Disney!), and I may have actually joined his fandom with College Road Trip. Martin plays the clingy dad to a tee. From hijacking her road trip to spying on slumber parties, he is the dad who just can't let go of his baby girl.

With a genius little brother and his genetically altered pig (and is he cute?) along for the ride, College Road Trip is not one to miss. Donny Osmond fans will love seeing him in his first movie role in about 30 years, too. Don't miss his father-daughter scenes, they are a hoot! My rating: 3/5

Del and I made a trip to the lake this weekend.  In addition to sunburn, we also brought home these fun pics!

We saw sailboats.

And waves crashing against the boat.

And we saw duckies - all kinds of duckies!  You know I love the duckies!

And this bug - what is this bug?

And we saw fishies!

Here is Del in all his coolness --- and his Captain's pose! 

Wordless Wednesday - Taking Flight

MOVIE REVIEW: Batman: The Dark Knight

As the wife of a comic book connosieur, there was no doubt that I would be seeing this movie shortly after it opened. The fact that we waited until Saturday, Day 2, is a miracle, I'm sure.

The Dark Knight brings Batman face-to-face with Joker, who is arguably Batman's best known foe. The character is a clever yet diabolical one, and he has always been my favorite of the Batman Villians. As most everyone knows, this role belonged to Heath Ledger, and was his last complete role before his tragically early death this year. It takes a special kind of actor to play a character like Joker. Joker is delightfully wicked, and Heath brought out the best in him. The writers and Heath created a character who is dastardly and yet humorous. He has terrifying scenes and funny scenes.


While there is already some Oscar talk for Ledger, that would surprise me. Super-hero films don't generally get Oscar nods for acting, writing, directing - the biggies. If Ledger were to get a nomination, I would have to wonder if it was because of his death.


And what about Batman? This is a Batman movie, and everyone is talking about the villain. I really like Christian Bale as Batman. He is an incorrigable playboy as Bruce Wayne, and he is dark & brooding as the Bat. I heard someone on the radio say Bale is a boring Batman, but I don't buy it. He is intense. I just think Bale's Batman is the way the character should be.


Finally, I heard a critic say Friday morning that The Dark Knight is the movie of our lifetime. Huh? It's a comic book flick! This series is definitely darker than the 90s series (thank God for good writing!), but it is still a comic book movie. If that is going to be the movie of his lifetime, he really needs to move out of his mom's basement!


I liked this movie - I liked it a lot. It was just what a summer blockbuster should be. Lots of action and explosions and a little humor for good measure. I will buy the DVD for sure, but it is not the end-all, beat-all of movies. Honestly, I liked Batman: The Beginning better. My rating: 4/5.


Now when the heck is the next Superman coming out?

REVIEW: Rebel Angels by Libba Bray (Audio)

Rebel Angels is the second in a YA series by Libba Bray, the first being A Great and Terrible Beauty. I discovered Libba Bray earlier this year when I read A Great and Terrible Beauty as a group read.



I have stayed away from YA fiction in the past. I thought I was too old for it, and I would have to dumb down to read the books. The only YA fiction that I read as a young girl were Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High. While they were entertaining books and sparked a life-long love of reading, they were a tad formulaic. That doesn't stop me from picking them up to this day, though!



Libba Bray, among other authors, has proven to me that I am not too old or too good for YA fiction. She writes well and doesn't make the subject-matter over-simplified simply because her target audience is a little younger. I believe that the only reason this series is considered YA is because the main character is a young girl of 16.



Rebel Angels brings us back to Spence Academy for Girls, just outside of London. Gemma Doyle and her friends Anne and Felicity are dealing with loss and anger at each other while still clinging to their friendship.



Gemma has discovered that her actions (in AGATB) have let loose the magic in the Realms, which means anyone or anything can use it. Although it sounds like a wonderful thing, in truth, it is causing a decay of the Realms. With the help of her friends and the creatures in the Realms, Gemma must bind the magic before it is too late.



Rebel Angels was a lovely book, all the more so because of the reader on this Audio copy. Unlike many series books, this one must be read as a companion to the first. It's really like reading Volume 2 of the same book. Bray sparks imagination in the reader/listener, and shows that their is a little magic in our world as well. My rating: 4/5.



I cannot offer this one up as a raffle, it is a library book. I encourage you all to discover the series for yourselves!

A New Day - A New Winner!

The fancy little randomizer that I use (random.org) has chosen a new winner! Lucky #13 will be the proud owner of It's Raining Cats and Dogs! Plus, since the book is a little on the small size, I'm throwing in an extra surprise for you!

So the winner is BrineS, who said:

I have to say that I have never heard that phrase! Though a hen pacing uphill backwards would be something hard to beat! BrineS, please send me an e-mail, with your address! Thanks for playing!

REVIEW - Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes - CONTEST CLOSED!

I first became familiar with this book many years ago when I saw the movie with Diane Lane. I don't normally read the book after seeing the movie, but it had been several years and I didn't see the harm in it. Truthfully, there was no harm at all. It may be my memory failing, but I didn't see a lot of connection between book and movie. The setting was the same, some of the people in the book made appearances in the movie, and one or two incidents showed up. It doesn't make one better than the other in my opinion.


I sheepishly admit that I didn't realize that the book was non-fiction. Once I did, I thought about passing on the read. I'm not crazy about non-fiction, though it has a place on my bookshelves. I prefer non-fiction audiobooks. Listen, drive and learn!!! At this point is where the movie comes in handy. I enjoyed the movie. It was a vivid representation of a lovely place. So, I pushed through my non-fiction snobbishness.

Under the Tuscan Sun could very easily have gone wrong. The author is writing about purchasing a home in Italy and restoring it, many times by hand. In the meantime, she cooks and she travels to Etruscan sites. The book could have read like a combo travel guide/do it yourself guide/cookbook. But Mayes is wonderful! She instead brings it all to life for the reader. I felt like I was with her through the process of house-buying (here is the set price, but be sure to bring more checks for the owner under the table. It's just the way it is done). I felt her frustration in dealing with the contractors (no working during Siesta, no work in August - holiday month, it should take about 5 days; 5, 21, what's the difference?). I wanted to be with Mayes as she walked the old Roman roads and entered ancient tombs!

Under the Tuscan Sun is very well done. I want to visit Italy, buy a house, restore it, and take on the Italian lifestyle!! As an apartment-dweller in Kansas City, I can only do these things in my mind. Through Frances Mayes' words, I can. (And did I mention she has at least 20 recipes interspersed? Yummy!) My rating: 3/5.


Post a comment by Sunday, August 3rd for a chance to win this book. Good luck!

The Winning Continues!

The contest for Angels of Darkness has now ended.  Here is what Random.org said....

Which points to Icedream who said...

Congrats Icedream!!!!

Thanks to all who entered, and don't forget to enter to win It's Raining Cats and Dogs! 

Wordless Wednesday - Kansas City & the Rosedale Arch

Did You Win?

Thanks so much for making the Wendy's contest my most successful yet! Special thanks go out to Laura Williams' Musings, Shaunie's Happy Place and An Island Review for sharing my contest news with their readers.

I've just loved reading about your first jobs, too! Telemarketer, elf, camp counselor, waitresses, nanny, office assistant, fast food workers, pizzeria workers, vet assistant, babysitters, lifeguard, farm workers, library assistant, weaver, artist, newpaper delivery, painter, cashier, yard worker, movie theater worker...I could go on and on! We are some industrial little people!

So which worker did Random.org choose as the winner?

So there ya have it!!! #41 is the winner!!! Congratulations, #41! You are #1 in all of our hearts!!!! Thanks everyone!

What? #41 isn't enough information for you guys? OK, fine. Lemme do some Lebanon math here....Let's see ---- 1, 2, square root of......divided by.....ummm....I almost have it....................................................................................

Congrats Preppy Mommy! Worked in a surf shop, huh? Now that is a cool job! Hot dudes (or duds) everywhere - suntans, surf time (no thanks for me - Jaws ruined ocean life for this midwestern girl!).

I've sent you an e-mail, just need your address so I can send you your GC. Remember to be nice to the worker who waits on you --- she could be a mini-Susan!

Now to go check out those purses Preppy Mommy linked....I am a purse fiend in case you didn't know!!!

REVIEW: It's Raining Cats and Dogs by Jackie Franza, illustrated by Steve Gray - CONTEST CLOSED!

While checking out at Pet-Co today, I noticed the books, of course, that they use to tempt you much like a candy bar at the grocery store. You know the books I'm talking about. 'Why Your Dog Will Follow You to the Ends of the Earth but Your Cat Won't Follow You to the Next Room' & 'Your Gerbil and You on the Exercise Wheel of Life'. I always look at them, because I am a book & animal lover .

Today I hit the jackpot! It's Raining Cats and Dogs is all about the origins of famous animal phrases. Why did we start saying 'A Little Bird Told Me', and what about 'Happy as a Clam'? I am forever asking where phrases came from. Unfortunately, I tend to ask my smart-elleck boss and learn nothing from the experience. I get a good laugh, though.

It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a great book for word-junkies like me. I love learning the origins of things I use in conversation on a daily basis. The book is a quick read, but you'll walk away with a little more trivia trapped in your head. You just might need it on the next Family Pursuit Trivia night! My rating: 4/5

You too could satisfy your love of language. Just comment on this post by next Sunday, July 20th. There is a small catch, though. I'd like you to include a saying (like It's raining cats and dogs.) in your comment that you've always wanted to know the origin of. The winner will still be chosen at random. Good luck, poppets!

REVIEW: Angels of Darkness edited by Marvin Kaye - CONTEST CLOSED

Angels of Darkness is the collection of 48 tales which show the reader the darker side of women. From mildly disturbing to downright terrifying, this book has it all. The stories are separated into 4 different sections: Women in Danger, Dangerous Women, Women Troubled & Troubling and Distaff Darkness. Among the authors featured are Robert Browning, Hope Manville, Anne McCaffrey and Robert Bloch. Out of all of the writers, only Nathaniel Hawthorne was not new to me.

There are so many stories in this book worth mentioning, but then this review would go on and on and on. So, here are a few of the stellar entries:

The Last Kiss by Maurice Level -
This is the very first story in the book, & it sets an unusual tone. It's a chilling tale of love and the dangers its passions can create.

Game for Motel Room by Fritz Leiber -
This short entry is a wonderful sci-fi fantasy take on affairs of the heart and a woman scorned.

Centaurus Changeling by Marion Zimmer Bradley -
One of the longer stories, Centaurus Changeling has me wondering why I have never read Zimmer Bradley before! She's wonderful! The characters and setting are so fantastic, she has definitely won a fan in me. This is a tale of love and hate between women, and the sisterhood that exists in the unlikeliest of places.

Angelica by Jane Yolen -
This story was next to last in Angels of Darkness. This story is worth the price of the book. Only 3 1/2 pages long, it packs more punch than books 100 times it's size. I gasped in shock and despair as I finished. Then I flipped the pages back and re-read it aloud to my husband. The kicker is, the story is so short that I won't even give a tiny bit of it away. Just know that it must be read.

All told, there were good stories, OK stories and utterly phenomenal stories in this book. It took me an extraordinary amount of time to read (abt. 2 weeks) because it was so easy to just set down for a day or two between stories. The book ended up being well-worth the time. With tales ranging from a Chinese fairy tale to sadomasochistic erotica, it was fascinating to see the depths of darkness pushed on and emanating from the female characters. My rating: 3/5

Comment belowfor a chance to win this book! A winner will be chosen Thursday, 07/17/08. I warn you, though, this book is not full of warm fuzzies. There is sex, violence and a boat-load of death. Enter at your own risk!

Snow Leopard Trust

I'm pretty sure that I have established that I am a geek. I read incessantly, I am hooked on my BlackBerry, and I subscribe to magazines like Archaeology and National Geographic.

The June issue of National Geographic has an article on Snow Leopards. Like many big cats, Snow Leopards are endangered. It is estimated that there might only be as few as 3,500 left in the wild. Snow Leopards are losing some of their natural prey, and so they feast on livestock. The herders then hunt the Snow Leopards....and one day....no more Snow Leopards.

To battle this, Snow Leopard Trust was created. The Trust helps out the herders in different ways. They can assist in livestock insurance and in addition to this, many herders are becoming artisans instead. With help from the Trust, people are learning skills such as weaving. The goods oftentimes provide more money to the families than herding could have offered.

Check out their wonderful store, they offer great items such as rugs and handbags, yarn and t-shirts! You will be helping a great cause!

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Snow Leopard Trust.

Photo location: Unknown

Baseball Baby!

For the Fourth, hubby and I went to see the T-Bones baseball game. The T-Bones are a part of the Northern League, which is an independent baseball league. They are a fun and inexpensive alternative to Major League Baseball. Here are some pics that we took during the evening.

First, the Falcon Skydiving Team came in, one of them carrying the U.S. Flag.

BATTER UP!

Between innings, there are fun contests involving the attendees. Below is a sumo wrestling contest involving a guy and his father-in-law!

Want a Frosty? - CONTEST CLOSED!

It's finally July! With a new month comes a new contest! This month I'll be giving away a $25 gift card to Wendy's! That's right, those yummy square burgers, fries, chili and Frostys could soon be yours!

Working at Wendy's was my first real job. I only worked there over a summer, but it was a decent place to work, and the food was good.

So, this is a First Job contest. All you have to do to enter is tell us all what your first job was. That's it! A winner will be drawn at random still, but I will delete any and all comments that don't include anything about your first job! In other words, don't just tell me you want to win - that part is obvious! A winner will be chosen July 15th. Good luck!

So get to commenting, folks! I can smell that yummy Wendy's food right now!!! Hmmmm....maybe dinner?