My Favorite . . Thing About Winter

by Carol7 Comments
My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme. I don't actually winter much. I'm one of those people who thrive in the heat and sun of summer. I'm not a fan of snow. I hate driving in it and I don't ski. Ice is even worse. The sun is just rising when I take my daughter to school and is on its way down when I get home for work, and most days are cloudy in the middle - blah. That being said, I do have a favorite thing about winter. I love all the snuggly fabrics: sweaters and scarves, blankets and flannel sheets, and fuzzy socks. I love curling up on the couch beneath my favorite blanket (or two),  drinking hot chocolate...
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Readers’ Workouts – 1/10

by Carol7 Comments
I made my step goal for the week overall. This week: No formal exercise. The week was spent cleaning up after the holidays, hitting some after Christmas sales, and practicing the piano. The last few days have been too cold to even take the dog for a walk. Today should start a bit of a warm up for the end of the week. Meal plan: "Cowboy" spaghetti - David's request Shrimp fried rice Hashbrown casserole with fruit Pork chops with apples We'll actually be eating out several days - we always have dinner at church on Wednesdays, Amber's birthday is this week and we're going out of town on Saturday. New Year Fitness Goals: - Lose weight. Goal - Lose 26 lbs. I'm down 2 lbs. (141.4 starting weight) - Run 2 5ks, 1 10K and 1 half. I haven't registered for any yet. - Hit my weekly step goal (56,000 steps) for 48 weeks. Weeks completed: 2 How was your week? Readers’ Workouts is hosted by Joy at Joy’s Book Blog ....
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Wrap-Up 2016 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

by Carol1 Comment
I ended up reading 7 books for the 2016 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge, which means I hit the Christmas Tree level. As always, I enjoy Chrismassy reads. Thanks Michelle at Christmas Spirit for hosting this great challenge again this year. Here are my books I read. I think the titles should link to my reviews. Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon Told After Supper by Jerome K. Jerome Mistletoe Mysteries: Tales of Yuletide Murder by Charlotte MacLeod The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay Holiday with a Twist by Shannon Stacey Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod Cozy Christmas Shorts published by Gemma Halliday Publishing  ...
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Cozy Christmas Shorts from Gemma Halliday Publishing

by Carol3 Comments
This was my last Christmas read for the season. Like most anthologies, it has its ups and downs. Each of these short stories fits into a series, but the only series I had read before is the Southern Pasta Shop mysteries. I will say that each story gave a good feeling for the main character and style of mystery and I'd like to read more of a few of them. Most of the mysteries were cute and fun, but I did have a few favorites. I didn't really hate any of them, but there were a couple that I wasn't fond of. Favorites: "Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas" by Leslie Langtry - The Bombay family may be assassins, but they are funny, pragmatic, inventive and really care about each other. And I loved the spin they took with And Then There Were None. "A (Gingerbread) Diorama of Death" by Gin Jones - Helen, the main character, seems like an interesting lady, even though...
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Thursday’s Tale: Little Red Riding Hood

by Carol1 Comment
I thought it might be fun this month to re-post some of my most popular fairy tale posts. The post on Perrault's "Little Red Riding" from 2010 has the most all time view of any of my posts. Perrault's version of "Little Red Riding Hood" was first printed in 1697, and varies a little from the more familiar Grimm's version, told in the 19th century. Little Red Riding Hood, a "little country girl, the prettiest ever seen," was given her nickname because of the red hood that her grandmother had made. Notice that the cloak is red, a vibrant color often associated with sexuality and with blood. Anyway, one day Red Riding Hood is sent by her mother to her grandmother's house in the next village with a cake and some butter, since her grandmother has been feeling ill. Along the way, she meets the wolf who wants to eat her but comes up with a better plan. He asks her where she...
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Readers Workouts – 1/3/17

by Carol6 Comments
  I might have cheated a little bit on my steps this week. I've been practicing a lot on the piano and I think it's counting it as more steps than it really should. Of course, it does increase my heart rate a bit too, so I'm not really sure how it all works out. My husband's sick again, this time with the flu - I'm really hoping he doesn't give it to me. This week: Wednesday - 1 hr 5 mins elliptical Thursday- Walk, 10 mins Pilates Sunday - Walk with the dog, 10 mins Pilates Monday - Walk with the dog Meal plan: Chicken noodle soup (husband's request) Shrimp w/ pineapple and green pepper on rice "Italian" baked potatoes with broccoli Shrimp fried rice Scrambled eggs and sausage Pork tenderloin, baked apples, green beans New Year Fitness Goals: - Lose weight. Goal - Lose 26 lbs. I just weighed myself this morning for the start of the new year, so no progress yet. (141.4 starting weight) - Run 2 5ks, 1 10K and 1 half. Haven't...
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