The Help

Title: The Help
Author:  Kathryn Stockett
Finished: January 28, 2011
Edition: ebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kathryn Stocket was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi,  The help is her debut novel and according to Kathryn's web site soon to be a major motion picture from Dreamworks.  Kathryn currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and daughter.

SUMMARY

The Help takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, "The South", Kennedy is President and coloured folk just aren't as good as the whites.

This story is about three women:

Miss Skeeter, a white woman, has just graduated from college, and wants to be a writer.   Miss Skeeter is a daring young woman who chooses to question the black people are treated. Miss Skeeter has lived a sheltered life and doesn't quite realize how dangerous it is in the south at this perilous time of "change", but she does know that there is something wrong when the black woman who raised her and loved her and who Miss Skeeter loves back, cannot even use the same bathroom as her.

Aibileen, is a black maid who works for Miss Skeeter's friend Elizabeth Leefolt.  Aibileen's son died in a work related accident while his white boss stood by and did nothing to help him.  Aibileen is tired of the "white ways".  There is something boiling inside her since her son died but she never lets it out.  Aibileen is raising the white child Mae Mobley Leefolt, Mae is the 17th white child Aibileen has raised and knows the clean, pure feelings the child has for her will change once her mother's bigoted seeds are planted in the child's mind.

Minni, is Aibileen's best friend, she took care of Aibileen after her son passed away.  Came every day to ensure that she was still breathing and brought her dinner.  Minni is also a maid who works for Miss Hilly's mother.  Miss Hilly is another friend of Miss Skeeter's.  Minni works hard but just doesn't seem to know her place and has a sassy mouth that gets her into trouble according to Aibileen.  Miss Hilly fires Minni and spreads a lie through town so no one will hire her again.  Thanks to Aibileen, Minni gets a new job working for a white woman who is too new in town, to know about Minni.  Minni soon realizes that her new employer doesn't seem to know the "white rules", and that her new employer has a secret of her own.

Miss Skeeter wants to be a journalist, wants people to read her written work, and has come up with an idea for a project that would shock anyone she knows.  To complete this project Aibileen and Minni must help her, something that just isn't done in Jackson, Mississippi, putting them all at risk.


MY THOUGHTS

I read The Help for the Take a Chance Challenge.
Even though I was in the middle of reading A Dangerous Fortune, I'd joined the Take a Chance Challenge and was quite anxious to know which book I would be reading first.  Last Friday after work I took a trip to the local Chapters, walked down to the very back of the store, that is where the Staff Pick section is.  It didn't take me long to make my decision, it was so quick I cannot even tell you what else was on the shelf in that section.  I saw The Help, liked the look of the cover, picked it up read the back and I knew I had my book.  Headed home to download my new book for my Kobo.

Now reading on my Kobo I don't really have a good sense of when my book is coming to an end. What does she mean you ask?  Well my machine told me I had two more chapters to go, I flipped the page and found the Acknowledgements and was heart broken that I couldn't spend more time with Aibileen, Minni and Skeeter.  I did not want this book to end.  I cannot tell you enough how much I loved The Help.
The Help is definitely a keeper and will be listed as a to be read again.  Oh can I start now. ;)

My Rating:  5/5

Signing off till next time
L

A Dangerous Fortune

Title:        A Dangerous Fortune
Author:    Ken Follett
Finished: January 24, 2011
Edition :  ebook

SUMMARY

A Dangerous Fortune is set in the late 19th century and the story revolves around the Pillaster's, a prominent banking family in England.  The story beginnings at an English school where two young Pillaster boys attend when a tragedy occurs. This tragedy sends the Pillaster boys Hugh and Edward, their friends, acquaintances and family down a spiraling road of love, hate, lust, intrigue, blackmail and drama.


MY THOUGHTS

This book was my introduction to Ken Follett.  I've had Pillars of the Earth on my to be read list for a long time, but never seemed to get around to reading it.  My husband and I watched the mini series over our Christmas vacation and really enjoyed it.  I felt it was too soon to read the book so I looked for another one, A Dangerous Fortune is what I chose.

I had mixed feelings about this book, maybe it was my mood.  On the front cover it states that this book is a page turner. It was a slow paced, drawn out book. 

I rate this book 2.5/5

Signing off till next time.
L

Slow-Cooker Chestnut Stew

I have to admit I didn't have time to work with chestnuts, so I used water chestnuts instead.  They were crunchy and added a nice texture to this meal.  I will definitely try this recipe again with the chestnuts when I have more time. 

This stew was cooked in the slow cooker for 7 hours, placed in the refrigerator overnight and warmed for supper the next day.  Extremely flavourful.

This recipe was found in Tosca Reno's The East-Clean Diet Cookbook.  Trust me there is nothing diet tasting about this dish.


INGREDIENTS

3 lbs lean, boneless bison or beef, cut into 1 inch chunks ( I used beef )
1/3 cup flour of your choice ( I used whole wheat )
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano crumbled
1 tbsp dried basil crumbled
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press
2 thick carrots, peeled and chopped
2 thick parsnips, peeled and chopped
4 ribs celery, trimmed and chopped
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup of steamed chestnuts, chopped ( I one can of water chestnuts )
1 tbsp tomato paste ( I didn't use this ingredient )
3 cups water, beef or vegetable stock  ( I used vegetable stock )


PREPARATION

In a container with a lid, place the flour, sea salt, pepper, oregano and basil.  Put the lid on the container and shake.  Now add the cubed meat and shake again to coat each piece with flour and seasonings.  Set aside.

In a large skillet, place olive oil and set over medium-high heat. Remove the meat cubes from the flour mixture one at a time.  This ensures no excess of flour, and the coating on each cube will not be disturbed.  Place the meat in the skillet.  You may have to brown it in batches.  Once the meat is nicely browned, remove from the skillet.  Place the meat in the bowl of a slow cooker.  Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, mix gently and set to high.   Cook covered for 6 hours.  Serve hot!

Signing off till next time.
L

Room

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Donoghue was born in Dublin in 1969.  Emma is an award winning writer and is currently living in Canada with her family.  To visit her web site please click  HERE.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It's where he was born and where he and his Ma eat and play and learn. At night, Ma puts him safely to sleep in the wardrobe, in case Old Nick comes.


Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it's the prison where Old Nick has kept her for seven years, since she was nineteen. Through ingenuity and determination, Ma has created a life for herself and her son, but she knows it's not enough for either of them. Jack's curiosity is building alongside Ma's desperation -- and Room can't contain either of them for much longer...

Told entirely in the inventive, often funny voice of Jack, Room is a celebration of the resilient bond between parent and child, and a brilliantly executed novel about a journey from one world to another.

MY THOUGHTS

When this book was first being talked about, prior to it being available for purchase, there was quite a hype and everyone was chomping at the bit for it to be released.  I'm usually one of those people but something was holding me back.  What?, you ask.  I'm not really sure.  Then the reviews started pouring onto the net and I was intrigued.  I purchased the book but had to wait to read it, I had another book on the go and a couple in the to be read pile.

I started the book close to the end of my Christmas vacation and was pleased to have a page turner in my hands.

This story is told through the voice of a young boy named Jack who lives in "Room".  He knows nothing of his hardships because his Ma has spent five years protecting him from the reality of their lives.  After Jack's fifth birthday we start to learn the circumstances surrounding their situation as his mother's need to leave "Room" increases for both their sakes.  Unbeknownst to our young story teller there is a whole world outside of "Room", which has become a comfortable cocoon like environment for him with routine, structure and the protection of four very close walls.  It takes a special person like Ma to keep the horror of her life in "Room" from her young son for 5 years until she realizes that he may be her only hope.

This was an exceptionally well told story.  Many times throughout this book I found myself saying that Jack doesn't need to know so much from his mother, that he was treated more like a friend and confidant, not a five year old boy.  I've tried to imagine myself in her shoes and I suppose I wouldn't have treated my child any differently in the situation that unfolds in this story.

I definitely recommend this book.

Signing off till next time
L.

Thyme-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Gravy

I found this recipe in December/January 2011 Healthy Directions.  I usually pick up the free magazines when I'm in the health food store.

I loved the chicken, I will definitely be make this again.  The house smelled wonderful today. The only thing I didn't do, was crush the garlic into the gravy.

INGREDIENTS

1 chicken (3 1.2 lbs)
10 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine
4 tbsp flour

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 325°F
• Roasting pan with rack
• Remove giblets and neck from chicken.  Rinse and pat chicken dry inside and out.  Place 2 cloves of garlic inside cavity.  Starting at cavity opening, gently lift skin and rub thyme, salt and pepper over breasts and legs.  Tie legs together with string;  tuck wings under back.  Add remaining garlic, chicken stock and wine to roasting pan;  place chicken breast side up, on rack in pan.
• Roast in preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes, for 1 3/4 to 2 hours or until pan juices run clear when chicken is pierced and meat thermometer inserted in thigh registers 185°F.
• Transfer to a platter; tent with foil and let stand for 10 minutes before carving.  Meanwhile, strain pan juices, pressing down firmly to mash garlic into juices; skim off fat. 
• In a small saucepan, stir together pan juices and flour; cook, stirring, over medium heat until boiling and thickened.  Serve with chicken.

Signing off till next time.
L.

Canvas Mixed Media Art

It's Sunday and very cold.  Currently it's -17, - 28 with the wind chill, good day to stay inside and keep warm.

My friend Angie started an Art inspired blog,   he{ART} and Soul  a few weeks ago and I thought I would give her first project a try.  I'm not set up for scraping and don't own stamps, so I improvised a  bit.  I'm still very pleased with the result.

David just has to hang it up for me.  Thanks Angie for the inspiring ideas, please keep them coming.

Signing off till next time.
                                      L.

Reading the World Challenge

While browsing though the blog  At Home With Books  I found a Reading Challenge that was very intriguing.  Alyce of At Home With Books, found the challenge at Caribousmom.

This challenge is a personal challenge with no time limits, I will be including books I've already read and adding books that I read in the future. 

I will be breaking Canada down into Provinces and the U.S.A. into States.


Africa

Congo

East of the Sun by Barbara Bickmore

Gambia

Roots by Alex Haley

Morocco

The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson

Asia

Afghanistan

Tiny Dancer by Anthony Flacco

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra

China

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See  (Also Japan and U.S.A.)

Peony In Love by Lisa See

Distant Star by Barbara Bickmore

Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See

Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan    (also U.S.A.)

India

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda  (also U.S.A.)

Iran

Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat

Israel

The Attack by Yasmina Khadra

Japan

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (also China and U.S.A.)

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Jordan

Honor Lost by Norma Khouri

Leap of Faith by Queen Noor

Russia

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Europe

France

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

Cassandra Lost by Joanna C. Scott

Iceland

Avalon by Anya Seton (also Greenland)

Ireland

Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty (also Barbados)

Italy

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (also Vatican City)

Monaco

Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends by Judy Quine

Netherlands

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy  Chevalier

Sweden

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

United Kingdom

England

Sisters Who Would Be Queen by Leanda De Lisle

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Katherine by Anya Seton

Scotland

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Caledonia by Michael Phillips

Dark Birthright by Jeanne Treat

Vatican City

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (also Italy)

N. America

Barbados

Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty (also Ireland)

Canada

Newfoundland

Catherine Snow by Nellie P. Strowbridge

Random Passage by Bernice Morgan

Nova Scotia

The Birth House by Ami McKay

Ontario

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan

PEI

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Jamaica

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Greenland

Avalon by Anya Seton (also Iceland)

U.S.A.

California

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda (also India)

Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (also China)

Los Angeles

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (also Japan)

Massachusetts

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Mississippi

The Help by Kathryn Stocket  

New York

The Friday Night Knitting Club by

Oklahoma

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts

Oregon

Beyond the Promise by Barbara Bickmore

Rhode Island

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult   ***NEW***
South Carolina

Secret Life of Bees by Sue Kidd Monk

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Kidd Monk

Tennessee

Dolly by Dolly Parton

Texas

Deep In the Heart by Barbara Bickmore

Oceania

Australia

The Moon Below by Barbara Bickmore

Back of Beyond by Barbara Bickmore

Outback by Aaron Fletcher

S. America

Colombia

Out of Captivity by Gonsalves, Howes, Stansell, Brozek

Signing off till next time

L.

Call Me Russell

Follow this link   Call Me Russell   to find the ebook available at kobobooks.com

Edition: eBook
Finished December 2010

Cover (from the Hardcover Edition)

Up-close personal and yes funny - this is the must-have celebrity memoir of the year. This candid first-person memoir chronicles Russell's life from his humble beginnings in suburbia as a scrawny brown bullied kid with ADD all the way to his remarkable rise as one of the world's top-earning comics. This is a shockingly honest book filled with poignant memories of his family his life and his career. Call Me Russell is a deeply inspirational story for aspiring artists of any culture about having hope working hard and dreaming big.

My Thoughts

Russell Peters "The Brown Comic" born and raised right here in Ontario, Canada.  I remember the first time my son introduced me to Russell Peters and his comedy.  We sat in the kitchen, heads together in front of the lap top and laughed till our tummies hurt.  I couldn't wait for my husband to come home so we could watch it all over again.  I really wanted to see my husband's reactions, you see it takes a lot to get my husband to have a good laugh.  So when the viewing of Russell Peters brought uproarious laughter from my husband I knew this comedian was a hit.

Having said all that, when I was browsing for a new book to read last November on kobobooks.com I stumbled across his book.  I was quite anxious to purchase it and get right to reading.

I enjoyed learning about his personal life, the ups and down, highs and lows.  I could identify with his ADD and troubles with school, as my son is experiencing high school in a similar way.  I was able to feel his emotion with the retelling of many events from his past.

The only down side to this book was the language.  Could it have been worse? Yes.  Have I read worse?  Yes.  If you have an aversion to language please beware.



Signing off till next time.
L

Take a Chance Challenge 2011



The Take A Chance Challenge is hosted by Jenners at Life...With Books

The 2011 Challenges

1: Staff Member’s Choice: Go to a bookstore or library that has a “Staff Picks” section. Read one of the picks from that section.

2: Loved One’s Choice: Ask a loved one to pick a book for you to read. (If you can convince them to buy it for you, that is even better!)

3: Blogger’s Choice: Find a “Best Books Read” post from a favorite blogger. Read a book from their list.

4: Critic’s Choice: Find a “Best of the Year” list from a magazine, newspaper or professional critic. Read a book from their Top 10 list.

5: Blurb Book: Find a book that has a blurb on it from another author. Read a book by the author that wrote the blurb.

6: Book Seer Pick: Go to The Book Seer and follow the instructions there. Read a book from the list it generates for you.

7: What Should I Read Next Pick : Go to What Should I Read Next and follow the instructions there. Read a book from the list it generates for you.

8: Which Book Pick: Go to Which Book and use the software to generate a list of books. Read a book from that list.

9: LibraryThing Pick: Go to LibraryThing’s Zeitgeist page. Look at the lists for 25 Most Reviewed Books or Top Books and pick a book you’ve never read. Read the book. (Yes … you can click on MORE if you have to.)

10: Pick A Method: Pick a method for finding a book from the choices listed below (used in previous versions of the challenge).

•Random Book Selection. Go to the library. Position yourself in a section such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Children (whatever section you want). Then write down random directions for yourself (for example, third row, second shelf, fifth book from right). Follow your directions and see what book you find. Check that book out of the library, read it and then write about it. (If you prefer, you can do the same at a bookstore and buy the book!)

•Public Spying. Find someone who is reading a book in public. Find out what book they are reading and then read the same book. Write about it.

•Random Bestseller. Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the number 1950 for the min. and 2010 for the max. and then hit generate. Then go to this site and find the year that Random.org generated for you and click on it. Then find the bestseller list for the week that would contain your birthday for that year. Choose one of the bestsellers from the list that comes up, read it and write about it.


1: Staff Member’s Choice:  The Help by Kathryn Stockett
2: Loved One's Choice:  Bone Series

Signing off till next time
L

Historical Fiction Challenge 2011

OK, this is my very first book challenge, so I'm kind of excited.  I don't think it will be a problem, I love Historical Fiction.

This Historical Fiction Challenge 2011 is hosted by Historical Tapestry.  General guidelines are listed below.

• Anyone can participate, you don't need a blog.
• The books from this challenge can overlap with other challenges.
• There are 5 levels to this challenge, choose which one suits you.
• Timeline for this challenge is January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011

To join this challenge follow this link

Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

I love this oatmeal and have made it many times, it's a huge hit with David.  I usually half the recipe, make it the night before and reheat in the microwave.

Prep Time:   10 minutes
Cook Time:  10 minutes
Serves:         4 Servings


INGREDIENTS

3 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds, optional
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch nutmeg
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
1 cup lowfat milk, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon



DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.  Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.  I use old fashioned oats which usually take longer about 10 minutes.

In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.  Set aside.

When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg.  Swirl in the brown sugar and place the oatmeal in serving bowls.  Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Recipe from the Cooking Channel.

Ginger Edamame Quinoa

                                               Pictured ~ made with chicken and broccoli

Pictured ~ made with beef and cauliflower

Tonight's supper and tomorrows lunch. Not the best presentation, but definitely tasty, put together with asparagus and the leftover peeled sliced broccoli stems *. Yummy.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa ( I use Bob's Red Mill ~ already rinsed, no soaking required)

2 cups water

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp water

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 tsp minced fresh garlic

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 cups cooked diced chicken **

1 cup cooked black beans (I use canned, drained and rinsed)

1 cup edamame beans (I use frozen)

3 tbsp soy sauce (I use reduced salt soy sauce)

PREPARATION

Bring the quinoa and the 2 cups of water to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave the covered saucepan on the burner for another 6 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Heat a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the oil, the 2 tbsp of water and the broccoli. Cover and cook the mixture for 4 minutes. Add the red pepper, garlic and ginger, replace the cover and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the broccoli and peppers are tender yet crisp. Add the chicken, black beans, edamame and soy sauce. Stir in quinoa and continue to heat until it is heated throughout. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2 days.

* Most of our vegetables I cook in water in the microwave then toss in a bit of olive oil and garlic in frying pan on stove.

** you can substitute chicken with beef, pork, whole shrimp or diced tofu.

Recipe: Quinoa, The Everyday Superfood 365

             Patricia Green & Carolyn Hemming

             ISBN 978-1-55285-994-0

Signing off till next time

L

Pear Crisp

Breakfast Recipe

Yield: Makes 1 serving

Active Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/2 of a ripe Bartlett pear

1 small lemon wedge

1 1/2 teaspoons of honey

2 tablespoons of rolled oats

1 teaspoon butter or margarine

pinch of cinnamon

1 rounded tablespoon cottage cheese or plain yogurt, for serving (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400 ° F

2. Halve the pear half, peel and core; cut into small slices and place in a 6-ounce custard cup. Squeeze the lemon on top, add the honey, oats, margarine and then cinnamon and bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden and pears are soft.

3. Let cool for 5 minutes and add a dollop of cottage cheese or yogurt.

Joke Calendar

Two cute days from my husband's daily joke calendar.


1. Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled.


2. Where did Noah keep his bees?
In the Ark Hives.


All the snow we received yesterday has been plowed. We woke to a beautiful clear and sunny day which of course is full of Arctic air. Unfortunately the groceries have to be bought. Bundled up we will venture out. Family has to eat this week.


I'm also hoping to get the Christmas decorations packed away today. If not I guess there is always next weekend.

Signing off till next time

L

eReader ~ My Kobo

Today I thought I'd talk about my Kobo.

Before purchasing my eReader, I did a lot of research, there were many to choose from, but which one was right for me.

Price point had a lot to do with my decision. At the time (April 2010) the Kobo was the cheapest on the market. I know, I know, cheapest isn't always the best.

I liked the idea that the Kobo could read PDF files and EPUB files, allowing me to purchase books from other stores plus download FREE books from the library. FREE is always good, but the waiting, I hate waiting for books. This is crazy because I usually have a book on the go and a huge list of waiting to read.

I didn't want my device to be back lit, so the eInk was a plus. I look at a computer all day and find that my eyes fatigue quickly, for the amount of reading that I do I knew for sure a back lit device wasn't for me.

I didn't want to be able to do anything else with my eReader except read. I didn't want to be away on holidays with books downloaded for my reading pleasure and my son ask me if he could go on the Internet, play games and such.

So, I ordered my white Kobo from Chapters, on preorder and patiently waited for it to arrive. To my dismay within weeks of receiving the Kobo, Chapters released the black Kobo without warning and months later released the wireless. I'm still happy with my non wireless Kobo, probably a good idea anyways, wireless might make it too easy for me to download books. Spending money on books is my vise.

Making the leap to an eReader was big for me, I like the feel of books and the smell of paper, but saving money, (eBooks are cheaper) and the environment, (I love trees too) were reasons I decided it was time. I have to say I'm not disappointed.

My husband bought me a black Moleskine and light for Christmas. The Moleskine cover is the nicest cover I've seen yet, a bit pricey but holds the Kobo well without obstruction to the buttons. You can definately read your Kobo within this cover.
Signing off till next time
L

Reading Journal and Eating Clean

2011, wow where did that year go? Definitely cannot see on this blog how busy I was, well maybe you can, there isn't anything here because I didn't have time.

I'd like to use this blog to keep track of what I'm doing and then be able to look back and relive moments. No matter how big or small. ***fingers crossed***

I realized last month that the lack of documentation on my part has left me with some regret. I've been reading books steady for probably 24 years and not once did I think to keep a reading journal. I mentioned this to my bonus mother and she kindly gifted me with a journal this Christmas. I've read two books so far and made sure they were documented. I also found a great site, see book shelf to the right, from Shelfari.com. I'm slowly adding books from past reading (that I can remember of course). There will be many forgotten unfortunately.

What else for 2011?

Back in October we started Eating Clean. Read Tosca Reno if interested. Hubby and I started cooking again (new hobby the both of us can enjoy together). I lost 11 pounds by Christmas, and worked hard over the holidays not to gain back what I'd lost. I only gained 1 pound (thank God). So in 2011 we will continue to Eat Clean, I look forward to posting recipes that I try and enjoy.

Signing off till next time
L