Menu Plan Monday 8/31

Monday-Southwest Grilled Chicken with white rice
Tuesday- Tacos with saffron rice
Wednesday- Pasta with garlic bread and pizza bites
Thursday- Chicken Nugget Wraps with homemade fries
Friday- Buffalo Chicken Salad or Buffalo Chicken Rice
Saturday- Leftovers or Pizza at the Pool/Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday- Leftovers/Grilling- Sausage and Chicken

Last week went pretty well and we just switched Wednesday and Friday.  Then, we grabbed a pizza on Saturday after a busy morning so we ate at 2 pm so it was a lunch/dinner meal. So we moved our grilled cheese night to Sunday.  Other then the quick addition of pizza, we were right with the plan.

This week is the last week of my son's summer vacation so we have a lot to try to fit in but we are going to have a simple menu and plan for the occasional rushed meal to get to the pool since this is the last week for us to enjoy the pool.  We will also be joining another pool next year so this will be our last time visiting these pools that we have enjoyed for the last few years.  I know that my son doesn't really know what that means but I have a feeling we are going to be in the water a lot this week.  Hope you have a great holiday weekend!!

Full Scoop Book Review

This was the last book in my pile of books that I bought in this series.  Full Scoop (Full Series) by Janet Evanovich, Charlotte Hughes.  I was excited to start and more excited to finish.  Although then I realized that I was at the end of the series but I double checked on the computer just to make sure there weren't any others.  I guess I can always hope that I remembered wrong!  I didn't!  This is the last book in the Full series.

Mercury's in retrograde, and folks in Beaumont, South Carolina, are dealing with gossip, scandal, and more secrets than ever. Local pediatrician Maggie Farnsworth has even bigger worries. Her wild-girl past has caught up with her in the form of her ex-boyfriend, a jailbird who just flew the coop--and is bent on tracking down Maggie and her daughter. Fortunately, FBI agent Zack Madden is on hand for protection. Unfortunately, his presence is turning up the heat on an attraction Maggie simply has no time for…or does she? But Maggie and Zack aren't the only ones getting busy: Fleas, the hound dog, is up to his old tricks--this time with Butterbean, a very alluring…goat? Jamie Swift and millionaire Max Holt have babies on the brain. And resident psychic/astrologer Destiny is fighting a crush of her own. Since the town's ice cream parlor is a magnet for gossip, no one can keep a secret. And the sticky situations are getting even stickier…

One of the bests because this book was funny but still very stressful.  The characters were a great addition to the small town with the local doctor, her daughter and all their neighbors and friends.  I loved getting to know Maggie, Mel and Zack with the even better ending then I could have expected.  I loved Queenie and all of her voodoo drama.  It was hysterical to find out that the goat and the hound dog were in love.  There was lots of laughing even though there was a serial killer headed to their town and straight to their house.  It seemed like something you would totally see in a movie with the good guys versus the bad guys.  I really enjoyed this one from start to finish (except the part about the series being over).  I hope that you pick this up at your local library or bookstore and enjoy it as much as I have!!!

Full Bloom Book Review

The next book in my pile was Full Bloom (Full Series) by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes.

This winter promises record-high temperatures-and A DESIRE that reaches the boiling point...
Beaumont, South Carolina, is on "sizzle" this February. So is its newest entrepreneur, Annie Fortenberry, who has inherited her grandmother's B&B. According to a local psychic she also inherited a spirit from its glory days as a brothel-not the kind of publicity the Peachtree Bed & Breakfast needs if it's hosting millionaire Max Holt's upcoming wedding! If rumors of a prank-playing ghost aren't stressful enough, a mysterious man has arrived with an eye on Annie and her master suite. Wes Bridges is all leather and denim, sporting a two-day beard, straddling a Harley, and sending the B&B's testosterone level through the roof. Annie's cool demeanor may be dropping as fast as Wes's jeans, but leave it to her missing ex-husband to dampen the passion! Turns out someone has done him in, and all evidence points to Annie...Wrapped up in a murder plot, Annie must find the killer, save her own neck, and get back to where she was-wrapped up in Wes's strong-loving arms...

This book reminded me a little of the Wicked series by Janet Evanovich which was a little far fetched but nothing but fun.  Who doesn't like a small B&B that has actually been turned into a home for some older ladies and a hot man comes to stay.  It turns into trouble at every turn while they are uncovering a murderer while planning a wedding.  The old ladies are a hoot, the psychic with her dead friends don't disappoint, but the relationship between Annie and Wes is icing on the cake.  This book was filled with wild and crazy characters that had me having trouble putting the book down.  I hope that you check out this book at your library or bookstore.  I think that you will be entertained as much as I was.  It was a laugh a minute that you can't miss.

Full Blast Book Review

I finished my two other series that I was working on and I got to get back to the wonderful and action packed Full series that I got five of the books from the library reading program. Full Blast (Full Series) by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes was the next in the pile so I was happy to start that right after finishing my other series from the library.  I hate how I give books that I own a backseat to the books from the library but the ones from the library have a deadline and I just can't seem to get that out of my head.

There's never a dull moment for the residents of Beaumont, South Carolina. Lately, a heat wave's spiked the mercury--and everyone's sex drive. When newspaper owner Jamie Swift runs into millionaire playboy Max Holt, it's all she can do not to tear his clothes off--and the feeling is mutual. But trouble seems to follow Max like moths to a flame, and Jamie suspects he's all wrong for her. Meanwhile, the lingerie shop is having a sale on edible underwear, the bakery's selling aphrodisiac-laced brownies and x-rated birthday cakes, and even Jamie's dog is dodging passes from an amorous French poodle! But when someone starts bumping off some of the town's more annoying citizens, all clues lead straight to the new personals section in Jamie's newspaper. Pretty soon, things are getting hot and heavy, as Max and Jamie start uncovering secrets…and undressing each other.

It was a super funny book with a great story line.  There were so many things going on that it did seem like the number series all over again with the crazy antics of Stephanie Plum replaced by with the funny Jamie Swift.  It is fun to see this small town get crazy with everything going on.  With the addition of the psychic who sees dead people, you never know what is going to happen with these crazy people.  I couldn't put it down and read a little too quickly because I read three of these books in a row and was up to my own bad reading habits staying up all night.  I hope that you get this at your local library or bookstore and see if you are as entertained as I was!!

Redemption Bay Book Review

I found the second two books in the Haven Point series were just coming out in June and September.  I put a hold on both books at the library.  I was super excited to see that I was moving up the list on the book from June and got it in August. The second book arrived on my reserve shelf and I gave a quiet in the library kind of "woo hoo" before checking out the book.  It also came at a great time because I was just finishing up the last of my other series so I got to start on Redemption Bay (Haven Point) by RaeAnne Thayne next.

McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it's never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood crush until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice. What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

Loved it!! The first book in the series was good enough to get me hooked and reading all of the other books in the companion series while waiting for this second book in the Haven Point series.  I got to know everyone else in the other small town and I was eagerly awaiting my return to this small town.  The only sad part was that I didn't get to see all of the great characters from the last book because they were barely in the book.  I did love being in the middle of this small town and all its problems while getting to know the town mayor, McKenzie Shaw.  The characters were warm and inviting and immediately had me hooked.  I was pulling for McKenzie to come out on top regardless of the fight.  I hope that you check this out at your local library or bookstore soon and don't forget the other books in the series too!!

Wild Iris Ridge Book Review

I was both sad and excited to get the last book in the series out of the library.  Wild Iris Ridge (Hope's Crossing Book 7) by RaeAnne Thayne was next for me to read and I was excited to see what new characters I got to meet.

Lucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common… .and it's likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan's late wife, Jessie and Lucy's best friend who'd brought them together in the first place. And since Jessie's passing, Brendan's been distracted by his two little ones, his busy job as fire chief, and trying to get everything done for his family. Lucy couldn't wait to shed her small-town roots for the big city. But now that she's back in Hope's Crossing to take care of the old Victorian home her late aunt has left her. After Lucy returns to town, the first person she sees is Brendan bringing up all the old memories of when they had a smoldering kiss before he dated and married her best friend.  Lucy decides that she can spend a a month in this small town to turn her aunts dream of the house becoming a bed and breakfast into a reality without any trouble from Brendan.  After all, she'd managed to resist the handsome fire chief once before, but clearly the embers of their attraction are still smoldering.

I thought it was a great book that I really enjoyed.  I love the stories of the bed and breakfasts so this gives you a brief peak inside one getting set up even though it isn't running yet.  It reminded me of the few previous Sherryl Woods Chesapeake Shores books that I read that were set in the bed and breakfast which were also good.  In addition, we got to know two new characters which is always great.  I loved to see the once power women who spent all her time working, find a new life in the small town with the help of the Caine family.  I hope that you pick up this book and others in the series from your local library or bookstore soon!  It is a wonderful read and I know that you will enjoy it.

Thrifty Thursday: Free Reading List

I have come up with the easiest way to keep track of books that I want to read and I want to share.  I have tried many things to track my reading including a spiral notebook, Shelfari, Good Reads, and more.  They all have their downfalls but what works for me?

A private list on Amazon!  Yup, simple as that.  I actually have two lists because I read too much.  I set up one call "Reading List" and then I needed to set up one called "Reading Completed."  Once I read the book, I move it to the completed list so that I know what is left on the reading list.

I add all of the books that I put on reserve at the library, want to read or other books that come up by the same author.  I have 79 books on the list to read so there might be some that didn't get moved when I read them or erased when I was no longer interested.  I might not have it totally updated but I can pull a few books on the this list when I was to read something new from the library.

The great thing is that I keep it on my computer and an my Amazon app on my phone so I have them everywhere that I need them!!

Kids Wednesday: Epsom Salt Paint Science Experiment

 Here is a great idea for homemade paint out of things that you probably have already around the house (or are cheap to get).  I was interested because we often decide we want to do something crafty at the last minute so I have to get creative on what we are going to do.  This is good because I can throw it together whenever my son decides to paint. We had colored sticks from the dollar store so I put out paper towel with our paper cups.  My son matched the food coloring with the stick and put them in front of the cups.

We have been working on things that dissolve (stay tuned for homemade lemonade).  This was showing how the epsom salts dissolved in the hot water.  I heated the water up on the stove and poured 1 cup into the glass measuring cup next to my son's set up.

My son had to pick the measuring cup that made the epsom salt equal to the amount of water that I measured.  This can be done in many different measuring amounts but I made a cup because we decided to make all four colors for the food coloring that we had.  One cup might have been a little much so make what you think your kids will use.

We worked together to measure our one cup but it was mostly me because it was a little hard to measure.

He added the epsom salt to the water slowly.  As you can see, some didn't make it in the cup but easily picked up with the paper towel.

Then my son mixed with his plastic spoon but I don't think that it was super necessary but it helped so that he could see and feel that the epsom salt was dissolved.

I poured a little bit of the solution in the three cups.  This is what was leftover in the measuring cup.  There was a little that didn't mix but for the most part it was a solution.

My son added two drops of red and then stirred with the color stick.

My son added two drops of blue and then stirred with the color stick.

My son added two drops of green and then stirred with the color stick.

Here are the finished paints which we thought looked pretty good!!

We tested the paint and decided that we didn't have the colors bright enough so I squeezed more food color and my son stirred.  I don't know if you can see the

The recipe is really easy and the final result is at least an hour of fun if not more! We put the plastic table cloth down and set to work with all the painting.

The product is also really fun.  My son used all different kids of papers so that we could see how the paint reacted to the different surfaces.

The other great thing is that if you wait and make it with your kids, they can guess what is going to happen when you put the solid epsom salt into the water.  Most young kids won't guess that it dissolves so you might amaze them.  It opens the conversation that you can have about liquid solutions and how some things dissolve and others don't.  Try it with sugar, salt and sand to see what happens.  Great to have a art project turn into a science project!!

Materials:

• Variety of paper or Construction Paper (lightweight paper will curl up as the paint dries)  
• Epsom Salt 
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Paint brushes of various sizes (will wash out of the brushes but don't use your best brushes)
• Small jars or plastic cups or paper cups

Directions for white paint:

1. Pour one cup of boiling water into your jar or plastic cup.
2. Add 1 cup of epsom salt, and stir until it completely dissolves.
3. Paint your designs onto any paper.

For Colored Paints, add drops of food coloring to the water before adding the epsom salt.

Christmas in Snowflake Canyon Book Review

I was excited to make my pile of the series of books and this was the last book that I had in the pile even though there was one more book in the series.  I was excited and a little sad to get to the bottom of my pile.  Christmas in Snowflake Canyon (Hqn) by Raeanne Thayne is the 6th book in the series of Hope's Crossing.  Luckily I knew that there was one more at the library for me to grab!!

No one has ever felt sorry for Genevieve Beaumont. After all, she has everything money can buy. That is, until she discovers her fiancé has been two-timing her and she's left with two choices: marry the philanderer to please her controlling father or be disinherited and find a means to support herself.  Genevieve's salvation appears in the most unlikely of prospects: Dylan Caine, a sexy, wounded war vet whose life is as messy as hers. Dylan's struggling to adjust after his time in Afghanistan, and the last thing he needs is a spoiled socialite learning about the real world for the first time. True, she may have unexpected depths and beauty to match. But he knows he could never be the man she needs…and she knows he could never be the man she thinks she wants. So why are they each hoping that a Christmas miracle will prove them both wrong?

Something about the physical book but not really about the content, I have taken to putting my bobbie pin on the back cover of the book at night when I take it out of my hair at night in bed.  It is a weird new habit that I have picked up while we have been living with cardboard box night stands and a mattress on the floor so that I don't loose it.  I went to write the review before returning it to the library and I found a bobbie pin on the back cover...oops!!! :)

It was great to get to know Genevieve Beaumont who has been a conversation piece in all of the books based on her wedding and cancellation after her fiancee cheated on her.  I was so excited to actually get to know her and watch her grow.  It was wonderful to see her good side where she does sewing, remodeling and volunteer work (okay community service) and learns to see other people's side of things.  This helps her to grow and she becomes good friends with wounded Veteran, Dylan Caine.  This friendship helps you to learn about both of them.  I really enjoyed this holiday love story!  I hope that you check out this book at your local library or bookstore.  It is an amazing story and who doesn't love a wonderful winter setting to enjoy!!

Menu Plan Monday 8/24

Monday- Apricot Grilled Chicken with chicken rice
Tuesday- Penne Pasta with pizza bites
Wednesday- Breaded Buffalo Chicken on Salad with blue cheese
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday- Chicken Nugget Wraps with homemade french fries
Saturday- Leftovers/Pizza from Little Caesars
Sunday- Leftovers/Salsa Sloppy Joes or Grilled Cheese

Last week we changed Sunday night from the previous week to Monday and everything was moved back a night.  We got to have everything planned for the week just running a little later.  It was good because I had everything in the house and just started preparing different things ahead of time.  I did great getting my stuff ready before dinner so that I didn't have to rush since I had my mom at the house and that always means that I am going to be running later and need the food on the table sooner!!  Can't wait to have a little more relaxing week with less going on and no company.  We have it packed with the end of summer activities so here is hoping that we make it through.

What do you have planned for the week??  Hope you have a yummy week too!!

Willowleaf Lane Book Review

I got the next book in the series started shortly after the last book and it was my 7th book for the month which I started 8 days into the month.  I was doing a pretty good job of reading a book a day so I tried to slow it down by working on a few other projects first and then starting the book.  Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne is the 5th book in this wonderful Hope's Crossing series.  I tried to take this one a little slower and ended up reading it before bed and staying up until it was finished!

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation.To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury—and a damaging scandal—he's interested in his own brand of reinvention.  Now everything about Spencer's new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte's heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him—again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she's always wanted?

I loved it again!  I know that I sound like a broken record but why would I give up on a series that I have liked all of the books so far.  I enjoyed the story of the fallen hometown hero coming back and trying to make a life for himself and his daughter after all the scandal that has affected their lives.  It is also great to get to know Charlotte who was in the last book a lot but learning more about her life certainly helped me understand her more and sympathize with her.  I hope that you check out this great book the next time you are at the library.  It is amazing and I know that you have to add it to your must read list.

Current Creek Valley Book Review

I picked up this book right after finishing the last book and jumped right in.  I was excited to see what happened next and excited to see that this book was following up right after the previous book finished.  Currant Creek Valley (Hqn) by Raeanne Thayne was the fourth in the series.  I spent another unexpected all nighter reading this book after I woke up with my son and couldn't fall back to sleep.

Alexandra McKnight prefers a life of long workdays and short-term relationships, and she's found it in Hope's Crossing. A sous chef at the local ski resort, she's just been offered her dream job at an exclusive new restaurant being built in town. But when it comes to designing the kitchen, Alex finds herself getting up close and personal with construction foreman Sam Delgado….At first glance, Sam seems perfect for Alex. He's big, tough, gorgeous—and in town for only a few weeks. But when Sam suddenly moves into a house down the road, Alex suspects that the devoted single father of a six-year-old boy wants more from her than she's willing to give. Now it's up to Sam to help Alex see that, no matter what happened in her past, together they can build something more meaningful in Hope's Crossing.

The best part was getting to know this previously only mentioned character with Alexandra McKnight.  I was so happy to get to know Alex and find out all of the previous things that have shaped her.  This was the most amazing growth and change that I have seen in this series so I enjoyed watching it unfold.  At the same time, we got to know Sam and his son as they move into this little town and started their new life together.  I loved the book and the emotional ups and downs.  I hope that you check out this book the next time you are at your local library or bookstore.  Add it to your must read list!!  Hope you enjoy!

Sweet Laurel Falls Book Review

I was excited to pick up the next book in the series right after finishing the last one.  Sweet Laurel Falls (Hope's Crossing) by RaeAnne Thayne was the next book in my pile.  I might have stayed up all night reading this one so I think that I finished it in less than 12 hours.

Spring should bring renewal, but Maura McKnight-Parker cannot escape the past. Still reeling from the loss of one daughter, the former free spirit is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage’s father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter—never even knew that he’d left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town—but he has never forgotten Maura.
Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope’s Crossing.
- See more at: http://www.raeannethayne.com/books/hopes-crossing/#sthash.FxhtjUpn.dpuf

Spring should bring renewal, but Maura McKnight-Parker cannot escape the past. Still reeling from the loss of one daughter, the former free spirit is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage’s father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter—never even knew that he’d left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town—but he has never forgotten Maura.
Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope’s Crossing.
- See more at: http://www.raeannethayne.com/books/hopes-crossing/#sthash.FxhtjUpn.dpuf

 Spring should bring renewal, but Maura McKnight-Parker cannot escape the past. Still reeling from the loss of one daughter, the former free spirit is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage's father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter—never even knew that he'd left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town—but he has never forgotten Maura.  Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope's Crossing.

This book was not a direct follow of the the other book in the series so it was a little confusing at first. There was someone who was single but they got married in the last book and the end of both books had the second annual volunteer day.  I don't think that there would have been any problem making this book go a year later then the last book but I am sure that people not reading one right after the other wouldn't pick up on the differences.  I enjoyed the book and really enjoyed getting to know Maura, Jackson and Sage as they grew as a new family.  There was a lot going on and it kept me very interested and unable to put the book down.  I hope that you check out this book and see for yourself and see what you think of this book in the series.  Check it out the next time you are at your local library or bookstore!!

Spring should bring renewal, but Maura McKnight-Parker cannot escape the past. Still reeling from the loss of one daughter, the former free spirit is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage’s father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter—never even knew that he’d left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town—but he has never forgotten Maura.
Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope’s Crossing.
- See more at: http://www.raeannethayne.com/books/hopes-crossing/#sthash.FxhtjUpn.dpuf

Spring should bring renewal, but Maura McKnight-Parker cannot escape the past. Still reeling from the loss of one daughter, the former free spirit is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage’s father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter—never even knew that he’d left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town—but he has never forgotten Maura.
Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope’s Crossing.
- See more at: http://www.raeannethayne.com/books/hopes-crossing/#sthash.FxhtjUpn.dpuf

Kids Wednesday: Making Your Own Crayons Science Experiment

We went to a science program at the library where the "mad scientist" did experiments and showed the kids but there wasn't anything hands on.  My son was eager to do something himself at home so I decided to do the one that has been on my list for a long time- melting crayons in the sun.

We started by getting a bunch of broken crayons that we had in our crayon bin and peeling the paper off of them so that they were clean wax. Then, we filled the disposable muffin tin that my mom gave me with the broken pieces.  We broke down a few to get a little more in the small muffin tins.  We did this at night because we were just sitting watching a little television and I figured that it was a good time so we would be ready to go in the morning.

 We put the top on the tin and left it for the next morning to put outside.  I thought this was the greatest thing because that meant that bugs and other things couldn't get into the crayons as they melted. The additional bonus is that it kept my son out so that he could just observe.  My son wanted to check on the crayons every few minutes in the beginning so I planned this for a day that we would be busy and away from the house so that wouldn't continue for the whole day because I didn't think that I could take the running in and out of the house.

After half of the day, we came home and they were a little squishy.  He used a Popsicle stick that we have in our art supplies to test it.  He used the stick to stir one of the crayons so we said that we would use that as the test to see what happened but I stopped him from stirring all of them because it was super sticky and messy (and made the crayon more black then anything else on the top left).

After most of the day, the crayons were getting liquid but only the dark colored crayons.  The metal container was hot to the touch so make sure to only let adults touch that part when moving back into the house to cool even though the two lightest colors were still not fully melted.

We left them to sit and harden and popped them out of the tins.  The great thing about using a disposable pan was that I could push up on the bottom to get the crayons to pop out.

We made some obervations that dark crayons melted better then the light ones because they soaked up more of the sun.  We also made some statements about how long we thought it would take and how long it actually took to melt the crayons.  My son made a drawing of part of the melting process but he wasn't pleased with the picture so he thought that talking about it to make observations were a little better. We tested the crayons on the papers.  The edge flaked off a little but the rest was great.  I used the paper to smooth off all the edges and then we moved the crayons to my son's art table so that he could use them as he wanted to make as many beautiful pictures as he wanted.

Overall, this was a big success and super frugal because it used everything we had around the house.  Hope you try this fun science and art experiment and enjoy the new crayons for yourself.

Woodrose Mountain Book Review

I was excited to get home to my pile of library books that all needed to get read and returned soon. Woodrose Mountain (Hope's Crossing Book 2) by RaeAnne Thayne was the next in the pile and I was excited to get back to this series.  It was super fun to be in the middle of this small town and it only took a quick reminder starting the book to remember why I loved the last one so much!

Evie Blanchard was at the top of her field in the city of angels. But when an emotional year forces her to walk away from her job as a physical therapist, she moves from Los Angeles to Hope's Crossing seeking a quieter life. So the last thing she needs is to get involved with the handsome, arrogant Brodie Thorne and his injured daughter, Taryn.  A self-made man and single dad, Brodie will do anything to get Taryn the rehabilitation she needs…even if it means convincing Evie to help. And despite her vow to keep an emotional distance, Evie can't help but be moved by Taryn's spirit, or Brodie's determination to win her help—and her heart. With laughter, courage and more than a little help from the kindhearted people of Hope's Crossing, Taryn may get the healing she deserves—and Evie and Brodie might just find a love they never knew could exist.

It was a great book with focus on one of the mystery characters Evie who works in the bead store but little else was known.  This book closely follows the book before it with not much time passing which I always love because I hate to think that I missed out on something going on in the small town.  It was great to learn more about Evie, Taryn and Brodie who were all great characters alone but it was interesting to see them all growing together.  I was crying by the end and had to go through a couple of tissues.  I thought it was a great book with lots of emotion that sucked me in.  I hope that you decide to pick this up the next time you are at your local library or bookstore.  I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I have!!  Already starting the next book in the series :)

Menu Plan Monday 8/17

Monday- Tacos
Tuesday- Spaghetti with pizza bites
Wednesday- Chicken Nugget Wraps with homemade fries
Thursday- Chinese Take Out
Friday- Grilled Chicken with chicken rice
Saturday- Picnic Lunch with friends/Leftovers
Sunday- Leftovers/??

Last week I switched Tuesday with Wednesday and Thursday with Friday but the week remained pretty much the same.  Then I found out my mom was coming into town for a few days for this week.  I was left with nothing in the freezer after the last few weeks so I was starting to think of some things that she liked to eat and that I could make easily.  I need to get the taco seasoning that she likes (or see if she has one that she can bring with her).  I also need to grab some chicken and ground beef to get ready for the week or it is going to be a very meat free kind of week.  My shopping day is usually Tuesday while my son is in camp but my mom will already be here so I guess I know what I have on the list this weekend in addition to moving the rest of our stuff.  Turning out to be a busy week!!!

Full Speed Book Review

I was amazed when I got home from the beach and realized how far behind I was in my book reviews.  I thought that I had only read the first two books from this series and I realized that I read three!!  The third book in the series was Full Speed (Full Series) by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes.  I was excited to start it right after finishing the last book that I thought that I didn't even pick up the next book!!

Jamie Swift is a newspaper owner from a small Southern town, and after the story of a lifetime. Max Holt is the millionaire playboy right in the middle of that story. Despite Max thinking Jamie is a magnet for trouble and Jamie thinking Max is the most annoyingly sexy, and mysterious man she's ever met, the two are fast to partner up. What they uncover together is a story that centers around a corrupt minister, a gang of mobsters on the loose, a hound dog called Fleas, a wise-cracking computer genius, and lots of love in the fast lane, in Full Speed.

The best book yet!  It was great that the book started right where the last book left off but it was something happening every second.  I didn't sleep after I started this book because there was too much going on.  I had to find out what was happening and I had trouble putting the book mark in to close my eyes.  I did put it down for a little rest and then picked it right up first thing in the morning.  There was only pages to go and I had a million things to do but I luckily finished it just in time.  I took a short break and switched to a series that I took out of the library and is soon due back so I hope that I get a little sleep going forward but no one knows better than I do when I get dragged into a book, there is nothing stopping it.  I hope that you pick this up at your local library or bookstore soon.  I hope that you like it as much as I did and pick up the rest of the great books in the series while you are at it too!!!  I hope that you check it out and love these fast paced stories.

Full Tilt Book Review

The second book in the series was next in my pile of books.  Full Tilt (Max Holt) by Janet Evanovich, Charlotte Hughes was the next in the Full series that I was reading.  I was excited to get to the second book when I finished the first. 

Jamie Swift has one priority in quiet Beaumont, South Carolina: running the local newspaper. Romance runs second. But with the arrival of her silent partner, the notoriously mysterious and sexy Maximillian Holt, Jamie's life gets shaken up. Max claims he's here to give his brother-in-law a vote of confidence. A former wrestler, Frankie Fontana's now taking his shots in the political ring. Beaumont could use a mayor with scruples but what it gets is a crime--and what Jamie gets is a story that's taking her for a ride on the wild side, complete with two assassins, a washed-up stripper, and an insane poacher. Between a spray of bullets and a fast getaway could it get any more romantic--or dangerous? Max and Jamie are betting their lives on a long shot…

I was super excited to get to the second book in the series and surprised to see that there was so much of a jump in time between the first and the second book.  There was about 20 years between the two books but I was immediately sucked into the storyline so I couldn't wait to see what happened next.  There was a little bit of talk about the time that had passed and what different things had happened during that time like Max moving in with his cousin and new wife to start to get a more stable life.  It was a great story and left me really wanting more at the end of the book so I grabbed the next book immediately!!  I hope that you pick up this book at your local library or bookstore soon.

Full House Book Review

I was looking forward to reading some of my new freebie books but I had to get the first book in the series from the library to start off. Full House (Max Holt #1) (Full Series) by Janet Evanovich was the first book in the series so I was excited to try out this new to me series.  I grabbed this right before leaving on vacation and although I am not a fan of bringing library books with me on vacation, I made an exception so that I could read the rest of this series.

Polo instructor Nicholas Kaharchek senses danger the minute he sees Billie Pearce. She represents everything he's always avoided. Happy in her home life, a divorced mother of two, Billie is the epitome of stability. She's also irresistibly fascinating to the footloose Nick, who is instantly attracted...in a car crash sort of way. Their fateful meeting will put them on a collision course of seduction, dysfunction, mayhem, murder--and maybe even love…

I loved this series and was super excited that I had gotten the next five at the library with my free reading coupons. I thought it was a great story and different then the other series by Janet Evanovich. I picked up the first book and couldn't put it down.  I immediately read the second and the third so it was a big blur when I came home and had to review them all to catch up.  This was a great start to the series with the relationship with Nick and Billie heating up and having lots of ups and downs.  This book had me surprised from one minute to the next and I really enjoyed it!!  I hope that you add this to your reading list and pick it up at your local library or bookstore soon!!  It is great reading for anytime which I think that you will enjoy.

July Reading Review

I started off the month with a bang!  I had already read three books before the 4th of July!  I knew that I had to get it under control because the library was closed and I was out of books to read.  I should have prepared for that with getting books but I was busy trying to keep my son entertained and cleaning the house.  The good thing is that it gave me a chance to make a list of the books that I needed to read next.  I reserved a bunch and was rolling when they all came into the library reserve shelf.

If you missed the review, please feel free to click on the title of the book and it will take you back to the original review.  I hope that you add a few to your summer reading list and enjoy them too!!

Slice of Heaven

by Sherryl Woods

Feels Like Family

by Sherryl Woods

Wicked Charms

by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

Tea and Destiny by Sherryl Woods
and
Light the Stars by RaeAnne Thayne

Welcome to Serenity

by Sherryl Woods

Home in Carolina

by Sherryl Woods

Sweet Tea at Sunrise

by Sherryl Woods

Midnight Promises
by Sherryl Woods

Catching Fireflies
by Sherryl Woods

Where Azaleas Bloom

by Sherryl Woods

Snow Angel Cove

by RaeAnne Thayne

Blackberry Summer

by RaeAnne Thayne

Sweet Magnolias Cookbook
by Sherryl Woods

Swan Point
by Sherryl Woods

The Edge of Forever
by Sherryl Woods
and
 A Natural Father
by Sarah Mayberry

Total Books Read 2015

January       9

February     13

March         14 

April           9

May          12

June          17
July          17

Total Books    91


Currently Reading:

Full House
by Janet Evanovich