Falling For You Book Review

I was excited to get Falling for You (A Bradford Sisters Romance) by Becky Wade.  I had a hard time finding enough time to read it so I ended up staying up late and waking up early because I didn't want to put it down and I had to find out what happened next!!

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance. When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

I was excited to get to read another book by Becky Wade because I have really enjoyed her past books.  This book was a great story with wonderful characters.  Willow was moving home to escape her career and take a much needed break.  She was enjoying working in her family bed-and-breakfast and doing something totally different then she normally does while modeling.  Corbin is recovering from an injury that has taken him out of the NFL and he is recovering in the same small town.  He enjoys remodeling his home and living with his father while recovering.  The two used to date and meet again while at home and there is a new friendship that grows.  It is interesting to see the changes in them from their relationship in the past and the new one that they build.  I hope that you check out this book for yourself because you have to pick it up to find out some of the surprises that happen.

** I received a copy of my book for my review but all opinions here are my own.

Menu Plan Monday 6/18

Monday- Chicken fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries
Tuesday- Spaghetti with garlic bread
Wednesday- Grilled Chicken with white rice
Thursday- Fried Rice with roasted corn and Egg Rolls
Friday- Homemade Pizza
Saturday-Leftover Night
Sunday- ??

Last week was off  to a great start with Monday and Tuesday happening without problems.  I forgot to take out chicken so it was a last minute thaw on the chicken but I got it made.  Thursday we went to the pool after school and stayed late so instead of the planned meal I made a leftover feast for a family fun night.  I used the ground chicken on Friday night to make Salsa Sloppy Joes which was a lot different with chicken but still tasty since I wasn't in the mood for more tacos.  I grilled some baguettes that I got for free for our rolls and we had it with mac and cheese because my son wanted it after a few hours in the pool.  Saturday we went out to breakfast with my sister in law and she treated to the meal.  We went to a pot luck for lunch and when we came home no one was hungry so my husband had a little leftovers and my son had chips and salsa before bed.  Sunday for lunch I made the fried rice that I didn't make on Friday for lunch which was tasty.  My husband and son made the pizza for dinner.

It is nice to have such an easy meal on hand that can be thrown together so quickly and easily.  Overall just Thursday and Friday got mixed up and it was because we were at the pool for both so the summer schedule begins where I have to fight to get time to make us food before we are all hungry.  It was almost an exhausted call for pizza but I pulled through with a quick change to the plan with things on hand at home.  The first week of real summer is starting next week so I am sure that changes will be made frequently and I might switch to the 7 meals planned and pick the day as we go along because that is sometimes better in the summer because I never know what night is going to be the night that the weather is so nice that we are at the pool for so long it puts a kink in dinner fixing.

Middle of June Shopping Update

I shopped until I dropped this month already early with super doubles being a 5 day event.  I was glad with all of the things that I got but I certainly got a lot of treats with the ice cream and candy.  I was excited about the chicken nuggets that I got because that was going to be used soon since I finished most of the chicken nuggets that I bought in an earlier super doubles.  It is super helpful to have around and I have used it in salads, wraps and on pizzas.  I haven't met a chicken I can't turn into a new dish!  I was thinking that after super doubles that I wouldn't need to go back to the store but back I went!! 

We had friends move and they gave us a bunch of their food so we filled a freezer and lots of stuff in the fridge so I have to do a good job to use everything in the house and stop shopping!!!  Hoping that I can stay out of the store more on the second half of the month but check out what I got so far.

Below is a picture and the amount spent for each of my transactions.  Some transactions are pictured together because I did more then one trip at the same store or went to different stores before coming home or to cut down on pictures.  Hope it makes sense with all the break downs but feel free to ask questions.

Harris Teeter $7.88

Off to a fast start with super doubles.  I ran in to get Blue Bunny the first day of the sale because it is always hit or miss after that.  I did this as three transactions to make sure that I kept rebates straight but it was well under the coupon limit to do together. I did $5.25 in rebates already so amazing to get that money back.

Harris Teeter $4.91

I got the Little Noses and Hi Chew free after sale and coupons.  I got the Whole Fruit bars for $0.50 and got a $1 rebate back from Checkout 51.  The Cabot Cheese was $0.99 each and I wish that I could have gotten more coupons to print but only one would print.  The Perdue Chicken was $1 per package so those were great bargains.  I am going to try tacos with one and see how we like it because I have never used it before but what isn't better with taco seasoning (especially for $1)!!

Harris Teeter $0.08

I printed coupons and didn't bring them all to the store so I grabbed these and was pretty happy to get all the flavors that they had.

Safeway $0

Stopped to get a freebie that appeared on my card.  They didn't have it so the manager subbed this drink.

Harris Teeter $0.15

Grabbed some more freebies and the coupons didn't scan so they had to override and the price ended up higher then when the coupons scan...bummer!!

Harris Teeter $0.08

Tried it with the original ones to see if it worked and the coupon scanned without any problem.  It is a mystery why the totals are different and why the one doesn't scan when it is pictured on the coupon and it says any one.

Harris Teeter $5.71

Favorite trip ever because everything was in stock and I found clearance bacon!!  It was shelf price $7.99 and on sale for $3.99 with meat stickers for $3 off so I paid $0.99 per package so I grabbed four.  Got free Sweetart gummies, free Wewalka Pizza Dough, Free Wewalka pie crust and free Wewalka Puff Pastry.  I got the Blue Bunny for $0.64 per bag.  The Zevia soda was left in the car so it wasn't in the picture but I realized when I went to put things away that my husband didn't find them in the trunk and I now have more free soda.  I put in this for $2.30 in rebates from Ibotta.

Harris Teeter $1.22

Three free pizza dough, Two Pie Crusts and One Puff Pastry all free!!  The potatoes were all that paid for and we really needed them so I was excited that I remembered to get the potatoes.

Aldi $25.40

I went to Aldi's to get the things that were on the the list for the month.  We were almost out of milk, garlic salt and turkey so I figured that I would get everything on the list so hoping this lasts awhile!!

Harris Teeter $0.15

I went to get the freebies again and it rang up the same way because the coupons didn't scan.

Harris Teeter $0.08

These worked well and scanned easily.

Harris Teeter $3.96

I went to the store to get my last two coupons of Wewalka pie crust and pizza dough for free.  I also had two more Hi chew coupons.  I grabbed two different Coleman Chicken Nuggets so I spent a little more money but I was afraid that I wouldn't make it to the store again and it might not be in stock so I went a little crazy and bought them.  I decided to grab the corn because it was $0.79 after coupon and I couldn't find a deal on peas which I had just used all of in them from home.  I put in a rebate for $3 in Ibotta so it was a great trip!!

Harris Teeter $10.52

I decided to go again and got this in two transactions but had to pull stuff back out of the freezer to take the picture so I put it in one picture.  Interested in trying these new chickens.  Seems like a quick and easy dinner item to make so hoping they are tasty.  The shelf price was $10.99 and I paid $1.49 so I was excited to get these new treats.  Amazing rebate for $6.25 to put more money back into my account!!!

Shoppers $0.13

I went to get my freebie of the Shark Fruit Snacks and then I saw an extra $0.50 off so I decided to get extra for the overage but it didn't work out that the overage came off.  I got the Honey Nut Cheerios which had an electronic coupon and I used a printable coupon to get them for free.  I had an electronic coupon and printable coupon for the yogurt to get that for free.  There was another electronic coupon that didn't come off which is why I used the second printable to get everything for free.

Harris Teeter $1.99

I went to get my free Taste and Tell Promise Land Milk.  I also grabbed the free bread, free Sweetarts and free dental floss.  I grabbed the Sour Patch Popsicles that were on sale and had a blinkie coupon so they were $0.84.  The best part is that I got to turn in the Popsicles and the dental floss for Ibotta rebates for $3.75 ($2 for popsicles, $1.50 floss and $0.25 any item)

Harris Teeter $8.56

I grabbed more of the free bread because I used three loaves at one pot luck and I still had other events to go to so the bread will come in handy!!  We were running low on turkey and this is one of my husband's favorites so I grabbed two packages which were $2.49 after sale and coupon.  The Tide was amazing deal for $1.47 after sale and coupon.   My favorite deal was the free ice cream which ended up being a money maker when I put in a rebate for $1.50 for the ice cream and got a $1 bonus rebate.

Harris Teeter $6.82

It was the last day of the sale and I finally got around to checking the chex mix only to find out that they were out of the flavor that I wanted.  I grabbed regular instead of bold but checked the Bugles on the app and grabbed four bags of them with the same coupon and all of them were $0.50 each per bag and exceptional for our vacation so they went into the food bag I set aside for vacation.  I got the Sweetarts and bread for free after sale and coupon.  I went a little over the top with the third package of lunch meat but it was $2.49 after sale and coupon which is an amazing deal.  I got Coleman chicken nuggets for $1 and turned in for $1.50 rebate and $0.25 any item rebate.

Giant $1.40

I went to get my chocolate bar freebie which they were out of and they told me to come back on Friday but I requested a rain check.  I got free cat food...don't have a cat but I was hoping for overage which I didn't get.  I also got freebie of Limoncello Seltzer with no overage.  I grabbed the Kernel Seasonings which I use on my oyster crackers which was on sale for half off.  I got to the register and it didn't ring up half off and the lady there went back and told me all the other flavors were on sale and that one wasn't but while she went back to check the other lady rang up a store coupon to make the sale.  I told her she could take it off if she wanted but the other lady said she already fixed it so I should take it.  Ummm, okay but really why is just one flavor not on sale!!  They don't know and can't explain it but left the store with my rain check and an renewed understanding on why I hate shopping at Giant. 

Shoppers $0.06

I went to get my free candy bar on the last day and tried to checkout at self checkout which I can never get to work so they did it at the self checkout station but at least they had someone there to help.

Safeway $0.18 

It is never my favorite stop but I got two freebies with the ICE drink and the Chobani yogurt.  I used the coupon to get the second yogurt free too.  I got a coupon in the mail to get the Deer Park free but they don't seem to carry it anywhere so I grabbed it at my least favorite store.  The coupon wouldn't scan and neither of my electronic coupons worked so I knew that I was paying nothing but tax but I had to have customer service come over to approve coupons and tell them what was wrong.  I think that the person behind me in line wasn't happy but she hung in there and customer service finally got everything to work and I paid only tax and left the store.

Giant $0.02

My last stop in my three freebie stops and I got the free chocolate bar which I ate for dessert that night.  It was much smaller then I thought but glad that I grabbed it!!

Total Retail $499.83

Total Saving $420.53

Total OOP $79.30

I put in for an amazing amount of rebates this month and I already have $25.05 thought Ibotta and $1 through Checkout 51.  I am doing well with the rebates and even following through when the items are put back on the account and not forgetting (which I normally do).  I am also scanning all my receipts on Fetch to get the points there to buy a gift card soon.

Eating Out

We haven't really eaten out this month but we went to a pot luck for basketball and instead of grilling they decided to buy pizza so we chipped in $10 for pizza.  We don't have a lot of plans for this month but the summer is starting so it will most likely go to pizza at the pool or when we get home because of not enough time to make dinner before we need to eat.  We have had lots of pot lucks so mostly just making things to bring to them and not having to cook so that has been really nice!!!

Menu Plan Monday 6/11

Monday- Chicken fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries
Tuesday- Spaghetti with garlic bread
Wednesday- Grilled Chicken with white rice
Thursday- Ground Chicken Tacos
Friday- Fried Rice with roasted corn and Egg Rolls
Saturday- Pot Luck Party
Sunday- Homemade Pizza

Monday and Tuesday meals on the table and even got a meal made for a friend who is moving.  Neither one of us remember what we ate on Wednesday but we have bets on leftovers.  I did make the Ground Chicken Tacos on Thursday which were tasty.  I was super glad to find a great use for the $1 ground chicken sale.  We went to the pot luck for basketball and we chipped in $10 for pizza so that will be coming out of our take out budget for the month.  We ended up going to another pot luck the next night and we ate there.  We moved Homemade Pizza to Sunday and enjoyed that with a little leftover buffalo fried rice for my husband.

Hoping to make it through a busy week this week with an easy meal plan.  We are transitioning over to summer and I am sure there are going to be some changes to the meal plan with summer starting.  Hope you are having a great summer!!!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Book Review

I got a recommendation from my mom's group so I reserved this book at the library.  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel by Annie Barrows was a collection of letters.  It wasn't the best book to start off because it was hard for me to get into but then I couldn't put it down.  A lot like 84 Charing Cross Road which was another collection of letters that I read last summer and enjoyed!!

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb. . . .

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.  Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.  Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

It took me a little bit to get into this book but I enjoyed it once I was in and was sad when it was over.  All of the characters were amazing and you really wanted to get to know all of them.  It was interesting to learn about how the war was different for different people.  Juliet was writing letters to lots of friends and making new ones a long the way with all of the people in the island of Guernsey.  Juliet was instantly connected to them because someone bought a used book with her name inside it and her life was instantly changed.  By the end of the book, you can't even remember why Juliet found the amazing people on this little island but you know that her life is forever changed.  Make sure you pick up the book and follow along these letters to see how her life changes.  I was drawn in and couldn't put it down with horrible stories of war and wonderful stories of overcoming.  I was so glad that I got to read this book and I hope that you do too!

May Reading Review

I have been reading a lot of different books because I am stopping getting a lot of books from the library and trying to read through the books that are on my shelf that I haven't read since I picked them up from wherever I found them.  I was hoping to make more of a dent in the vast quantity of books but I haven't gotten there yet.  I know that if I keep at it, I will get the shelf cleaned up soon.... okay not soon but within the next few years if I keep chipping away.  Sadly, I didn't get that many read this month but maybe this summer!!

Below are all the books that I read for the month of May.  If you click on the title, you will link back to my original post with the summary and my review of the book.  I hope that you find a few books that will be on your reading list soon.

Million Dollar Cowboy

by Lori Wilde

Primary Suspect

by Laura Scott

Bound by Duty

by Valerie Hansen

The Road Home

by Beverly Lewis

Phoebe's Light

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Buried Secrets
by Barbara Cameron

Total Books 2018

January   8
February  10
 March    10
April     11
May   6

Total Read  45

Currently Reading:

Menu Plan Monday 6/4

Monday- Chicken fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries
Tuesday- Pasta- Mini Cheese Raviolis and Spaghetti
Wednesday- Grilled Chicken with white rice
Thursday- Ground Chicken Tacos
Friday- Pot Luck Party for Basketball
Saturday- Homemade Pizza
Sunday- Fried Rice with roasted corn and Egg Rolls

Last week was a little crazy but we got dinner on the table every day!  Monday was Chicken Fries, Chicken Nuggets and fries because I couldn't get the wraps made.  I made spaghetti on Tuesday.  I made grilled chicken and white rice on Wednesday.  We had another crazy freezer incident with another freezer in the basement.  I went down to grab the meat that I hadn't taken it out to defrost it and the other freezer that I didn't defrost last month was making a horrible noise.  I thought that my son might have left the freezer open when he took the popcorn so I checked and the temperatures were off and things were starting to thaw.  I quickly grabbed things that were thawed and put them into the fridge and the things that weren't into the already jammed freezer next to it.  It was on a day that I had a jammed packed schedule so I was hoping nothing would explode while I was gone.  One of the thawed items was cheese raviolis so I made mac and cheese for my son and fried cheese ravioli on the side on Thursday night.  Friday brought the French Dip Sloppy Joes from the Thursday plan and I made a new creation with leftover rice by adding some chicken stock and chicken powder to make a yummy chicken rice.  Saturday brought homemade pizza which my son helped make.  Sunday we had a huge breakfast with waffles, bacon, sausage (did I mention that the freezer thawed), and hash browns.  We went with a lower key dinner of leftovers so that I could clear the fridge out a little to plan for next week.  Super glad that I had enough flexibility to get meals on the table every night without the plan.

Hoping for a good week!  I planned out most of the month of June really quickly but I didn't take a freezer inventory because it is a hot mess.  I am hoping to be able to make enough room in the freezer for a little breathing room because there is so much that I can barely close either freezer.  Here is hoping that I can fit everything in and make it through the month with some more yummy meals on the table.