What I Read - January

 I've always loved reading.  I've often thought if I were a Disney Princess, I would be Belle, with her nose always stuck in a book!  There's just something so wonderful about getting caught up in a good book and getting so connected to characters and stories.  Even though I am crazy busy with life, I always manage to find time for "me" and I love to unwind with a good book.


Once a month I'll be posting what I read the previous month and my reviews.  Now just so you know, I'm not really that hard to please when it comes to books.  You'll probably see a lot of 5 star ratings here.  I just want my books to entertain me and let me escape reality for just a bit.  Also, I'm a reader, not a writer.  So my reviews will be short and to the point.  ;)

Okay, let's get to January's books, shall we?  I didn't get as much time to read this month but here they are:


Fateful by Claudia Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea what this book was even about when I picked it up at the library. Had I known it was a paranormal book about werewolves on the Titanic I probably would've passed. But luckily I didn't know that going into it. :) I was hooked on the story from the beginning. I was intrigued by the historical aspect of it -- I've always felt drawn to the tragedy of the Titanic -- and I could even buy into the paranormal aspect of it. I loved the romance and loved Tess -- she was strong and sure of herself. It was interesting getting wrapped up in the story and knowing in the back of your mind what was bound to happen with the ship. I loved the writing and loved the historical aspect the author brought to the book. I felt the ending was a little "cheesy" but overall a really good read!




Firelight by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up from the library. It ended with such a cliff hanger and even though #2 is out, I will still have to wait til the 3rd comes out later this year! I really enjoyed this book. It moved at such a quick pace and I instantly fell in love with the characters and this draki species the author created. It's a book about dragons -- what's not to love?!  Can't wait to see where the story goes from here!



The Future of Us by Jay Asher
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This was kind of a "guilty pleasure" book to me. The premise was kinda silly and it definitely had some cheesy moments, but like any guilty pleasure I got sucked in and couldn't wait to find out what happened next in the characters lives. It was also fun reminiscing about the "good old days" since it takes place in the 90's and I was the same age as the characters in 1996 and it's fun to think about how I would've viewed my future if seen through the eyes of Facebook. Overall it was a fun, quick read and I actually enjoyed seeing the characters develop and learn along the way.


Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a great book. I liked this telling of angels better than some other angel books I've read. It was definitely your typical young adult paranormal story line, including a love triangle, but it had a few twists I was not expecting. Definitely looking forward to reading the rest in the series as this one left me with so many unanswered questions!

View all my reviews
 

Frugal Friday- Buttermilk

We like to make buttermilk pancakes at our house like we did here with our Chocolate Cake Batter Pancakes. It is really cheap and easy to make homemade buttermilk. Here is the recipe....

Milk                                  
Vinegar




I use apple cider vinegar, but it really doesn't matter what kind you use. Put desired amount of milk as the recipe for what you are making calls for and then mix in the vinegar 1tsp at a time until the milk starts to thicken.

-Buff-

*A good ratio is about 1 cup milk to 1 tablespoon vinegar.  You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar.

Printable Valentine Jokes

Since Cailyn loves little jokes in her lunch box I figured I would make some for Valentine's Day.  You can download them HERE. 

*Thanks to Digital Card Fun for some of the cute, free clipart! :)

Linked to: Lil Luna,  Sugar & Spice, Blue Cricket Design

WIWW- Chelz

I like mixing different shades of the same color! I love my navy blue blazer cause it goes with everything and when I paired it with this teal infinity scarf I just loved they way these two colors played off each other.

Blazer -Navy BLue: TJ Maxx

Gray top: Walmart

White Tank: Downeast

Scarf: Target

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: old

Bracelet: gift

I love the look of a messy bun. They are super easy to do and can be worn with anything.

-chelz










Linked to:

Countdown to Valentine's

My kids love doing any type of countdown to holidays.  Pretty much every holiday in our home is a big deal and Valentine's is no exception.  This is what we are doing for our countdown this year.

I've filled 14 paper bags with all kinds of Valentine goodies.  There are crafts we can do together, games we can play, and yummy treats we can make.


Here's what the bags are filled with:

• coloring & sticker book
• water color paint book
• foam picture frame crafts
• valentine bingo
• "pin the heart" game
• sugar cookie mix
• valentine decals for their windows
• tic-tac-toe craft
• heart cookie cutter for rice krispy treats
• hugs & pretzels to make holiday "buttons"
• crazy straws & juice boxes
• valentine memory game
• small valentine party favors
• foam door hanger crafts

I know it seems like a lot of stuff, and yes maybe I go overboard a little, but I love creating memories with my kids and this is a great way to make sure I set aside some time every day to spend with them.  I got everything from either the Dollar Tree or on clearance after Valentine's last year.  And a lot of things can be used year after year. The internet is also a great source to find printable games & crafts!





We also went to the library and picked up a bunch of Valentine's Day books and the kids get to pick out one a day to read.

I created a download for the numbers if you want to make your own countdown.  I used my 2.25-Inch Scallop Punch to fancy 'em up a bit but you can always keep them square and use them however you want!

Linked to: Michelle Paige, Destination Craft,

Lime Green- Polyvore

I love a good pop of a fun color! I have always loved lime green and when I saw these heels on polyvore I just had to use them!

What do you think?

 What colors are you drawn to?

Sunday Best 1/29/12

Welcome to another week of Sunday Best.  Can't wait to see what you wore this week!

Here are our favorites from last week:

Amber from Amber Loves Logan

Love her belt! It is such a cute, classic outfit!

Cassidy from Fit, Crafty, Stylish and Happy

Love the Black and White look and love this blazer!

Abbie from Five Days.....5 ways

This look is so cute! The details on this skirt are amazing and it was thrifted! Check out her other amazing outfits she got during her shopping trip!

Tank: Styles For Less

Cardigan: gift

Belt: thrift store

Dress: Target 

Bracelets: Styles For Less

Shoes: Discount Shoe Factory

Skirt- Old Navy

Top- F21
Hot Pink Tights- F21
Shoes- Discount Shoe Factory
Necklace- F21
Bracelet- Burlington

<center><a href="http://griffithsrated.blogspot.com/search/label/sunday%20best" target="_blank"><img alt="g*rated" src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd14/kiwibacon4/button2-1.jpg"/></a></center>

RULES:

1. Link to a specific, clothing-related post on your blog.

2. Add the g*rated button to your post.

3. Make sure you check out other links to get ideas.  And no one would mind if you left a comment on their blog. :)

4. Follow g*rated.

Linked to: Rae Gun Ramblings, The Pleated Poppy, Real Momma, & Transatlantic Blonde

Show us your Sunday Best!

1. Marci McNair	2. Very Busy Mamá {life, beauty & style}	3. Style N Season: Crochet, Ruffle N Flower	4. amberloveslogan	5. Jane Squared
6. Lauren and Lauren	7. Rue Ceri	8. Not Dressed As Lamb	9. Crinkle Your Closet	10. Nine to Fly
11. Goodwill Skirts	12. Loving My Shape	13. Kim,USA

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