What I Read: July

Kind of a mediocre reading month for me. I didn't get a chance to read a whole lot. It's a shame cuz I have SO MANY books in my to-be-read pile that I am itching to get to. There just aren't enough hours in the day. :P


 
Heist Society by Ally Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun, light read. I really enjoyed all the characters and loved the concept of this book. Sort of reminded me of Ocean's Eleven and White Collar. I listened to the audio version and thought the narrator did a great job. Can't wait to read the others in the series!!



Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really liked the premise of the book and the way it was told from different characters both in the present and the past. Unfortunately I found it to be very slow and couldn't bring myself to finish. I was interested enough to find out what happened and skipped ahead and read a few chapters in the middle and towards the end. I was able to find out how the murders occurred and felt satisfied enough.



ExtraNormal by Suze Reese
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really liked the premise of this book. It was so fresh and different from all the paranormal young adult books out right now. Unfortunately I just never felt like I got to know the characters and never really connected with them. I thought the romance between Mira and Jesse was a little weird at best, a little creepy at worst. But as the book progressed I found myself more and more interested in the story and where it would lead. I didn't love the ending -- I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly. But overall not bad and I will probably read the next in the series when it comes out.



Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVED this book! I adore the characters, the plot, and the angel lore. I can't wait to see how it all ends.






Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was such a unique twist on fairy tales. It kind of reminded me of the the TV show Once Upon a Time. All the curses and bad things that happened to these people left me wondering how it would all end so I couldn't put the book down. I thought the characters were great. I wouldn't mind reading more of their stories!

4 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies

I just LOVE these cookies! They are so easy to make and I always have the ingredients on hand. I've tried lots of different cake mix flavors.  My favorites are these lemon ones and devil's food cake ones.  The latter taste like a cross between a cookie and a brownie.  Mmmmm!

All you need are FOUR ingredients:

• one box of cake mix
• 1/3 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix by hand cake mix, oil, and eggs. Roll dough into 24 - 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat and place on a silpat or ungreased baking sheet.  Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.

Bake for 6-8 minutes. The sides will just *barely* start to turn golden brown and there will be lots of pretty crinkles on the top.  You almost want them to be under-done so they don't dry out and have a nice chewy texture.  

-marie

The Iron Fey Series

This series was a lot of fun for me! The creation and depiction of the new clan of fey, The Iron Fey, was so inventive and riveting that I couldn't get enough of this series. These books were fun to read and I definitely recommend them! 




The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars






I really enjoyed this book. It kept me entertained from the beginning. I am glad that all the books are out and I have them cause this book ended with a good cliffhanger!






 The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Really liked this book. I found myself crying through the first 7 chapters or so (may have been do to hormones :)). There was a lot of action in this book but I did find some spots to be a touch slow. Love how it ended and CAN'T wait to see what happens next!






 The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this book but did find a few parts slow. I did find myself getting thorough this series that every time Meghan and Ash did get a moment alone they were always interrupted. I did totally cry towards the end...poor Ash.








 The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 3 of 5 stars






This had a lot of slow spots and I felt like it was dragged on too much. I did like it though and at first I was not happy about Ariella but it all worked out in the end!

-chelz

Giveaway: JUNIEblake

***Giveaway is now closed***

Happy Friday!!!

We're so excited today to be hosting a giveaway!  JUNIEblake is a clothing line that focuses on cute, trendy, modest clothes.  I can't tell you how much I hate finding cute clothes that are only modest if I wear layers -- tanks underneath or cardigans on top ... or both!  With this new line from JUNIEblake you don't have to worry about any of that.  :)

They are offering not one, but TWO $30 gift cards to their online store.  Pretty sweet, huh?!

 

Do you love it all as much as I do?!

How to Enter:

"Like" JUNIEblake on Facebook, share their page with your friends, leave a comment on JUNIEblake's wall, and let me know you did so in a comment here.

For Extra Entries:

1)  Leave me a comment letting us know what your favorite item from JUNIEblake is

2)  Follow G*Rated and let me know in a comment

3)  Follow us on Facebook and let us know in a comment

Contest closes Wednesday, August 1st at 11:59 PM CST.

Two random winners will be selected Thursday, August 2nd!

Good luck!!!

Winners announced HERE.

WIWW- Racerback Tank

Cardigan- Target
Racerback tank- Target
White tank- Downeast
Capris- Buckle
Toms- Nordstrom 

I love the style of the racerback tanks. They can be casual and also dressed up and I like to wear a little cardigan over the top of mine. They are comfortable while still being cute! Then there are my Toms, I swear I have worn them most of the summer cause they are comfy and easy to throw on...they have become my "go to" shoes.

-chelz

Linked to: Rae Gun Ramblings, The Pleated Poppy, Two Thirty-Five Designs, Rolled Up Pretty & Transatlantic Blonde

Strawberries & Cream Crescents

Strawberry shortcake is my all time favorite dessert! Our family makes Strawberry shortcake a lot in the summer! I found these crescents by chance one day when I was with my daughter. We had stopped at Day's Market, which is a local grocery store in Heber City and there is also one in Orem City. Sydney wanted a doughnut and I looked over and saw these bad boys and had to try one. These are just like having an individual Strawberry shortcake! It was so delicious and I find myself craving them all the time. I am going to try to make these myself at home one of these days and see if I can get it right. 

 So, if you are ever close to a Day's Market you should stop in and try one!

-chelz

Frugal Friday- Drain Cleaner

We recently moved back to Utah and we are currently renting a home. Our shower is older and gets clogged up all the time. It drives me nuts! I got tired of buying expensive drain cleaner from the store, so I set out to find a home recipe to try out and I found this one here. I gave it a try and it worked pretty well. I had to do this twice to get it to really work but as I said our shower is older and could probably use a professional cleaning, so this should work great for just your average clog. 

Pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour half a cup of vinegar down. Place a wet face cloth over it and let it sit for 5 minutes and then wash it down with hot water.

-chelz