Be Brave & Meet the Lorax

Be Brave & Meet the Lorax

So, let's kick off the summer with a few family friendly films. (Nice alliteration huh?)

BRAVE

Disney/Pixar's summer film doesn't disappoint, although the storyline didn't go quiet as I expected. There are alot of bears. Bear, hmm, didn't we do that in Brother Bear. Still, ya gotta love Merida's hair, her sneaky brothers, her hilarious father and loving but strict mum. It's all about being brave enough to be yourself and really isn't that what we are constantly trying to teach our kids. Everything about you is wonderful, but please follow the rules. You're very likely to add this to your DVD collection. And yes, you can take your four year old without emotional scarring. I did. I wonder how many red headed people we'll see walking around now.

Dr. SEUSS'S THE LORAX

So, I had no idea going into this that it was a musical. How fun! I love musicals! And this stuff was well written & performed. Big kudos to the artists for creating such an amazing world of cinematography. State of the art stuff. A great message on doing the right thing and saving the earth, even if you are just trying to impress a girl ,without it being shoved down your throat and leaving behind a bad taste like Happy Feet did. So, I'm big on having the right voices for the cast and I love these actors. I did find it ironic, that with this being a musical and having Zac Efron and Taylor Swift as the man characters neither of them sing. Why couldn't they at least sneak in a quick duet? Still a lovely watch and totally family friendly. Long live the Lorax!

Surrender to Elana Johnson!

So, I'm unofficially tooting Elana Johnson's horn as Surrender, her highly anticipated sequel to Possession, came out this week on June 5th. She has a huge blog tour going and if you want to check it out see her blog at

http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com

This is what the book is about:

The thrilling and seductive sequel to Possession puts love on the line in a dystopian struggle for independent thought. Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…
Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.
All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn.
Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque….

You can purchase it online everywhere, but if you like Amazon/Kindle, here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Elana-Johnson/dp/1442445688/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339169557&sr=8-1

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Or if you a Nook fan like me, here's the link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/elana-johnson?keyword=elana+johnson&store=ebook

I read the first two chapters of this as a teaser a couple of months ago and wanted to cry for having to wait to read the rest. Now I can and so can you!

And yes, Dystopia is not my usual beloved genre to read, but for Elana Johnson I will happily always make the exception! Raise a glass to Elana and sit down for a great read!

If you didn't read Possession first, I would. It's the reason I will read Surrender and I have my fingers majorly crossed that when the final book of this trilogy comes out I will have a happily ever after ending and not want to throw the book across the room like at the end of Hunger Games!

So, what is a book you enjoy that's not in your usual genre of reading, but want to tell everyone about?

The Avengers, Thor & Captain America

I had the great fortune to see The Avengers on opening weekend. It was highly entertaining, graphically up to par and very witty (Thank you Iron Man). I give great props to Joss Weedon (the director) for having put together a smashing film and especially for the lab scene where you have the majority of the big name celebrities in one room. So much ego to keep in check and work together. Always happy to see Scar Jo and the actor who plays SHEILD's ambassador. Be prepared to laugh. This is one that should be seen on the big screen. Many others can be viewed on your awesome HD screen with surround sound at home, which is what we do most of the time. It's just too expensive to go out to see a movie. Between the price of the movie and the sitter, we can buy two copies of the movie! So, we often save the money, wait a few months and then buy the movie or check it out on Redbox. I'm a big fan of Redbox.

So, then I had to back track and see Thor. We own both of the Iron Man movies. Can't wait for a third. There is going to be a third right? I wasn't sure what to expect from Thor. He didn't make the biggest impression on me in The Avengers. It was well worth the Redbox to watch it and understand his character and how he tied into everything. And how come in all the previews they never once showed Natalie Portman or Anthony Hopkins (at least not that I remember)? I like Thor's character much better now. A well thought out storyline, excellent graphics, and strong acting. British accents are always welcome in my world. Definitely some surprises and too many unanswered questions! I like loose ends to be nicely tied up when a movie finishes. The biggest surprise was the director - Kenneth Branaugh! It's been quite some time since he's directed (too long in my book) and this was not like his typical stuff (Shakespeare) but certainly up to his usual standard so well done Mr. Branaugh. See this one on Redbox or Netflix for a fun watch.

Last comes Captain America, or should I say first. (Technically I think the Hulk in 2008 with Ed Norton is first, but I don't think the studio had planned out The Avengers series movies then, because he does not reprise his role in Avengers. We have a different actor for Hulk there.) Anyways, I watched this the night after Thor and it's a toss up as to which I like better. I was quite happy to see Chris Evans don another super hero uniform (Fantastic Four - Human Torch). Although I think the first half of the movie his body is CG'd to a near concentration camp like status, especially considering that once he transforms he'd a head and a half taller and completely ripped. Since this film and Fan 4 are the only ones I've seen him in, this one gave him the opportunity to show more depth as an actor. I think that's why these films as a collection work, because even though they're superheroes we get to know them individually and see their vulnerabilities. A bit skeptical at all the historical 'facts' shown in this film. There are some awfully advanced planes and weaponry for WWII. I have long been a fan of Hugo Weaving and Stanley Tucci and was delighted to see both in this film. Hope to see the heroine back in something else. A worthy watch.

Which of the Avengers do you like most? Iron Man? Hulk? Captain America? Black Widow? Thor? Or someone else entirely?

Proper Romances - Edenbrooke & Mr. Darcy's Daughters

SO, I am a lover of Jane Austen and romances written in that style and time. What can I say, I love a clean romance with wonderfully written characters I can get behind and villains I can despise. Also seeing what characters and plot lines I can tie back to Jane's books. These two books did not disappoint on any level.

EDENBROOKE by Julianne Donaldson

This thoughtful, wonderfully written, proper romance has a spirited heroine, a handsome troubled hero and more than enough plot twists to keep you guessing and the book in your hands. Highway men, principals, sisterhood, responsibility, families grieving for lost loved ones, other suitors, etc. are just a few of the obstacles Ms. Donaldson puts in Marianne's and Phillip's paths to keep them apart and yet they are nearly together on every page! That is romance 1000 level stuff. As a romance writer I greatly appreciate the difficulty of accomplishing such an impossible task. If you want a lovely romance to read or just a beautiful book, then pick up Edenbrooke and don't plan to put it down. I'll be reading it again soon.

Mr. Darcy's Daughters by Elizabeth Aston

I am a little wary of novels that perpetuate the story of Elizabeth Bennett's and Fitzwilliam Darcy's family. But I've wanted to read one of Ms. Aston's books for a while now. When I came across this one, I couldn't resist. (Not to mention it was second hand and a great deal!) I'm so glad I picked it up and read it. We find ourselves in London with the Darcy's five daughters who are staying with Colonel Fitzwilliam and his wife Fanny. The two young boys are left back at Pemberley, while The Darcy's are off to Constantinople. These five girls get into a lot of trouble, hi jinks, mixed up engagements, rule breaking and more cause more than their fair share of mayhem in the London scene. We also meet some old friends, the Gardiners, aunt Lydia, Caroline Bingley Warren to name a few. Enjoy this proper romance with a few improper twists and characters to see how it all turns out in the end. It won't be how you expect.

Do you have a good clean romance you can recommend for my next read?

LDStorymakers 2012

If you are a writer, you are in need of a few things.
Ideas to write about.
Something to write them on. (paper to netbook to laptop or anything in between)
A writer's/critique group.
And if you can scrape together the money - a writer's conference to attend
(Agents and publishers are a whole nother blog)

Enter The LDStorymakers 2012 conference review.

Huge thanks to Jamie and Heather. They were the conference chairs and I'm sure gave more hours of their lives than I'll ever know to make it so awesome!

The classes vary from writing basics on character, world building etc. to high end how to publish your own book, query letter writing and more.

The conference is inspiring in every way: ideas you get, polishing your pitch, interacting with other creative intelligent creatures some of which you stand in awe of and never work up the courage to speak to (Elana Johnson, James Dashner, Kevin J. Anderson, Liz Adair, to name a few. Although, I did finally speak to Jeff Savage and Annette Lyon, who turned out to be lovely funny people.), and getting the kick in the pants you need to motivate you to keep writing and journeying to publication in one form or another.

You have the chance to chat with authors you have met before and make acquaintences with new ones. You celebrate with those who have become published authors since you last saw them and cheer on the ones with the most rejections because some agent, some publishing house somewhere will want it and most importantly because the work they have bled and cried over is worth it.

This year I had the opportunity to take my teenage niece and watch her writing world expand exponentially in a matter of three days. When I asked her if she wanted to go back next year she replied, "Absolutely!"

I think that sums it up. Was the LDStorymakers conference worth it? Absolutely!

What have you done to learn more about one of your hobbies?

Loving the Shape you Have

I had a requested topic this week. How do I maintain my figure? (Ironically, this comes at a time when I cannot workout due to a pulled muscle in my back & notice I said, figure, not weight. They are not the same.)

My mantra: I only get one body in this life and it's my job to take care of it.
Ok, so first off, I am blessed by some genetics. Genetics are not something you can get rid of, but that doesn't mean you can't work with them. Some of us are built slim, in keeping with the current trend of slim is in. However, I'd be an outcast back in Bottecelli's time, for not having a lucious curvy figure. (Google his art if you need clarification.)


Now, just because I have some nice genes doesn't mean I'm off the hook when it comes to my health. I work out to maintain my look, but more importantly because it is good for my body: my heart, my lungs, my back (if I don't stretch for 5 minutes at the beginning of everyday, then I am in for a day of discomfort - I have a really long spine), my muscles. You get the idea.

I do not have the luxury of  a gym membership and really for me, don't see the point. I'm not a gym kind of girl, it's not a motivator for me. The mirror and wanting to be able to keep up with my kids are my motivators. I'd rather work out at home and with what's at hand. I like to walk, esp. when it's good weather. If not, I am in possession of  a treadmill and a stationary bike. (A good tv show or book I'm reading keep these from being boring)

I do Cardio 3 times a week for 20-25 min. (My preschooler doesn't have the attention span for longer and I don't have the time as a busy mom.)

Find a cardio that is a good fit for you. I have a dance background, so I like dvd's that incorporate that aspect. Mix it up and try new dvd's from the library or swap with friends. Boredom is the killer of motivation to work out. You gotta keep it fresh and interesting for both your mind and you muscles.
I also like Tae Bo and even a good old fashioned Jane Fonda once in a while.

Getting out with your kids is a great way to get in some exercise. Baseball in the yard, basketball on the court, roller skating when they are biking, badmitton, whatever.

Also, don't knock cleaning your house. Pushing a vaccuum and mop use big muscles.

Two days a week I do core strength/stretch/weights for 20-25 min.

Focus on your core. This means back and abs. This is what holds your body up. When those are weak everything else is harder. I like Pilates for this. Yoga is also good too.(Please note I am not pushing a six pack on any one. Personally I don't like them and they take way too much effort. So long as I feel comfortable in my swim suit come summer, I'm good.) 


For me, I focus on weight bearing exercise since I am high risk for osteoparosis.


I love food, but I try to keep all things in moderation. Remember to eat your fruits and veggies, meat sparingly, whole grains and dairy. And if you want that scoop of ice cream or bite of chocolate eat it. Just remember to fit in the other things first. (Think the Word of Wisdom)

If the not so good for you foods lurking in your house are too much temptation, get rid of them and replace them with better things. I love something good late at night, but lately instead of reaching for the ice cream I go for a bit of hummus and pita chips, or some fruit or yogurt followed by a square of chocolate to cure the craving.

Rest is also important too. Know whether you are a 7, 8 or 9 hour a night person.  Make it happen everyday. Lack of sleep also kills the workout. Get up and get going early. (For me 7 am is my get up and go time.)

Do your workout when it works best for you. Mine has to happen in the morning or it doesn't happen at all.

If you want specific dvd's I love, ask me.

How do you like to work out? What's your fave way to keep you body healthy?

Banana Split

If you love a book that can have you guessing 'who dun it', while giving you incredibly yummy themed recipes to go with it, and tug your heart strings to near tears, then you are in for a delicious ride in Banana Split by Josi Kilpack!

Once again we join Josi's beloved charcter Sadie Hoffmiller, the heroine of this series, on the paradisical island of Kauai. But, paradise seems lost on Sadie as she tries to dig her way out of a pit of depression and anxiety built over the last year and a half. She's seen too many dead bodies in that time and with a psycopath stalking her its no wonder she's in a dark place. I don't know if Josi's excellent portrayal of a person struggling to deal with these issues comes from personal experience or having watched a loved one, but she does a masterful job of guiding the reader through Sadie's emotional and mental journey without depressing the reader at the same time. Hard to do. 

But no worries, even Sadie can't stay in this dark place forever. She seeks professional help after discovering the body of a young mother on an innocent snorkeling trip. A woman everyone is convinced returned to her drug addicted ways just as she was on the cusp of retaining custody of her eleven year old son, Charlie.

Charlie comes to Sadie seeking answers and in true Sadie fashion she finds them. When she finally gives them to Charlie it is truly moving, i.e. I was teary eyed.

I like to think there is a little Sadie in all of us. One who is compassionate, takes action to help someone in need, knows some awesome martial arts moves, cooks like a dream and even gets a little lost sometimes, but knows that when you trust in those you love to support you they always come through.

I have the great pleasure and opportunity of being a test kitchener for Josi. That means my family and friends are guinea pigs for her recipes. We eat them and give feedback to make them better or tell her it is perfect as is. Our favorite from Banana Split is the Macademia Pancakes with coconut syrup and the second is probably the Aloha cookies.

So, are you hungry? Ready to dive into a Banana Split?

What's your favorite pancake recipe?