A Month of Thanks

Hello friends and neighbors,

Many of you may not be aware that Romance in the Backseat is offering a very special Month of Thanks this November.  The most exciting part is coming from Silver Publishing, a generous giveaway of $100 Grocery Gift Card.

November is a time to give thanks to those in our life who day in and day out make our lives better. To give thanks to friends and family that year after year support us. This year there are a lot of families and friends in need of some extra support and help. That is why Silver Publishing has so generously offered to help pay for a families Thanksgiving dinner.

Please share the news about this giveaway and join us to nominate someone in your life who could use the extra help. All nominations are private, our goal is to add some holiday cheer and some extra goodies to the table this Thanksgiving. 

I want to thank Silver Publishing for this amazing gift. Even if you and your loved ones are lucky enough to have a table of food waiting Thanksgiving day drop in and show your appreciation not only to Silver Publishing, but to the other authors who have come on the site this month and shared their tales of thanks.  To give us a little more cheer those authors have also offered a book giveaway to share with those you love.

Terry Kate
Romance in the Backseat

 

Visit Silver Publishing's Site to find out about their books - http://silverpublishing.info/

Enter Here - http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/month-of-thanks-food-giveaways-silver.html

Kylie Brant's Giveaway

Deadly Intent

 http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/gratitude-attitude-by-kylie-brant.html

Lydia Dare's Giveaway

The Taming of the Wolf

 http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/month-of-thanks-lydia-dare.html

Nicola Cornick's Giveaway

Whispers of Scandal

http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/nicola-cornicks-month-of-thanks-blog.html 

Kersten Hamilton's Giveaway

Tyger Tyger

http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/month-of-thanks-with-kersten-hamilton.html

Manda Writes A Novel Part 1

I decided to get ahead of the game a bit and write up my synopsis and make the cover art for my novel. Check it out. :)

Sara Henderson has always had her future planned out. She does everything by a schedule and lives her life by her day planner. It takes the most important speech of her life and a sea of familiar faces for her to realize that something is missing. The day of her high school graduation takes her on a whirlwind, unplanned start to the rest of her life and she is writing it all down.










Comments and Criticism appreciated!  Writing starts tomorrow night at midnight! Woo.

Hello there, November...

I see you peeking at me from around the corner. You're only four days away??? OH MY!

Not only is November my wedding anniversary and Thanksgiving it's also NaNoWriMo! Now I know I talked about NaNoWriMo last year, but for those of you new kids and others who just didn't pay attention I'll explain again.

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It's basically a ton of people getting together and challenging themselves to write a novel during the month of November. 50,000 words in 30 days. Insane, I know.

I talked myself out of it actually. As of about fifteen minutes ago, I was NOT going to be participating again this year. I just didn't feel like I had the energy or the time to write 50,000 words. Then today I got to thinking, and also was persuaded by some of my favorite Youtubers, why not? Why in the world can I not do this? I don't have a job, I make bows and tutus whenever an order comes in, but I have a lot of free time. I spend most of this free time starring at Facebook and watching ridiculous tv shows. It's about time I dedicate myself to something and start taking steps toward my future. I am big on giving up on things and not even starting things that might challenge me. It's time for a change.

So, here's to many sleepless nights, angry mental monologues and pissing off my hubby. I'm in this 100%. Whose with me? My NaNo name is Manderiffic, if you want to join in.

Ok, so I guess I should tell YOU, my readers, what to expect from me this next month.  I'll update you periodically on my progress, I'll share the rare gems I write with you (most of my writing will probably be crap) and I'll whine. I'll probably whine A LOT. Starting at Midnight, November 1st, writing will be my life. I will be a hardcore writing, crying machine. Oops, forget that crying part.

Tomorrow I start this whole adventure with a plot idea and an outline. I might even come with a title of some sort to get me started. I've always found that my best writing starts with an epic title, that I change 50 million times.

Well I think I've rambled enough for one day, if you have any questions, my e-mail is cold and lonely. Also comments might keep me sane, so send lots my way! Love you forever and always.

Tired Panda

<<< This is exactly how I feel right now.

I have had a very long week and I am completely and utterly exhausted.

I decided in my frustrated and exhausted state that I should write a blog post. It's been a REALLY long time since I've written on here, and I know a lot of you miss me greatly. I'm sorry that I'm such a loser and a basically gave up on my daily blogging and totally failed at making it for a whole year.  I can't say that I'm entirely surprised that I quit my 365 project. I tend to give up on things in my life. I never follow through with anything, and when I get bored with something I just quit. Kind of like what I did with school.  Heh, kind of sad really. I suck.

Well anywho, back to why I started writing this tonight. My life is kind of bleh right now.  I just spent the last week being a back up mom to my brother's kids and neglecting my house and my husband. Tonight, at church, I got this super sick feeling and knew it was God telling me it was time for me to stand up for my morals and get my life back. I am now home and feeling much more at ease. I am sad to see my cable TV and food go, but I'll make it through.  I can't live someone else's life for them, and I can't take on their responsibilities. It's not fair to me and it's not fair to my husband. I need to start doing things for ME and not letting people take advantage of how nice I am.

In conjunction with the reason I started this blog, I am reading again! I stopped for a while and really couldn't get into anything. I had a hard time even PICKING up a book for a while there. This isn't anything new, you know, me and my phases. So yeah, where was I? Ok, so one of my best friends is in Japan, and had this great idea of starting an online book of the month club, so we could all bond over stuff and have a GREAT way to keep in touch.  The book for this October is The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I haven't read any of his books in the past, but I've seen the movie for this one and also for Dear John and LOVED them both. My BFFINM, Sara, told me that his books are WAY better than the movies, so I was excited to get this one for the book club.  After much searching at all my local book stores, I finally found it at Bookman's, hardcover for 8 bucks! WOOHOO! I'm already on chapter 14 and so far I'm really loving it! Also, now that I am home again, I should have it finished in no time at all. I also picked up The Notebook for a dollar at Half-Price Books, so I'll be reading that one next! Yay books! Oh how I've missed your used book smell...erm and reading you too. :)

Anywho, so that's what's been going on with me for the most part.  We're also in the process of asking God where he wants us to go as far as churches. We've asked him to lead us, and we're willing to follow wherever that may be. I won't get into the gory details with that just yet, but be watching for a post in the next couple of weeks.

I'm off to bed in a bit (as soon as Lord of the Rings Online finishes downloading) and I have to watch Alex in the morning.  I'll talk to you later blog-o-sphere. Don't be expecting me back on my daily writing routine, but you should be hearing from me more often.

Oh and if you haven't already, check out my Etsy , do it now!!! I can make all kinds of pretty things for you or your little princess! It's not too late to make some custom Halloween or Thanksgiving orders!!! Christmas is coming up too! WINK WINK!

Until we meet again, blessings and good wishes.  I love you and yours. ;)

Beggars Can't Be Choosers!

Hey all my lovely readers and friends! Big BIG favor to ask of you! If you have the space could you please add a banner to your sidebar for my etsy shop? I know this is SO lame of me to ask, but I figure I'm not FORCING anyone to help me out, it's just a request! Thank you so much to those of you who help me out with this and THANK you so much for sticking with me these last couple of months while I'm being a LAME-O non-writer.

I have 4 banner sizes to choose from. Just upload the image of your choice into the image gadget and put http://www.etsy.com/shop/manderiffic as the link. I love you long time! If you have any questions e-mail me or comment here! Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Here's the images: WOO!

 BANNER:

BUTTON:

SKYSCRAPER:

SQUARE:

Again thank you thank you thank you! I LOVE YOU!

Review - Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Shadow Hills

Since her sister's death, Persephone Archer has been having strange dreams that seem almost real. Things become even more strange when she finds a journal of her sisters that talks about similar dreams.  Persephone decides to attend Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts after receiving a pamphlet addressed to her sister. Life starts changing quickly for Persephone when things from her dreams start becoming reality in the town of Shadow Hills. What's going on with the townspeople and who is this mysterious boy that starts invading her life in her dreams and when she is awake? 

I was not to sure I was going to enjoy this book after reading the synopsis on the back cover. It just sounded a bit to strange for my liking. I was totally wrong! The story Anastasia Hopcus weaves in her debut novel is so intriguing and intense that I had a hard time pulling myself away. I was sucked in from page one and kept on going all the way till the end.  I loved the character of Persephone and loved Zach even more.  Anastasia did also making her side characters lovable and exciting. I know you'll adore Graham and Toy just as much as I did. My only compliant character-wise was with Athena and Ariel. I feel like they were both mentioned, but not really talked about. I realize that Athena is deceased, but there were things about her that were talked about and never brought up again. I also feel like the character of Ariel wasn't necessary. She was brought up a few times, but I don't think she was important to the flow of the story. I loved the setting of this book. I had a great time picturing Shadow Hills and Devenish Prep.  They seem like really awesome places and I love how Hopcus described every little thing about them. All in all this was a pretty amazing book and I think Anastasia Hopcus did an amazing job! I am rooting for a sequel and I can't wait to read more from this debut author.

Epic Fail!

I know I have TOTALLY failed at blogging everyday. I'm sad, but I've been SO busy lately!!!  I finally got my Etsy store up and running! Now you all can go order tutus and bows!!! YAY! Please go check it out and tell all your friends!

Manda's Pretty Little Things

Thank you so much for taking a look and giving me business! This shop is my only form of income, so I'll love you a long long time if you help me promote and maybe even shop yourself! I'll be putting up more bows tomorrow! YAY!

That's about all I've been up to besides helping out A LOT at church and running crazy. :)

Love you all VERY much!!!

Dirtiest Cabin

My view from my cabin.

Last REAL Post Till Friday!

Ok well it's off to bed for me. I head up to camp tomorrow morning.  I won't be posting "for real" again until Friday.  I'll try to do either a mobile re-cap or a photo everyday while I'm gone, but if I miss a day, don't hold it against me.

I'm super excited for camp! I had a blast last year and I know this year will be just as awesome! God is going to do some great things in the youth of AZ this week!

Ok that's all for me today. Off to bed!

See ya Friday! :)

Countdown To Camp!

I leave for camp in 2 days!!! I'm so excited. Sunday morning I'm out of here. I get home Friday afternoon/evening.  My posts for those days will be some sort of mobile upload.

This is what I did today:

These are to decorate my cabin with.

I made this to go with a ladybug themed tutu that I'm making either Saturday or when I get back from camp.

I also made a purple tutu for a little girl named Alyssa and a matching bow.  I'm having so much fun making stuff! I have a TON of tutus to make when I get back from camp, and hopefully I'll have my Etsy shop fully up and running by then.  

Ok it's hot in here. I'm off to bed. 

See ya tomorrow!

I Want To Be A Butterfly...

Flying Through The Sky...With You...TODAY!

I spent today making paper butterflies and signs to decorate my cabin with on Sunday.  I made a ton of butterflies to hang from the ceiling and signs with scriptures and quotes about being a new creation and being unique. I can't wait to hang everything up at camp!!! YAY!

Ok that's all for today. I have lots of tutu orders, now I just have to get my supplies!

Onesie...Tutu.

I made a super cute tutu today that matches a onesie. Their newborn size and available in my Etsy store.

AWWW So cute, right?? Go buy it! 

I have a super bad headache right now, I'm off to bed. I don't have much up in my shop yet, buy go buy what is there. ;) K thanks. lol.

See ya tomorrow.

Hello Monday

I opened my Etsy store today! You can find it at http://www.etsy.com/shop/manderiffic.  I don't have anything up yet, I probably won't have anything listed until the week after next. I have camp next week so I don't want to have orders that I have to put on hold.  However, I did get some orders from facebook friends today, so I have lots to do this week! YAY! I started a hot pink and black tutu today, but I have to wait for my supply order to come so I can finish it.  I really am enjoying my business!

Ok that's all for today. I'm going to watch TV and hang with the hubby.

See ya tomorrow.

I Like Having Friends

We had church today. I did nursery for the 9am classes, and then went to 10am service. The nursery kiddos are SO cute! Church was good. Pastor Price has been preaching on some GREAT stuff lately! I'm super happy at Cathedral.

After church we went to lunch with the Lafons.  Nate and Amy are great, and their kids are adorable!

We had a little rest time and then it was back to church to help get stuff ready for camp next week. I addressed and stuffed a ton of envelopes.  I'm super stoked for camp! YAY!

I'm really tired now. We had a super busy weekend.  I'm going to try to make some tutus this week and help with more camp stuff.  Then Sunday morning I'm off to camp till Friday night.  Busy Busy Busy!

I still haven't found my notebook to check up on my book stuff. Yikes! I'll try to find it tomorrow. I promise. *wink* haha

Ok I'm off to bed! See ya tomorrow!

I Has An Interwebz!

We finally got our internet hooked up!!! I'm so excited. My goal is to get my Etsy store up tomorrow afternoon/early evening.

I just realized I never posted yesterday. I had youth choir last night and then my hubby and I helped out at the Teen Afterglow and we didn't get home till almost 2am.  I am very sleepy to say the least.  We had a blast last night and I'm extremely happy to be at Cathedral and to be involved with such great ministries.  I leave for camp a week from tomorrow and I'm SUPER stoked! At this point, I've decided to not have a guest blogger for the time I'm gone, I think I'll just update you all with a daily photo or a little mobile post. 

We're babysitting my nephew right now and his parents should be home soon. I'm ready to go home and go to bed. We have a semi-early morning tomorrow and lots to do.  I'm an extremely sleepy Manda.

Alright this is all for me today.

Catch ya later.

It's been a long week. Hopefully we're able to get internet tomorrow. I'm going nuts without my interwebz! Tomorrow night is youth choir and afterglow! Night!

I Need Me Some Interwebz.

Still using this dodgey internet connection. It seems to work best late at night and super early in the morning.  I can't wait till we can get our own service.

We had church again tonight. It was pretty good. We took 2 of our old youth kids with us. I really miss them. They're such good kids.  We have church again tomorrow night and then youth choir and afterglow on Friday. The preacher this week has been talking about your goals and dreams and not letting anyone get in the way of them. I've talked about my calling to work with youth before in this blog. I'm sort of feeling like right now I'm supposed to hang out and do what's asked of me and just be involved with the youth group and the kids.  It's all about being a good influence and a positive adult in their lives for me anyway.  I really have a heart for kids and youth.  I'm thankful that God has given me a husband that is the same way.

Ok well it is SUPER hot in this room. I need to get a fan for in here ASAP! Off to read a bit and go to bed. I finished the 1st Sookie Stackhouse book this morning. I'm going to start the second one now.  Still no book counts for you. I really need to find my notebook and update it. Grrr.

See ya tomorrow! (Hopefully this internet at night thing keeps up.)

I'm So Hot...And Not in a Vain Way.

It's getting hotter everyday here. Arg, why do I live in AZ again?  I still don't truly have internet in my new place yet. Right now I'm tapping into a wireless connection that isn't the most reliable. It goes in and out constantly. My hope is to have internet by Friday. Here's hoping!

Nothing new and exciting to report. We are still unpacking and getting settled.  The animals are all transitioning ok. Today they were a bit more jumpy and loud then the last couple of days, but I think it's just going to take some time for them to get used to the change.

My Aunt Elsie's house burned down yesterday in Las Vegas. My Aunt Elsie passed away last June and her daughter, PV, was living in the home.  2 of her dogs and 7 cats died in the fire. Please keep PV in your prayers.

Ok I'm off to read a bit and go to bed. I finished a book today and started the Sookie Stackhouse series. I don't have my notebook unpacked yet, so I can't put up book counts. I'll hopefully be more on track come this weekend.

Thanks for bearing with me!

See ya later.

Moving: Day 2

We have most everything moved in. Just a few things left. I've got some things set up and looking good. Still a lot to unpack. No internet yet. So sad.

Moving: Day 1

Just took a shower in my new apartment. Laying in my new bedroom getting ready to go to sleep. VERY long day of moving. Thank God for good friends. Night.

Moving Tomorrow!

Packed all day today and cleaned. I'm so tired. Goodnight moon.

New Home, New Lives, New Things

We signed the lease on our condo tonight!!! I'm so excited. We're going to start moving in on Saturday! It'll be good to be in our own place and not have to worry about anyone else. I can't wait to decorate it. I'll have an office for the computer and my tutus and ribbons. I'll be able to finally use all the kitchen stuff we got for our wedding. I'll take pictures and put them up of each room once we're all situated.

Ok that's all I've got for today.  I'm super sleepy. I didn't sleep well at all yesterday. I have to pack up our room tomorrow. So I'll be doing that all day. Fun Fun.

Ok see ya later.

Congratulations Class of 2010!!

My little brother graduated tonight. Congrats to all the 2010 grads out there!

I started re-packing our stuff that's in the garage. It's all packed crazy, so I'm trying to go through it before we move this weekend and get it organized a bit.  It was super hot out there today. I might try to start a bit earlier tomorrow.

We're supposed to go tomorrow and fill out/sign paperwork for the apartment. I'm excited to get into a new place of our own.  My goal is to be all moved in and unpacked by Wednesday of next week.  That way I can start my Etsy store and get back to tutu and bow making.

Alright, I'm off to bed. Super exhausted!

Stress Factor

I'm a bit stressed right now. You probably noticed something is going on from yesterday's post.  We're being forced to move and in the process of finding someplace to go.  Possibly found somewhere and might be moving as soon as this weekend! YIKES! That's soon right?!  I'll be packing and re-packing and stressing all week.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Hopefully getting settled into a new place will help me relax a bit and I'm excited to decorate and set up all our stuff that's been in storage for almost 2 years!  I'll also have a nice clean office to do my crafting and blogging in.  YAY!

Ok well that's it for today. I'm going to probably take a break from Bad Girl and Random Blog until we're settled in our new place.

See ya tomorrow.

Not In the Mood...

I'm not in the greatest of moods right now. I don't feel like writing anything.  I'm going to take a shower and go to bed. Rawr.

Manda and Her Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Night

I'm so incredibly irritated right now. Arg!

I had a great day spending time with my first ever roomie, Crystalina, and her new hubby Shaun.  Then we went and hung out with my hubby's family.  This has been a great weekend and I've had a great time with family and friends. Made some money too! All in all a happy time.

Then I came home today and the good mood went out the window.  ARG!

I really don't have much else to write because I'm so incredibly annoyed.

I'm off to bed. See ya.

An Inner Bad Girl Relationship Tip: If you ever hear yourself say, "My paramour is really different when we're alone," run way from this relationship as fast as you can.

Random Blog of the Day: Welcome to my World

Oh I'm a Tired Manda.

The music survey thing this morning was interesting. Listened to 7 seconds of 350 different songs and had to rate them. It was pretty tedious, but I got money.

I made the 3 tutus for the order my friend made. I just finished them a little bit ago and I'm exhausted. I wrapped all the tutus I've made for other people up all pretty and am delivering to 3 little princesses tomorrow.

The wrap job. 

The little tags say Manda's Pretty Little Things and then have For: Princess (child's name)The little bow is a hair clip that matches the tutu.  Aw man...the cute factor kills me.  

We also went and saw Shrek Forever in 3D at Imax. It was pretty funny.

Man what a busy day. No wonder I can barely keep my eyes open. Geesh.

Ok off to bed.  Another busy day tomorrow. Yikes!

Random Blog of the Day:  RuFF Housing...this guy makes pretty sweet graphic art. :)

*Blank*

I had stuff I was going to write about, but now I can't remember anything.

Um.

Yeah, I have no idea.

I'm super sleepy and have to be up at 7am tomorrow.  I have to be across town by 8:45 at the latest.  Yay for making money though! Money is always nice.

The 20/20 guy just said he has Facebook and Twitter. Weird.  EVERYBODY is on Facebook and Twitter now. Lame.

Ok I'm done with my random ramblings. My bed is calling me.  I don't have my calendar in here and don't have the energy to go in the other room to get it. So no Bad Girl for you. Teehee.

Random Blog of the Day: Mass Movement TV

When You See My Face...

...hope it gives you hell! I caught up on Glee today! Their version of Hope It Gives You Hell by the All-American Rejects was epic!! I absolutely love that song and they did a good job with it. I really like Glee. It is a bit more campy then stuff I'd normally watch, but I can't help being sucked into it. As a musical theatre kid, I just love Glee!! I wish there had been a Glee Club at my high school.

Hmmm...that's about all I did today. I watched like 5 hours of Glee in order to catch up.

I'm still reading the trashy novel that shall not be named.  I didn't read any of it today. I'm bad.

Ok that's all from the brain of Manda today.

I'm sleepy and off to read until laundry finishes and then CRASH.

Taking Care of Business, Inner Bad Girl Style: Say what you mean, mean what you say--at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

Random Blog of the Day: Pilgrim Grey

See ya.

First Annual Avenger's Day

Today was the first Annual Avenger's Day. We went to Hero Comics and bought some Marvel comics on sale.  I got 2 Captain America comics. One of the is the cover that inspired my Captain America for President shirt.  I also got a special edition Grimm's Fairy Tales.  Pretty exciting for me. Teehee.

We also went to the Twilight Farmer's Market. I was highly disappointed. I'm from the East Coast and this was nothing like the Farmer's Markets I grew up with.  There was only about 10-15 booths and only like 2 of them actually had veggies and farm products.  I was very sad.

Oh I finished the first book in the Jaguar Stones series. It was great. My review is in the post prior to this one.

I started reading another book. It's something I got from the library. It's much more..."romantic"... then I was expecting. I'm going to finish it anyway because the storyline is actually pretty interesting. I know...that sounds like I'm saying I read playboy for the articles.  Haha, but seriously, it'd be a pretty decent book if the author lowered the smut level. I won't be sharing the title here...you can look on my 100 list later if you're super curious.

That's about all for today. I was super naughty and had chipotle for dinner. Oh man SO bad for me. AH!

This is a pic I found today of me when I was about sixteen. I was SO skinny!!! Look how cool and athletic and healthy I look. This is what I want to look like again! This picture is my inspiration and my goal for the next 6 months.

Alright, that's all for today. See ya tomorrow.

Today is "Only Say Nice Things to Yourself Day." Because your Inner Bad Girl knows that being self-critical all the time is not terribly effective.

Random Blog of the Day: Treowth

Review- The Jaguar Stones Book One: Middleworld

The Jaguar Stones Book One: Middleworld

When Max's archeologist parents leave for a dig in Central America, he is set on a boring summer of video games, TV and junk food.  When Zia, their housekeeper, sends him off with a packed backpack and a plane ticket, Max is not prepared for what's waiting.  His parents have gone missing and it's up to Max to save them. With the help of Lola, a talkative Maya girl and two howler monkeys, Max is in for an adventure of a life time.  What will it take to rescue his parents? Does Max have it in him to live out this real life video game?

I was skeptical when I saw the cover of this book and a quick flip through showed that each chapter contained pictures.  I was expecting a childish easy read at maybe a JR high level.  I was completely wrong.  Jon and Pamela Voelkel have created an amazing thing with The Jaguar Stones. Middleworld was an amazing book. The way they laid out the adventure in this novel was well thought out and presented perfectly.  I was drawn in and enthralled from beginning to end. I absolutely adored the characters of Max and Lola and I found that they complimented each other perfectly.  I don't think there is a better team of characters out there.  I loved reading this book and learning about all the Maya life that existed in the past that the Voelkel's painted.  The setting, challenges and characters of this work were beautiful mastered and so realistic that they leap from the pages. I can not wait for the next book in this series and I can honestly say this is a great book for anyone middle age and older to experience.  Well done!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Goodman Media and Egmont USA. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh man, book club is bad for my healthy eating.  I made Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.  I had to eat one.  I was good at book club though. I didn't eat anything else that was bad and just drank water.   

I'm reading The Jaguar Stones: Middleworld. It's pretty good so far. I'm about half-way through. I'm really enjoying the historical-esque stuff and the adventure. I should be done with it tomorrow and I'll post up a review.

Tomorrow is Avenger's Day and our neighborhood Twilight Farmer's Market. YAY for fun things to do. Hopefully my tulle comes soon so I can make my tutus for my orders!

Ok that's all for today. Hasta Manana!

A dirty little secret about Toxic Niceness: it keeps women from achieving great things.

Random Blog of the Day: Soul Expanding Life and Loose Ends Flying

Tutu Making Machine

I made 2 1/2 tutus today in the span of about 2 hours.  I'm amazing. 

These are the two I made today. Aw aren't they cute?! I made them for my little model whose going to model them for pictures for my Etsy store I'm going to make.  I also got my first order today! I have to make 3 for the order! YAY money! I really have been having a great time making these. 

Ok that's all I have to say for today. I made some yummy Enchilada Casserole for dinner and watched Harry Potter movies. YAY!

Ok bye.

An Inner Bad Girl Shopping Tip: This year buy a bathing suit that you really love-and actually wear it to the beach, the pool or the lake.

Random Blog of the Day: Classical Gas Emissions

End to a Nice Weekend

We had church this morning. Pastor Price preached an amazing sermon. Talked about some stuff that Mikey and I were just discussing.  If you're looking for a miracle or a blessing, your prayer warrior may be sitting right next to you.  Also, know what's in your house.  What is going on in your home, church and body that is honoring or dishonoring God?  As Mr. Caleb Crooms would say, good stuff!

We went to Freddy's for lunch. It's right by our church and we've never been there.  The fries were amazing.  Bad meal number 2 this weekend, but I didn't eat breakfast and my dinner was super healthy, so it's all good. :)

My head feels weird right now, I think I'm ready for bed.

I'm planning on getting some reading done tomorrow.  I still have quite a few review books to read and the whole Sookie Stackhouse series. Oh man.

An Inner Bad Girl History Lesson: On May 16, 1919, Congress sent the 19th Amendment to the states for ratification.  Your Inner Bad Girl knows that you know the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.

Random Blog of the Day: Moments...memories...me.  The writers English is a bit confusing at times, but a pretty decent blog.

I Didn't Do Jack Sh*t

That title is compliments of my husband. Haha. I asked him what I did today and he said that.

Actually I did quite a bit today. We went to Michael's and Hobby Lobby and I bought a bunch of ribbon and a bunch of tulle.

I made 2 tutus and a couple of bows.  One of the tutus is light pink with a pink polka dot bow and the other is hot pink and black with a pink and black leopard print bow. I also made 2 hair clip bows to go with them.  The pink one is for a little girl at my church and the other one is for me to wear to camp.  I had a lot of fun making them. :) I'll take pics of myself tomorrow in my tutu and bow.

I have one more tutu to make before camp! YAY! I'm excited to give the pink tutu to the mom tomorrow. I hope she likes it! AH! 

Yup that's what I did today. Oh and ate a really yummy lunch, that wasn't so nutritious....oops. We didn't eat dinner though, so I figure it evens out.

Ok I'm off to bed. Have to get up for church in the morning.

I'm going to leave daily bad girl till tomorrow.

Random Blog of the Day: To Be Myself Completely

Blogging Via Text Message

I'm exhausted and too lazy to get online and write a decent post.

I read two books today. I'm amazing.

I ate subway for dinner. Yay!

Ok goodnight. :)

Review- Possessed by Kate Cann

 Possessed

When Rayne decides that life at home in London, with an overbearing boyfriend and a mother who leaves raising her little brother up to her, is too much to handle she accepts a job at Morton's Keep. Morton's Keep is rumored to be haunted by some pretty evil spirits, but anything is better then her current life.  In Possessed, readers join Rayne through some very spooky nights alone in her new little house.  Who are the Fire Festival men?  Are the involved with the strange happenings going on? And what does this all have to do with Rayne?  Kate Cann takes readers on a strange and sometimes frightening journey in her new book Possessed.

This was an different book.  I really enjoyed the character of Rayne and I thought she was someone you could relate to.  I can't decide how I feel about the story itself though.  I don't feel like the flow was very effective.  There was a lot of stuff that went on that sort of felt like it was just there to fill space.  I also didn't feel like the whole story with the ghost was thought out enough.  The way the book was going I thought it was building up to something more than what happened. The ending of the book was very anti-climatic.  I think that the author could have made the whole haunting and dungeon scenes more than what they were. There was a lot of build-up and secondary characters adding things that really didn't go anywhere.  This book wasn't great, but it's an alright read.  I enjoyed the historical-like stuff that was talked about and that made it worth reading.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Scholastic Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Networking

I figured out today how to network my blog with that Facebook thing. It's over there in my sidebar if you don't understand my vague lingo. Yay now my Facebook friends can follow me and if you don't have a blogger account, but have Facebook, you can follow me too!

I got invited to do this music panel thingy with Air1 radio.  I have to listen to music for 1.5-2 hours with a bunch of other woman my age and rate it.  I get paid $75 for doing it! Sweet huh?!

Oh man so The Vampire Diaries Season Finale was on tonight. I won't give any spoilers, but it was AMAZING! If you watched it and want to talk about it with me, feel free to send me a comment and I'll message you back. It was un-freaking-believable! The new season better starts soon. I don't think I can wait ALL summer for it. 

Arg, every time I type my computer desk rattles funny. I don't know why this is and it's driving me nuts!

I'm doing good on eating healthy and working out.  I ate really good today and did an hour of heavy cleaning.  My kitchen is squeaky clean! YAY!

Ok that's all for today. I didn't finish reading Possessed yet. I'll try to get it done tomorrow.

See ya.

"All men are not slimy warthogs. Some men are silly giraffes, some woebegone puppies, some insecure frogs. But if one is not careful, those slimy warthogs can ruin it for all the others." -Cynthia Heimel

Random Blog of the Day: Dance this mess around

Addicted to H2O

It's official, I'm addicted to water. Haha. I drank the equivalent of 16 glasses of water today. That's 128 ounces. That's the one thing about getting healthy that I don't have any problem with. I can happily drink tons of water, no problem. I'm not really a big soda drinker, we definitely never have it in the house. We only drink it sometimes when we go out.

I made Black & Gold burritos for dinner tonight. They were delicious! I'm going to type up the recipe tomorrow and add it to Sparkpeople. 

We went for our second 30 minute bike ride tonight.  We're doing that 3 times a week and I really enjoy it.  It's something we can do together and it's a good way to lose weight. 

I decided today that we're going to keep up our healthy eating and working out, so that by December we'll be skinny again and we can take some awesome Christmas pictures.  Yay for a healthier and happier us!

I'm reading Possessed by Kate Cann. I'm about halfway through it. It's pretty good so far. I'll probably finish it tomorrow sometime and put up a review.

Alright off to read a bit and then go to bed!  See ya tomorrow!

What do we call a man who behaves like a woman who's in touch with her Inner Bad Girl? A success. Think about it.

Random Blog of the Day: ISU and other life details...A mom of two college students and a high schooler.

Getting Back on the Horse

I started back on Sparkpeople.com today. I was on it about the same time last year and I quit using it.  It's a great site for creating a new healthy lifestyle.  It's completely free and a fantastic resource.  You can track your eating habits, your workouts and there is tons of recipes and other stuff on it.  It really is a great site.  My bestie is starting back on it again too.  We're going to get skinny! I'm sick of being overweight and am going to get into shape.  If you join up, friend me! I'm Manderiffic!

I finished reading Hex Hall today. My review is in the post before this one.  Go check it out.

I made homemade Cottage pie tonight. Loaded it with veggies. It was super yummy and really healthy too. I love cooking!

Ok well I'm out of here. See ya tomorrow.

Current Book Count: 61

Today is, apparently, "Eat What You Want Day." Your Inner Bad Girl thinks that sounds just fine.

Random Blog of the Day: BirdingRVers...this couple travels around and bird watches. How fun!

Review- Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall

In Rachel Hawkins book, Hex Hall, we meet Sophia Mercer.  Sophie is a teenage witch, who lives with her human mother and is just trying to be a normal high school student.  When a love spell goes awry, Sophie is sent to Hecate Hall, a school for misfit Prodigium. Surrounded by witches, faeries, shapeshifters, and her new vampire best friend, Sophie still finds herself just not fitting in.  When something starts attacking students and her best friend is suspect, Sophie must solve these mysteries and rise up to meet her destiny.  With an absent Warlock father, and family secrets that Sophie doesn't even know, Sophie finds herself in a heap of trouble and struggling to find her way out.

I enjoyed reading this story.  I wasn't in awe, but it was a decent book.  I wasn't completely drawn into the story, but it was a light and easy read.  I don't feel like there was enough character development in this book and I was left wondering a lot about characters.  I'm ok with a mysterious character here and there, but not when all the characters have an air of mystery about them.  There was a lot of things that characters did, that were never explained.  I also never felt sucked in.  There wasn't a lot of aw moments that you usually find in this sort of book and I didn't really feel like any of the characters were someone a young adult audience could relate to.  I feel plot wise, there was some good moments, but everything just happened so quickly and the journey to big moments wasn't there.  I enjoyed this book, but I feel there could have been more to it.  I hope there is some character development in the next book and that we get to understand Sophie's world a bit better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I got this book from my local public library! I can say whatever I want. :)

This Is All You Get

I don't feel well...this is all you get for today.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!  We went to my bro's house today and had hamburgers and stuff with everybody.  I got to see my sis-in-law's sister and kids. 

I am super tired. I don't know why.  I feel kind of sick too.  No bueno.

I'm reading Tempted from the House of Night series. I've been reading it all weekend, but I haven't really spent much time on it.  I'll have more time to read during the week.

I'm going to bed now.  Probably will read before I sleep.

Hope you had a great weekend and Mother's Day.  :)

Alrighty, see you tomorrow.

An Inner Bad Girl Relationship Tip: The best time to relax and be yourself in a relationship is at the very beginning.

Random Blog of the Day: As Told By Me

Day Four: 5 Days of Limited Internet

We went to the outlet mall by us this morning. It was nice to walk around and just spend time together.  We went to this awesome yogurt place called Yogurberry. It's like this self-service frozen yogurt place where you get to pick all kinds of yogurt and add your own toppings.  You pay by weight.  It was pretty awesome.

We watched Mason tonight.  Like always, he was super cute and funny.  I love hanging out with him. :)

Ok I'm super tired and we have church in the morning. I'm off to bed. 

See ya tomorrow.

Random Blog of the Day: Kooky Boutique: The Blog... A cute blog for a cute Etsy store.

Iron Man 2

Iron Man 2 came out today.  It was pretty epic. I think I might have liked the first one better though. Erm....

If you see it make sure to stay through the credits...good stuff to see!!!

We drove around a lot today. I'm super tired.

I have to watch Mason tomorrow night.  Yay for some money!

Did I mention I'm really tired? lol.

I'm still reading that book I can't remember what it's called. Haha.

Day 3 of limited internet. Today was simple because I wasn't really ever home.

I have a lot of great stuff coming up soon. My old roomie is getting married and we're going to her reception (or 2).  I'm going to Vegas with some great lady bloggers and possibly my good friend Sara (who I've never meet in person).  I'm also going to camp for a week. Yay for summer and fun stuff!!!

Ok I'm going to go read some more. I love when my hubby has long weekends! :)

Inner Bad Girl Food for Thought: It really is okay to make brownies from a store-bought mix for the bake sale or the potluck or whenever.

Random Blog of the Day: Life is about Him!...some of this blog isn't in English...I wonder what it says. teehee.

Day Two: 5 Days of Limited Internet

I read Emily St. John Mandel's new book The Singer's Gun today. It was awesome! My review is in the post before this one. Check it out!

I also started another book, but I can't remember what it is. haha. Don't feel like going to look.

We went to Best Buy today. It's official, we HAVE to buy a PS3.  Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 comes out next month and it's only on newer systems.  Arg.  Forget bills, PS3 is a necessity. haha.

Ok watching movies with the hubby and his little brother.  We're going to see Iron Man 2 around lunch time tomorrow! I'm excited! 

I'm sorry this post is short and lame. My life is pretty lame. Haha.  I still need a buddy for Vegas. Feel free to come with me! :) haha.

See ya tomorrow.

Current Book Count: 58

Being friends with another woman who's in touch with her Inner Bad Girl means never wondering if she really cares.

Random Blog of the Day: Random...is this blog title ironic to this daily? :)

Review- The Singer's Gun

The Singer's Gun

In Emily St. John Mandel's new book, The Singer's Gun, Anton Waker has found himself in trouble, without a possible way out.  Anton thought he was finally done with the business of illegal dealings and shady transactions, but when his cousin comes to him with one more job, and the blackmail to force his hand, Anton finds himself once again in over his head.  Anton's carefully constructed life hangs on the edge and things take an unexpected turn, he's forced to choose between a life that he made for himself or the one that's thrown upon him.  Will he make it out alive, and if so at what cost?

This is Emily St. John Mandel's second novel, and I've had the pleasure of reading both of her books. Her writing talent and impressive skill once more shine again.  She has proven that her first novel wasn't just a fluke and she is definitely an author I'll keep reading.  Again, Mandel jumped from past to present in this novel and it worked beautifully.  The shifts in time were never uncomfortable and they flowed beautifully.  I loved this novel even more than her first.  The story was interesting and detailed and I was pulled into it immediately.  I read The Singer's Gun all in one sitting because I just could not bear to pull myself away.  I loved the main character, Anton.  He was extremely personable and I felt the struggles he went through were believable and realistic.  Emily St. John Mandel has won me again, and The Singer's Gun is something that everyone must read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Unbridled Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Day One: 5 Days of Limited Internet

I started myself today on internet withdrawal. For the next five days (until Monday), I'm only allowing myself about an hour over internet a day.  That's time to update my blog, check Facebook comments, and check my e-mail. This might not seem like a big deal, but I spend almost my WHOLE day online.  I spend hours and hours staring at my computer and wasting brain cells.  I'm going to spend my time catching up on my review books and doing other things.

Today wasn't bad. I checked my e-mail and Facebook this morning, at lunch time and then just now. I only spent about 10 minutes on each time. I found myself wandering though and wanting to be on more than that. I may have a problem, haha. 

During the time away from my computer, I read 3 books.  I finished Wicked: Curse and then read Gone.  I put up a review of Gone in the post before this one. It was really good.  I liked the Curse better than Witch.  It wasn't as demonic and the writing was actually a bit better.  I also ended up reading How to Be Popular. Another good one from Meg Cabot.  I mostly just have her series left to read. Those are a lot of books though.

So, there is what I'll be up too for the rest of the week and this weekend. Lots of reading and doing internet-free activities.  Tomorrow is my hubbies last day of work for the week! YAY for three day weekends and paid vacation days!

See ya tomorrow.

Current Book Count: 57

Today is "Why, Yes! I Will Have a Margarita Day."--Happy Cinco De Mayo

Random Blog of the Day: Sanza Blog..also titled Abundant Blessings. Super cute family.

Review- Gone by Lisa McMann

Gone 

In Gone,  we meet for the final time with Janie, main character from Lisa Mcmann's Wake Trilogy.  Like in the first two novels, Janie continues to find herself pulled into other people's dreams. She has to finally make a decision, stay with Cabel and meet her fate head on, or isolate herself and escape from her gift.  Things take an interesting turn, when a stranger enters Janie's life, and she learns that things aren't as simple as she thought.  She must decide between two lives that both have unsatisfactory futures and she must decide soon.

I read this whole trilogy and I feel in love with it from the beginning. The ideas in the Wake series are new and exciting, and I have never read anything quite like them.  Gone is just as great as the rest of the series, and I think Lisa McMann ended the story well.  I did not feel like there were tons of loose ends to be tied up and I felt a closure that you don't get with many trilogies.  The pain and struggles that McMann presented with Janie and her gift were very well written and realistic.  I also enjoyed the fact that Janie had more going on in her life than just her gifts and she was a real girl going through real life things.  This trilogy as a whole is amazing and Gone definitely did not disappoint.  You will find a quick and easy read with these books, but a story that is deep and breathtaking.  I feel that making these books any longer than they were would have just drawn out the story and not have made it what it was.  I highly recommend these books and I know almost all audiences will enjoy them. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I got this book from my local public library! I can say whatever I want. :)

Book Nerd To The Rescue!

I just got lent the whole Sookie Stackhouse series! So on top of those, my library books, and my review books, I'm going to be a reading machine this month!

We went grocery shopping tonight and I only bought food to make healthy meals. No Mac & Cheese, Hamburger Helper, or Ramen....sigh.  I'm on a mission to lose some weight before my Vegas trip and going to camp.

Not much else to report for today. I ended up not going to book club. Just spending time with the hubby.

Alright off to READ! :)

Taking Care of Business, Inner Bad Girl Style: Making idle threats is not the best way to get what you want. Neither are subtle hints.

Random Blog of the Day: Theorems, Conjectures, and Hypotheses...blog of a smart kid.

It's A New Month...Three Days Late.

I finished reading Wicked: Witch today.  It's kind of a bit too evil for my liking, but I started it so I intend to finish it, at least through Curse, which is the other one I have.  There full of super dark magic and demonic stuff that just isn't my cup of tea. 

I'm planning on going to Vegas the first weekend of June with a bunch of female Book Bloggers and some Authors. If you're either of these things and are interested in joining us, e-mail me or comment on here. It's going to be a nice girls weekend away, with some book signings and blogging chatter mixed in.  We got a super deal on the hotel rooms.  Only $61 for two nights, if there is 4 people in each room. I would love if some of you could go! It'll be great fun!

I was going through my ARCs with June releases and realized I have a ton that have already been released or come out very soon. I better get on that reading! I have a bunch of library books I'm going to rock out too. I haven't decided if I'm going to alternate back and forth or read all the library stuff first. I'm very indecisive.  I was going to take a picture of both stacks and put them on this post, but I don't have the energy haha.  Maybe I'll show them to you later this week.

I think I'm getting sick again, or am STILL getting over being sick. My throat hurts today and I noticed some very tiny white spots on my throat. I guess it's time to bury myself in vitamins again. Oy.

Ok well I'm off to read more of Curse and then go to bed.  See ya tomorrow.

April Book Count: 16

April Number of Pages: 4753

Total Number of Pages: 20204

Current Book Count: 54

An Inner Bad Girl Reminder: There's a world of difference between "being nice" and Toxic Niceness.

Random Blog of the Day: Lyn's World...A Personal blog of daily life.