I'm entering another challenge. Those of you who know me, know I LOVE dogs. So, this is a perfect challenge. My list will be coming soon...
What an Animal!
The rules are simple:
1. Read at least 6 books that have any of these requirements:
a. an animal in the title of the book
b. an animal on the cover of the book
c. an animal that plays a major role in the book
d. a main character that is or turns into an animal (define that however you'd like ;>)).
2. The animal can be any type of animal (real or fictitious)--dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragons, mermaids, centaurs, fairies, vampires...you get the idea...
3. Challenge runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. You can still sign up after July 1st as long as you can get 6 books read by June 30th ;>).
4. Books can be fiction or nonfiction.
5. You may make a list of books at the beginning of the challenge or just list them as you find them.
6. Books may be swapped out at anytime (assuming you made a list to begin with).
7. Crossover books with other challenges is permitted and encouraged.
8. You don't have to blog or write a review, but you can if you want to.
9. Sign up with Mr. Linky below. Please sign up with the specific post announcing the challenge if you are a blogger. If you do not blog, sign up with your name and leave the URL field blank. Thanks!
10. Have fun!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
July Book Blowout Wrap-Up
Just a few comments on the July Book Blowout - which was fun!
I read a total of 6 1/2 books during the month.
I read a total of 6 1/2 books during the month.
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (only counts for 1/2, since I started in March)
Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
American Nerd by Benjamin Nugent
There were actually two books that I loved - The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Handmaid's Tale (which I also read for the New Classics Challenge). This was a good month for me to do this challenge, because I was just really in the mood to read. Though, I'm sure August won't be much different!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Book Challenge Updates
I'm currently participating in two book challenges. I'll start with the July Book Blowout!
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (only counts for 1/2, since I started in March)
Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
So, now we're up to 5 1/2 books for the month of July.
I read The Handmaid's Tale as part of the New Classics Challenge.
Set in the future, The Handmaid's Tale is the story of the republic of Gilead, as told by the handmaid, Offred. Gilead is what used to be the United States, before taken over by people whose idea of utopia is that people dress in different clothes to show who they are, commanders have handmaid's to procreate with, and people are put on the Wall when they are salvaged for their beliefs.
Offred tells her story of the time before Gilead, her time in her commander's house, her unusual relationship with him, and her memories of her loved ones. It was very scary to think this is something that could happen. Not everyone's idea of utopia is the same, and I can't fathom being told to live by someone else's rules.
I recommend this book to everyone - it was a great read, and Atwood is at her best in writing this book.
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (only counts for 1/2, since I started in March)
Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
So, now we're up to 5 1/2 books for the month of July.
I read The Handmaid's Tale as part of the New Classics Challenge.
Set in the future, The Handmaid's Tale is the story of the republic of Gilead, as told by the handmaid, Offred. Gilead is what used to be the United States, before taken over by people whose idea of utopia is that people dress in different clothes to show who they are, commanders have handmaid's to procreate with, and people are put on the Wall when they are salvaged for their beliefs.
Offred tells her story of the time before Gilead, her time in her commander's house, her unusual relationship with him, and her memories of her loved ones. It was very scary to think this is something that could happen. Not everyone's idea of utopia is the same, and I can't fathom being told to live by someone else's rules.
I recommend this book to everyone - it was a great read, and Atwood is at her best in writing this book.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Weekend Food Round Up
This weekend, Eric came to Lansing, and we enjoyed time out at some local dining establishments.
Friday night – Ukai, West Side
We haven’t been to either Ukai restaurant, so decided to try the sushi bar on the West side of Lansing. We ordered an appetizer – it was jalapeno peppers stuffed with spicy tuna, cream cheese, and tempura battered with spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce on it. We also ordered three rolls, and they were fabulous.
Saturday lunch – Amici’s, near Frandor
I got the chicken salad sandwich, and Eric got a hot pastrami sandwich. We enjoyed both of them, and I recommend that if you like deli sandwiches, visit Amici’s!
Sunday breakfast – Golden Harvest, Old Town
Oh yum. Yup, had to wait a bit outside, but it was a gorgeous day. We decided to sit at the bar, so that was cool. I got the carmel apple French toast with American fries and bacon, and Eric got the biscuits and gravy. So yummy and such a great place to eat!!
Sunday dinner – House of Hsu, Grand Ledge
I got the Princess Chicken, and Eric got the Three Delicacies. We also ordered an order of fried won tons. Very good Chinese!
Friday night – Ukai, West Side
We haven’t been to either Ukai restaurant, so decided to try the sushi bar on the West side of Lansing. We ordered an appetizer – it was jalapeno peppers stuffed with spicy tuna, cream cheese, and tempura battered with spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce on it. We also ordered three rolls, and they were fabulous.
Saturday lunch – Amici’s, near Frandor
I got the chicken salad sandwich, and Eric got a hot pastrami sandwich. We enjoyed both of them, and I recommend that if you like deli sandwiches, visit Amici’s!
Sunday breakfast – Golden Harvest, Old Town
Oh yum. Yup, had to wait a bit outside, but it was a gorgeous day. We decided to sit at the bar, so that was cool. I got the carmel apple French toast with American fries and bacon, and Eric got the biscuits and gravy. So yummy and such a great place to eat!!
Sunday dinner – House of Hsu, Grand Ledge
I got the Princess Chicken, and Eric got the Three Delicacies. We also ordered an order of fried won tons. Very good Chinese!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mia & Grace
First off, I have to say this - you MUST try it.
Mia & Grace - 1133 Third St., Muskegon
After receiving an email with an interview of chefs Jeremy and Jamie Paquin, I decided this was one place we were going to eat at this weekend.
Eric, his mom Nancy, and I all went for lunch at Mia & Grace today. Of course, I forgot to bring my camera...but, I will definitely be bringing it next time, as I am hoping to frequent this place when I'm in town.
Walking into the restaurant, you can see how much work was done in order to get it to the beautiful decor they have there. They also have many paintings and photos from local artists up on the walls - and all are available for purchase. Because it is a chef driven menu, they have one menu up on the wall. They use fresh, local produce whenever possible. They also use products from The Cheese Lady, Creswick Farms, Funny Farm, and many others. Everything is made in house.
So - we went all out. There were so many good things on the menu. Nancy got the Beet Ravioli, stuffed with pork and goat cheese. There was pesto, a great cream sauce, and just a hint of chocolate sauce. Eric got the Grass-Fed burger, with onions, lettuce, and it was fantastic. The bun was delicious. I got a cup of cold cucumber soup - it had dill in it, and it was refreshing for a hot summer day. I also got the white truffle egg salad sandwich, and it had very tasty bread, with peppers mixed into the egg salad.
Then came dessert. We each got one - all different. Eric got the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Nancy got the Key Lime Pie and I got the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Rum Angalise. YUM. Though, I think out of all of them, Eric's won. The cheesecake is made by Jeremy, and it is hands down the best cheesecake we've ever had. And, the portions for the desserts are HUGE!!!
I promise, next time I'll bring my camera, but I urge you to try this fantastic new restaurant in downtown Muskegon.
Mia & Grace - 1133 Third St., Muskegon
After receiving an email with an interview of chefs Jeremy and Jamie Paquin, I decided this was one place we were going to eat at this weekend.
Eric, his mom Nancy, and I all went for lunch at Mia & Grace today. Of course, I forgot to bring my camera...but, I will definitely be bringing it next time, as I am hoping to frequent this place when I'm in town.
Walking into the restaurant, you can see how much work was done in order to get it to the beautiful decor they have there. They also have many paintings and photos from local artists up on the walls - and all are available for purchase. Because it is a chef driven menu, they have one menu up on the wall. They use fresh, local produce whenever possible. They also use products from The Cheese Lady, Creswick Farms, Funny Farm, and many others. Everything is made in house.
So - we went all out. There were so many good things on the menu. Nancy got the Beet Ravioli, stuffed with pork and goat cheese. There was pesto, a great cream sauce, and just a hint of chocolate sauce. Eric got the Grass-Fed burger, with onions, lettuce, and it was fantastic. The bun was delicious. I got a cup of cold cucumber soup - it had dill in it, and it was refreshing for a hot summer day. I also got the white truffle egg salad sandwich, and it had very tasty bread, with peppers mixed into the egg salad.
Then came dessert. We each got one - all different. Eric got the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Nancy got the Key Lime Pie and I got the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Rum Angalise. YUM. Though, I think out of all of them, Eric's won. The cheesecake is made by Jeremy, and it is hands down the best cheesecake we've ever had. And, the portions for the desserts are HUGE!!!
I promise, next time I'll bring my camera, but I urge you to try this fantastic new restaurant in downtown Muskegon.
Friday, July 18, 2008
July Book Blowout - UPDATE
I'm up to 4 1/2 books now.
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (only counts for 1/2, since I started in March)
Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (only counts for 1/2, since I started in March)
Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
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