tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34510177594409917402024-02-02T08:43:41.328-05:00Brazen Broads Book BashBooks, food, musings, and more from a gaggle of Brazen BroadsThe Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-33110433310644316462017-09-21T16:07:00.001-04:002017-09-21T16:07:55.630-04:00Broads On A Budget: Fresh, Healthy, and Within The Budget!<img alt="Picture" src="https://www.go-cdc.org/uploads/1/5/1/7/15176292/6766538_orig.jpg" /><br />
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Lately, I've seen a few news segments citing the higher cost in buying fresh produce and healthy foods compared with processed, prepared, packaged, but far from healthy products. This caught my attention. Eating for health is... well, sort of my goal. I want my family (and myself!) to be healthy, but what I want most is to enjoy my food while feeling great about it's health and nutrition benefits. <br />
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We can watch every cooking show on the cable channels, read each new cooking magazine with eager determination, and lose an hour (or two!) on Pinterest boards, but if we can't afford the grocery bill to create all those wonderful meals - it's all a wash. So...is it possible to prepare healthy meals with fresh ingredients AND stick to a budget? Broads everywhere know the answer is YOUUUU BETCHA!<br />
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One issue I struggled with was meal-plan-cohesiveness. In other words, creating my weekly meal plan around my fresh ingredients on hand to avoid waste. (Who else has cringed in finding 'forgotten' half peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, tomato in the produce drawer??) Ouch! My *budget-conscience-mindset* engages in some pretty rough self-talk when I see I've been wasteful. <br />
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Here is a meal plan and shopping list that you can use in a pinch - especially for those busy weeks when you simply haven't had the time to plan a shopping list or meal plan - but your family keeps *getting hungry* anyway :). <br />
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*I shopped for these ingredients at a local Aldi market and prices/budget spending amounts are based on my receipt. I've listed only the necessary shopping list items. Add on what suits your budget and likes. At the end, see 'Bonus Smart-Broad-Budget Tips and Embellishments'.<br />
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<h3>
Meals - (I will be posting recipes in individual posts)</h3>
1. Tacos. Rice. Roasted veggies.<br />
2. Spaghetti with meat sauce. Salad. Garlic bread.<br />
3. Chicken noodle soup. Salad. Bread.<br />
4. Chicken. Stuffing. Roasted Potato Medley. Cucumber Salad.<br />
5. Johnny Marzetti. Colorful Salad Suprise.<br />
6. Brown Sugar Tenderloin with Apples, Potato, and Sweet Potato.<br />
7. Leftovers.<br />
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<h2>
<b><i><u>Shopping List</u></i></b></h2>
<b>Total Cost: $59.61</b><br />
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taco seasoning packet<br />
taco shells<br />
5lb rice<br />
5lb potato<br />
bag sweet potato<br />
1 seedless cucumber<br />
1 red, yellow or orange pepper<br />
1 loaf wheat bread<br />
1lb spaghetti<br />
1 jar spaghetti sauce<br />
1 celery<br />
1 small package 8 oz grape tomato<br />
1 lg sweet onion<br />
1 lb elbow macaroni<br />
1 package velveeta slices<br />
1 bag brown sugar<br />
1 orange juice<br />
2 apples<br />
1 can tomato soup small<br />
1 bottle salad dressing<br />
1 bunch green leaf lettuce<br />
1 small tub sour cream<br />
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Additional pantry items: salt, pepper, granulated garlic, olive oil, butter, poultry seasoning, sugar.<br />
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*BONUS-Smart-Broads-Ideas*<br />
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1. Add sliced apples with cinnamon and whipped cream to meal #6<br />
2. Add cantaloupe to meal #1 - Ball melon, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp water to soften and sweeten.<br />
3. Grill PB&J sandwiches to 'sweeten-up' #3<br />
4. Make Jello for dessert and top with whipped cream!<br />
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<i><b>What's your favorite fresh ingredient to work into your weekly meal plan and what different ways do you use it? </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Moira</b></i><br />
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<img alt="Would be nice to done in embroidery or calligraphy and framed (sans title). Maybe with the German table grace." src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/95/51/87/9551875a39f3f91947ee6e1b96c00efe.jpg" /><br />
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<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-74847199661031345252013-09-23T13:25:00.000-04:002013-09-23T13:25:18.200-04:00Braised Broads<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Homemade Yogurt!</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, that's right, homemade yogurt. This is something I've been wanting to try for a while now. I mean, I've been making my own detergent and started making my own granola, why not yogurt too? So this started me browsing through all of internet land looking for a recipe I liked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> I guess I really shouldn't say recipe, as this implies differing ingredients. The recipe for yogurt is pretty universal: milk and starter. Starter being yogurt with <i>active cultures</i> in it. If it has it, it will say somewhere on the container. If you do not have this you will not make yogurt, you'll only make milk that has been heated, left to sit, and cooled. Not very tasty. Now there can be additions like dry milk powder or even gelatin for extra thickening if you're using, say, skim milk. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The biggest difference really is how many ways people make it. They find what works for them. Some make it using a crockpot, their oven, a heating pad, a cooler with hot water and many more. I picked the cooler with hot water. The time it needed to sit wasn't as long as other methods and I was anxious to see the end result. Check out this recipe and then search for some more to find what fits you. Here is a link to the recipe I used on the site "the frugal girl" : </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2009/10/how-to-make-homemade-yogurt-2/#comment-386477" target="_blank">http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2009/10/how-to-make-homemade-yogurt-2/#comment-386477</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The basic gist is heat the milk to about 180°(to kill any other bacteria, etc.) then cool it down to around 120°. At this point you whisk your starter into the cooling milk. Pour it into your clean jars(any size, try to keep them the same size) and put on the lids. Place them into a small cooler, fill with 120° water up to the yogurt line in the jars, close it up(I covered mine with a towel as well) and let it sit undisturbed for 3 hours. Then refrigerate. Done.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Some recipes are just as easy but they leave theirs sit for anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. The longer it sits, the more tart it becomes so for your tastes 4 or 6 hours might be better. Mine sat for the recipe stated 3 hours, though I added a touch of vanilla and a little sugar, this wasn't tart at all. Play with it and see what you like. For thickness, whole milk is best, I used 2% and it came out fine. You can use any kind but the less fat the thinner the yogurt, which is why people using skim and such will usually add some dry milk powder to thicken.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I ate some with homemade granola(also easy-peasy) my youngest put some apple butter in his, and the hubby ate it with maraschino cherries(he thinks it might have been even better with pie filling cherries). I'll ask hubby when he gets home, I put some strawberry jam on it this morning for his lunch. If you want fruit in yours it is probably best to add it at the table, rather than as it's being made or it could make your yogurt turn out runny. You could also use food flavoring oils like orange or lime. I'll try it out in the freezer and let you know how it does there, too. For those, like me, who freeze the kiddies yogurt for school.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> All in all, I'm completely glad I did this and I'll definitely be doing it again. Probably tomorrow, seeing as half of it is gone already. Sigh.</span></span><br />
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The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-2063695662432922862013-09-16T12:04:00.000-04:002013-09-17T09:37:49.245-04:00Uhh....Seriously, we're waiting!!<span style="color: #351c75;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> I know, I know. You've probably been wondering where we have been. Well, truth be told, your guess is as good as mine! Wandering around the corridors of reality and looking--in earnest--for the emergency exit. Real life has a way of derailing our engines and putting them on a completely different track. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> During the spring, my kids happened. From sports to plays, the driving is endless. During the summer, my kids--again--happened. Though, in Hartford, Hereford and Hampshire hurricanes hardly ever happen. (Sorry about that, I had a moment.) In the fall....do we see the pattern here? Good. So, between the kids' activities and school, hubby's work, my work, <i>still</i> remodeling the house, and my newest occupation as college student, I have very little room on my plate for cookies. But damn-it, I like cookies. I would love to roll naked in cookies! Only metaphorically, I have no wish to explain <i>those</i> crumbs at the next gynie visit. That, ladies, is called thinking ahead. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Just a tip.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> I was looking over some past posts and had to chuckle. Alright, I guffawed. I really think I'm funny. (The vacation post was a good one.) I got to thinking, "you know," I thought, "it's really mean spirited of him to drink that coffee in front of me like that. Does he have to be so smug about it?!" I thought this because I was currently in class, and, my instructor was, indeed, being smugly superior about his current state of coffeed bliss. I did not neglect to mention to him that this was hurtful. He merely smiled, I almost threw my shoe at his head. I was, fortunately for my g.p.a., too tired to remove my tenny. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> Anyhow, and to get back on topic, in all our cases(Moira and Willow, too.) real life got in the way. Moira has been wrestling her own family train and Willow is consumed with school. She is a senior this year and has a full load of classes, including Calculus and college English. She's looking at colleges and studying for the S.A.T.s. Yikes! Hopefully we can get back to posting for you, our loyal readers, on a somewhat regular basis. I know for all of us reading has been a valued, if meagerly managed, pastime. At least we can try to post little anecdotes about the happenings in our harried lives. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"> So, in closing, I would like to say "Never taunt a lady who has no coffee!" Safety first, you know.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
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<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-11658285696458091752013-01-21T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-24T07:03:46.472-05:00XVI<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ckOkELxCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ckOkELxCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">XVI</span><br />
By<span style="font-size: large;"> Julia Karr</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"> <span style="color: purple;"> Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend,
Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister,
Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing
Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters
will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world - even the
most predatory of men - that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey
by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a
"sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her
birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths,
she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past - one that destroys
everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina
must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step
ahead of her mother's killer.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: purple;"> I absolutely loved this book. It is a good portrayal of how the future could turn out, but it also gives an exciting story. It is a bit of an unnerving blast of foreshadowing, forcing you to really think on how our world is going. I couldn't stand to put this book down, wondering what was going to happen next, and how the story would turn out. It is scary how real this could turn out, so I think this book is a great story, but a warning too. It is exciting and full of suspense and drama. I would recommend this book to a more mature audience, if only because of the theme. XVI is well worth the read, and the money to buy it if the local library doesn't have a copy! Keep reading and stay safe and MODEST. Watch out for my review of the sequel </span><span style="color: #e69138;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Truth</span>. </u> </span></span><br />
<br />
~ Willow Naveen♥<br />
<br />
Overall Rating: <span style="color: #cc0000;">♥♥♥♥♥</span>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-2934928927592542592013-01-02T12:16:00.000-05:002013-01-02T12:16:28.030-05:00My Cheers and Apologies<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hello out there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Willow, saying that we are sorry to
be gone for so long, but we are back now. Happy new year, by the way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2013 is looking good, even if just for the
fact our impending doom isn’t written in at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give it about a week until there is a new
plot to destroy humankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But anyways,
how have you all been?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been good
over here, but a little hectic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>School,
holidays, and simple family life have been crazy, all with the purpose of
keeping us away from you wonderful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like I said though, we are back now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My Christmas was a good haul, bringing in more books than I have room
for, so there should be some reviews coming your way from my end of the
ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure I can speak for
anyone else, but don’t worry, I think I can convince them that there is simply
no way they can put off their lovely readers for any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you have a wonderful day, full of good
books, wonderful ideas, and lots of green tea (my personal brain juice).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheers!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">~ Willow Naveen♥ </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: KO;"></span></div>
The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-67771881199595335002012-09-27T00:30:00.000-04:002012-09-27T00:30:01.498-04:00Fifty Shames of Earl Grey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>You don't even know</b>...</span></b></i></span></h2>
<br />I stopped into the library the other day to drop off and pick up another pile of books for my dear daughter Willow. I spied this little number sitting on the shelf. The title caught my eye, the parody sticker reeled me in.<br />
<br />
As anyone can tell-- especially if you are unfortunate enough to know me or by some bizarre quirk in your personality, enjoy reading my posts-- I think I'm funny. No, really, I love to laugh. It usually isn't hard to get me going either. Ask Moira. Ask my BFF. I laugh so hard tears run down my leg. <br />
<br />
So when I saw the little yellow smile, telling me to take it like a big girl, I knew this was the book for me. <br />
<br />
Andrew Shaffer, writing under Fanny Merkin (the name- not <i>literally </i>under) says in a NY Times interview he wrote this in 10 days. All I have to say about that is "<i>Brilliant!</i>"<br />
<br />
The blurb from the back cover states:<br />
Young, arrogant, tycoon Earl Grey seduces the naïve coed Anna Steal with
his overpowering good looks and staggering amounts of money, but will
she be able to get past his fifty shames, including shopping at Walmart
on Saturdays, bondage with handcuffs, and his love of BDSM (Bards,
Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick)? Or will his dark secrets and constant
smirking drive her over the edge?<br />
<br />
<b>Hilarious!</b> That is the only word I have, I seriously almost had to read this in the bathroom. You know, in case I, <i>ahem</i>, cried. I found this to be a parody of the original 50 shades (which I still have not read) and the Twilight books (which I will never read. I mean, come on. Sparkles...really?)<br />
<br />
Earl Grey is convinced he's horribly screwed up with all his shames(he has a man crush on Tom Cruise) and Anna has her own quirks and issues(she picks her nose when she's nervous). She has a drunken roommate in Kathleen and her best friend Jin, is a brony. No, I will not say what that is. Find out for yourself. <br />
<br />
All in all, I will probably end up buying this book simply to have it around for when I need a laugh-a-minute pick-me-up. Over all I have to give this 5 stars, anything less would make me a liar. So run, don't walk, to your nearest booking establishment--be it library or book peddler--and get yourself a copy. Oh, you should probably stop at the grocery and get some tissues and t.p. for when you<i>, ahem</i>, cry.<br />
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<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-29450860046761590452012-09-13T10:08:00.001-04:002012-09-13T10:08:51.205-04:00IT will probably kill me...<span style="font-size: large;"> First of all, let me state that I love my husband. Let it also be known that this fact</span> <span style="font-size: large;">may not save him from becoming a new "compost heap" in my back yard. Maybe I'll plant a few shrubs on top, that would look nice. Ooh, a nice gazebo covered in climbing roses and maybe a swing with....what? Oh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I have tried to come to terms with something that sends me into a state of near panic at the mere mention of the word. Retirement. There... I said it and didn't swoon. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> I have heard the stories from married ladies with retired husbands, and with, first my father's and now my husband's lay-offs, I have experienced brief glimpses into this world. So, I have learned some things</span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The main thing, really, is that I would like to opt out but cannot, in good conscience, do that.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"> He can't</span> <span style="font-size: large;">work forever.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Right? My dearest other half is only 40, so this retirement isn't happening anytime soon, but still.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">He works as a carpenter, which means- aside from the fact that nothing in the house is fixed- he sometimes has a lay-off because a job isn't quite ready. Goody! This also means he becomes, in a word, insertive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I meant <i>insertive</i></span>. <span style="font-size: large;">I'll admit that can be a bonus right after lunch and sometimes twice on Tuesday but that isn't what I meant. Geez, you people. Go wash your mind, I'll wait.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Better? Good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> What I was trying to say before sally-naughty-pants interrupted was he inserts himself into <i>everything I do, </i>and tries to do the same with me. I understand these are opportunities to spend time together, honestly, I get that. But when I hear the phrase, "Uhm</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">Hon?"</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I usually cringe. I've tried hiding but that only works for so long. (Besides, I don't fit under the bed.) That phrase, you see, is usually followed by either "what are you doing?" or "do you wanna...?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The "what are you doing" is generally obvious in answer. Some old stand-by answers include--- </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>"painting a wall mural"</i> --going to the bathroom</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>"knitting"</i> --washing dishes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>"talking to the president" </i>--making dinner</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> and the ever popular shriek <i>"what does it look like?!"</i> --everything</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The other phrase "Do you wanna...?", is usually followed by something that, no actually, I don't "wanna do". Why he thinks I actually "wanna do" most of the things he ever suggests still completely baffles me. Allow me to set the most recent scene. I have filled the bucket and have just begun to mop the kitchen floor when..."Uhm, Hon..." he says eagerly with keys in hand, "do you wanna go to the tractor store with me?" Now, this isn't so much a question as a-- request, let's call it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now I know what you're thinking, "But Mina," you say "why wouldn't you want to stand around in a store that smells like motor oil and regret, staring at weed wackers and leering lube jockeys?" Normally, you would have a valid point (if there were any shot in hell said lube jockeys would be passably attractive) but today floor mopping and ground beef have captured my attention. Like that matters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I sigh, loudly. Knowing that if I do not head straight to the nearest tractor-hawking establishment the rest of my day will be ruined. If I say "no, thank you" he will proceed to look at me as though I have crushed his very soul. It is very trying. So, instead, I sigh again and rub my forehead. I know, universal, right? This is his cue to act like a giddy 4 year old who has been told I will be serving ice cream for lunch. I sigh. A lot. Stupid tractors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Thus go my days, until the call comes for him to head back to work, and I have to admit that I don't really hate packing lunches all that much.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In closing, let me reiterate that I do love my husband. He is a great father and provider, friend and worker. And there are still gonna be those days when I really want that gazebo.....</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-83410402664347012782012-09-08T01:58:00.000-04:002012-09-08T01:58:00.124-04:00Broads On A Budget: The Snack Time DilemmaMy kids are forever searching for a snack. Left to their own devices, they'd eat every blasted treat purchased from my weekly grocery runs in a day or two! It's exasperating. Snacks aren't cheap, and there's nothing worse than opening the cupboard to discover that you are, in fact, Old Mother Hubbard! (Of course, because the <strike>greedy</strike> little darlings have raided your stores)<br />
<br />
Don't despair. The Broads are at the rescue! Here are a few quick fixes for those times when the kids are 'starving' and you're staring at the shelf blankly, wondering what in the heck you can come up with to silence the suffering.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Saltine ...Oft Overlooked Staple</strong></span><br />
<br />
My grandmother, being a child of the depression, offered me this tasty treat one afternoon when I was quite young. I've never forgotten how yummy it was, and she shared that during those lean days of her childhood, her mother had come up with the idea. <br />
<br />
You'll need saltine crackers, butter, a dish of sugar, paper plate(s), knife and spoon.<br />
<br />
Butter the crackers and let the kiddies hold it over a paper plate and sprinkle sugar over the buttered surface. Tap off excess - and Voila! - Happy Kids. The sugar is minimal and the kids still get a sweet treat. That's It!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Sunflower Seeds - Long Lasting Yet Not Filling</strong></span><br />
<br />
I regularly keep sunflower seeds in the house. Ranch, Buffalo Ranch, Dill-Pickle, and Buffalo Wing Red-Hot are among the favs in this house. Give the kids a dish for the shells, and they'll be busy for at least half an hour. Plus, my boys can chomp away without ruining their appetites for dinner. *Warning: This Snack May Cause The Need For Vacumming.* I would never kid around about extra vacuuming. Okay, enough said.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Microwave Popcorn: Cheap And Easy To Hide </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">(I say that last word with a completely straight face. Anyone with kids old enough to raid cupboards is nodding and smiling.)</span><br />
<br />
'Pop' (Ahhh, I crack myself up sometimes) into your local Wal-Mart and you'll find the 24 pack Gourmet brand microwave popcorn for about $5.00. That's a lot of snacking-for-your-buck. Adding to the draw of this option, most kids are capable of peeling the wrapper off, plopping the bag into the contraption we call a microwave, and pressing the 'popcorn' button. No fuss, no muss. And... you're getting the kids to eat their fibre. <br />
<br />
Happy Snacking!<br />
<br />
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The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-8918130613330257742012-09-01T01:15:00.000-04:002012-09-01T01:15:00.156-04:00Cover Reveal For A Practical Arrangement, Nadja Notariani<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Brazen Reveal!</em></strong></span><br />
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Nadja Notariani made a splash last year with her historical novella, Her Dark Baron. Well move over, because her newest release, due out in early September, is sure to please with this beautiful cover! Join in our Cover Appreciation.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>A Practical Arrangement, Nadja Notariani</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">۩</span><span style="font-family: Mangal;">
</span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A
Practical Arrangement, Nadja Notariani </b></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">۩</span><span style="font-family: Mangal;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no
desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her
overly emotional mother. Her father has other ideas, however, and
decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband
for her. </span>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue
with little more than mild alarm. Knowing herself plain of face and
sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any
perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer,
Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has
learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.
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<span style="font-size: small;">When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his
own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war
of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled
by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited
exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her
passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the
reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation –
threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the
bonds of his Practical Arrangement. </span>
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The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-27861840263350279472012-08-28T10:46:00.001-04:002013-09-16T12:48:30.594-04:00Ahh, vacation... <span style="font-size: large;"> Well, I did it. I survived my first family vacation. I'm pretty sure I have a little less hair and an eye tic, but dammit, I'm alive!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Yes, we have taken little vacations in the past. My grandparents had a cottage on a lake about 2 hours from here and we'd go for long weekends, but this was different. This was the 9 hour drive-stay in a hotel kind of vacation.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Everyone better thank their lucky stars it was on the beach, too. No shoes makes Mommy a happy girl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> While I was somewhat mollified by the "Yay! No Shoes!" thing, the planning and keeping in-line of the entire family and their things was slightly less enjoyable than stepping on legos in your bare feet...in the dark....while sick. Yeah, for me, it's like that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As my dearest sister Moira can attest, I am not up for any organizational awards, I am a procrastinator extraordinaire, and I have adopted the "This is my I-don't-care face" attitude. Meaning take your stress to the next exit please.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> No, no, wait. It gets better. On top of every single detail of this trip being left to me, my wonderful and loving (he maybe has 5 minutes to live, tops) husband decided to completely redo my living room <i>and</i> the boys bedroom this summer. And by completely redo, I mean rip everything out down to bare studs and replace <i>everything. </i>Wiring, duct work, light fixtures, main staircase...<i> everything</i>. Awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I know what you're thinking. Mina, you think adoringly, tell us how this can possibly get better for you. We await in rapt attention. Also, tell us why your husband is not yet missing and presumed lost at sea.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So just to make this whole <i>scerenio</i> seem cake-like and satisfy your curiosity, let me add the sprinkles. He scheduled vacation for the week before school. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Also, Snake(my baby) turns 13 on Friday and Willow(my oldest) turns 16 on Sept. 4th. So I have that, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Just to recap, my summer has been spent planning a major vacation, ripping out two rooms in my house, not killing anyone, slowly rebuilding those rooms, 8000 trips to Home Depot, vacation shopping, still not committing mayhem, planning for some milestone birthdays, school shopping, losing my hair and trying to keep my eye tic from getting me picked up for escaping "the ward", and finally going on said vacation. Also not killing anyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> My bff sent me a text whilst I was vacationing, she said simply, "I haven't seen any reports on the news about a crazed tourist killing her family so I'm assuming the vacation is going well." She should know better. I would never kill anyone with that many witnesses around. What do I look like, an amateur? Sheesh.</span><br />
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The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-63947019353870586502012-08-25T00:50:00.000-04:002012-08-25T00:50:22.853-04:00Brazen Review: Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jt7zIR-PL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lolita" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jt7zIR-PL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a>Awe and exhilaration--along with heartbreak and mordant wit--abound in
<b>Lolita</b>, Nabokov's most famous and controversial novel, which tells the
story of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion
for the nymphet Dolores Haze. <b>Lolita</b> is also the story of a
hypercivilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar
America. Most of all, it is a meditation on love--love as outrage and
hallucination, madness and transformation.<br />
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<i>From the Trade
Paperback edition.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><u>My Thoughts:</u></em></strong> Lolita recounts the sad and convoluted tale of Humbert Humbert's tender, twisted obsession with a young nymphet, Dolores, whom he affectionately refers to as his Lolita. Lolita is a young, pubescent American girl unfortunate enough to catch the attentions of our poor, sick Humbert. But, Lolita is not exactly what she seems to be, and neither is Humbert.<br />
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I mostly enjoyed Nabokov's superbly written tale of unrequited love, albeit a dark, demented love that reeks, from the first chapter, of the tragedy it is. Humbert is self reflective throughout, taking readers along the pocked and rutted path to destruction he travels knowingly - yet compulsively - to its conclusion; somehow turning toward justice, repentance, and redemption without ever granting the absolution the pitiful Humbert knows he doesn't deserve - and would never accept if offered.<br />
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The depravity of H. Humbert is portrayed alongside intelligence and thoughtfulness in such a way that brought this character to life. In telling his tale, Humbert opens his experience, his highs and lows, to the reader in complete abandon, confessing his crimes with regret and self-loathing even as he relishes each sweet moment with his lovely Lolita.<br />
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Dolly's portrayal is equally intriguing, her adolescence jaded and infected by the infamous H. Humbert. I hoped and hoped throughout the novel that a happy ending of sorts could be procured for Delores, Dolly, Lolita - who had endured so much, overcome and contrived, survived - a triumph within itself. Reader beware, the ending's irony will not be what you expect. <br />
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One complaint I must mention is that the novel became nearly incoherent in chapters 22 through 27. At least twice, this Broad seriously considered abandoning Lolita. In the end, I'm glad I continued reading.<br />
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Lolita is nothing I expected it to be, instead, the novel is a voyeurs peek into the life of a disturbed man. <br />
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Overall Rating: <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fair ~ <span style="color: #003300;">♣ ♣ ♣</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBUSM5_PK48Z3BbphJzvFKeQlmS9Aa-hgLrcN9kApCoVWnnbOvC9SoM-xgc003IqpSH1ycV0q5CiBYh80gBevvW2LmvhG-WKGoaPqOXsCdqM_l2hZ9px9B6ctY9XRszPrK7xYx0PhM5w/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBUSM5_PK48Z3BbphJzvFKeQlmS9Aa-hgLrcN9kApCoVWnnbOvC9SoM-xgc003IqpSH1ycV0q5CiBYh80gBevvW2LmvhG-WKGoaPqOXsCdqM_l2hZ9px9B6ctY9XRszPrK7xYx0PhM5w/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" /></a> Moìra</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #003300;"></span></span><strong> </strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-23117543195763762142012-07-31T01:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T01:00:04.938-04:00Brazen Review: Fifty Shades Of Gary The Vampire: Anais's Sin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Fifty Shades of Gary the Vampire: Anais's Sin" border="0" height="320" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51L-vI9g-ZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-57,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Fifty Shades Of Gary The Vampire: Anais's Sin, Sabrina Swan</span></em></strong><br />
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With all the hype buzzing 'round over Fifty Shades of Grey, I thought I'd feature an alternative - an hysterical alternative. <br />
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Anais has been a naughty, naughty girl and continued on a naughty woman. With her life in shambles due to her string of poor choices, she thinks suicide is her best option. Enter Gary The Vampire - a savior of sorts. The whole premise is too rich!<br />
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Gary introduces himself, shades (and by shades I mean sunglasses - Ha! - Again, it's just too hilarious) and all, and Anais is drawn in quick, fast, and in a hurry. She's desperate for love - even if it means sharing her blood with a hungry vampire.<br />
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But Gary is on a mission, more than one in fact. For starters, he's going to teach Anais some discipline and reform this bad girl's wretched manners. She won't like it - yet she will, and will be all too happy to thank him in the end. It's his gift to her, in a way.<br />
Gary The Vampire is much more than a dominant reformer, he's on a search for his eternal mate. Anais is just one of his candidates! Oh My!<br />
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I enjoyed this short comical romp of satire and silliness a great deal. Sabrina Swan wrote a laugh out loud novella, mixing in humor with a dab of learning for our heroine to accept responsibility and change her destructive and unacceptable behavior. This author also added a few tender moments and a dash of delicious danger. Well done, Miss Swan!<br />
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This is by no means a story for young readers. Explicit themes run throughout - best left in the hands of mature Broads able to appreciate such nonsense. Anais is likable, but underdeveloped. The character grows under Gary's tutelage but still, there could have been much better character development. No deal breaker, but needing a mention. <br />
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Anais's Sin is the first of our adventures with Gary The Vampire, and I will gladly read his next! He's a quirky character. If the few editing issues are handled, this Broad will likely follow Gary until he at long last finds his eternal mate - and vanquishes his arch-frenemy, that rotten Marquis!<br />
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I'll give 3.5 stars, but would have given 4 if not for editing issues. All in all, a daring, fast paced read with a quirky, spanky-fingered vampire of a rare sort. Able to be enjoyed in an evening, it's worth the time if you like a naughty laugh. <br />
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Overall Rating:<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">♣ ♣ ♣ 1/2</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm-RF4faf2UqFJWWDTlbsCl4RWYZn-MjmzefT9k0LORR8vkSSI0TUUjnzfqKIUsKaUEaN89ji1V-A_gcCLb38ebOHxAreIchMBR_A_FrvYv6uE46f7afXkRdsxWTfihxE9lffBApiDMY/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm-RF4faf2UqFJWWDTlbsCl4RWYZn-MjmzefT9k0LORR8vkSSI0TUUjnzfqKIUsKaUEaN89ji1V-A_gcCLb38ebOHxAreIchMBR_A_FrvYv6uE46f7afXkRdsxWTfihxE9lffBApiDMY/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" /></a> Moíra</div>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-49807588633362323972012-07-24T22:10:00.000-04:002012-07-24T22:10:36.670-04:00Broads On A Budget: Breakfast On A Dime<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Imagine...</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbC-8BrT3ptb-34x4Dk0TK9upEjkt6CGQUOMmRczzSKptrw3mwzg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="136" data-width="140" height="136" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbC-8BrT3ptb-34x4Dk0TK9upEjkt6CGQUOMmRczzSKptrw3mwzg" style="height: 136px; width: 140px;" width="140" /></a>It's Monday morning. The kids need to be out the door by eight a.m. and the middle child has just announced - in a voice loud enough to incite panic - 'There is no cereal!' All heads turn toward Mom...<br />
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Even a seasoned Broad shivers at the thought. <br />
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Or maybe it's nothing so dramatic as all that. Families everywhere are looking to cut expenses. Broads, we all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sending the kids off with a healthy meal under their belts is the best start we can give them. Today, I'm featuring a time-tested and kid-approved favorite. And you might be surprised to learn that mom (or grandma) didn't only know her way around the kitchen, she knew her way around a budget. <br />
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<a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcY_gAWglxRWzpLKZJCy44-SQjsJzf7OcyOfKh6Vee7Ar-Bm-kGA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcY_gAWglxRWzpLKZJCy44-SQjsJzf7OcyOfKh6Vee7Ar-Bm-kGA" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /></a><strong><em>Forgotten Favorite: Oatmeal ~ Brown Sugar & Cinnamon</em></strong><br />
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1 Cup water (per serving)<br />
1/2 Cup Quick Cooking Oats (for each serving)<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)<br />
Brown Sugar (to taste - 2-4 teaspoons per serving. Cost breakdown is based on 4 teaspoons per serving for those who like it sweet!)<br />
Hearty sprinkle of cinnamon added to the pot.<br />
Milk (to desired consistency. I add approx. 1 - 2 cup for five servings)<br />
Boil water. Add salt and oats, then stir. Cook 1 minute. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk. Stir, serve, and enjoy.<br />
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<strong><em>How does our ten-minute-to-table breakfast add up for the weekly budget?</em></strong><br />
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Quick Oats - $0.07 per serving<br />
Brown Sugar- 0.04 per 4 teaspoon sized serving<br />
Milk - 0.05 per serving - @$0.23 per cup<br />
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$0.16 per serving<br />
x 5 servings<br />
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$0.80<br />
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Calculating roughly sixteen cents per serving, a family of five can enjoy a nutritious and filling breakfast for about one dollar. Chop a red-delicious apple and add to the water for an additional $0.53 cents. Stir in peanut butter for something different, adding $0.15 per 2 Tablespoon serving. <br />
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Adding toast, butter, jelly, and a pot of hot tea, you'll still be able to keep costs below $3.00. <br />
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<strong><em>Have you got a time-tested, kid-approved meal that's easy on the budget? Share it with us!</em></strong> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm-RF4faf2UqFJWWDTlbsCl4RWYZn-MjmzefT9k0LORR8vkSSI0TUUjnzfqKIUsKaUEaN89ji1V-A_gcCLb38ebOHxAreIchMBR_A_FrvYv6uE46f7afXkRdsxWTfihxE9lffBApiDMY/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm-RF4faf2UqFJWWDTlbsCl4RWYZn-MjmzefT9k0LORR8vkSSI0TUUjnzfqKIUsKaUEaN89ji1V-A_gcCLb38ebOHxAreIchMBR_A_FrvYv6uE46f7afXkRdsxWTfihxE9lffBApiDMY/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" /></a> Moíra</div>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-46741487585031059622012-07-06T11:07:00.001-04:002012-07-06T11:07:21.080-04:00Brazen Review ~ What The World Eats, Faith D'Aluisio, Peter Menzel<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOnOuUPjejssefWggnzqcxifWarsQosNl8LAT2NzjCwxAYH75h" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="207" data-width="244" height="207" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOnOuUPjejssefWggnzqcxifWarsQosNl8LAT2NzjCwxAYH75h" style="height: 207px; width: 244px;" width="244" /></a> The age-old practice of sitting down to a family meal is undergoing
unprecedented change as rising world affluence and trade, along with the spread
of global food conglomerates, transform eating habits worldwide. HUNGRY PLANET
profiles 30 families from around the world--including Bosnia, Chad, Egypt,
Greenland, Japan, the United States, and France--and offers detailed
descriptions of weekly food purchases; photographs of the families at home, at
market, and in their communities; and a portrait of each family surrounded by a
week's worth of groceries. Featuring photo-essays on international street food,
meat markets, fast food, and cookery, this captivating chronicle offers a
riveting look at what the world really eats. <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="182" data-width="276" height="182" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnEgFOvsQ_baZ3kTxFGOhOAUlHlOts2UzOpuN_iM1CJ0wbAFER" style="height: 182px; width: 276px;" width="276" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>What Does A Week's Worth Of Food For Your Family Look Like?</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbZzxoc7WZaIE_ru0QeSE3yv-m6KdG4O-HQy0D4SRZ5eucuiPOxw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="174" data-width="290" height="174" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbZzxoc7WZaIE_ru0QeSE3yv-m6KdG4O-HQy0D4SRZ5eucuiPOxw" style="height: 174px; width: 290px;" width="290" /></a>This is the question WTWE explores. After the opening section, World On A Plate, D'Aluisio and Menzel introduce readers to 25 families from around the globe through story and images. The result is highly impactful. Twenty-two countries are profiled - each offering a unique picture of life and food.<br />
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<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcShYDdMwESLhqqugEvDh_0NFPfTxMsGjJFq4czDveDP5RRTAdkayQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="182" data-width="276" height="182" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcShYDdMwESLhqqugEvDh_0NFPfTxMsGjJFq4czDveDP5RRTAdkayQ" style="height: 182px; width: 276px;" width="276" /></a>Sprinkled amongst the family profiles, D'Aluisio included fascinating and disturbing facts such as population poverty statistics, amount in USD of per year monies spent on health care, and sugar/sweet consumption per person per year - in pounds. Yeah...the disturbing part. <br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2ZAzaeZG5dVSaLqhDWtQehwbLqWblQekFmvXvDK7igK5uZIuM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="182" data-width="276" height="182" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2ZAzaeZG5dVSaLqhDWtQehwbLqWblQekFmvXvDK7igK5uZIuM" style="height: 182px; width: 276px;" width="276" /></a>The striking realization of how blessed we are where food is concerned will not be easily forgotten, nor would I want it to. I've always known we live in a land of plenty and wealth, but connecting personally with the individual families by reading their stories and glimpsing into their lives hit that truth home powerfully.<br />
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An interesting and informative read, WTWE rates a top pick for readers curious on the topic. <br />
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Overall Rating - <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣</em></span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoAhN0vjDwgPWiLIefaS46ftnRAAqxxBDkkaYg0HgfkP-5D9C6nYTL2l5itXFkKKZofFyCCJm-D4lSg4kJFST3OpTbfhptiQIKp2HdIuzNCo4m8tKCC8_644BBeFdsKfZiPUy1P-4Up0/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoAhN0vjDwgPWiLIefaS46ftnRAAqxxBDkkaYg0HgfkP-5D9C6nYTL2l5itXFkKKZofFyCCJm-D4lSg4kJFST3OpTbfhptiQIKp2HdIuzNCo4m8tKCC8_644BBeFdsKfZiPUy1P-4Up0/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<strong><br />Moíra ♣</strong>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-24421765040400907602012-06-28T00:30:00.000-04:002012-06-28T00:30:00.704-04:00The Naming, Alison Croggon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="color: #cc0000;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #b4a7d6;">The Naming</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">By</span> <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Alison Croggon</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mearad is a slave at Gilmans Cot, and believes she will die there as a slave. Until one day a mysterious man, that no seems to see but herself shows up, and makes her realize her past, and her dark future. He takes her away, and informs her of her heritage and that she has the Gift. Now Mearad must face who she really is, and what she has to do to keep balance in the world, and protect all who follow the Light.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I thought this book was very well written, and I loved the plot line. It was easy for me to slip into this girls life, and it kept me up all night reading, because I didn't want to put the book down. It is a good piece of fantasy, with a little bit of drama, but not too much to scare you away. I think the reading level would be for anyone around 13 or older, depending on your reading skill. I found this book an enjoyable read, and stay tuned for my review of the sequel, </span><u style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>The Riddle</i></u><span style="color: #6aa84f;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;">~</span> <span style="color: black;">Willow Naveen♥</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Overall Rating :</span> ♥♥♥♥♥</span></div>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-13737988501662627232012-06-26T08:05:00.000-04:002012-07-06T10:33:24.077-04:00Cheap, Easy and Tasty...<span style="font-size: large;"> I love expensive things</span>. <span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't? I simply lack the funding to support any expensive habits.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Therefore</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">I need my life to be cheap, easy and tasty. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Coming from a large family, Moira and I know how to stretch a buck. I will happily hit the thrift stores and buy the "generics" at the grocers. There are times when buying the better brand is, well, better. If flavor and/or quality is at stake, it isn't a contest. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love this theme in the kitchen. I have a few simple recipes for today that are all three, yay! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Let's start with stir fry. This "recipe" is great because you can use whatever happens to be floating around in the pantry and fridge and the quantity is easy to adjust. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-2 or 3 packs of ramen noodles beef and/or oriental flavor </span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfqEg0o1W1ztnRzDOvC9usL8xqdvc5ul9u4df1XuBssjPhDKk39g" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfqEg0o1W1ztnRzDOvC9usL8xqdvc5ul9u4df1XuBssjPhDKk39g" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">-1lb. of ground beef</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-1 bag frozen stir-fry veggies </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Brown the ground meat thoroughly(drain grease if needed). Add the veggies, ramen noodles with seasoning packets to the pan along with half the amount of water called for on the packet. If you are using 3 ramens use about 3 cups of water. You can add the soy sauce now too. Stir occasionally until noodles are tender. You can add more water during cooking if it seems to need it. That's all. Eat and enjoy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love this for its versatility. Sometimes I use canned or leftover chicken. Leave the meat out altogether and have veggie lo-mein. If you have a different sauce--teriyaki or szechuan--that works too. Use the veggies that are in your freezer or produce bin. There are no wrong answers. You can be done with dinner in the time it takes to make noodles. Awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Another thing I <i>love</i> is garlic bread. I make pasta simply to have said garlic bread.</span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9hwZBrldrFffMH8qb3DCvXWFdWxqNw5E0rH-SnLI6F9n1d-nFjg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9hwZBrldrFffMH8qb3DCvXWFdWxqNw5E0rH-SnLI6F9n1d-nFjg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">-buns- I usually use hot dog buns</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-butter, margarine or olive oil- your preference</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-garlic in some form - I find a lot of garlic salts have too much salt in them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Feel free to use garlic powder, granulated garlic(my personal preference) or even roasted garlic. You can also add basil or parsley along with a bit of parmesan cheese.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Spread the butter on the opened buns, sprinkle with garlic and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the tops are a brown as you like them. Yum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My daughter, Willow, has a personal preference for chicken quesadillas. Again, tasty and easy-peasy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-flour torillas, any size</span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKAdrFjxG5T1peeAIGBD4Hq8GPigHsH96Io1QCgULn2M-vtA7m" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKAdrFjxG5T1peeAIGBD4Hq8GPigHsH96Io1QCgULn2M-vtA7m" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">-canned chicken (any meat really, leftovers work too!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-cheese- any will do, but Willow prefers cheddar </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Those are the basics, I have also added black beans, corn, refried beans etc. Whatever you like. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I start by mixing the chicken and salsa, I would add any extras(black beans, etc.) to the mix at this point as well. I fill, fold and broil mine, so it works a bit better if you warm the tortillas slightly first. To do that, I sprinkle cheese on half the tortilla and place it under the broiler for a few seconds. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Pull that out shmear some of the salsa mix on top of the cheese, add more cheese on that and fold to close. Because you warmed and melted first it will stay closed better. Pop those under the broiler for a minute or 2 to melt and crisp and you're done! This is a great recipe for kids to do on their own; provided they are able and allowed to operate the oven of course. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I like the fill and fold method as it keeps one side closed so the stuff doesn't fall out. Less mess for the younger kids. You can, of course use two tortillas and make a sandwich, then you could skip the warming step.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I hope I've given you some simple ideas to add to your kitchen repertoire. Never be afraid to mix it up and experiment! Above all, stay easy! No, I didn't mean, I meant cheap....no, I mean...oh, never mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-58031093830318212832012-06-21T01:00:00.000-04:002012-06-21T11:17:04.133-04:00Coffee Talk With Moíra ♣ ~ Honest Reviewing<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtnd-Iyq7Zc06yBqHXXEY18yfcQYPP3vtx43aauMxWB9mE27x2qw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi" closure_uid_f81x64="2" closure_uid_ixl41s="20" data-height="152" data-width="331" height="152" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtnd-Iyq7Zc06yBqHXXEY18yfcQYPP3vtx43aauMxWB9mE27x2qw" style="height: 152px; width: 331px;" width="331" /></a><br />
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Here at the Broads, we're inundated with review requests. Unfortunately time, not to mention preference, does not allow us to feature all the fantastic books available! It's so difficult to choose. Taking on a book for review is serious business. A careful reading and honest assessment is the goal of most reviewers. Why? Because we love stories!<br />
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I've limited the books I agree to take on, mostly because life is quite busy. I still have a stack of books waiting for my attention. Slowly, I work my way through, hoping to offer each my undivided attention at some point. Oh! For a two week read-a-palooza with Mina, cosmos, and maybe even a deep-tissue massage thrown in for overall well being. Sigh. A Broad can dream, can't she? Reality dictates something entirely different from that picture. <br />
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Honest reviews are always what you'll find here at the Broads. Highlighting the things we enjoyed - and the elements that flopped - ensure readers go into a story with eyes-wide-open. But one Broad's gem is another Broad's rock. My reviews won't be much help if I do not clearly state my expectations going into the read and how the book fulfilled them, or failed to do so.<br />
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For this Broad, varying standards/expectations are held for different sorts of books. For example, when reading non-fiction, I look for clear and informative text presented in concise yet interesting and well organized context. This is completely different than what I want out of a romance. And even that genre holds alternate components of satisfaction. When reading a novella, I understand the word constraints will impact story depth. Not that depth and limited word counts are mutually exclusive elements! On the contrary! But expectations must be in line with the selection held up for review. <br />
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Another aspect to consider is reader like/dislike. This Broad cringes when reading over-amplified bravado, especially when a heroine attempts dangerous and ridiculous feats her character clearly has no business doing. It's a negative for me, but does not necessarily equate poor writing. It's simply a story aspect I loathe. There's a difference. I also struggle to abide characters who immediately act upon sexual attraction yet never develop a relationship. That's personal preference and needs to be noted in any honest review.<br />
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Of late I've noticed that a number of reviews fail to state clearly their expectations going into a read, and therefore, the review, whether five-star or two-star, holds less 'reader-value' than it could. More troubling is the claim of 'poor-writing' when, in fact, the reader simply didn't like the story content or writing style. Separating feelings from writing evaluation is a necessary component to honest reviewing. The term 'poor writing' is bandied about without merit on many occasions. Consider the style of writing you most enjoy, and go from there. For example, I adore lyrical prose, artistic imagery, and the use of delicious and inventive description of setting, character emotion, and word pictures. But the writer who adheres to a simpler descriptive process surely should not be accused of 'poor-writing'. Some readers want exactly that type of story/writing style. Granted, stories elicit great emotion, as they are intended to do, but a clear line must be respected when an overall novel evaluation is given. Most bloggers/reviewers handle this with sensitivity and class. <br />
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When reading reviews, keep in mind your personal preferences and acknowledge them openly. Twelve five-star reviews mean little if you don't come away with an understanding of why the story offered so much pleasure. Likewise, twelve two-star reviews should not deter your interest if vague terms such as 'poor-writing' are employed, because one Broad's gem is another Broad's rock. <br />
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Happy Reading; Happy Reviewing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHsLJ8rLcUG-WmIgJ-PpWHFwMFK1bcnYJbqQUxCB71IYQ8NhiXWI1TJCQQ2BxKb1-ic9PHL5wAblGBbXHS3B1PuoMTAk2kt69AB6ln3EMByk4XOzMRXXFm6CM4rz16jUNchLbvSYiaIw/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHsLJ8rLcUG-WmIgJ-PpWHFwMFK1bcnYJbqQUxCB71IYQ8NhiXWI1TJCQQ2BxKb1-ic9PHL5wAblGBbXHS3B1PuoMTAk2kt69AB6ln3EMByk4XOzMRXXFm6CM4rz16jUNchLbvSYiaIw/s1600/imagesCARIV39Q.jpg" /></a> - Moíra ♣</div>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-21669078268749606592012-06-14T00:30:00.000-04:002012-06-14T06:29:57.134-04:00North Of Beautiful<div style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">North Of Beautiful</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">By</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Justina Chen Headly</span> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xLg1I9reL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xLg1I9reL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Terra Cooper is marked with a big port wine birthmark on her cheek. This makes her ugly in her own eyes, and, she thinks, in everyone elses'. Shes also stuck tiptoeing around her father and his temper, and dealing with her mother who hides behind her fat, and food. Everything changes though when she meets Jacob, a goth kid her life collides into. Terra has to figure out what she really wants, and who both her, and her whole family really are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sounds cheesy right? Girl has flaw, and flawed life, girl meets boy, girl falls in love, story ends? Well maybe it is cheesy, but in a good way. This is the kinda book that will make you forget about yourself for a little. Its not too sad and upsetting, nor suspenseful, nor scary, not too cheesy, not too teenage girl wrote it lovey, but just the right amount of everything. well maybe not scary. I didn't find any of that in it. I loved this book, in the way where I want a good book, but don't want something with.. too much commitment. Its a good book, but you will be able to put it down, you can relate pretty easily, You could leave it for a few days, and still come back to it remembering everything that went on. I love it, and I'm sure any other teenage girl would. I'd say a reading level of maybe 14 and up? So voila and easy reading!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~Willow Naveen♥</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Overall Rating: <span style="color: #c27ba0;">♥♥♥♥</span></span>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-7949891965195645432012-06-09T01:00:00.000-04:002012-06-09T01:00:07.507-04:00Brazen Review ~ An Accidental Greek Wedding, Carol Grace<br />
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0743467639/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="An Accidental Greek Wedding" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KSWD643FL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a>In this romantic romp through the Greek Isles, Carol Grace pens the
delightful story of maid of honor and groom-to-be hot on the trail of a runaway
bride...and quite possibly falling in love!
Jane Atwood has loved Alex Woods for years. His upcoming wedding to her best
friend -- the Greek- American beauty Sofia Leonakis -- doesn't make it any
easier. Nor does the Greek island setting (is there a more romantic place on
earth?) or her status as maid of honor. But when Sofia and Alex have a huge
fight five nights before the wedding, Sofia runs off with a mystery man and all
bets are off.
<br />
Thrown together in search of the errant bride, Jane and Alex go
island-hopping. Jane tries hard to keep the "honor" in maid of honor, but her
attraction to Alex deepens like a Mediterranean tan. Soon, Alex sees that she's
not the plain Jane he thought she was -- and that she may be his one true love.
Only on the wedding day will Jane discover whether Alex is ready to say "I do"
-- and to whom!
<br />
A Bon Voyage romance!
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><u>My Thoughts:</u></em></strong></span><br />
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Jane Atwood's dilemma is that age old tale. Shy, nerdy girl is secretly in love with hunky best friend - who happens to think he's in love with beautiful goddess. Nerdy girl lives in the shadows of goddess friend, but blossoms when romantic atmosphere and out-of-the-norm circumstances thrust her into a whirlwind tour of the Greek Isles. Perfectly delicious plot. I've always had a dab of nerd dancing beneath the surface - so I adore this particular storyline a great deal.<br />
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Grace's book is fair, simple and straight forward. This book will most appeal to those seeking a relatively fast paced storyline with a romance at its core. Read it for a night's fun escape with beautiful Greece as the backdrop. Take a pass on <strong><em>An Accidental Greek Wedding</em></strong> if you're looking for an involved romance that digs deep into character development and relationship. <br />
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Overall Rating - <strong><span style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">♣ ♣ ♣</span></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #003300;">Hero - <span style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>♣ ♣ ♣</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #003300;">Heroine - <span style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>♣ ♣ ♣</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #003300;">Setting - <strong><span style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">♣ ♣ ♣ ♣</span></span></strong></span><span style="color: #003300;">Romance Heat - <span style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>♣ ♣ ♣</strong></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxMUWW59iTR-c6DObvdK_gOlv0T_yTG1VWtpH9ib4Eicg9VC1y" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="165" data-width="145" height="165" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxMUWW59iTR-c6DObvdK_gOlv0T_yTG1VWtpH9ib4Eicg9VC1y" style="height: 165px; width: 145px;" width="145" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #003300;"><span style="color: #003300;"> ~ Moíra</span></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color: #003300;"></span></strong>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-65393445399739647152012-05-28T01:00:00.000-04:002012-05-28T01:00:04.054-04:00Braised Broads ~ Rice<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtJ1ufUofL7l-BCUiweBQlWCln4PVema31RzFTxVS8zuq5sF84" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="233" data-width="217" height="233" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtJ1ufUofL7l-BCUiweBQlWCln4PVema31RzFTxVS8zuq5sF84" style="height: 233px; width: 217px;" width="217" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">World Of India...Right In My Own Kitchen!</span></em></strong><br />
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In my family's bid to eat a healthier diet, I've discovered an entire world of food to explore. Indian cuisine is something I only tried a few years ago, and I loved it! Over the last year, I've begun to add Indian recipes to my menu plans. I was nervous to cook Indian food, thinking it would be difficult. Not at all! The recipes are usually quite simple, and I've discovered quickly which tastes are my favorites from the plentiful spices flavoring the dishes. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtFesiLVhqGPKjhXX3deNOrwwlePWGbNHM1V44PdskbKsFapNo" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="184" data-width="275" height="184" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtFesiLVhqGPKjhXX3deNOrwwlePWGbNHM1V44PdskbKsFapNo" style="height: 184px; width: 275px;" width="275" /></a>Many people from India (and of Indian descent) are vegetarians, but don't be fooled! There are plenty of meat dishes to try. Because their diet is so chock-full of vegetables, it's easy to prepare a healthy meal with lots of flavor. I'm lucky enough to have an Indian market near my home, but you'll find that most grocery stores carry just what you need!<br />
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjulcF-ttfhKcvrNIpuoKNuPRK0vZO9OzbmWR8W5Af0x04wpiq7w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="229" data-width="220" height="229" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjulcF-ttfhKcvrNIpuoKNuPRK0vZO9OzbmWR8W5Af0x04wpiq7w" style="height: 229px; width: 220px;" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilda is my usual brand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From speaking with the local shop owner, I learned that Basmati rice is the preferred grain for most Indian recipes. It stays firmer that Asian varieties, and has a slightly nutty flavor. It can be a tad more expensive, but not so much as to tax a budget. I purchase rice in bulk, opting for twenty or forty pound bags - we eat a lot of rice - but you can find smaller sized bags. Rice is a very inexpensive and versatile food.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://bks9.books.google.com/books?id=z6AiOAAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE70_eu9BRxBz3zd2qPub75Zsfx4kpYKC1Kf2ZtaqTeL8ZVyQCjCcrt1cL9lChVB7_Oq6qdmsCSK3PR9eqbN8FIQCJ7-dh2EcQ9zm-vnjsKViSt8k7tYAk4FFtawCepa7r5ZFSuMe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Front Cover" border="0" id="summary-frontcover" src="http://bks9.books.google.com/books?id=z6AiOAAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE70_eu9BRxBz3zd2qPub75Zsfx4kpYKC1Kf2ZtaqTeL8ZVyQCjCcrt1cL9lChVB7_Oq6qdmsCSK3PR9eqbN8FIQCJ7-dh2EcQ9zm-vnjsKViSt8k7tYAk4FFtawCepa7r5ZFSuMe" title="Front Cover" width="128" /></a> Best Ever Indian Cookbook is my Indian-Food-Bible! All recipes I'll feature are taken from it. All the spices are explained and pictured, so it was easy to find what I needed. Also, measurements are included in metric and standard, which erased the need to calculate conversions. I've learned to make Paneer, an Indian cheese, in addition to Garam Masala, Curry Spice Blend, and the many pastes used as dipping sauces or recipe add-ins. It's all well explained and the book features photos as visual aids. The only difficult to navigate feature is the Nutritional Notes, as Energy, Fat, Carbohydrate and Fibre are calculated in grams. Today I'll start with a simple recipe, but over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing much more. Easy on a budget and often one pot cooking, Indian cuisine might be right up your alley!<br />
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Here's an easy rice dish my family loves! Making rice in different ways keeps the kids from getting tired of the <em>same old thing. </em> This recipe has a unique flavor :} Rice is a perfect starting place when exploring Indian food. This dish is not spicy at all, so don't worry!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Basmati Rice and Peas</span></em></strong><br />
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1 1/2 c. basmati rice<br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
1/4 tsp mustard seeds <br />
1/4 tsp onion seeds<br />
2 tbsp fenugreek leaves (I substitute dried when I don't have fresh - and you can omit altogether if you don't have it)<br />
1 tsp crushed garlic<br />
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (I substitute ginger powder when I don't have fresh. I make this dish both with ginger and without at times.)<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 c. frozen peas<br />
2 c. water<br />
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Wash the rice and leave to soak for 30 minutes (I skip this step when I'm in a rush...it won't hurt a thing). Heat oil in a dutch oven pot and add mustard and onion seeds, fenugreek, garlic, ginger and salt and stir-fry for a few minutes. (Really you are toasting the seeds which give them better flavor). Drain and add rice to pan and stir together. Add frozen peas and water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover, cooking for about 20 minutes. Check once in awhile to stir and see if water has been all absorbed. Once water is soaked in and rice is tender, I crack the lid and turn heat to low, steaming the rice for at least 10 minutes. It makes is so fluffy! When ready to serve, fluff with a fork and voila!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Rice Basics</span></em></strong><br />
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Rice is one of the easiest side dishes to prepare. Here are some basic tips to ensure you have light and fluffy rice every time. I've also added a few tricks to spruce it up.<br />
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♣ I use this water/rice ratio. 1 cup of rice will require 1 1/2 cups of water to cook. So for a smaller family, 1/2 cup of rice will require 3/4 cup of water. A large family will cook 2 cups of rice and add 3 cups of water. Not everyone uses the same ratio, but this is what works for me. <br />
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♣ I always use a dutch oven, no matter how much or little rice I'll cook. I like the large bottom; I think it cooks more evenly.<br />
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♣ I coat the bottom of the dutch oven with Extra-virgin-olive-oil to begin, then add in any spices I'll be using. Salt is a must! I add about 1 tsp of salt per cup of rice. I half my salt when using bouillon - as bouillon is quite salty!<br />
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♣ For something different, and to add a nice visual, I brown a handful of skinny egg noodles in the heated oil before adding in my rice.<br />
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♣ To make yellow rice: <em><u>Variation One</u></em> - oil, salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp coriander ground, 1/4 tsp cumin ground. <em><u>Variation Two</u></em> - add all of above, then add 1/4 tsp cinnamon (a kiddie favorite). <em><u>Variation Three</u></em> - oil, salt, curry. <em><u>Variation Four</u></em> - toss raisins into the pot of variations one or two. For one dish meals, add some cooked chicken after the rice is ready. <br />
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♣ Once I've heated my spices in the oil, it's time to toss in the rice. Coat the rice with the oil by stirring it around the pot once or twice. I let it cook a few minutes to toast the grains a little. It adds fabulous flavor.<br />
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♣ After the rice is toasted, add in your water and cover. That's it! Simmer until done, fluff, and serve. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHrAvwnvBMBqbljwtOsgDDciCNlo3-lkVveNRq4FktFu6o3Iap2S3aPHKPRHkrXo7-Ph1i6SRHOb1YSqI21K3hVvBupM5iFDtu5URSGq4U_RcCAMzotZAuSCPJunRnYhUpBShVJXw-dE/s1600/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHrAvwnvBMBqbljwtOsgDDciCNlo3-lkVveNRq4FktFu6o3Iap2S3aPHKPRHkrXo7-Ph1i6SRHOb1YSqI21K3hVvBupM5iFDtu5URSGq4U_RcCAMzotZAuSCPJunRnYhUpBShVJXw-dE/s200/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" width="200" /></a> Moíra ♣</div>
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<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-7266721931111367742012-05-24T01:00:00.000-04:002012-05-24T01:00:06.431-04:00Brazen Review: Gaijin, Remittance Girl<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B0036OSBFI/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gaijin" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514liQSpQHL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em><u>Not Intended For Audiences Under 18 Due To Questionable Content</u></em></strong></span><br />
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When Jennifer left the cold and damp of London for the sparkle and bustle of
Tokyo, she imagined she'd find a world full of cherry blossom festivals, ancient
tea ceremonies and Geishas. What she got instead was a cramped, shared
apartment, harassment on the subway and a mind-numbing job as a hostess at the
Blonde Chick Bar in Roppongi. <br /><br />With a single, unintentional insult all
that changed. She wakes up to find that she has been kidnapped by Shindo: a
sadistic Yakuza demi-god who doesn't take his loss of face easily. Caught
between his hatred of all things foreign and a growing obsession with this
blonde gaijin, he is determined to make her pay for her rejection in sadistic
and degrading ways.<br /><br />`A woman's lot is to endure,' says the fox spirit in
her dreams, but Jennifer wonders whether there are indeed fates worse than
death. Little by little, she finds out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>My Thoughts:</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gaijin, blatent and disturbing, opens powerfully. Jennifer awakens to discover herself bound, in pain, and immediately her fear was palpable and alive. Every moment of weakness, despair, and hope spoke to a part of my heart as I uncovered her horrifying situation page by page. Jennifer was real, flawed, and beautiful in her portrayal, her struggle to make sense of her abduction and rape painful to read. Yet I did read, seeing through the lens of Remittance Girl's dark prose to the unexpected conclusion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As this dark tale unfolded, I was drawn into every word and action of Jennifer's captor, Shindo. Mocking and violent one minute, almost tender the next, this character fascinated me in a way I don't fully understand, nor am I entirely comfortable admitting. With sickening disbelief, I found a part of me wishing that this criminal would reveal some redeeming quality to explain my morbid preoccupation, my near infatuation with his strength of presence within this story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gaijin contrasted the reality of modern Japanese culture with the romanticised version many Westerners mistakenly perceive - revealing one possible consequence of such dangerous misconceptions. The author, through masterful character depth, stripped away this Broad's natural instinct to hate Shindo, even as my heart broke for Jennifer, provoking more questions than answers. I, even now, continue to comtemplate my surprising emotions and reaction to Remittance Girl's frighteningly sensual tale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall Rating: <span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="color: #33cc00;">♣♣♣♣♣</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQtU_vycwK2J93IC29dYA5YmeVEGAUJmdIP0IL43GMfUE4pzHrKmdO8p8-Enkd2ZDgWWV7U39YEtpZcZzWdu9S90BOE3AHZfw7KiMdW_6IyIqjcyTGUQYVpJxLLmh06N6gtgezb6WGi0/s1600/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQtU_vycwK2J93IC29dYA5YmeVEGAUJmdIP0IL43GMfUE4pzHrKmdO8p8-Enkd2ZDgWWV7U39YEtpZcZzWdu9S90BOE3AHZfw7KiMdW_6IyIqjcyTGUQYVpJxLLmh06N6gtgezb6WGi0/s200/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" width="200" /></a>- Moíra ♣</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-34279972673028936232012-05-22T01:30:00.000-04:002012-05-22T01:30:01.239-04:00Tuesday Teaser ~ May 22, 2012<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQobb3acCSLTDow6GP_KdhKbyPfs0JSjGN6IjVjHpd9jssJsqCd" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi" closure_uid_8mr6te="21" closure_uid_as60xr="2" closure_uid_blbng3="2" closure_uid_h9o634="16" closure_uid_lj8key="2" closure_uid_n4z9az="8" data-height="140" data-width="361" height="140" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQobb3acCSLTDow6GP_KdhKbyPfs0JSjGN6IjVjHpd9jssJsqCd" style="height: 140px; width: 361px;" width="361" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB
at </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1585e9;">Should Be Reading</span></a>. Here's how it
works..</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grab your current read</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Open to a random page</span>
</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that
page.</span>
</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you
share does not give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for
others!)</span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Share the title & author too so other TT participants
can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!</span>
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>The Oracle of Stamboul: A Novel, Michael David Lukas</em></strong></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0062012096/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Oracle of Stamboul: A Novel" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hkbXN%2BmIL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is another of my library finds, discovered while lazily perusing a forgotten shelf near the floor. You know the shelf I speak of. The lonely books at the bottom, rarely seeing the light of day outside the stuffy, creaky-floored building housing them. Well, good deed done! I sat my rumpus down and browsed those neglected titles...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's what I found...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pg. 1 - 'The hoopoes would probably have been regarded as an auspicious sign, were it not for the unfortunate events that coincided with Eleonora's birth.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pg. 198 - 'Eleonora knew from Machiavelli that she should not offer advice unless the Sultan asked her. If he did ask, however, she would tell him the truth as best she could.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>Happy Reading! What have you discovered this week?</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgb0K6oiq-_kTUaP_mccu6YLoIVCSED-pQLWCwuFEILQU_o60JJ3Fef05y9IVqbtOpkYh5aOs_XuLBYsNALQl7wtczFY6TgBGqqWLHs2auMAKWpoC-0Mu2mDtYPVAXCJgkLSwlF_V6c8/s1600/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgb0K6oiq-_kTUaP_mccu6YLoIVCSED-pQLWCwuFEILQU_o60JJ3Fef05y9IVqbtOpkYh5aOs_XuLBYsNALQl7wtczFY6TgBGqqWLHs2auMAKWpoC-0Mu2mDtYPVAXCJgkLSwlF_V6c8/s200/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" width="200" /></a> - Moíra ♣</div>
<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-41001304658320159682012-05-20T01:00:00.000-04:002012-05-20T01:00:00.235-04:00Brazen Review: Love Finds You In North Pole, Alaska, Loree Lough<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2p61vro66lc" width="420"></iframe>
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Instead of a regular blurb, I thought I'd share this neat book trailer I discovered. Enjoy!<br />
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<u><strong><em>My thoughts</em></strong>:</u> <br />
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The Love Finds You series boasts an impressive number of stories set across the United States. Loree Lough's is the only in the series I've sampled, and it was a pleasant read.<br />
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Bryce, as a hero, was far less Alpha than I prefer, a sentiment shared by the friend who recommended this novella. But overall, he was likable. Lough did a fair job at best of creating a back story to - er, well...back up her hero's reluctance for romance, but aside from disappointment, he suffered no betrayal - no shock worthy to cause a man to swear off women! It was a weakness this Broad noted in the storyline; luckily, Lough's sweet romance made up for it in other areas.<br />
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The town of North Pole was well described without going overboard. I loved being able to picture the Christmas decorations adorning each business and setting as well as the accurate description of average Alaskan homes - tiny yet cozy. <br />
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Sam, the female protagonist balanced spunk and softness, making me hope with all my heart she'd get the guy. Samantha and Bryce's romance developed slowly; be prepared for a chaste love story. If you, like me, are used to a racier sort of romance - don't worry. The characters are so lovable - especially Sam - you'll most likely enjoy this quick little story.<br />
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While I enjoyed Love Finds You In North Pole, Alaska, I probably won't seek another in the series, the main reason being I normally gravitate toward much longer, more involved reads; the second being that the Kindle formatting was awful - Summerside Press owes their author an apology. <br />
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Overall Story - <span style="font-size: x-large;"> <strong> </strong><strong><span style="color: #33cc00;">♣♣♣</span></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjHdqkYk_0Ih2Fs0_gSwTTKxLrLN-O-BzeC9zwNulm5P8FPakj57AcLl8OQW3j8XLXYbnUUGGSqRGeLtSKvB2Mf4J0JHq8YPbQLCkDTPAbpI2Eb-7mx9bDTpQ4ezXwSsBfXRMEIiv34g/s1600/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjHdqkYk_0Ih2Fs0_gSwTTKxLrLN-O-BzeC9zwNulm5P8FPakj57AcLl8OQW3j8XLXYbnUUGGSqRGeLtSKvB2Mf4J0JHq8YPbQLCkDTPAbpI2Eb-7mx9bDTpQ4ezXwSsBfXRMEIiv34g/s200/imagesCA0FTBVA.jpg" width="200" /></a> - Moíra ♣</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><br /></strong></span>The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-70531296224966094232012-05-17T01:00:00.000-04:002012-05-17T07:34:25.403-04:00Spotlight On Up And Coming Author - Angela Brown<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://publishness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Angela Brown</a> </h1>
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in a Pursuit of
Publishness</div>
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<dl class="profile-datablock"><dd class="profile-textblock"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03324366495151363782" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Photo" class="profile-img" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmYpeX_HlnCICDVuLnmtv3Wka2QWTt5dEJrWzyECUG82holyJ3ch88TFfYdn7_JVIf_DIHOVVj5f3k2HmJGCDq78U4DnEpBhyLTlxDi-fuCe9HH4ATKLLd75FvwRHgcxREif9YCYmfvo/s200/Angela+2010.jpg" width="150" /></a>I am a lover of books - from classics to steampunk
and everything in between. Plus, I'm in pursuit of making my full-time passion
more than a part-time gig. This blog is to share about all things reading,
writing, movies, TV shows, publication - I think you get the drift. I'll even
share the ups and downs of my own journey. If you don't like any of these
things, I appreciate your visit, but sadly say you've come to the wrong spot. If
just one of these topics tickle your fancy, then please pull up a chair (be a
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<em>Hi, Angela! Thanks for taking the time to visit with the Broads today. Your newest project, the A-Z Challenge has been a hit around the blogging world. Tell us a bit...</em><br />
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The current WiP that shot into high priority status is the result of this year's A to Z blogging challenge which ended as of today. It's a story that caught me by surprise as I originally came up with a few characters for the daily challenge and pantsed some daily drama involving them. This morphed into a blog opera that ended with a cliff hanger. So I've committed to self-publishing a novel/novella that includes these characters and has an ending. <br />
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The WiP is called NEVERLOVE, a paranormal romance for a mature YA group (dark content including a non-detailed rape (can't handle a detailed rape scene...just can't), a suicide attempt and a college student who jokingly sells his soul to the devil, only it was no joke to the devil). Here's a working blurb:<br />
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<strong><em>In the midst of forbidden love, a seed plants and blossoms.<br />From the heart of one damaged by a warped sense of love, true love springs forth.<br />For those destined for NEVERLOVE, can the binds of impossibility be broken?</em></strong> <br />
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Just started this so no cover image as of yet. Have to work on getting that done. For those who may be interested, I created a page with all 26 posts so they can go down the list of links to get acquainted with Abby, Basil, Father Quanon and Drakar: <a href="http://publishness.blogspot.com/p/abby-and-basil-a-to-z-blog-opera.html">http://publishness.blogspot.com/p/abby-and-basil-a-to-z-blog-opera.html</a> <br />
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<em>Take the time to read about Abby, Basil, and Drakar (evil personified if I've ever read it). You'll be drawn in, just as this Broad. Trust me. You won't mind!</em><br />
<em>Congratulations, Angela. The Brazen Broads wish you great success. Thanks for stopping by today.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><u><strong>Q&A about me:</strong></u></em></span><br />
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<strong><em>What are you currently reading?</em></strong> <br />
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An ARC for a YA dystopian novel coming out in June. SURRENDER by Elana Johnson, and I'm enjoying it.<br />
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<strong><em>Best books read this year/recently.....</em></strong><br />
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Middle grade - Cabinet of Earths by Anne Nesbet<br />
Sci-Fi/post-apocalyptic - Angelfall by Susan Ee<br />
YA Gothic - Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca<br />
YA paranormal/magical - The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle<br />
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<strong><em>How would you describe yourself?</em></strong> <br />
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open-minded and easily led to giggles<br />
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<strong><em>Fav color?</em></strong> <br />
purple<br />
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<strong><em>Best line you've ever written</em></strong> <br />
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- This one is sort of simple, but it grew on me. It's from my YA urban fantasy/dystopian: <em>He locked his gaze with mine, yanking the scythe off the rack. I hoped to one day get used to the molten silver color of his eyes. Today was not that day.</em><br />
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<strong><em>Best line you've ever read</em></strong> <br />
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- waaay too many to narrow down to just one.<br />
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<strong><em>Fav quote?</em></strong> <br />
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Yoda's "Do or do not, there is no try."<br />
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<strong><em>If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?</em></strong><br />
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In France so I could totally stalk Johnny Depp...but don't tell him. Let it be our little secret<br />
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<strong><em>Biggest lesson learned</em></strong> <br />
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- Rejections are no fun but they can lead to better things in life.<br />
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<em>Thank you again for sharing Abby, Basil, Drakar and a bit about yourself, too! </em><br />
<em>May your pen flow easily across the page, or fingers fly across the keys...as the case may be! See you soon, Angela. We'll be keeping our eyes on you as you pursue 'publishness'. </em><br />
<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451017759440991740.post-83611568583150893592012-05-15T01:30:00.000-04:002012-05-15T01:30:01.442-04:00Tuesday Teasers ~ May 15, 2012<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQobb3acCSLTDow6GP_KdhKbyPfs0JSjGN6IjVjHpd9jssJsqCd" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi" closure_uid_8mr6te="21" closure_uid_as60xr="2" closure_uid_blbng3="2" closure_uid_h9o634="16" closure_uid_lj8key="2" closure_uid_n4z9az="8" data-height="140" data-width="361" height="140" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQobb3acCSLTDow6GP_KdhKbyPfs0JSjGN6IjVjHpd9jssJsqCd" style="height: 140px; width: 361px;" width="361" /></a><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB
at </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1585e9;">Should Be Reading</span></a>. Here's how it
works..</span></span></span><br /><span></span><br /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grab your current read</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Open to a random page</span>
</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that
page.</span>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you
share does not give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for
others!)</span>
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<li><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Share the title & author too so other TT participants
can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!</span>
</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em> 10 Men, Alexandra Gray</em></strong></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0871138913/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="10 Men" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DQM6P3NXL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've not started this novel yet, but it intrigued me as I browsed my local library's shelves. The reviews vary widely, so I imagine this will be a 'loved it/hated it' sort of read. Here's a teaser to get us all started, and I'll post a review when I've finished. We'll see how this Broad rates this controversial read.</span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Pg. 1 - 'It is one of the wonders of the twenty-first century that a beautiful, brilliant and broad-shouldered man could reach almost forty without someone, somewhere convincing him it was time to drop his guard - or his underpants.'</em></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Pg. 171 - 'And it wasn't the karate chop that worried me, as much as the man: the Billionaire was one of the most powerful businessmen in the world, but what good was that if he was a coward when it came to his heart?'</em></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So much for that. I'm quite interested to discover each of these 10 Men, and make my final call. Happy Reading, All! Thanks for stopping by.</span></span><br />
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<br />The Brazen Broadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495325574689441944noreply@blogger.com4