Saturday, February 26, 2011

So many books, so little time...


There are so many books on my nightstand just waiting to be read.  Here's a few of them:


The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love StoryMy Life from Scratch: A Sweet Journey of Starting Over, One Cake at a Time   My Life in France by Julia Child, Alex Prud'Homme  Nefertiti: A Novel   

A Year on Ladybug Farm  Spoken from the Heart  Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home  Planting Dandelions: Field Notes From a Semi-Domesticated Life

Have you read any of these? 
Did you like them? 
Which one should I read first? 
What's on your nightstand?

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Top 5 Favorites

Medora Snacks Popcorners Popped Corn Chips, White Cheddar, 5-Ounce Packages (Pack of 12)
Oh my goodness!  Have you had these yet?  They taste just like popcorn and you don't have to deal with popcorn kernels getting stuck in your teeth!  Plus they are crispy.  I've had the sea salt, white cheddar, and kettle.  They are my new favorite snack!  You totally need to try them!







Michael O'Rourke Get A Lift Volumizing Spray 10ozThis is my new favorite volumizing spray.  It is simply amazing and so easy to use.  Just spray it in your hair when you get out of the shower and blow dry and it gives your hair such a lift.  I also love the smell!  Oh, and the bottle is just adorable! 
 





Reebok Women's Zigfuel Running Shoe,White/Glacier Blue/Silver,8.5 M USI just got a pair of these and I am in love!  They give me so much support and lots of bounce, which is what I need for my kick boxing classes.  Plus they are so cool looking!







Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau De Parfum Spray, 2-Fluid OunceHave you used any Philosophy products yet?  If you have, then I'm sure you love them as much as me.  My favorite sent is Amazing Grace.  I love it!  The perfume, shower gel, body butter and body emulsion are among my favorites.  You can order it online at http://www.philosophy.com/ or check out QVC!






COACH GALLERY EMBOSSED PATENT E/W LEATHER TOTE F16564 BlackThis is my new favorite purse.  I have it in red and I love it.  There is something about patent leather that I just love! It has plenty of room for everything and yet it's not too big.  I also have the matching wallet, which might be the best wallet I've ever owned.  I absolutely love it!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

The Hussy

The Hussy

The Booktini gals got together last night with Elaine Watkins to talk about her book, The Hussy.  Everyone really enjoyed Elaine's debut novel about a girl named Julia and the life changing effects of her out of the ordinary actions one day.  Julia throws a little caution to the wind with some help from her best friend, Corene and handsome stranger, which really gives her small southern town something to talk about!  Julia's granddaddy is the well known Reverend at the local church and Julia sure stirs things up for him.  Things get pretty crazy in this small town and Julia has a lot of decisions to make.

It was great to meet and talk to Elaine.  She wrote this book as part of a national writing project to write a book in 30 days.  She is currently working on another book and we can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

Anyone who's ever had a little bit of "hussy" in them will enjoy this fun and flirty book!  Be sure to check this book out - you won't be disappointed!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Super Heroes!

Well, who knew that we had our own super heroes here at Bookitni?  Maureen's boys, Joey and Tommy, were featured in Boston Parents Paper recently for their amazing super hero powers!  They can't leap tall buildings in a single bound, but they sure can eat a plate vegetables!!  Maureen came up with a game called "Food Adventurers" to get the boys to try different foods.  Great idea Maureen!  Do you think it'll work on my 10 year old?


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Okay, some friends you just can't say good-bye to...

Well, I brought back my carb friends, but mostly in whole grain form or in a 100 calorie portion.  My body feels much better for it.  I also really missed my fruits.  That being said, when I added these foods back, the scale kept going up and up and it was really driving me insane.  I am addicted to the scale.  I know I shouldn't be, but I just can't help myself.  When I added back those foods I also began going to kick boxing classes about 4 times a week.  I kept thinking "well, I'm building muscle" but if you've ever tried to lose weight you know you hate that phrase. 

Fortunately I had the foresight in the beginning of January to take my measurements (yes, it was painful), but I am proud to say that I lost 1.5" off my waist, 1" off my hips, and 0.5" off my arms (bust and thighs remain the same).  So, as long as I continue with the kick boxing, I will try to turn a blind eye to the scale.  As it is, I ended up losing a total of 8.5lbs for the first month.

All in all, it was a good first month aside from being in a permanent state of pain from the exercising.  I figure it will eventually stop hurting, right?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Coffee-Mate and A Disobedient Girl

Hey there!  The booktini gals had a great time Friday night with all our Coffee-Mate freebies, courtesy of Maureen!  So many great flavors to choose from and I have a new favorite - Italian Cream!  Yum!  They even gave us extra goodies too!  We {heart} Coffee-Mate!



We were going to be discussing A Disobedient Girl: A Novel, but not everyone had finished reading it.  Overall I thought it was a terrific story, albeit very sad and downright gloomy at times.  I felt it could have been much shorter and still tell the story without losing the details.  The story is about two different women told by each of them in alternating chapters.  If you read Sarah's Key, the story is told in the same format.  Anyway, both women experience many disappointments and hardships and you really feel for them. It gets very interesting when their separate lives become intertwined.  I would recommend this book, but it's not a "must read."

We'll be getting together on February 18th to discuss The Hussy with its author, Elaine Watkins, which I am sure will prove to be a fantastic time!