Kiss the Girls

Book of Choice

Kiss the Girls

By: James Patterson

Background:

I was searching for a new book to read and a friend at work suggested Kiss the Girls. I have read some James Patterson before and enjoyed it so I thought I'd go for it. I also love me some Morgan Freeman so it worked out.

First Thoughts:

This book tells the story of 2 serial killers who are kidnapping and murdering young women along the east and west coast. Detective Alex Cross (a character in several James Patterson books) joins the search when his niece goes missing. Lots of drama ensues!

Final Thoughts:

Crime thrillers are a favortie genre of mine but no one told me how creepy this book would be! It was not a deal breaker or anything but there were some parts that made me cringe. Great story, but I would never be able to watch this movie. The book is a must!

Little Bee

Side note: since I haven't posted in months (literally), I have a lot of catching up to do! When I think about it, I get overwhelmed so I just quit. Soooo, I am going to start with the easy stuff that does not require my camera (since I left it at a friend's house) and does not require a lot of thought. Here we go!

Book of Choice

Little Bee

By: Chris Cleave

Background:
My friend Elizabeth posted this book on her blog and I was intrigued. When you look it up on Amazon, it says something to the effect of "we do not want to tell you what this book is about because it will give it away." Obviously, that made me want to read it more.
First Thoughts:
Without telling you the BIG part of the book that "gives it all away," I'll describe the book as follows:  The story starts off with a young African girl (Little Bee) immigrating to England to meet back up with a couple she met while they were vacationing in her country. Something happened on their trip that changed all of their lives forever.
Final Thoughts:
I loved this story! I do not want to talk any more about it BUT I will say that the ending leaves you hanging which I was slightly disappointed in. Remember in "The Break Up" when Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn just say Hi and walk away in the end? Not OK. I want to know how everyone ends up! However, I totally recommend this book.

Couscous Shrimp Salad

This super easy recipe was inspired from a EatFit for Life dinner I bought. So yummy, light, and healthy.

1. Cook a box of instant couscous according to directions (takes literally 5 minutes)
2. Cook shrimp in a fry pan with some seasoning (I used Lawry's Seasoned Salt)
3. Dress lettuce in a lemon-y light dressing
4. Pile together the lettuce, one portion of couscous, and one portion of shrimp


Enjoy!

Dark Places

Book of Choice

Dark Places

By: Gillian Flynn

Background:

Gillian Flynn is a new author who wrote my favorite book of all time: Sharp Objects. It is so creepy and demented. My friend at work has her second book, Dark Places, and gave it to me to read. After loving her first book so much, I knew I had to read this one as well.

First Thoughts:

Dark Places is a story of a young woman whose family was killed when she was a child. Her brother was convicted of the murders of their mother and two sisters but maintains his innocence. Some crime junkies convince Libby that they need to look deeper into the murders when the evidence does not point to the brother. The book's layout is different in that it is told from several different view points

1. Libby Day (the living sister) in present day

2. Ben Day (convicted murderer) in the days leading up to the murders

3. Mommy Day (forgot her name, obvi the murdered mother) in the days leading up to the murders

So interesting!

Final Thoughts: 

This book did not disappoint. It was just as dark (pun intended) as the first with a great twist in the end. I still love Sharp Objects the most, but this is a great follow up! 

Salmon with Brussel Sprouts

I wanted to share this quick and easy recipe that is perfect for weeknight cooking. This recipe is a great one for just 2 people as well. Enjoy!

Salmon:

I buy the fresh salmon from the fish market at HEB. Their fish is always yummy. I layered on a lemon-dill sauce I bought from HEB and baked per instruction. It usually turns out to be 15-ish minutes on 425. The trick is to put a rack 1/3 from the top of the oven. I also make salmon with just mustard on top. Cannot be easier.

Brussels Sprouts:

I have never made these before and I was a little nervous. I love them but was unsure if Johnny did. I texted him as I walked into the store asking him how he felt about them. Since he was busy at work and didn't respond, he lost his chance to say no. Sorry! I adapted this recipe from Food Network's recipe here.

(Recipe made for 2)

1 10-oz package of brussels sprouts 

4 strips of bacon (to hide the taste of the veggie from Johnny)

Salt and Pepper

1. Trim the root end and cut each sprout in half

2. Cut the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces, cook in a medium skillet, set aside

3. Add the brussels sprouts to the skillet, saute for a few minutes, add S&P

4. Combine the bacon pieces and brussels sprouts in an oven-safe dish, bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Misty's Shower

My cousin's wife is pregnant with their first baby (a boy!) so we threw her a shower last weekend. Please remember, I use the term "cousin" loosely in my family. I think Misty is actually my second cousin, once removed, in-law? Anywho, we are related. Moving on! 


The shower was held at my mom's house and my sister, another "cousin" (who happens to work for a wedding planner), and I were in charge of the decor. The baby's room will be rock-and-roll theme so we did the shower to match. I think it turned out so cute!


Sign-in book. I love this idea for all showers. I used it here. The party-planning cousin had these flowers made at Central Market with the baby blocks. I am so using that idea in the future. One says "D+M" for the mommy and daddy Dustin and Misty. The other is "1-2-3." I went Hobby Lobby creative on this shower and made the picture frame. It currently holds the shower invite but will hopefully hold a pic of baby Colton one day!

The Mantle! I copied the clothes-line idea from another shower. I love the decorations that are also gifts on display. The 2 guitar prints were from her registry and I made the "C" for Colton. She used the "C" in some maternity pics that turned out really cute.

Close up of the mantle flowers:

This was my first attempt at a diaper cake. I am kind-of proud of myself. I looked up a video on YouTube of how to do it and it is actually super easy. Time consuming, but easy. I think I used 110 diapers. 

And finally... My favorite shower dessert: Crave Cupcakes. We, again, matched the theme with music notes, baby bottles, and strollers. Crave always makes beautiful cupcakes and they are super easy to work with. Highly recommend!

Can't wait to meet the little one in about 8 weeks!

Mel J/Mel K's Wedding

Happy New Year! (2 weeks late...)


We had such a wonderful New Year's Day this year. I worked NYE so we won't talk about it. My high school and college friend, Melissa, got married in Austin on New Year's Day at an AMAZING ceremony and reception at the Four Seasons.


Our trip started off a little hairy when we got in town at 3PM (wedding started at 5PM) and our room was not ready. I still needed to shower and get totally ready. I fiddled around a little, went to the bar, and met up with some of the wedding party. My friend Kathryn graciously let me shower in their room while I was waiting. Around 4, they finally let us in our room. Apparently, we were upgraded to a lake-view so I did not complain.

This was the first Jewish wedding I have gone to so it was so neat to see all of their traditions. In the program, they had a page devoted to explaining the traditions. Did you know you do not stand during the bride's processional? Good to know! Here is us at the ceremony. I know I took pics before their wedding but I think it is on my real camera. I did not take any during the ceremony because I cannot stand when people do that. It is so distracting. Johnny looks mildly possessed so please ignore.

Their flowers were beyond amazing. See below:

The Bride and Groom

Grooms cake. Ha! It was huge!

This looks like the most terrifying thing in the world!

Party favors: Whataburger Taquitos to-go. Superb idea.

This was the first night we left Gus. We left him with my parents so I knew he'd be in good hands. I only sent him with 1 page of instructions for the 26 hours he was in their care. Trust me, I held back. When we went to pick him up, he seemed happy and not starved and not stressed. I guess I'll trust the grandparents to watch him again!

I'll update this post with more pics when I upload my camera!