on a book review: warm bodies

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. The ultimate zombie apocalypse. The living crowd together in efforts to survive while the undead drift along the abandoned street looking for their next brain to devour. As devastation swallows the world one zombie stands out, different from his fellow zombie brothers. He wears a red tie and looks pretty good for well, being a zombie. Although he can't totally remember who he was or how he came to be a zombie he does remember one thing, his name starts with Rrrr. 

R is different then all the others mainly because he feels guilt for having to do what he does. Eat flesh and brains.  R and his group of the un-living corner a group of humans on their latest hunting trip and do what they do best. R took one bite into a dude's brains who now used to be a guy named Perry and was stocked to be sucked into glimpses of Perry's memories. He feels what Perry feels and then that's when his grey dead eyes meets Julie's. That's when something strange happens to R, a twitch in his soul he feels this strong urge to protect and save Julie. So he does.

Julie knows R is different and together they go about doing what no other zombie and human could have ever thought could be done. Change the world. All it takes is them believing and wanting more. With R's will to live and Julie's courage they send a spark across the land effect living and dead. 

I loved this book so much. I had no knowledge about this book until I came across the trailer of the movie they are making based on it. I quickly finished up what I was currently reading at the time and picked it up solely because well, it's about zombies. Sure it's another zombie story but the way Isaac told this intense and desperate encounter between his beauty and beast was pulling at my heartstrings. I mean, it had me getting all swoony over a  zombie. R is hot! Wait what? YES. That is what I am saying! Plus the fact that there's a girl who could potential be handing her brains over on a silver platter any second had me totally flipping pages. 

Now don't let the trailer to the movie Warm Bodies deceive you. The movie is totally going for a romantic comedy type of thing which is really not the case at all when you read this book. Sure there's romance, a forbidden kind. A kind that has you biting your nails hoping and praying that it could work and that it won't come crashing down. It's a serious novel behind the eyes of R, a guy who is fully alive but stuck in a rotting body. What isn't there to love about that?! Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited to see this movie. I think it's going to be great and also because I am a huge fan of movie adaptations of books but I'm one of those people that appreciate them for what they are and not what they aren't.  

Pick it up and read it. Let me know what you think! In my book it's the holy grail of zombie fiction. 

xoxo. 

on being thankful...

Another Thanksgiving and yet again I find myself being grateful for so many things in this life. I love this day not only for the really great meal we all share with the people that we love but also because it's a day to celebrate the greatest things in life and appreciate them. I believe in always being thankful for all that I have and never take it for granted but sometimes it's easy to loose that appreciation with what goes on in our everyday lives. Here is a little list of things I am grateful for:

1// My husband. Bobby is my perfect match. He is my ying to my yang. Wait what? No really he is so patient with me and puts up with all my craziness. He will go to store and grind me some fresh coffee beans when I run out just to insure I get my much needed cup of coffee. He puts up with my obsessive television show watching and doesn't take it personally when my voice turns demonic and I spit fire at him if he even utters a word or even gives me the side eye. He is always thinking of our little family and is a pretty awesome dad. Bobby works hard at everything he does and for that I am thankful. Blessed that I found a mate that completes me in every way possible. Through the good, bad and the ugly he stands by me with his hand in mine. 

2// Sebastian. This dude. He can be the most frustrating child in all the land and sometimes he has me banging my head against the wall with all his mischievousness but I wouldn't change it for the world. Sebastian has been working hard and is always trying his best to do what he should. I know it's not the easiest for him at times, that's why I know he is going to do great things in his life because no matter what he keeps at it. The kid amazes me still to this day and at times I almost think that he has a photographic memory. He can pick up something and just figure it out. I am thankful for Sebastian and all that he has taught me. I am always growing as a parent and as a person because of him. 

3// My dad. This is my favorite photo of my dad. I've learned so much from this man. He has had many hardships throughout his life but the one thing that he was always sure of was that his daughters are everything to him. He is strong, hardworking and a bit of a kook somethings (a lot of the time) and because of him I know that being honest and truthful to not only the people around you but also to yourself is what is most important to remember at the end of the day. My dad hasn't always agreed with my music taste or my choice of style or why I do the things I do and sometimes I get the cold shoulder or the side eye from him but no matter, I am thankful for standing by him. My dad is a great man. 

4// Bobby's family. My family. They are a huge bunch of crazies and I love them for it! I was welcomed into the family well before I become Bobby's wife and for that I am grateful. I came into their world all of a sudden and they accepted me for who I am. My mother in law and father in a law are always there for us when we need them. They are wonderful people. Every single one of them. 

5// Friends. I have so many people near and far that are dear to my heart. Thankful for each and every one of them. 

I'm thankful for the small things: coffee and a job full of it / this place to share things with you all / books / technology / the color mint / walking dead / moccasins / short hair / taylor kitsch / dream catchers / television / hot baths / cold mornings and cuddles on the couch / big glasses and stretched ears / memories! 

Happy Thanksgiving. xoxo. 

on white chicken enchiladas...

This enchiladas were so tasty that my husband demanded that I make them a second time in one week! Of course, I was like are you serious? And then I was shaking my head because when it comes to my husband and food...he was totally serious. The next time you have left over chicken or even better a left over rotisserie chicken just do me a favor and make these enchiladas.

Ingredients: 
8 soft flour tortillas
2 cups Monterrey jack cheese
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 tablespoon lime juice

1 cup sour cream

1 can refried beans 

2 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

fresh chopped cilantro 

Directions: 

1// Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a 9x13 baking dish. 

2// Shred chicken. I just poached chicken breast and then shredded it in my kitchen aid. Add 1 cup of cheese to chicken and mix it up. 

3// Add a spoon full of refried beans to each tortilla and spread it. Then distribute a hand full of chicken mixture among tortillas. Roll up tortillas and place them in the baking dish with the steam facing down. 

4// In a large sauce pan melt the butter and then add the flour. Whisking continuously. Add chicken broth and lime juice and keep whisking until it gets smooth and bubbly. Once it thickens stir in the sour cream and chiles.

5// Pour sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Top it off with the last cup of cheese and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro and dig in. 

Oh and you might want to put on your comfy sweatpants with this one folks. Just looking out for you! Enjoy. 

xoxo. 

on cinnamon sugar pecans...

These sugary confections are soooooo easy to make and you'll be eating them by the handfuls. You will just have to trust me on this one. I swear I've been saying I want to make a batch of these for like 2749283647 years and it felt like today was the perfect day. I really don't understand why it took me this long because honestly, these tiny bits of heaven are super addicting and because they're so simple to make they are equally dangerous!
How nice would this be for a little Holiday gift? Make a few batches, fill up mason jars, slap a bow on it and call it a sweet gift for the lovely host of Thanksgiving dinner. Believe me that person will be thanking you at the end of the day when they curl up on the couch with a hand full of cinnamon sugar pecans.

Ingredients: 
2 egg whites
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract 
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 stick of butter, melted
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
4 cups pecans

Directions:
1// Heat oven at 350 degrees
2// Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour melted butter over paper evenly.
3// In a large bowl mix together egg whites, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup. Whisk all ingredients well.
4// Add pecans and toss until fully coated.
5// Spread pecans across baking sheet. Bake them for about 30 minutes while stirring them every 10 minutes. Once done let them sit for 15 minutes until cool.

Enjoy!
xoxo.

on today's randomness...

Sometimes days are random. Today is one of those days. It's funny how I can get totally turned around when my routine is changed. Like today, at work I'll be closing instead of working in the morning like every other day. I did have to wake up and tell myself do not drop Sebastian off at school then drive to work. Do not do it! because I know I would have done that if I didn't keep repeating. Days like today are a treat and it was totally nice not to have to run and drag Sebastian out the door this morning. Not only that but being able to take the time to do my makeup is just so nice!

...I found the perfect mint colored slouchy hat at Target. I feel like Target has the coolest things ever! I went through a period of time when I felt like I was always missing all the good things. Has that ever happened to you? You find a cute top or some really sweet flats yet they don't have your size. Ugh. Happened all the time to me but my luck has changed. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing because really since my luck has change my wallet has become a bit lighter. Hmmm. Wonder why?

...Pretty excited about tomorrow. You all know what tomorrow is right? If you don't -- we are not friends. Just kidding. Twilight Saga marathon. Woot woot. It will be a long day of fun all leading up to the grand finale. The very last movie. Tear. 

...Can't wait for Thanksgiving. It is going to be epic. I just got done watching Rachael Ray's show and she was showing the top ways to cook a turkey. The top three were deep frying, grilling and obviously roasting. I've always roasted and so has my family. I do want to try out the other two ways at least once. I always love watching Rachael around the Holidays not only because of how she puts a different spin on things but also because she gives really great tips! Today she had a good tip about roasting two medium turkeys instead of one huge turkey. When roasting two, it takes less time and there's more meat! Plus you can carve one turkey right when it's done and leave the other one whole and display in the middle of the table until you need more meat. Festive! I'll be making my famous Spectacular Pumpkin Pie and also I'll be trying out a new recipe Mushroom and Leek Bread Pudding. 

...I know I say I am excited about Thanksgiving but I know when the day comes I'm going to have to try my hardest to really truly enjoy it knowing that I'll be waking up at 4am the next day to start serving some crazy shoppers with their caffeine fix. Black Friday is not my favorite thing. I've never been the Black Friday shopper but always the poor girl handing out what helps the masses keep spending their money. COFFEE. All you business out there, bow down to me!! 

...Today is National Kindness Day. What you didn't know? Let's be kind and most of all kind to yourself!

xoxo.

on turkey chili...

I'm here to feed your eyes yet again and today I have a recipe for Turkey Chili to share. It's a comfort food and something that my hubby craves in the Fall and Winter months so I decided to go with a simple chili but instead of the standard beef we went with turkey. Either way the combination of beans and turkey with some rice on the side always has our tummies full and happy. Next time you're looking for something to warm your belly and make the family happy try this out!

Ingredients: 

serving size: 6

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground turkey

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced 

1 can dark red kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1 can red kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1 can (28 oz) diced tomato, un-drained

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 can (14 oz) chicken broth 

2 tablespoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin 

1/2 teaspoon paprika 

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

salt & pepper to taste 

*serve with rice and garnish with chopped green onion

Directions: 

1// Heat oil and sauté both onion and green pepper until tender. Add turkey and cook until there is no pink.

2// Add canned tomatoes, beans, chicken broth and all spices to pot. Stir to combine. 

3// Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chili thickens. 

Easy as 1, 2 & 3! We always like to serve some rice with chili in our home. But if you ask me, freshly baked corn bread is my favorite thing to have with my chili. I was kicking myself in the butt for forgetting to get ingredients to make a batch. Oh well, next time. Although I know my butt is thanking me for forgetting because I can never just eat one slice :) Enjoy!

xoxo.

on currently...

I'm back here with a quick "currently" post. I feel like these posts are always my fall back when I am gone for a short while and when, let's face it, there's really nothing else to write about. It's been pretty crazy around here for me. Although the storm has settled (literally) I still feel like it hasn't. The East coast got hit pretty hard with Hurricane Sandy and let's just say that I've never experienced anything like it. I wasn't really nervous up until the storm was at it's worst. Since we live in a sweet Victorian home that is split up into three apartments, us being on the top, it was quite scary at the peak of it all. Most of all I was just  freaked out about all the trees around us. But alas, thank the heavens nothing major occurred and all is good. Our power did cut out on us and was out for about a week but other than that we survived. I'm thankful for what I have and the people I have! Enough of that though...

Watching// I am totally hyped up on Nashville. GASP. I know, me watching a show based on country music! The world is coming to an end. I assure it's not. No, in all seriousness I started watching this show all because both Connie Britton from my beloved American Horror Story and Hayden Panettiere from Hero's are in it. I love them both especially Connie who is gorgeous! The storyline is spot on and the music is not all that bad (as my eye twitches slightly). 

Listening to// I've been listening to the Modest Mouse station on Pandora non-stop. It's really just been exactly what my soul has needed this past week. So I've been listening to that along with Tegan and Sara's new single Closer. So amazing!! Shake your boody good!

Reading// So many books. The past week I've read the following: Crash by Nicole Williams and it's second book Crush by Nicole Williams. The Sea of Tranquility by Katj Millay. Fall From Grace by Christine Zolendz and now I'm on it's second book Saving Grace.
Phew! What? I've had no power for a week! All these books are amazing. They are all stories about love but aren't the typical girl meets boy. Some really crazy stuff goes down that had me flipping pages like a mad man. Plus if you haven't already snagged your copy of JingleBelle Jackson's Christmas adventure called The Search for South Pole Santa, then get on it! Click the book link on the side of my blog :) You won't regret it.

Thinking about// A lot. Thinking about life and how precious it is. Things are always popping up in life that have me reeling with how thankful I am for everything I have. With this Hurricane we just had and also with nearing getting into a serious accident yesterday. I was lucky to have avoided a lady ramming into the right side of my car. Normally I wouldn't be so freaked out about all this however  I had a sweet little boy sitting in his car seat on the right side of my car. Not good. And yes, the women got an ear full about her not stopping or looking before coming out of the side street. I will not be one of those parents who loses their child because of stupid people on the road. No sir not me.
Moving on, I've been thinking about the importance of time. About how much time we spend with one another. Are we spending too much time working? Or on our electronics? I know people that have quiet their corporate jobs and in order to be there more for their family. I think sometimes it's easy to get so caught up with work and other things that we don't notice the finer things in life. So lately I've been pushing myself to do just that since right now with the Holidays and short staff at work it's super easy to drown myself in stress. Make sure we all appreciate it all!

Looking forward to// Next Thursday. I know this is the most geekest thing ever but on November 15th I'll be at my local movie theater at 11am starting a Twilight Saga marathon with my gal pal Ashley. Yes indeed, we will be watching all the movies all the way up until midnight when Breaking Dawn Part 2 is released. I am beyond giddy about this and for those of you that don't understand, that's fine. I took off work and it shall be bittersweet. Yup, I think that is the best word ever to describe what this day will mean to me! I'm super excited to see the final movie yet devastated that it will be the end. I remember starting this series when I was pregnant with Sebastian. I truly think that is why I am so emotionally involved in this story. I don't care if they aren't the best vampire novels ever written (I've read a lot of them-- I know!!) but I fell in love. Totally looking forward to spending all day with teeny boppers who equally can't contain their excitement :)

Making me happy// Shedding some pounds. It's funny how when I'm not even trying to loose weight is when I really do! I haven't been on a diet per say but I have been super self conscience about what I put into my mouth. And that's mainly because I have been wanting to just feel good. There's really no secret to it,  I've been getting rid of some unwanted pounds. High Five! For the first time since Sebastian's birth I actually almost feel 100% about my body. It's a great feeling which I'm sure all you ladies can relate to.
Simple things make me happy like coming home to dishes being washed and hubby taking time to tidy up our house knowing it will cause that twinkle in my eye to come alive. A sweet boy who doesn't shy away from saying I love you about a dozen times a day. Of course I react like it's the first time those words were ever spoken to me and  then I melt right into a messy puddle. That's all I need in this life are those words because even on the hardest of hard days that will lift me up and help me conquer everything. Other than that I'm happy for good music, pipping hot tea on cold nights, cozy sweatshirts, inspiring people and my family and friends.

xoxo.