You Inspire Me: Anonymous

This weeks recommendations are from....Anonymous. I have absolutely no idea who this person is, but loved the recommendations so I just had to let them play along! If these are your recommendations please let me know!

This weeks movie recommendation is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. This movie is from 1954, so right away I knew I was in for a treat!

When the movie first started I really really liked it. Except I didn't know it was a musical! The first song was super catchy, so I was excited that it was going to be a good movie. But soon the movie had a whole lot of dancing and it got a little boring to me!

This musical movie is about a woodsman who takes a bride after only a few hours of knowing her (awkward!) He brings her home and she finds out that he is one of seven brothers. They are rude and backwards, she teaches them manners that they test out on 6 other girls.

And, well....I'm sure you can figure out the rest!

Decent movie. Is this on stage at all? I think I would like it more in that setting!

I've been trying to read all different kind of books...to get out of my comfort zone, but I always get excited when someone recommends a memoir type book. This week I read Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson.

Notes from a Small Island is a historical travel book. He gives background on all the places he visits. And as a history major who has been to England...I really thought I was going to like this book! I just couldn't get into the writing style. I tried really hard to get through the whole book (I started it twice...and still didn't like it!)

I really can't give the book a real review because I wasn't able to get through a lot of it. I always hate when I don't like books that people recommend...I feel so bad!

This week I was cooking Indian food! Anonymous actually recommended take-out Indian, but I recently found the McCormik Inspiration spices for chicken tikka masala. I've had it before in restaurants...but the homemade version was so much better! All I was missing was the naan. So yummy!

Thanks for the recommendations! And please, come out of the dark and let me know who you are! And thanks for making me eat my favorite Indian food...I'm going to start making it more often!

You Inspire Me: Surviving the Distance

Jenna from Surviving the Distance is this weeks inspiration. Jenna is a graduate student, Army wife, and mom to four beautiful children! She has a super cute blog, so you should definitely check it out!

Jenna's reading recommendation was Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler.

So many people recommended I read this book, I was pretty excited to read it. This book is a whole bunch of short stories of weird/funny/strange things that have happened in Chelsea's life. I expected to laugh outloud...but I think I only did once or twice. If you are looking for a book kinda like this. I recommend I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max. I obviously like guy humor way more than girl humor!

But I did like the book! I liked seeing what kind of situations she got herself into. I really liked the dog story and the message story. I didn't like the dining in the dark story, mostly because it made me realize I would probably have a panic attack if I ever went to a restaurant like that!

Jenna's movie recommendation was Pretty Woman. Can you believe I've never seen Pretty Woman?!

Pretty Woman is loosely based on a true story of a hooker down on her luck...who is hired by a wealthy business man. She is hired to be his date to social events...but soon they start developing a relationship.

I liked this movie! And it's rare that I like a movie that every girl in America likes! (Example? I hate Dirty Dancing.) I thought Julia Roberts was so cute, even when she wore her ultra-cheesy-stereotypical hooker clothes. I'm so glad I finally watched this movie...a classic that I actually liked!

Jenna recommended TACOS! Oh, I love tacos! I kinda went a little crazy with the cheese combinations on my tacos...one even had bleu cheese on it! It was a simple and yummy night in the kitche..thanks Jenna!

 These were three great recommendations! Thank you so much Jenna! And thanks to my cousin Jessica for sending me the book!

Your Inspire Me: Live, Laugh, Love...Our Way

This weeks recommendations come from Amy at Life, Laugh, Love...Our Way. Amy has a super cute blog, she has two fur-babies, and she is an Air Force wife! Check out her blog and make sure you tell her I sent you!

Amy recommended that I watch Fireproof. Two other girls actually recommended the same movie, so I figured I'd be getting into something really good! I've seen Fireproof featured on a lot of blogs, but I'll be honest...I never really read those entries. Probably because I had no idea what the heck they were talking about.


I liked the movie (even though it reminded me of a Lifetime movie.) I started off hating Caleb, then I loved him and hated Catherine. I think in the end I still didn't like Catherine, but according to the movie hatred is like murder, so I think I might be going to hell for saying that.

On a serious note, I watched the movie with Danny. I think watching that movie is good for a couple even if they aren't having problems. The Love Dares seem like a challenge and something that everyone should try. I'm curious to see what other dares they put in the book, since they only talk about a handful of them. So, since I own the book...I might as well pick it up and actually do it!

I realize this movie is a very Jesus-laced.  Much like Caleb, I believe in God. While I like the movie, I do not like things that throw religion in your face....and basically telling me if I don't do certain things I'll be damned to hell. If you are a fan of the movie you will probably tell me that these are the same struggles that Caleb has, but I honestly I believe you do not have to show and talk about your religious beliefs in order to love God or even be a religious person.

Amy's book recommendation was anything by Jodi Picoult. After staring at a huge list of her books, I decided to read Change of Heart. And it was definitely a good decision.

Shay Bourne is a murderer who wants to donate his heart to the sister of his victim. He is on death row and set to be killed by lethal injection, which means he wouldn't be able to donate his heart. Maggie is a lawyer trying to change Shay's fate. Finally, Father Michael is trying to show that redemption doesn't need to be achieved through organ donation.  Soon things start happening that no one can explain, is it possible that he's innocent? Or even something more...could he be Jesus?

I loved this book. Being a history major who studied religions who just happens to live really close the places mentioned in this book...it really hit home. There are a lot of characters, but in the end...each and every one of them are important. It really makes you think and take different points of view into consideration. Great book, I really loved it!

This is a very Jesus and Religion based review...and it gets even better with Amy's food recommendation: lamb. Get it, Lamb of God? Well, Amy's recommendation was Guinness braised lamb. Um..yum! Words can not even describe this dish...so instead, I'll leave you with this picture!

Awesome recommendations! Thanks so much Amy!

You Inspire Me: The C.W.

This weeks inspirations come from Cat from the wonderful blog The C.W. She's a grammar Nazi, which means I'm going to try extra hard not to mess up in this post! Cat is a Navy wife, a singer...and trying to get her head around all-things-domestic. And she's Lebanese...just like my hubby! I think she's super sweet, which means you better check out her blog!

Cat's movie recommendation was The Emperor's New Groove. I honestly couldn't remember if I've ever seen this movie...

The movie is about a self-centered (and kinda annoying) emperor who wants to tear down a city to build a gigantic summer house. The next thing you know, he's a llama and all I can focus on is the fact that he's played by (the super annoying) David Spade.

I couldn't believe this was a Disney movie! It seemed more like a television cartoon...that should have been canceled. I wanted to stop halfway and pop in my favorite Disney movie...Aladdin! (For the record, Danny's favorite is The Little Mermaid!)

Cat's reading recommendation was Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot. I love Cat for this recommendation. I've read this book before...and love everything by Meg Cabot. Yes, I have all the Princess Diary books and refuse to get rid of them!

Size 12 Is Not Fat is about ex pop-singer Heather Wells who has put on some weight. You'd think this would be a book about a weight struggle but it's actually a mystery book...involving elevator surfing. Interesting!

I like Meg Cabot's writing style..but this isn't one of my favorites by her. Heather whines alot about her weight making it seem that size 12 is actually fat. Not something you would get from the title!

Cat's food recommendation was amazing. Seriously, no other way to describe it. Thank goodness it made alot because  me and Danny couldn't get enough of it! Without further ado, I give to you....Mexican Pasta Skillet.

The only way I can explain it is....it's like American Chop Suey, with a Mexican twist. So, I guess that makes it Mexican Chop Suey. It was seriously delicious. Thanks so much for the recipe!

Thanks so much for the pasta recipe, I have a feeling I'll be making this ne alot!

You Inspire Me: One Step at a Time

This weeks inspirations come from Stacie at One Step at a Time. Stacie seems like such a sweet person, and she's one of the few people out there who doesn't have a Facebook! Be sure to check out her blog!
 

Stacie's movie recommendation was Brokedown Palace. I've always heard of this movie but have never seen it. So one night while Danny was at work, I sat myself down and popped the  movie in!

Alice and Darlene take a little summer vacation to Thailand, but their parents think they are in Hawaii. While they are there they befriend a guy named Nick...and are soon, to their surprise, they are caught smuggling drugs. After Darlene signs a fake confession they are sentenced to 33 years in prison. As the girls friendship falls apart, so does their legal case.

I really liked this movie, especially the ending...it is a true story of real friendship. I recommend this flick!

For her book recommendation she said she liked The O'Malley series by Dee Henderson. I decided on the prequel Danger in the Shadows. I've never heard of it...and I'll be honest I wasn't really looking forward to reading it.

Sara is afraid and falling in love all at the same time. The FBI protects her, she writes children books, and has to change identities constantly. You need to read this book to figure out why!

I really liked this book. I read it in less than 12 hours (I love snow days!) It was such a simple, easy book to read...and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. I liked Sara, but at the same time she bugged me. I know something awful happened to her but she acted YEARS younger than 31. The other thing I couldn't figure out, "why is it called The O'Malley Series?" I guess I'll need to read the rest of the series to figure it out!

Stacie's food recommendation was amazing. She doesn't cook, she eats whatever her hubby makes! So, I stepped out of the kitchen while Danny made me dinner! He made me some super yummy olive and pepperoni pizza! YUM!

Great recommendations Stacie! I'll be honest, I didn't think I was going to like the book or the movie. Thank you for proving me wrong!

You Inspire Me: We See the Same Stars

This week my inspiration is Carmen from We See the Same Stars. I met Carmen through our blogs...and now we are inseparable. Carmen is a great friend, a fellow Marine wife, and always willing to do something fun on the weekends. If you don't read her blog, what are you waiting for?!

Carmen's movie recommendation was Freedom Writers. I loved this movie! This is probably the first movie that I ever rented that Danny actually liked.

Freedom Writers is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell. Erin is a first year white teacher. She takes on a class that is full of gangs and "at-risk" students. Erin begins to earn their trust and buys them composition books to keep diaries. The students use the diaries to talk about their experiences of being abused, seeing their friends die, and being evicted. The students actually begin to learn and like being at school.

I watched this movie while the press was busy talking about the new documentary, Waiting for Superman. I felt this moie showed exactly what that movie is about. Poor kids can not learn because they are not given the opportunity. This teacher is amazing, she cares more about her students than herself, or even her marriage.

I'm glad Patrick Demspy wasn't in the movie a lot, I can't stand him. But Hilary Swank and all of the kids were amazing. I recommend this movie, two thumbs WAY up!

For her book recommendation Carmen had me read The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I've heard of this book (and the movie) but always thought I wouldn't be interested in it.

Well, I was proved wrong. So entirely wrong. I loved this book! It is about a man (Henry) with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel and his wife (Clare) who has to cope with his absence. Clare meets Henry as a child but his age is always different. The story focuses on love and free will.

I loved that the book was from both points of view. I recommend this book! Now, how was the movie? Worth seeing?

Carmen recommended scrambled eggs with secret ingredients. Well, instead of asking for the secret I decided to go all out with "breakfast for dinner." We had scrambled eggs with onions, potatoes, peppers, onions and ham. Add a little hot sauce and voila! DINNER! And it was yummy! Carmen, I'm not sure if you know this but breakfast is my favorite meal. So, thanks for recommending this!

Carmen, I loved all of these recommendations! I think I love you a little more today than I did before I started your recommendations! You are the best!

You Inspire Me: The Glamorous Life of An Army Wife

This weeks recommendations are from Kerri of The Glamorous Life of An Army Wife. Kerri is the beautiful mother of two boys and an Army wife. I love her post titled "I've Decided." I agree that apple pie should be considered a vegetable and that sometimes all I want to do is curl up and watch a movie with my Mom! Check out her blog, I love it!

Kerri recommended that I watch Band of Brothers. I've heard a lot about this series, Danny and my Dad talk about it all the time!

Band of Brothers is a ten part mini-series. It is centered around Easy Company and their experiences starting in basic training and ending with the end of the war. Everything is based on interviews with real Easy Company veterans. All characters are based on real people. 

I watched the first episode in the series and really liked it! Easy Company meets their Captain who is very strict...but very likeable (even though I don't like David Schwimmer!) If you get a chance Wikipedia "Herbert Sobel." They did such a great job casting this role..they could be related!

I 100% recommend this series and it makes total sense why everyone I know talks about it. Just knowing that these events actually took place is inspiring!

Kerri's reading recommendation was Message from Nam by Danielle Steel. Like everyone in the world I've heard of Danielle Steel and know that her name is synonymous with cheesy love stories. This is the first book I have ever read by her.

Message From Nam spans over many years. During the first 8 chapters I tried to keep track of how many years were flying by...my rough guess is 6...and that's not even half way through the book!

The main character of the book is Paxton, who eventually becomes a journalist in Vietnam. The book is about how her life changes and how the lives around her change. But I think my favorite part of the book were her college years...I loved her boyfriend Peter!

This is a great cheesy love story type of a read. I recommend it!






Wine, bread, and cheese was the great meal recommendation! Seriously, Kerri...this is one of our favorite things. We are members of a winery so we cracked open our latest bottle of Duplin wine, got a big ol' baguette and two cheeses. I'd say this was a night made in heaven!

These were all great recommendations! I loved every part of it! Thank you so much Kerri!

You Inspire Me: The Strength Behind the Strong

This weeks inspiration comes from the great blog The Strength Behind the Strong. I absolutely love this blog. It is full of advice, military discount information, and great stories! If you are a military spouse...you need to check out this blog!

The Strength Behind the Strong recommended I watch Big Night. I have never even heard of this movie, but when she recommended it she said I would want to eat a big Italian meal when it was over. Needless to say, I was excited to watch it!

This movie is about two brothers from Italy, who come to America to open a restaurant. However, because Americas are not used to this kind of food, the restaurant fails. A friend says that he can get Louis Prima to play at the restaurant, which will save the restaurant. This movie is about the night Louis Prima comes to dinner...and all the delicious food that is served!

An early scene in the movie shows two Americans eating at the restaurant. They order risotto. The conversation that follow cracked me up. I worked in a restaurant for 7 years, so I know how customers can be about their orders! Also, I loved the "raining outside" conversation. You have no idea how many times I've had conversations about words that aren't necessary in  a sentence!

I liked this movie. The food looked amazing. I would love to have a night like this, awesome food, dressing up...and dancing!

The reading recommendation was Empire Falls by Richard Russo. I'll be the first to admit, I definitely judge a book by it's cover. And this book seemed very inviting and warm. I was excited to read it.

Empire Falls has a great storyline: Empire Falls (a fictional town in Maine) is a booming town that is slowly deteriorating. The story is seen through the eyes of Miles Roby, the manager of Empire Grill. His life mirrors the deteriorating town.

Like I said, I judge a book by it's cover. I was excited but when I opened it up to read...I had such a hard time. I don't want to sound "dumb" but I just couldn't follow the storyline. This is going to sound weird, since it's a book, but I found it to be very wordy. I'm sure this is a great book, but I really could not get into it!

My copy is on swap.com if you are interested!

 

Of course, I loved the food recommendation. Anything with avocado..I love avocado! It was Danny's first time picking out an avocado...and he brought me a Florida avocado, not a California one. Have you ever seen a Florida avocado...they are HUGE!

We went vegetarian for a night and made black bean wraps. Mash up a can of black beans, stir in 1/4 cup of light mayo and garlic powder...microwave for 1 minute. Meanwhile, dice up some tomatoes, avocado and whatever other veggies you want! Spread everything in a whole wheat wrap. So yummy and light!

Thank you for the recommendation! I loved the movie and definitely want to add it to our movie collection!

You Inspire Me: The Few, The Proud, The Wife

This weeks inspiration is Ines from The Few, The Proud, The Wife. Ines is a Marine Wife from Spain, with a passion for Africa. I can only wish to travel as much as she has! She loves to cook, she loves to read, and she loves her puppy, Brownie (who is a trouble maker like Miley!) Make sure you check out her blog, you will love it!

Her movie recommendation was the French film Crimson Rivers. Just to be clear, I knew it was a French movie but when I put it in the Xbox and they were speaking English I was so confused...maybe I speak French afterall! Or maybe I just love the fact that the Xbox is a great translator!

This movie reminded me of Law and Order, it's a cop drama. So of course, I liked it! The movie revolves around Detective Superintendent (Commissaire Principal) Pierre Niemans who is sent to a brutal crime scene. Soon there is another story, Detective Inspector (Lieutenant de Police) is investigating a grave robbery. Soon the two meet and find that their crimes are related. How? Watch to find out!

I liked the beginning of this movie, a lot. But in the middle it started to drag a little. But it really was a good movie. If you don't like graphic movies, this one isn't for you!

The book that Ines recommended was one that I already owned! A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. 

The book is Ishmael's firsthand account of war and the plight of child soldiers. This book has actually had a lot of controversy, it doesn't match up with evidence. His timeline is wrong and some of his characters have been found to be fictional.

I've picked up this book so many times and can never seem to get through the first ten pages, which is unfortunate because it really sounds like a good book!I love memoirs but I found his writing to be slow and a little dull. This wasn't my favorite book, but I'm glad her recommendation forced to me to read it! As soon as I was done it went onto swap.com!

Ines recommended that I make tortilla de patatas. When she sent me the directions, it sounded like it was going to be like a potato pancake. Boy was I wrong! It's more like a potato omelet. You can find a picture and the recipe on Ines' blog.

It was very yummy, I just wasn't sure if it was supposed to be my meal or a side dish! She also said I could eat it cold, I'm not so sure I would have liked that! But eating it hot, yum yum yum!

Thank you Ines for another great round of recommendations! Keep 'em coming!

You Inspire Me: And You Never Did Think

 This weeks inspiration is Sespi from And You Never Did Think. She is a Navy wife, has her Master’s degree in International Policy, and has two dogs who are almost as crazy as my Miley! Make sure you check out her 30 Before 30 list, maybe it will inspire you to do your own!

Her movie recommendation was Killers. Ever hear of it? Me either. There are certain actors that I want to crack me up and Ashton Kutcher is one of them. But this movie didn't get any laughs out of me.

Remember the connection that he had with Brittany Murphy in Just Married? This movie was lacking a real relationship. And I didn't feel like the storyline was good...at all. It's about spy, who's wife doesn't know, and then she finds out...and you know the rest. I think it was supposed to be funny, maybe the alcoholic mother was supposed to get the laughs, or maybe it's just Tom Seleck's mustache that was supposed to be the funny part. Either way, I didn't think the  movie was funny!

Katherine Heigl cracks me up. And not because she is funny. But because she left Grey's Anatomy because they weren't giving her good material. I wonder if this script is what she was looking for....

Her reading recommendation was One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer by Nathaniel Flick. So far this has been the only memoir that was recommended. And they are my favorite! I was so excited to read something in my "comfort zone."

This is a great memoir. It starts with the author in OCS (Officer Candidate's School) and goes through his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Nathaniel talks about how he was born during the wrong time...so instead of getting to ride in a chariot with armor..he joined the Marines.

I really really really liked this! Reading it helped me understand a lot of Marine terms. It even opened up some conversations with me and Danny about the situations in the book. I love books that actually teach me things! Great book recommendation...everyone should read it!

I love easy nights of cooking. So, thanks for making this an easy night on me. Grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup. I could have fancied it up (ever have a havarti grilled cheese with raspberry jam..heavenly.) but I decided to keep it simple: white bread, cheese, and Campbell's chicken noodle soup. Mmm mmm good!

Thank you for another great round of recommendations! While the movie wasn't my thing, I probably would have watched it even if it wasn't recommended...Ashton Kutcher is just so damn cute!

You Inspire Me: Watching Airplanes

Today's inspiration is Steph from Watching Airplanes. Steph is a Army wife and the queen of random posting. I personally love her Facebook status blogs...they crack me up! Head over to her blog to see what she's updating about today!

Steph's movie recommendation was Where the Red Fern Grows. I'm telling ya, thank goodness for Netflix and being able to watch things instantly!

I sat down, all set to watch the movie, and realized there are two versions of this movie! I wasn't sure which one to watch...so I watched both.

According to Wikipedia the book is written at a 4th grade level. So, maybe that's who this movie is directed towards. Cuz man-oh-man! I just could not get into it! First I tried the original version then switched the new one. I can tell you this, they both have the same first scene.

I feel bad, this is the first movie I wouldn't recommend! I was bored.


Steph did recommend a great book though! Awhile back I read The Undomestic Goddess and loved it. So, I was very excited when Steph recommended any of the Confessions of a Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella.

I read the first book in the series (and plan to read the second later!) The book is about Rebecca Bloomwood who is in a severe amount of debt and ironically works for a financial magazine. This book is full of hysterical moments that involve over spending, making up words and faking stalkers. But it also shows that you should probably know what you are talking about...or you could get yourself and others into a lot of (financial) trouble.

I really liked this book. If you are looking for a good fast read..I recommend this one! Her writing style is so friendly, almost like you are reading a letter from your best friend.

Oh, I love Steph's food recommendation. Anything pasta. I just happened to be visiting my parents when I was having fun with Steph's recommendations...so she actually inspired my whole family for one night. Mom made her amazing shrimp scampi. She made enough to feed all of my readers...and it was seriously delicious! I wish I had a recipe to share, but I think it's one of Mom's few food secrets!

Thank you for the recommendations Steph! As always, I'm having a blast with all of these! If anyone wants t make their own recommendations, the link is at the top of the page!

You Inspire Me: Chances I'm Taking

Jenn from Chances I'm Taking is this weeks inspiration. Jen is a newlywed, the lead-lady of (Mil)ing it Over, and a teacher. Make sure you check out her blog for an awesome read and to congratulate her on her recent wedding!

Jenn's movie recommendation was not a movie at all! She recommended the TV show Dead Like Me. Thank goodness for a free Netflix trial!

Dead Like Me is about grim reapers and life after life. George is the lead, she is a lazy 18 year old who dies in the first episode. She becomes undead, has to take souls and escort them to their afterlife.

Sound gory? It's not. This show is funny. And I really liked it! I only planned to watch the first episode, but I just couldn't get enough. The deaths remind me of the Final Destination movies, creative and kinda funny.

The show got me thinking...is this really what happens after people die? The person who created this has such a great imagination! I love this show and can't wait to watch the second season!

Jenn's book recommendation was Louise Keen. The cover of the book totally screamed "READ ME!" What girl doesn't have a hard time getting her jeans on!?

I'm sure a lot of people see themselves in the main character, Sunny. After loosing 98 pounds she still sees herself as a fat girl...but tries her hardest to be the skinny girl that everyone wants. She sees a therapist to understand her issues with food, love, and her body. In the end she comes to find that she is tired of being hungry...in more than one way.

I have really mixed feelings about this book. I liked it, but it is clearly written with British humor...which I never find funny! I have a hard time watching Robin Hood Men in Tights...I just don't get the humor! So, if that type of humor and writing isn't your thing...you might not like this book.

I think me and Jenn would get along perfectly. Why? Her food recommendation was pizza and beer. I could have gotten creative and made my own pizza. But I took the night off from cooking and took advantage of a free large pizza from Dominos. And topped it off with some delicious pumpkin ale. Perfection!

 Jenn, thank you for introducing me to my new favorite TV show...I seriously can not get enough! And thanks for giving me the night off from cooking! Let's get together and eat a pizza together!

You Inspire Me: The Sweet Life of Semper Fi

This weeks inspiration is Nicole from The Sweet Life of Semper Fi. She is a super-newlywed! She married her Marine on October 9th. She is a pre-nursing student, loves to bake and has a super cute kitty named Charlie. Head over to her blog to read all about her beautiful wedding!

Nicole's movie recommendation was Brothers. I know most of us have seen this movie and those who haven't, don't want to. It's one of those movies.

I saw Brothers when it was in theaters. The trailers made it look like such a good movie. But when I saw it in theaters, I left disappointed. The trailers were so misleading! Did it remind anyone else of a Lifetime movie? Even the way the music sounded was like a Lifetime movie! However, like most movies...I had to give it another chance.

Brothers is a war-drama. The movie is actually based on a Danish film, which was inspired by Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. Sam is married to his high school sweetheart and about to be deployed for the fourth time. Tommy, his brother, is released from jail right before Sam deploys. Sam's helicopter crashes, his family grieves, and Tommy and Grace are starting to get friendly...just in time for Sam to be rescued.

There is an awkward scene at the dinner table. And a scene where Sam asks Tommy if he's f*cking his wife. What a random question, since there was nothing happening to make Sam believe that. Especially since Sam knew Grace didn't even like his criminal brother!

This movie could have been better...but then again, it could have been worse. And Jake Gyllenhaal? Any movie with him is an A+!

Nicole's book recommendation was The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Have you noticed that most of the book recommendations are also movies....? There's only a few that haven't been made into a movie, but I figure it's just a matter of time.

The Lovely Bones is the story of a teenage girl who, after being raped and murdered, watches her family from heaven as they try to move on. Her father suspects a suspect, her mother is sinning left and right, and life eventually goes on.

I'll be honest, I didn't read the whole book. It's 370 pages, I got to page 270 and decided I was beyond bored with it.  I wanted so badly to like it, I've heard awesome thing about it....but it was s-l-o-w. I feel like the same things are repeated over and over again.

The only thing I did like about it was how she talks about "heaven." And how it's full of everything you want it to be full of. She has a gazebo and lots of dogs. My heaven would have ice cream, dogs and a swing set. What would your heaven have?

Now for my favorite part, the part that gets me in the kitchen....food! Nicole loves lasagna, so she had me in the kitchen making it for dinner. I made pepperoni lasagna roll-ups. They are super easy to make! And if you only have a few lasagna noodles, this is the perfect recipe. You can find the recipe here. This time I didn't use Swiss cheese, I had some Gruyere hanging around so I threw that in!

Thank you so much Nicole for the recommendations! I hope everyone is getting some good movie, book and recipe ideas!