Sunday Stealing: The Plaid Hat Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water? I start the water and then get in, otherwise I get hit with cold before the water catches up to the shower nozzle.

2. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex? lmao - yes, lately it's just my husband or my youngest child.

3. Were you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings? No, I am 10 years older than my brother. But I do force the boys to bathe together.

4. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot? Yes, that hurts with a new bar!

5. How old do people say you look? Well considering I never get carded, I look older than I am.

6. How old do you act? I have no idea...

7. What’s the last song you sang? My bonnie lies over the ocean...my youngest likes that as a lullaby.

8. Have you recently become a member of anything? Hmmmm, well just Sam's Club but that's not recent. Nothing that I can think of...guess I'm a rebel.

9. What are your plans for next weekend? Oh man I am not thinking that far ahead.

10. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed? Both, I go with what feels right.

11. Whats the sexiest thing about Sarah Palin? EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW...ahem...EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

12. Who’s the sexiest famous woman alive? Jennifer Tilly


13. Who’s the sexiest famous man alive? Ewan McGregor


14. Does your family have a crazy uncle? You know I bet my dad is the crazy uncle! lol

15. Have you ever smuggled something into another country? Well my parents brought back beer from Canada...but everyone has done that in this state.

16. Do you live in a city with a good sports team? No...wait there is a university...but I don't think it's that good.

17. What is the most unusual? My most unusual dream which I have remembered since I was a teenager. I had 2 sisters, and they were each marrying a group of HOT men. While I was forced to marry a vampire. We had a son, he took fantastic care of me...but I was still pissed off at being forced into marriage while my sisters got to play all the time.

18. How do feel about the Goth people? To each his own...

19. Can you fix or your significant other your own car? Little bit, I can change the oil. Chris can change the spark plugs and certain hoses and belts.

20. Would you want to kill Casey Anthony yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it? Ewww, no! God I can't even begin to claim I know that entire story. Is it tragic, yes. But I don't know the whole story so there's no way I'd want the responsibility of passing judgement on her.

Review - The Duggar's: 20 and Counting

by: Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Availabe at Amazon as a Paperback or Kindle.
Also at Barnes & Noble as a Paperback or Nook.

Synopsis:
This practical, positive book reveals the many parenting strategies that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar use as they preside over America’s best-known mega-family. Each time a new baby arrives, the press from around the world clamors for interviews and information. Visitors are amazed to find seventeen (baby number eighteen is due January 1, 2009) well-groomed, well-behaved, well-schooled children in a home that focuses on family, financial responsibility, fun—and must importantly, faith.

Readers will learn about the Duggars’ marriage—how they communicate effectively, make family decisions, and find quality time alone. They’ll discover how the Duggars manage to educate all their children at home, while providing experiences that go beyond the family walls, through vacations and educational trips. And they’ll see how the Duggar family manages their finances and lives debt-free—even when they built their own 7,000-square-foot house.

Answering the oft asked question—How can I do with one or two children what you do with seventeen(soon to be eighteen)?—Jim Bob and Michelle reveal how they create a warm and welcoming home filled with what Michelle calls “serene chaos.” They show how other parents can succeed whether they’re rearing a single child or several. With spiritual insights, experience-based wisdom, practical tips, and plenty of humorous and tender anecdotes, the Duggars answer the questions that pour into the family’s Web site on a daily basis—especially after every national media interview and TV appearance—including their segments on the Discovery Health Channel’s “Meet the Duggars” series.

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I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I respect their level of faith and how well they communicate in their marriage and with their children. It goes into Michelle and Jim Bob's childhood and how they met and were married. It's so romantic, Jim Bob was in love with Michelle for a year before he got up the nerve to ask her out. They were married in their teens.

I read a review where the writer was against the "blanket training" but from what I read it's genius. She doesn't yell at them or sit on them, she gets them excited and has a basket of special toys that are only for blanket time. They start out at 5 minutes and move up from there as the children are ready. It teaches them self control - I really wish I had thought of this with my own children.

They homeschool their children because they wanted to be with them and have control of what their children are taught and exposed to. They have also managed all this without going into debt. Jim Bob and Michelle are very patient and intelligent people. While their faith may color some of their judgement in ways we may not agree with, they take it seriously without pushing it on other people.

This is a family that actually takes Jesus' messages to heart. This book is a fast read and gives a lot of insight into this TLC reality family.

Review - Hollywood Through My Eyes

The Lives & Loves of a Golden Age Siren
By: Monica Lewis
with Dean Lammanna

Amazon.com - $21.86
Amazon Kindle - $19.95
Barnes & Noble - $24.04

Synopsis:
Hollywood Through My Eyes is the intimate portrait of a young girl's rise from Depression-era Chicago, through the glamour and grit of New York City's nightclub scene and live broadcasting (including the very first Ed Sullivan Show), and finally to the privileged environs of Beverly Hills as the wife of MCA/Universal executive and producer Jennings Lang.

Follow Monica Lewis as she gets her first job with Benny Goodman, sings on the radio with Frank Sinatra, was the long-time voice of Miss Chiquita Banana, tours war-torn Korea with Danny Kaye, goes out on the town with Ronald Reagan, and opens her Beverly Hills mansion to an impressive list of Who's Who including Senator Ted Kennedy, Barbra Streisand, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, and the Beatles. With her wholesomely sexy voice, Monica was the darling of servicemen during two major wars, topping the charts with hits like "Autumn Leaves" and "I Wish You Love." As an actor, Monica sang through musicals like Excuse My Dust and Everything I Have is Yours; later she survived the cinematic disasters of Earthquake, Airport '77, and Rollercoaster.

Hollywood Through My Eyes chronicles the excitement of entertainment's Golden Age as only one who lived it can.

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My friend over at Housewife in Hollywood reviewed this book, so I found the publisher and asked for a copy to review as well. I was pleasantly surprised when they agreed to get me a copy, and I was ecstatic to find that Monica Lewis had autographed it for me!

She was born into a loving and musically gifted family. She was the surprise baby when her mom was getting ready to go back to the Opera. Her brother and sister played the violin and piano, her mom was an opera singer her father a composer. She was actually considered the odd one out without any talent. She definitely couldn't play the piano, her father finally said "just let her sing!"

Turns out she was perfect for the jazz and big band numbers that she grew into. Add to that the drive and she couldn't fail. She also talks about all her love affairs, not in too much detail but I was surprised at how candid she was. Describing Kirk Douglas as "HOT" and Ronald Reagan as thoughtful and patient. She did marry when she was young, but that one didn't last long.

At one point she was in love, but being he was Catholic there were so many hoops to jump through because of her previous marriage. When...after 3 years...the dispensation finally came through she no longer wanted to get married. Guess that was a good thing. Then she met Jennings Lang, and widower with 2 boys. They fell in love hard. They had a baby boy named Rocky, and she adopted the older boys. Jennings was an executive for MCA so she spent a lot of time helping him view movies, host parties and travel to events. He never stopped pushing her to pursue her own career, and she had roles in numerous adventure films he was the producer of.

I love her drive, her morality (she turned down Frank Sinatra and Ed Sullivan because they were married), her love, and her humility. She made mistakes and she owns up to them. And you have to admire her for all the work she did to raise the morale of the troops in WWII and especially in the Korean War. She traveled to Korea with Danny Kaye to do shows for the troops.

I could go on and on, you have to get this book. I don't read nonfiction often, it has to be very well written to draw me in. This woman is fascinating all through her life, including now. It might seem expensive, but it is a large book, full of pictures and information.

Video from Everything I have is Yours, one of her first movies with MGM.


You can see more photos and hear some of her music at her website - http://monicalewis.com.

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The winner of Smokin' Seventeen - and also the only person who bothered entering - lol - is Mina of Green Witch with Sprinkles. Go read her blog and congratulate her. Don't worry, I will NOT use google forms again.

Review - Smokin' Seventeen

By: Janet Evanovich
Amazon.com - $15.21
Amazon Kindle - $13.99
Barnes & Noble - $15.55
B&N Nook - $13.99

Synopsis:
Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum.

Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke.

The hardcover edition of Smokin’ Seventeen contains two smokin’ hot stickers inside!

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The cover has purple smoke around a large purple 17. One thing I love about the Stephanie Plum books is that you always know where you are in the series. Hooray for numbers in the title! Also you can send in suggestions for titles for later in the series. Although I see Explosive Eighteen is coming in November.

Well as the bonds office was blown up in the last book, Vinnie has rented Mooner's mobile home. It was done up all in black, which Stephanie said felt like working on the Death Star. Connie takes care of that and gets her uncle to redecorate. There is a slight hitch in the building plans though when bodies start showing up during excavation.

While trying to figure out who the murderer is, Stephanie must also try to avoid Morelli's grandmother, catch bail jumpers in her zany manner with the help of Lulu, and still try to figure out if she wants Morelli or Ranger. Her mother gets sick of this dance and sets her up with an old classmate who doesn't take no for an answer.

To be honest, I love these books. They make me laugh and are a light read. However if you want a real suspenseful mystery you won't find it here. I knew exactly what was going to happen pretty early in the book. I won't tell you, but you know what I mean. It ends in her own quirky manner and that does surprise you but not by much. And oh yes you know she gets a car stolen...well actually 2...and one blown up. The men at Rangeman have an office pool on how long until she destroys a car when Ranger gives her one. He calls it Entertainment. lol

I'm giving it 4 stars because I do like the story, I love the silly characters and the fact that Stephanie isn't anywhere near perfect at anything she does. I also want to be Grandma Mazur when I grow up.


To celebrate the 4th of July - how about a giveaway? Yes you can win my copy of Smokin' Seventeen. Yes I read it, but it's still pristine and has the Ranger/Morelli stickers at the back. Feel free to enter until tomorrow July 5 at midnight. I will draw the winner from a hat on Wednesday July 6.

Sunday Stealing: The Faceless 4th of July Meme

Cheers to all us thieves

1. Last movie you saw in a theater? Oh man, is it at all sad that I have no idea...let me think...oh yeah it was Yogi Bear. I have to say it was pretty cute and it held Ivan's interest far longer than I thought possible.

2. What book are you reading? I'm trying to read Freedom's Sword but Goddess Bless is calling to me.

3. Favorite board game? Parcheesi...you want to know cheesey? I have been known to play it all by myself. I thought when I had kids we'd have family game night but I went and stupidly bred with a nongamer and the boys are nongamers too. Damn!

4. Favorite magazine? Weight Watchers and Business Week. Weight Watchers has great recipes and articles that are inspiring. Business Week is generally well written and gives insight into the world without all the war and killings.

5. Favorite smells? Lilacs, carnations, patchouli and sandalwood.

6. Favorite sounds? without a doubt, my boys when they have a deep belly laugh...especially when I'm responsible.

7. Worst feeling in the world? By far it's when my kids are hurt. There's nothing worse than worrying about your baby and not being able to do anything about it.

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up? Usually it's "I don't want to get up! *groan*"

9. Favorite fast food place? Oh My! Burgers and Fries! Their food is fresh and tasty...they make the BEST chocolate shake.

10. What’s under your bed? An army of dust bunnies, 1 guitar, 1-3 slippers, socks, probably a book or five...1 duplo block...

11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….? Pay off my mom's houses, car, buy a farmhouse for my family and newer cars. Then we'd become a foster family

12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? No but I do have a body pillow, a husband, 1 dog and 2 boys that usually join us before our day begins.

13. Storms – cool or scary? Both...I have always loved storms. There's a bit more fear since living in a trailer with 2 young boys...but I still think they are cool.

14. Favorite drink? Let's see, is this alcoholic drink or just any drink? Alcoholic drink would be Mojito...thanks to the Holland Cruise line for turning me onto that one with lots of free ones! Just any drink would be the Iced Zebra from Biggby

15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”? Read, crochet and play the Sims 3. I got so sucked into that yesterday I blew my whole day. But my Sims daughter is all grown up and engaged to her high school sweetheart...I had to make that boy grow up though. Also the daughter has a bowl of peanut butter and jelly stuck on her hand, that's funny. It was baby food, I'm not sure how she got it as a teenager. Oh sorry, you all might not be that interested. Hey, there are vampires...is that more interesting? lol

16. If you had to dye your hair another color, what would be your choice? I so want blue hair!

17. Favorite place to relax? In the bathtub with hot water and lots of scented bubbles and no children or husbands around! Generally I have to give up sleep in order to achieve this one.

18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in? Owosso, Chesaning, Bay City, Bangor, Westland, Ithaca, Alma, St. Louis, North Star and Mt. Pleasant. And I have lived in numberous places within Owosso, Bay City and Mt. Pleasant - oh and for those who don't know, every last one of those is in Michigan. I've barely left this state even to visit others.

19. Favorite sports to watch? T-Ball when my son is on the team...otherwise I'm not big into sports.

20. Would you like to be born as yourself again? Maybe...I think if I could know what I know now, it would be good to give it another go. If I have to start over with no memories, then no let me move up the totem pole please.

I posted about the Irresistibly Sweet Blog award yesterday, check it out here and who I passed the award onto.