The Literachicks

Friday Finds - MisterSalty

2011-02-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

I bought one of those big boxes of 100 calorie snacks at Costco the other day and tasted these things for the first time yesterday. If you haven't had them, you MUST try them. They are FANTASTIC!

Friday... Tuesday... What day is it again?

2011-01-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

This week has been one long day... I know I'm not tagged, but I've been holding onto this quote from this book since Monday (I'm a dork, whatever). So, since today is Friday, I "found" a quote for Tuesday's Teaser. Um... yeah. I think that works. Anyway..

I'm reading Empire Falls by Richard Russo...

"Elijah Whiting, now nearing one hunderd, had not succeeded in killing his wife with the shovel, nor had he recovered from the disappointment. The two of them still lived in the carriage house, old Elijah clinging to his misery and his bitter wife clinging to him. He seemed ... to be dying from within, the surest sign of which was an almost biblical flatulence. He'd been turning the air green inside the carriage house for many years now..."

I know it's already long and I wish I could put the whold paragraph in. It's hilarious!

First 2011 Tuesday Teaser!!!

2011-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

"Outside darkness has set in. Three more scratches at the door, a low groan. We both jump. I immediately think of the low groans I heard coming from the beasts."

- I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

This one's going to be a movie in March!

Okay, I tag Phaedra!!

Tuesday Teaser

2010-06-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

It was like a bit of flypaper stuck to your finger that you couldn't shake off. The bloody thing clung to life like a limpet.

The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag

I just finished Flavia de Luce Mystery book II and loved it.

Teaser Tuesday

2010-06-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

I know... here I am taking over again... I just love the Teaser Tuesday idea too much to let it pass by!

"'Absolutely,' Mr. Benedict replied. 'You must remember, family is often born of blood, but doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.'"

From The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart.

Next week - how about a volunteer!

Teaser Tuesday

2010-05-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

I know that it's not my turn and it's not even Tuesday anymore but I just need to post that this is one of the most hillariously true statements from the book. (Thanks to Abi for bringing it to my attention!)
"And he'd have to be not too thin. Why, I remembered hugging Ernest was like wrapping your arms around a fence post, and I love Ernest, but I want a man who can hold me down in a wind."
Amen, sista!!!

These Is My Words

Teaser Tuesday

2010-05-25T14:51:00.001-07:00

I am currently reading "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith.
Enjoyable so far. I'm gonna do a little more than two sentences though.

"The wives of missing men are all the same, thought Mma Ramotswe. At first they feel anxiety, and are convinced that something dreadful has happened. Then doubt begins to creep in, and they wonder whether he's gone off with another woman (which he usually has), and then finally they become angry. At the anger stage, most of them don't want him back anymore, even if he's found. They just want to have a good chance to shout at him"

Next Week: DeEtte

Teaser Tuesday

2010-05-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

I know I wasn't tagged but it's been a while so I didn't think anyone would care. :)

This is from August's book, "Shanghai Girls" - which I'm liking but not loving...

"Coming here is ugly and hardly auspicious, like stepping into the past, which is precisely what Baba wants us to do with these marriages. Still, May and I have come, obedient as dogs, stupid as water buffalo."

For next week I tag Devin :)

So Sorry - Teaser Tuesday

2010-04-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yes...I'm a slacker and completely forgot about Teaser Tuesday. So here it is..Teaser Tuesday...on Thursday a week late.

I am reading March's book. "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" by Alan Bradley. I'm loving this book.

"With a boy you never know whether he's smitten or gagging, but with a girl you can tell in the first three seconds. Between girls there is a silent and unending flow of invisible signals, like the high-frequency wireless messages between the shore and the ships at sea, and this secret flow of dots and dashes was signaling that Mary detested me."

Next week....Mila.

Friday Finds

2010-04-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

A few years back, I worked for an awesome professional hair care and cosmetic contract manufacturing company called Graham Webb. One of the perks of the job was at-cost professional hair care - the best around (if you ask me). One of the lines that we developed was called Halo and was designed and created specifically to lengthen the time required between hair colorings.

I LOVE the Halo products and totally stocked up right before the lay-offs (they relocated to LA). I still have at least enough shampoo to last me through the rest of this year and probably next year as well. One of the things that I couldn't stock up on because of the shelf life of the stuff, was the mousse and gel. Shampoo and conditioner generally last a lot longer than the styling products...

I digress...

I ran out of the best (but somewhat expensive) mousse (Brit Style Mousing Wax) a couple of months ago and have been looking for something else. Since I was a loyal Pantene customer prior to my days at Graham Webb, I decided to start there. And I'm so glad I did. I love their mousse.

I tried the Full & Thick one first. I don't really need a lot of help in this area, however when you're going curly it's generally better to go big. I loved it. It's a tad on the crunchy side for me, but it totally kept my frizz at bay and it washed out well.

I'm now trying the Curls one which doesn't have as strong a hold and I'm not sure if I'll keep it or go back to the other one.

A few of you have curls and try to hide them. Let it go. Stick some mousse in it and love the hair you're in!

I'm hoping that their shampoos and conditioners have improved as much as their styling products have because that's where I plan to start when my stash runs out.

For next week, I tag Lori :)

(Can't remember if she's already been picked or not...?)

Teaser Tuesday!!

2010-03-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

It's back!

Here's mine for the week:

"All around me, the church seems to breathe with shadows. Mice scurry under pews, their claws scratching against the marble floor. My skin crawls at the thought. " A Great and Terrible Beauty pg. 77

Next week I tag Devyn.

iphone case

2010-03-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hope you don't mind, but I have to post today or I will not have time tomorrow. I just got a new phone because my old phone was dying. Because I drop my phone so much, kids play with my phone, and in general I am just not very careful with it, I made myself a case for it. It is lined with fusible fleece to give it lots of cushion. I got the example from this site. Mine didn't turn out as cute, and they don't have the back pocket, but they were so easy and fun to make, I ended up making four of them. One of them is for a very special mom with 6 boys!! Can you guess who it is? I hope she likes it!

Camille

For next week I tag Abi.

Don't Eat Darcy

2010-03-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

i saw this post and giggled thinking of all of my "mr. darcy" fans :) game sounds kind of lame, but hey, it's mr. darcy and chocolate so it can't actually be all that bad!!! enjoy.

http://www.executivehomemaker.com/2009/03/dont-eat-darcy/

i tag camille for next friday!!!

First Look at 'Twilight: Eclipse'

2010-03-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

First Look at 'Twilight: Eclipse'

Intervention

2010-03-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hello. My name is Vanessa and I am a book wreath-a-holic. I can't stop myself from tearing up old books and making wreaths out of them.

It has progressed into trying to find new and different ways to fold and glue paper. I know I'm hurting millions of librarians and book readers alike, but I can't stop myself. Something must be done....

Last Friday's Friday Find

2010-03-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

Book Bag

Look at the slacker, finally posting…only 5 days late. Well, better late then never. So, I had a totally different thing in mind and then I ran across this cute little number. Seeing as how this is a book club blog, and this is a cute bag made out of an old book, it seemed to fit the bill. I found this on Remodelaholic. I suggest that at one of the book club meetings we briefly discuss the book and then quickly get our craft on! Who’s with me?! Click here if you should want to take a peek at the actual tutorial and cruise around the cute little blog.

Supplies:
One hardback book
Exatco knife
1/2 yard or less of fabric
Handles of your choice.
Hot glue
Duct Tape

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-03-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

"As he wrote to a clergyman friend,"No man has a more perfect reliance on the all-wise and powerful dispensations of th eSupreme Being than I have, nor thinks His aid more necessary." p. 171 The Real George Washington, By Jay A. Parry & Andrew M. Allison

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-03-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

The Gift and the Ceremony:

"The purpose of gift giving is not simply to get an object from one person's hand to another. The purpose is to express emotional love. We want the person to sense deeply "I care about you. I think you are important, I love you." These emotional messages are enhanced when attention is given to the ceremony accompanying the passing of the gift."

I am reading The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman (again). Kathryn's love language is receiving gifts and this is hard to execute if this is not your love language. It is difficult and it takes a conscious effort for me. But, I love my daughter and I will read and re-read this book as many times as I have to. I highly recommend this book.

I tag Michele for next week! I will let her know.

Big Book Sales

2010-02-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

I read this in the Oceanside Magazine the other day and thought I would share:

Saturday, April 24 and Saturday, July 24:
At the Friends of the Library's Big Book Sales, customers will discover a wealth of gently-used books and other items. As usual, hardcover books and large trade paperbacks will be sold for $1. Paperbacks will be $.25 or 5 for $1. CDs, DVDs, VCR tapes and children's books will sell at low, low prices. Magazines will be only $.10. Sales are open to members of the Friends of the Library at 9:00am, with membership applications available on site, and open to the public at 10:00am. See you at the sales!

602 Civic Center Drive, across from the City parking structure. Runs until 4:00pm.

I know it's not my turn and I know it's not Friday, but I couldn't resisit sharing this one! I'm a book junkie so I've already added it to my calendar! Anyone wanna come with me? :)

Saturday boredom

2010-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

http://movies.msn.com/superfans/twilight/twilight-vs-harry-potter-face-off/harry-vs-edward/

I was just browsing the internet reading about earthquakes and stuff, when I came across this question; "Who would be a better boyfriend, Harry Potter or Edward Cullen?" Instead of doing my taxes, I thought about this. What do you think?

Friday Finds

2010-02-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

HALF PRICE MOVIE TICKETS AND MOVIE FOOD! Today only. Go to the "Ultra star" website and you'll see their ad for this amazing deal of the day.

(Here's their ad:) "Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Dimming lights, the smell of freshly popped popcorn....the boom of surround-sound and the screen comes to life. Time to turn off your cell phone and take a break from the rush of everyday life. Today's deal to UltraStar Cinemas gives your wallet a break too- $18 for two movie tickets plus $14 in food and drink. That's a $36 value at half the price."

P.S. I tag Koni

I ACTUALLY made it!

2010-02-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

I made the book wreath! Actually, I made two, but the first one was a present and I forgot to snap a picture before I gave it away (dangit.) Then I made this other version last night....

Now I'm book wreath crazy and am researching all different kinds of folding/ruffling techniques for the paper.. we have to plan a book wreath day!

Teaser Tuesday

2010-02-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

My Teaser comes from Sarah (Orson Scott Card). I'm LOVING this book. It's taking me a while to read but that isn't because I don't love it. I'm just slow ;)

"Silenty speaking this inward prayer made her think of something else. If Sehtepibre was in the business of faking omens from the gods, it must mean that he does not believe in any god at all. And if he feared no god, then what would restrain him from any crime he wanted to commit? A man without a god was a many without decency, for he would fear no divine retribution."

For next week, I tag...... Carmen :)

2010-02-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

I was reminded that the visitors center in Old Town has been rededicated and looks great. It is has a lot of interactive activites with photo backdrops, paning for gold, and picnic tables for a family meal. I grew up in P.B. (15 minutes away) from Old Town and went to the visitors for many F.H.E. activities. It is a great history lesson involving the Mormon Battalion and the establishment of various communities along the coast of California. My family is planning on a trip to check it out next month. Oh! And one other piece of info. it is all free!!

Address:

2510 Juan StreetSan Diego, California 92110
Phone number(s):

619-298-3317
Schedule:

The newly remodeled historic site is now open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for free tours.

posted by Rabecca I tag:Phaedra

Teaser Tuesday (Part Two)

2010-02-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry Ladies,

Mila was actually the tagged person for Teaser Tuesday. She sent her teaser to Phaedra who sent it to me to post for her, but life got in the way and by the time I got here, a teaser was posted. I still want to post Mila's because she had it ready at the end last week and it's FABULOUS.

Here's Mila's teaser one day late!

"This book has pores... The more pores, the more truthfully recorded details of life per square inch you can get on a sheet of paper, the more 'literary' you are."

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. Page 83

I tag Abi!

Mila

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-02-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

This is Sara, not Mila. Perhaps Mila doesn't look at this blog or forgot to post yesterday? Perhaps she's sick, and whatever the reason, it doesn't matter except for the fact that I really really missed Teaser Tuesday!!
I know, how lame am I to check and check and check to see if anyone has posted anything. (Think how I'll be once I quit my job!!) So although it's Wednesday, here's a little Teaser Tuesday for you:

"It made good chemical sense, I reasoned: If salts were a cure, and chicken broth were a cure, think of the magnificent restorative power of a glass of effervescent chicken broth! It boggled the mind."
From The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie pg 250
(Can I say again how much I love this book?!)

Sara

Oh, and for next week I tag Abi!!

Blog books

2010-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

I get asked about this a lot so I thought I'd post it here in case anyone is interested. I really wanted to be one of those mom's who kept journals for their kids with all the funny things they said and the milestones they reached. Unfortunaltely, I never had the time. Then I discovered Blogger. It's so much easier for me to find a few minutes here and there to type up a few sentences about our day, or week, than to sit down and write it in a book. I'm also an excessive picture taker so a blog has been the perfect way for me to journal our family. So I finally found the perfect way for me to keep a journal but...I also like to have something I can hold in my hands. Then I discovered Blurb.

Blurb is a publishing website that will slurp your Blogger blog into their software. You don't have to copy and paste text and pictures, it transfers it all into their template for you. Going through and editing the pages and getting them set up exactly the way I wanted was still very time consuming but so worth it in the end. I now have my blog printed from 2007 (I'm still working on 2008). It's hardcover with a dust jacket that you can design yourself (I didn't bother and just used a digipaper but you can get really creative and do whatever you want). It has all my blog posts and pictures for the year. I'm really hoping that the kids will enjoy looking through it as they get older. I try to give them their own special post every six months or so with all the reason they're special and I love them. Again, in the hope that it will be something they'll enjoy later. Sorry about the terrible pictures below! I think it helps to see what it actually looks like.

I tag...Rabecca!

Hunger Games Final Book

2010-02-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Scholastic has released the title and the cover art for the third Hunger Games book! Woohoo!

It will still be released on August 24th. I can't wait and I know a lot of you are excited too! Read about it here.

Happy reading everyone!

Teaser Tuesday

2010-02-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

"Let me be the conduit. There are all these hearts, and mine is strong, and if there are-there are!-capillaries that bring blood to millions, that we are all of one body and that I am-Oh, I want to be the heart pumping blood to everyone, blood is what I know, I feel so warm in blood, can swim in blood, oh let me be the strong -beating heart that brings blood to everyone!"
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, page237

I tag Mila!

Friday Finds

2010-02-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

I really loved the book wreath idea. I have a bunch of old books that I was about to get rid of but maybe we should do wreath's at one of our book clubs (or at least help me make one).

My house is a very sports oriented place (and this is not just Greg). Sometimes I am more sports craze than my whole family put together! We have the Super Bowl this Sunday, the Winter Olympics is about to start, the men's soccer World Cup (my favorite of all) will begin in June etc... This of course changes the menu at our house. Food and sports goes hand in hand. I love eating in New Orleans and since the Saints are in the super bowl this year, I am posting this recipe; http://video.about.com/southernfood/Gulf-Coast-Shrimp-Po--Boy.htm

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I tag Meaghan!

Teaser Tuesday

2010-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

"If she told him her fears, it would only discourage him, and she'd have to listen to more insistence that she take him back to the enchanted place and lead him across the bridge so he could go home. She tried to imagine what it would be like to be in his place, cut off from family, trapped in a situation not of her devising."

Enchantment, by Orson Scott Card. Page 136

Next Week......Phaedra!

Friday Finds

2010-01-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay girls!! Here's my Friday Find for the week.

I don't know about you, but January is all about renewal for me.

I set goals to excercise, (-hey I actually went to the YMCA twice this week something I haven't done since...hmmm...May?) -Setting goals to read the scriptures more, to learn a new skill, to spend more time with my family, to save more money, blah, blah, blah, on and on; and they are typically broken around February. Sound familiar?

Well the good news for me, is that I just sat down this Monday and planned out my 2010 goals so perhaps all of them won't be broken until March this year?! LOL.
One of my goals was to be more diligent with Family Home Evening. I don't know about you, but to be honest, I'm one for four this month. BOINK!
I think I was secretly waiting for Vanessa to send out the link for the FHE lessons for the entire year, like she did last year. But alas; nada. If you've had this, why haven't you shared with me!!!
So, with that said, here is my Friday Find:

2010 FHE Lessons for a year "I Know My Savior Lives."
Yep, I went looking for it myself, I loved having this for 2009, if made FHE so much easier, and if it's easy, there's a greater chance of me actually doing it!

Enjoy! -If like me you hadn't got this yet.
And shame on you if you already had it and didn't send it to me.

Here's another one I found, but this one seemed to be geared more to older kids, (and was a lot more pages to print) so pick which one is right for your fam.
2010 FHE Lessons -geared more for older kids

For next week's Friday Find, I tag CARMEN!

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-01-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesday!!

Here's mine...

"The river tugged at Lirael's knees, willing her onwards. For a moment she resisted, reluctant to give up the feel of Life at her back." Abhorsen by Garth Nix page 96

And for next week, I tag Devyn.

Friday Finds

2010-01-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here's our newest fun blog game. I've called it Friday Finds. Every Friday we list something we've found that other book clubbers might like! It could be a new book, new magazine, a new craft, something new around Oceanside, whatever you can think of. I'd like to be able to tag each other to do this so we can all have a turn! I'll go first this week and name someone I've tagged at the bottom. If' you are up for being tagged, leave a comment so I'll know it and the other people will too!

So here is my first Friday Find:

The Book Wreath!

Yes, that's right. It's a wreath. Made. from. an. old. book!!! I'm dying. Why don't I already have one??! Click on the book wreath link above the picture to check out the tutorial. I think I could possibly be able to pull this on off!

This has to be one of the funnest craft projects I've seen in a long time! My friend Elaine (who is a librarian) tipped me off to it and I can't wait to make my own. I even want to try one with magazine pages or something colorful like a comic book for the girls playroom. What do ya think? Should we make some together?

Also, the blog I found it on, Living with Lindsay is TERRIFIC! It's a fantastic little crafty blog I know I'll be checking time and time again! I feel a house overhaul with my glue gun coming on...

Okay, for next week, I tag....SARA!

Teaser Tuesdays

2010-01-20T17:57:00.001-08:00

Okay, so today is our Teaser Tuesday.

Yes, I know it's Wednesday. I'm late. I have good reasons, but I wanted to get it done to show you how it will work. The idea came from this blog over at Should Be Reading. Here's how it works..

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Every week I hope we can post our own teaser and link it back. Plus we can have teasers for each other, just leave a comment with your two teaser sentences!

WHY are we doing this we ask???!!! Because I say so. And I have author access so you can't stop me. And it's awesome. And I'm feeling extra snarky today, so watch it!

No really, I thought this could be really fun considering how many of our original group has now moved and goshdarnit, I miss them!!! So I'm hoping they'll chime in too! (you know who you are!)

Without further ado, here's my first Teaser Tuesday:

"Lirael wondered how on earth they could work with the corrosive taint of Free Magic all around and looked at them more closely. Then she gasped and tried to move back, but the vision held her." From Lirael by Garth Nix. (second installation in the Abhorsen Trilogy)

Okay ladies, let's see it! What's your teaser?

New Year, New Books

2010-01-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! Welcome to 2010!!

The list of books for this year are over on the right. The alternate reading list was updated as well, if you have a book for that, just let me know or post a review here and I'll add it. We had a couple of changes to the list after further thought, but I don't think it effects anyone's choices that wasn't in on the discussion.

This month's book is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. We will be meeting at Shauna's house.

Here's a few different things for this coming year..

We are going to be trying out a monthly book exchange. If you have a book you've finished and enjoyed and either want to pass it along for good or just loan it out, bring it along each month. We will have stickers to place in the back saying who to return it to if it's just a loaner. If you have books you no longer want, bring those too and if no one picks them up, I will gather them up and take them down to the library for donation.

Is everyone aware of Good Reads? www.goodreads.com is a fun and great (and free) way to review and keep track of your books and to keep track of what your friends are reading as well. We can even start our own group on there if we have enough people who want to do so! Make sure to check it out!

Don't forget, you can always post a review or book suggestion or anything else you come across here! If you don't have author access, let me (Vanessa) know and I will fix that quick!

After following a few other book clubby blogs (namely Exclusively Books and ShouldBeReading) I thought it might be fun to play along with some of their blog posts. In particulary Teaser Tuesdays (which I'll start this Tuesday) and maybe Friday Finds, which just means on Fridays, we post a book (or blog or magazine) we've heard about that we think others might enjoy.

Next meeting we'll talk about a few other group endeavors, like group movie tickets purchases and a group Barnes and Noble Membership.

Happy Reading Everyone!!!!!

It was probably inevitable...

2009-10-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

I promise I'm not trying post only Twilight stuff, but seriously you have to check this out. With Stephenie Meyer's works completely taking over the lives of many teenagers, I'm sure it was only a matter of time before they only spoke Twilight...

Brian Leaf, an author of several test preparatory books has now created Defining Twilight: Vocabulary workbook for unlocking the SAT. Yes, you read that right. It's a Twilight themed study guide.

Although the sensible part of me wants to mock the very existence of this, I actually think it's a great idea. I mean, why not? Between the Twilight Series and the Harry Potter Series, hundreds of thousands of kids (and adults for that matter) who would have never picked up a book for pleasure finally have and discovered... (wait for it....) they ACTUALLY LIKE READING!

Plus, if have to study, you might as well enjoy it.

Just in case you were planning on brushing up on your standardized test skills, they are also making a New Moon study guide

I searched, but have yet to find either a Hunger Games guide or a Harry Potter Guide. The SAT tutors obviously still have some work to do.

New Moon, New Links

2009-10-28T08:18:00.001-07:00

Well, the blog has sit pretty dormant for a while. We've had a pretty low key summer and fall and are getting ready for our annual Christmas Book Club as well as November, which I would now like to designate as New Moon Month.

With the release of the movie less than a month away, the studio is hyping it up as much as they can (as if they really need to!) Still, I'm happy to have all the little clips and scenes they're willing to give us. Some of you may have already seen these, but for those who haven't, here's a round up of all the latest sneak peeks..

Wolfpack Clip
For anyone whose excited about seeing the werewolves come to life. Here's a behind the scenes look at their making as well as some great peeks at what they will look like. I know I'm a bit in the minority for being a wolfpack fan, but you all can just be excited for me anyway.

Volturi Fight
Check out a snippet of Edward and Dimitri (or wait was it Felix?-- who cares, they're hot Volturi!) in show down over Bella. Not in the book but SOOO worth it to be added

Meet Jacob Black
Once again, just be happy for me. No, seriously, it's worth it to watch.

Too Late Now
Paul changes in front of Bella. It rocks.

Protect Her
Risk Everything
Both of these are the same vein. Jacob and Edward on opposite sides, Bella in the middle but always in danger... you get the idea.

Also for those of you who are already looking forward, here's the title treatment for Eclipse.. (YAY!)

Eclipse title

and finally... in honor of Halloween this weeked, I saw this comic in the paper on Sunday and knew I had to share..

Hope to see everyone tomorrow at Rachel's! Have a great Halloween!

In case ya missed it...

2009-07-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

OK, don't be mad Vanessa that I am posting pictures of your birthday bash at Claim Jumper!!!

Vanessa's fan club

Vanessa's typical response to cameras pointed at her face. -The person to her right is DeEtte, who darted out of the picture with super "Special" stealth. -This is a typical picture of DeEtte. I can't tell you how many pic I have of these two with hands in front of their face. I mean come on!

Vanessa opening her surprise gift from her fans. Vanessa: "Is this another 'tricker' box Sara?"
Lori: "No, it's really from Tiffany's!"

Carmen's gift plaque: "Every time I hear the word 'EXERCISE' I wash my mouth out with CHOCOLATE!

Cupcake charm necklace
You know she likes it if she'll actually smile and model it for the camera!

Thanks again everyone! It was a great night. Happy Birthday Vanessa

1st Official New Moon Trailer

2009-05-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

There you go!!

New Moon Trailer

When did it all begin?

2009-05-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

When did book club get started? There was a little discussion about it tonight and I thought it started before the wards split. I have to say sorry to Erin because I am wrong! I was thinking about it and realized I didn’t meet Lani and Vanessa until after the wards split and I was in O4, therefore book club couldn’t have started before the split. Was it around March of 2005? My little Alanna was born in May '05 and I remember bringing her to book club when she was only a few weeks old. Any ideas? Also, does anyone remember what the first book was?

First Offiicial New Moon Poster

2009-05-19T09:54:00.001-07:00

For your viewing pleasure. The countdown has begun!

Fill me in!

2009-04-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I was so sad to miss our Mimi's night (I wanted the Bread Pudding, too). It was a long baseball night. I want to hear the high points and interesting opinions though! What was the consensus . . . I really enjoyed it! Someday (maybe it will be just in my dreams) wouldn't it be fun to have a Book Club World Tour-- we could hit Guernsey Island, London (Platform 9 3/4, of course), Jane Austen's Countryside, Romania (remember the vampires?) and of course, Forks, WA!

Dedicated Reader

2009-04-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

I was stuck in a blizzard over spring break, but I read the book of the month for book club!

End of the World!!

2009-03-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I came across this new challege while reading up on my favorite book blogs. It's right up my alley. Anyone else interested? Here's the description:

Read at least four books about "the end of the world." This includes both apocalyptic fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction. There is quite a bit of overlap with dystopic fiction as well. The point being something--be it coming from within or without, natural or unnatural--has changed civilization, society, humanity to such a degree that it radically differs from "life as we now know it." (Aliens, evil governments, war, plague, natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, depletion of resources, genetic manipulation, etc.) Here is a wikipedia article on the subject. Also see here. These changes can be small-but-still-significant or huge-and-life-threatening.

It also says you can reread one book... So here's my list.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (comes out in September, so perfect timing)
Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Specials by Scott Westerfield
Pretties by Scott Westerfield
Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Now, for those of you who are reeling at the thought of adding more books to your schedule, consider this. Enders Game is what we are reading in August (which counts) and most of us have read The Hunger Games (which counts) and will probably read the second one (which also counts) so you are only needing to make time for one more book! There are a few on our alternate reading list that would work (such as 1984, Gathering Blue, and Uglies.)

5k

2009-02-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Who is signed up for the 5k at camp pendleton? I think this could be a fun book club event!

CHICK FLICK NIGHT!!

2009-02-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Literachicks!

If your up for a night out this weekend or if you know your honey won't sit through a chick flick this Valentine's Day... come join us!

We'll be seeing "He's Just Not That Into You" Friday Night @ 7:45 @ the Krikorian. Be there or be... well you know! Any questions call Vanessa or DeEtte!!

Oreo Truffles

2009-01-30T13:07:00.000-08:00

As requested, here is my very easy recipe for Oreo Truffles.
One package Oreo Cookies ground very fine with no lumps. (I use my blender with about 7 cookies at a time)
One 8oz. package of cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or other flavor; I've heard mint is really good)

Mix all ingredients very well until no white shows through. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Roll into truffle size balls, put on waxed paper and chill for 45 minutes.

Melt 1 pound milk chocolate (I like the Stater Bros brand called Candiquik. It melts really well, hardens up fast, and can be remelted easily. If I have extra that I melted, I store it in the fridge and remelt it later. It is awesome!) Dip chilled truffles into chocolate. You can also get some white chocolate and drizzle it over the truffles or even dip some in the white chocolate. Store in refrigerator.

Thanks to everyone who came last night, for the great conversations, and for the yummy treats you all brought.

Victorian Book Challenge Choices

2009-01-29T15:50:00.001-08:00

Hey ladies,

I've signed up for the Victorian Book Challenge, basically read a certain number of Victorian Era books by the end of June. I'm going for 4 books, which puts me at the "a walk in Hyde Park" level.

My choices are as follows:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stephensen (already on our list, so I thought I'd just read it early)

The Tenent of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (you know how I love my Bronte sisters, but I've never read this one by the lesser known of the three.)

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill (seen the PBS movie and LOVED IT -- I figure I should at least read the book)

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (because, well, it's victorian literature and it just seemed unnatural to NOT have a Dickens on here, and I haven't read this one; which is kind of embarassing....)

So, if you're up for it, list your books here!

Let's "Book" it!!

2009-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies,

I wanted to give you an open invite to come run a 5k with me in March. The details of the 5k are at this link.

I figured it's a good one because it's close, on a Saturday and only $25 bucks if your doing the 5k only (the race info is a bit confusing because this is in conjunction with a duathlon.)

Just an FYI, I am in no way fast and this will be my first run since I've had Genevieve (I know so sad.. don't judge) so I'm not out for any kind of glory. I'm sure there are all different running paces in our group, so this is a no pressure, no competition (amongst the ranks) type of deal. I thought this could be a fun and different thing for us to do together. If you start now, you have about 2 months to get ready and maybe we could even plan a few Saturday morning runs together before then.

Oh yeah, and I will be wearing my "runs with vampires"shirt-- just for good measure (bonus points to anyone who does too.)

Who's in?

Hungry for more Hunger Games

2009-01-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

Okay girls,

Just finished The Hunger Games, and I'm pretty certain this is the book that we should have read for January and what we should spend our time talking about this month as Shopaholics will take less than 5 minutes to discuss.

For those of you who were going to wait until the sequel is closer to coming out, you are REALLY missing out...DON'T WAIT! You will want to read this book over and over again before September anyway -it's that good. Right up there with Twilight and Harry Potter!

I found myself dying for when I'd need to feed Olivia next so I could sit and read it.

I am completely in love with the characters, the concept of the book, and can't stop thinking about it.

READ IT NOW!!! -Because everyone else is going to be talking about it...why are you still reading this post, go get this book!

The Victorian Challenge

2009-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone up for joining the Victorian Challenge with me?

Check it out...

http://victorianchallenge.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-victorian-challenge.html

January Meeting

2009-01-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Quick reminder of this month's meeting!

This Thursday --7:30 at Camille's house. Bring something to share if you can. Anyone who needs directions, email me or her.

The book is "Confessions of a Shopaholic" by Sophie Kinsella. If you haven't read it yet, you still have time, it's a quick and fun read. If you didn't read it, come anyway, this will be a lighthearted and fun night.

ALSO, any fans of the book, keep in mind the movie version comes out on Valentine's Day if you feel so inclined for a litchick outing.

Alternate Reading for 2009

2009-01-10T10:43:00.001-08:00

I'm still compiling the list of alternate reads for this year since I lost the one created at the Christmas party. So far what I have compiled is now listed underneath all of our monthly reads over on the right hand side. They are also all linked to Amazon for easy review and reference. If I am missing your choice, please email it to me since I want to make sure we have a good variety. Also, I strongly encourage everyone to post any great reads here on the blog for all of us to enjoy, either with our without a review.

Finally, I came across this blog a few weeks ago and thought I would share. You will find a lot of great and well written reading selections on here that are all clean free of smut (hence the name deliciously clean reads!) It's a good resource when you're looking to pick up something new. I saw that several of our favorites are already on here with review similar to ours. Many of the titles are Young Adult, so even if they're not for you, this would be a great resource for your daughter, YW, or nieces.

http://cleanreads.blogspot.com/

Getting Rid of Some Books...

2009-01-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

I'm cleaning off my bookshelf and decided to get rid of a few books. I thought I would check with all of you before giving them away. First come first serve, let me know if you'd like any of these.

Atonement : Ian McEwan
The Pillars of the Earth : Ken Follett
The Portrait of a Lady : Henry James
Lost and Found : Carolyn Parkhurst

I've also got the first three books in a series by Chris Stewart called The Great and Terrible. Alot of people really love this series, I think there are 6 or so books now....

Just e-mail me, or leave a comment here.

-Devyn
dos.manns@gmail.com

The Hunger Games

2009-01-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Hunger Games

Step 1: Go buy it.
Step 2: NOW
Step 3: Tell all husbands and children to leave you alone
Step 4: Read like a crazy person
Step 5: Be completely in the depths of despair because you can't have the sequel until September.
Step 6: Call me when you done.

I'm not joking. This book is fantastic, fastpaced, addictive, amazing, deep, and you can't help but completely love the main character. You will not be dissapointed. There is some violence, so be warned. But it's also so beautifully written and so full of life that it completely haunts you when you put it down.

Here's a link to some reviews.

December Book Exchange

2008-12-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank Mary for hosting our December Book Club Exchange. We all had a wonderful time!

Vampire yourself...or a loved one!

2008-12-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

My sister loves Twilight so I thought I'd photoshop a picture of her to look like the movie posters. (You may be asking what a 23 year old would do with such a picture, she'll probably use it as her avatar for facebook and myspace.) Unfortunatly my photoshop skills are lacking and I couldn't get it to look right. So I checked etsy, you can find anything there, and found someone who creates a movie poster out of your picture. She gave my sister really pale skin and goldish eyes. It looks so awesome! If anyone is looking for a last minute Christmas gift it only takes 48 hours for her to email back the finished picture. Just search twilight on the etsy website and you'll be amazed at what comes up!

Help!

2008-11-29T10:41:00.001-08:00

Did I loan my copy of "Breaking Dawn" to one of you? The cover is on my bookshelf, but the book is not. Please tell me that one of you has it...please

Twilight!

2008-11-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

We now delcare November 21 National Twilight Day!!! Me and Kathryn saw a button thats said:

The sign Kalala's holding says "Twilight Freak"

Oh Yes, Kalala loves Jacob

Next Meeting

2008-11-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Our next book club meeting is in one week and it's the holiday party. No book to read, but bring a wrapped book for the book exchange and also bring your ideas for next year's reading list. I was browsing at Costco and the bookstore today and found some great possibilities. Also, if you have any other suggestions on how we should run things next year, that's the night to bring it up!! See you there and have a great Thanksgiving.

Vanessa

Look Familiar?

2008-11-23T09:10:00.001-08:00

I found this picture today and it sums it up perfectly.

Look familiar anyone?

December Book Club Christmas Party

2008-11-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies,

We need a head count for the December book club meeting. It's December 2nd at Randi Y's house and we want to start planning a few things, so I need to know if your coming. Leave a comment here or give me a call! I'm hoping to have a solid number by the end of tomorrow

Thanks!

Vanessa

Twilight Weekend--GET READY!

2008-11-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,
The movie is only one week from opening and I know we're all getting pretty excited!
In response to trying to get things underway, I've mapped out the two sets of plans that seem to be forming. Take your pick:

For the Ultimate Die Hards...
We will be attending the midnight show at the Oceanside Regal Cinemas on Mission. The show starts at 11:59 pm. Plan to be in line early for good seats and it's probably a good idea to get your tickets beforehand. You can purchase advance tickets here.
And... if you purchase tickets in advance they will send you a code to get a free mp3 download of Bella's Lullaby remix from the Twilight soundtrack (FUN!)

For the people who are just as die hard, but need sleep or babysitters...
Friday night we will be attending the 9:55 pm showing at the Vista Village Krikorian Theaters. You can purchase advance tickets for that show here.
On Friday Night we will also be going to dinner as a group if you would like to join us. I think we will meet for dinner at 7:30 (our standard after hours meeting time) and we are still trying to think of a place. Over in Vista Village there are several choices. There is a Chili's, California Pizza Kitchen, even something easy like Chipotle or Panera. My vote is for CPK at this point. Fun, Yummy, lots of choices. I don't think we can go wrong. I plan on going to both nights right now (as long as I have the energy and the movie isn't completley atrocious)--lets face it, I can't get enough of you guys, or Edward for that matter.

I hope everyone can make it to at least one of these. Spread the word, invite your friends, bring your daughter, if you can only make it to the dinner or to the movie, still come, whatever... JUST COME! It's going to be so fun!

Now, on another awesome book-to-movie subject, a new trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince came out today. It WILL be shown this weekend with Twilight, but you know I couldn't resist seeing it now. It's fantastic, I can't wait for this movie! If you want to check it out, Click Here.

Have a great Weekend Everyone and I hope to see you Next Weekend at the Movies!

Twilight Premier

2008-11-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

Have we picked a time or date that we're going to go see this together?
-My crazy Utah Utes fan husband is flying out to UT for the Utah vs. BYU game that weekend, so I'm going to have to line up a babysitter to go, so the sooner we decide when we're going the better!

I was thinking Friday night sometime would be good (although I know a few people are going to the midnight showing...)

What does everyone think?

sara

Where shall we three (or thirty) meet again?

2008-10-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Literachicks, I am probably completely out to lunch on this one, but have we selected a place to meet next week? btw-- I love your quiz results. I bet you won't guess mine, though!

Hmmm

2008-10-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

I'm the man!

2008-10-21T21:27:00.001-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

I refused to take the chick quiz cause I knew I'd be Esme...now I'm super cool and everybody knows it.

It Figures.....

2008-10-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Which Twilight Charactor are you?

2008-10-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

I'm Alice of course! "You are intelligent, outgoing & stylish. A true girly girl, you love shopping & makeovers. Although you are a generous friend, you can be coy, tricky & very persuasive in order to get your way. You are known to zone out occasionally during conversations, but your friends forgive you because you are understanding, supportive & know how to throw one heck of a party!"

Click the link to find out who you are!

Two Great Halloween Reads...

2008-10-14T18:11:00.001-07:00

For those of you done with this month's book, here are two great creepy reads for the Halloween Season.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

This is a short novella written by the author of the creepy short story "The Lottery." Shirley Jackson is a master at creepy and macabre without any gore or gross. There is also a lot of humor. This is a story about two sisters who live in an isolated family home after the death of the rest of the family. Merricat and Constance are very intriguing characters and you'll be hooked right away.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Another member of our book club asked me about this book the other day and I started thinking about what a great read it would be around Halloween time. This is actually a non-fictional account of the correlating events of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the serial killing rampage of killer H.H. Holmes in the city at the same time. The book reads like a suspense novel and I particularly loved it for the creepiness AND truthfulness of H.H. Holmes, however, there is so much history involved pertaining to the World's Fair you can't help but actually learn some stuff, too!

New Twilight Trailor!

2008-10-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the new Twilight trailor! It looks so good!! I am so sad that I won't be here to go to it with you guys:( http://www.myspace.com/trailerpark

You Must Read This Book!!

2008-10-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this was one of the best books I've read in quite awhile. I couldn't put it down. It's written entirely in the form of various letters between the characters. I didn't think I would like that, but the writing was so good and the characters so vivid that I didn't even notice. I felt like I personally knew each and every person in the book by the time I was done, it was absolutely fabulous. Check it out!

Twicon

2008-10-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Any one up for trip to Dallas?

www.Twicon.org

The 13th Tale

2008-09-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

This book seemed to be on the best seller list for so long I figured it was finally time to give it a read. It's a great little mystery that takes you in a new direction. It's characters are intriguing and you really become absorbed into their little world. It starts off a bit slow and a little confusing, but soon you can help but love the narrator and the woman she is interviewing during the book. I really give this one a thumbs up!

Friday Night Knitting Club

2008-09-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

I LOVED this book!

Now I want to learn how to knit, open a knitting store and start a club of my own.

Dare I say... this might even be my favorite book right now...

Midnight Sun Sadness

2008-08-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's too sad to blog about.

Check out the awfulness that has occurred in Stephenie Meyer Twilight World.

Let us mourn the presumed death of the complete Twilight Edward account...

Vote For Me!!

2008-08-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies,

My first entry into the Iron Cupcake Competition is a smashing success (just ask the few girls in the bookclub who got to taste it!) Now I need your help, check out the link below and cast your vote! Hopefully it will be for me, but there a LOT of great cupcakes in the running! Spread the word, too! The more interest the more votes and the more interesting it will be!

http://mkecupcakequeen.blogspot.com/

To check out my entry on my blog, click on the link below

Vanessa's Iron Cupcake: Chili

Got any good books?

2008-08-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm getting ready for our trip this Sunday, and need to take a handful of good reads with me. Has anyone read anything worth reading that I can borrow or recommend?
-Lani, I finished your Breaking Dawn book and brought it to church, but didn't see you. Let me know when I can drop it by.
Sara

Edward Cupcakes, Anyone?

2008-08-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, after our online poll and some informal verbal polling, I think that Vanessa's cupcakes(or the lack of Pope's head) have won everyone over. We will have Book Club the last Tuesday of August at Vanessa's home. Hooray!! We will miss you, though, Sara!

Oh yeah-- did you all notice that "Twilight" is being released in NOVEMBER now!!

Buca or Vanessa's?

2008-08-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Book Club Ladies! After discussing our August Book Club venue with a few people, a thought came out that it might be fun (and more suitable for discussion) to have our August "Breaking Dawn" meeting at Vanessa's, rather than at Buca. I love, love Buca, BUT last time it was somewhat difficult to have a group conversation AND with such a large group, the separate bill situation was a bit dicey. What do you think?

Alternatively, we could go to Buca on a night when the discussion is not so necessary and we don't have so many people, or we could have our "Breaking Dawn" meeting catered (all pitch in $10 for Pat & Oscars or similar establishment).

Vote, and we can decide next week what will be the best place for a "Breaking Dawn" break-down.

Love you ladies!!

Michele

Breaking Dawn Concert

2008-08-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I hope you are all having fun reading Breaking Dawn. For any of you done (or planning to be done) by Thursday, here's an extra special treat.

There will be a live webstream of Stephenie's Los Angeles appearance and concert at 7 pm on Thursday August 7th. Here is the link.

http://panther.iclips.net/breakingdawn

Now, this will totally and completely full of spoilers, she is discussing the entire book. So, if your not done, DON'T WATCH or it'll probably give away everything.

Enjoy!

Tonight!

2008-08-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Okay Laides, its finally here, we are LESS THAN 12 HOURS away! Are you excited? We'll be meeting tonight at the Outback Steakhouse across from the bookstore at about 9:30. From there we'll head over to Barnes and Noble. Even if your not getting a book you are absolutely more than welcome to come and hang out--in fact I'm always for the more the merrier! I'm sure a few people are up for carpooling, so check around and call me with any questions.

See you tonight! (ummmm.... did I mention we are LESS THAN 12 HOURS away! )

Liken yourself unto Bella or not!

2008-07-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a quote Kathryn and I found amusing from Twilight;

"He used to go fishing with us during the summer," Charlie prompted. That would explain why I didn't remember him. I do a good job of blocking painfully unnecessary things from my mind.

Kathryn and I caught several fish while up in the Sierras, but we would like to let our friends/leaders know that we love you even if you don't find fishing interesting or are afraid of bugs...cough, cough DeEtte.

stephenie meyer website quote

2008-07-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Check out the quote on the SM website today. The goosebumps are spreading across my arms! www.stepheniemeyer.com

Preview

2008-07-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

It was great to see everyone last night! Thanks to Julie for hosting (and for yummy enchiladas) and thanks for all the great discussion and conversation. Here's an extra thanks to Rabecca for letting us know the trailer for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is finally out. (HOORAY!) This one comes out in November. The trailer is short, but so far creepiness abounds, it looks pretty good-- I can't wait!

Here's the link to check it out. Harry Potter 6

I'll be seeing many of you this coming Friday. If you have any questions email me.

I can't come tomorrow...

2008-07-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to come to book club this month. Mostly because I actually read the book. Or listened to it rather. Then I double checked my calendar and found that I won’t be able to go - I've got some seminary teacher training or something. I’m bummed.

I really liked this book. I was just coming off of the first three Twilight books, so this one seemed a little difficult to get into. Things didn’t move very quickly. My heart wasn’t racing, I wasn’t having to take breaks just to calm myself. It was a peaceful read and flowed like a slow river.

I soon fell in love with the characters. My favorite of all of them was the dad. I loved his humility, respect, determination and his humanity. He wasn’t afraid of people or of what they thought of him. He had his family and he loved them and cared for them. He taught them things that the people around them all seemed to be lacking. He was who he was and you could like him or not, take it or leave it.

I listened to the book while I was working on a mindless project. I found myself at times stopping to listen to the story and feel the rhythm as it flowed along. I never got bored. I appreciated the author’s sense of how to describe a situation without getting wordy or leaving things out. I could picture every scene as though I were watching a movie but it wasn’t over done.

Simple but beautiful.

Official Twilight Movie Website

2008-07-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'm the last to know about this, but I found the official Twilight movie website today and didn't see it already posted here (probably missed it somewhere). Here's the address:

http://twilightthemovie.com/

There are three different teaser trailers and a comic-con reel, a photo gallery, the works!

Mark your Calendars!

2008-07-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

First off, I just want to commend Lori for crossing borders and yet still finding Edward related obsessions (although, I'm not entirely convinced she didn't spray paint the name herself...)

A lot of you have asked me about the release of Breaking Dawn and whether or not we're all going and what the whole deal is, so I went ahead and called the store today to find out the skinny.

The Breaking Dawn release party will start at 10 pm on Friday August 1st and the Barnes and Noble in Oceanside. There will be festivities of all kinds, poetry readings, games, I think there is a costume contest. I'm not sure how much of that we are all interested in... The main event, of course, is getting lined up and ready for the sale of the book at exactly 12:01 am on August 2nd. The store has informed me they will be doing wristbands for the line like the Harry Potter releases and wristbands will be available starting at 9 am on August 1st. HOWEVER, the bands will be different this time around that in you will only be able to receive one wristband per person and one band = one book. What this means is no picking up 5 wristbands for other people (like you could at the Deathly Hallows release) and also no wristband acting for you and other members of your family (once again, like at the Hallows release.)

So, you need to plan to get over to Barnes and Noble sometime during the day if possible to pick up your wristband in order to secure a place in line and not be there forever at midnight. The earlier you get your band of course, means the further you will be in the front of the line and the sooner you'll get your hands on the book.

For the evening, I haven't really planned anything for all of us as of yet. Plus I pretty much wanted everyone's input. I figured we could plan to meet up in that shopping center around 9 or 9:30, choose a place to have a bite to eat, discuss all our Breaking Dawn related theories, and then head over to the bookstore for some browsing and inevitable line standing.

So far there seems to be a pretty good group of us going and I hope more can make it! Don't forget to invite anyone you want, the more the merrier!

p.s. In honor of the release I'm posting something Twilight related on my own personal blog everyday until August 2nd. Some of these I promise you won't want to miss...

We're not the only ones obsessed with Edward

2008-07-16T21:42:00.001-07:00

Trevor and I went to Puerto Vallarta last week and I re-read Twilight and part of New Moon while I was there. My last day, we came across this 'ode to Edward' -- Mexico style.
Apparently we're not the only ones who read this book & love Edward! I hope you all appreciate this as much as I did. :) -Lori

The official countdown has begun...

2008-07-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you remember last year when Stephenie Meyer celebrated the countdown to the Eclipse release with "quotes of the day" from the book. Well, she's started it for Breaking Dawn as of today. There will be a new quote from the upcoming book everyday until August 2nd. You can find them here. http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/bd_quotes.html

Enjoy!

Arts and Crafts

2008-07-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

I know many of us last week had our other halves up at Scout Camp. Jon was up there for most of the week and came home with a little present for me he made up there.

Check it out...

Yes, that's right. It's a handmade leather bookmark with LITERACHICK embossed on it (and of course topped off with a boondoggle charm-- cuz they like make a million of them at scout camp...)

He's says were dorks, but I think he's jealous. I think he should start his own book club and name it RMR-- Real Men Read (anyone else think that's a good idea?)

In the meantime. I'm using my bookmark and LOVING this month's book.

Girls who read are hot!

2008-06-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

For pg-13 Eyes only...

I'm sure by now you've all noticed my obssesion with vintage advertising. I came across these gems today. See, girls who read are hot!!

For all you who love vintage ads like I do, check out this blog: www.pzrservices.typepad.com

Ode to Vanessa...

2008-06-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

So for my birthday this year, sweet Vanessa went to the trouble of writing a poem for me, about me and even put it on cute paper, with a cute bow and sent it in the mail...getting it to my house on my birthday! How thoughtful, right? Well, you all know that is just how great she is. So in honor of Vanessa's 30th--I, along with many of you, spent her birthday writing a poem about her. Here goes:

Vanessa is 30? It canNOT be true!
We should throw a big party!....or I guess a poem will do…

Your 20s are gone, say ‘Hello’ to new wrinkles
I mean….in those cupcakes you make better than Sprinkles

Taking great photographs is one of your skills
Consorting with vampires gives you great thrills

Heathcliffs your man--he lives in the Moors
But would he appreciate those cupcakes of s’mores?

We know ‘Joanna’ would, she’s your best friend
Although some of us think, she might be pretend

Who is this girl that we’ve never seen?
Are you certain she didn’t show up in a dream?

You faked out Jon Olson, while at BYU
But HE was the wrestler & the joke was on YOU!

We’ve seen your mom & dad, so we know you’re not fakin’
Who else would eat an apple pie with bacon?

Using your coupons, you get food pretty cheap
$1.00 for cereal is just way too steep!

You’re full of fun stories, you make everyone laugh
You like teenage novels, ask Barnes & Noble staff

Hosting great parties is another talent you possess
If you’re not on the guestlist, there’s sure to be duress

You are super creative when it comes to hair-bows
And you’re a scrapbooking queen--everyone knows!

Your T-shirts are offensive, yet pretty darn funny
Maybe you should quit your day job & sell them for money

Although Sydney & Vivie are your pride and joy
Its probably a good thing you don’t have a boy.

With dress-ups & dancing he’d probably go queer
But with Jon as the dad, he’d steer him clear.

One more thing must be mentioned, you blog like a pro
You’re full of entertainment--more than you know!

Being 30’s not so bad, its actually great
So stop all your moping & let’s celebrate! ;)

Happy Birthday Vanessa!!

(Lori, Sara, Julie, Allyn, Debbie, Michelle, Carmen, Phaedra -- all contributers)

Now, I will post the poem she wrote me on my birthday... (since I'm the birthday brat...and even though its Vanessa's birthday, we should still be thinking of me) ;)

Ode to Lori

Oh that Lori, She's so cute,

And she's super nice to boot

I'd like to hate her, but I can't

So I'll write poetry instead of rant!

She looks like Belle from Disney lore

And gets great bargains at the store.

Her music always strikes a note

From her blog you could quote.

Please don't think I'm being rude

But she's the youngest of the family brood.

Mesa's the place she grew and grew

She turned out normal (hey, who knew?!)

She studied families at the Y

Then a boy caught her eye.

His name is Trevor, he's alright

Loves to surf--day or night

She loves Savannah to no end

Scrapbooking so far is not her friend.

Recipes and book club she surely likes

But that's cuz I'm there (am I right?!)

Cold weather is her mortal foe

For her birthday its the Ellen show!

I wish her htis day the very best

Better than 364 of the rest!

Happy Birthday Lori!!

I think this should be a theme for book club one month--we should write poems about each other...I really enjoyed doing this, I hope you all get a kick out of it too! -Lori

Guess who's joined the "Forever 21 Club?!"

2008-06-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANESSA!!!!

You are a truly amazing, talented, spunky, fun, intelligent, beautiful, well read, person who is a wonderful friend, wife, mother, cook, and so much more!! I feel so privileged to know you and to call you my friend.

Hope you have a great birthday!
Sara

Toffee Brittle Crunch

2008-06-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love this stuff, and it is so easy to make! From memory, here's the recipe, I'll check it when I get home and let you know if I forgot anything.

1 sleeve saltine crackers
1 cup Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 cups Chocolate Chips

Pre-heat oven to 350. Place tin-foil over a cookie sheet.
Spread out saltine crackers on tin-foil, close together.
In a medium pan, melt Butter & Brown Sugar together. Once they are melted, cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour mixture over crackers and spread to evenly coat all crackers. Bake at 350 for 10 min. checking to make sure it doesn't burn. (Mine has never burned, but that's what the recipe says.)
Remove from oven and pour chocolate chips over toffee, they will melt. Spread to evenly coat. Add your favorite chopped nuts on top of chocolate if desired.
Cool for 30 min. (or stick cookie sheet in the freezer for 10 min.) then break into pieces. Enjoy!

Melted chocolate yummy goodness...

2008-06-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

Here is the chocolate chip calzone recipe as promised. It tastes just like the one at Claim Jumper (except I think the one at Claim Jumper does have marshmallows in it, but I'm not quite sure.)

Chocolate Chip Calzone
(Recipe from Brian Okada)

1 pizza dough
3 oz. chocolate chips
3 oz. white chocolate chips
Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate sauce

Directions
Stretch pizza dough to 10" in diameter. Place 1 oz. chocolate chips (about a handful) at the bottom of the dough and fold once. Place 1 oz. white chocolate chips down and fold again. Repeat 3 times until all the chips are used. Pinch the edges of the dough closed. Bake at 450 degrees for 7-10 minutes until golden brown. Cut into 6 pieces. Serve with ice cream and cover with chocolate sauce. Serves 2.

I also make a milk/sugar wash for the top before I bake it.

1 TBS of sugar
1 TBS milk

Mix together and brush on calzone before baking (it adds a nice sweetness and 'crust')

Enjoy!

Oh yeah, Sara-- I've decided I need that recipe of yours from last night too. I was craving it all night after I left!

I know it's not a book...

2008-06-24T21:23:00.001-07:00

I know it's not a book and I'll delete this post soon...

Jon and I need a doggy sitter and a cat feeder for a weekend in July. The cat can take care of herself, she just needs to be fed. The dog on the other hand... well, she's not as bright.

She sure is cute though... Ellie's a sweet little dog. She stays in her kennel during the day while Jon and I are at work and while we're sleeping at night. She's used to being out for a couple of hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening (after work). She hasn't had a potty accident in the house in a few weeks (we're hoping that she's officially been housebroken) but she's not really good at letting you know when she has to go. You just have to make her go outside for about 30 minutes in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. She likes it if you go outside with her, but she's capable of being outside by herself. Sometimes she "drips" when she gets really excited to see someone.

She doesn't like kids very much but only because they like to reach and grab for her and she doesn't like that. She's lost a few of her wiskers that way and is a little hesitant. She has never bitten or even snapped at anyone and certainly tolerates everyone. The Boneys used to come and take her for the day because the kids love her and she did just fine with them - including Noah (see Allyn's post). She only barks when the doorbell rings or someone knocks on the door.

We would prefer to have someone that could housesit for us too but we know that the chances are slim for that. Second choice would be to have someone take her home with them and just stop by to feed the cat once a day. Zoe is totally anti-stranger so you would probably never even see her.

It would only cost us $100 to take Ellie with us but we don't really have the funds for that. I could throw in a cheesecake though, if someone is willing to take her for us. Just let me know.

Austenland

2008-06-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,
I just finished Austenland , if anyone would like to borrow it, and it is quick read. I am interested in knowing what others thought of it. I laughed at some parts and had some of Jane's same fantasies/train of thought in my past, but overall I thought that it was o.k..

P.S. I will give the author credit in the fact that when I finished I wanted to watch the movie, or is that just my own desire to have a "Mr. Darcy" charge? Ha, Ha.

Favorite Book Lines

2008-06-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I know I'm still behind, but I'm finally getting to finish I Capture the Castle and I had to laugh out loud at "I had the most currios feeling in my solar plexus..."

That has to be one of my favorite book lines. Who would have though to use solar plexus?

What are your favorite lines from books? Why are they your favorite?