What I’m Reading Right Now 01.09.19

Published on January 9, 2019 by TracieLeave a comment

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Here you will find all of the books that I’m reading and other books that I have read in the past. You’ve come to the right place to find out about books!

SignMission Book Lover Street Sign | Indoor/Outdoor | Funny Home Decor for Garages, Living Rooms, Bedroom, Offices Personalized Gift

In case you’ve noticed, I LOVE this sign. I think I need it. I don’t know where I’d put it, but I want it. That’s why I’m just going to leave it right here for a while. So I can figure out where I can put it in my house. Or maybe my car. Somewhere.

Of Blood and Bone

by Nora Roberts

Look what my library called me about yesterday!! I am so excited and torn at the same time. I’m still reading The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, which is EXCELLENT by the way. My reading time is very finite these days, which just boggles my mind. I assumed, wrongly, that the older my kids got the more reading time I would have.

It turns out that all of the intent listening I did from the time they could talk to me about My Little Pony, Batman, Barbie, and the Power Rangers, caused them to actually want to talk to me now about other, just as important to them, things. It is so, so worth it, but it does cut into my reading time.

Sleep or reading? Reading or sleep? Actually, my brain usually decides that sleep is more important, which I discover by being violently awakened by my current book crashing into my face. All of that to say, I can’t wait to dive into this book!

The Backyard Orchardist

by Stella Otto

Still haven’t replaced this one yet.

I picked this book up to be my new purse book. My dream is to have multiple fruit trees, berry bushes, and a lovely garden every summer. I can dream, right?

Weight Watchers One Pot Cookbook

by Weight Watchers

I’m not into Weight Watchers, but this book is just too pretty to pass up. The recipes look amazing too. The fact that they have fewer calories is a great bonus.

Rustic Beef Short Ribs with Mustard Sauce. That sounds amazing.

Irish Stew with Potatoes, Pearl Onions & Carrots. Yum. I am definitely going to try this one.

Chinese Roast Pork & Green Beans. I have a pork roast in my freezer and this recipe is calling its name…..

I am always reading from my giant pile of magazines.

If you want to start your own magazine pile, all the ones below are on sale right now for $5.00! I love them, I’m sure you will too!

The New Yorker Rachael Ray Every Day Family Circle Condé Nast Traveler

Bon Appétit Magazine Midwest Living Parents Birds and Blooms

That’s all I’ve got for now. What have you been reading? I’m always looking for a new book!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

Books I Read in 2018:

Novels:

The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

You by Caroline Kepnes

Look Alive Twenty Five by Janet Evanovich

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Leverage in Death by J. D. Robb

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fever Series by by Karen Marie Moning

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb

The Paradise War Song of Albion ~ Book 1 by Stephen R. Lawhead

Artemis by Andy Weir

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich

Cookbooks:

Bacon Nation by Peter Kaminsky

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

Off the Eaten Path by Morgan Murphy

Platters and Boards by Shelly Westerhausen

Whole 30 by Melissa Harwig

Skinnytaste One and Done by Gina Homolka

Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet by Padma Lakshmi

Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook

Favorite Brand Name Vegetarian Cooking

Barefoot Contessa Family Style by Ina Garten

The Easy Asian Cookbook for Slow Cookers by Nancy Cho

Soups, Starters and Salads by Felicity Forster

Mediterranean Paleo Cooking by Caitlin Weeks NC and Chef Nabil Boumrar

Giada’s Italy by Giada De Laurentiis

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

Cooking Light Pasta Tonight

pretty delicious by Candice Kumai

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook! by Liz Vaccariello

The Pioneer Woman Cooks Come and Get It! by Ree Drummond

CRAVE! by Cooking Light

Non-Fiction:

The Backyard Orchardist by Stella Otto

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

I Am Spock by Leonard Nimoy

Be Thrifty…not cheap!

Adrift by Tami Oldham Ashcraft

Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley – The FlyLady

Finish by Jon Acuff

The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup

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Adoptable Love. Providence, RI

Published on January 4, 2019 by TracieLeave a comment

If you like this post, please share it!

All photos of these sweet animals are via Petfinder.com

Studies show that people who have pets live longer. Adopt a pet and live longer today!

There are A LOT of fur babies that are awaiting adoption in Providence, RI. Here are just a few of them. Click on the photo to find out more about these sweet animals.

If you can’t adopt a pet today, think about donating items to your local shelter. There is always a need for something. Here are some items, all under $25.00 that your shelter might enjoy.

If you can’t afford to gift them with things, donate your time. Our shelter always welcomes people to walk, groom or just sit and talk with the animals.

Didn’t see what you’re looking for? Click here for all of the animals up for adoption in Montpelier today. You’re not from Montpelier? Just type in your zip code on the Petfinder.com website and you’ll be taken to a page with all of the animals up for adoption in your area.

I hope you find your new companion today!!

You can find all of the other adoptable love stories I have posted in the past here.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

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Adoptable Love. Montpelier, VT

Published on December 27, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

If you like this post, please share it!

All photos of these sweet animals are via Petfinder.com

Studies show that people who have pets live longer. Adopt a pet and live longer today!

There are A LOT of fur babies that are awaiting adoption in Montpelier, VT. Here are just a few of them. Click on the photo to find out more about these sweet animals.

If you can’t adopt a pet today, think about donating items to your local shelter. There is always a need for something. Here are some items, all under $25.00 that your shelter might enjoy.

If you can’t afford to gift them with things, donate your time. Our shelter always welcomes people to walk, groom or just sit and talk with the animals.

I hope you find your new companion today!!

You can find all of the other adoptable love stories I have posted in the past here.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

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What I’m Reading Right Now 12.26.18

Published on December 27, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

If you like this post, please share it. Thank you!

Here you will find all of the books that I’m reading and other books that I have read in the past. You’ve come to the right place to find out about books!

The Bone Clocks

by David Mitchell

This is another suggested read from Hayden. I’m about 30 pages into it so far and it’s slightly……disturbing. As usual, I’ve gone into this book completely blind. Hayden never reads the front flap, or the back cover of a book. He doesn’t want anything to sway him one way or the other. Have you ever done this? It’s a very disconcerting thing in my opinion. Have you read this book? Do you always read the summary of a book before you read the book itself? These are the things that I need to know.

The Backyard Orchardist

by Stella Otto

I picked this book up to be my new purse book. My dream is to have multiple fruit trees, berry bushes, and a lovely garden every summer. I can dream, right?

Bacon Nation

by Peter Kaminsky

I picked this up at my library, just because of the title. Holy moly. You need this book! Just to stare at the photos, if for no other reason. Yum.

Caramel sauce with bacon and pecans? Yes, please.

Apple and bacon brussels sprouts? Oh man. You should definitely check this one out!

I am always reading from my giant pile of magazines.

If you want to start your own magazine pile, all the ones below are on sale right now for $5.00! I love them, I’m sure you will too!

Parents Reader's Digest Condé Nast Traveler Birds and Blooms

EatingWell Family Handyman Family Circle Martha Stewart Living

That’s all I’ve got for now. What have you been reading? I’m always looking for a new book!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

Books I’ve Read This Year So Far:

Novels:

You by Caroline Kepnes

Look Alive Twenty Five by Janet Evanovich

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Leverage in Death by J. D. Robb

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fever Series by by Karen Marie Moning

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb

The Paradise War Song of Albion ~ Book 1 by Stephen R. Lawhead

Artemis by Andy Weir

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich

Cookbooks:

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

Off the Eaten Path by Morgan Murphy

Platters and Boards by Shelly Westerhausen

Whole 30 by Melissa Harwig

Skinnytaste One and Done by Gina Homolka

Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet by Padma Lakshmi

Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook

Favorite Brand Name Vegetarian Cooking

Barefoot Contessa Family Style by Ina Garten

The Easy Asian Cookbook for Slow Cookers by Nancy Cho

Soups, Starters and Salads by Felicity Forster

Mediterranean Paleo Cooking by Caitlin Weeks NC and Chef Nabil Boumrar

Giada’s Italy by Giada De Laurentiis

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

Cooking Light Pasta Tonight

pretty delicious by Candice Kumai

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook! by Liz Vaccariello

The Pioneer Woman Cooks Come and Get It! by Ree Drummond

CRAVE! by Cooking Light

Non-Fiction:

The Backyard Orchardist by Stella Otto

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

I Am Spock by Leonard Nimoy

Be Thrifty…not cheap!

Adrift by Tami Oldham Ashcraft

Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley – The FlyLady

Finish by Jon Acuff

The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup

Save

SaveSave

Save

What I’m Reading Right Now 12.19.18

Published on December 19, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

If you like this post, please share it. Thank you!

Here you will find all of the books that I’m reading and other books that I have read in the past. You’ve come to the right place to find out about books!

You

by Caroline Kepnes

I picked this up at my local library today. This book came highly recommended to me from several different friends, and I can’t wait get started. Did you know that they have also turned this into a series? Have you read the book? Did you watch the series? These are the things that occupy my mind…..

The Backyard Orchardist

by Stella Otto

I picked this book up to be my new purse book. My dream is to have multiple fruit trees, berry bushes, and a lovely garden every summer. I can dream, right?

Whiskey in a Teacup

by Reese Witherspoon

I picked this up when we were in a bookstore in California. It’s my favorite type of cookbook – part biography, part story, part recipes, and all lovely.

(This book was also part of Amazon’s Most Anticipated Books for the Fall of 2018)

I truly would love to sit and chat with this woman. She seems like she would be an awesome person to be friends with.

I can’t wait to try my hand at her version of these cheddar biscuits.

You should definitely check this one out!

I am always reading from my giant pile of magazines.

If you want to start your own magazine pile, all the ones below are on sale right now for $5.00! I love them, I’m sure you will too!

Bon Appetit The New Yorker Condé Nast Traveler Birds and Blooms

Reader's Digest Wired Reminisce Family Handyman

That’s all I’ve got for now. What have you been reading? I’m always looking for a new book!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

Books I’ve Read This Year So Far:

Novels:

Look Alive Twenty Five by Janet Evanovich

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Leverage in Death by J. D. Robb

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fever Series by by Karen Marie Moning

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb

The Paradise War Song of Albion ~ Book 1 by Stephen R. Lawhead

Artemis by Andy Weir

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich

Cookbooks:

Off the Eaten Path by Morgan Murphy

Platters and Boards by Shelly Westerhausen

Whole 30 by Melissa Harwig

Skinnytaste One and Done by Gina Homolka

Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet by Padma Lakshmi

Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook

Favorite Brand Name Vegetarian Cooking

Barefoot Contessa Family Style by Ina Garten

The Easy Asian Cookbook for Slow Cookers by Nancy Cho

Soups, Starters and Salads by Felicity Forster

Mediterranean Paleo Cooking by Caitlin Weeks NC and Chef Nabil Boumrar

Giada’s Italy by Giada De Laurentiis

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

Cooking Light Pasta Tonight

pretty delicious by Candice Kumai

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook! by Liz Vaccariello

The Pioneer Woman Cooks Come and Get It! by Ree Drummond

CRAVE! by Cooking Light

Non-Fiction:

The Backyard Orchardist by Stella Otto

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

I Am Spock by Leonard Nimoy

Be Thrifty…not cheap!

Adrift by Tami Oldham Ashcraft

Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley – The FlyLady

Finish by Jon Acuff

The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup

Save

SaveSave

Save

Adoptable Love. Bismarck, ND

Published on December 13, 2018December 13, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

If you like this post, please share it!

All photos of these sweet animals are via Petfinder.com

Studies show that people who have pets live longer. Adopt a pet and live longer today!

There are A LOT of fur babies that are awaiting adoption in Bismarck, ND. Here are just a few of them. Click on the photo to find out more about these sweet animals.

If you can’t adopt a pet today, think about donating items to your local shelter. There is always a need for something. Here are some items, all under $25.00 that your shelter might enjoy.

If you can’t afford to gift them with things, donate your time. Our shelter always welcomes people to walk, groom or just sit and talk with the animals.

Didn’t see what you’re looking for? Click here for all of the animals up for adoption in Bismarck today. You’re not from Bismarck? Just type in your zip code on the Petfinder.com website and you’ll be taken to a page with all of the animals up for adoption in your area.

I hope you find your new companion today!!

You can find all of the other adoptable love stories I have posted in the past here.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

Save

What I’m Reading Right Now 12.08.18

Published on December 12, 2018December 9, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

If you like this post, please share it. Thank you!

Here you will find all of the books that I’m reading and other books that I have read in the past. You’ve come to the right place to find out about books!

Look Alive Twenty Five

by Janet Evanovich

When I stepped onto the plane over two weeks ago, I got a notification from my library telling me that this book was available for me. Arggggg! I had to completely block it out of my mind until we came home, otherwise it would have driven me crazy. I just started it, have you read it yet?

The Backyard Orchardist

by Stella Otto

I picked this book up to be my new purse book. My dream is to have multiple fruit trees, berry bushes, and a lovely garden every summer. I can dream, right?

Off the Eaten Path

by Morgan Murphy

I couldn’t resist picking this book up. I love Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and this looks like the same premise. Some of these recipes look amazing.

I absolutely love hash browns and these look yummy!

I also absolutely hate bananas, unless they are baked into something – like pie!

Jalapeno hush puppies! I can’t wait to try these.

You should definitely check this one out too.

I am always reading from my giant pile of magazines.

If you want to start your own magazine pile, all the ones below are on sale right now for $5.00! I love them, I’m sure you will too!

The New Yorker Bon Appetit Parents Condé Nast Traveler

Reader's Digest Family Circle Wired EatingWell

That’s all I’ve got for now. What have you been reading? I’m always looking for a new book!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

Books I’ve Read This Year So Far:

Novels:

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Leverage in Death by J. D. Robb

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fever Series by by Karen Marie Moning

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb

The Paradise War Song of Albion ~ Book 1 by Stephen R. Lawhead

Artemis by Andy Weir

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich

Cookbooks:

Platters and Boards by Shelly Westerhausen

Whole 30 by Melissa Harwig

Skinnytaste One and Done by Gina Homolka

Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet by Padma Lakshmi

Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook

Favorite Brand Name Vegetarian Cooking

Barefoot Contessa Family Style by Ina Garten

The Easy Asian Cookbook for Slow Cookers by Nancy Cho

Soups, Starters and Salads by Felicity Forster

Mediterranean Paleo Cooking by Caitlin Weeks NC and Chef Nabil Boumrar

Giada’s Italy by Giada De Laurentiis

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

Cooking Light Pasta Tonight

pretty delicious by Candice Kumai

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook! by Liz Vaccariello

The Pioneer Woman Cooks Come and Get It! by Ree Drummond

CRAVE! by Cooking Light

Non-Fiction:

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

I Am Spock by Leonard Nimoy

Be Thrifty…not cheap!

Adrift by Tami Oldham Ashcraft

Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley – The FlyLady

Finish by Jon Acuff

The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup

Save

SaveSave

Save

$5 off any $20 Book Purchase from Amazon!

Published on December 11, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

I look forward to this deal every year!

When you use coupon code GIFTBOOK18 at checkout, you can get $5 off any $20 printed book purchase on Amazon.

This is only valid on print books which are shipped and sold by Amazon. It also excludes eBooks and Audiobooks, Book Rentals, and Amazon Gift Cards. This coupon code is valid through December 21, 2018.

Need a place to start?

The Best Books of 2018

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

How to Save $$$ on Souvenirs

Published on December 9, 2018 by TracieLeave a comment

I love traveling and seeing new places. I also love saving money so that I can pay for those experiences.

Now, before you start feeling sorry for all of the souvenir shops that we avoid, rest assured we did not avoid them all. We dropped about $100.00 on two hats, and a toboggan in just one store. When you see something you truly like and know that you’ll probably never find another one of, BUY it. It’s the little things in life that make my family happy.

Of course, my best source for souvenirs is thrift stores. Especially the thrift stores in a tourist town. I found all of the shirts you’ll see down below in ONE store. I think there were at least twelve thrift stores in one of the many beach towns we stopped in, but even I don’t want to spend my entire vacation thrift shopping. There are waves to stare at. Safely from the sand.

As always, if you can’t wait to find one of these beauties at your own thrift store, click on the photo to be taken to that item. Let’s see what we found!

Denton was very pleased when I came home with this one. $2.49

Venice Beach. It was a lovely beach. Very different, but still a cool place to visit. $1.25

I bought this one just so we would have a fun reminder of one of the most expensive meals we ate in California, in the pouring rain. $1.25

The rest of the shirts don’t have anything to do with any of the places that we visited. But, that doesn’t matter to anyone in my family. We buy things that we like, that will still evoke a memory of that time and place. And it will be a lovely thing.

One of Liv’s picks. She loves anything to do with Canada and this will double as a dress for her, lol. $2.49Denton was very happy with this find. $4.49

I love this burnout material. It is so soft and comfy. Have you seen Stranger Things yet? You should as soon as possible. $2.49

I bought this shirt for me. When I whipped it out and showed it to my family and said “Isn’t that funny”, they all looked at me blank-faced. I said read it, and they all said, it says Karma. No, no, no. In tiny gold lettering, it also says, “Dear Karma, I Have a List of People You Missed.” It feels like a cloud. $3.49

I had no idea what this brand was, but Liv yanked it off the rack immediately. Not because of the brand, but because she loves their logo. Yes, I do live under a rock. Apparently, Obey is a great brand. $4.49

I think that’s it. If I unearth anything else we picked up souvenir-wise I’ll add it to the list. I also wanted to point out that you don’t have to wait until you get to your destination to pick up great deals either.

On one of the trips that we took the kids to Disney, I stocked up for six months before we left on t-shirts, stuffed animals and other souvenir goodies and then, once we were there brought out the new-to-them treasure’s. Stuff is stuff, but the memories you make together will last throughout a lifetime.

Think of it this way. I paid less than $25.00 for everything you see here. ONE of the hats we bought at Pismo Beach cost more than all of this. It’s an awesome hat, and I know that everything we bought there will be loved and worn for a long time. But every dollar you save is another dollar towards a flight, an uber, a week-long subway ticket, etc. It all adds up.

What’s your favorite souvenir from a vacation? One of mine is a three-sided leather and brass barometer that I paid $3.00 for in Williamsburg, VA. We were taking a break from the exhausting fun we were having at Busch Gardens and stumbled onto this awesome little thrift store. The barometer was made in West Germany. I love it and I keep it on my desk as a reminder of all the fun we had that week.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Check out what that means to you here.

What I’m Reading Right Now 11.22.18

Published on November 22, 2018 by Tracie1 Comment

If you like this post, please share it. Thank you!

Womens Read More Books - T-Shirt for Book Lovers XL Red

Big Stone Gap

by Adriana Trigiani

I started this book yesterday. I can’t believe that I haven’t read it yet. It was published for the first time in April 2000. They also made a movie about it. There are not enough hours in my day for all the books. Have you read it? Or seen the movie? Inquiring minds want to know.

The Warmth of Other Suns

by Isabel Wilkerson

I just picked this book up. I can’t wait to dive into it. Have you read it?

Platters and Boards

by Shelly Westerhausen

Another library find. This is another gorgeous cookbook.

I can’t wait to try some of these recipes!

You should definitely check this one out too.

I am always reading from my giant pile of magazines. I just discovered that my local library would like them when I am finished with them. My librarian said that if it isn’t something they normally carry, they can put them out for people to check out, without adding that cost to the coffers. I never even thought of that, so check with your local library if you discard your magazines like I do. I normally send all of mine to the Salvation Army, but this way even more people will get use out of them!

If you want to start your own magazine pile, all the ones below are on sale right now for $5.00! I love them, I’m sure you will too!

The New Yorker Allrecipes Martha Stewart Living Family Handyman