Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 58

Sunday Confessions #225

 

Hello Sunday! Welcome back to my confessions where I recap what's been happening on the blog in the last week.

Sunday Confessions #224~Weekly Menu #531 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar~Book Review: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Weekly Menu #532 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden~Recipe: Feta Spinach Chicken Patties~Book Review: Watership Down by Richard Adams~Sunday Confessions #226







Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

126/100 2023 Reading Challenge~58/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~87/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge

Well, I didn't read as much as I wanted to, but I still was able to consume a few really great books. Here's to another week of adventures. Happy reading, friends.

Book Review: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

My review of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

Title: The Old Man and the Sea

By: Ernest Hemingway

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 96

Release Date: January 1st, 1952

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:This short novel, already a modern classic, is the superbly told, tragic story of a Cuban fisherman in the Gulf Stream and the giant Marlin he kills and loses—specifically referred to in the citation accompanying the author's Nobel Prize for literature in 1954.

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:Another classic in my pocket. This one was a short read, but I really enjoyed it.
The main character is this crazy old man. Before you get on my case for calling him crazy, he calls himself crazy, so it must be true. I love his outlook on life. Because he's crazy, he doesn't care what people think of him. This is something I've been trying to live by this last year, but OMG, its so hard.
I wondered throughout the whole book if the old man was going to actually catch the fish that was taking him on a wild ride far out into the ocean, and then I wondered if he did catch that fish, was he going to be able to get back to land? All very valid questions, but worth the 96 page read to find out.
Favorite Quote:“Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.”
If you're itching for a short read about a man and a fish, this is the book for you. The ending is so fitting. I didn't know if I should cry or laugh from the sheer irony of it all.

Book Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

 My review of Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar.

Title: Counting the Cost

By: Jill Duggar

Genre: Memoir/Non-fiction

Pages: 287

Release Date: September 12th, 2023

Publisher: Gallery Books

Rating: ★★★☆☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC’s hit show 19 Kids and Counting. Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are finally ready to share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans.
Jill and Derick knew a normal life wasn’t possible for them. As a star on the popular TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting, Jill grew up in front of viewers who were fascinated by her family’s way of life. She was the responsible, second daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle’s nineteen kids; always with a baby on her hip and happy to wear the modest ankle-length dresses with throat-high necklines. She didn’t protest the strict model of patriarchy that her family followed, which declares that men are superior, that women are expected to be wives and mothers and are discouraged from attaining a higher education, and that parental authority over their children continues well into adulthood, even once they are married.
But as Jill got older, married Derick, and they embarked on their own lives, the red flags became too obvious to ignore. For as long as they could, Jill and Derick tried to be obedient family members — they weren’t willing to rock the boat. But now they’re raising a family of their own, and they’re done with the secrets. Thanks to time, tears, therapy, and blessings from God, they have the strength to share their journey. Theirs is a remarkable story of the power of the truth and is a moving example of how to find healing through honesty.

 

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Review:This book has been really hard for me to unpack. On one hand, I want to have sympathy for Jill Duggar and all the terrible manipulation and abuse she went through, but on the other hand, every time she opens her mouth, its like she didn't learn anything and is now a willing participant in her own abuse.
I do understand the teachings of the church. I grew up learning where I stood as a woman in the Christian church, and I also know how hard it is to break free from those teachings once you know better, but knowing better and actively learning to heal are two separate things.
What this book made me feel, was anger and rage and I hated that feeling. I really hated it.
Favorite Quote: “Getting out cost us, but it was worth it. It was worth it to find freedom from the guilt and the fear.”

I could only give this book 3 stars. Usually, when a book makes me feel emotions, I welcome them with open arms, but this one didn't make me feel right.

I wish all the best to Jill Duggar and her siblings and I hope they find the healing they long for.

Weekly Menu #531 And The Book Of The Week

 

Hello Monday! Welcome back to this weeks menu where I share the recipes we will be enjoying this week.

OMG, what a weird week I've had. Took last week off to reset after the year we've had and it was all but relaxing. We had a medical emergency at our house on Tuesdays. Don'ts worry, everyone is going to be ok. Thursday, the kids started getting sick. The oldest first, then the little one went down hard on Saturday. While we were dealing with that, got a call from a nearby vet that a cat that ran away years ago, has shown up in a neighboring city and I needed to come get him. I was shocked. He is healthy, really overweight and hiding under the couch, but we are glad to have him home. Where have you been for years, sir?

Since the week got away with me, I wasn't really able to get much reading done, so I'm still working on A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden and The Lotus Flower Champion by Pintip Dunn. I'm hoping with things going back to our normal schedule, my want to read will come back as well. Wish me luck.

I know you came here for the menu, so lets get to it. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Kids - Ramen and Chicken Nuggets

 

Tuesday

Garlic Butter Turkey with Cauliflower

over rice

Kids - Mac and Cheese

 

Wednesday

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Kids - Chicken with Rice

 

Thursday

Smothered Frito Bowls

Kids - Fritos and Chicken Nuggets

 

Friday

Club Sandwiches

Kids - Grilled Cheese

 

Saturday

Sriracha Bacon Breakfast Toast

Kids - Toast with Jam and Fruit

 

Sunday

Family Dinner

Spaghetti Night

Sunday Confessions #224

 

Hello Sunday! Welcome back to my blog confessions where I recap what's been happening on the blog in the last week.
I do have to confess, its been a very rough and emotionally draining week. It was supposed to be my week off of work alone to recharge and reset after this long year, but lets just pile more emotions onto everything else. I can't tell you about it, since its not my story to tell, but just know that my family is fine and those involved are getting the help that they need. I wish them all the love and support they need to recuperate.
Lets get on with the rest of the recap.

Sunday Confessions #223~Weekly Menu #530 And The Book Of The Week~
October 2023 Wrap Up~
Book Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears~
Recipe: Cajun Chicken and Instant Pot Mac and Cheese~Book Review: The Unfortunate Side Effect of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

Weekly Menu #531 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar~Recipe: Feta Spinach Chicken Patties~Book Review: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway~Sunday Confessions #225







Currently listening to the Morbid Podcast with Ash and Alaina. They are hilarious and have some dark and morbid stories to share. Love them. This is the only Podcast I listen to.

123/100 2023 Reading Challenge~58/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~86/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge

Take a deep breath, next week will be ok. Happy reading my friends.

Book Review: The Unfortunate Side Effect of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

 My review of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall.

Title: The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

By: Breanne Randall

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Pages: 322

Release Date: September 19th, 2023

Publisher: Alcove Press

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.
With the news of their grandmother's impending death, Sadie's estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie's world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn't sure she'll have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.
As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:This was an incredible read. Perfect for a dark and stormy night around Halloween.
The cozy feel and small town vibe really set the stage for this magical mystery. At every turn, the mention of a curse kept me intrigued and wanting more. I wasn't disappointed when the curse was finally revealed and the story became wild as magic surged through the pages.
I have to admit, I found the grandmother to be my favorite character. She was snarky and stubborn, but loving to a fault. Like a mama bear with a dark secret. Good old grandma, preventing the apocalypse daily.

Favorite Quote:

“Hold on to hope no matter the cost, because as long as there's hope, everything else is just the unfortunate side effects of heartbreak and magic.”

This book was given 5 out of 5 stars from me. I don't care how many other people were excepting Gilmore Girls and got One Tree Hill, but if you go into reading a book with expectations, you are bound to be disappointed. Knock it off. 
Loved it. Its in my top 10 for the year. Go read it!

Recipe: Cajun Chicken and Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

 

One of my favorite meals to make, and also eat, is Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese. This is my comfort food.

Anyone who knows me would tell you that my favorite food is cheese, although my taste in cheese has refined since I was young and my food tastes have broadened, its still the same.
This meal is great for larger crowds or just a few. 
Can you try different cheeses?...Of course. Even thought this recipe calls for sharp cheddar and provolone, you can definitely switch things up and add your favorite cheese, like Havarti, Colby jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick. 
The mac and cheese recipe is for an instant pot, can I make it on the stove?...Heck yes! I use my instant pot because its super easy and I don't have to watch it as much. It gives me time to focus on other tasks while dinner is cooking, but you can definitely cook the mac and cheese on the stove. Just boil the noodles and then add the rest of the ingredients after you drain the water.
The best way to cook this recipe, is to start with the chicken as it takes the longest to cook. You can cook the chicken in the instant pot as well, but you will need to clean out the hot pot before you start the mac and cheese. I like to fry the chicken on the stove while the mac and cheese is cooking.
Cajun Chicken

Course: Main Course

Servings: 4 people

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Olive oil

2 Tbs. lime juice

2 Tbs Cajun seasoning

2 Chicken breast

Salt and Pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl or large ziplock bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours to marinate.

2. Grill pan or skillet - Heat your pan on the stove on medium high heat. Add oil, and when heated add your chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

3. Air Fryer - Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Course: Main Course

Servings: 4-6 people

Time to Make: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 16oz box of your favorite pasta (I use gluten free)

4 cups water

4 Tbs butter

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Ground Mustard

1 5oz can of evaporated milk (You can substitute cream or whole milk if you need to)

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups provolone cheese

Instructions:

1. add the pasta, water, butter, salt and ground mustard to the instant pot and give it a quick mix.

2. Lock the instant pot lid, close the steam valve and set the time for 4 minutes.

3. When the 4 minutes are up, quick release the pressure carefully by opening the steam valve.

4. When all the pressure is released, add the evaporated milk and half the cheese, stirring well to melt the cheese.

5. Add more cheese and stir until melted. Season to taste and serve.

Book Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

 

Title: The Woman in Me

By: Britney Spears

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 288

Release Date: October 24th, 2023

Publisher:

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.
In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:There is a lot of devastating info that is revealed in this book. Whether or not any of its true, that is not for me to say, but a lot of questions are answered about how Britney Spears fell into such a dark place and why she did some of the crazy things she did.At one point, Spears talked about why she shaved her head. We all saw it and thought she lost her mind at the time, and the truth is, she did. Her life was falling apart, her ex-husband was ripping her children from her arms and the world was watching her closely, scrutinizing everything little detail of her life. As a mother myself, I don't know if I would have reacted any different. The one thing that was holding her together was her children. The agony of that loss must have been extraordinary. 
I found the book itself to be well written and entertaining. It brings light to a lot of questions we've had over the years and paints a very powerful and painful picture of the manipulation and mistreatment of Spears. 

Favorite Quote:

“Thirteen years went by with me feeling like a shadow of myself. I think back now on my father and his associates having control over my body and my money for that long and it makes me feel sick."
I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely a good read for anyone who has followed Britney through her life and need answers to some of the crazy things that happened. 

October 2023 Wrap Up

 

Friends! Its November, my favorite month of the year. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling and I'm preparing to celebrate Yule and Christmas with family and friends. I don't think all this partying will slow down my reading momentum, but I guess we will see.
Lets recap all the books we read in October.

The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.
Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

Oliver Twist
Charles Dickens
A gripping portrayal of London's dark criminal underbelly, published in Penguin Classics with an introduction by Philip Horne.
The story of Oliver Twist - orphaned, and set upon by evil and adversity from his first breath - shocked readers when it was published. After running away from the workhouse and pompous beadle Mr Bumble, Oliver finds himself lured into a den of thieves peopled by vivid and memorable characters - the Artful Dodger, vicious burglar Bill Sikes, his dog Bull's Eye, and prostitute Nancy, all watched over by cunning master-thief Fagin. Combining elements of Gothic Romance, the Newgate Novel and popular melodrama, Dickens created an entirely new kind of fiction, scathing in its indictment of a cruel society, and pervaded by an unforgettable sense of threat and mystery.
This Penguin Classics edition of Oliver Twist is the first critical edition to faithfully reproduce the text as its earliest readers would have encountered it from its serialisation in Bentley's Miscellany, and includes an introduction by Philip Horne, a glossary of Victorian thieves' slang, a chronology of Dickens's life, a map of contemporary London and all of George Cruikshank's original illustrations.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures, an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.
Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
Breanne Randall
For fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is a debut novel that explores the shields we build around our hearts to retain our own magic.
Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.
With the news of their grandmother's impending death, Sadie's estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie's world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn't sure she'll have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.
As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
V.E. Schwab

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.







123/100 2023 Reading Challenge~58/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~86/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge

16 books down in October. Not to shabby if I say so myself. There are a few books I've been looking forward to reading this month, but you will see them later on the blog.
Happy reading!

Weekly Menu #530 And The Book Of The Week

Hello, November! The end of this year has snuck up on me again and all I can do is sit back and let it happen. It has been such a hard, but healing year for all of us at the hovel. We are learning to set boundaries for our traumas, deep dive into the way our minds work so we can better understand ourselves, and for me most of all, learn to love our bodies and the wonderful things they do for us. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has instore for us.
This weeks read is The Lotus Flower Champion by Pintip Dunn and Love Dunn. I've read books by this author before, so I'm excited to see what's instore for me in-between these covers.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Fetta and Chicken Patties

Kids - Chicken Nuggets and Salad

 

Tuesday

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Kids - Grilled Cheese

 

Wednesday

Bratwurst and Peppers

Kids - Bird Dogs

 

Thursday

Pesto Chicken Pizza

Kids - Cheese Pizza

 

Friday

Dorito Salad

Kids - Cheese Quesadillas

 

Saturday

Crispy Chicken and Creamy Noodles

Kids - Mac and Cheese and Chicken

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night