Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 72
May 8, 2023
Weekly Menu #505 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday!First off, I should say happy birthday weekend to my husband. I hope you had a lot of fun with all the festivities that were planned and you got some much needed rest. Love you!
This weeks read is The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin. The premise behind this book sounds absolutely mind blowing and I'm really curious as to how it plays out. Can't wait to start reading.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Chicken and Biscuits
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Thursday
Rosemary Lemon Chicken Patties
Kids - Grilled Cheese
Friday
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Sunday
Leftovers Night
May 7, 2023
Sunday Confessions #198
Hello Sunday!
Our driveway is finally done and my husband was able to move the truck from the front of the house to the back. I now have front lawn void of automobiles. Glorious! Now the real work begins.
Lets recap the week.
Sunday Confessions #197~
Weekly Menu #504 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky~April 2023 Wrap Up~
How to Hug a Porcupine by Debbie Joffe Ellis
Weekly Menu #505 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose~Book Review: The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gillman~Sunday Confessions #199
Love these three recipes. Chicken Meatball Petas, Pork Milanese and Balsamic Steak with Roasted Corn. Delicious! Recipes are on last week menu Weekly Menu #504 And The Book Of The Week.
I finished The Last of us, loved it!
Jury Duty's finally was a bit of a letdown. Although the guy really deserved the money he won, his reaction was lackluster and not worth the leadup.
Started The Patient and wow, creepy. Can't wait to see what happens.
38/100 2023 Reading Challenge~51/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~58/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~58/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Well, another wonderful week. Happy reading my friends!
May 5, 2023
How to Hug a Porcupine by Debbie Joffe Ellis
Title: How to Hug a Porcupine
By: Debbie Joffe Ellis
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 160
Release Date: February 24th, 2009
Publisher: Hatherleigh Press
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:How to Love the Difficult People in Your Life
Most of us know someone who, for whatever reason, always seems to cause problems, irritate others, or incite conflict. Often, these people are a part of our daily lives. The truth is that these trouble makers haven’t necessarily asked to be this way.
Sometimes we need to learn new approaches to deal with people who are harder to get along with or love.
How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love Difficult People in Your Life , explains that making peace with others isn’t as tough or terrible as we think it is–especially when you can use an adorable animal analogy and apply it to real-life problems.
How to Hug a Porcupine provides tips for calming the quills of parents, children, siblings, strangers, and other prickly people you may encounter. Among other tips, How to Hug a Porcupine includes:*Three easy ways to end an argument*How to spot the porcupine in others*How to spot the porcupine in ourselves
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Review:I know this week is a bit self-help heavy, but this is another great book that I wanted to share.I birthed a porcupine. Its kind of funny to say it like that, but its true. Each of my children are so extraordinarily different. One's a soft spoken introvert, another is a wild, rambunctious ball of energy and the youngest is dark and brooding. A self proclaimed vampire... And my porcupine.
The way this book spoke about how to maneuver around the toxic attitudes and focus more on positive words has really helped shape the way I speak with my son. Before I put some of the suggestions into practice, mornings were hard and full of frustration, but now, more often than not he wakes up with a smile on his face.
Favorite Quote:
"Calm with Care. Openness trumps defensiveness. Care beats mistrust. Attention cures fear."
This book received a 5 out of 5 stars from me. The way it was written and presented was easy to read and interesting. I loved it from start to finish.
If you have a porcupine in your life, wither or not its a child, parent or coworker, there are ways to help you deal with their prickliness.
May 4, 2023
April 2023 Wrap Up
Did you know its already May?
One of my favorite months, not just because of the "It's Gonna Be May" memes, but two of my favorite people are having birthdays.
April, though was also a great month. No one hurt themselves, so that was a plus. My middle son is doing much better after his brain injury and things are seeming to get back to normal. My reading has even picked up. So, lets recap the last month on the blog.
You Shouldn't Have Come HereJeneva Rose
Grace Evans, an overworked New Yorker looking for a total escape from her busy life, books an Airbnb on a ranch in the middle of Wyoming. When she arrives, she's pleasantly surprised to find that the owner is a handsome man by the name of Calvin Wells. But there are things Grace discovers that she's not too pleased about: A lack of cell phone service. A missing woman. And a feeling that something isn't right with the town.
Despite her uneasiness and misgivings from Calvin's friends and family, the two grow close and start to fall for one another. However, as her departure date nears, things between them start to change for the worse. Grace grows wary of Calvin as his infatuation for her seems to turn into obsession. Calvin fears that Grace is hiding something from him.
Told from dual points of view, You Shouldn't Have Come Here is a thrill ride and a cautionary tale of what can go wrong when you open up your house and your heart to a total stranger.
Thief Liar LadyD.L. Soria
"Happily Ever After" is a total scam, but at least this time the princess is the one controlling the grift--until her true love arrives and threatens to ruin the whole scheme. Intrigue, magic, and wit abound in this Cinderella fairytale reimagining, perfect for fans of Heather Walter and Naomi Novik.
I'm not who you think I am.
My transformation from a poor, orphaned scullery maid into the enchantingly mysterious lady who snagged the heart of the prince did not happen--as the rumors insisted--in a magical metamorphosis of pumpkins and glass slippers. On the first evening of the ball, I didn't meekly help my "evil" stepmother and stepsisters primp and preen or watch forlornly out the window as their carriage rolled off toward the palace. I had other preparations to make.
My stepsisters and I had been trained for this--to be the cleverest in the room, to be quick with our hands and quicker with our lies. We were taught how to get everything we want in this world, everything men always kept for themselves: power, wealth, and prestige. And with a touchingly tragic past and the help of some highly illegal spells, I would become a princess, secure our fortunes, and we would all live happily ever after.
But there's always more to the story. With my magic running out, war looming, and a handsome hostage prince--the wrong prince--distracting me from my true purpose with his magnetic charm and forbidden flirtations, I'm in danger of losing control of the delicate balance I've created...and that could prove fatal.
There's so much more riding on this than a crown.
The Yellow Wall-PaperCharlotte Perkins Gilman
Diagnosed by her physician husband with a “temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency” after the birth of her child, a woman is urged to rest for the summer in an old colonial mansion. Forbidden from doing work of any kind, she spends her days in the house’s former nursery, with its barred windows, scratched floor, and peeling yellow wallpaper.
In a private journal, the woman records her growing obsession with the “horrid” wallpaper. Its strange pattern mutates in the moonlight, revealing what appears to be a human figure in the design. With nothing else to occupy her mind, the woman resolves to unlock the mystery of the wallpaper. Her quest, however, leads not to the truth, but into the darkest depths of madness.
A condemnation of the patriarchy, The Yellow Wallpaper explores with terrifying economy the oppression, grave misunderstanding, and willful dismissal of women in late nineteenth-century society.
First published in January 1892 in The New England Magazine.
Excerpt:Out of another I get a lovely view of the bay and a little private wharf belonging to the estate. There is a beautiful shaded lane that runs down there from the house. I always fancy I see people walking in these numerous paths and arbors, but John has cautioned me not to give way to fancy in the least. He says that with my imaginative power and habit of story-making a nervous weakness like mine is sure to lead to all manner of excited fancies, and that I ought to use my will and good sense to check the tendency. So I try.
38/100 2023 Reading Challenge~51/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~58/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~58/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Its been a wonderful month. I feel like I'm in a great reading rhythm and hope to keep it up for May. Happy reading my friends.
May 3, 2023
Book Review: Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky
Title: Find Your Unicorn Space
By: Eve Rodsky
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 336
Release Date: December 28th, 2021
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:From the New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play comes an inspirational guide for setting new personal goals, rediscovering your interests, cultivating creativity, and reclaiming your Unicorn Space.
With her acclaimed New York Times bestseller (and Reese's Book Club pick) Fair Play, Eve Rodsky began a national conversation about greater equality on the home front. But she soon realized that even when the domestic workload becomes more balanced, people still report something missing in their lives--that is, unless they create and prioritize time for activities that not only fill their calendars but also unleash their creativity.
Rodsky calls this vital time Unicorn Space--the active and open pursuit of creative self-expression in any form that makes you uniquely YOU. To help readers embrace all the unlikely, surprising, and delightful places where their own Unicorn Space may be found, she speaks with trail blazers, thought leaders, academics, and countless real people who have discovered theirs everywhere--from activism to artistic endeavors to second careers.
Rodsky reveals what researchers already know: Creativity is not optional. It's essential. Though most of us do need to remind ourselves how (and where) to find it. With her trademark mix of research based, how-to advice and big-picture inspirational thinking, Rodsky shows you a clear path to reclaim your permission to have fun, manifest your own Unicorn Space in an already too-busy life, and unleash your special gifts and undiscovered talents into the world.
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Review:I read self-help books every so often to keep in the mindset of taking care of myself, an important task that I've finally learned. Everyone needs a few tips and tricks in their back pocket, and I've found this book to be full of just that.
Rodsky talks about the creative space and its impact on our mindset and daily lives. Creativity is not optional. It drives our thoughts and helps propel us through the day, even when we aren't aware of it. The suggestions by the author in this book help you give yourself permission to be creative and not look on it as child's play.
Favorite Quote:
"Make the pursuit of an authentic life story your living legacy."
I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 since it was a great read. I wouldn't put it on my favorites list, but definitely one that I can pull info from to put in my back pocket.
Finding Your Unicorn Space has reminded me that my creativity from my childhood isn't dead and should be a part of my everyday life.
May 1, 2023
Weekly Menu #504 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday!Well, today my middle son has an MRI to see if the blood clot in his brain has taken care of itself. Cross your fingers it has, otherwise we might have to take more drastic measures. Ugh...
This weeks read is You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and not because I'm obsessed with her books, but because of her feud with a man named Scott. He's an anti fan. Very vocal about it. I'm here for it. Rose's writing is great as well from what I've experienced.
Lets get to this week menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Tuesday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Wednesday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Thursday
Kids - Grilled Cheese
Friday
Kids - Chicken and Fruit Salad
Saturday
Kids - English Muffin Pizzas
Sunday
Family Dinner
April 30, 2023
Sunday Confessions #197
Hello Sunday!
I just enjoyed almost an entire week of glorious sunshine. Our driveway was poured and we rescued a cute little kitten from inside a will of an abandoned apartment. It couldn't have been a better week.
Lets recap!
Sunday Confessions #196~Weekly Menu #503 And The Book Of The Week~
Book Review: Thief Liar Lady by D.L. Soria~Book Review: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Weekly Menu #504 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky~
How to Hug a Porcupine by June Eding~Sunday Confessions #198
Pulled together a new recipe last night with what I had left in the pantry before grocery shopping. Delicious. This one is by Alice at Skinny Spatula. Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon.
Its kind of like a bacon carbonara, but sub the egg with cream cheese. You have to check it out.
Picked up several new songs this week that I absolutely love.
Jericho by Iniko~Little Girl Gone by Chinchilla
Now that I'm finally caught up with 8 seasons of Chicago Med, I finished off Picard (Fangirling) and started The Last of Us (So good).
34/100 2023 Reading Challenge~51/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~58/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~58/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Another great week. Loving the sun.
April 28, 2023
Book Review: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Title: All The Bright Places
By: Jennifer Niven
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 378
Release Date: January 6th, 2015
Publisher: Knopf
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning! Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him. Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death. When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.
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Review:Another fantastic, but heartbreaking read by Jennifer Niven.This book was hard to get through with the content that it holds, but worth all the feels as it brings light to undiagnosed mental illnesses and the pain that they cause.
Theodor and Violet both share a place in my heart. They've both gone through their own trauma that has turned them against the world and placed them in a darkness that is eating away at their souls. Even though they feel like outsiders in this world, they find each other and for one brief moment, they finally feel some peace within each others arms. A peace that is short lived. Theodor's demons return, consuming him.
My favorite scene was the swimming hole, the first time. It was one of the only moments our two main characters felt joy, but also pain. They found out who each other truly were, and young love prevailed.
Favorite Quote:
I tell myself: Today. I tell myself: This is what you dreamed of when you were too scared to leave the house. This is what you dreamed of when you were lying in your bed for six months. This is what you wanted—to be out in the world like everyone else.
I gave this book 4 stars. The writing was solid and the feelings were heartbreaking and real.
This was a great read and a must to keep you centered.
April 26, 2023
Book Review: Thief Liar Lady by D.L. Soria
Title: Thief Liar Lady
By: D. L. Soria
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 416
Release Date: July 11th, 2023
Publisher: Del Rey
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:"Happily Ever After" is a total scam, but at least this time the princess is the one controlling the grift--until her true love arrives and threatens to ruin the whole scheme. Intrigue, magic, and wit abound in this Cinderella fairytale reimagining, perfect for fans of Heather Walter and Naomi Novik.
I'm not who you think I am.
My transformation from a poor, orphaned scullery maid into the enchantingly mysterious lady who snagged the heart of the prince did not happen--as the rumors insisted--in a magical metamorphosis of pumpkins and glass slippers. On the first evening of the ball, I didn't meekly help my "evil" stepmother and stepsisters primp and preen or watch forlornly out the window as their carriage rolled off toward the palace. I had other preparations to make.
My stepsisters and I had been trained for this--to be the cleverest in the room, to be quick with our hands and quicker with our lies. We were taught how to get everything we want in this world, everything men always kept for themselves: power, wealth, and prestige. And with a touchingly tragic past and the help of some highly illegal spells, I would become a princess, secure our fortunes, and we would all live happily ever after.
But there's always more to the story. With my magic running out, war looming, and a handsome hostage prince--the wrong prince--distracting me from my true purpose with his magnetic charm and forbidden flirtations, I'm in danger of losing control of the delicate balance I've created...and that could prove fatal.
There's so much more riding on this than a crown.
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Review:A creative turn of events for a Cinderella retelling. I really didn't see this one coming and to tell you the truth, I absolutely loved it. As a Cinderella retelling, there is far more going on than a poor girl smitten by love.I think Ryland was my favorite character, although Ash came in a close second. He was snarky, knew what he wanted and always had fun. A great way for a secondar character/love interest who screws everything up should be.
The use of magic was unique. A powder, if used correctly, can control the person it was used on. Although, this form of magic is not made from a person's power, but learned to wield like a sword it has its uses in this world and story.
I gave this story five stars since it kept me guessing the whole read with the character manipulation and and the surprise of things going wrong. There' wasn't a point that felt disappointed or weird.
This was a great read. I can't wait for this release day.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
April 24, 2023
Weekly Menu #503 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday!The weather over the weekend was gorgeous! The temp got up to 60, which I know is not much, but after the long cold winter, it felt really nice. The last pour of our driveway will be Tuesday and then that project will finally be done and we can move onto the next project. I'm so excited. Finally!
This weeks read is The Last Lifeboat by Hazel Gaynor. Although excited to dive in, it is a WW2 story and those tend to tug at the heartstrings. Here it goes...
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - English Muffin Pizzas
Tuesday
Kids - Chicken Nugget Salad
Wednesday
Balsamic Steak with Roasted Corn
Kids - Chicken and Waffles
Thursday
Kids - Chicken Ramen Bowls
Friday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday
Kids - Grilled Cheese
Sunday
Leftovers Night
