Joanna Bolouri's The List

I'm obsessed with reading. Give me some quiet, a book and I'm as happy as a gal can get.

So when a new book drops into my lap, especially once that has been praised as being entertaining with a healthy dose of smut (the description called it a refreshing) I'm dying to find a comfy spot and dive into the goodness.

Joanna Bolouri's The List is a smart change from your typical chick lit. In it, we meet Phoebe Henderson who has had her fair share of bad loves and bad sex. As the new year approaches, she decides not to put up with another year obsessing over her ex, who cheated on her in their bed (!), and take charge of her life, most importantly her sex life.

In diary style entries, you follow Phoebe as she makes a "list" of challenges she wants to attempt throughout the year.  Ten wild things that she's always been curious about, just never tried. And with the new year here and her bad relationship behind her, it's the perfect time. The ups and downs that Phoebe experiences as she plows (literally) through her list (which includes threesomes, voyeurism, & dirty talk) are comical and reveals our heroine as a likable character (she's not perfect, she's a real woman that is curvy and has the mouth of a sailor). She makes mistakes, sleeps with the wrong men, and with the help of her friend Oliver (a gorgeous man with great hair and the ability to get the job done), achieves some risky but rewarding experiences.

While I'm more a fan of fiction with descriptions that properly put your right beside the character, The List is an easy read, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a day at the beach. The ending will definitely have you cheering for Phoebe.

Curious?

Here's an excerpt:

“Pillow talk” has always conjured up images of Doris Day wearing a nightdress up to her eyebrows waiting to be prodded by her gay male co-star.

I don’t have long flowing locks of gorgeous hair to flick over my shoulder or hold up while I’m on top like some Playboy bimbo;I have thick, straight hair which tends to fall in front of my face,making me look like something from a Japanese horror film that’s about to crawl out of the television.

I have to get more comfortable with this. I discussed it with Lucy at lunchtime.

“The trick is not to make it sound forced. There’s no point shouting, “OH GOD, YES, YOU DIRTY BASTARD!” when he’s kissing you gently or brushing the hair from your face. You’ll just startle him. You just have to get used to saying the words to another person. You can’t expect it to come naturally straight away if you’re not used to it.It’s like learning a foreign language. A really dirty one. Like French.Do you want to practice on me?”

“I’d rather die.”

“What about chat rooms then?” said Lucy. “You should go online and cyber some fellas.

It sounds like a good idea, but I’m scared I’ll only find a dongle-charged worldfull of socially retarded lonely losers, all looking for other equally lonely losers to masturbate with.

Normal, happy people don’t go online. Do they?"

Joanna Bolouri's The List is out on book store shelves in January 2015. Make sure you pick up a copy to enjoy on your next snow day.

Celebrate the Holidays with the Space Coast

Last week, the Orion launched from Kennedy Space Center and I swear to you, I was so giddy about it. You know I love the Space Coast and it has a huge place in my heart. As soon as the people started rolling in to watch that launch, I felt so hopeful. This could be HUGE for my childhood stomping grounds!

And you know what else is huge for the Space Coast? The holidays!

Check out all the fun they have planned for you!

"A WAVE OF HOLIDAY GLEE HAS ROLLED INTO FLORIDA’S SPACE COAST THIS FESTIVE SEASON

--Starting at just $59 a night, families can warm-up this winter with a festive get-a-way beachside and enjoy some merry holiday adventures for all -- 

SPACE COAST, Fla. (December 8, 2014) – This winter, families can warm-up with a festive get-a-away on Florida’s Space Coast located just 35 miles east of Orlando.  With hotels starting at just $59 a night, families and friends can celebrate the holidays with an array of merry activities and delights.  From roaming carolers to Christmas concerts to jolly boat parades, Florida’s Space Coast is packed with holiday events that must get checked off your list.

·         Holidays in Space (Now through January 4) - The holidays are out of this world at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during Holidays in Space. Celebrate the spirit of the season where the holidays go high-tech with a first-of-its-kind 3D show projected onto the side of a rocket, a laser and light spectacular, and of course, space-themed holiday décor. Plus, enjoy a stunning array of decorations throughout the Visitor Complex, including a 41-foot International Space Station-themed Christmas tree, a giant NASA “meatball” ornament, wreaths, garlands, lights, ribbons, bows and more. Holidays in Space is included with general admission. 

·         Brevard Zoo’s Holiday Happenings (Special Dates in December) - Unwrap some festive fun during Jolly Days, December 20 through 23, where zoo keepers give enriching gifts and treats to their furry and feathered friends. Then on December 31, kids can enjoy a kid-friendly Noon Year’s Eve – a great way for little zoo-goers to toast the New Year.  Plus kids can also enjoy a New Year’s Eve Masquerade on January 1.   

·         Holiday Nights & Candlelight Shopping (Saturdays through Christmas) - Delight in the sights and sounds of old English traditions at Historic Downtown Melbourne’s Holiday Nights & Candlelight Shopping Saturdays starting at 5:00 p.m.This free event makes it easy to find the perfect gift on every list while enjoying carolers, treats and enchanting décor.

·         Space Coast Lightfest (Now through January 1) – Each night, Wickham Park transforms into a drive-through winter wonderland with a million shimmering lights on display. Single-car tickets start at $10 and are available online at spacecoastlightfest.com.  

·         Christmas Boat Parades (Special Dates in December) - Deck the hulls with the annual Christmas Boat Parade as the spirit of the season sails along the dazzling waterways of the Space Coast. Christmas Boat Parades are held at Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Merritt Island.

To learn more about these holiday activities or to book a stay, visit www.VisitSpaceCoast.com."

This is just for your info! Thanks!

Ditch the List this Christmas

I have a battle that goes through my head every time the holidays roll around. It starts the second Santa Claus rolls across the finish line in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Christmas bug sets in and it’s on. 

Decorate the tree, make the cookies, buy gifts. You know that whole routine. I even go as far to make a list of all the cheery holiday stuff we just HAVE to do. The Christmas Parade, the lighting of the Christmas tree in the park, there’s holiday parties to attend, special playdates that include making gingerbread houses and cookies for the kids. Then you have to pencil in family time (because you have to visit everyone or else they will get snippy with you if you don’t) and don’t forget the  Christmas specials on the television to watch (that are always on past regular bedtimes).

My list always ends up looking like an elf exploded on it.

And then after all my planning and plotting and organizing and scheduling… I get overwhelmed. EVERY. YEAR.

I can make it a week. This year I made it 9 days. I lost  my steam and ended up feeling…defeated. 

The funny thing is after I lost my mind, got frustrated, disappointed (in myself for not living up to the hype), and sulked for a few moments. I looked up and found my kids wiggling under the Christmas tree to whisper about the ornaments and what presents they hope Santa will leave them under the tree.

It hit me right in the chest, I tell ya. My kids were doing exactly what I wanted all along, WITHOUT A LIST! They were enjoying the moment, the feeling of the season and they were doing it without that damn list.

I couldn’t have asked for more.

The next day, I tossed out our list and scrubbed the calendar clean.

We didn’t need a schedule to have holiday fun. We were just going to live in the moment, enjoy it for what it was worth and have fun. 

That’s the new tradition at our house. 

And I think it’s going to be a wonderful one. 

Inspired by Patience Brewster, an artist of beautiful Christmas ornaments, I decided to talk about holiday traditions! All opinions are 100% my own. If you have any questions, just ask! 

Holiday Music Mashup: Jingle Bells - Disney Movies Anywhere

I saw this in my inbox today and had to share it with you. Adorable!!

Black Friday Deals at Busch Gardens

The Black Friday Deals don't stop at the store! Check out what Busch Gardens has planned for you! 

 

"BUSCH GARDENS OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS FORWILD FRIDAY SALE

Don’t Miss Wild Savings on Tickets, Exclusive Experiences and More

Tampa, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2014) – It’s the best time of year to score great deals and Busch Gardens® Tampa is excited to offer wild savings on Nov. 28 during the Wild Friday sale. 

The Wild Friday sale will include special online ticket offers, merchandise discounts and deals on exclusive park experiences. These email-only deals will end on Monday, Dec. 1 at midnight, and those interested should visit BuschGardensTampa.com or sign up for the Busch Gardens Tampa email.

Plus, get Wild Friday updates by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, connecting with us on the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and following @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram."

Giveaway: Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure Monitor

One of the things I'm discovering, as I grow older, is that I'm not a young whipper snapper anymore. My health hasn't been the best so I try to do everything I can to monitor my body and I try really hard to listen to what it's telling me. 

A few years back, I was diagnosed with a heart condition and basically became obsessed with monitoring my blood pressure and heart rate. I have to be careful that my blood pressure and heart rate don't drop below a certain number so I check them often.

And I've tried many different blood pressure machines. Recently, I was asked to try out the Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure monitors and yes, I got really excited about it. 

I was even more excited when the monitor arrived because of all the features on it that made the medical nerd in me come out (I have no clue if a thing such as a medical nerd exists, but you know..).

The first thing I fell in love with about the Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure Monitor is the cuff. Now, in the past, blood pressure monitors had these really uncomfortable cuffs with a metal tab in it that you had to pull the cuff through and then strap back on. It was a pain in the ass.

The Omron monitor doesn't have that. You simple un-velcro the cuff and its shape wraps around you perfectly!

The machine has large backlit numbers that make for easy reading and I love the option of keeping track of two different people's numbers on one machine (no need to write anything down for the doctor, the machine stores it all for you!) There's also the option of downloading an app to your phone that syncs up with the machine and keeps all your data stored nicely for you. 

With Hypertension affecting one out of three people, the Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure Monitor is an essential you need in your life. That is why, I'm lucky enough to have one to giveaway. 

All the medical nerds rejoice!

All I need you to do is comment on what you're doing to live a healthier lifestyle in the comment section. Easy peasy, huh?

The giveaway is open to US residents only and will run until November 30, 2014. Good Luck!


All opinions in this post are 100% my own! If you have any questions, just ask!  

Wendy's Asian Cashew Chicken Salad

I'm making a conscience effort to eat better and in doing so, I'm always on the hunt for a great salad. And Wendy's is my go-to fast food joint because they really do make good food (and my kid's love their Frostys!

The newest addition to Wendy's salad menu is the Asian Cashew Chicken Salad.

Can I just take a moment to say YUM!

Because it was. 

What I loved most about this salad, besides how tasty is was, is the calorie count. The full size salad (complete with fire-roasted edamame, roasted cashews, red peppers, and a saucy Spicy Asian Chili Vinagrette) only has 380 calories! 

Yes, you read that right: 380 Calories. 

That is spot on for someone like me who is counting their calories but still wants to be able to eat a decent meal. 

The half sized salad is only 240 calories. 

Not bad, huh?

The full size salad filled me up nicely and was hearty enough for a dinner meal. 

You can get your own Asian Cashew Chicken Salad at your local Wendy's today!

I received a gift card to sample this salad. All opinions are 100% my own. Thanks.