my disorganized ramblings

Earworm - Mahna Mahna

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:21:00 +0000

My husband was playing this last night.... to get rid of the earworm...
It proceeded to get stuck in my head, so I wanted to share it all with you!
You're welcome :D

WINNER - #1-3 Dark Ink Chronicles

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Woohoo! I have a winner!! Yes, I apologize for this taking longer than it should have! lol
So, the winner of:

Afterlight

Everdark

Eventide

IS...

Mary P!!

I will email you in just a moment to get your address!!

Congratulations!!

Tantalizing Tech - Kindle Readers

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Today, I'm looking for your advice.
I'm planning to buy The Mr. an ebook reader.
I've decided on a Kindle, mostly because we can have them joined to the same account (because I have one too - a 2nd gen one), and then I can make him read some of the book I like! :D
BHAH HA HA!
We don't care one way or another about the "special offers", so we are definitely ok with saving a buck by getting them.

amazon.com

***Side note: Unless I can get someone in the states to send one to me, I can't get the special offers one sent to Canada *pout*

amazon.com

I was originally going to just get him the Kindle, but then he mentioned that he kinda wants the 3G option.
So, now I am looking at the Kindle Touch with special offers.
What about you? Do any of you have a Kindle? What do you have and what do you like/dislike about it?

GIVEAWAY!! Dark Ink Chronicles #1-3

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:12:00 +0000

I'm in a good mood.
So that means you benefit!!
I have three books today, #1-3 in the Dark Ink Chronicles by Elle Jasper, that are going to get sent to a lucky winner!!

How do you enter?
Just fill out the form here, and leave me a comment!
The giveaway is open to everyone and I will pick a winner on Friday, May 4th.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Stuff I Love - Doctor Who Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:04:00 +0000

Can I express to you how much I love Doctor Who?
I've been scouring the interwebs for DW stuff that I loves!!!
Some from etsy, some from other sites...
These all just fill me with such intense JOY!
SO many t-shirts!! I NEEDZ THEM!!!

Source: redbubble.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Source: riptapparel.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Source: neatoshop.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Source: redbubble.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Natasha on Pinterest

What I Read This Week: April 18-24

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:24:00 +0000

I read some pretty awesome books this week!!
Question re my "What I Read This Week" posts. Would you prefer a separate post for each book? or is lumped together ok? Separate would have the title and a tiny review.

Frostbite by Moira Rogers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sexy, exciting, and so much fun!
I love this series.
I just wish I could sit and listen to Ms. Rogers talk this out!
"So.... what supernatural this time? Siren? Ok! What would they need?"
And so on! I truly hope that they continue this series!

Wolf Line by Vivian Arend
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Viv's wolves are so cute and special.
I love them!
I'll be writing a real review for this shortly!

Breaking Bad by Jodi Redford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Review to come

Sweet Addiction by Maya Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautifully written.
A story of giving up what you love to make them happy - but is it really the right thing?
Maya has a wonderful way of writing.
I may not have agreed with all that was done in this story - but I truly feel that love can make us do things we never thought possible.
Well done!

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow.
I didn't think I would like it.
But yeah. I'm surprised.
Definitely had shades of Twilight - more the writing style than anything. Completely drew me in, and I was up late reading it. Couldn't put it down.
Now to start part 2!

Why am I doing this again?

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:07:00 +0000

Somewhat a whoa-is-me post. Please feel free to skip it over ;)

I'm pondering again why I'm doing this.
I don't feel that I am a very good blogger. I don't think that my posts are overly witty or intelligent.
My reviews are certainly not very creative or inspiring.
There really isn't anything happening here that you couldn't find elsewhere....
So I guess, why are you reading this?
What have I done to have followers?
Why do you read blogs in general?
For those bloggers reading, why do you blog?

I'm sick of feeling this pressure to blog. And you know what is sad? The only reason I feel this pressure is because I've paid for a domain. I've sunk money into this and I can't just let it go. I'm trying to liven things up, by adding new features, but I don't really know how that is working. My stats are going up a bit, which surprises me a bit, since I'm doing less talking about books.

Anyways, I guess I'll do what I do, and stop worrying about it.

Also, as a side note: For the time being (probably indefinitely) I will no longer be reviewing YA books. I no longer have an interest. I had Insurgent in my hands, and I just couldn't get into it. To me that is a sign. So no more attemps on my part either - I'm giving them up.

Friday Flicks: Mirror Mirror and Wrath of the Titans

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:02:00 +0000

I'm behind on my movie watching!!
There are two movies in the theater that I definitely want to catch!!
Mirror Mirror
An evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.

and
Wrath of the Titans
Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world.

This summer is going to be awesome! There are SO many movies coming out that I just can't WAIT to see!!!

Stuff I Love - Ring Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

For this week's installment of Stuff I <3...

Rings!!

I love rings... and yet I only wear one (sometimes two) - my wedding band and occasionally my engagement ring!

Source: etsy.com via Natasha on Pinterest

What I Read This Week - April 11-17

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Another slow week for me....
And hopefully I'm about to slow down even more...
You see about to go into major clean/purge mode at home.
I helped a friend out on the weekend, start to get their house ready for moving.
It has helped me to decide that I have WAY too much crap!
But I'll talk more about this process later.
What I read..

I talked about this one a bit in my last post...
The Drop 10 Diet: Add to Your Plate to Lose the Weight by Lucy Danziger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. I found the talk of superfoods very informative. I liked learning about what foods can do for you and what to eat to get what.
The ideas for the meals are very simple and quick.
The exercise portion of the book - well didn't really do it for me. But I could easily incorporate a different regime.
I can't wait to start putting some of this into my daily food intake!

Line of Fire by Jo Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't feel that much for this book. I didn't hate it, just didn't love it.
Didn't feel that much conflict. Didn't feel that much connection between the h/h.

Meal Plan - dietary change up - Talking about The Drop 10 Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:25:00 +0000

I want to change up the way we eat a bit. Part of it is that I make too many meals that are complicated. I want to simplify how we eat. I just finished reading a book called The Drop 10 Diet. I feel that the title is a bit of a misnomer. It would have been more appropriate to call it something about superfoods. The book discusses 30 different superfoods - what they are and how they help you.
So the 2nd part of my change is to introduce many of these foods into our diet. For now many of them will just be snacks, like:

Goji Berries - full of vitamin c, protein, and are apparently able to increase your skins natural SPF! How cool is that!
Almonds - a healthy fat - your body takes longer to digest it thus keeping you fuller longer.
Apples - they are full of fiber and water - again they keep you full longer with lower calories and healthy fiber.
Coffee - helps to block your bodies signals of muscle fatigue and it revs up your metabolism
Dark Chocolate - lowers your levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone that is associated with increased appetite and weight gain, and can also reduce cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods.
Edamame - low-fat, cholesterol free, and FULL of protein! Also contains choline which helps block fat absorption!!

And those are just some of the amazing foods this book talks about.
I know we won't be able to incorporate all of these into our diets (both because of likes/dislikes and allergies) but we are going to do what we can.
I want my meals to become simpler - with natural ingredients, no packaging, and just be easier to put together. We went grocery shopping last night - and the only thing we purchased that was not along an outside wall was cereal! It was amazing! Now it helped that I had some stuff already frozen and I'm using that, but almost everything frozen came from an outside wall as well!
So this week I'm still using some of my freezer meals - and I will definitely continue to use them - but I also want to start cooking with fresher ingredients. I definitely want to incorporate more fruit and veggies into our very lacking diet!!
This week:

	Lunch	Supper
Sunday	Breakfast	Misbehavin' Librarian's
Monday	Out	Perogies with ham and sauteed onions
Tuesday	Perogies	Enchiladas
Wednesday	Enchiladas	Sandwiches (late shift)
Thursday	Enchiladas	Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potato Mash
Friday	Shepherds Pie	Shepherds Pie

Stuff I Love - Necklace Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I've been glomming Etsy lately.
Holy crap I love that place!!
I never really wear jewellery, but boy I sure want to start!!

Source: etsy.com via Natasha on Pinterest

What I Read This Week: April 4-10

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:45:00 +0000

I didn't do as much reading this week....
It's been a long week and I've just felt very tired and blah.
SO only 3 for you....

Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I think I liked this one more than the first!
I truly didn't expect that.
I was a bit concerned with this, that I wouldn't enjoy it.
But damn it was so much fun!

About That Night by Julie James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ms. James writes sigh-worthy contemporary romance. I loved this book. I thought that Kyle really redeemed himself. I love that he is an ex-con - although I'm curious about his time in prison. I love that she's an attorney. It's great conflict!

Lethal by Sandra Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not bad...
I have to admit I miss Ms. Brown's old romances, but I did like this.
Suspense. Some sex. And not exactly a full out HEA, but there was the definite hope of one!

View all my reviews

Tantalizing Tech - 3D Chocolate Printer

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Wow!
My husband sent me the link to this 3D printer today...
It apparently goes on sale today!!
Anyone have $1200 for me to borrow???
It is a 3D printer that instead of using plastic, you use chocolate!!

And you can do stuff like this too!!
Want to check it out? Go here!!

What I Read This Week(ish) - March 25-April 3

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:45:00 +0000

I'm going to eventually get back to doing some real reviews, but for now I'm just going to highlight some books that I've read this past week or so!

An amazing person on Twitter gifted me with a $20 Amazon GC. I was able to stretch it out, and with me paying an additional $3, I was able to get 7 books!!
And I read them ALL last week!! AND more - apparently I was a little crazy!!!
Click the covers to be taken to the books Goodreads page...

Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
To me, a perfect book is one where you pick it up, and don't put it down until you are done. Ms. Burton writes so many of those for me, and this was no exception! It was fun, sexy, and well, fun! lol
I loved the Toronto team reference - especially since it was mentioned they were a team to beat *cough they are out of the playoffs cough* - Is this supposed to be Toronto's dream team :D
I purchased a copy.
Published: March 6, 2012
5/5

Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey
I hated the ending. I hate cliffhangers. This was definitely a good continuation of the series, and I am definitely wanting to read more of Ms. Harvey. She is a great author. PLUS she's Canadian!!! AND has amazing taste - When I met her at OLA she was wearing a Joss Whedon is My Master t-shirt! :)
I received a free copy at OLA.
Published: December 20, 2011
4/5

Rule of Three by Kelly Jamieson
Very HOT! Very SEXY! Just enough angst. Yummy menage - with M/M. Another great read from Ms. Jamieson.
I purchased a copy.
Published: February14, 2012
5/5

Circle of Desire by Carla Swafford
This book had so much potential. There were some really great scenes, but there were so many inconsistencies. She was an elite assassin? Really??
But the good scenes? They were really sexy.
Despite the stuff I had issues with, not a bad book.
I purchased a copy.
Published: November 8, 2011
3/5

Keep Me Safe by Skye Warren
Someone rated this on Goodreads, and when I went to the book's page, I noticed that you could read the first bit of the story... so I did.
The actual story didn't really do it for me. I actually found myself skipping over the story to get to the steamy scenes....Usually it's the other way around with some books!
Because the steamy scenes - the non-consent? Those were the most brilliant part of the story. Incredibly well done.
It is NOT for the faint of heart.
I purchased a copy.
Published: November 13, 2011
3.5/5

Two Hot by Delilah Devlin
Not much to say about this one... Hot but short. Emily spies on her neighbours. And they know it. In turn they invite her to join them.
I purchased a copy.
Published: March 2, 2012
4/5

Their Virgin Captive by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
Holy crap she was dumb.
I have such a problem with their relationship.
They don't talk to each other.
They constantly misunderstand each other.
BUT parts of it was very hot!
I'm actually a bit saddened by this - and I don't know if it's because it was co-written. But I am really a huge Shayla Black fan!
I purchased a copy.
Published: August 30, 2011
3/5

Natural Evil by Thea Harrison
I love these short stories that Ms. Harrison is putting out...
but damn!
They are short and I want to have more from the characters!!
Another well done!
I purchased a copy.
Published: March 20, 2012
4/5

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Fantastic. Love this series. Strong healthy main characters. Good female role model. Yummy bad boy.
What more can I say?
I purchased a copy.
Published: November 29, 2011
4/5
(P.S. I also read Dark Frost this week, but it doesn't come out until the end of May! SO good!)

Eventide by Elle Jasper
I was really disappointed with this one...
I just didn't feel that it worked with the others in the series, and I just couldn't get attached to it. I found myself just flipping pages because I was bored with what I was reading.
I purchased a copy.
Published: March 6, 2012
2/5

And finally....

Dirty by Megan Hart
Sweet Baby Jesus.
Christ Ms Hart can write. Her stories are just so damn dirty, and yet they make you come crawling back, begging for more.
She makes my heart hurt, my eyes water, and leaves me wanting for more (and not because the stories are too short).
I've been saving this book. I've read some of Ms. Hart's newer stuff, and she has switched up her writing style a bit. I knew this was probably going to be one of the last ones in my preferred style. So I wanted to wait, and save, and savour it.
And HOLY it didn't disappoint.
I purchased a copy.
5/5

Tantalizing Tech - The New Wii?

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Apparently there is a new Wii coming out at the end of the year...
It's a Wii U?!?!
I have to admit, I'm not sure what I think of it....
Playing baseball with the GIANT controller?
There are some definite wins though!
Take a look... What do you think?

Comfort Food - Corn and Bacon Chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:05:00 +0000

I have another recipe for you today - from the same cookbook - Canadian Living: The One Dish Collection.
I made this yesterday, and I can't wait to eat my lunch today! It was so incredibly simple!
The picture is from my lunch today :D

Corn and Bacon Chowder
3 slices bacon, chopped
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 potatoes
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups frozen corn kernels (I used canned corn)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
1/2 cup shredded light Cheddar cheese
I also added in a shake or two of a lemon-herb mix

In saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes (I used ready cooked bacon and skipped this step). Drain fat from pan; add onions and garlic. Fry, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel and cube potatoes. Add to pan along with half of the broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Using potato masher or immersion blender, mash several times to break up about half the potatoes.

Add remaining broth, corn and broccoli; simmer until broccoli is tender, about 6 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, salt and pepper; heat through but do not boil. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: about 294 cal, 16 g pro, 8 g total fat (4 g sat fat), 43 g carb, 4 g fibre, 18 g chol, 1,367 gm sodium. % RDI: 20% calcium, 11% iron, 9% vit A, 50% vit C, 36% folate.

Meal Plan - The Lean and Cheap edition

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:36:00 +0000

I hadn't really mentioned it here on the blog, but now that it's over... The Mr. has been unemployed since November. BUT he's starts his new job tomorrow!! YEA!!
But while we wait for his pay to come in.... we are eating lean and cheap! :D
This week:

Day	Lunch	Dinner
Sunday	Corn and Bacon Chowder	Perogies w/ Sausage and Fried Onions
Monday	Perogies	Ginger Beef with Brown Rice
Tuesday	Ginger Beef	Honey Garlic Meatballs with buttered noodles and mixed veggies
Wednesday	Ginger Beer	Panini
Thursday	Meatballs	Burgers
Friday	Out	Gnocchi Poutine w/ roast beef added to the gravy
Saturday	Breakfast	With Jen after the Kelley Armstrong signing!

The only thing I don't have in my freezer is the meatballs and the fresh gnocchi...

Comfort Food - Beef Stew with Blue Cheese Biscuits

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

As part of my blog make-over, I'm going to try very hard to add some new features.

Sunday will continue to be meal plans and such, but I really want to add some recipes for you!

At this time I'm either going to use images from the cookbook, other blogs, or take REALLY crappy pics myself :D Basement living isn't conducive to good lighting :D

The recipe for today was soooo yummy!! Image and recipe courtesy of BookLounge.ca

Beef Stew with Blue Cheese Biscuits

This recipes comes from the Canadian Living: The One Dish Collection.

As my husband refuses to eat mushrooms, so I removed those and added in additional carrots and turnips. Next time I might add sweet potatoes or white potatoes.

Cooking the shallots until they’re caramelized creates the flavour base, and their subtle sweetness naturally balances with the sharp blue cheese. If you’re not a fan of blue, try the same amount of shredded extra-old Cheddar instead.

2 lb (900 g) stewing beef cubes, trimmed
½ tsp each salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bag (8 oz/225 g) shallots, peeled and quartered
3 cups cremini mushrooms, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
1 turnip, cubed
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup red wine or white wine
¾ cup sodium-reduced beef broth
1 can (28 oz/796 mL) whole tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped

Cheese Biscuits:
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 4 oz/115 g)
1 cup buttermilk (approx)

Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. In Dutch oven, heat 2 tsp of the oil over medium-high heat; brown beef, in batches. Transfer to bowl. Add remaining oil to pan; cook shallots over medium heat, stirring, until caramelized, 8 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, carrots, turnip, garlic, thyme and bay leaves; cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine, scraping up brown bits. Add broth and tomatoes. Return beef to pan; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1¼ hours.

Uncover and cook until thickened and beef is tender, about 20 minutes. Discard thyme and bay leaves. Scrape into 13- x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish.

Cheese Biscuits: Meanwhile, in bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until crumbly; stir in blue cheese. Drizzle with 1 cup buttermilk, stirring, just until soft sticky dough forms. Turn out onto lightly floured surface; knead 6 times or just until smooth. Roll out into 10- x 8-inch (25 x 20 cm) rectangle; cut into 12 biscuits. Arrange over stew; brush biscuits with 1 tbsp more buttermilk. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven until filling is bubbly and biscuits are golden and no longer doughy underneath, about 35 minutes.

TO FREEZE: Refrigerate thickened stew for 30 minutes; freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months. Freeze unbaked biscuits on lined baking sheet; transfer to airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw stew; scrape into baking dish and arrange frozen biscuits over top. Bake as directed, increasing baking time to 45 to 50 minutes and covering with foil if browning too quickly.

Makes 8 to 10 servings. per each of 10 servings: about 487 cal, 27 g pro, 27 g total fat (13 g sat. fat), 35 g carb, 3 g fibre, 90 mg chol, 705 mg sodium, 730 mg potassium. % RDI: 20% calcium, 31% iron, 40% vit A, 18% vit C, 39% folate.

(I made 8 servings, and only cut out 8 biscuits - it didn't make sense in my mind to have more biscuits than servings!!)

Chhhhanges!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Hi Everybody! <insert Dr. Nick voice>
So... I'm tired of book reviews. I'm finding it not as fun to read anymore because I have this stress of the review hanging over my head. I'll still request/take the occasional inquiry from authors/publishers (but I reserve the right to say no!!) but I'm going to change up the blog a little bit.
I'm going to move in the direction that I wanted it to be in from the time I started it. I just seemed to get bogged down in the reviews :(
I'm currently working on some themes that I want to implement (you saw one yesterday - Tantalizing Tech). I'm also going to really try and start posting some recipes and some pictures of food stuff (they are probably going to be crappy pictures for now - living in a basement limits light and space).
I also want to keep up with posting some videos and movie trailers.
Now, is there anything that you, my reader, might want to see on my blog?
I hope you will stick with me during this transition - and that you still find this a useful place to visit once all is said and done!
xoxo
Tasha

Tantalizing Tech - ASUS PadPhone...er PadFone

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:35:00 +0000

HOLY CRAP!
Have you seen this?
...
Ok, let me back up here....
I've been eyeballing the tablet market, trying to decide what I wanted to buy - because the idea of a tablet totally thrills me!
I had initially thought to get an ASUS Transformer. It looked awesome. It has a tablet that could dock into a keyboard station, and the station actually had a battery within that would charge the tablet! It uses the Android platform and is really simple to use.
BUT....
I heard about something called a PadPhone....
and I started to do some research on it....
Watch this:

I was blown away! Take the ASUS Transformer, and add a phone! This means that you can have a data plan for your phone, put your phone into the tablet, and VOILA your tablet now uses your phone's data plan!

Also, the stylus.... It doubles as bluetooth for your phone! So when it's plugged into the tablet and/or the docking station, you can use the stylus as a kind of handset!!

I'm seriously drooling over this product. It apparently comes out in April, and I can't wait!! Although, I guess I need to find out the prices huh?
Want to find out more? Head over to the ASUS website.

What I Read This Week - Mar 18-24 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 11:55:00 +0000

I took the week off work, with the plan to read, blog, and clean my house...
I ended up sick at the beginning of the week, and the only thing I've done this week is read!
And unintentionally took the week off from blogging!
So, what did I read this week?
Well, take a look (click the book covers to be taken to their Goodreads page):

The Kingdom was an amazing follow-up to The Restorer (The Graveyard Queen series). This is such a unique and refreshing series. There is just something about Amanda Stevens writing that makes it amazing. Her voice is impressive and draws you in until you look up and it's midnight and you've just finished the book! I normally hate ghost books. But like I said, this is unique. I really recommend reading this series in order!
I received a copy via NetGalley.
Release date: March 27th, 2012

I first read Portia Da Costa many years ago, I think before I even reached the age of 20. She writes some amazing erotica! In the Flesh is a historical romance/erotic romance and it was nice, naughty, and saucy! I actually had no idea it was part of a series, and it really does stand well on it's own. There was some points where I had to ignore the characters reactions to things and just go with the flow.
I received a copy via NetGalley.
Release date: March 20th, 2012

This is book #4 in the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series (could the series title be any longer???). I have to say that this was not my favourite book of the series, and actually, this is not my favourite series that Lori Foster has written. I felt that there was something missing between the main characters.
I received a copy via NetGalley.
Release date: March 27th, 2012

This is the 3rd book in the Rising Star Chef series, and I have to admit, I wasn't as much of a fan as I was the first two. I felt that there was more concentration on the food aspect, and not the main characters. I was very relieved to finally finish the Kane and Claire. I loved seeing their romance bloom and stretch over the three books. Overall though, it was a satisfactory ending to the series!
I received a copy via NetGalley.
Release date: March 27th, 2012

This is a collection of the first 3 books in the Drake Chronicles series. I really think that this series would appeal to the Twilight series fans. Each book alternates POV between the two main characters. Each book has their own mains. It is a unique take on vampires - there are different types along with different appearances. I also feel that this is an age appropriate YA. There is definitely some romance within, but the boyfriend/girlfriend thing isn't all about sex, despite the awesome chemistry between them. This is definitely a new favourite series, and I can't wait to get started on #4!
Release date: September 27th, 2011

Series Overview - Long Shot by Christine d'Abo

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:21:00 +0000

I read this series at the end of 2011, and I completely failed at writting about it.
And seriously? That makes me SO sad, because it was an awesome series! In fact, I'm super excited that there is going to be a book #4!
What series?
Well, the Long Shot series by Christine d'Abo!
It starts off with book 1...

Double Shot

Coffee shop owner Sadie Long has been lusting after her good friend Paul Williams for years. So she's more than a little intrigued when he invites her to a business meeting at Mavericks, the sex club where he works. While catering an event at the club is not quite the proposition she was hoping for, her business could use the boost. And she can't resist the chance to work closely with Paul in such a sexually charged atmosphere. Enter the club's hot owner, Josh, and suddenly Sadie's fantasizing about being part of a threesome.
Paul has always wanted Sadie, but never thought she'd see him as anything more than a friend. On the night of the party, he and Josh tempt Sadie to reveal her deepest desire--a desire both men are eager to help fulfill.
Giving in to her sensual side, Sadie enjoys a night of mind-blowing sex. But in the light of day, will she lose Paul as a friend, or gain him as a lover?

Hot, steamy, definitely left me wanting more!!
Then I moved onto book 2...

A Shot in the Dark
Carter is one of the hottest men ever to walk into Paige Long's coffee shop. The attraction is mutual, and when Carter reveals himself to be a Dom, the submissive in Paige is aroused. Yet she brushes him off—her last relationship was abusive and she's unwilling to get involved with another Dom.

But when Carter returns the next day—in his firefighter uniform—Paige's fantasies really heat up. She can't resist his offer to get to know him over a drink at Mavericks, a local sex club. Their conversation quickly escalates to a session in one of the private rooms, and Paige is both thoroughly satisfied by Carter's skills in domination, and impressed with his selflessness as a lover.

Paige is ready to move on with her life. But can she trust in herself and submit to happiness?

Wow! Again, I was left hungry and desperately wanting!!!
But #3.... it was a M/M... and I was in a bit of a M/M funk. I had read so many - many of which were just bad.... - that I held off on reading #3....
but when I did!!!

Pulled Long
For months, coffee shop owner Ian Long has fantasized about a customer he knows only as "Blue Eyes." Until he learns Blue Eyes is in the midst of a divorce—the last thing Ian wants is to be the rebound experiment of a straight guy. Giving in to lust, he invites the man into the cafe after hours and they indulge in a little exhibitionist play, but Ian is unwilling to get involved.

But when he’s forced to see Jeff again to return his briefcase, Ian finally agrees to go out on a date. Dinner quickly becomes an erotic encounter in a special room at the sex club Mavericks, and Ian realizes Jeff satisfies desires he didn’t even know he had. The more he gets to know Jeff as a person, the harder it is to resist falling for him.

Jeff makes it clear he’s interested in more than just sex. He wants to go public with their relationship in more ways than one. But can Ian open his heart, when he fears it will be broken?

This? It makes me want to pick up more M/M. This was a very very yummy read!

I really suggest reading the series in order as if just helps you to understand that siblings a bit better. And you learn about the club more and more each story!
I'm so excited!! Calling the Shots will be coming out October 2012!!
Christine d'Abo has some yummy excerpts up on her site if you want to read some! Just click on the Learn More to get to them!
These are available through Carina Press!

Friday Flicks - Despicable Me....2?

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:51:00 +0000

I'm hoping by now that you have seen the movie Despicable Me....
No?? Oh goodness!!
Well, watch this!!

It's SOOOO FLUFFFY!!!

Ok, so seriously, please go watch this, and then come back and tell me that you didn't love it!!!
So, you can imagine how excited I was when I saw.... THIS:

EXCITED!!!
POTATO!

I'm visiting... with a review 3/6/12

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Hey!
I have a guest review up at Rayment's Readings, Rants, and Rambles!
I'm reviewing Perception by Kim Harrington!
Go check it out :D