January Reads

One of my goals for this year is to read a young adult book, a children's chapter book, and an adult book each month. I have found myself loving this goal, and it has been a long time since I've really allowed myself to give in to reading, to immerse myself in books.

My least favorite book in January was Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. I think, in my mind I had built this book up to be more than what it is. I'm not really sure what to make of it. I suppose it is fairly interesting because it is a true story and it seems so impossible to me. Throughout the book Thompson and his "attorney" are chasing the American Dream, or at least, they claim they are. The story follows their drug induced trip to Las Vegas and basically the only constant is their desire to find the American Dream. The plot was difficult to follow, and I guess I shouldn't have been surprised as Thompson is under the influence of some drug basically the whole time. I can't tell if having experience with recreational drug use would allow me to connect to the story more or not. In either case, I decided it was not worth finding out. I don't even know what to say about this book. It's pretty amazing that this man was able to basically stay awake for 80 hours and on drugs and get away with so much. Yeah, it was the beginning of the 70s but still, it seems pretty far fetched and amazing it actually happened. I have yet to watch the movie, I assume it has a bit more structure because it is a film, but I guess I'll find out.

I read two children's chapter books during January: The Book of Three by Alexander Lloyd and Battle of the Ampere by Richard Paul Evans. The Book of Three is the first in the Black Cauldron series. I loved the animated movie as a child (fascinated with death and scary things) and at a friends strong recommendation I decided to give the series a whirl. It was okay. I've read worse children's chapter books and I have also read better. I haven't moved on to the second book, and I am not sure that I will. I dislike not finishing series so I may just to finish but I am not in a rush to move on. It seemed as though Lloyd could have added much more detail in the book, and I wished he had. Characters were introduced with little back story or much description on who/what they are. For example, when the bard (or I guess the fake bard) was introduced I didn't really get a feel for what a bard even is, or does. Something with music I assume? I realize that because there are more books in the series the plot will continue and maybe more will come to light, but I really wish there had been more substance to the story. It was a good adventure story, unlikely people becoming friends, and unlikely hero etc.

Battle of the Ampere is the third book in the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans. The first book was great. It follows Michael Vey and his friends who have been exposed to some sort of energy at birth that has given him and his friends (save for a few) some special abilities. The Elgen corporation that created the machine that gave the kids the abilities is attempting to use their powers to eventually "rule the world". Some of the children with abilities have teamed up with the Elgen and Michael and his friends are fighting against them. In this third installment Michael and his friends attempt to bring down the leader of the Elgen. With all odds against them there seems to be no chance of their success but near the end it appears as if they might pull off this incredible feat. As far as children's series go, it's not bad. It's a decent adventure story, unlikely heroes (they are only, like 15 years old) and who doesn't love super powers? The main character also has Tourette syndrome and I always appreciate an underdog coming out on top. As far as other series go, I think I enjoy the Missing series by Margaret Peterson Haddix, but it is still pretty enjoyable.

The young adult book I chose for this month was The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. It is also a series of three books, I've finished them all by now, but only read the first one for January. It is a pretty typical young adult book, definitely geared towards girls. The story follows 'Belly' (Isabelle) who visits a summer house on the beach each year with family friends. The other family has two boys close in age and she has always been in love with the older boy, Conrad. This summer she is in her teens and blossoms. Throughout the summer she is determined to grab the attention of Conrad. At moments she seems to have succeeded, but has also gotten the attention of the younger brother Jeremiah. It ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger, propelling you to read the second. This ya book was…okay. It wasn't a trashy ya novel but it wasn't anything amazing. I enjoyed it, and felt it was exactly what I needed right then. I would never pick it as a must read, but for a somewhat innocent romance novel it fit the bill perfectly.

That's my round up for January. Next month I will try to post my books sooner, with pictures, and with my review skills more honed. Honestly, I could write a five page essay on these books easily, but I struggle when it comes to reviews. Making it succinct, but with enough substance. I will also try to rate them for age groups. This is also something I am trying to become better at, knowing what age is appropriate for the material as well as reading level. Any suggestions for future reads? Goodreads is really helping me out. I am surprised at how much I enjoy looking up its recommendations for me.

The Best, Almost Paleo Chili

Last week I was perusing pinterest and saw a pin for a yummy looking chili that claimed to be the best as well as paleo. I found it from this blog.
Her exact recipe is paleo, but when I was thinking about the traditional chili I've always had included some beans, which her recipe did not. So, I included a can of kidney beans. I'm not really familiar with the paleo diet, but I think it doesn't include beans, or only some beans? If you can clarify, let me know, cause I don't care enough to look it up but if one of my friends wants to enlighten me, please do so.

Best Paleo (almost) Chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of grass fed ground beef

1 large zucchini, chopped *I had a hard time finding large ones, so I actually bought 3 smallish ones

1 medium sized sweet onion (yellow), chopped

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 large can of crushed tomatoes

1 small can of tomato paste

1 small can of water (I just reused my tomato paste can)

3-4 tablespoons of chili powder

1 tablespoon of granulated garlic

1-2 tablespoons of paprika

3 teaspoons of salt

*can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Directions: On medium heat cook down your coconut oil, then add your chopped onion and cook for several minutes until they become fragrant and softened, I think I cooked mine for 4 minutes? I didn't really time it. Then stir in a dash of salt and a pinch of your chili powder. Incorporate the ground beef and cook it with the onions, add a tablespoon of chili powder and paprika and a teaspoon of salt. Once the ground beef is completely cooked include the zucchini and let sit on medium heat for a few minutes, I stirred mine in and then let it sit without touching for three minutes. Next, add in the tomato paste, the can of tomatoes and the water and the rest of the seasoning. Stir all together and let simmer on the stove for 1-2 hours. I turned the heat down to the middle of low and medium. About every twenty minutes I would check on it and give it a good stir (but only because I have never left anything on the stove for 2 hours and so I wasn't sure how it would go). I let mine cook for just about the full two hours, most of the liquid was cooked down by then and supposedly the flavor is best by the two hours. 

This chili was so delicious. Seriously, I will definitely be eating and making this probably for the rest of my life. The prep was so easy with only two veggies to chop, but there is the wait time. 

Anyone have any chili recipes they want to swap? It's my new found love. Also, I have never been one to include much spice, and I mean, three T of chili powder and two of paprika? That is UNHEARD of for me, but I decided to trust the recipe (plus her kids eat it, so I figured it couldn't be that spicy, right?) and I'm so glad I did. It is not spicy at all, probably because the spices are all cooked down, but I've never had any chili that flavorful. I loved it, if you can't tell. 

Goals for the Year

Here, finally, are my goals for the new year:

-Read 3 books each month (minimum) -one adult, one young adult, and one children's (chapter) book (with a blog review/update each month of the books)
-Cook 2 to 3 dinner meals each week (with enough for leftovers the next days lunch or dinner)
- Find physical activity that I love and pursue it frequently (every other day). Attend barre classes every other day with the additional workout (strength training or run) on the weekend, for at least the next few months
-Have a full time job with benefits by my birthday
-Complete at least one cross stitch this year, have it framed
-Complete at least one painting this year
-Complete at least one drawing this year

Addendum: Right now I love barre classes, and feel they are doing great things for me. However, I really am just on the search for physical activity I thoroughly enjoy and after 6 months I may be all barred out, you know? Right now though, I am really enjoying them.

Before, when I've come up with new year's resolutions they tend to be big projects, but I always come away disappointed that I wasn't able to live up to all my expectations. I feel like these are truly attainable but also good achievements for myself. Before my last semester's art class it had been years since I had drawn or painted, so I think one of each this year will be a good, attainable and achievable goal. I am really excited about the reading goal, now that I'm out of school I can finally finish books I have started and dig into my long list of books I want to read, like, finally tackling Anna Karenina.

So far I have read all but my young adult book for the month and read two children's chapter books; made a delicious beef stroganoff last week and yesterday I made some amazingly simple and delicious almost paleo chili last night (recipe coming up).

The End of an Era, or a Year, or Something

It's been many moons since my last post. But let's not dwell on the past, right? It's a new year! New beginnings, new resolutions, new promises to break, new adventures, new experiences and all of those things that come with a new year.

In looking back at the year a lot has happened. Probably the biggest things that happened in my life included mine and boyfs. graduation. He finished his bachelors last May and I only just finished this past December. Of course, I haven't gotten my diploma or anything but I did pass all my classes so I am assuming there are no issues. I also participated in my first study all-nighter. That was…exciting.

I also took one of my most favorite drawing classes ever. I have been posting my projects on instagram so if you follow me there you've probably already seen them. But, here they are, a little round up of most of them (I think there about two or three not pictured, but I finally put them away so there they will stay for the time being).

 Here they are in order. Of course, we didn't start shading until part way through the semester (that middle one is sideways and of eggs),  but I still think there are some major improvements and I really enjoyed the class. I definitely want to take more art classes in the future, specifically, I have painting in mind next.

This is a closeup of my final project. It was supposed to be a sort of "self-portrait" so I decided to draw one of my bunny stuffed animals (I have an embarrassingly large amount of bunny stuffed animals for an adult) and he's looking in a mirror. Clearly that's supposed to be my face in the reflection but as I was drawing it became sort of weird and creepy looking so I went with it. I do like the bunny, the mirror thing is…okay. I like the idea of it.

Anyway, I have been thinking about the coming year and what challenges I want to embark on, but I haven't decided on them yet. So that may be an upcoming post, or not. Who knows. haha. One of my goals is to actually blog more! (surprise surprise).

Also, I have been drinking Apple Cider Vinegar in the morning. Coinciding with one of my goals (can you guess what it is?) Honestly, it's awful. But, if I get my breakfast all ready before drinking it I can usually get through it. I mix 2 T with a cup of water. I have read and tried a few things to make it more…palatable, but nothing has quite taken the bitterness and vinegar-iness away from it so I just try to choke it down as fast as possible. Here's a picture of me doing so this morning. Enjoy. And Happy New Year!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

I tried this out for the first time on Tuesday, the first day of October, it seemed pretty fitting and it has definitely been full on fall weather this past week.

I can't stress the ratio of easy to delicious this recipe is. For how yummy it is, it should take more than 5 minutes to put together. Here we go!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup water
1 chopped apple (keep the skin on)
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
and of course as much or as little brown sugar as your heart desires

Bring the cup of water to a boil and add all the ingredients (not the brown sugar) and reduce heat to low-med (I put mine right in between low and medium) and stir for 2-3 minutes. Then it's done! I found the recipe from this site and they also add a bit of milk, which I didn't do but would probably make it creamier and just add to it's yum factor. Plus, it also clocks in around 287 calories (without milk, but including 2.5 teaspoons of sugar) and keeps me full for a few hours and I think it yields about 10 grams of fiber which is pretty awesome for your first meal of the day.

Basically it's apple pie for breakfast. You're welcome. The blog I found it from also has a banana coconut oatmeal that I'm planning on trying sometime (prob not till I get sick of this).

Also, just an aside I found some amazing nail polish today. It's crazy expensive. At least, for me it is. I mean yeah I have paid $14 for nail polish, but $20???? Geez, I feel like I should have bought some jimmy choo sandals to show case my nails to go along with it. In any case I had a terrible morning, so what did I do? I bought whatever the hell I wanted. Not really, cause then I probably would have bought some jimmy choo's. But I decided crazy expensive nail polish would make me feel better. No worries, it totes does. I'm definitely a sucker for retail therapy, I'm not as bad I used to be but it's a thing. Anyway, here's a picture of the nail polish. I have heard great things about nars polish so hopefully it holds up. The real test is tomorrow when I have to open and unpack boxes at work.

It's actually a lot lighter than the picture shows. I really like gray polishes, I own probably three different shades.

Also, can I just say that my new phone's camera is freakin' amazeballs. The detail it picks up is such an improvement from my iphone 4s. I really love it.