Summer Reading

I decided a little while ago that I really wanted to start reading-for pleasure-again. I LOVE to read, but I have been super busy and just haven't had much time. Well, I decided to make time.

I'd like to share a with you a couple of the books I've read recently. They were both fantastic and you should definitely give them a try.

The first is by one of my favorite authors. I have read everything she's written and have loved them all. This was no exception.

This book was so fun and sweet and sentimental--and I cried my eyes out at the end. Soooo good!

The next book...Well, I must admit that the previews for the movie made me want to read it. After reading online that the movie definitely did not live up to the expectations from readers I decided to not see the movie (yet) and dive into the book.

I can't even really find words to express how I feel about this story. So inventive and wonderfully romantic. A fantastic love story. And of course....I cried and cried and cried through multiple parts of the book. Fabulous.

So what is next? Well, I'm not sure at the moment. My Fall t.v. schedule is using up most of my free time at the moment (more on that later). I'll keep you posted, though.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Update----Shock!

Wow...it has been quite a long time. I am ashamed of how long it has been. I really am going to try and keep up with my blogging more-I promise.

So what's been going on with me lately? Work. More Work. Some more work.

Yeah, that's about it.

Husband and I went to visit his parents over Labor Day and that was a blast! Extra fun since they live at the beach :)

My SIL got a new puppy, Charley. She is the cutest and I can't wait to meet her! Come visit your cousins soon, baby Charley.

Let's see...what else? We're going to Lexington in a couple of weeks for the Alabama vs. Kentucky football game. We still don't have tickets. If you know anyone that does happen to have 4 tickets that they would like to get rid of, please let me know.

I think that's about it for now.

Let me leave you with this: Have a Happy, Happy Tuesday!!!

Summer is a time for...

WEDDINGS

So in honor of the wonderful wedding season please enjoy this video of the best wedding toast ever. (Yes, I cried and I don't even know a single person in this video. I don't even know anyone who knows someone who had anything to do with any of the people you will see in the video. Pathetic, isn't it?)

I would also like...

I did leave one thing off my birthday "Wish List". I would also like this please.

Very nice, don't you agree?

And before any of you say anything...Yes, I do know that I am married. Husband is aware of my obsession. I believe he is choosing to ignore it.

A little late...

This post is coming a little late but...

Who watched the Tony Awards the other night?

I really want to see Rock of Ages!!!



I think this show looks like soooo much fun! And it has fabulous music (if you like 80's tunes).


I also thought Next to Normal looked really interesting. This video is from the pre-Tony Awards concert.

Wishlist

So even though I'm quite depressed about my birthday this year (I fell very old!) I have a wishlist for what I might like to receive from my family/friends this year.

#1...Twilight DVD

(I already have the movie downloaded on my laptop and I've watched it about 15 times in the last month, but I'd still like to have the DVD)

#2...Wii Fit

I've been wanting this for a while.

#3...Spa Day

Boy do I need this!!!

Giada's Pork Chops with Fennel and Caper Sauce

I made this for dinner Tuesday night. Quite yummy and Husband liked it as well. Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

4 boneless (2 inch thick) pork chops

3/4 teaspoon salt (and more for seasoning chops)

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning chops)

2 fennel bulbs with fronds-thinly sliced

2 large shallots--thinly sliced

1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley--plus 1/3 cup

1/2 cup white wine (I used Pinot Grigio)

1-28 ounce can diced tomatoes in their juices

1/2 lemon, zested

2 tablespoons capers

Directions:

In a large heavy skillet heat the oil over high heat. Season the chops and brown on both sides (about 4 min on each side). Set chops aside and cover loosely with foil.

Add fennel, shallots, 1/3 cup parsley and cook over medium heat until beginning to brown-about 5 min. Add the wine and using a wooden spoon scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan. Add tomatoes and stir. Add the chops back to the pan nestling them between tomatoes and fennel so that they are mostly submerged in the juices. Cook until fennel is tender and pork is done--about 12 to 15 minutes.

Place pork on serving dish. To finish the sauce add lemon zest, remaining parsley and capers. Stir. Spoon over pork chops and serve immediately.