tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58874513143008112832024-03-27T19:54:57.451-04:00Loving Life and Living Yeast-FreeLaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-48413420926746035272024-03-24T11:30:00.000-04:002024-03-24T11:30:39.680-04:00March Aardvark Book Club Choices<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZes_kqs-NYF1ZLJhrROF_Rt9u2kVsmzmTpSnnV_wRlDXWamxPVGQsR0yRfSLF3FVEeSN3vaP7RnZsM7BIbJwaLEoMarwTPLfUT5c4G30_Rg1Yar3xPnM2hG9k-Vid01OwmfzAFGGTdW9fQIpe9Ay-6Vv7WopiV37hiS94q3bANlTj62lCSwVw3xHmbY/s3072/IMG_1486.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZes_kqs-NYF1ZLJhrROF_Rt9u2kVsmzmTpSnnV_wRlDXWamxPVGQsR0yRfSLF3FVEeSN3vaP7RnZsM7BIbJwaLEoMarwTPLfUT5c4G30_Rg1Yar3xPnM2hG9k-Vid01OwmfzAFGGTdW9fQIpe9Ay-6Vv7WopiV37hiS94q3bANlTj62lCSwVw3xHmbY/s320/IMG_1486.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I started a membership with Aardvark Book Club this month. I was happy with their selections. I chose:<p></p><p><i>Piglet</i> by Lottie Hazell—It is the author’s debut novel. Piglet is a cookbook editor and is engaged to Kit. The story is told through dialogue and food descriptions. How clever!</p><p><i>Baby X</i> by Kira Peikoff—This thriller is set in the 2050’s. Advancement in science now allows any biological material to be harnessed to create life. With that comes a multitude of issues in this speculative fiction novel.</p><p><i>Everyone Who Can Forgive Me</i> is <i>Dead</i> by Jenny Hollander—A woman is reckoning with her traumatic past. This thriller has many twists and turns and an unreliable narrator. </p><p>I will review them as soon as I read them!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-6658390291108403482024-03-22T11:41:00.000-04:002024-03-22T11:41:26.426-04:00Book Review—Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SWV8BgByG7zSHSXWxDMnayNJaJIl_rkp_zpiGV5gpSwYYIqnWu422QxZaS8MVWXCtqiPUY518QTcS8w_XdXc4PgrY7q3qXaoklF6g0F_CfGaP2qjFjHFJhpJO0X_5nRUP1kpo7_W3VdkJrndVuTTKR9iuxb9JLrRKxVjPycndgd9CvvYy2b9oalk2NQ/s792/IMG_1474.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SWV8BgByG7zSHSXWxDMnayNJaJIl_rkp_zpiGV5gpSwYYIqnWu422QxZaS8MVWXCtqiPUY518QTcS8w_XdXc4PgrY7q3qXaoklF6g0F_CfGaP2qjFjHFJhpJO0X_5nRUP1kpo7_W3VdkJrndVuTTKR9iuxb9JLrRKxVjPycndgd9CvvYy2b9oalk2NQ/s320/IMG_1474.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><p><br /></p>In 2019, I read Lisa See’s <i>The Island of the Sea Women</i> for my local Barnes & Noble book club. That beautifully written book explored the female Korean divers from the island of Jeju.<p></p><p><i>Lady Tan’s Circle of Women</i> is Lisa See’s newest novel. It is based on the life of a woman physician from 15th-century China. Tan is born into an elite family and is taught by her grandmother to be a doctor. The reader learns much about the lives of women during the Ming Dynasty. Parts of the book are difficult to read, however the strength of Lady Tan to persevere is remarkable. This is a book that has stayed with me, just like <i>The Island of the Sea Women</i> has. It is one of the best books I have read so far this year.</p><p>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-38168019589457593192024-03-21T11:35:00.000-04:002024-03-21T11:35:50.891-04:00Book Review—Being Henry by Henry Winkler<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIOIUubPbezZVqq-Lt1_3G8BY-A824Eerdm5DBAeFXPieggNdD1h2axoN99_U7hVTyHPkhTs36DzHBffflbkyhFH2nUEyaQOeYYRN175OCoJxl62MFN1iBfXS7EwCofqndSCaf1C50cjfdtbBGJTFbZoj-VNDVknHBVLO9Tz8EE0ts8uMKBCs7-2vKac/s792/IMG_1468.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIOIUubPbezZVqq-Lt1_3G8BY-A824Eerdm5DBAeFXPieggNdD1h2axoN99_U7hVTyHPkhTs36DzHBffflbkyhFH2nUEyaQOeYYRN175OCoJxl62MFN1iBfXS7EwCofqndSCaf1C50cjfdtbBGJTFbZoj-VNDVknHBVLO9Tz8EE0ts8uMKBCs7-2vKac/s320/IMG_1468.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><i>Being Henry—The Fonz and Beyond</i> is Henry Winkler’s memoir. It was published last fall, and I listened to the audiobook narrated by Henry. </p><p>After finishing the memoir, I came away with the highest respect for Henry. His life was not always easy. Henry struggled in school, his parents belittled him and he suffered from low self-esteem and anxiety. Later in life, he found out he was dyslexic and was already using many coping strategies in order to succeed. Playing Fonzie, despite his insecurities at the time, is to be commended. </p><p>In the back of his mind, Henry worried about being typecast after playing Fonzie so brilliantly. But, Henry was always resourceful and started directing and producing. Later, he had successful acting roles in <i>Arrested Developmen</i>t and <i>Barry. </i>Henry went on to write a series of children’s books and did voice work on a variety of projects.</p><p>If that isn’t enough, Henry and his wife are active in charity work. Henry is a true friend to many, including Ron Howard, Adam Sandler and the late John Ritter. This is a beautifully written and narrated memoir. Henry’s excitement for acting, his friends, and his family shines through in his voice. I highly recommend <i>Being Henry</i>.</p><p>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5</p><p><br /></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-31415296537215884542024-03-20T10:03:00.000-04:002024-03-20T10:03:29.910-04:00Book Review—If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5qGqunu-aZEMeWNASA8gppbGl67P6Zsno7nZkW7V8KmIlbAA3UIHI1ikn6aRXobmBOfhUp0yMHLagIsl9VzjZ_eFohN-dtsYcsZ93sZKw4piav5PfJCuQ1gMBYBrNY3af3Njq66q2XMeFnydKogcPoWBI7w_8J-wq5N-Hh2encBcuoDsCx4CYKOT1K4/s800/IMG_1450.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5qGqunu-aZEMeWNASA8gppbGl67P6Zsno7nZkW7V8KmIlbAA3UIHI1ikn6aRXobmBOfhUp0yMHLagIsl9VzjZ_eFohN-dtsYcsZ93sZKw4piav5PfJCuQ1gMBYBrNY3af3Njq66q2XMeFnydKogcPoWBI7w_8J-wq5N-Hh2encBcuoDsCx4CYKOT1K4/s320/IMG_1450.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>John Stamos published his memoir last year, <i>If You Would Have Told Me. </i>I listened to the audiobook<i>, </i>which I recommend you do, because John Stamos is the narrator.</p><p>John Stamos tells his life story, including many heartfelt stories about his parents. He also reminisces about his time on General Hospital, ER, and Full House. There are many stories about Hollywood, playing drums with The Beach Boys, and friendships he made along the way. John also mentions his close friendship with the late Bob Saget. Now married with a young son, John expresses his excitement for this new chapter in his life.</p><p>If you like John Stamos, and face it, most people do, you will enjoy his memoir immensely.</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-41014312134053148952024-03-19T10:43:00.000-04:002024-03-19T10:43:23.853-04:00Book Review—Mrs. Porter Calling by AJ Pearce<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX4NGMDye8XWTot_goxB9LREk0Far0-EQz-jT8BoPLLZYU1tNVMLKd2OfPUwYwZY6Zm-nJLPwVIpAryWGe6mk-pE8CELQGrEOQS8zl-7ah2TtElAG9CTwEKwkyw_z9_yF-uDCZgxBM5YAasworel8HmV4ysrnVA9-Clf-VAoVA8BgBkg7QCWB2dykbgw/s3072/IMG_1439.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX4NGMDye8XWTot_goxB9LREk0Far0-EQz-jT8BoPLLZYU1tNVMLKd2OfPUwYwZY6Zm-nJLPwVIpAryWGe6mk-pE8CELQGrEOQS8zl-7ah2TtElAG9CTwEKwkyw_z9_yF-uDCZgxBM5YAasworel8HmV4ysrnVA9-Clf-VAoVA8BgBkg7QCWB2dykbgw/s320/IMG_1439.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was so happy when <i>Mrs. Porter Calling</i>, the third book in the <i>Emmy Lake Chronicles</i> by AJ Pearce was published last year. The books are best read in order (begin with <i>Dear Mrs. Bird </i>followed by <i>Yours Cheerfully</i>) because of the progression of the characters and events of WWII. Emmy Lake is the central character in all of the novels. AJ Pearce has created a strong female character with such a heart for others. She is funny, witty and fiercely protective of her friends. The books give the reader a realistic glimpse of what life was like on the home front during WWII in London.<p></p><p><i>Mrs. Porter Calling</i> is set in London in April of 1943. Emmy’s husband, Charles, is still away at war. Emmy continues to work at <i>Women’s Friend</i> magazine and is now in charge of the “Yours Cheerfully” column, which gives advice to women across England. However, when Mrs. Cressida Porter becomes the new publisher of the magazine, everything goes haywire at the office, and the future of <i>Women’s Friend</i> is in jeopardy.</p><p>I highly recommend this series. I have listened to all of the books on audio. Anna Popplewell is an outstanding narrator, making the character of Emmy Lake come alive. The best news is that there will be a fourth book in the series. From what I understand, AJ Pearce is writing it now. I can hardly wait!</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-2585423331081546642024-03-08T10:58:00.000-05:002024-03-08T10:58:57.523-05:00Book Review—The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYD5Ne91Dxp0FHwYAC4k-Ck5CRRSlP4dZ3tw4a8tcMLsSaIXP3DTN9K-rAT0qijsB0sSdzsB_2Lrr99PXtTMwY6hTQqdWZDLd3EsadXoLd9BwGcq4s3xBN8Ee-SpKRqOduIyrtteZZhswF3V1FOD-jFSQAMgP2UKKnbM2Quz4Q4A-1kx_TwK7eSrlMmU/s3072/IMG_1347.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYD5Ne91Dxp0FHwYAC4k-Ck5CRRSlP4dZ3tw4a8tcMLsSaIXP3DTN9K-rAT0qijsB0sSdzsB_2Lrr99PXtTMwY6hTQqdWZDLd3EsadXoLd9BwGcq4s3xBN8Ee-SpKRqOduIyrtteZZhswF3V1FOD-jFSQAMgP2UKKnbM2Quz4Q4A-1kx_TwK7eSrlMmU/s320/IMG_1347.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>The Breakaway</i> by Jennifer Weiner was published at the end of August 2023. It would be another great book to add to your summer reading list. It is both a contemporary romance and domestic fiction. Abby Stern has several<div>small jobs, but what she enjoys most of all is her bicycling club. She is in a good place in her life, having made peace with her plus-sized body and is engaged to be married. However on a bicycling trip from New York City to Niagara Falls, circumstances cause Abby to rethink many areas in her life.<p></p><div>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5</div></div>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-14123661877653055692024-03-06T10:00:00.000-05:002024-03-06T10:00:42.092-05:00Book Review—The Summer of the Songbirds<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMNECOuZQ-4jiPIXuSW3mfTDmAEA18dzh7kPDpz65ahNpXc3q7vFKuSO-93yQE8NUgSrwXe3jVBq2Intyvwiy8chWiZeCEwTNmo2zcIfZ-ivDs5S57lNH6zRBH3NPpUx8Q-8Y5lo9rwapmha1UIwb_-HFMFh_bIhyW7A0GLuo6qYu3lzhKbAuFvMEs9w/s3072/IMG_1322.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMNECOuZQ-4jiPIXuSW3mfTDmAEA18dzh7kPDpz65ahNpXc3q7vFKuSO-93yQE8NUgSrwXe3jVBq2Intyvwiy8chWiZeCEwTNmo2zcIfZ-ivDs5S57lNH6zRBH3NPpUx8Q-8Y5lo9rwapmha1UIwb_-HFMFh_bIhyW7A0GLuo6qYu3lzhKbAuFvMEs9w/s320/IMG_1322.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>With spring and summer around the corner, <i>The Summer of the Songbirds </i>by Kristy Woodson Harvey would be a great addition to your reading list. June owns Camp Holly Spring, a girl’s summer camp. Her niece, Daphne meets her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart at camp, and they become lifelong friends. Even with all of the girls’ ups and downs through the years, when June is in jeopardy of losing Camp Holly Spring, the friends unite to help her save the camp.</p><p>This is such a good book to get lost in at the beach, the pool or lakeside. Enjoy!</p><p>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5</p><p></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-33270289154353515532024-03-04T12:05:00.000-05:002024-03-04T12:05:07.055-05:00February Reading! 💖<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuSkLlZW15Svmsk7hqi6kNFPWsZCd4j-6ZdKOD0lubwKuRRP-1QrWOv2q1VxInFQ9ihs_vZxFs334gQwcZ6gjXX3lIMJAbp0LiY9GVslA-WRn7JkYhP1ZHAXxcPd8rPXpSvMgHQfqYDt1xQZ-eV0-Nx4Kyr75ZFw6uotTaWH3CO-wtBm6PTikwzYPG6U/s3072/IMG_1299.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuSkLlZW15Svmsk7hqi6kNFPWsZCd4j-6ZdKOD0lubwKuRRP-1QrWOv2q1VxInFQ9ihs_vZxFs334gQwcZ6gjXX3lIMJAbp0LiY9GVslA-WRn7JkYhP1ZHAXxcPd8rPXpSvMgHQfqYDt1xQZ-eV0-Nx4Kyr75ZFw6uotTaWH3CO-wtBm6PTikwzYPG6U/s320/IMG_1299.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />February was a great reading month! I enjoyed all of the books, but my favorites were <i>Lady Tan’s Circle of Women</i> by Lisa See, <i>Horse</i> by Geraldine Brooks, and<i> The Last Love Note</i> by Emma Grey. Reviews will be coming soon!!<p></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-54796168590708325112024-03-01T15:43:00.001-05:002024-03-01T16:50:51.651-05:00Book Review—Reservations for Six by Lindsey J. Palmer<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhXD7e_hhk5HRQAyAGzrDLNbiowOVqjBvO5cRFKuJCQJV9bM-C7VDOiwY2qSS0AvEiReVnUFj6EkT3R0k4o-Jcqwz-94fSnUnHlTpdS1pJK-RD3iso86BKhxLk5ZF-I9snAn5kVOWLinCO8HTrS5UMg1cdvvOc2Lit3VqtT5E9zWn3hWgnLXMb6XJwEs/s3072/IMG_1203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhXD7e_hhk5HRQAyAGzrDLNbiowOVqjBvO5cRFKuJCQJV9bM-C7VDOiwY2qSS0AvEiReVnUFj6EkT3R0k4o-Jcqwz-94fSnUnHlTpdS1pJK-RD3iso86BKhxLk5ZF-I9snAn5kVOWLinCO8HTrS5UMg1cdvvOc2Lit3VqtT5E9zWn3hWgnLXMb6XJwEs/s320/IMG_1203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It is said that “old traditions die hard.” Such is the case for the three couples in Lindsey J. Palmer’s novel, <i>Reservations for Six</i>. In the story, three thirty-something couples have celebrated their birthdays together for years. That is until one-half of one couple makes an unexpected announcement at his 40th birthday celebration. This revelation causes havoc between the couples, and their birthday dinners will never be quite the same.</p><p>I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Everyone had secrets and all of the couples had to take a look at their marriages. Will there still be “reservations for six?” You will have to read to find out!</p><p>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-32726347890382842262024-03-01T14:38:00.000-05:002024-03-01T14:38:26.127-05:00Pizza on a Baking Steel<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF86sHqVbJZUg2FTq7ktBihwmg58irTMUXfm_0x69s3Gk5uJIxRv-CeDjY5JVF7PUpTW6JR8rCqtBammwZSWVjNHudHE6x2ZquKxRO-MHmJt6V-VzoMYKOQZZcSWyaaBBcIkXgjnCEeb1RYiap5xBKYwlZQIoROg5Tc8l6pGPSv5YTKYWSI7maPux13X0/s3072/IMG_1202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF86sHqVbJZUg2FTq7ktBihwmg58irTMUXfm_0x69s3Gk5uJIxRv-CeDjY5JVF7PUpTW6JR8rCqtBammwZSWVjNHudHE6x2ZquKxRO-MHmJt6V-VzoMYKOQZZcSWyaaBBcIkXgjnCEeb1RYiap5xBKYwlZQIoROg5Tc8l6pGPSv5YTKYWSI7maPux13X0/s320/IMG_1202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I made my first pizza on a baking steel for lunch today. I think it turned out delicious! The baking steel makes a crispy professional-style crust. I found out about the baking steel from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mybizzykitchen" style="text-align: center;">My Bizzy Kitchen</a> She has been making pizzas on her baking steel for years. I bought the baking steel from <a href="https://bakingsteel.com">Baking Steel</a> (website) or you can go to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bakingsteel">Baking Steel</a> Instagram page where the owner shares baking tips, recipes and basically a “how-to” to get started. My Bizzy Kitchen also shares pizza recipes, her skinny pizza dough recipe and lots of tips, too! Both are great resources and they both have a 10% off code.<p></p><div>This pizza was made from Publix pizza dough you can buy in their refrigerator section near the deli. I want to eventually make my own pizza dough. I used crushed tomatoes as the sauce, which is recommended, a bit of grated Parmesan cheese, Fontina and Mozzarella, and 3 slices of pepperoni from the deli cut in strips. Once the pizza came out of the oven, I topped it with fresh basil. The pizza baked in the oven at 500 degrees for 10-12 minutes. My pizza took the entire 12 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>If this baking steel is something you are interested in, be sure to check out the above links. The baking steel has been featured in <i>BonAppetit Magazine</i> and the <i>Wall Street Journal</i>. I received everything in a timely manner and the shipping is free. Also, the baking steel can be used as a stove top griddle and you can bake bread, English Muffins, baguettes, etc. on it—the sky’s the limit!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-7996615497317555052024-02-28T09:17:00.000-05:002024-02-28T09:17:07.040-05:00Book Review—California Golden by Melanie Benjamin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OKQIi85gK8I1WXkNZIJQRuQcE2-0qDhHnnA-oAmRJ7O5DK6cSwCI736Qy730kmeSdq0-sPIKVsKrobtztmb0_ahw9MbAOUwJTiUdH8EBya4jn6IsPgFM2Fo1CxvDOcAXf9to-BGKO6qerG5Qo69256KolcKMI8ekK9SguELJbMPOpiYahgM7Z65PlkA/s3072/IMG_1179.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OKQIi85gK8I1WXkNZIJQRuQcE2-0qDhHnnA-oAmRJ7O5DK6cSwCI736Qy730kmeSdq0-sPIKVsKrobtztmb0_ahw9MbAOUwJTiUdH8EBya4jn6IsPgFM2Fo1CxvDOcAXf9to-BGKO6qerG5Qo69256KolcKMI8ekK9SguELJbMPOpiYahgM7Z65PlkA/s320/IMG_1179.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">1960’s…California…Surfing… This is<i> California Golden</i> by Melanie Benjamin! </div><p></p><p>Benjamin has written a novel about Carol Donelly, a surfing mom who is the top of her surfing career and how she navigates this male-dominated sport. Carol’s two daughters, Mindy and Ginger, grow up watching their mom compete. They learn to surf, eventually dropping out of high school. Carol leaves to better her career, and Mindy takes on the role of parenting Ginger.</p><p>This historical fiction novel is well researched. The scenes in Vietnam and the USO tour are well-written. At the heart of the book is the relationship between the two sisters and how their lives diverge during this tumultuous time in the 1960’s.</p><p>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-20983129909571865612024-02-27T10:23:00.002-05:002024-02-27T10:48:37.148-05:00Aardvark Book Club<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6P2ROev5gYBG3gd6uYnsKXHl0guAQrE5lCeRpEdwE5soXU9NUv_oUvmkVRPzzK3zuiLxpDI4XVqeDifYE8AP-f8E7Be_F7u7NFnKgg6EpogGLVbVALO-1POAuG-nh2PLP0_IH8rbg-TFow-uyQEMxtswIN9PtiFUCDR8z6uip7irA1JWxnVeb94K6do/s3072/IMG_1174.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6P2ROev5gYBG3gd6uYnsKXHl0guAQrE5lCeRpEdwE5soXU9NUv_oUvmkVRPzzK3zuiLxpDI4XVqeDifYE8AP-f8E7Be_F7u7NFnKgg6EpogGLVbVALO-1POAuG-nh2PLP0_IH8rbg-TFow-uyQEMxtswIN9PtiFUCDR8z6uip7irA1JWxnVeb94K6do/s320/IMG_1174.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A few weeks ago I received the best DM ever from Aardvark Book Club. They asked if they could send me a free Aardvark box! I just had to give them my address and tell them some genres I enjoyed reading. I didn’t have to pay anything—not even shipping! They also did not require me to do a follow-up posting, like I am doing today. I’m posting about Aardvark Book Club because I think they are the best new book club available to readers. The books I received are <i>What Waits in the Woods</i> by Terri Parlato (thriller), <i>Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</i> by Celeste Connally (historical fiction, romance, debut) and <i>The Fiction Writer</i> by Jillian Cantor (mystery). I can hardly wait to start reading them!</p><p>Aardvark has been intentional in their selections. They offer a wide variety of genres, their book choices are available on the first of every month, and they ship immediately. The membership is $17.99 a month which includes one book from the monthly choices. You can order up to two more books at $9.99 each from any month. Shipping is free. Aardvark has a great social media presence and their Aardvark app is beautiful and easy to use. The book jackets are substantial and have a “soft” feel to them that readers love!</p><p>I’ve had my eye on Aardvark Book Club since 2022 when they launched. I’m so happy that they reached out to me. I’m joining the Aardvark Book Club on March 1st to take advantage of the March books!</p><p>Oh, one more thing!! Their Aardvark bookmarks are adorable and they give you one for each book! This “New Kid on the Block” of book clubs is definitely shaking things up in the world of subscription book boxes!</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-88532135151979051482024-02-26T09:14:00.000-05:002024-02-26T09:14:05.882-05:00Monday Motivation!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifd-kFJ0dg5Hm5OWIpvt3701ohI5FMDQrm9SC_uLFOvxm1sWA9gT3RyalZmQwiXLAxjfHUHCHvzArT6cOxVf0EFhmkeBdir4kfJ0_DIqdDmL9X3Mel3WiWmrPxeOEuJs7-eLcgVN3Mo6UGz3IyRMTXFaY3TvpQxL2qWQ11sMKkEyOGZwJAWeaGeZHVBnA/s3072/IMG_1163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifd-kFJ0dg5Hm5OWIpvt3701ohI5FMDQrm9SC_uLFOvxm1sWA9gT3RyalZmQwiXLAxjfHUHCHvzArT6cOxVf0EFhmkeBdir4kfJ0_DIqdDmL9X3Mel3WiWmrPxeOEuJs7-eLcgVN3Mo6UGz3IyRMTXFaY3TvpQxL2qWQ11sMKkEyOGZwJAWeaGeZHVBnA/s320/IMG_1163.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I remember when I was working how hard it was to get up on Monday mornings after the weekend. But the truth is that once I got to work, Monday became one of my most productive days of the week. I loved to introduce the new material for the week that the class would be studying, and I found that my students also accomplished a lot of work on Mondays. So sometimes I think that Mondays get a bad rap! Enjoy your Monday to the fullest today.<p></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-12097938444065016352024-02-01T11:07:00.000-05:002024-02-01T11:07:33.964-05:00January Reading 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K6ieKHVb1LS_QOzO4nfjgHfuRvRdY5ET2oz1taS6z3MRusk0Qo7ig-h3MmNY4WoiQs9Ww-EezGlM9O2xeC_A3Sm7j8dpey1EOKgJB6MUT2ERlb4-ly9M4UJVJUClrjn4NGOS_Pb3QbVYa_Mzfma7P9pNdAfWyQTSP9w3hDNWc3ID-8GZJeVkCTBHWqM/s3072/IMG_0791.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K6ieKHVb1LS_QOzO4nfjgHfuRvRdY5ET2oz1taS6z3MRusk0Qo7ig-h3MmNY4WoiQs9Ww-EezGlM9O2xeC_A3Sm7j8dpey1EOKgJB6MUT2ERlb4-ly9M4UJVJUClrjn4NGOS_Pb3QbVYa_Mzfma7P9pNdAfWyQTSP9w3hDNWc3ID-8GZJeVkCTBHWqM/s320/IMG_0791.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I started 2024 off in a great way with six books. I actually read <i>A Winter in New York</i> in December, but it is so good I’m reviewing it this month. I absolutely loved <i>Mrs. Porter Calling</i> by A. J. Pearce. It is the third novel in the <i>Emmy Lake Chronicles</i>. <i>The Christmas Orphan’s Club</i> is a perfect holiday read. <i>The List</i> introduces the reader to Ola, whose relationship unravels when her fiancé’s name shows up on “a list.” I read <i>The Rumor</i> by Elin Hilderbrand to gear up for her last novel, <i>Swan Song</i>, that will be out June 11th of this year. I loved the two memoirs I read, <i>If You Would Have Told Me</i> by John Stamos and <i>Being Henry</i> by Henry Winkler. If you like John and Henry, you will like them even more after hearing their life stories. Reviews will follow on all of these books during the month.<p></p><div>Happy Reading!</div>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-44235532923492448132024-01-24T11:40:00.000-05:002024-01-24T11:40:40.194-05:00A New Twist on Banana Bread<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdHN1KuEm-mdFz_shlW8mjDzZcLJIY0kGFmjOr0iyCLrldFCrTA1eOYjhJT479arzoILEF5xT2ctEr_FULIP-ZEX5hJeYV7FaCmuDTVx3PZblVRD77mIXSuVMEnB7tjtjopkSM4wijNxkLOOGI5YUjs_OdL0j4w0E-QZp6bvCd0fPjvTRMaGPRaiSwn4/s3072/IMG_0699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdHN1KuEm-mdFz_shlW8mjDzZcLJIY0kGFmjOr0iyCLrldFCrTA1eOYjhJT479arzoILEF5xT2ctEr_FULIP-ZEX5hJeYV7FaCmuDTVx3PZblVRD77mIXSuVMEnB7tjtjopkSM4wijNxkLOOGI5YUjs_OdL0j4w0E-QZp6bvCd0fPjvTRMaGPRaiSwn4/s320/IMG_0699.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I recently started following <a href="http://instagram.com/abby_thome">Abby Thome</a> on Instagram. She has a delicious banana bread recipe that I tried last week. It substitutes olive oil for butter, which I thought was genius. The recipe can be found on her Instagram page, which I linked above. The banana bread recipe can be found on her May 4, 2023 post. The photo shows banana muffins, but she gives the banana bread recipe, too. Her recipe is for two loaves, which I cut in half. The recipe also uses vanilla and cinnamon, which add so much flavor. The recipe can also be made with gluten free flour, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you will try Abby Thome’s Olive Oil Banana Bread or Muffins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><p></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-10328509093108511062024-01-17T10:38:00.001-05:002024-01-17T10:38:28.917-05:00January Book of the Month Choices <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTikCVK8foy9OfipE3XUjnvEe1WZrA3sKjg-hd_Me1LVpi7C-jIyDTF2DUSZsrFHYHB-ziQDK1DRWi1c6UsjND9oSVeDP2bEtCeyXzWE1lFlHGSG3P5WTy0pRavd8REHV3n5jRk0Bsz-0LautgVOaYGd2X9AI-vwfu7kVrPiWWMcEO9RQVM2PNT4T4oo/s3072/IMG_0624.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTikCVK8foy9OfipE3XUjnvEe1WZrA3sKjg-hd_Me1LVpi7C-jIyDTF2DUSZsrFHYHB-ziQDK1DRWi1c6UsjND9oSVeDP2bEtCeyXzWE1lFlHGSG3P5WTy0pRavd8REHV3n5jRk0Bsz-0LautgVOaYGd2X9AI-vwfu7kVrPiWWMcEO9RQVM2PNT4T4oo/s320/IMG_0624.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I’m very excited to start reading my January Books of the Month! There are many great books coming out in 2024 and these are just a few of them.<p></p><p><i>The Frozen River</i> by Ariel Lawhon—This book actually was a December BOTM choice, but I bought it this month. This Historical Fiction novel is getting great reviews! It involves the real-life diaries of a midwife set in Maine, 1789.</p><p><i>Northwoods</i> by Amy Pease—This is Amy Pease’s debut novel! This Crime Fiction novel involves the murder of a teen and the small town deputy sheriff, who is struggling with his own issues, assigned to the case.</p><p><i>First Lie Wins</i> by Ashley Elston—This Thriller is getting a lot of buzz! The main character, Evie Porter, is not who she says she is. Along with an unreliable narrator, <i>First Lie Wins</i> sounds like a winner!</p><p><i>Only if You’re Lucky</i> by Stacy Willingham—I have read two of Ms. Willingam’s novels, <i>A Flicker in the Dark</i> and <i>All the Dangerous Things</i>. I’m about to add a third to that list. This Thriller is about four college friends, one larger than life, dealing with the murder of one of their friends.</p><p><i>The Fury</i> by Alex Michaelides—The author of <i>The Silent Patient </i>has a new novel! This Thriller has an unreliable narrator, is set in Greece and is glamorous. I’m excited to read it since Michaelides’s novels are full of twists and turns.</p><p>What are you reading in January?</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-3807818575724136682024-01-15T10:53:00.000-05:002024-01-15T10:53:37.259-05:00Monday Motivation!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPCkS15vq1sKJVbweSC66wyXg9RLvwfsy-3oYBdOyIzRLQaXD2VREAck1TZqsNpas-UXjRpJTTsPEe_L3_72nFUQzRqKm1haYNyGLdpcn2TfqCXw2LChRBHPjcOSULsybaxUy8-2uqwTxZKtx7hD7mKgeOlvmi5VYQsSTC3lgY3XHZiHeUOAweI5PJf0/s783/IMG_0598.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPCkS15vq1sKJVbweSC66wyXg9RLvwfsy-3oYBdOyIzRLQaXD2VREAck1TZqsNpas-UXjRpJTTsPEe_L3_72nFUQzRqKm1haYNyGLdpcn2TfqCXw2LChRBHPjcOSULsybaxUy8-2uqwTxZKtx7hD7mKgeOlvmi5VYQsSTC3lgY3XHZiHeUOAweI5PJf0/s320/IMG_0598.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br />What a meaningful quote about life as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. today.<p></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-35017452446748587382024-01-08T11:17:00.000-05:002024-01-08T11:17:10.739-05:00Monday Motivation!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G3e4_7gQe8-xUtOEC0Y7-kRMn30WlZ9surWuMvuOk_otwKiChVHZSSjVet-3hkY6Xgl4QFHwMv2NOpenZuslf2DD8ulaWR2CKxs2eVAFcAlJkLUbBPocyylqStTrQzTobvYk6P-dOIdF5-rwhjRT6l-jlajxkKLZ5gnO7O1AHh3BjPqaSrGGykRUCDE/s3072/IMG_0527.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G3e4_7gQe8-xUtOEC0Y7-kRMn30WlZ9surWuMvuOk_otwKiChVHZSSjVet-3hkY6Xgl4QFHwMv2NOpenZuslf2DD8ulaWR2CKxs2eVAFcAlJkLUbBPocyylqStTrQzTobvYk6P-dOIdF5-rwhjRT6l-jlajxkKLZ5gnO7O1AHh3BjPqaSrGGykRUCDE/s320/IMG_0527.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is a big week for most people. It’s back to work for many and school starts in Orange County tomorrow for the children. I’m sure there is a lot of meal prep going on, as well as taking down holiday decorations and straightening the house for the new year. This week I plan to go through my pantry and organize my books and paperwork for the new year. I’m excited to get started! Have a wonderful week!<p></p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-68874682662966268092023-12-24T10:49:00.001-05:002023-12-24T10:49:58.120-05:00Bonne Maman Advent Calendar—Day 24<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMQOD2mfm1ktWIX0vrmfdTyD8jzx6vIzzZ8BINzO3Tz1RGOCndHw7erV9tAqUQedm1YV8FonSbYodKvyGS6BBzURU_Wc3FG6ifb1blF7htPdU6G6cj9s6Tnq8ofUtZ9iWw3FWr-tb2Z8qs-WW7RIAw6oQNT1qM9tyMmuz7iQGxndnuPliizBqGNBnL_4/s3072/IMG_0347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMQOD2mfm1ktWIX0vrmfdTyD8jzx6vIzzZ8BINzO3Tz1RGOCndHw7erV9tAqUQedm1YV8FonSbYodKvyGS6BBzURU_Wc3FG6ifb1blF7htPdU6G6cj9s6Tnq8ofUtZ9iWw3FWr-tb2Z8qs-WW7RIAw6oQNT1qM9tyMmuz7iQGxndnuPliizBqGNBnL_4/s320/IMG_0347.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcplmFWUhkEDS5-G-rTKVE-s5ELrYtGXBaOBjXBZ6A3S8jzAFSGeaLnUF0ErRXwenNFsshyNCztgurwaSzbzp6M83rC94TMKiVKJZGMsIne1t3-fOtVDQEaW77VbwyRrEys6-EFJTFx9r1m-aHLWyyMHiAp29Io5iZea7JAOjHwnt_F4eTMolH_4GhFqE/s3072/IMG_0348.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcplmFWUhkEDS5-G-rTKVE-s5ELrYtGXBaOBjXBZ6A3S8jzAFSGeaLnUF0ErRXwenNFsshyNCztgurwaSzbzp6M83rC94TMKiVKJZGMsIne1t3-fOtVDQEaW77VbwyRrEys6-EFJTFx9r1m-aHLWyyMHiAp29Io5iZea7JAOjHwnt_F4eTMolH_4GhFqE/s320/IMG_0348.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Today is Day 24, the last day of Advent. The special jam for the day is Cherry Christmas Spice Spread. It tastes like a true holiday-spiced jam. </p><p>In addition, I have an orange and cranberry bread from Miz Kathi’s Southern Sweetery in Wildwood, FL. I opened it this morning, and I can attest that it is delicious!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFxIwp2qy3TmdWVNgFfhOIeOT7WA8PcBqvhap1m7VtfpbIcOc8Wawju10XaMk6YLiQks9nO-owjQxr1zEphotiFRmmULjcSS8EobpK9ey2vXS5h9mikDm2EdA9uusWX5-5W1EJjI4GpoJjjdSR4laCWpe_VWPefXrmYScpD9E-NU0C0SssRR7LGifePE/s3072/IMG_0349.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFxIwp2qy3TmdWVNgFfhOIeOT7WA8PcBqvhap1m7VtfpbIcOc8Wawju10XaMk6YLiQks9nO-owjQxr1zEphotiFRmmULjcSS8EobpK9ey2vXS5h9mikDm2EdA9uusWX5-5W1EJjI4GpoJjjdSR4laCWpe_VWPefXrmYScpD9E-NU0C0SssRR7LGifePE/s320/IMG_0349.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh462AIydOMdNenG_lFzNtjo1DNrRXukXsadTKArUBi6V8HYwWRcmckdhRsDilMrMRfd1Cr7o2cAUqGUY_W6CJqAhIzKTiAXLpQAwNMkl0DR9x71PQACfZSQ5X_nNFqz6ogl2KN82AnZuONS1WWny9JgmojDkp3OyKEGMOSfBpjVIG9Ctqk-dOqjQz41xo/s3072/IMG_0350.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh462AIydOMdNenG_lFzNtjo1DNrRXukXsadTKArUBi6V8HYwWRcmckdhRsDilMrMRfd1Cr7o2cAUqGUY_W6CJqAhIzKTiAXLpQAwNMkl0DR9x71PQACfZSQ5X_nNFqz6ogl2KN82AnZuONS1WWny9JgmojDkp3OyKEGMOSfBpjVIG9Ctqk-dOqjQz41xo/s320/IMG_0350.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFu-WZog6WXaiwXvmdTP8jQIESL7JBXK_JQMSZWsdwvPjvGoQAY7mqZYuqsJV2xTm2oDaMlRUMEqU8PUQnPb9TRoTgiPynQdoSl2RR-vEdxGKgKNj1_3TzETf1zdQ5nBN1OoKc0_jrny8rt4Jjc6rIJdV76soC6hZz1UOITjyPLSHlNLV09wFhyW2joY/s3072/IMG_0351.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFu-WZog6WXaiwXvmdTP8jQIESL7JBXK_JQMSZWsdwvPjvGoQAY7mqZYuqsJV2xTm2oDaMlRUMEqU8PUQnPb9TRoTgiPynQdoSl2RR-vEdxGKgKNj1_3TzETf1zdQ5nBN1OoKc0_jrny8rt4Jjc6rIJdV76soC6hZz1UOITjyPLSHlNLV09wFhyW2joY/s320/IMG_0351.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I have always wanted to repurpose some of the jam jars. This year my sister was making a candle for a friend and had leftover Fraser fir scented wax. We bought red twine and stickers from Hobby Lobby and she made me three candles. I love them! I’m going to keep the rest of the jars to repurpose. There are many ideas on Pinterest of crafts to make with the jars.</p><p>I hope you have enjoyed the 24 Days of Christmas with the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar. Merry Christmas!</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-82741350649480657612023-12-23T10:30:00.000-05:002023-12-23T10:30:25.486-05:00Bonne Maman Advent Calendar—Day 23<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yzqyZc02AUz0N2HdRby9hT7Vmw8qDkMSRz5Z2RGuyPhWd3eDbnGBGP1FcmzbN7X0TiCsV1tW1sw_lESelgB183uOzSNu-GGGybIWcVHwnwmv_usbUmtP56jAe97wVkBP_4xxgvac69u2hQ8K7j3Q1hdDaqzsc-GZ_uFm_zabNfON1faHvZH-qluTXxU/s3072/IMG_0325.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yzqyZc02AUz0N2HdRby9hT7Vmw8qDkMSRz5Z2RGuyPhWd3eDbnGBGP1FcmzbN7X0TiCsV1tW1sw_lESelgB183uOzSNu-GGGybIWcVHwnwmv_usbUmtP56jAe97wVkBP_4xxgvac69u2hQ8K7j3Q1hdDaqzsc-GZ_uFm_zabNfON1faHvZH-qluTXxU/s320/IMG_0325.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOubj7uqFvkSMijY0W22U5JtAQTAVNM6_G9pGm-HBHH3fnNYIfnwhfpfn1zLxr2wRobpTIaB_4ESu_dr4fPlJkacAeUx2jm6sR9QffLw8Z4uZA7FLinM6xp-HCrjxWt-ljXIL6O1sWOBEDhXP65VOj-FSvBd4UNt2XDVdF6IzTp4Yuba2OEapIPbtCrY/s3072/IMG_0326.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOubj7uqFvkSMijY0W22U5JtAQTAVNM6_G9pGm-HBHH3fnNYIfnwhfpfn1zLxr2wRobpTIaB_4ESu_dr4fPlJkacAeUx2jm6sR9QffLw8Z4uZA7FLinM6xp-HCrjxWt-ljXIL6O1sWOBEDhXP65VOj-FSvBd4UNt2XDVdF6IzTp4Yuba2OEapIPbtCrY/s320/IMG_0326.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It is Day 23 of the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar. Today’s jam is a delicious combination—Mango, Raspberry & Lime. This is such a sweet indulgence!</p><p>Another sweet treat is this beautiful Christmas Tree cookie that I bought from Miz Kathi’s Sweetery in Wildwood, FL. It is a delightful and beautiful cookie. </p><p>Only one more day! </p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-26502711924783707402023-12-23T09:44:00.000-05:002023-12-23T09:44:53.033-05:00December Book of the Month Choices!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaGdquPLcU-KVFkLvpZLMNghF4LagYtNtn2h5bwsds8psaRjQkcZ-cZFJTBvYUfbJvEhdE5P2hOH3V6mvLzVIVTU9rEsD7HFBucb4Y2_nK9EDhIrep1slexsDDvu6Ksnpl8ijDQ0fWHK-1o1e_fixw2O5QDzvUzjuboQ4ypw3gahNCxOIIstcMXzMhu0/s3072/IMG_0319.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaGdquPLcU-KVFkLvpZLMNghF4LagYtNtn2h5bwsds8psaRjQkcZ-cZFJTBvYUfbJvEhdE5P2hOH3V6mvLzVIVTU9rEsD7HFBucb4Y2_nK9EDhIrep1slexsDDvu6Ksnpl8ijDQ0fWHK-1o1e_fixw2O5QDzvUzjuboQ4ypw3gahNCxOIIstcMXzMhu0/s320/IMG_0319.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>I realized that I never shared my December Books of the Month choices. I haven’t been able to start any of them yet, but I’m excited to read them soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>No One Can Know</i> by Kate Alice Marshall—Marshall is also the author of <i>What Lies in the Woods</i>. <i>No One Can Know </i>is a thriller with an unreliable narrator. The story has small town secrets, as well as family tensions.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Mystery Guest</i> by Nina Prose—<i>The Mystery Guest</i> is the second book in the “Molly the Maid” series. It is described as a “light read” and a “whodunnit.” I loved <i>The Maid</i>, so I am hoping to enjoy <i>The Mystery Guest.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Second Chance Year </i>by Melissa Wiesner—A young woman wishes for a redo on her challenging year, and her wish is granted. This romance novel would be a great read for the new year.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Other Mothers</i> by Katherine Faulkner—This thriller has multiple viewpoints and a nonlinear timeline. It is described as a “suburban mama drama.”</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m enjoying my month of holiday reading. What are you reading?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-56744119737143278072023-12-22T10:31:00.000-05:002023-12-22T10:31:08.464-05:00Bonne Maman Advent Calendar—Day 22<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1wKNMPyisRlDdt4gdk_P31Low_jTPCN1sES-VOh-pEjbkVdXSICMel69Eij-EWDpquDbhdUZQlOZLCjXgqHLBoxpaRoc2nrA4dVxXh8P4ZWKpIz5HZdHphkQZJMt4CaqBKfcBzUGBLtjGJtthN1lODkHRseYhoQFlGjRhjYjw72XLuVw9VCuah64F2o/s3072/IMG_0318.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1wKNMPyisRlDdt4gdk_P31Low_jTPCN1sES-VOh-pEjbkVdXSICMel69Eij-EWDpquDbhdUZQlOZLCjXgqHLBoxpaRoc2nrA4dVxXh8P4ZWKpIz5HZdHphkQZJMt4CaqBKfcBzUGBLtjGJtthN1lODkHRseYhoQFlGjRhjYjw72XLuVw9VCuah64F2o/s320/IMG_0318.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On this 22nd day of December, Bonne Maman’s jam of the day is Orange-Mandarin-Passion Fruit. It is another new flavor this year! The Santa hat cookie is from Miz Kathi’s Sweetery in Wildwood, Florida.<p></p><p>Only 2 more days of jam! Enjoy your day!</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-15457415371592358362023-12-21T12:52:00.000-05:002023-12-21T12:52:47.940-05:00The Glass Château by Stephen P. Kiernan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO3Io_U3crOXObKmRVDb6oE1lHW1lff6d57yt3Q_iSCtDHBtXu3RuzDwriKsJHxxCje5nVxIo5JHYuL-2046UBiumfoA-h220b6nJyyUZZbdmPVQ-Q50yg4NtZqP35KgAEELdb_NEatErcAyK2GuMBkQghb3OKiCuBALpldYz64wiGQKczjEpycuMgnQ/s3072/IMG_0306.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO3Io_U3crOXObKmRVDb6oE1lHW1lff6d57yt3Q_iSCtDHBtXu3RuzDwriKsJHxxCje5nVxIo5JHYuL-2046UBiumfoA-h220b6nJyyUZZbdmPVQ-Q50yg4NtZqP35KgAEELdb_NEatErcAyK2GuMBkQghb3OKiCuBALpldYz64wiGQKczjEpycuMgnQ/s320/IMG_0306.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Would you like to read an uplifting novel during this holiday season and into the new year? If so, <i>The Glass Château</i> by Stephen P. Kiernan is a book you will enjoy. Follow Asher on his journey of redemption and healing set in post World War II France. <p></p><p>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-61665797483713133262023-12-21T11:44:00.001-05:002023-12-21T11:44:51.869-05:00Dirty Martini Dip <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBMUmA5h_GNrGlky7ua-18iuK2_jFvt_wYT_mGCxaJ7Y6eBB5Q3dHN_hrLYz1VUsNV-ODpKwvpcxjQAQyHw_mZYaabFDVIWfNfBblo1573xC-WwgKs3l3ifmDZqqbdEvtLJayz4314Dk7Vijv_-Ejsplegjq27KVmOFta54f4Ny4h6SyIeUPgQqsW7WE/s3072/IMG_9371.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBMUmA5h_GNrGlky7ua-18iuK2_jFvt_wYT_mGCxaJ7Y6eBB5Q3dHN_hrLYz1VUsNV-ODpKwvpcxjQAQyHw_mZYaabFDVIWfNfBblo1573xC-WwgKs3l3ifmDZqqbdEvtLJayz4314Dk7Vijv_-Ejsplegjq27KVmOFta54f4Ny4h6SyIeUPgQqsW7WE/s320/IMG_9371.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This dip is so delicious! It is definitely for adults, as it does contain vodka, but it is optional. Blue cheese, olives and olive brine, along with spices round out this fantastic dip. It is perfect for the holidays and bowl games!<div><br /></div><div>I will be sharing the recipe from @cheesegal on my Instagram stories and will save it to Christmas2 highlight. The recipe can also be found on Facebook at Nashville Cheese Gal. I will also share it on my personal Facebook page and my Loving Life and Living Yeast Free page. <p></p><div>Please follow @cheesegal on Instagram and Nashville Cheese Gal on Facebook for more incredible recipes!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5887451314300811283.post-53762616677827022142023-12-21T10:37:00.000-05:002023-12-21T10:37:38.930-05:00Bonne Maman Advent Calendar—Days 20 & 21<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXuTYVjEOWgu0m06oDJQyV8oixJ7IUkmDMiCuvHULfxidWh_ZjL40YWSjnkI_sqK8La7Id5pF9pFk1vgwsu6KQOhpWnAH_6JSz0tumyaintYDteibTF1DzYMNXtKPHv6nsV_RAqDwrLso4E2qDhsIQP_k4SFpt2g-07Im2qPRqG0vwbT8PXPmt_95B64/s3072/IMG_0300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXuTYVjEOWgu0m06oDJQyV8oixJ7IUkmDMiCuvHULfxidWh_ZjL40YWSjnkI_sqK8La7Id5pF9pFk1vgwsu6KQOhpWnAH_6JSz0tumyaintYDteibTF1DzYMNXtKPHv6nsV_RAqDwrLso4E2qDhsIQP_k4SFpt2g-07Im2qPRqG0vwbT8PXPmt_95B64/s320/IMG_0300.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Today I’m featuring Days 20 & 21 of the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar. <p></p><p>Day 20 is Quince Spread. It is a new flavor this year. It tastes like pears and honey and would work well on a charcuterie board with meats.</p><p>Day 21 is Rhubarb-Strawberry Spread. I love this combination. The sweetness of the strawberries go perfectly with the tartness of the rhubarb.</p><p>The adorable mitten cookie is from Miz Kathi’s Sweetery in Wildwood, FL.</p><p>There are only 3 days left in the Advent Calendar, which means it is 4 days until Christmas!</p><p>Enjoy your day!</p>LaDonne Oaldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12712282752166443176noreply@blogger.com0