September 6, 2011- 101 books read, 199 books to go (I can honestly say that I do not think I will read that many by January 1, 2012; sorry to disappoint blog readers!!)
Breaking Dawn- Stephenie Meyer
The Forbidden (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 2)- Beverly Lewis
Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature- Robin Brande
Fat Cat- Robin Brande
Am I Right or Am I Right?- Barry Jonsberg
1001 Cranes- Naomi Hirahara
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West- Gregory Maguire
Alice in Zombieland - Lewis Carroll and Nikolas Cook
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz- L. Frank Baum
The Complete Adventures of Alice in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll
Patiently Alice- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Alice on her Way- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Alice in the Know- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Almost Alice- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Intensely Alice- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Alice in Charge- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Incredibly Alice- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Book 1)- Rachel Caine
The Dead Girls' Dance (Morganville Vampires, Book 2)- Rachel Caine
Arousing Love- M.H. Strom
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
New Year's Resolution Update #6
July 31, 2011 - 81 books read, 219 to go
The Parting [The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, book 1] - Beverly Lewis
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix- JK Rowling
Throwaway- Heather Huffman
Suddenly a Spy- Heather Huffman
Jailbird- Heather Huffman
Ties that Bind- Heather Huffman
The Phantom of the Opera- Gaston Leroux
The Vampire Diaries: The Return-Shadow Souls- LJ Smith
The Parting [The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, book 1] - Beverly Lewis
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix- JK Rowling
Throwaway- Heather Huffman
Suddenly a Spy- Heather Huffman
Jailbird- Heather Huffman
Ties that Bind- Heather Huffman
The Phantom of the Opera- Gaston Leroux
The Vampire Diaries: The Return-Shadow Souls- LJ Smith
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A Community I love
A lot of people have tons of complaints about Storm Lake. "There's nothing fun to do here." "There's no cool places to hang." I beg to differ my friends. I am here to offer you 10 reasons why Storm Lake, IA is a community that I truly love (to be quite honest, it's the only community I have lived in, but I digress)
1. Pages Bakery - If you are in Storm Lake, and you want donuts, don't even think about Casey's or Hy-Vee. Pages is the best hands down. It is a family owned business that has been in Storm Lake for a very long time, and it's as good as it's ever been (so I'm told). I recommend the donut holes, bird-eye's, or chocolate yum-yums.
2. Honey Kissed Pizza- The number 2 tourist spot in Storm Lake, this is the best pizza I've ever eaten. The secret is the HONEY on the crust (hence the name Honey Kissed Pizza). They have tons of specialty pizzas, and the decor in the restaurant is completely awesome!
3. The Star Spangled Spectacular- This hometown tradition is one of my very favorite things about Storm Lake. Everything about the Star Spangled Spectacular is awesome: the parade, the food, and the bands/booths. I have only missed 1 Star Spangled Spectacular in my entire life, and I cannot imagine NOT being in Storm Lake for the 4th of July.
4. The Storm Lake High School Music Department- If you go to any school in NW Iowa and mention the Storm Lake High School Music Department, chances are they will get a small look of fear in their eyes. Our Music Department has been a staple in our town for awhile, and that's mostly thanks to Jeff Tollefson, our former vocal director and now HS Vice principal. Tollefson was a no-nonsense kind of guy, and because of that, our choir got 2nd in a national competition in Florida. Our band got 1st place, because Senor Heeren is the same no-nonsense kind of guy, and we have a great orchestra. Our department is lucky to have such community support.
5. Boz Wellz- I've mentioned a lot of food in this blog, but let's face it : we love to eat. This is another hometown restaurant with amazing food. They always have good soup, the cheesballs and onion rings are to die for, and the club sandwich is amazing. And don't even get me started on the Gooey Butter Cake!
6. Santa's Castle- My family always goes to Santa's Castle every year, and I have had the opportunity to work there through the HS Key Club. It's not as exciting as it was when I was younger, but I love seeing the little kids there and they're reactions. The goats are my favorite exhibit.
7. Our diverse community- Many people would see our diverse community as a bad thing, but the people in Storm Lake embrace it and make the best of it. Getting to learn about all these different cultures is awesome. Tasting the food, seeing traditional dances, and all of those things truly make us lucky to live in Storm Lake.
8. The Skating Rink- Sure, this place is the same as it was in the 1960's, but you can't tell me you never went skating there in middle school. My friends and I still love to go skating when we are able, but I've only been there a couple of times since I broke my tailbone skating during Adventure Club freshman year..
9. King's Pointe- I don't think this waterpark is as awesome as some of the little kids, but it's nice to have. However, it is ridiculously over-priced and not nearly as AWESOME as the Marshalltown Aquatic Center. Just sayin'..
And, finally, wait for it. Drumroll please.... *BZZZZZZZ*
10. Grand Central Coffee Station- I've never actually tried the coffee because coffee disgusts me, but the steamers, smoothies, tea, and muffins are really good.
There you have it folks. Although our town is sometimes smelly, the lake is pretty gross, and we're surrounded by cornfields, Storm Lake is truly a community I love.
1. Pages Bakery - If you are in Storm Lake, and you want donuts, don't even think about Casey's or Hy-Vee. Pages is the best hands down. It is a family owned business that has been in Storm Lake for a very long time, and it's as good as it's ever been (so I'm told). I recommend the donut holes, bird-eye's, or chocolate yum-yums.
2. Honey Kissed Pizza- The number 2 tourist spot in Storm Lake, this is the best pizza I've ever eaten. The secret is the HONEY on the crust (hence the name Honey Kissed Pizza). They have tons of specialty pizzas, and the decor in the restaurant is completely awesome!
3. The Star Spangled Spectacular- This hometown tradition is one of my very favorite things about Storm Lake. Everything about the Star Spangled Spectacular is awesome: the parade, the food, and the bands/booths. I have only missed 1 Star Spangled Spectacular in my entire life, and I cannot imagine NOT being in Storm Lake for the 4th of July.
4. The Storm Lake High School Music Department- If you go to any school in NW Iowa and mention the Storm Lake High School Music Department, chances are they will get a small look of fear in their eyes. Our Music Department has been a staple in our town for awhile, and that's mostly thanks to Jeff Tollefson, our former vocal director and now HS Vice principal. Tollefson was a no-nonsense kind of guy, and because of that, our choir got 2nd in a national competition in Florida. Our band got 1st place, because Senor Heeren is the same no-nonsense kind of guy, and we have a great orchestra. Our department is lucky to have such community support.
5. Boz Wellz- I've mentioned a lot of food in this blog, but let's face it : we love to eat. This is another hometown restaurant with amazing food. They always have good soup, the cheesballs and onion rings are to die for, and the club sandwich is amazing. And don't even get me started on the Gooey Butter Cake!
6. Santa's Castle- My family always goes to Santa's Castle every year, and I have had the opportunity to work there through the HS Key Club. It's not as exciting as it was when I was younger, but I love seeing the little kids there and they're reactions. The goats are my favorite exhibit.
7. Our diverse community- Many people would see our diverse community as a bad thing, but the people in Storm Lake embrace it and make the best of it. Getting to learn about all these different cultures is awesome. Tasting the food, seeing traditional dances, and all of those things truly make us lucky to live in Storm Lake.
8. The Skating Rink- Sure, this place is the same as it was in the 1960's, but you can't tell me you never went skating there in middle school. My friends and I still love to go skating when we are able, but I've only been there a couple of times since I broke my tailbone skating during Adventure Club freshman year..
9. King's Pointe- I don't think this waterpark is as awesome as some of the little kids, but it's nice to have. However, it is ridiculously over-priced and not nearly as AWESOME as the Marshalltown Aquatic Center. Just sayin'..
And, finally, wait for it. Drumroll please.... *BZZZZZZZ*
10. Grand Central Coffee Station- I've never actually tried the coffee because coffee disgusts me, but the steamers, smoothies, tea, and muffins are really good.
There you have it folks. Although our town is sometimes smelly, the lake is pretty gross, and we're surrounded by cornfields, Storm Lake is truly a community I love.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
New Year's Resolution Update #5
June 29, 2011- 69 books read, 231 to go.
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle- L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion- L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Return- Nightfall- L.J. Smith
Rainbow Boys- Alex Sanchez
Rainbow High- Alex Sanchez
Rainbow Road- Alex Sanchez
Getting It- Alex Sanchez
The Weight of Silence- Heather Gudenkauf
Cool Beans- Erynn Mangum
Life's a Beach- Claire Cook
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle- L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion- L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Return- Nightfall- L.J. Smith
Rainbow Boys- Alex Sanchez
Rainbow High- Alex Sanchez
Rainbow Road- Alex Sanchez
Getting It- Alex Sanchez
The Weight of Silence- Heather Gudenkauf
Cool Beans- Erynn Mangum
Life's a Beach- Claire Cook
Caramel Chocolate Bars
Recipe courtesy of the Palo Iowa Quasquicentennial Cookbook
1 (14 oz.) bag of caramels
1 can evaporated milk
1 (18 oz.) package chocolate cake mix. (I used Devil's Food)
3/4 cup melted butter
1 pkg. chocolate chips
Combine the caramels and 1/3 cup of evaporated milk in pan. Stir until melted, and keep warm. Combine the cake mix, butter, and 1/3 cup of milk and mix well. Spread half of the batter into a greased 9 X 13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 6 minutes. Cool 2 minutes. Spread the caramel mixture over crust and top with chocolate chips. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cake. Bake for 18 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
These are very very yummy!!
1 (14 oz.) bag of caramels
1 can evaporated milk
1 (18 oz.) package chocolate cake mix. (I used Devil's Food)
3/4 cup melted butter
1 pkg. chocolate chips
Combine the caramels and 1/3 cup of evaporated milk in pan. Stir until melted, and keep warm. Combine the cake mix, butter, and 1/3 cup of milk and mix well. Spread half of the batter into a greased 9 X 13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 6 minutes. Cool 2 minutes. Spread the caramel mixture over crust and top with chocolate chips. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cake. Bake for 18 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
These are very very yummy!!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Orange Brownies
Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen and "Paula's Home Cooking"
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 sticks softened butter
4 eggs
2 teaspoons orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest.
Cream the butter, eggs, and sugar. Add the orange extract and orange zest. Add the flour. Beat until well blended. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until light golden brown. Allow the cake to cool, then pierce the entire cake with a fork. Spread the Orange Cream cheese frosting over brownies.
Frosting
1 8 oz. package softened cream cheese
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 [1 pound] box of confectioner's sugar (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
Whip the butter and cream cheese together. Gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar until it is combined and smooth. Beat in the orange zest and orange juice. Spread over brownies.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 sticks softened butter
4 eggs
2 teaspoons orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest.
Cream the butter, eggs, and sugar. Add the orange extract and orange zest. Add the flour. Beat until well blended. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until light golden brown. Allow the cake to cool, then pierce the entire cake with a fork. Spread the Orange Cream cheese frosting over brownies.
Frosting
1 8 oz. package softened cream cheese
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 [1 pound] box of confectioner's sugar (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
Whip the butter and cream cheese together. Gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar until it is combined and smooth. Beat in the orange zest and orange juice. Spread over brownies.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
This dessert is literally as easy as it sounds, and it's delicious!
1 can pie filling ( I used cherry, but you can use any kind)
I boxed cake mix (I used chocolate, but white/yellow/spice will also work)
1 stick of butter.
*We usually make ours in a cast iron skillet or dutch oven, but a casserole dish works just as well. Make sure you grease whatever pan you are using WELL!
1. Dump the pie filling into the bottom of the dish and spread it around.
2. Pour the DRY cake mix over the pie filling (don't mix the cake up)
3. Slice the butter and place it around the pan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!!
Cherry-chocolate is the combination we usually make, but you could also do apple-spice, or yellow/white cake mix with any pie filling!!
1 can pie filling ( I used cherry, but you can use any kind)
I boxed cake mix (I used chocolate, but white/yellow/spice will also work)
1 stick of butter.
*We usually make ours in a cast iron skillet or dutch oven, but a casserole dish works just as well. Make sure you grease whatever pan you are using WELL!
1. Dump the pie filling into the bottom of the dish and spread it around.
2. Pour the DRY cake mix over the pie filling (don't mix the cake up)
3. Slice the butter and place it around the pan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!!
Cherry-chocolate is the combination we usually make, but you could also do apple-spice, or yellow/white cake mix with any pie filling!!
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