The Ladybug Lounge

Disney News: New Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Expansion Plans Announced; Snow White Closure Confirmed; Hi-Res Concept Art - Stitch Kingdom.com - The latest in Disney news and the greatest in Disney tools - StitchKingdom.com

The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history is underway, a project that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland and deliver a new home for Ariel, new ways to interact with favorite Disney princesses, an exciting new family coaster, a double dose of Dumbo and more.

via www.stitchkingdom.com

iPad reading could cut into TV's time - CNN.com

(Fast Company) -- The iPad is changing how folks read stuff online -- no surprise if you think how different a gizmo it is to a PC.

via www.cnn.com

This article is so true for me ! I hardly watch TV at all anymore. Too many books, so little time !

Stunning 2010 Mobile Facts

2011 READING CHALLENGE SIGN UP: Outdo Yourself

This really will be a challenge for me since I did pretty well this last year with my reading. I nowhere near what some people read, but I'm proud of my accomplishments in 2010 and can't wait to see if I can top them in 2011. 

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 
hosted by The Book Vixen

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
• Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:

     Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books 
     Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books 
     Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books 
     I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

 

Nicholas Sparks Book Reading Challenge

Nicholas Sparks happens to be one of my very favorite authors.  So, when I saw this challenge, I knew I had to sign up.  I'm going to aim for 2-3 of his novels that I've never read before. 

Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge 
hosted by The Book Vixen

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to read or re-read as many Nicholas Sparks novels as you’d like. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
• Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:

     First Date – Read 1–4 Nicholas Sparks novels 
     Going Steady – Read 5–8 Nicholas Sparks novels 
     Engaged – Read 9–12 Nicholas Sparks novels 
     Married – Read 13–16 Nicholas Sparks novels 

List of Nicholas Sparks novels:

     The Notebook 
     Message in a Bottle 
     A Walk to Remember 
     The Rescue 
     A Bend in the Road 
     Nights in Rodanthe 
     The Wedding 
     The Guardian 
     Three Weeks With My Brother 
     True Believer (read this first, before At First Sight) 
     At First Sight (read this after True Believer) 
     The Choice 
     Dear John 
     The Lucky One 
     The Last Song 
     Safe Haven

 

 

It's Monday, What are you Reading ?

Last week was a busy one but I was able to finish two books. 

Her Mothers Hope by Francine Rivers. I had really looked forward to reading this book and was very let down by it ! Bummer !

The second for the week was It Had to be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. This also wasn't the most inspiring read. 

This week I'm excited to read 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber. This was on my list from last year and I was never able to get around to it !! 

I have 101 books on my to-read list and it's the start of a brand new year of reading so I haven't made up my mind what comes after this ! 

My Favorite Books of 2010

One of my goals for 2010 was to read more ....and read I did !! I completed 54 books. For me, that is quite the accomplishment. I was able to read some unforgettable novels along the way ! I wanted to share with everyone what my favorites were this year. 

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Hands down this was the best book I read this year !  I think this is a MUST READ for almost everyone . Stockett makes her characters so complex, you will swear you know them personally.  I laughed and cried while reading this, and there were a few times when I wanted to scream at a character. A highly, highly, highly recommended book. The first half  can be  a little slow, but you really the second  half would not carry half the meaning it does without knowing the characters the way you do from the descriptions and the journeys that Stockett details for us. I will always wonder how everybody is doing she has made the characters that real and believable. Go read it. Everyone. All of you. Go go go go go

2. The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

These both are tied ! Since this is the first two novels in The Bridgerton Family series and they were both 5 star worth, I decided it was fine for them to be tied ! 

When I read a novel, I want to be emotionally involved with not only the characters but the storyline as well.  These were  great historical fiction that made me smile from ear to ear during most of the plott. Quinn knows how to write amazing dialogue and banter between her characters. Theis author is a breathe of fresh air from the mosre popular novels that have been popular this year. No darkness, vampires, werewolves, murders, and rapes. Her style of writing is like a breath of fresh air. 

3. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean 

This novel came as a complete shock to me. I had never heard of this book or the author. I was searching through ebooks my library had available to download and this one popped up.  I love historical romance so after reading the description, I decided I would try it. It was a library book afterall, if I didn't like it, I wasn't out any money. It is  a romantic, funny and absolutely adorable book. I had such a great time reading it and fell in love with ALL the characters. You know it's a great novel when you stay up until 3am reading and it's worth the lack of sleep ! If you're in the mood for a wonderful historical romance with great dialogues, lovely characters and hot romance, start reading this right now! 

I definitely have the next novel in this series Ten way to be adored when landing a Lord. 

4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen 

I recently posted  my review of this book and am looking forward to the movie coming out in April of 2011. I really enjoyed this novel. I would never have anticipated I would enjoy a "circus" novel, but it is so much more than that. 

Honorable Mention

Sh*t my Dad Says by Justin Halpern 

First off, if you are bothered by the title, this isn't the book for you ! It filled with naughty language. But, if you can get pass this it is one of the single most funny books you will ever read. 

The book is a look at the wonderfully strange character his father is and how he got to know his father better as he grew up through the quirky, sometimes jaw-dropping, but always hilarious quips his father would come up with.

Do not try to read this book in bed while your spouse is sleeping - you will wake them up constantly. Do not try to read this book in public - everyone will think that you are crazy. It is impossible to not laugh out loud with tears streaming down your face while reading this book!

My original copy came from the library so I bought  a copy for my husband and also a copy for my best friends husband who had just returned from his deployment. I always knew when my husband was reading this, because I could hear him howling from laughter !! 

The message is great, with or without the profanity and everyone can relate to the situations, especially parents.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

This book takes place in France during WWII. It follows a ten year old girl named Sarah as her family is arrested by French police during the Vel' d' Hiv' roundup. Thinking they will be back after a few hours, she hides her four year old brother in a locked secret cupboard. All the Jewish families that were part of the roundup were shipped out to a camp where she is separated from her parents and struggles to get back to her hidden brother. 

The book also follows another character 60 years later named Julia. She is a journalist who is assigned to do an article on the 60th anniversary of Vel' d' Hiv'. As she researches, she finds out she is connected to Sarah and it changes her life. 

Once again, I was struck by how little history I know. I had no knowledge of the Rafle du Vel' d'Hiv (wiki it)and the complicity of the Vichy government and the French police in this horror. Through this book, the reader gets not only a spectacular story but also an insight into a piece of history that should not be forgotten. As the book says, Zakhor. Al Tichkah (Remember. Never Forget)

 

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

 The Summary of 2010 

We celebrated our 1st year of being home owners 

We quickly learned owning your own home isn't all it's cracked up to be when things break or go wrong ! 

Our wonderful Golden Retriever Chandler was diagnosed with lymphoma and died. 

We became parents to a puppy Golden we named Henry 

We became a foster family for the Golden Retriever Rescue and have fostered 20 dogs. 

We became foster-failures and added another Golden to our family named Bentley 

We went to Breckenridge for a fun weekend getaway. They were doing snow carving competition and the kids loved it ! 

I was able to see Michael Buble' in concert with my husband. It was a highlight since I've wanted to see him forever !! 

My son and I stood in line opening day for the Ipad and it's been love ever since. I still swear my kids get to use it more than I do though !! 

I planted a rose garden in memory of my Grandmother who loved Roses and was an avid gardener. It has a long way to go, but we'll get there ! 

I learned I love planting flowers and gardening but I hate to get my hands dirty.  If I can't find my gloves, it doesn't get done ! 

Got to take a Girls trip with Tia to Vegas and we had a blast. Hands down one of the best vacations I've been on ! Love that girl !! 

Tia's husband was also deployed in 2010 and late this year returned home safe and sound ! 

We had our first annual backyard campout ! The kids had a blast ! 

The American Girl store opened in Denver much to my daughters delight and my wallets demise ! 

Toy Story 3 opened and my family went crazy !! It is by the way one of the best movies ever ! 

My son turned 13 ( and yes, had a Toy Story birthday theme!). How can I be the mom of a teenager already ? 

My daughter started first grade and my son started 8th ! 

We were able to attend the Colorado Balloon Classic. It was so much fun for us ! 

My daughter turned 6 and now officially has to count her age on two hands ! 

We took our son to Williamsburg/Virginia Beach for Fall Break. He loves history and can't wait to go back. 

Over all, we had a good year in our household and everyone stayed healthy and happy ! 

One of biggest personal accomplishments was my reading.

READING ?!

Yes, reading.

Reading de-stresses me and I have always loved reading.  I challenged myself to really make time to enjoy more novels. I read a total of 54 books. In a different post I'll sum up some of my favorites !! I did end up giving up most of the television programs to fit in reading time, but it was worth it. 

 My wishes for 2011 are.....

I tend to be a worry-wart and it doesn't help my stress level. So, one of my goals is to not over-think or worry about the future.  No matter what we imagine will happen, reality is sure to be different . Rather than feel sad about these changes, or worry about what tomorrow holds, I want to enjoy the journey into the unknown!!!

My family will continue to be healthy

Spend more quality time as a family

Try and beat the amount of books I read in 2010

Finish my Couch to 5k program and spend more time outdoors

Continue to blog

Spend less and save more

 This little paragraph has some great advice for all of us to take in 2011. 

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings

I hope that you all have an amazing New Year's Eve saying goodbye to your 2010 and welcoming the unknown of 2011.  

Happy New Year!

 

Water for Elephants Movie Trailer Based on Novel by Sara Gruen

I read this book earlier this year and loved it. It has stayed with me as one of the best and most memorable novels I've read this year.  If you like to read the book before seeing the movie, consider this your chance ! 

They have made a movie that will be released April 15, 2011. The cast includes my favorites Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. Can't wait for this movie to come out ! 

 

New Still's from Disney's Gnomeo & Juliet

Disney has released new stills from Gnomeo & Juliet coming February 2011. This new movie features Emily Blunt and James McAvoy with music by Elton John ! Our family is excited to see the new film ! 

 

It's Monday, What are You Reading ?

It's been awhile since I participated in this meme. It's one of my favorites since my favorite pastime is reading. 

This week is a busy one but I hope to finish at least one book that's been on my list for awhile. 

Her Mother's Hope by Fancine Rivers. I've heard nothing but rave reviews for this book so I'm hoping it will live up to my expectations ! I'm also hoping to finish it so I can add it to my 2010 books read total ! 

The most unique Christmas Story

This is a must watch for everyone that is a Facebook fan. It put a smile on my face.  Such a creative way to tell The Christmas Story ! 

 

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen Book Review

Author Anna Godbersen

Pages 433 pages

Published November 20, 2007

In the self-contained world of young Gilded Age Manhattan socialites, Elizabeth and Diana Holland reign supreme. Or so it seems. Scratch the surface, though, and you can detect festering jealousies that threaten to topple them. Elizabeth suffers a more literal fall when her carriage overturns and she is carried away by the swift East River current. 

Ok, so I'll be honest here and admit the only reason I was intrigued and even glanced in the direction of this book was because of the GORGEOUS cover !! I did something I never do, I judged this book by the cover. I kept seeing it and finally decided I needed to read it. 

Think Mean Girls set in 1899 and you've pretty much got this book covered. I've also heard that it's perfect compared to Gossip Girls, but since I don't watch and haven't read any of the Gossip Girls series, I can't compare them.  The author  doesn't go too overboard with the sexual details. They are mostly set aside and just "assumed". . She does a wonderful job with the descriptions of the parties, houses, scenery and social standards these characters find themselves in.

 I didn't love any of the characters and didn't find myself  invested in them. My only complaint is that now I have to read the rest of the series to know what happens! Overall, I enjoyed the book and will probably go on to the second in the series: Rumors

Rated 3/5

Angels Everywhere by Debbie Macomber Book Review

Author Debbie Macomber

Pages 640 

Published December 1, 2002

In a season of giving, the beloved New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber sends joy winging our way with two miraculous full-length novels together in one volume.

Celebrate life, love, and the holiday spirit with three unforgettable heavenly helpers -- the irrepressible angels Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy -- as they work their inspiring, poignant, and sometimes hilarious magic on hearts in need.

 

This was a light easy Christmas read to finish off my Holiday reading challenge.  It was entertaining in a Hallmark Christmas movie sort of way. Love the names of the angels Shirley, Goodness and Mercy. They help their 3 different humans with prayer requests. All the prayer requests end up answered, but probably not in the way we or they ever expected. 

Rated 3/5

The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffinger Book Review

Author Audrey Niffinger

Pages 536 pages

Published January 1, 2003

When Henry meets Clare, he is twenty-eight and she is twenty. Henry has never met Clare before; Clare has known Henry since she was six. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. Henry and Clare's attempts to live normal lives are threatened by a force they can neither prevent nor control, making their passionate love story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable. The Time Traveler's Wife is a story of fate, hope and belief, and more than that, it's about the power of love to endure beyond the bounds of time

I decided it was finally time to read this book when they released the movie. I always like to read a novel first and then watch the movie. This book is incredibly well written and I love both the characters. It sucked me in as soon as started reading it. This was a book though that has so many twists and turns and seperate storylines to follow that if I actually thought too hard about what was happening, it would confuse my poor little brain. The time-travel idea could be difficult to grasp. It took some effort to really wrap my head around the idea. Probably only those that have read the novel will understand what this truly means

But ( and this is a big one for me) have you ever invested over 500 pages reading a big and the ending was so bad you wanted to throw the book against a wall and scream ?! That is the way I felt about this one ! I felt like it not only came to a screeching halt but hit a brick wall. Ilso, I didn't think the author needed to use profanity as much as she did. It was very distracting to read the F-word every other page. 

I did watch the movie for this one and really enjoyed the movie ! This may be one of the only times I can say that I enjoyed the movie more than the book. 

Rated 3/5 

State of the INTERNET

Source: Focus.com

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck Book Review

Author Glenn Beck

Pages 284 pages

Published November 11, 2008

When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder -- and money tighter -- since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning. What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room. Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family -- and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell -- to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart. Based on a deeply personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives -- while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them.

This book has been on my "to read" list since it was first published back in 2008. My 13 year old son read it last Christmas and raved about it. He has been bugging me to read it ever since.

I don't know exactly what I was expecting with this book .  I literally had no idea what the story was even about, just that many people really like it. The moral of the book is a good one ! It's important to be thankful for the important people in our lives and not just material possessions that we think will make us happy. It also demonstrates how forgiveness and redemption can come out of tragedy, bitterness and sorrow. 

There is quite a bit of religious undertones and that I didn't care for. It reminded me of "The Shack" that I read last year and didn't enjoy.  

After reading 270 pages that was truly depressing and then making the conclusion a mere 10 pages, I didn't feel like this was a very uplifting Christmas read. 

Rated 3/5

 

Rainy Mood : Relaxing White Noise

Do you long for the rainy days you can curl up with comfy blanket and a good book ? Or simply watch a movie cozied up on the sofa with the rain in the background ? 

I DO ! 

I found a great new website that plays a loop of a quit rain thunderstorm. There is even birds chirping occasionally like they are in your garden right out the window. 

Try Rainy Mood

I've been finding myself pulling it up when I'm even just browsing on the internet or working. It's so comforting. Sometimes the best websites are the simplest. If rain puts you in a good, relaxed mood, Rainy Mood is the perfect site for you. I love it.

 

A Darcy Christmas: A Holiday Tribute to Jane Austen Book Review

Author Amanda Grange, Sharon Lathan and Carolyn Eberhart

Pages 308 pages

Published November 1, 2010

From Amanda Grange, the bestselling author of Mr. Darcy's Diary and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, Christmas finds the Darcy's celebrating the holiday with preparations for a ball, but the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of a very special gift... Ever sensual and romantic, Sharon Lathan highlights everything that's best and most precious in the celebrations of the holiday season. After a quarter of a century together, Darcy and Elizabeth reminisce... Jane Austen meets Charles Dickens! Carol Eberhart's Mr. Darcy's Christmas Carol finds Darcy encountering ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him his life if pride keeps him from his one true love.

I was so excited when I found this book and just had to read it. As a huge Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fan I'm always looking forward to books that extend the life of my favorite characters. I find myself sinking into historical fiction and it's by far my favorite genre. 

Mr Darcy's Christmas Carol by Carol Eberhart is the first novelette in this book. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of The Christmas Carol. It's been done 1,000 different ways and it's hard to make it original. The premis of this novel is that Elizabeth has just rejected Darcy's first proposal of marriage and he essentially fulfills the shoes of scrooge. While this storyline might not have been my favorite it was still well told and I look forward to more from this author in the future. 

The second book was my favorite. This one was Christmas Present by Amanda Grange. It finds you in the next stage of the Darcy and Bingley's life.  Most of the family ends up together for Christmas and there are many Austen-esque moments. She wrote the characters so true to their true selves from Pride and Prejudice that I found myself forgetting it wasn't really Austen herself ! 

The third and final installment in this book is A Darcy Christmas by Sharon Lathan.  Each chapter takes place on a different Christmas.  Some of the chapters were well written and others really seemed to drag on and were repetitive.  She takes the characters a little more "out of bounds" than I'm comfortable with. I don't think I need risque details. I'm all for keeping Darcy and Elizabeth sweet and simple. I've never read any of Lathans other novels and I can't say this one inspired me to start. 

Overall it's a fun read for any Austen fan and if you find yourself short on time I would pick this up from the library and at least read the first two novellas in this book. 

Rated 3/5

A Scattered Life by Karen McQuestion Book Review

Author Karen McQuestion

 Kindle E-Book ( this has never been published as a paper book)

Published October 1, 2009

When free-spirited Skyla marries proper and predictable Thomas Plinka, she finally finds the love and stability she’s craved since childhood. She also acquires a new family: mother-in-law Audrey, disapproving and suspicious of Skyla’s nomadic past; father-in-law Walt, gruff but kind; and Thomas’s brothers, sofa-bound Jeffrey, and Dennis, who moved across the country seemingly to avoid the family. 

Skyla settles into marriage and motherhood, but quiet life in small-town Wisconsin can’t quell feelings of restlessness. Then into her life comes Madame Picard, the local psychic from the disreputable bookstore, Mystic Books, and new neighbor, Roxanne, whose goal in life is to have twelve kids even though she can’t manage the five she has. Despite her family’s objections, Skyla befriends Roxanne and gets a job at the bookstore, and life gets fuller and more complicated than she ever imagined. 

I kept seeing this title as an Amazon Exclusive. This is a self published author that has really made a name for herself. This book is also being optioned for film as well. Pretty impressive for her debut novel. The low price of $2.99, the great reviews and the authors success all intrigued me enough to read this book. 

This book is a hard review for me. I enjoyed the characters and it certainly held my interest. I finished it in near record time but I felt like I didn't get much out of it. The story felt like it could have gone a couple of different ways and it never did. I kept waiting for something more that never came. The author certainly could have created more depth in her characters and the story. 

With that said, I did still enjoy the story and think it will do very well as a movie. I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars for this book and settled on a 3 star review since I didn't feel like I wasted my time reading it but don't feel like I could 100% recommend it to friends as a "must read".