Remember this post? Well I bit the bullet and ordered myself a key necklace.
Secret Key Necklace from Anthropologie, $38.00
Book: The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
Product Description:
Ahern wades into the Christmas fiction fray with a winning tale of magic and redemption. Lou Suffern is a busy man, and his family's growing weary of constantly taking the backseat to his career. On a whim, he offers Gabe, a homeless man he meets outside his office, a low-level job, and the uncharacteristically kind gesture plays out in a very unexpected way when Lou learns that Gabe has the power to be in two places at once. As the holidays draw nearer, Gabe tries to make Lou realize the importance of his family, but slow-to-change Lou might not come around to Gabe's way of thinking until it's too late. Ahern's an accomplished storyteller, and her writing chops elevate this far above the normal holiday fare. There's magic, but it's not campy, and the sentiment is real. -- from Amazon.comMy Thoughts: Overall, I enjoyed the message of this book. We really need to appreciate the life we have and so our family and friends that we love and care about them before it is too late. It seems that a lot of people live to work {I am not one of those people} and it is hard on their family. I think that this book depicted the tension between Ruth and Lou in a very realistic way - it made me so angry with Lou!
Book: Stitches by David Small
Product Description:
In this profound and moving memoir, Small, an award-winning children's book illustrator, uses his drawings to depict the consciousness of a young boy. The story starts when the narrator is six years old and follows him into adulthood, with most of the story spent during his early adolescence. The youngest member of a silent and unhappy family, David is subjected to repeated x-rays to monitor sinus problems. When he develops cancer as a result of this procedure, he is operated on without being told what is wrong with him. The operation results in the loss of his voice, cutting him off even further from the world around him. Small's black and white pen and ink drawings are endlessly perceptive as they portray the layering of dream and imagination onto the real-life experiences of the young boy. Small's intuitive morphing of images, as with the terrible postsurgery scar on the main character's throat that becomes a dark staircase climbed by his mother, provide deep emotional echoes. Some understanding is gained as family secrets are unearthed, but for the most part David fends for himself in a family that is uncommunicative to a truly ghastly degree. Small tells his story with haunting subtlety and power. -- from Amazon.comMy Thoughts: I read this book for the November selection of my book club {other selections here}. I went into this book as an uninformed reader; I knew nothing of the author's story. Also, I was a little hesitant about a graphic novel but I was thinking more of what I had to read in one of my college courses {bizarre, right?}. I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I read it in a very short amount of time, which made me extra happy!
Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse. I would love to know what books are in your handbag this week, so leave a comment below telling me - or if you post it on your site, leave the link in the comments so I can go read about it!
So after falling off of the Cecelia Ahern wagon last week, I decided to try again with The Gift. I'm not going to lie, I really liked the cover and that is why I bought this book! I certainly won't be carrying it my handbag while I am shopping today, but definitely will be reading this after my long nap!
That's right, today is Black Friday {why is it called that?!} and I will shopping my little heart out! I almost never need anything from the ads, but always end up with so much {oops}! This year Kohl's opens at 4:00 AM, last year we left around 2:00....why bother sleeping at all? So it will definitely be an early one this year, but the nap afterwards is always the best sleep I have!
So readers, what's in your handbag? Do you participate in this day of madness?
{Alicia}
{image is from MarthaStewart.com}
Book: The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere
Product Description:
When a struggling young single mother saves the life of an elderly woman, she sets into motion a series of events that will test her strength, loyalty, and determination, all the while setting her on the path to finding true love. Christine Eisley is the mother of seven-year-old Zach and five-year-old Haley. Her ex-husband provides little, if any, child support and makes life difficult for Christine by using the children as pawns. She works long hours as a waitress to make ends meet, but her job is in jeopardy because she’s often late to work due to the unreliable teenaged sitters she’s forced to use. When Christine saves the life of a woman who works in Wilson’s department store, the owner of Wilson’s wants to find her, to thank her, but Christine has disappeared, losing another job once again. He sets his grandson, Jason, to the task of finding the mysterious “Christy.” Jason, an accountant by trade who has lost his job to downsizing, thinks he is “above” working at Wilson’s. Soon, he discovers that this new task gives him more than he bargains for. The Christmas Secret is a novel for anyone who wants to see how love is a gift that keeps giving back; that hope is a treasure that never runs dry, and that faith is a miracle that is reborn with each new day. --from Amazon.comMy thoughts: Having never read any of VanLiere's Christmas Hope series, I was hesitant to accept this book. Thanks to Anne and the Book Report Network for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on this book.
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!
Dalton and another volunteer were shooting hoops with a group of children while another volunteer sat at a table playing Sorry with three girls and opened cans of Play-Doh for two other children. A few girls and one boy pretended to cook in the kitchen and took each other's "orders."
The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere - page 163.
Book: Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Ilene Beckerman
Product Description from Amazon.com:
Ilene Beckerman’s runaway bestseller articulates something all women know: that our memories are often tied to our favorite clothes. From her Brownie uniform to her Pucci knockoff to her black strapless Rita Haworth–style dress from the Neiman Marcus outlet store, Ilene Beckerman tells us the story of her life.My Thoughts: What a great little book! It is a very short book, it took very little time to read, but it was very memorable! I loved the illustrations and the stories that accompanied them. I think this would make a great gift for anyone....I loved it! I wish I could have seen this. The cast is full of amazing people!
After going to many musicals in my life {thanks to my grandma who always had season tickets to Shea's, and always brought me}, can you believe that I have never seen Fiddler on the Roof? I felt that I had to go see it - it almost seems like a requirement for the musical fan. I'll admit it here, I was not expecting to like this musical. But I felt as if I had to see it. After the first number I was hooked and so wrong! I loved it!
For a full synopsis, click here.
The touring cast of this musical was absolutely amazing, although I was disappointed that Topol was not in the production since it was billed as his Farewell Tour. But the man who played Tevye was absolutely amazing and quite humorous! I was blown away by the story and the music was so touching and amazing. The ending made me cry as well, but I pretty much cry during everything! Also, I almost fainted because Rena Strober was walking up the aisles collecting donations for Broadway Cares. She is absolutely gorgeous in person!
My favorite song was "Matchmaker, Matchmaker", but all of the music was beautiful; and I loved the wedding scene! All the dancing just seemed like a great time! I am going to buy the soundtrack and I've already ordered the DVD of this movie.
If this tour is coming to a city near you I truly recommend seeing it {I don't know if it is because the website is down!}.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I went to see Rent at my former place of employment! I was so shocked that UB was putting on Rent, and I was curious to see how they did with it!
I wrote about the last time I saw Rent here {in case you were wondering}. I love this musical, it ranks up there as one of my favorites and I was one of those devastated fangirls who cried during the Farewell Tour {at least I owned up to it!}. Anyways, for those who don't have the opportunity to see Rent, get the live dvd. It is so worth it!
Anyways, we got to our front row seats and were pleasantly surprised at how comfy they were! The students in this musical did a fabulous job! I really wanted to sing along with them, but didn't want to embarrass my mom ;). It was obviously a little different from the Broadway version/touring version due to budget....I was a little worried about the set. It looked unstable at times! Also, there were dance sequences which brought me out of it a little - but not so much that I didn't enjoy it. So congratulations go out to all of the incredibly talented students last night (special kudos to Mimi and Maureen...amazing!). I definitely want to start attending more theater at the local universities!
{Alicia}
Book: The Best Gift by Wendy Markham
Product Description from Amazon.com:
When Clara wakes up on Christmas morning next to her husband Drew, she's filled with joy because she has the perfect present: she's seven weeks pregnant with their first child.My Thoughts: Loved this book! When Clara woke up 3 years later and didn't know anything about her life, I was so anxious to find out what happened to her and her family! I was heartbroken for Clara when she woke up in 2012, because her family seemed so perfect in 2009. What could have possibly happened to Drew? The ending was very touching and worth the wait! Great book for the holidays!
But no sooner does Clara tell Drew the news than an earthquake strikes in nearby San Francisco. The next thing Clara knows she's waking up in bed-alone-and discovers she's three years in the future. Where is her husband and what has happened to the child she was expecting? Clara is no stranger to unusual occurrences, but the last thing on her Christmas list was to time travel...again.
Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse. I would love to know what books are in your handbag this week, so leave a comment below telling me - or if you post it on your site, leave the link in the comments so I can go read about it!
Anne from the Book Report Network contacted me about reviewing this book. Since I love to read Christmas books, I was very eager to do so! This week feels like a good week to continue my Christmas spirit so I will be reading The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere. I'm very eager to curl up in my flannel pj's and some hot chocolate and read this book! Look for my review soon!
So readers, what's in your handbag?
{Alicia}
Okay guys, I have to do it....who is going to see New Moon tomorrow? I'm very excited to see this movie, because {yay} Jacob Black is so cute...in a non-perverted way! Also, judging from the trailer, it seems about 100% better than Twilight {don't be mad, I liked Twilight}. So I won't be lining up at midnight, but I am going to try and catch it this weekend.
Will anyone be going to see New Moon this weekend? My goal is to avoid reviews of the movie at all costs! I think reading reviews before Twilight, lessened the experience for me.
By the way, I've always been on Team Jacob....even when I read the books!
{Alicia}
Last week, my mom and I went to see La Bohème at SUNY Fredonia. I have wanted to see this opera for awhile now {maybe the fact that Rent is loosely based on it is a reason}. Anyways, funny story. Have you ever seen Because I Said So? {If you haven't, it is my favorite "current" movie - love it!} ANYWAYS, I always thought they were saying Level M, and my mom said La Bohème once and I thought she said Level M too. So for about a year now, I've been wondering what this Level M thing was....I finally figured it out!
So I was excited to get tickets, I've never been to the opera and I figure it is a good thing to expand my horizons!
We went out to a nice Mexican dinner {yummy} and then went to the show. I wish the show would have started earlier - it started at 8:00 on a Thursday night, and the intermission wasn't until 9:30!
First of all, I am amazed by the talent level of all the musicians at SUNY Fredonia. The School of Music is very competitive, but now I see why. I was so amazed at the talent! The first 2 acts were amazing {and yes, Rent is very similar, just more modern}. The opera was in Italian with English Subtitles. I found the subtitles hard to read because they were at the top of the stage {if that makes sense} and I kept having to look up. I kind of had a headache by the intermission! Anyways, since my mom and I were both battling sinus issues we decided to leave at intermission. The next day, I immediately regretted the decision! I wish I could have stayed until the end but I think it would have been dangerous for me to drive home after! Also, the seats were a little cramped and I was super uncomfortable.
Anyways, I really wish I could have stayed through the entire show, especially after watching this great behind the scenes video. Has anyone else ever seen La Bohème? I see some film versions on Amazon, but don't know if they are any good.
{Alicia}
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!
For a moment, she watches the exchange, wondering whether she should wait until they're finished.
She decides against it.
The Best Gift by Wendy Markham - page 181.
I'm feeling very guilty today. I've been trying (and failing) to read Cecelia Ahern's book, There's No Place Like Here, on and off for about two weeks. However, it just isn't holding my attention! Luckily, I've been able to start some other books, but this is just nagging away at me! So today I decided that it isn't worth the trouble, and I stopped reading the book....100 pages in.
I don't know if my head just isn't in it, but I really loved P.S., I Love You and I have most of her books in my pile to be read. I really think I will enjoy her other books, I've heard great things about them. Maybe I will be able to pick this up at a later date and enjoy it. But for now, I'm feeling a little guilty!
{Alicia}
Last Wednesday, I had the day off so I took a solo trip to Border's! I love going to Border's alone because I get the chance to truly wander the aisles without worrying about other people being bored. So I woke up early-ish, and headed out to Border's and got some good stuff!
Bookwise, I bought Notes Left Behind by Brooke and Keith Desserich. I don't remember where I heard of this book, but the story is so heartbreaking. Six year old Elena Desserich was diagnosed with brain cancer. After she passed away, her parents found notes she had written them...I believe there were 135. 100% of the book sales author proceeds go to The Cure Starts Now, founded my Elena's parents. I know I will not be able to read this book without crying, but I felt really drawn to it! To read more about this book, visit the site.
I also bought Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard ($4.99 in the bargain bin!) and Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story by Wally Lamb (which reminds me that I REALLY need to start reading all these holiday books that I keep buying!)
I was feeling really great about the books I was about to buy, I even managed to sneak in a Christmas present for my sister when I saw it. Standing before me, in emerald glory, was a Wizard of Oz gift display. After I fainted, I immediately ran over and gasped. I'm pretty sure people were staring at me - but I don't care! There were some great gifts, but I restrained myself (my wallet thanks me) and only ended up with The Wizard of Oz UNO!; a magnet set; and a bookmark! Not too shabby :)
Okay....while I was searching for the UNO! link online I wandered and found some totally awesome toys that I want! EEEK!
{Alicia}
I've decided to join this challenge {regardless of my failure at my other challenges} because I was in a holiday book buying mood this past month! Head over to All About {n} to check out the challenge!
Challenge Requirements:
1- Challenge will start Friday, November 20 and will end Thursday, December 31.
2- You can read anywhere from 1 to 5 books for the challenge and, of course, if you're like me, you are more than welcome to surpass that number.
3- And now, here's the clincher... they must be holiday related books. That's right, the holiday doesn't really matter, but it would be more "jolly" if your choices were Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.
4- The size of the book does not matter, nor does the genre. It is also okay for the book to overlap with other challenges. The only thing I ask is that they are not children's books. YA is okay. And so are re-reads. I for one tend to read the same books every Christmas - they are tradition.
5- To sign up - leave a link back to your challenge post. There will also be a post for review links as well as one for challenge wrap-ups.
6- And.... there will be goodies. That's right, we'll call them presents. At the end of every week that the challenge is running I will choose one winner from the review links and I will allow them to pick a book of their choosing (of course, I will provide a list). Meaning the more books you read, review and link up, the more chances you have at winning a "present".
Books I will be reading:
1. The Best Gift by Wendy Markham
2. The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
3. Knit Through the Season by Kate Jacobs
4. The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere
5. Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb
6. The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman
7. Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper
{Alicia}
Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse. I would love to know what books are in your handbag this week, so leave a comment below telling me - or if you post it on your site, leave the link in the comments so I can go read about it!
This week, I am reading The Best Gift by Wendy Markham (Wendy Corsi Staub's awesome alias). I just picked up a bunch of Christmas-y books, so I'm very excited to kick it off with my favorite author! Apparently, I'm a very seasonal reader and I never even noticed!
So readers, what's in your handbag?
{Alicia}
Book: It Only Takes a Moment by Mary Jane Clark
Product Description from Amazon.com:
New York City news anchor Eliza Blake, now back at the morning TV show KEY to America, pays a price for her high media profile in this riveting novel of suspense from bestseller Clark (When Day Breaks). When kidnappers seize Eliza's seven-year-old daughter, Janie, and Eliza's Hispanic housekeeper on their way home from camp in New Jersey, Eliza's comfortable life turns into a living nightmare. The FBI, local law enforcement and Eliza's news team work around the clock to discover the identities and locations of the kidnappers. When a psychic arrives at Eliza's doorstep, claiming to know details of the kidnapping that weren't released to the press, Eliza is convinced that the psychic can help find Janie. Suspicious letters, ransom notes and mysterious clues heighten the suspense. A multitude of red herrings will keep the reader guessing to the shocking conclusion. (Aug.)My Thoughts: First of all, I love when a book has short chapters! It makes for a quick and suspenseful read - I always am adding just one or two more chapters before I stop! While I enjoyed this book, at times I felt unsatisfied. I felt that the characters weren't really fleshed out very well and while the ending had a {shocking} twist, I wish more time would have been spent on that! It was a good twist and I was surprised as heck when I read it, but I wish the aftermath would have been featured more {if that makes sense}.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. -- From Publisher's Weekly
One of my favorite things about working for the state is having almost every holiday off, even better when it lands in the middle of a week, Happy Veteran's Day!
Today, I plan on being super lazy! I'm going to get some reading done and get some of my Christmas knitting done as well. I'm pretty far on my knitting, but Christmas is approaching fast {yikes!} And even better....it's Glee DAY! Yes this is a weekly holiday for me, and when I get home from work on Wednesdays you better not expect me to leave the house after 6:00! I have a whole routine :) Dorky, I know!
Anyways - I hope you all have a wonderful day and for those Glee fans, I think tonight will be worth the two week wait!!!
{Alicia}
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!
I felt the ink with my fingertips, hoping that in some way I was connecting with her. I moved on to the piece of paper with my messy teenage writing.
A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern, page 291 {UK Version}. So here is a crappy thing - I already have this book, except the title is There's No Place Like Here and I got it because of the ruby slippers on the cover! So now I have two copies...oops!
So our November pick for Booking NY to NC is Stitches by David Small. This will be my first graphic novel that I am reading outside of college (and I have to admit that I didn't really read those because they were kind of odd, but completely different than this book!)
I look forward to reading this novel; after a bit of research I have heard great things about this book! Has anyone read this yet? I would be interested to hear your thoughts!
{Alicia}
Books and Book~ish goods always make me happy! Even when I know snow is right around the corner! I've taken a little bit of time recently {ok, a lot} to indulge myself in some shopping :)
Here is what I bought!
From Amazon.com
Stitches: A Memoir by David Small
Love, Loss and What I Wore by Ilene Beckerman
Natalie Wood: A Life by Gavin Lambert
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel by Kate Jacobs
The Best Gift by Wendy Markham
The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
The Red Shoes - Illustrated Edition by Hans Christian Anderson -- XMAS {Lily}
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl -- XMAS {Kyle}
The 39 Clues Book 6: In Too Deep by Jude Watson -- XMAS {Jake}
Priscilla and the Pink Planet by Nathaniel Hobbie -- XMAS {Grace}
From Etsy.com
Secret Garden Bookplates from niftyswank (so excited to get these!)
I like to get my cousins {and now my niece} books as part of their Christmas presents. I have to say that all of my cousins love to read and be read to {Grace is only 4, but she loves Pinkalicious!}. Now I am trying to find a place that does personalized bookmarks, but I am having no luck! Any suggestions?
{Alicia}
Book: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Product Description from Amazon.com:
Following her breakout bestseller, The Time Traveler's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger returns with Her Fearful Symmetry, a haunting tale about the complications of love, identity, and sibling rivalry. The novel opens with the death of Elspeth Noblin, who bequeaths her London flat and its contents to the twin daughters of her estranged twin sister back in Chicago. These 20-year-old dilettantes, Julie and Valentina, move to London, eager to try on a new experience like one of their obsessively matched outfits. Historic Highgate Cemetery, which borders Elspeth's home, serves as an inspired setting as the twins become entwined in the lives of their neighbors: Elspeth's former lover, Robert; Martin, an agoraphobic crossword-puzzle creator; and the ethereal Elspeth herself, struggling to adjust to the afterlife. Niffenegger brings these quirky, troubled characters to marvelous life, but readers may need their own supernatural suspension of disbelief as the story winds to its twisty conclusion.
My Thoughts: I had this book in my purse for about a week before I actually started reading it. I was scared of my high expectations for this book and I didn't want to disappoint myself, so I held off. I certainly was not disappointed! Yes, this book is extremely different from The Time Traveler's Wife....but at the same time it is very similar in that both are very original stories, that grip you immediately!
Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse. I would love to know what books are in your handbag this week, so leave a comment below telling me - or if you post it on your site, leave the link in the comments so I can go read about it!
Ok, I'm bad! I'm still reading It Only Takes a Moment by Mary Jane Clark! I was reading Her Fearful Symmetry and this book at the same time, however, Her Fearful Symmetry got priority!
My sister and her boyfriend are going to the Marine's Ball this weekend so that means I get to babysit my beautiful niece overnight....so I doubt I will get much reading done! However, I do plan to read to her! It's never too early to start, right? My sister says her favorite book to read to her is Twinkle Toes by Karen Katz! I have to admit, I've gone crazy with the books and Miss Lily has quite the little library thanks to me :) So I can't wait to read to her!
So readers, what's in your handbag?
{Alicia}
So I absolutely LOVE Sarah Dessen and I loved Lock and Key (my thoughts here), so I was really excited to see these necklaces by Tiffany & Co!
While reading the book, I kind of thought the necklaces sounded ugly, but after seeing these gorgeous creations I must have one! Unfortunately, I'm not rich, so I looked for some less expensive necklaces.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
Created Ruby & Diamond-Accent Key Pendant; $119.99Does anyone here watch So You Think You Can Dance {Dance, Dance}? I LOVE this show so much! I just love to watch people dance, I even bought the workout dvd. Let me just say that my body does not do contemporary dance very well ;). Last week's episode really bothered me {Brandon Dumlao being treated so unfairly! No Billy Bell! Russell in the bottom!} Luckily for Fox, I am a slave to this show and always watch! Anyways, I thought I would post some thoughts on last night's show....ready?
1.) I hate the new stage 2.) I miss Cat saying "jidges" 3.) I'm annoyed by Nigel and his f***ing blank chair 4.) I love Adam Shankman, straight up hehe.
Nigel said that Billy Bell and Brandon Dumlao will be able to audition again next year, after he spoke to the Fox executives....I should hope so Nigel!
Russell and Noelle - Hip Hop {Move Shake Drop Remix - DJ Lax, Flo Rida & Casely}
This dance had a tennis theme, and it was just alright. Russell was amazing in it, duh, but Noelle kind of sucked. Maybe I am just hostile that she got a free pass last week. Also, I hate her costume. It was just okay, I think if Russell wasn't dancing this routine I would have hated it! The judges agree that Russell is awesome. I hope Russell isn't in the bottom 4 again and FYI Nigel, the only reason Russell was in the bottom 4 is because you are crazy! He didn't "find himself" there, you put him there and he freaking rocked his solo.
Jakob and Ashleigh - Viennese Waltz {At Last - Etta James}
I don't like Ashleigh, I think she is very insecure about her marriage and it bothers me! I also think that Jakob will carry her to the Top 10 and that bothers me even more. ANYWAYS - I love the Viennese Waltz, it is probably my favorite ballroom dance. Oh my, they smooched....I bet Ashleigh freaked out backstage. I really hate her facial expressions....it may be clouding my judgement. I love Jakob though - he is a gorgeous dancer. There were some cool lifts in this dance, and I loved the ending twirly thing - so I didn't hate the dance, but I wasn't blown away. Adam thought it was too lifty....well I liked the lifts hehe. Wow the judges love Ashleigh and I don't know why.
Victor and Bianca - Broadway {Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Something - The Color Purple}
Laughing vomit does not sound good! Before we begin....The Color Purple was an amazing musical, so yay! Okay, so I'm pretty much over Tyce Diorio broadway routines. Victor is a dancer I never paid attention to, but wow he is very good. Bianca....her feet bother me! She looks so awkward and weird. I didn't really like it. I agree with Adam about the fact that they were just dancing. I wanted more feeling out of them, I wanted to feel like I should get up and dance, but I didn't!
Nathan and Mollee - Bollywood {Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah - Jodhaa Akbar}
Mollee makes me gag. I am very critical of the girls this season. Nathan is beautiful...is he legal? Anyways, I think they are being pumped up as Season Six's Power Couple and that makes me hate them. Is that sword real? Okay, so he did great and I only watched him so I can't comment on her. BTW - I love the Adam Shankman Mollee impersonation! Mary thinks they're outstanding. Yes she does.
Phillip and Channing - Samba {Maracatu Funk - The Samba Squad}
He looks kind of like a dbag and he just seems fake. I don't think Channing is fabulous, but Nigel loves his blondes so she is safe for awhile. Hmm....it's kind of boring and those two really have a problem with lifts, they always look labored. I wouldn't be heartbroken if they both went home.
Kevin and Karen - Hip Hop {Ice Cream Paint Job - Dorrough}
Whoa...Kevin has a ton of hair! I never realized it! These two crack me up! I think I like them. Whoa! Loved the booty shaking in his face - pretty sexual section there NappyTabs! This isn't the Canadian version! Hehe...I liked this dance. I think they both did really good and man does Kevin look good all greased up and in a mechanic's outfit. Hmmm, I think he needs a rubdown....oops! Forget my wandering mind - I loved it! Did Cat just call Adam a drama queen? hehe
NEW GLEE COMMERCIAL! I just peed my pants a little. Hi KURT!!!!
Legacy and Kathryn - Contemporary {2 Steps Away - Patti LaBelle}
STACEY TOOKEY! Wow! I really loved this! Legacy did amazing, as did Kathryn (but this is her style). I loved the part where she held him...truly amazing! This is a partnership that I never would have imagined liking, but they have had two fabulous weeks in a row!
Peter and Pauline - Jazz {Little Green Bag - George Baker Selection}
Peter is my favorite tapper - he is so adorable...and I love that he thinks he is a ladies man! Precious. Didn't understand the concept, but I really liked the dance! I love Wade and I think Peter did fabulous with this number. Wow, Mary was harsh on them. I loved it, they should stay.
Ryan & Ellenore - Argentine Tango {Violentango - Astor Piazzolla}
Do you think Ashleigh is freaking out because Ellenore said that Ryan is like her bodyguard hehe. I'm scared for their lift! Ellenore is scared of falling on her head and Ryan is scared of her landing on his face....okay then Ryan! Good priorities! Okay the lift was lame. Oh no, her dress is stuck on her heel! Do you ever wonder how the camermen shoot so close? How do they never get whacked? Oh! I just noticed Cat's amazing shoes! Great dance overall.
Bottom Four prediction: Phillip & Channing/ Victor & Bianca
DO NOT PUT RUSSELL IN THE BOTTOM AGAIN NIGEL!
Bottom Four actual: Noelle, Phillip, Victor and Bianca
I'm okay with this. I hope that Phillip and Noelle go home. I would hate to see Victor leave.
Going home: Bianca (should be Noelle but I'm okay with this); Phillip (holy sob story at the end...how sad)!
2/3 tappers, so much for the year of the tapper.
What will happen when the voting starts? I think Channing might be in trouble; but I doubt that Noelle or Mollee will ever see the bottom (unfortunately) due to their partners.
{Alicia}
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!
Valentina wasn't properly awake and she saw it without really seeing. She thought it was the Kitten, but the Kitten was sleeping beside her on the bed.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, page 233 {I have the UK version}
I'm so excited to participate in this Book Blogger Holiday Swap! I love stuff like this! Sign up at the official website by NOVEMBER 12th!
{Alicia}
Did you know it's NaBloPoMo a.k.a. National Blog Posting Month?! I love the idea of blogging every day for a month - although the idea daunts me! Anyways, I took a little bloggy hiatus, except for some scheduled posts, and I am really looking to get back into it. I think I will use this month to do so :)
Now I have to warn you - it will be impossible for me to read 30 books in 30 days, so my posts won't all be book related! Maybe I will post some of my knitting and baking, but I will try and post for 30 days! Does this post count? hehe
More to come!
{Alicia}
So, last month I gave you all my October reading list! Let's take a look back and see how I did during the month of October!
Original List:
1. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (check)
2. Lily Dale: Discovering by Wendy Corsi Staub (October 13th release date) (check)
3. The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
4. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (in process)
What I read:
