Saturday, April 28, 2018

Misadventures with the Boss #BookReview


Today, I am giving you my review of the latest release in the Misadventures Series, Misadventures with the Boss by Kendall Ryan. Remember how I told y'all that this series was awesome, and every book was great so far, and that y'all should so go get the books and read  them?! Well, I hate to repeat myself, but this is an awesome series and y'all need to read them. All of them. It does not matter what order you read them in. Just read them.

I feel like at this point, with so many awesome releases in the Misadventures Series, the bar has been set high, for each new release. Well, Kendall Ryan definitely met the bar, and carried on the goodness of this series. She gifted us with Piper and Jackson, and their love story. It is a fabulous gift, and I genuinely think you will love it.

There is plenty of steaminess in this book, but if you prefer not so much steam, I think you can still enjoy this. Just skim those parts. There is plenty of plot outside of the steamy parts. The romance between Piper and Jackson, definitely isn't run of the mill. They start out as a fling, and then due to Jackson actually being Piper's boss at her new job, they become a part of one anothers' daily life.

As their story progresses, I think you will grow to love Jackson, despite his first impression not being the best. Piper is a very lovable character from moment one. She is a woman that we could all appreciate as a friend or sister or coworker. She is awesome, and as her character develops, I think you will find yourself wishing she were your best friend, or possibly even that you were her.

If you have ever had a secretary and Boss fantasy, or workplace romance fantasy, than you should absolutely love this book. It will entertain you, make you laugh, and probably cause you to shed a few tears. It is a fun, easy to follow read. It will hook you quickly, and you will absolutely enjoy the ride.

It has a few twists and turns, but it ends happily, and will definitely satisfy any needs for a happily ever after. Of course, you will have to ride through some drama and passion along the way to that happily ever after. 

Kendall has a lovely writing style, and she definitely created an awesome story!! I actually loved all the characters in this book, and would not mind a sequel, telling us about the Misadventures of Piper's sister. 

I definitely highly recommend you read this book, and as I said, I really recommend this entire series. I look forward to the next release, as well as reading more from Kendall Ryan. This was my first read from her, but it definitely not be the last!! So, read on for a synopsis, links on where to get your own copy, information about the lovely author, and a link to a giveaway!! 

Don't forget to let me know what you thought of this, or any of the books I review!! Happy reading!!

MISADVENTURES WITH THE BOSS

by Kendall Ryan
Releases 24th  April


#KendallRyan  #MisadventureswiththeBossReleaseBlitzTour


Synopsis
At age twenty-nine, Piper Daniels is having the longest dry spell of her life. When she agrees to be set up on a blind date, she never expects it to end with the hottest sex of her life.
But when she discovers that her very well-endowed secret lover is also her new boss, heartless womanizer and cutthroat CEO Jackson Dane, she chalks it up to a one-time mistake and puts up her best professional front. But Jackson isn’t used to rejection, and if Piper thinks it’s going to be easy to move on from their tryst, she’s underestimated his determination.

***MISADVENTURES ARE STANDALONE ROMANCES THAT CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER***
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2srBeez



Meet the Author
 
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.
Facebook                                Website
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What I need you to know... I received an ARC of this book to read, so I could give an honest review. I was not paid to say anything, and everything I have said is my honest thoughts and opinions!!
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Friday, April 27, 2018

Ooops Oh my! #FunnyFriday

Today’s post is April’s Funny Friday, a regular feature published on the last Friday of every month. Funny Friday is a collaborative project. Each month one of the participants submits a picture, then we all write five captions or thoughts inspired by that month’s picture. Links to the other bloggers’ posts are below, click on them and see what they’ve come up with. I hope we bring a smile to your face as you start your weekend.


Here’s today’s picture. It was submitted by Dawn of Cognitive Script.



1. I wonder how she doesn't realize they fell. Bless her heart. I know I would die of embarrassment.


2. I have spent the last ten minutes giggling. Of course I am giggling, because this isn't me in the picture. Otherwise I would be mortified.


3. At least they are clean. My Great Aunt Helen always told me to never leave home wearing tattered underwear, as we never knew when we'd have an accident, and someone else would be seeing them. This lady must have had a Great Aunt Helen too.


4. I think I figured it out. She must be in Buffalo, NY, and she is so cold, she cannot feel her legs, to feel that her panties fell down. I have been so cold, while in Buffalo, I could have been completely naked, and I would not have known, because I was numb from the cold. It is that I cannot feel my face kind of cold. Well, we should rename it I cannot feel that my panties have slid down my legs cold.


5. Marge was shocked at the high prices. How shocked you ask... Well, they shocked her drawers right off her.

Click on the links below and let some other bloggers make you smile:


Saturday, April 21, 2018

Soft Wear by Marilyn Lakewood #BookReview

Today, I am here to tell you about the third book in Marilyn Lakewood's Hot Alpha Billionaire Series. Now, if you have read any of my book reviews, you know that I like to give any warnings, if I think there may be a hard to handle topic in a book, or if it possibly may contain something that may not be in some one's preference. So, I am going to say, as the name Hot Alpha Billionaire would suggest, this book does contain a BDSM D/s element to it. However, I would encourage you to still try it out, even if you aren't super into that. Yes, this book contains a definite BDSM D/s element, however, it is handled so tastefully, that I honestly do not think it would be a problem for non-fans of that genre.

Plus, if I am honest, I think Luc and Paige, are two characters just about anyone will love. I think you will be a fan of their romance before you even finish the second chapter. Paige is sweet and the type of girl anyone would want to be best friends with. Luc is an all around great guy, and the fact that is super hot does not hurt matters. To make it even better, they have an amazing set of supporting characters. It isn't often, that I read a book, and fall in love with not just the main characters, but the secondary characters also. 

This book is a solid, really good book. It is well written. The plot is full of laughs, suspense, passion, and intrigue. I really think it is a well rounded book, with something for everyone. Marilyn does an excellent job developing the characters, and creating a solid, entertaining story line. If you like a story that makes you laugh, you will love this book. If you like a book that keeps you in suspense, you will love this book. If you love a romantic story, you will love this book. If you love passion and steaminess between characters, you will love this book.

Like I always like to tell you.... Okay, for those of you who aren't into the super steamy scenes in book, yes, this is a book you can still read. This book is written in a way, that there is so much of a plot outside of the steamy scenes, that you can absolutely skim over those parts, and still enjoy the story. This is not one of those erotic romances, where the steamy parts, are the entire basis of the story. No, this book has an actual plot, and yes the steamy scenes support the plot, but they aren't the entire plot.

So, overall, I highly recommend this book. It is well written. I am picky with BDSM D/s books. I find that most of them are way too outlandish, and not well written. I also find that many of them contain plots that are based solely on the steamy BDSM scenes. Thankfully, this book is so much more than a bunch of steamy BDSM scenes.

This book will keep you entertained, and keep you guessing. In the beginning, Paige has amnesia, and the journey you take with her, while she works to get her memory back, is truly entertaining. There are twists and turns, and some intense parts. This is absolutely a page turner. I hope you choose to read it. I think you could absolutely read this book, and enjoy it, but I do recommend starting with book one of the series. Totally up to you! 

Read on for information where to get a copy of your own, a synopsis, an excerpt, and information on the fabulous Marilyn Lakewood!!


Book: Soft Wear (Hot Alpha Billionaire, Book 3) 
Author: Marilyn Lakewood
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance


#SoftWearTour



Synopsis:
A hardcore Dominant meets a sweet submissive...
He knows he’ll never forget.
She wishes she could remember.
After Paige Morgan crashes her car on a mountain road, she doesn’t remember anything about her life—certainly not the dark-haired pilot who rescues her and claims he was hired to protect her.  All she knows is that Luc Travers’ rugged good looks tie her tongue in knots and ramp her pulse into overdrive. Lost in more ways than one, Paige accepts Luc’s help and the sanctuary of his mountain cabin where thoughts of submitting to her rescuer’s sexy dominance fuels her darkest fantasies. Yet as threats from her past become real, Luc may hold the key to her life… and her heart.  
When private investigator and experienced dominant, Luc Travers, is hired to protect a lovely auburn-haired submissive, he knows the job will get personal.  Paige Morgan had him locked and loaded from day one, and he’s determined to keep her, whatever it takes…but claiming his girl won’t be easy. There’s the little problem of amnesia and threats to her life. He must resist the attraction while keeping her close, clashing professional ethics against private desires, and testing his control like nothing else.
With danger closing in, and everything he loves at stake, no force on earth will stop Luc from protecting what’s his.  

Buy The Book:


Meet The Author:
Marilyn and her husband live in the northwest U.S., not too far from the Canadian border. She thinks the long, cold winters are perfect “writing weather.” Most of the time, she doesn’t mind the short days, or the snow—except when she needs to drive in a blizzard, in the dark. 
Marilyn started writing sexy stories “just for fun” and she’ll joyously admit she’s obsessed with creating hard-core dominant heroes and happily-ever-after endings. 
Writing erotic romance lets her explore love, passion, and sex, through the lens of different characters and settings. It’s also a way to keep her imagination kindled during the September to March “cold snap.” Marilyn loves music, flowers, sci-fi and romance movies, and taking daily walks with Precious, her rescued dog. 
She’s a country girl at heart, and although she imagines travelling to distant, romantic shores, her favorite place is home with her family. 

Visit Marilyn at:


This is an excerpt from SOFT WEAR
© Marilyn Lakewood
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Reading to Paige while she snuggled innocently against his side, turned out to be hell. Luc had to keep the book open over his lap. His cock didn’t care about the story, it only wanted to escape and touch any part of Paige’s sweet little body.
So far, the tip of his erection had stayed wedged under his belt, but it seemed eager to communicate as if to say, “Excuse me, little sub, if you’re going to sit so close, you need to wrap your hands or lips around me and…”
Luc frowned at the book and paused reading. The words made no sense to his distracted, bloodless brain. He drew a calming breath and tamped down his frustration.
“What happens next?” Paige pointed to the open page. “The hero is creeping down the dark corridor… and what happens?”
Luc had a damn good idea of what could happen next, but it had nothing to do with the story. “He steals the secret documents and escapes the enemy’s stronghold.”
“Did you just tell me the end?” She squinted up at him, her face mere inches from his chin.
“Possibly.” When he tipped his head down, he focused on her eyes, not her lips, but arousal still roughened his voice. “I haven’t finished this book yet.”
She raised a russet brow at him. “It doesn’t sound like you want to finish either. You’re growling.”
“Not at you.”
“The book? I didn’t think it was that bad.”
“It has redeeming qualities.” It covered his lap, for one. He couldn’t judge the story. Right now, all he could think about was getting this woman under him and his cock inside her. “Paige…it’s time to call it a night.”
“I guess so.” She sat up and glanced at the clock. “Wow, it is getting late.”
Luc stood and held out his hand. “I’ll walk you up.”
“Thanks.” She gripped his hand, and he gently tugged her to her feet. “That was nice listening to you. You have a really great voice.”
“I used to read to Jen while Mom fixed dinner.” He led Paige up the stairs.
“Was your mom a good cook?”
“No, terrible—but she tried hard and was so loving, we ate whatever she made with a smile.” Luc stopped at her bedroom door and focused on Paige’s eyes. Do not look at her mouth. Do not kiss her. Do. Not.
“Aww, how sweet.” Her beautiful lips parted in a soft smile, and she sighed. “I wish…”
Oh, hell. That mouth… so kissable… so fuckable. He forced his gaze up and caught her glancing at his mouth. Yeah, he was screwed, and not in a good way. “What do you wish?”
 She met his eyes, a blush tinting her cheeks. “Honestly?”
“Never lie to me.” He knew she’d done exactly that the first day when she’d tried to convince him she remembered who she was. Although he understood her instinctive need to cover a vulnerability and protect herself, now she knew him better, and he’d only accept the truth.
“Okay.” Her throat moved when she swallowed. “The first wish was that I had a family like yours, a place filled with love and laughter. Then I looked at your mouth and wished you would kiss me.” She looked down. “I know it’s wrong, but I had this need for you to just take me in your arms.”
“It isn’t wrong, but I won’t do that. Not until you know who you are and understand what I’ll demand from you.”



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What I need you to know.... I received an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid to say anything, and everything I have said is my honest opinion!
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Saturday, April 14, 2018

Misadventures with a Rookie #BookReview

I am here today, to tell you about the latest addition to the Misadventures Series. Have y'all listened to my advice yet, and checked out this series? If not, please do. Such a talented group of authors are involved, and the books they have created have been enjoyable!!

This latest release, from New York Times Bestselling Author Toni Aleo, is no exception to the greatness. This book fit right in with the rest. It was a great read, and a real page turner. I love books that reel you right in, and hook you. This was well written, great plot, nice characters, and a nice amount of steamy hotness.

Now, you will love this book if you like your romance novels with some steamy scenes. Toni managed to write this one in a way, that if steamy is not really your thing, you can easily skim over those parts, and still be entertained by the story. It was a feel good story, that will pull at your heart strings, and probably make you cry a bit, but in the end, you will finish it satisfied and feeling good.

Bo is an awesome female lead. She is feisty, intelligent, vulnerable yet strong, and she has some past hurts that she battles. As the book progresses, you see her heal and become a better version of herself. You see her discover her inner happiness, and it is beautiful to watch. I really think you will find yourself cheering her on, and possibly wanting to give her a stern look or two.

Gus is a complex guy. You may struggle at times to like him. On occasion you may even find yourself contemplating if he is a good match for Bo, worthy of her sassy goodness. My best advice, is to remember not to judge books by their covers, and that people aren't always as they may seem. I think he will grow on you, and you will find yourself cheering him on. Surface level him, how he appears at first glance, is not the same as the real him. I think you will enjoy getting to know him.

This was a well written book. I actually loved that it was a book that centered on a hockey player. Most books that have athletes in them, focus on (American) Football or Baseball. I am actually a huge hockey fan, so this was a nice surprise for me. If you are not into sports books, I honestly think you can still love this one. Hockey does play a big part in the plot of the book, but it is included in a way that complements the plot, rather than overtakes or ruins it.

I absolutely think this book is worthy of being added to your must read list, along with the rest of the Misadventures Series books. This was my first book by Toni Aleo, that I have read, but it absolutely will not be the last. It is a wonderful series, full of well written, well rounded books, and this one fit right in, and definitely stood up to the good read status of the rest of the books.

So, please continue reading, to find a synopsis of the book, information about the author, information on where to get a copy of your own, as well as a link to a giveaway!!



Misadventures with a Rookie
by Toni Aleo, New York Times bestselling author  

Release Date: April 10th Goodreads

#MisadventureswithaRookieRelease

Synopsis
Winning has always come naturally for stud ice hockey defense man Gus “the Bus” Persson. On the ice or off, he’s never had any trouble scoring, racking up goals—and girls. As the best player in his rookie class and the number-one draft pick of the Malibu Suns, he’s taking his game to the next level and is justifiably full of swagger.
So why does one of the Suns’ ice girls treat him like he’s invisible?
Bo St. James doesn’t have time for rookie hotshots who think their gloves don’t stink. She knows them, she works with them, she trains them. It doesn’t matter that Gus Persson is the hottest newbie she’s ever seen. She knows his type. She’s got big plans of her own, and she’s not going to let some cocky rich kid athlete keep her from her goals.
But there’s a chemistry between them they cannot deny. A lust that burns so hot, it threatens to melt the very ice on which they make their livings. The game has changed for both of them. Together, can these two play to win?


Buy Links

Meet The Author

My name is Toni Aleo, and I’m a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!
I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a gamer and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Gaston el Papillion.
While my beautiful and amazing Shea Weber has been traded from my Predators, I’m still a huge fan. But when I’m not cheering for him, I’m hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I’ll never give my heart to one player again.
When I’m not in the gym getting swole, I’m usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality, or being a taxi for my kids.
I’m obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney, and anything that sparkles! I’m pretty sure I was Belle in a past life, and if I could be on any show, it would be Supernatural so I could hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, I did mention I love hockey, right?
Connect on Facebook         Instagram           Twitter
 Pinterest                Website
a Rafflecopter giveaway



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What I need you to know... I was given an ARC of this book, to read and write an honest review. I was not paid to say anything, and everything I have said is my honest opinion.
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Friday, April 13, 2018

First Thoughts #UseYourWords

Welcome to April's Use Your Words writing challenge. This is how it works: participating bloggers submitted four to six words or short phrases for someone else to craft into a post. All words must be used at least once and all the posts will be unique as each writer has received their own set of words. That is the challenge, here is a fun twist; no one who is participating knows who got their words and in what direction the writer will take them. Until now.




My words are:
Supplemental ~ power stick ~ hair spray ~ marvelous ~ Wendy's ~ cat litter

They were submitted by: https://sarahsbrandcrazy. blogspot.com/

I knew before I opened the e-mail with my words, or even saw my words, what I was going to do with my words this month. I had contemplated trying to write a poem or to get a friend to write up another questionnaire. I decided against those options, but in the process did think of a friend who would probably come up with a great group of questions for me. So, in the future, whenever I find myself stumped by my words, I am definitely going to contact that friend, and ask her to make up some questions for me. However, for this month, I knew I wanted to read the words and write down my immediate first thoughts for each word.

So, I avoided looking at my words until write now. I also spent twenty minutes before opening the e-mail, trying to clear my head of all embarrassing or naughty thoughts. So, universe willing, this will be somewhat revealing, painless for me, and hopefully not too embarrassing. So, here we go...

Supplemental. Well, we are off with a bang. Not. Ummm,.. My mind is blank. All I can think of is supplemental income. Hmmm... Well, I guess I could say that in the past year, I have often thought of starting to earn money from blogging. I keep turning away from the idea though. Believe me, we could definitely use the supplemental income. However, for one, I would need to make my blog better, which I have already planned on doing, and I am slowly working on it. I would also need to post more regularly, and probably different subjects. That is why I am not so on board with the idea. I like being able to post whenever I want, whatever I want. I like my blog being my free space to talk and interact. I like posting on my blog's Facebook page whatever I want. I did recently consider trying to get a job at the Food Bank, when Gigi goes to school. I just don't know how I would get to work, and home from work. We only have one car. I probably could never make enough, to support the expense of a second car, so I don't see that working out. Hopefully, I will get to volunteer more, once she is in school. That would be nice. Plus, hopefully, I will get time to make my blog all I want it to be.

Power stick. Growing up, my Dad always wore Power Stick deodorant. It was in a white and green container, and the deodorant itself was a green color. I loved that stuff. I would occasionally borrow it without him knowing. He would have probably killed me for using his stuff. LOL I just loved it. Plus, I figured if it worked on him, a man, it would work on me. When I went to buy deodorant for the first time, it was with my mom, after I had moved back to live with her. I went to buy the Power Stick stuff, but she got me to buy Teen Spirit. I wasn't the biggest fan, but I did think it was cool, because I had seen it in Seventeen magazine.

Hair spray. Aqua Net. God help us and our 80's hair. I am no scientist, but I am pretty sure any hole in the ozone layer, was caused by our hair in the 80's, and all the hair spray we used. The bangs, the curls, the teased height. I giggle thinking back. However, at the time, we thought we looked amazing. I can honestly say that fashion, style, and hair usually gets better as the years pass. Yes, we do still get some crazy fads, but for the most part, it is a lot better now, than it was then. I'd given anything for my 80's hair though. Thick, long, wonderful. My hair now is thin and yucky. My meds have done a number on my hair, and I do miss my old hair. I hated how thick and hard to style it was, and now I would give anything to have it back, minus the Aqua Net and curlers.

Marvelous. Mauve. Darling. Okay... My older sister Luci had this mauve and blue decor thing going, back in the late 90's. I idolized her. She was the oldest and I am the youngest. We could not be more opposite. She is skinny, beautiful, well put together, stylish, girly, and charismatic. I am big, loud, boyish, not stylish, not well put together, awkward, and shy. Nonetheless, I wanted to be just like her, and grow up to be her sister and best friend. So, in my head, when I imagined my future homes, it was always like her style. Light wood furniture. Mauve, blues, and cream. I don't think that is quite my actual style. Mind you, we really do not decorate, and our decor is basically Gigi's toys. However, if we lived in a bigger house, and I got to actually furnish it and decorate it.... I do not think I would do a mauve and blue decor scheme. I don't even think I would do light wood. I think I would go darker. As for the colors... Well, I think greens and some blues. Though, I could see a mauve and blue bedroom working. Maybe an ode to my sister Luci. She is still my idol, even though I am now thirty-five. Thousands of miles separate us, and we have grown apart, but she still holds a very special place in my heart, and no matter what, she always will. She is marvelous. I wish she were closer, so she could teach Gigi all the girly things I never did learn, and was never good at. 

Wendy's. Chili. I can make you some delicious homemade chili. I know people who can make delicious homemade chili. My favorite chili will always be Wendy's chili. I don't even know why. There is just something about Wendy's chili that is perfection. If I could, I would eat it every single day. It would be the perfect lunch. I don't care what season. I don't care that I will eventually get tired of eating the same thing, because I am pretty sure I would never tire of eating it. I do not get to eat it very often. We have one Wendy's here in town, and it is as far from my house, as it could possibly be. So, we rarely go there. I will always get something closer, because it just makes more sense. However, whenever I do get Wendy's and I get to enjoy their chili, it is superb. I never could get on board with their square burgers on a round bun. I know, they do not like to cut corners... hahaha.... It just is weird to me. For many, many years my OCD would not even allow me to eat their burgers. I could not handle it. Then I was forced to try them, because how could I have never tried their amazing burgers. EH. Not the biggest fan. However, their chili is the BEST. Period. I put my heart and soul into my chili, and I season it to perfection, and I would still rather have a bowl of Wendy's chili. 

Cat Litter. Jakob. My little bitty, huge baby Jakey Boo Boo. When I lived in Buffalo, I would always read the classifieds in the paper. I know! Talk about the stone age.... Classifieds in an actual paper. Sigh. Well, one day an ad caught my eye. An old cat needed a new home. Their grandchild was spending a large amount of time with them, while their daughter worked, and their grandchild had allergies. One of the allergies was cats. So they needed to re-home their Jake, and get all wood floors, no more carpet. He was already ten years old, was quiet, loving, and set in his ways. So I inquired about taking him, and she brought him to meet me. He seemed to like me. She liked my tiny little studio, and approved of me. So, I had myself a cat. He was a great cat. He was fat as could be. Loving. Quiet. Liked to be loved. Loved to be left alone. Very typical cat. I am not sure I really thought through owning a cat. I would seriously question my sanity in having a cat, every time I was lugging home heavy containers of cat litter. I would either have to carry it six or so blocks from the local store, or on the bus from Target way across town. He was worth it. I moved into a bigger place, and he came with me. My second night there, my friend Damon convinced me to come over to his house. I had been going through a break up, and a move, and I was stressed. He got me over to his place playing cards, and I really had a good time. It was too late to go home, so I spent the night, and went home early the next day. While I would have been sleeping, a fire had started in the attic and then the entire ceiling collapsed into my bedroom. I would have been dead. The firemen found my Jake. He was huddled in the bathroom, one of the only places that did not burn. They left him there. My "lovely" landlords, helped themselves to my cat carrier, which I stored in the bathroom. I was shipped off to a crappy hotel on the opposite side of town. I had no money, as I had just paid my rent and bills and bought groceries. I left Jake with his food and water, gave him kisses, and cleaned his litter box. I finally was able to find a place to take him. So, two days later, I returned to the burned out apartment, to get my Jake. I did not have the carrier, but I figured he would be okay in my lap, for the short car ride. He was gone. I returned a few times over those next two weeks, and would look for him, and call for him. He never came. I do not know if my landlords took him, or if he escaped out the hole in the roof. In my heart, I genuinely believe my landlords, who had five cats of their own, took him. When I moved in, and they saw him, they gushed about how beautiful he was, and had suggested we do play dates with our cats. I could have sued them. I really should have. I should have done so much, and I didn't. I lost everything. It was a learning experience for me, and I grew a lot. It changed me in some very good ways, and it changed me in some very bad ways. To this day, the thing I miss the most is my Jake. He was just the best cat. 

So, there you have it. My very first thoughts based on each of my words. What things came to your mind when you read the words? Any that stick out as an awesome thought?! 

Now, make sure you go check out the other Use Your Words posts for this month!! I will meet you there, but first coffee!!

Monday, April 9, 2018

High Five - Unique Rewards #BlogWithFriends

Welcome to April's Blog with Friends Round-up!! Each month, a group of us bloggers gets together, chooses a theme, and then creates our own unique posts based on that theme. The posts can include anything from recipes, crafts, DIY projects, poetry, creative writing... Anything imaginable. The sky is the limit. This month's chosen theme is High Five Day, which is on April 19th (third Thursday in April).



Well, my cooking is nothing special, and I create using other people's recipes, and really do not create original recipes. I am not the best crafty person, and often just recreate other people's craft ideas. I am not great at DIY projects. So, my Blog With Friends posts tend to be lists. This month is no different. When I think of a high five, I imagine a celebration after a job well done. So, I have decided to share five unique rewards, for when your kid does a great job! You can give them a high five, and possibly one of these unique rewards.

In general, when I think of rewards for my kid, I think of money, candy, a new toy, a trip out for an ice cream, stickers, or a trip for Boba Tea. Just very simple things she loves. So, I wanted to think outside of my regular reward box, and come up with some ideas that aren't every day rewards.

1. For some reason, the first idea that popped into my head, was a trip to the Mud Mill. That is one of our local pottery painting places. They have fun pottery pieces, ranging from cups, ornaments, piggy banks, cookie jars, and platters, to just about anything you can think of. So far, Gigi has painted a Jack-o-Lantern candle holder, large coffee mugs for Chad and I, and a shark piggy bank. We try to go at least once a year, so I am sure the list of her creations will grow. Going there is definitely a treat for her, and I honestly think it would go over well as a reward.

Have you ever gone to a pottery painting place? I highly recommend it. Gigi has so much fun. I actually want to paint something the next time we go. I usually just help Gigi out, but now that she has gone several times, and spent time painting Kindness Rocks, I think she is comfortable enough with painting, to do her own piece. So, I will definitely keep this is mind, for the next time she has earned a special treat, for a job well done. I think a fun Mommy and Me date, would be awesome.

2. I know in some families, kids have a lot of say in what the family eats for dinner. Growing up, I had no say, and Gigi really has no say in our dinner choices. Now, we do eat spaghetti quite often, and it is because not only is it an easy, delicious meal, but Gigi loves it. I am sure if she did not love it so much, we would not make it quite as often. So, I think for Gigi, being told she can pick dinner, anything she wants (within reason), she would consider that an awesome reward. 

We will probably end up eating Ramen or spaghetti, or possibly going out to Red Robin. I am certain her first suggestion will be chocolate or ice cream, which is why I will definitely add the "within reason" disclaimer. Though, something tells me, if it were within Daddy's reason, ice cream would probably be allowed.

3. My next idea, may not be easy for some of you, depending on where you live, but I think a beach day would be an awesome reward. I know that Gigi would be over the moon happy. We live in California, and the beach is not far at all, but we do not go as often as we should. So, it would still be a major treat for her. The reason I thought of this idea, is because when we asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday this year, she chose a beach day. Figuring out just how much she loves the beach, has made me make a mental note, to try to fit in more trips to the beach.

So, if you live close enough to the beach, for this to be an option, I definitely think it would a well appreciated reward. Plus, it is a day at the beach, which will be like a reward for you as well. Well, unless you aren't a fan of the beach. Though, in truth, I am not sure I know anyone who is not a fan of the beach.

4. This year on my birthday, I had cake for breakfast. Gigi had it with me. It wasn't covered in a ton of frosting. It was just a yummy cake, with a tiny bit of frosting, and it was sweet and yummy, and it was breakfast. While we sat there eating the cake, for breakfast, I had this epiphany... I was thirty-five years old, and I could eat cake for breakfast, and nobody would stop me, because I was in fact an adult. Why I never realized sooner, that I could eat cake for breakfast, I am not sure.

I also know that while eating that cake, I felt special, and it felt like a fun treat. It was my birthday, and I would eat cake if I wanted to. I have survive thirty-five years, and I deserved it. So, I think another kinda crazy, but super cool reward, could be to choose anything the want for breakfast, within reason, but possibly not quite as within reason as the dinner option. 

Want a slice of cake? Okay. A bowl of ice cream? Okay. A cookie? Sure. Let them pick some super awesome breakfast idea, and let them have it. I honestly would probably still say no to candy, but anything else not too crazy, I would allow. This would probably mean that Gigi would be having cookies or maybe ice cream for breakfast. Probably cookies. Most like Famous Amos Chocolate Chip cookies.


5. So... I tend to like to be in control of things. I am honestly not a super control freak, but I do like to know what is going on. I definitely am a planner, and I try to keep things planned and organized. So, I had a few ideas for my fifth one, and then I rethought it, because I wanted to suggest the best option. The thought crossed my mind... What would Gigi pick?! Then I had this idea... Let the kid choose the reward. Tell them their reward is too pick whatever reward the want, and as long as it is mostly reasonable, and possible, than that can be their reward.

I actually cannot wait to do this with Gigi, because I genuinely curious to know what she picks. It will probably have something to do with ice cream, staying up late, or cookies.

So, there you have it. Five possible rewards for a job well done, that aren't necessarily the typical rewards.

How about you... What list of reward ideas would you give me? I am always open to new ideas, especially now that Gigi has started soccer, and will be starting school. I am hoping we have plenty of reasons to give her rewards in the future!!

I was originally going to list a trip to the movies, because as a kid, that would have been an amazing reward in my eyes. However, the last two times I tried to take Gigi to the movie, she asked to do something else instead. Though, I still think it would be an awesome reward, and deserved an honorable mention in my post!

Now, take a peek at the other blogger's posts, featuring this month's High Five Day Blog with Friends Round-up!! I will meet you there, right after I get a coffee refill!!




Karen of Baking In A Tornado
Lydia of Cluttered Genius

Skin

Welcome to June's Blog with Friends!! Each month a theme is chosen and then participating bloggers use the theme, to create their own un...