March For Babies

You may not remember this (in fact, I'd be surprised if you did!), but in October one of my amazing friends delivered her little girl early.  VERY EARLY.  Little Miss Olivia arrived about 10 weeks early by my count. I know a few of my sweet readers have delivered their babes early too.  Just imagine the 3-5 weeks early that your kiddo came and magnify it!
Well, that little peanut has not only survived, but thrived!  She got to go home just after Christmas and is a truly a little Wonder Woman! 

On June 24th, our team - Olivia' Wonder Women, will be taking part in the March of Dimes March for Babies.  We could really use your help in raising both funds and awareness!

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Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. Modern medicine can do a great deal for babies born well before their due dates, but more research is needed. Research, trials and training for new medicines, technology and equipment is greatly needed, and making a donation to The March of Dimes supports this need.

Our team has first hand knowledge of how hard it can be for babies born too early and their families. Many babies survive, but some do not. We are walking in the March for Babies because we want to do something about this. And your help is needed.

Please support this walk. Making a secure donation is easy.  Thank you for helping us give all babies a healthy start!

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Funds raised in March for Babies support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And they will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

Really, how can you look at Olivia and not want to help?  If you do opt to contribute, please click here for my personal page.

Tuesdays At The Table - Strawberry & Moscato Granita

Ah, Tuesday.  The yummiest day of the week...at least, that's what I think.  I'd like to thank you all again for continuing to share your delicious recipes and for supporting each other by dropping by your fellow participant's blogs to share the comment love.  :-)

Strawberry & Moscato Granita

2 1/2 pints strawberries (hulled)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
1 (750 ml) bottle Moscato (or your favorite wine)

In a medium sauce pan, combine the strawberries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil, allowing sugar to dissolve. Take off heat and allow to cool to room temperature then transfer to a food processor and process until smooth. Stir in wine.

Pour out into shallow pan (I find that a 1 quart or larger TupperWare/GladWare container works well) and pop it into the freezer. Pull the container out every half hour and stir with a fork. Make sure the scrape the sides and bottom so everything freezes evenly.

Such an easy, yummy treat as summer approaches! *Remember, this is supposed to be grainy/full of ice crystals; like adult version of a stick-less Popsicle!*

What's cooking in your kitchen?

May Book Club Book

Have you linked up your review of our April book - The Next Always?  You should!  I want to know what you thought of it!
Now, it's time for our May book.  Drumroll please......

Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto.  I've heard that this is not your ordinary love story.  I can't wait to read it!

April Book Club - The Next Always

It's book club time! I love that people are reading and talking about the same book as me.  :-)  This month we read:

Meet the Montgomery brothers – Beckett, Ryder, and Owen – as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown.

The historic hotel in Boonsboro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, the changing of hands, and even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major face lift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett’s social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was sixteen…

I have to say that I love Nora Roberts.  She is such a great writer, and continues to come up with stories that are engaging and believable (well, mostly!).

1. Did you like the book? Why/why not?
I really enjoyed the book.  In classic Nora Roberts style, she set up characters for the whole trilogy in the beginning of this book.  It took a few minutes to get everyone straight - there are just so many people in this book! The only thing I didn't REALLY like about the book was that I couldn't tell who's point of view the story was coming from at times.  Most books have a few narrators but this one had many.

2. Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to them/ do they remind you of people you know?
I can certainly relate to the loving, teasing relationship that you see with the two sets of brothers - Beckett, Owen & Ryder and Liam, Harry & Murphy, as well as the concept of going home to recoup/start over after losing your husband to the war.  The only character that I struggled to find believable was Sam.  His infatuation with Clare went from a little uncomfortable to scary VERY quickly. I will say that while others might not appreciate the small part the ghost played in the story - I did!

3. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
I enjoyed the story from start to finish.  You have to know that with Nora Roberts that you're going to get a happy ending.  I do wish that the book had set up the next one in the series a little - well, maybe just to indicate which woman (Avery or Hope) Owen and Ryder are going to be matched with. 

4. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
I would ask her where she finds the inspiration for her books!

5. How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? If so, how/why?
I do like that you see the evolution of Beckett's love for Clare.  From the beginning, you know that he's been in love with her since she was 15.  The book really showed the change from loving who she used to be to who she is now. 

Link up and tell me what you thought!

3 on Thursday - Dream Cities

Time for another rousing round of 3 on Thursday!!  Thanks to all you lovely ladies who have joined in and embraced the new linky venture that Andrea and I have put forth. :-)  We both appreciate it and hope you're having some fun!  If you have suggestions for topics, let us know!  Who knows...there may even be a little surprise for a topic that you submit and we use.
This week's topic:
Sometimes it's fun to envision packing up and moving to a new city/state. Where are three places that you'd consider living?

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At least once a month, I think about packing up and starting over.  Is that weird? No, right?!?! {Lie and tell me I'm normal, people!}

 

I would choose Edinburgh, Scotland.  I have a love affair with Great Britain and Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world.  It has all the modern conveniences but all of the old world charm with a good smattering of British aristocracy and history. The people are friendly, have amazing accents and the views just can't be beaten.

Then there's San Diego, CA.  Sure, people say that California is one big earthquake from falling off the face of the Earth...but eh, whatever.  Part of why I love San Diego is nostalgia.  My dad's parents lived there for years and I have wonderful memories of the summer I turned five - jumping on the trampoline in their backyard, hanging out at the beach and watching ships come in {Grandpa was Coast Guard, so there were a LOT of ships}.  Of course, as an adult I can really appreciate the climate of San Diego too.  It doesn't get to hot or too cold and it's always sunny. I feel most at ease when I'm near the water.

My third choice would probably be Washington D.C.  How can you not love all those cherry blossoms, the Smithsonian museums or wonderful monuments?!  Oh...I guess it's pretty cool to know the national laws and such are passed there and it's home of the President too!

Quick reminder: Please remember that this is a “few rules” linky, so please post about the weekly topic in order to link up. Be sure to link to your specific blog post and not your blog. Finally - please do us a favor and visit some of the other ladies to see their answers!

 Come on, link up and tell Andrea and I where you'd like to live!

Brain Dump

Ladies, it's my first time back in school in a LONG time.  I've let a few things drop and I apologize!
First... This week's "3 on Thursday" question is: Sometimes it's fun to envision packing up and moving to a new city/state.  Where are three places that you'd consider living?

Second... If you participated in the Flip Flop Swap, please link up your post.  We all want to see those pretty flops!

Third... This Friday is Book Club!  I hope everyone is almost done with "The Next Always" by Nora Roberts.

Fourth...I totally slacked (again, I'm very very sorry) and didn't give you all a long list for the May Book Club selection.  In the top left is the monthly poll.  I recycled our runner up books from the past few months.

Fifth...I've almost settled on a new blog name.  It will either be "Weiner Tales/Tails" or "Isn't Life Weinderful".  Any feedback is appreciated!

Last... Look at my little Meadow.  She loves to climb into the laundry basket.  :-)

Tuesdays At The Table - Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

It's only been one day of class, and I've already been sucked into being the one to spearhead "snack time" for out group. Heeheehee...suckers!  Oh, wait.  Maybe I'm the sucker. Eh, whatever.  I'm using this opportunity to feed the group breakfast cookies.

Fairly quick to make and healthier than a standard cookie!

 Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup water

1 egg

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup golden raisins (or dark chocolate chips)

3 cups Cheerios

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl. Beat in water, egg, and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour until combined. Beat in as much of the rolled oats as you can with mixer. Stir in any remaining rolled oats. Stir in raisins and oat cereal.

Drop dough by large spoonfuls (and I mean BIG) about 3 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

What's cooking in your kitchen?