Book Review: The Casual Vacancy

I received The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling for Christmas.  I am ashamed to say that it was only the third book I've read this year.  The first book I read and reviewed here was The Little Book by Selden Edwards.  Then I was asked to read Most Unlikely to Succeed by Nelson Lauver for work.  That was an amazing memoir written by a man in a county not far from where I live.  We were also fortunate enough to have him come to speak at an in-service day, which was totally amazing. 

This brings me back to The Casual Vacancy.

Source

Here is the book description from Amazon:

When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…. Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the town’s council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations? Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

I'll be honest. I wanted this book because J.K. Rowling wrote it. I'm pretty sure every adult Harry Potter fan hoped that this book was secretly "Harry Potter: The Adult Years." I knew it wasn't. That made it hard to get into at first. I really do not think the plot is interesting. We are introduced to many characters, and the story bounces around between them. It was confusing at times. As I read, I started to enjoy making the connections between the characters and how they all weave together to tell the story. What kept me reading is that I really did want to see what happened in the end. I would have liked the book more, perhaps, if there had been fewer characters (some of whom seemed rather unimportant) AND if the story was about something interesting.

Don't let the election part scare you away, though.  This wasn't overly political.  It didn't center on the election itself.  There was a lot more to the story than that.

Overall, I didn't dislike this book, but I didn't love it either. I would recommend that J.K. Rowling's grown up fans read this, though, because it is SO different from anything even remotely related to Harry Potter....except maybe that it takes place in England. ;)

Lasagna!

I don't think words can truly convey how much I LOVE lasagna.  It is one of my favorite meals.  Though it is a bit time consuming to make, it is quite simple.  The fact that it takes some time is probably good, or I'd end up eating it WAY too often.

This recipe is not ingenious or of my own creation.  It's right from the back of the box of the Barilla lasagna noodles I buy.  I decided to share it for two reasons: 1) I thought you'd like to know how I make lasagna.  2) Barilla changed the recipe on the back of their box, and I like this one! (Sorry the photos are a little blurry.  I didn't realize until after the lasagna was long gone....

Lasagna (From Barilla box with my adaptations)

Ingredients

• 1 Box Barilla Lasagne No-Boil noodles
• 2 eggs
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 jars spaghetti sauce (I use Francesco Rinaldi Three Cheese sauce.)
• salt. pepper, garlic powder (to taste)

1. Brown ground beef and drain.
2. Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Preheat oven to 375*, and spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray.  (FYI: My casserole dish is only 2 inches deep.  The directions for this lasagna will be for this dish.)
4.  In a medium bowl, beat eggs.
5. Stir in ricotta, 2 c. of mozzarella, and the Parmesan.
6. Stir ground beef into cheese mixture.  (This will save you a layering step.)
7. Spoon half a jar of sauce onto the bottom of your casserole dish.
8.  Layer with 3 sheets of lasagna noodles.  (This was from the new box.  I used to use 4, but the three sheets expanded nicely, so you can leave space between each sheet.)
9. Spread half of the cheese/beef mixture onto the noodles.
10. Add the remaining sauce from the first jar.
11. Top with 1 c. of the mozzarella.
12.  Layer 3 more sheets of lasagna noodles.
13.  Spread the remaining cheese/beef mixture on those sheets.
14. Add half of the sauce from the second jar.
15. Place 3 more lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
16. Use the rest of the sauce to cover the noodles.
17.  Top with the last cup of mozzarella.
18.  Cover with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes.  (I only need 50.)
19.  Uncover and cook for about 5 more minutes.
20.  Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.  (If you can.  I can't ever do that....)

I almost always serve mine with garlic bread.  It's carb heaven.  :)

And the lasagna looks like that because I can't wait 15 minutes before cutting....

Variations I have tried:
-Add spinach to the cheese mixture.
-Layer pepperoni on top of each cheese/beef mixture.
-(And I have done both of the above at the same time.)
-Use 1 lb Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox (part 5) Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+

We have arrived at my last post for my Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox products.  I have had so much fun getting to try all of these great products, and I hope you've enjoyed reading about them.  Tomorrow, I share a recipe!

For the last time, here is my Spring Fever VoxBox:

The products I received with links to the posts in which they were reviewed are listed below:

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

OSIS Rough Rubber

TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter

Last but certainly not least, I am reviewing Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ "Rough Rubber."  Like the TastyKake product, there were three possible products you could receive.  I am SUPER glad that I got this one. 

               

My hair is very thick and wavy.  I don't typically use products on my hair.  I shampoo, condition, and let it alone.  Hairstylists usually exclaim over how healthy my hair is because I don't color it, and the only heat styling I use is a straightener.  (AND I don't even use those all of the time.)  The only other product I use on my hair is mousse....occasionally.  I use mousse to scrunch my hair. 

What I'm trying to say is that I was at a loss for what to even do with this stuff.

Then I got an email from Influenster with suggestions on how to use OSiS+ products, and I discovered that I could basically use this product to scrunch my hair instead of mousse.  So after showering, I combed out my hair:

P.S. I apologize for the poor quality of these "selfies."  I was having lighting trouble with my iPhone.

Then I got a scoop of the Rough Rubber, flipped my head upside-down and got to scrunching.  This was the result:

I'm always a little weirded out by the pieces of hair around my face when I scrunch my hair.  They NEVER lay right.  So, I pulled them back and bobby-pinned.

And then I spent about 5 minutes try to get the following picture to show you the back.

I really, really liked this product.  My hair didn't feel sticky or crunchy.  The waves looked natural and lasted all day.  It was easy to use, and I didn't need nearly as much of this as I do mousse.  When I use mousse, I typically scrunch my hair in three sections: bottom, middle, and top.  I didn't do that with this.

What I don't like (and this is my problem with most hair products) is that I needed to wash my hair the next day.  With hair this thick, I do not wash it every day.  I usually wash every other day, and sometimes, I go longer than that.  I don't like using hair products because you usually need to wash it out the next day.  I was hoping that this would be different.  The smell is a little odd, but it's not overwhelming enough to discontinue use.

If you're a hair scruncher, I totally recommend this product!  Has anyone else out there used OSiS+ products?  Any hair styling tips or suggestions for Rough Rubber??  (Please keep in mind that I'm totally hair-styling impaired...)

Again, a huge thank you to Influenster for selecting me for a Spring Fever VoxBox!  I had SO much fun with this, and I can't wait to qualify for another one! :)

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ for my thoughts on this product.

Influenster Spring VoxBox Part 4 (TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes)

I am almost done reviewing the awesome products I received in the Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster!  I'm so excited to share these last two products with you, so I will be reviewing one today and one more tomorrow. 

Here's my box again:

Just to review, here are the products I received (with links to the ones I've already reviewed).

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

OSIS Rough Rubber

TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter

Today, I am reviewing TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter.

Yes, this is my desk at work.  I took it for dessert with lunch.  :)

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned a million times once or twice that I love all things Chocolate and Peanut Butter.  So you can imagined that I was thrilled to have gotten this particular TastyKake Kandy Bar Kake with my VoxBox.  There were three different ones you could have received.  It was fate, I think.

The packaging is pretty clear about what you're getting, and I really loved that they specifically used Reese's.  I suppose that IS the point of the candy bar cake, though! ;)  The "Kake" itself is also appealing.

I really like the chocolate base with the peanut butter swirls.  Unfortunately, though, that is where my likes end.  The most important part of a food item is its taste.  I'm not sure if it's because my expectations were so high or what it was.  I like TastyKake as a brand.  As far as snacking baked goods, they're at the top.  I particularly love their Butterscotch Krimpets.  Mmmmm.  But this was so disappointing.

The cake was dry.  There wasn't NEARLY enough peanut butter.  The picture on the package shows a thick layer of peanut butter in the center.  This did not have that.  The swirls on the outside didn't even taste "peanut buttery."  It just kind of had a strange taste overall.  The other drawback is that just this one bar had 240 calories!!  I'll admit, I don't obsess over calories.  If I like something, and I really want it, I'll eat some.  BUT to put this in perspective, I eat PopTarts for breakfast almost every day, and two of those are 400 calories.

Maybe this was just a bad sample.  Maybe the other Kandy Bar Kakes are better.  Maybe it was just me.  But based on my taste test, I'll stick to my Butterscotch Krimpets.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or TastyKake for my thoughts on this product.

Dinner Time Tuesday: Ribs

Dinner Time Tuesday is back!  Today, I'm sharing a yummy meal with you, AND I'm going to tell you how I make it.  :) 

Before I do, please consider linking up!  All you have to do is:
1) Follow me via GFC or BlogLovin'.
2) Put my Dinner Time Tuesday button in  your post.
3) Snap a picture of your dinner and tell us what it is.  You don't HAVE to share the recipe.  I don't always do that.  I created this link-up to be sure I post something food related even when I don't have something new or exciting to share.  If you are in the mood, go ahead and tell us how you made your dinner.
4)  Be sure to link up with the URL to your Dinner Time Tuesday post!

Scott & I love to make ribs.  We've finally got it down to an art....or something like that.  The first thing we do is use a rub on the ribs.  I lay down two layers of foil on the counter and set the ribs on top.  I rub in the rub.  (What a weird sentence....)  Then I cover the top with more foil and place in the fridge over night. 

The next day, I place the ribs, in the foil, on a baking sheet.  I add just a bit of water.  Then I putthem in the oven at 170*.  (That's the lowest our oven will go.  It works perfectly.) 

Then you can go to work, read a book, watch a movie, clean the house...do whatever you want because these are going to cook all day.  Low and slow.  While they will be done enough to eat after probably 7 or 8 hours, I've had days where they've cooked for about 10-12 hours.  At this temperature, you will not over cook them.  About 1-2 hours before you're ready to eat, take them out.

Then brush on some BBQ sauce.  We use Sweet Baby Ray's.

If you can or want to, you can then cook these on the grill for a bit to give the BBQ sauce more of a glaze.  We don't have propane for our grill right now, and we're too cheap/lazy to get more. ;)  SO I just throw them back in the oven until it's time for dinner.

The ribs are so tender and juicy.  They just fall off of the bone, which makes them so much easier to eat.  These are so good, I don't even eat them with ketchup.  And I ALWAYS use ketchup to eat ribs, other kinds of pork, and beef.  Don't need it.  Trust me.  That's good.

When we had these ribs this time, I served them with my potato salad and corn on the cob.  Mmmmm summer time.  :)

Don't forget to link up below!

I'm Baaaaack! (Plus VoxBox review, part 3)

Hi blogging friends!!  I am back from my short hiatus.  The end of the school year was so busy, but I am officially on summer vacation, and back to blogging in full force.

I've finished trying the rest of the products from my Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster, and I can't wait to share them with you!  I have three more products to share with you (including today's post), so be on the lookout!

Just to review, here are the products I received (with links to the ones I've already reviewed).

 

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

OSIS Rough Rubber

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter

Today, I'm reviewing NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm.  (Please excuse my lousy iPhone photos....)

 

The packaging is cute.  You can't tell from this photo, but it gets even cuter....

 

 

Isn't that adorable??

 

 

There's a better shot without the lid.  I think the little apple in the lip balm is totally adorable!

 

So clearly, I liked the packaging.  The apple scent of this lip balm is also really delicious!  It's not an overwhelming scent, but it's definitely there.  I also really liked that it does have some color to it.  It saves me the trouble of applying lip balm, then lipstick, and then lip gloss.

 

Here are my before and after shots:

 

  

Before

After

               

The first time I wore this was to sing in a local Memorial Day parade.  The only mistake I made was giving my purse to my mom and not keeping it with me.  While the color didn't fade, my lips did start to dry out a bit.  I really needed to reapply.  I have since tried this again by putting on other lip balm first.  That seems to help my lips stay moist for longer. 

 

I will definitely keep using this!

 

 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or NYC New York Color for my thoughts on this product.

 

Also, I'm wondering what time I should set my blogs to go live, and I could use YOUR input.  If you are a regular reader, do you get my posts no matter what time I post them?  I currently schedule my posts to go up at 8 AM EST.  Share your thoughts in the comments!!  Thanks! :)

Potato Salad

Happy June 1st everyone!!  :)  Because it's so close to summer I can taste it, and because it's 80+ degrees here, I decided that you needed this potato salad recipe.  You can thank me later.  :)

Potato Salad
Ingredients
-5 lbs red potatoes
-1/2 doz. eggs
-1 medium sweet onion
-3-4 medium celery stalks
-1 1/2 regular size jars Hellman's mayonnaise
-1/4 c. red wine vinegar
-celery seed, salt, & pepper (to taste)

1. Boil potatoes until tender enough to poke a fork into. (Don't over cook, you're not making mashed potatoes. Also, I was told to boil, then peel and chop the potatoes. Peeling them really wasn't fun when cooked. I also think some potato pieces were undercooked. Next time, I think I'll peel, chop, then boil.)

2. While the potatoes are boiling, also boil 6 eggs. Bring water to a rolling boil and let boil for about 9 minutes.

3. Let potatoes and eggs cool.

4. Once cooled, peel and chop the eggs. Toss in with the potatoes.

5. Chop up the onion and celery to your desired consistency.

6. Add the mayonnaise and stir until coated. (Add more mayo, if necessary.)

7. Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir.

8. Add celery seed, salt, and pepper to taste. (P.S. "To taste" is fun because you get to TASTE. But seriously, throw in a lot of celery seed. You don't want a bite that doesn't have some!

9. Chill and serve!