Book Review: The Others by Kristin Bryant

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I have received a copy of this book for review purposes.  Thank you Content Kingpin for the book and sponsoring this great contest for my readers. 

The Others

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to come from another world and placed on Earth?  In this story of “The Others,” this is exactly what happens.  Meet Ryen, Claire, Mateo, and Chase, as they are put on a mission to Earth to find exactly what “The Masters” are looking for to save their planet.  Will they be able to find it in time?  Does this “thing” they’re looking for even exist?  Will they blend in with others?

Those are exactly the questions that are answered along this journey, and of course, what story would be complete without a story of love thrown in there?  Upon first plane ride, headed to Mexico with a layover in Atlanta, Ryen meets Savannah.  Soon Savannah has become apart of the mission, and in the process Ryen and Savannah fall in love.  Will there be consequences to this?

Soon, The Masters, find out what’s really been happening down on Mother Earth, and are no longer happy.  They come back to collect all of them including Savannah to bring them back to their planet, “Zhimeya,” because, in reality, they had another plan altogether: to take back Mother Earth for their own.

This book was well written, and has you rooting for characters along the way.  Disgusted by those in power, you turn to Ryen, Claire, Mateo and Chase, in hopes that they can turn it around.  And the last question to be answered: Will Savannah and Ryen make it out okay together?

Affiliate Link:

If interested in posting check out the link above at amazon (affiliate link)

It’s a great story to follow along with, and Kristin Bryant, showcases their entire personalities throughout the book putting you right in the book with them.  A very fun read, and a book I think many would enjoy.

And now, you my readers can enter to win your own copy of the book along with a 75 Gift Card to Amazon!! Good luck:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Giveaway ends on 11/15.  Will be open to US and Canada.  Must be 18 years or older.  All other rules can be found on the giveaway rafflecopter form.  Good luck!!

 


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A Tough Decision and Saying GoodBye: Losing a Pet

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Jamie

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When we moved up to Northern California we knew it would be a fresh start.  A fresh start for our entire family.  My Significant Other, Myself, our bearded dragon, and our two adorable cats.

Unfortunately, right after the move, one of our beloved cats got sick.  Just thinking it was a cold, we thought nothing of it at first, but then one day we came home, and noticed there was blood all around him.  Soon we rushed him to the vet, and we were told the news.  He was anemic, there was a parasite inside him attacking his blood cells, and he also had kidney failure (about 75%.)

We TRIED everything.  Giving him fluids, giving him antibiotics, but our beloved Minnow, was slipping away from us.  Every pet owner’s nightmare is having to put your pet down, however, there are times, when they suffer, when it’s the choice you have to make.

Today was that day.   We had to put our beloved Minnow to sleep.  It wasn’t an easy decision, and the past two weeks definitely haven’t been easy around here, however, it brings comfort to know he’s no longer suffering.  Losing a pet is never easy.

cats

Tears have been shed today.  Stories have been told, but it still doesn’t fill that void that has appeared.  Pets really do become apart of our lives, and they comfort us.  They bring us happiness, and they are so forgiving.

I thought I’d write out this list of things our beloved Minnow has taught us along the way:

Be Vocal when you want something

Our cat never held back when he needed something especially when it came to food, and he’d let us know.  The same would happen if he was having issues with fleas or needed some attention from us.

Love Unconditionally

I honestly think the greatest lesson he could teach us is to “love unconditionally.”  Every morning we could count on him being there.  Every night we could count on him being there, right beside us, asking for love.  It didn’t matter if he was mad at you, if you had yelled at him minutes before, we could always count on him being there.

Be Persistent

One thing our cat truly was.  Persistent.  If he wanted something he didn’t give up no matter how many times he was told no.  He’d still go after what he wanted.

Enjoy the Outdoors! 

Another thing he truly love was his love for the outdoors.  Makes you realize that there is such happiness from just sitting outside in the open air with the sun coming down on you and the open air.

And Enjoy Life

It was simple really.  Just enjoy life.  There’d be days where we’d come home and he’d be laying on his back with all four paws up in the air, but he was content.  There were other moments when he realized his brother found a good spot to lay, so what would he do?  Find it and take it away from him.  Or just enjoy the comfort of being around those he loves.

Be Around the Ones You Love

Very much goes with the “love unconditionally” part, however it was simple.  Surround yourself with those that love you.

minnow

We miss him dearly and don’t realize how much until they’re truly gone.  My SO and I will be sharing stories every night before bed about our beloved Minnow to remember his spirit.

Tell me about a pet you’ve lost, or something funny to lighten the spirit around here.  Just needed to get this off my chest.


Categories: Life | 3 Comments

Recipe: Bangers and Mash with Saag’s Beer Bratwurst #ad

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was provided Product for review and recipe purposes.  Thank you to Saag’s for the Beer Bratwurst and Beer

Beginning around the end of September and going for roughly 16 days is none other than OkToberfest.  This festival, geared towards the love of beer is a favorite amongst many, and for me, with my German heritage has me craving some really good German food. Break out the sausages, bratwursts, sauerkraut, spaetzel and more.

Saag’s has recently teamed up with Gordon Biersch Pilsner Beer to bring you a beer bratwurst.  Saag’s, being one of the leading manufacturer’s in german sausages and Gordon Biersch, known for their German inspired beer.  These sausages are mighty good (taste test approved) and we’ve created an old favorite just for you: Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash is a traditional British dish that consists of sausages, mashed potatoes, onion gravy, and peas (sometimes baked beans!)  Often a favorite amongst pubs, and a fun Oktoberfest dish.

Ingredients needed:

3 Gordon Biersch Pilsner Beers

3 Packages Beer Bratwurst

2 Cans of Peas

6-8 Medium potatoes

8 TBSP Butter

3 TBSP Milk

1/2 tsp salt

1 Package McCormick Onion Gravy

1 Cup Water

Directions:

Peel the potatoes, and put in a large saucepan.  Cover 3/4 of the bowl with water and bring to boiling.  Cook for 25 t0 minutes.  In another saucepan, pour in the 3 cans of beer and put in the 3 packages of beer bratwursts.  Cook 15-20 minutes.  When pototoes are done boiling, drain water, put back into saucepan.  Add the butter, milk and salt, and smash until your mash potatoes are to the right consistently.

In another small saucepan, mix in onion gravy powder and 1 cup water.  Whisk together, heat on stove until boiling.  Put evetrything on a plate together and enjoy your Bangers and Mash

Saags Bratwurst

For me, I can not have beer bratwursts without actually cooking them in beer.  It is tradition, and it brings out that beer flavor even more in the sausages.  These Saag Beer Bratwursts were DELICIOUS, and have instantly become a family favorite.  Have you had Bangers and Mash before?

Saag’s Bratwurst can be found in select retail stores throughout Northern California, including Zanottos, Lucky’s, Savemart, Mollie Stones, Fresh & Easy, Draegar’s Market, Piazza’s, Lunardi’s, Costco and many more.

And now 1 lucky reader will have the opportunity to try out these sausages.  Enter the giveaway below:

Retail Value: 25 dollars

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No purchase necessary, void where prohibited.  Must be 18 years or older and reside in Northern California.  Giveaway ends at 9pm EST on November 5th.  Winner will be notified by email.  All other rules can be found here.

 


Categories: Cooking, Giveaways, Northern California, Product Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment