Book Review: When the Balls Drop

Katie July 3, 2015 0 Comments

 When The Balls Drop is the autobiography from comedian Brad Garrett – who is probably most well known from his role of Robert on Everybody Loves Raymond.

The book talks about the second half of Garrett’s life and things that happen with old age. Obviously geared more towards males than females, it was a funny book.

I liked his story about his kid’s hermit crab walking around without it’s shell – mine did the same thing one morning when I was getting ready for school but fortunately we knew to have an extra shell. Brad did not.

He also teases about his level of “fame” and how most people seem to know him as Kramer from Seinfeld.

If you are a fan of Brad or just looking for something funny to read – then I would suggest you pick up this book.

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my review.

About the Book

A refreshingly candid and wickedly funny look at life’s second half from Everybody Loves Raymond TV sitcom star and comic Brad Garrett.

In this no-holds-barred book of comedic and personal essays, Brad Garrett waxes hilarious—and irreverently honest—about the gaffes, challenges, and ultimately the joys of middle age as he advises us on how to best approach the dreaded “second half” of life.

Ranging in topics from genetics to genitals, weight to women, and dating to diarrhea, Brad leaves no stone unturned in this laugh-out-loud look at getting older. With pieces such as “No Scales in Heaven,” in which Brad points out the essential pointlessness of overthinking diet and exercise, and “Celebrating Your E.D. (erectile dysfunction) During Your Mid-Life Crisis,” the star comedian encourages you to forget the overwhelming concerns that accompany middle age and to welcome the laughs—even if you have a fifty-fifty chance of throwing your back out in doing so.

Penned in Brad’s signature witty, conversational, no-nonsense style that has cemented his status as an icon in the comedy industry, this autobiographical book will teach you the most important thing: that, no matter what, we’re all in this together. So embrace it.

Book Review: Oasis

Katie July 3, 2015 0 Comments

Oasis is the portrait of 12 Hollywood Legends and their conversion to the Catholic faith.  Some of the legends included in the book are Alfred Hitchcock and Bob Hope. It was interesting to see how these stars – who seemingly had it all, were still missing something in their lives and how their lives changed after they embraced God and faith.

I received an e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Highlighting legends such as Mary Astor, John Wayne, Alfred Hitchcock, Spencer Tracy, Lana Turner, Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Betty Hutton, and Bob Hope, Oasis: Conversion Stories of Hollywood Legends uncovers stories of recovery and conversion—intimate portraits that often contrast with the more common profiles of these all-too-human stars. Many were touched by infidelity, alcoholism, unbridled ambition, or other moral failings that often seem to characterize life in Hollywood. Some had deathbed conversions, others underwent a gradual process of conversion; each found solace in embracing the Catholic faith.

While taking nothing from their fame, Oasis: Conversion Stories of Hollywood Legends shows that even those who seem to have it all need the hope, strength, and fortitude provided by faith.

Book Review: Spelled

Katie July 3, 2015 0 Comments

I had high hopes for this book, maybe I hyped it up too much in my head, but I didn’t end up enjoying it nearly as much as I thought I would.  It is geared towards “young adults” and I guess I no longer am one of those, which may have had something to do with it. I didn’t like the replacement of “Grimm” “spell” and “pixed” for what would be considered swear words.  I couldn’t connect with the main character Princess Dorthea Gayle Emerald.

There were a few funny bits throughout the book and I liked how it brought together a lot of different fairy tale references and characters. (The “Wrong Direction: My Spell’s What Makes You Beautiful” reference actually made me laugh out loud.)

If you’re looking for a fun and light read aimed at Young Adults about a bratty teenage princess and you enjoy fairytales as much as I do (or more – if possible) then this is the summer read for you. Just don’t go into it with an expectations (like I unfortunately did) or it might not live up to them!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

“This wickedly funny, fast-paced adventure has it all: brains, courage, and heart. (Plus a kickin’ pair of heels.) .” –Jen Calonita, author of The Secrets of My Hollywood Life and Fairy Tale Reform School series

All spell is about to break loose in this madcap fairy tale mash-up

Fairy Tale Survival Rule #32: If you find yourself at the mercy of a wicked witch, sing a romantic ballad and wait for your Prince Charming to save the day.

Yeah, no thanks. Dorthea is completely princed out. Sure being the crown princess of Emerald has its perks–like Glenda Original ball gowns and Hans Christian Louboutin heels. But a forced marriage to the not-so-charming prince Kato is so not what Dorthea had in mind for her enchanted future.

Talk about unhappily ever after.

Trying to fix her prince problem by wishing on a (cursed) star royally backfires, leaving the kingdom in chaos and her parents stuck in some place called “Kansas.” Now it’s up to Dorthea and her pixed off prince to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz and undo the curse…before it releases the wickedest witch of all and spells The End for the world of Story.

Book Review: Mug Meals

Katie July 3, 2015 0 Comments

Mug Meals is a book filled with simple and delicious recipes for the microwave. The book is separated into Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and of course, Dessert. The beginning of the book lists the items that you should have in your pantry for sweet and savory, some staples for your fridge and freezer including soups, fruit juices, eggs, ice cream and much, much more. The book also includes the brands recommended by the author – but of course if you have a different favorite by all means use that one 🙂

Some of the breakfast meals include french toast, lox and bagels strata, peanut butter oatmeal and scrambled eggs.  Lunch/Dinner highlights include Nachos with Refried Beans and Acocado, Pulled BBQ Chicken with Cornbread Crumbs, Meatloaf, Tuna Casserole and Meatball Parm – these are not things I think of in small mugs but are all things I will have to try to make one of these days! And of course, we can’t forget dessert – Molten Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae, Strawberry Shortcake and Classic Gingerbread.

The only problem I had with this book is that I wish it had pictures of ALL the items that are included in the book and not just select ones!  I do like that making just 1 mug full for yourself helps with portion control and no left overs!

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for this review.

About the Book

The secret to fast and easy meals cooked from scratch is hiding in plain sight in your kitchen. The microwave oven is not just for reheating leftovers and making popcorn anymore. With pantry ingredients, a mug and a microwave, you can create a meal in minutes that rivals those cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Mug MEALS! is the perfect solution for new cooks, busy families, singles, college students, teens, seniors or anyone who just wants a hot meal without all the cleanup.

Make a meal for any time of day. Breakfast options include Lox and Bagel Strata, Double Berry French Toast; for lunch try Moroccan Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew, White Bean Gratin with Olives and Lemon or Double Carrot Soup. Dinner entrees include Chinese Chicken with Noodles and Black Bean Sauce, Classic Shepherd’s Pie and Lasagna; dessert selections feature Mango Coconut Crumble, Molten Chocolate Cake with Truffle Filling, Peach and Cornbread Stuffing and more.